Orange County

Weekend roundup

Orange County Weekend Events Roundup November 15-18

Descanso-Mexican-Restaurant-Grand-Opening-Party-photo-by-Anne-Watson-Photography
Don’t miss the Grand Opening Party at Descanso Mexican Restaurant.

From Christmas tree lightings and Santa Claus surfers to The Mom Made Market and more, check out the top Orange County weekend events for November 15-18.

Edited by Contributor.

EVENTS

fashion-island-tree-lightingFashion Island’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 
Nov. 16-17. Fashion Island’s annual tree lighting ceremony returns with holiday surprises and delights in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard. Hosting this event are dancers (also husband and wife) Stephen “Twitch” Boss and Allison Holker in welcoming the season with Santa and “snowfall,” as well as a live performance by The Young Americans. 6 p.m. Free. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.721.2000.  shopfashionisland.com

 

 

Six Fitness IrvineSIX Happy Hour
Nov. 16. Irvine’s newest fitness studio SIX invites the community to experience a 1980s-themed 50-minute strength focused interval training workout, followed by a refreshing happy hour. Themed workout attire is encouraged but not required. Starts at 5:30 p.m., new attendees should arrive at 5 p.m. Free. Los Olivos Marketplace, 8535 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, 949.300.5399. sixworkout.com

 

 

 

Mom Made MarketThe Mom Made Market Orange County
Nov. 17-18. Shop the Mom-entrepreneur mecca at The Mom Made Market Orange County, featuring 150 local moms in business. Bring the kids to meet Santa (10-11:30 a.m.), enjoy food from local food trucks, and sip on a refreshing cocktail while you shop from the bar! Sa.10 a.m.-5 p.m., Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 entry, plus fairgrounds parking fee. Orange County Fairgrounds,The Hangar Building, 100 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. themommademarket.com

 

 

 

Sawdust-Art-Festival-photo-provided-by-DB&M-MediaSawdust Festival’s Winter Fantasy
Opens Nov. 17. Every weekend through Dec. 16, experience this annual magical outdoor art village during the holiday season. This event features 175 artists and makers, three stages of live music and entertainment, thousands of lights and decorations, glassblowing and art demos, hands-on pottery wheel, complimentary art classes, falling snow, holiday photo-ops, outdoor cafes, festive saloon offerings and more. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $8 adults, $6 seniors age 65+, $4 children ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030. sawdustartfestival.org

 

 

The Ritz Carlton Surfing SantaSurfing Santa and Stand-Up Paddle Board Competition
Nov. 17-18. Have a jolly good time at this annual two-day competition where contestants dress as Santa or other holiday-inspired characters to battle it out in the waves. Prizes are awarded in seven divisions for first through fifth place. Surfing begins at 8 a.m. $60 entry fee. Salt Creek Beach, 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.240.2000. surfingsantacontest.org

 

 

 

Outlets-at-San-Clemente-Tree-Lighting-photo-by-Kait-McKayTree Lighting Celebration at Outlets at San Clemente
Nov. 17. Create holiday memories with your family and friends during this tree lighting event. There will be a live reindeer meet-and-greet, complimentary photos with Santa, free hot cocoa, Christmas carolers, a holiday-themed photo booth, face painting, balloon animals and the lighting of a 80-foot tall tree covered in more than 80,000 twinkling, multi-colored lights as “snow” falls. 4-6:30 p.m. Free. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com

 

 

The Ritz CarltonHoliday Open House and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 18. It’s the most wonderful time of the year with the annual holiday open house and tree lighting at this seaside destination. Enjoy holiday music performed by The Jeeps, a special appearance from Santa Claus, and a Gingerbread Extravaganza; Watch as Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Haage and his team begin a 500+ hour projejct, creating a spectacular display fashioned out of an array of homemade treats. Guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Miracles for Kids, or canned goods and non-perishable food items to benefit the Orange County Rescue Mission. 4 p.m. Free. Gingerbread Extravaganza on display through New Year. The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, One Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com

 

 

Terrain RaceTerrain Race: Irvine 2018
Nov. 18. Get ready for an action-packed obstacle course, featuring three miles of mud, walls, ropes, monkey bars and 20+ random and innovative additions along the radical terrain. After the race, choose to do multiple laps (with additional cost) to earn badges of recognition, or head straight to the festival area to reward your accomplishment with delicious food and cold beer. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $60. Oak Canyon Park, 5305 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado. terrainrace.com

 

 

 

