Find the best Orange County things to do for the weekend of May 11-14
Edited by Laura Okey
EVENTS
OC Beerfest
May 13. Indulge in dozens of international and domestic beers, savor fare from a handful of food trucks and listen to a variety of bands providing live entertainment at the 9th annual OC Beerfest. Among the 50 participating breweries are Guinness, Left Coast, Golden Road Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing and more. VIP admission noon, General admission 1 p.m. Advance purchase $45-$55. Food sold separately. Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, 714.563.4166. orangecountybeerfest.com
Newport Beach Spirit Tasting: 2017 SIP Awards
May 13. Taste and rate spirits from around the globe at the world-renowned spirit tasting competition. With last year’s record of 462 brands entering the playing field and over 30+ spirits to choose from, learn how to effectively taste fine spirits in the categories of mezcal, scotch, moonshine and many more. Enjoy appetizers, refreshments and special giveaways. SoCalPulse readers receive a 35 percent discount by following the link below. Pre-register and purchase tickets online. 1-5 p.m. Tickets start at $22.75 (SoCalPulse exclusive). Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach. sipawards.com
West Coast BBQ Classic
May 13. Get ready for a finger lickin’ afternoon full of barbecue, games, contests and more. Join the Queen Mary for the 6th annual West Coast BBQ Classic where amateur and expert grill masters are invited to take part in a classic showdown. Savor barbecue styles from across the country—from Texas slow-cooked hickory to southern Memphis-style. Enjoy live entertainment on two different stages from country music sensation Dean Kalogris, DJ Rod Epic and more artists to be announced. Don’t forget the watermelon and cobbler eating contests! 11 a.m.-6 p.m. General admission $18-$34; Parking $20. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 800.437.2934. queenmary.com
Taste of Anaheim
May 11. Eat your way through Anaheim one bite at a time at the annual event. Anaheim Gardenwalk hosts several local eateries and breweries such as Zov’s, House of Blues and Slater’s 50/50 to showcase some of their best menu items. Enjoy live entertainment, vendors and more. 5:30 p.m. $40-$45. Anaheim Gardenwalk, 400 West Disney Way, Anaheim, 714.635.7410. tasteofanaheim.com
SOCO and The OC Mix
May 11. Celebrate Mother’s Day early with a champagne toast and an evening of pampering. Upon check in, receive a drink ticket and a gift bag, and for every $20 spent at SOCO, you will receive a raffle ticket for prizes from various boutiques and restaurants in the shopping center. Jump in the photo booth to capture memories from the evening, enjoy live entertainment from Riff Riff Swing Jazz Band and check out various specials at participating stores. 6-9 p.m. Free. SOCO, 3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. eventbrite.com
Relaxing Mother’s Day Cruise
Sit back and relax with mom on a two-hour coastal cruise aboard the Ocean Adventures Catamaran. The trip will begin in Dana Point Harbor and travel up the coastline to Laguna Beach. Sip on MOMosa’s or champagne while enjoying seasonal fruit, pastries, muffins and the view. 10 a.m. $49 adults, $29 children. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603. danawharf.com
Mother’s Day Fashion Tea at Monarch Beach Resort
May 13. Sip on afternoon tea at 33°North while enjoying fashion vignettes, designer raffle prizes and more at Monarch Beach Resort. The resort has partnered with South Coast Plaza, Saks Fifth Avenue, Henry Bendel and Styled by SJ for a showcase of resort attire from check in to check out. Also enjoy interactive beauty presentations like a live lip demonstration by Saks Fifth Avenue. All guests will receive a beautiful gift bag upon check in. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $69/pp. Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3423. monarchbeachresort.com
See more places to celebrate Mother’s Day in Orange County>>>
49th Annual Costa Mesa Speedway
May 13. Experience the most exciting, colorful and unpredictable live action racing event in the nation. Costa Mesa Speedway gives you a seat in front of all the action for the first round of the American Motorcyclist Association National Championship Series. 6-10 p.m. $10-$20, parking $8. OC Fair & Event Center, Grandstand Arena, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 949.492.9933. costamesaspeedway.net
Monarchs of Jazz
May 13. Listen to jazz music set on a sprawling seaside lawn paired with an al fresco gourmet reception. Hear musical stylings of vocalist Oleta Adams, saxman Warren Hill and keyboardist Brian Simpson. Admission includes reserved concert seating and complimentary valet parking. Premium ticket holders will also enjoy an exclusive meet-and-greet with the evening’s artists at a sommelier wine reception, featuring specially selected wines and gourmet canapes. Sommelier wine reception 6 p.m., live jazz concert 7 p.m. General admission $70, premium $105. Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3900. monarchbeachresort.com
Stars on Ice
