Find the best Orange County things to do for the weekend of May 18-21
Edited by Laura Okey
EVENTS
Laguna Beach Taste of the Nation
May 21. Enjoy an afternoon of food, wine, signature cocktails and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Taste dishes from high-profile LA-based chefs including Jason Neroni (Rose Cafe), Dakota Weiss (Estrella, Sweetfin Poke), Eric Samaniego (Michael’s On Naples), among others. The event also features a silent and live auction and live entertainment. Event benefits Share Our Strength’s mission to end childhood hunger. 2-7 p.m. $300. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. ce.strength.org
Doheny Blues Pre-Festival Party
May 17. Catch a preview of the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival with a pre-fest party at Mozambique. Hear top talent from the 20th annual festival that begins Saturday. The party starts at 7 p.m. with three scheduled acts—Kid Ramos, The Memphis Kings and Nico Duportal. 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777. mozambiqueoc.com
Doheny Blues Festival
May 20-21. Rock out to three different stages of music while enjoying micro brew tastings and wine lounges. The lineup of performers include rock, R&B and blues legends like Melissa Etheridge, Joe Walsh, Chris Isaak and many others. Sa 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. $75-$140. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.360.7800. dohenybluesfestival.com
Knott’s Soak City Waterpark
Opening May 20. Catch a break from the heat in the newly expanded water park, Knott’s Soak City. Orange County’s largest water park will debut two water slide towers—Shore Break will tower over seven stories and offer six different thrilling water slide experiences. Four of the slides on the 60-foot tall tower will start with guests climbing inside an Aqua-Launch chamber where they will wait for the floor to drop out from underneath their feet, sending them into a high-speed, almost vertical free fall through a series of flat loops and S-curves in a translucent flume. Shore Break will also feature dueling tube slides that will zip riders through an enchanting series of drops and turns. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, try the lazy rivers or Tidal Wave Bay. See website for operating hours as they vary and are subject to change. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
OC GreekFest
May 19-21. Celebrate the best of Greek food, music, dancing and culture. The fest features authentic Greek foods and homemade pastries; traditional Greek dancing and music; an outdoor marketplace and expansive children’s area with carnival rides, games and more. F 3-10 p.m., Sa-Su noon-10 p.m. $3. 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim, 714.827.0181. ocgreekfest.com
Bloody Mary Brunch Yacht Cruise
May 21. Make the most of your Sunday brunch by hopping on board a three-hour luxury yacht cruise through Newport Harbor. You’ll be welcomed with a Queen Mary cocktail garnished with an Angus slider, shrimp, bacon and more. Indulge on an unlimited build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, bottomless mimosas and a breakfast buffet. A DJ will spin tunes while you choose to take in the panoramic ocean views or rock the dance floor. 21 and over. 11 a.m. $87.50. Royal Princess Yacht, 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.485.6543. annualyachtparties.com
Kevin Hart Works Out New Material
May 18-20. Kevin Hart brings serious laughs and new material to the Irvine Improv. One of the foremost comedians and entertainers in the industry, Heart is best known for his roles in movies Soldiers, Scary Movie 3 and Along Came Polly. Limited tickets available. 21 and over. See website for all showtimes. $35. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvine.improv.com
Prepare for Summer at Athleta
May 20-21. It’s time to get ready for summer with Athleta’s fabulous collection of women and children’s apparel and swimsuits. On Saturday, take a picture with a real-life mermaid while you’re shopping. One lucky winner will receive a children’s bathing suit and a $100 gift card from an in-store raffle. Also in-store will be a water safety engagement and education event. Come back on Sunday for a showcase of the all new swim suit collection with OC blogger and fashionista Alison Barker. Hairstyling, skincare, mimosas and breakfast bites will be available to shoppers. Sa Noon-2 p.m., Su 9-11 a.m. Free. Fashion Island, Athleta, 1071 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.717.6650. shopfashionisland.com
La Isla Bonita Paint Nite
May 17. Channel your inner-artist with cocktails and friends at La Isla Bonita Paint Nite at Lot 579. A professional artist will host the party and guide you as you paint your own version of the painting La Isla Bonita. Food and drink available for purchase. All supplies included. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $45. Pacific City, Lot 579, 21010 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. paintnite.com
TequiLUV Mixer
May 17. Casa Noble Tequila is taking over Solita Tacos & Margaritas for a fun-filled, interactive evening around the art of tequila. Enjoy delicious food pairings, hand-crafted tequila cocktails and make new friends. Be sure to RSVP ahead of time, space is limited. 6 p.m. $40 plus tax and gratuity. Bella Terra Shopping Center, Solita Tacos & Margaritas, 7631 Edinger Ave., Suite 1508, Huntington Beach, 951.515.1468. solitatacos.com
Farmhouse Cooking Seminar: Wild Salmon
May 21. Join executive chef/owner Rich Mead for a monthly seminar where he shares his greatest cooking techniques. Be inspired by the fresh seasonal ingredient combinations he uses to create the field-to-fork dishes of Farmhouse. This Sunday’s focus is wild salmon. 10-11 a.m. Free. Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar, 949.640.5800. farmhouserg.com
FOOD + DRINK
Curated Cheese Takeover at SideDoor
May 17. SideDoor, known for its award-winning cheese and charcuterie offerings, is dedicating an evening to boutique creamery and specialty cheese shop Cowgirl Creamery of San Francisco. The cheese takeover will showcase a select portfolio of artisanal cheeses with SideDoor’s own certified expert and cheese monger, Tracy Nelsen. Tracy will be on hand to educate you on the various cheeses presented and recommend the perfect pairings. The featured cheeses will also find their way into select SideDoor menu items for that evening only. 4:30 p.m. Five piece cheese board $28. 801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331. lawrysonline.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Opening May 19. Relive a childhood favorite—a hilarious tale of sibling rivalry—with the stage adaption of Judy Blume’s book, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $27. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
The Painted Garden
May 20-21. Experience a sensory-driven performance of The Painted Garden, performed by Compagnia TPO. The immersive, interactive dance and multimedia show invites children to accompany dancers on stage where sensors respond to movement and sound. The spontaneous show allows children to not only see the story unfold, but experience it firsthand. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $20. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
The Local Band Hangout
May 18. Listen to top local artists and up-and-coming bands while experiencing the wonders of the majestic Queen Mary every third Thursday of each month. The lineup this month features performances from up-tempo brass band Tall Walls, eclectic punk artist Bundy, and MOVE, who describes their sound as a musical collaborative, as they feature guest songwriters regularly. Arrive early for Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. See website for changing lineup. Happy hour 5-7 p.m. Show begins 8 p.m. $10. Parking $8 with validation. Queen Mary, Observation Bar, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
STYLE + BEAUTY
Elysewalker Presale Event
May 18. Shop ’til you drop at elysewalker with an exclusive presale discount—40 percent off all apparel, shoes and bags. In-store only. Lido Marina Village, Elyse Walker, 3444 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 949.612.2646. elysewalker.com