FOOD + DRINK

Salt-&-Straw’s-“A-Thanksgiving-Celebration”-Flavor-Series-photo-by-Salt-&-StrawSalt & Straw’s “A Thanksgiving Celebration” Flavor Series
Now Available. Satisfy your sweet tooth this month with creative Thanksgiving-inspired flavors at Salt & Straw, including Roasted Cranberry Sauce Sorbet, Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Pecans, Salted Caramel Thanksgiving Turkey, Spiced Goat Cheese & Pumpkin Pie, and Roasted Peach & Sage Cornbread Stuffing. For every pint of Thanksgiving flavors purchased, Salt & Straw will also donate one to the Orange County Food Bank. Downtown Disney District, 1550 Disneyland Dr. E, #103A, Anaheim, 714.855.4321. saltandstraw.com

 

 

ZD Wine50th Anniversary ZD Wines Dinner
Nov. 15. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Napa Valley’s ZD Wines, Watertable will be hosting a five-course wine dinner. Menu highlights include grilled tiger prawns, roasted pork tenderloin, pan-seared duck breast, and honey and thyme pear crumble. 6 p.m. $125 (excludes tax and gratuity). Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Watertable Restaurant, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4885. hyatt.com

 

 

 

BistangoBeaujolais Nouveau at Bistango
Nov. 16. Come dressed in your French best to celebrate the harvest and the long-awaited release of the Beaujolais Nouveau. During this French-themed celebration, enjoy special menu items to pair with the 2018 vintages, live entertainment and flights. Limited number of bottles available for retail. For reservations, call or email at info@bistango.com. 5-9 p.m. 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.752.5222. bistango.com

 

 

 

Descanso photo courtesy Anne Watson; Moxxe PR.Descanso Mexican Restaurant Grand Opening Party
Opens Nov. 17. Be among the first to experience all-new taco craze, Descanso Mexican Restaurant. Bringing you an elevated “Taco Stand” experience, savor authentic Mexican fare while your Taquero prepares and cooks right in front of you. Sip on specialty cocktails and enjoy live entertainment in celebration of the grand opening. 6 p.m., free entry; donations requested in fundraising efforts for local charity, Costa Mesa United.1555 Adams Ave., Suite 103, Costa Mesa, 714.486.3798. descansorestaurant.com

 

 

Antonello-Ristorante-interiorSommelier Battle – USA vs. Italy
Nov. 17. Spend the evening with Antonello Ristorante for a friendly battle of wines. Witness master sommeliers Peter Neptune and Michael Jordan go head-to-head pairing four wines each from Italy and the United States. Guests will enjoy said wines paired with a four-course meal, and vote to decide who comes out on top. 6:30 p.m. $145. 3800 South Plaza Dr., Santa Ana, 714.751.7153.  antonello.com

 

 

ARTS + CULTURE

Segerstrom-Center-Celebration-2014-photo-by-Joesan-Diche-(78)Bridges: Connecting Cultures from South Korea to Puerto Rico
Nov. 17. Celebrate the rich diversity of Puerto Rico and South Korea through food, music, visual arts and dance at a new outdoor series, Bridges, that will take place throughout the year. Highlights include performances from Korean American Youth Performing Artists, Orange County KPOP Academy, Oskar Cartaya and The Ricannection, Taller Bula and others, as well as a collaborative finale where both cultures take the stage and create music together. 2-6 p.m. Free. Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121.  scfta.org

 

 

trains muzeo“Muzeo Express”
Opens Nov. 17. Come celebrate the holiday season with model trains, miniature scenes and hands-on activities. Complete with historical relics showcasing the history of trains in Southern California, Muzeo Express is sure to be a holiday favorite for children and enthusiasts alike. W-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 adults, $7 children ages 4-12, $8 students/seniors/military. Muzeo Main Gallery, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936. muzeo.org

 

 

 

Sarah Chang - Musco CenterViolinist Sarah Chang
Nov. 18. Already a renowned star by age eight, Sarah Chang will make her Musco Center for the Arts debut accompanied by pianist Julio Elizalde. In addition to her performance, Sarah Chang will work with Chapman University students during a Musco Master Class. 4 p.m. $35-$65. Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell, Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org

 

 

 

“Waitress”
Through Nov. 25. Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, Waitress tells the story of expert pie maker and waitress Jenna as she dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. This new hit features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Dangereuse Liasons, Waiting for Godot) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus. See website for show times. $29+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

 

 

Terrain Race photo courtesy of TerrainRace.com. Six Happy Hour photo courtesy of Six Fitness. The Mom Made Market photo courtesy of MomMadeMarket.com. Sawdust Festival photo courtesy of DB&M Media. Salt & Straw’s “A Thanksgiving Celebration” Flavor Series photo by Salt & Straw. Surfing Santa photo courtesy of SurfingSanta.org. Tree Lighting Celebration at Outlets at San Clemente photo by Kait McKay. Descanso photo courtesy of Anne Watson; Moxxe PR. Muzeo Trains photo courtesy of Muzeo. Segerstrom Center ‘Bridges’ photo by Joesan Diche. Violinist Sarah Chang photo courtesy of Musco Center. “Waitress” photo by Joan Marcus.

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