May 13. See all the ice-carving action from U.S. skaters competing for gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Emmy Award-winning production will be the ultimate preview of the U.S. figure skating team that will compete in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Nathan Chen and Karen Chen, who both captured gold medals with their spectacular performances at the 2017 National Championships, will headline the show. Medal hopefuls, including three-time U.S. Champion and 2016 World silver medalist Ashley Wagner, reigning two-time U.S. champion Gracie Gold, and 2015 U.S. Ice Dance champions and two-time World medalists Madison Chock and Evan Bates, will skate alongside a star-studded cast that will also include reigning Olympic Ice Dance gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and four-time U.S. Champion and Olympic bronze medalist Jeremy Abbott. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $27. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. starsonice.com
Caribbean Yacht Party
May 13. Transport yourself to a tropical Island and experience a Caribbean party cruise aboard a luxury yacht. Enjoy specialty rum cocktails, Caribbean cuisine such as jerk chicken and kabobs, and dance along to reggae music all while cruising the Newport Harbor. Tickets include four specialty rum drinks, unlimited Caribbean finger foods and more. 21 and over. 5:30 p.m. $69. Royal Princess Yacht, 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.485.6543. annualyachtparties.com
Art Crawl Experience: Space Edition
May 13. Revel in artsy attractions ranging from demonstrations, showcases of handcrafted works, fire dancers, local musicians and more. This particular edition of the monthly art crawl will have participating artists and indie crafters building their works around the theme of outer space. The crawl stretches from Clementine to Anaheim Boulevard along neo-vintage Center Street Promenade with activities featured at MUZEO, Center Gallery and the Anaheim Packing District. 6-10 p.m. For GPS, use following address: 201 Center Street Promenade, Anaheim. 714.956.3586. downtownanaheim.com
Friday Night Fish Fry
May 12. Join Surfas Culinary District at SOCO for a good ole fashioned Southern fish fry. Learn to make two different kinds of fish in two different ways—beer battered cod and corn flake crusted catfish. Additionally, learn to make a remoulade and classic tartar sauce, as well as coleslaw with apples, pecans and mustard dressing. Make perfect oven baked fries with old bay seasoning and top off the meal with dessert—sweet biscuits, strawberries and whipped cream. The best part? You get to taste it all! 5:30-8:30 p.m. $65/pp includes all supplies. 3309 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. cookingschoolsofamerica.com
Discovery Cube’s Annual Rocket Launch
May 13. Bottle rocket engineers are invited to test their craft at Discovery Cube’s 2017 Rocket Launch Blastoff. The annual event will feature hands on activities for all ages, including a competition where attendees can design and build their own rockets using two-liter plastic bottles and a specialized formula of pressurized air and water. Participants can either build a rocket at home or bring an empty bottle and build the rocket on-site the day of the event. They’re also challenged to design and build a parachute and flight wings using recyclable materials. The rocketeer who achieves the longest hang time in air wins an invitation to watch a rocket launch at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The winner and guests will also tour the launch facilities and launch pad. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. The Boeing Company, 5301 Bolsa Ave., Huntington Beach. oc.discoverycube.org
McFadden Public Market Grand Opening
May 15. Discover four one-of-a-kind eateries, two in-house bars with craft cocktails and beer and a nostalgia-inspiring upstairs vintage arcade bar at Orange County’s newest food hall. The grand opening of McFadden Public Market will feature 25 percent off food and drinks all day. Additionally, the first 100 guests to arrive will receive $2 in game tokens to be used at the upstairs gaming area and, upon entry, will receive one free food item through grab bag drawing. Upstairs, enjoy tunes from DJ Lex while playing vintage video games and sipping on a beverage from Mission Control. Downstairs, there will be a live band to dance to while indulging on food and craft cocktails. Among the culinary offerings are Rooster Republic, Bone Stock, En Tu Boca and Milk Man. Daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 515 N. Main St., Santa Ana. mcfaddenmarket.com
Trade Food Hall Grand Opening
May 13. Trade Food Hall is amping up Irvine’s dining scene. The first 100 guests that arrive this Saturday will receive a taste of all nine spots. The culinary mecca houses nine distinct food concepts as well as a few tenants just outside of the hall. Find innovative fare from chef Andrew Gruel of Slapfish and his team’s newest concepts, Butterleaf, Two Birds and Center Hub Bar. In addition to housing Hop Pham’s secondary brick and mortar location of Dos Chinos, Trade will also feature his newest concept, Megadon. Other spots include Gyro King, Pig Pen Delicacy, Portside Fish Co., and Sweet Combforts. Outside, there is OC Waxing, KEMPT, Oo’Toro Sushi, Hiro Nori Ramen and Krisp Fresh Living. Each concept brings unique culinary offerings that range from a sweet Fruity Pebbles cereal Belgium liege waffle (Sweet Combforts) to a savory Jidori fried chicken sandwich (Two Birds). Indulge outdoors with a welcoming open air indoor patio and a gorgeous vertical garden. 11 a.m. 2222 Michelson Drive, Irvine. tradefoodhall.com
Anaheim Ducks NHL Playoffs
May 10. Watch the Anaheim Ducks take on the Edmonton Oilers in the final game of round two of the NHL playoffs. Only a limited number of tickets have been released. 7 p.m. See website for tickets and prices. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com
Taste of Lot 579
