Find the best Orange County things to do for the weekend of March 9-12
Edited by Laura Okey
EVENTS
Firkfest Tiki Beer Festival
March 11. Taste unlimited pours from 50 casks, made by 32 of the area’s best craft breweries exclusively for Firkfest. This year’s theme is tiki, so anticipate tropical notes such as pineapple, coconut and rum. Bites will be available for purchase from Packing House eateries such as Adya, Pour Vida and The Iron Press. Ages 21+ only. Noon-4 p.m. $55, designated driver $15. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim. firkfest.com
Big West Basketball Tournament
March 9-11. March Madness is in full swing with the Big West Basketball Tournament and the 2017 NCAA men’s quarterfinals, women’s and men’s semifinals and women’s and men’s championship games. See some of your favorite teams like Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine and Long Beach State as they compete for the 2017 title. March 9, noon; March 10, noon, 6:30 p.m.; March 11, 4 p.m., 8:30 p.m. See website for pricing. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. hondacenter.com
Studio: Culture
March 9. Irvine Marriott is unveiling its multi-million dollar redesign with a series of Studio events. The first of the series, Studio: Culture, invites you to enter through the hotel’s new Cannery Row shipping container event space to experience an evening of food, drink, music and art stations. Highlights of the evening include live action art stations with surfboard artist Drew Brophy and chalk artists from We Talk Chalk; specialty food truck and concessions with items available for purchase; cocktails from acclaimed YNK pop-up bar; music and entertainment from Street Beat Drummers, and much more. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Irvine Marriott, 18000 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.553.0100. eventbrite.com/studio-culture
Jo Koy
March 10-19. Laugh with the hilarious comic who has appeared on over 100 episodes of Chelsea Lately. His infectious, explosive energy, insightful jokes and family‐inspired humor cross all boundaries. See website for all showtimes. $35-$65. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvine.improv.com
OC Fashion Week
Through March 9. Fashion meets innovation, beauty and art for the 2017 season of OC Fashion Week. Check out the season’s best in ready-to-wear and one-of-a-kind couture collections. The annual event will feature emerging and leading retail designers from all over the world including Pamela Yiallas and Justine Pogroske, Olivia Babarczy, Stefani Alvarado and many more. See website for ticket prices and varying locations. ocfashionweek.com
OC Chef’s Table
March 12. Delight in an evening of luxury and culinary genius as 30 of Orange County’s top chefs collaborate on a five-course meal prepared table-side. Each chef will also create unique awe-inspiring table designs decorated to reflect the personality and brand of his or her specific restaurant, and offer wines paired for each course. Visit website to purchase table or seats. Benefiting Illumination Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Disney Event Group.) 5 p.m. Disney Grand Californian Resort & Spa, 1600 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 949-544-0385. ifhomeless.org
Spring Style Out Event
March 9. Refresh your wardrobe for the season with a Spring Style Out event at Trina Turk. Enjoy champagne and light bites with Fashion Island’s very own personal shopper and stylist, Sara Aplanalp, as she showcases her favorite looks for the season. Get all of Sara’s styling expertise in addition to 20 percent off all new spring arrivals. Trina Turk, 581 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.717.7881. trinaturk.com
Babychella Family Art & Music Festival
March 12. The family-friendly version of the popular music festival will feature a variety of interactive activities such as story time, face painting, family yoga, themed photo booths, bubbles and interactive arts and crafts. A main stage will showcase live music by well-known singer-songwriters, performing children’s sing-along songs. Don’t forget to dress the kids in their best Bohemian-style outfits for a costume contest—the grand prize is a $200 gift card. Beach chairs and blankets recommended. OC Food trucks will have food available for purchase. Noon-4 p.m. Free. William R. Mason Regional Park, 18712 University Drive, Irvine. babychella.com
Burn Boot Camp
March 12. Burn Boot Camp has teamed up with Athleta at Fashion Island for a free in-store boot camp. Feel the burn in the hour-long class, and afterwards, enjoy promotions, giveaways and treats along with a discount on any purchases made that day. 9-10 a.m. Free. Athleta, 1071 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.717.6650. shopfashionisland.com
