VidCon, Burger Week, The Phantom of the Opera and more…. Here are the top Orange County weekend events for July 11-14.

Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.

EVENTS

VidCon
Through July 13. The 10th anniversary of the world’s largest event featuring digital video and online creators takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center. Attendees enjoy live performances, panels, interactive experiences, fan-creator meet-and-greets and innovative brand activations. See website for full schedule and prices. 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim. vidcon.com

 

 

 

Movie Night Summer Series
July 11. The Queen Mary presents its monthly movie night, this one featuring a screening of the romantic musical comedy Grease; Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands come Aug. 22. Food trucks and a full bar are available during screenings. Date-night packages include VIP seating for two, Champagne, assorted snacks and cocktail service. 6-10 p.m. Free, $75 VIP. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742. queenmary.com

 

 

 

O.C. Brew Hee Haw
July 12-13. Following last year’s record-breaking event, the craft-beer fest returns opening weekend at the O.C. Fair with unlimited tastings from more than 80 breweries, dancing, a commemorative glass and free admission to the fair. 21+. Tasting sessions: F 8-11 p.m., Sa 1:30-4:30 p.m., Su 7:30-10:30 p.m.; VIP entry one hour prior to GA sessions. See website for ticket prices OC Fair, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. ocbrewheehaw.com

 

 

 

O.C. Fair
July 12-Aug. 11. Bring the family for action sports (rodeo, BMX, pig racing), tribute bands in the Hangar, a carnival with rides, La Grande Wheel, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, a petting zoo, wine tasting and, of course, deep-fried everything. Concerts on the schedule at the Pacific Amphitheatre include Earth, Wind & Fire; Hunter Hayes; Trevor Noah; Straight No Chaser and more. M-Tu closed; W-F noon-midnight; Sa-Su 11 a.m.-midnight. $7-$14 adults; free for children under 5; $10 parking (cash only). 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. ocfair.com

 

 

Rock the Queen
July 13. Rock out to your favorite 1960s and ’80s hits aboard the Queen Mary. Some of SoCal’s best British tribute bands perform on three different stages, among them the Who Generation, Britain’s Finest, Arena, These Handsome Devils and the Cured. Expect a 1960s culture clash inside the Grand Salon, an underground 1980s rendezvous below deck in the Exhibition Hall, multiple bars and an outdoor pub. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $35 per person (ages 4 and up), $20 on-site parking per vehicle. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742. queenmary.com

 

FOOD + DRINK

Mojito Mondays
Now Available. Every Monday through July 29, the Irvine Spectrum Center and Restaurant Habana host Mojito Mondays. Visitors can enjoy a freshly prepared mojito (Bacardi Rum, fresh mint and muddled lime), Cuban-inspired food samples courtesy of Restaurant Habana, and unlimited rides on the Giant Wheel from 6 to 8 p.m. After a few spins, guests are welcome to take their Mojito Monday ticket to Habana for a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any entreé. $15. Irvine Spectrum Center, 708 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.419.0100. restauranthabana.com

 

 

Summer at the Ritz-Carlton
Now Available. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has unveiled its seasonal culinary offerings. Highlights include the launch of the Breakfast Cart—featuring made-to-order breakfast burritos and burrito bowls—as well as sushi and sake pairings in the evenings at 180blu; and new menus at intimate steakhouse enoSTEAK and Pan-Latin coastal dining destination RAYA. One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com

 

 

 

Cha Cha’s Anniversary
July 11. Dance to Latin music, sway along with folklorico dancers and enjoy premium tequila at Cha Cha Latin Kitchen’s anniversary fiesta. Indulge in Latin-inspired lobster tacos, made with maseca-dusted crispy lobster tail, chipotle cabbage slaw, heirloom pico de gallo, avocado and roasted jalapeno crema. Sip on the El Lalo  margarita with muddled pineapple and cilantro, elderflower liqueur, Blanco tequila, agave nectar, and lemon juice. 13126 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.408.7819. chachaslatinkitchen.com

 

 

Chefs’ Collaborative Dinner
July 12. Chefs Istvan Toth of Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse and Brian Huskey of Tackle Box join forces for an exclusive dinner at Davio’s in Irvine. The five-course menu includes Toths’s prosciutto scarpinocc, crispy prosciutto and Parmigiano rosemary brodo; Huskey’s grilled ribeye cap with potatoes pave, summer vegetables and uni butter. Pastry chef Lena Hunyh presents the dessert course: a sweet milk panna cotta with rose-poached rhubarb and mulberries. 5-10 p.m. $89, wine pairings available for additional cost. 18420 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.477.4810. davios.com

 

 

Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge Turn Five 
July 12. Cheers to Fashion Island Hotel’s Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge! Celebrate they five-year anniversary with chef Brittany Valles’ acclaimed short ribs, creative cocktails and Oak Grill’s own private-reserve California wines, a photo booth and a DJ. Continue at Aqua Lounge with its Hot Summer Nights after-party. 7-9 p.m. Free admission to Oak Grill; $20 for Aqua Lounge (includes one glass of Prosecco per guest). 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 877.591.9145. fashionislandhotel.com

 

 

O.C. Burger Week
July 14-20. Burger lovers, rejoice! The Fork Report presents Orange County’s inaugural burger week, featuring burgers from 50 participating restaurants, among them Braizen Sexy Sandwiches, Fable & Spirit, Great Maple, Habana Irvine, JT Schmid’s, Mozambique, Orange Hill Restaurant, Pacific Hideaway, Salt Creek Grille and Tanner’s Huntington Beach. Burgers range from classic to creative, and from beef to plant-based proteins; menus are priced at $10, $15 and $20, luxe burger menus at $25 and $30. burgerweek.com

 

 

Cheese and Charcuterie Backyard Party
Upcoming | July 17. Known for its award-winning cheese and charcuterie offerings, SideDoor collaborates with the Bruery at this biannual event. Specializing in barrel-aged and experimental ales, the Orange County-based craft brewery offers beer pairings to complement superb cheeses. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $70. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, 949.717.4322. sidedoorcdm.com

 

 

ARTS + CULTURE

The Phantom of the Opera
Through June 21. Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famed musical at Segerstrom Center for the Arts features new staging and stunning scenic design. The cast and orchestra of 52 make this one of the largest touring productions in North America. See website for showtimes. $35+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

 

 

Photos: VidCon, REX/Shutterstock. Movie Night, Mojito Mondays, Cheese and Charcuterie courtesy the ACE Agency. O.C. Brew courtesy Brew Ha Ha Productions. O.C. Fair courtesy O.C. Fair. Rock the Queen courtesy the Queen Mary. Summer Offerings, Pacific Dream Photography. Cha Cha Latin courtesy Ajenda PR. Collaborative Dinner courtesy Davio’s. Oak Grill and Aqua Lounge courtesy Marguarite Clark PR. O.C. Burger Week courtesy Moxxe PR. The Phantom of the Opera, Matthew Murphy.