May 11. Experience Pacific City’s eclectic food hall Lot 579. Enjoy sips and tastes from all of the food purveyors (from spaghetti grilled cheese to rosé champagne), plus raffle prizes, music and more. One complimentary cocktail included with admission. 7-9 p.m. $20. 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. eventbrite.com
Red Lantern Escape Rooms
Plan an evening of interactive entertainment at Orange County’s newest escape room, Red Lantern Escape Rooms. With amusement-park quality sets and 1,000 square feet of play space, Red Lantern offers you a chance to submerge yourself into a different world. Choose from a variety of physical adventure games in which you’re locked in a room and must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles and escape within a set time limit. Try Red Lantern’s first game, Midnight on the Bayou: You’re suddenly surrounded by moss covered trees, swamps, alligators and a mysterious colonial style house behind you. What’s next? You have to play to find out! 471 West Lambert, Suite 108, Brea, 714.232.8698. redlanternescaperooms.com
FOOD + DRINK
Las Brisas Seaside Cantina
The Laguna Beach dining destination has just unveiled its new seaside cantina. Discover expanded ocean views and additional seating along with a 65-foot bar. Their cocktail menu boasts fresh selections like the Laguna Pearl, which features a special and rare find of Roca Patrón Silver, Hennessy, Patrón Citrónge, scratch-made sweet and sour, simple syrup and a black salt rim; and the hand-crafted Mojito Tropical made with Bacardi pineapple-fusion rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, sugar water, fresh mint, shaved coconut and a splash of Sprite. Las Brisas, 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
True Food Kitchen
May 10-11. Eat like an Anaheim Duck at True Food Kitchen in support of the Ducks final game of round two of the NHL playoffs. Not only does True Food Kitchen have a brand new spring menu to choose from, but they also have a dish that is rumored to be a good luck tradition for team members. The off-the-menu Good Luck dish features gluten free pasta, double blackened chicken and a choice of pesto sauce or red alfredo. If the Ducks win the game this Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, come back on Thursday for a complimentary herb hummus appetizer with the purchase of an entree (one per table). Newport Beach location only. Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400. truefoodkitchen.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Harry Potter Film Concert Series
May 12-13. Relive one of your childhood favorites—Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets—but this time with a live symphony. The Harry Potter film concert series will feature the acclaimed Pacific Symphony orchestra performing, to picture, every note from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Experience the magic of the film in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing the orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $39. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
STYLE + BEAUTY
Remnants of the Past
May 12-13. Shop vintage, antique and artisan home decor at Remnants of the Past first Orange County showcase. Be inspired as you peruse one-of-a-kind pieces and timeless treasures that have been re-purposed and restored. Find styles from French farmhouse and shabby chic to industrial, cottage style and more. 9-5 p.m. $10-$25; parking $8. OC Fair & Event Center, Centennial Farm Country Meadow, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 805.471.5708. remnantsofthepast.com
Sydney Evan Mother’s Day Trunk Show
May 12. Find the perfect gift for mom, just in time for her special day. Browse fine jewelry and a charm bar from Sydney Evan and enjoy exclusive floral arrangements and bubbly from Petals and Pop. Enjoy a complimentary mini floral arrangement with your gift wrapped purchase. 1-5 p.m. Lido Marina Village, Elyse Walker, 3444 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 949.612.2646. elysewalker.com
South Coast Plaza
South Coast Plaza, the mecca of all shopping centers, welcomes three new boutiques. Gianvito Rossi, located on level 2 between Jewel and Carousel Courts, is a niche label featuring beautiful, high-end footwear. Also on level 2, in the Sears Wing, find Ecco—a leading global brand for high quality footwear and leather goods. Lastly, on level 1 in Carousel Court, White Lilac features a curated line of handmade furniture, custom works of art and home accessories. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. southcoastplaza.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Chris Brown: The Party Tour
May 16. Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Chris Brown headlines The Party Tour, which also features artists 50 Cent, Fabolous, O.T. Genasis and Kap G. Brown kicks off the party as his friends join him throughout the night. The anthem of the night was teased in Brown’s current single “Party” featuring Gucci Mane and Usher. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. hondacenter.com
Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner
May 16. Indulge on a four-course wine dinner featuring vines from Chateau Montelena Winery. Menu pairings include smoked Chilean sea bass with a prosciutto-wrapped artichoke hearts salad and aged balsamic reduction paired with a 2014 Napa Chardonnay; and Parmesan cheese-stuffed filet Mignon and lobster tail with asparagus lemongrass risotto paired with both a 2014 and 2012 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. See website for full menu. 6:30 p.m. $135/pp. 21 Oceanfront, 2100 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
