From the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor to the Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival, check out the top Orange County weekend events for September 28-October 1.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
EVENTS
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Sept. 28-Nov.1. Sinister spirits are taking over the haunted Queen Mary ship this Halloween season for more nights than ever before. Additions for 2017 include an all-new Feast maze, Ice Bar Experience and Chef’s Feast Experience. 8 p.m.-Midnight; F-Sa 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $64 GA select dates; $89 VIP. See website for additional prices. 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Orange County International Auto Show
Sept. 28-Oct. 1. Drive on over to the Anaheim Convention Center to see 600+ vehicles on display. This iconic event will debut 2018 production-models—you can test drive more than 100 of them—plus an array of concept, custom and exotic cars. Check website for show hours. $12, under 13 free. Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.765.8950. autoshowoc.com
Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow
Sept. 29-Oct. 1. All eyes look to the sky as planes and jets perform spectacular stunts over the Pacific Ocean in the only beachfront airshow on the West Coast. Flying begins at noon each day with many of the aerobatic maneuvers happening over Huntington City Beach. See website for more information. Noon-4 p.m. Free to public; $199 reserved seating. The Pacific Coast Highway. hbairshow.com
Pablo Francisco
Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Watch as Pablo Francisco draws you into his vivid imagination and takes you on a wild ride of clever insights, spot-on impersonations and rapid fire comedy. Th 8 p.m.; F 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; Sa 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Su 7 p.m. $22-$25. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, 949-854-5455. irvine.improv.com
Bubble-Dash Games
Sept. 30. Enter the Bubble-Dash Games at the Discovery Cube for children (5-12 years old) to win fun outdoor toys, a family-four pack of tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and the grand prize of appearing on the 2018 Summer Fun Issue cover. The race starts with a 45-foot obstacle course to take the players to Zorb balls and then have them climb to the top of a 25-foot slide to whoosh across the finish line. $10. Discovery Cube OC, 2500 N Main St., Santa Ana, 714.630.4510. parentingoc.wufoo.com
Ribbons and Rosé – Pink Saves Launch Party
Oct. 1. Celebrate the launch of Pink Saves in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Enjoy an exclusive reception in the Chic VIP Lounge with tray-passed hors d’oeuvres by Sundried Tomato Cafe, chilled rosé and other beverages, prize drawings for Outlets at San Clemente Gift Cards and more. 5-7 p.m. $25. VIP Lounge at Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949-535-2323. outletsatsanclemente.com
Deadringers: Coffin Escape Races
Oct. 1-31. Players will enter each coffin individually and race to get out, being immersed into a full sensory experience with interactive puzzles. Each technically-advanced coffin is custom built and engineered by the creators of the Escape Bus, and while they want you to feel “buried alive,” the coffins are comfortable, ventilated, and feature state-of-the-art lighting and sound effects. 15-minute intervals. $15. 31706 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, 949.357.2871. theescapebus.com
FOOD + DRINK
Sushi Roku’s Limited Edition Specials
Sept. 29. Sushi Roku Newport Beach welcomes new dishes and limited-availability pumpkin specials to its already celebrated menu. In addition to a new seasonal Pumpkin Roll and Pumpkin Cheesecake, the restaurant taps into the popularity of Avocado Toast with the introduction of Avocado Hanabi, as well as its own version of pizza, topped with spicy tuna and tuna sashimi. Su-Th 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; F-Sa 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. 327 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.706.3622. innovativedining.com
Paper Lantern Dumpling House
Dumpling devotees now have a new destination to satisfy their cravings. The modern quick-casual concept at Paper Lantern specializes in a variety of handmade dumplings, including xiao long bao (juicy dumplings) and pan-fried potstickers. The restaurant is the latest venture from Allan Tea, who’s partnered with the team behind Los Angeles’ acclaimed Mama Lu’s Dumpling House. 2730 Alton Pkwy, Suite #101, Irvine, 949.748.8064. paperlanterndumpling.com
Ciro’s Family Dinner
Sept. 29. Join host Ciro Cirillo for a three-course Italian family dinner. Menu includes appetizer, entree and dessert—as well as three wine pairings. Reservations encouraged. 6:30 p.m. $35.95 pp (plus tax and gratuity). Antonello Ristorante, 3800 South Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.751.7153. antonello.com
Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival
Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Known as the most exclusive, intimate and world-class epicurean lifestyle event in Southern California, enjoy restaurant samplings, mixology classes, chef cooking demos and tastes from 250 renowned cult and boutique wineries. 21+. See website for schedules and prices. Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, 888.511.3378. newport.com
Fullerton Uncorked
Oct. 1. Fullerton Uncorked is the premier wine, food and beer mixer for North Orange County. Let them pour you a glass as you enjoy everything from live music and entertainment to lines of booths cooking up food just for you. 5:30-9:30 p.m. $75. Fullerton Arboretum,1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton. fullertonuncorked.org
ARTS + CULTURE
Loren & Mark
Oct. 1. Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb, known for their beautiful renditions of classic melodies and superb vocal duets, bring their diverse repertoire to Orange County this weekend. During the concert, guests will enjoy wine selections curated by LCA Wine at SOCO and The OC Mix. Doors open 2 p.m.; Show 3 p.m. $30. 3315 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa. lordofthestringsconcerts.com
Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow photo courtesy of airshowvid.com. Pablo Francisco photo by Tomas Whitehouse. Sushi Roku’s Limited Edition Pumpkin Specials photo courtesy of Mona Shah. Newport Beach Wine and Food Festival photo courtesy of Pencilbox Studios.