Newport-Mesa Spirit Run
March 12. The 34th annual Newport-Mesa Spirit Run brings fitness and fun together for the family. Find seven adult races from 5k to 15k, including an elite mile and dog mile course. Eight youth races include everything from a toddler trot to a 5k. Also enjoy a youth and fitness expo offering live music, food, rock climbing, a trampoline bungee jump and more, including massages and shopping for adults. Benefiting local schools. Registration starts at $20. See website for details. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. nmspiritrun.org
Festival of Whales
March 11-12. The 46th annual Festival of Whales celebrates the migration of the California gray whale with a parade, street fairs, concerts, crafts and marine-mammal cruises. Call for hours. Free. Dana Point Harbor, 949.496.1045. festivalofwhales.com
FOOD + DRINK
Moles & Mezcal
Through March. Sol Cocina celebrates March with mole specials and hand-made artisan mezcal cocktails. Featured mole specials include mole verde with shrimp-stuffed California squid, border chili colorado con carne and more. The experience isn’t complete until you’ve tried a mezcal specialty drink—the blackberry basil cocktail includes Vida mezcal, muddled fresh berries and basil with fresh lime juice and agave nectar. Daily 5-10 p.m. Sol Cocina, 251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800. solcocina.com
Wursthaus Anniversary Party
March 11. Celebrate the popular European-style sausage and beer hall’s second anniversary with all-day happy hour and a souvenir glass special. Wash down a delicious artisan sausage with one of Wursthaus’ twelve Belgian beers on tap, and keep the glass. Menu highlights include domestic and exotic brats like the chicken Florentine with chicken, feta cheese, spinach and sun-dried tomato and the smoked alligator with alligator, pork, spices and garlic. 305 E. 4th St., Suite 106, Santa Ana, 714.760.4333. wursthausdtsa.com
OC Restaurant Week
Through March 11. Dine on specially priced prix-fixe menus at more than 100 Orange County restaurants, ranging from casual and family friendly to upscale fine dining. Beyond the standard price categories, a select group of restaurants will offer a “luxe” menu, priced at $80, to include wine or cocktail pairings. Many include a cocktail or signature item at no additional charge. Options for $10-$20 for lunch and $20-$50 for dinner are endless at restaurants like 25 Degrees, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, Back Bay Bistro, Five Crowns, Gratitude Newport Beach, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar, Selanne Steak Tavern, SeaLegs and more. See website for list of restaurants and menus. ocrestaurantweek.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Daya
March 11. Grammy Award-winning artist Daya will be one of the first to perform at the new House of Blues Anaheim. You’ll recognize her voice in “Don’t Let Me Down” with The Chainsmokers, along with her hit songs “Hide Away” and “Sit Still, Look Pretty.” 6:30 p.m. $20. 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
Paris Deconstructed Opening Reception
March 11. Showcase Gallery in South Coast Plaza Village presents a new exhibition featuring the storytelling art and photography of Laguna Beach artist Nancy Villere. The opening night reception gives you a chance to chat with Villere and other local artists, while you enjoy refreshments and live music. The gallery art shop will also be open for browsing handcrafted works from local artists. The exhibit, Paris Deconstructed, will run through April 15. 5-7 p.m. Free. Showcase Gallery, 3851 S. Bear St., Santa Ana, 714.540.6430. facebook.com/ShowcaseGallery
Art In Motion: Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill
March 9. The beautiful Lincoln Experience Center will host a stunning exhibit with a live painting demonstration with local artist Rosemary Vasquez Tuthill. Rosemary library of oil paintings include landscapes, aquatic scenes, portraits and still life oils. Enjoy small bits and beverages while browsing the exhibit. 6-8 p.m. 139 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 844.236.3174. lincoln.com
Otonana Trio
March 9. Dance the night away with three piece party-funk band from Tokyo Japan. Their U.S. tour stops at Doll Hut in Anaheim, and is guaranteed to be a high energy show complete with hilarious Japanese-infused songs and performances. 107 S. Adams St., Anaheim, 562.277.0075. facebook.com/worldfamousdh
UPCOMING EVENTS
Billy Idol
March 13. International star, singer/songwriter Billy Idol hits the stage at brand new House of Blues Anaheim. Some of his epic hits include “White Wedding,” “Dancing with Myself” and “Rebel Yell.” 7 p.m. $59. 400 West Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
