Orange County

Weekend roundup

September 16-19

Events

Finger skateboarding at The District photo courtesy FWD PR

Family-Fun Activities at The District

Sept. 18. Spend the day with your kiddos at The District at Tustin Legacy for a free day of family-fun activities. Enjoy interactive activities such as robotics demos and legos, science, sports activities (think: basketball, soccer and cheer moves with Freckled Frog), finger skateboarding (pictured), arts and crafts, teacher appreciation notes, interactive bubbles with BubblePOP, meet and greet with the TPSF’s “Dash the Dino”, live DJ, giveaways and more. There will also be a giveaway for an Apple Watch. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.9090. thedistricttl.com

National Dance Day at Segerstrom Center

Sept. 18. Segerstrom Center for the ArtsĀ presents the 12th annualĀ National Dance DayĀ in partnership with American Dance Movement. The day will feature live performances by special guest artists, inclusive and interactive dance lessons in a wide variety of dance styles, and the opportunity to learn this yearā€™s official National Dance Day routine. Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) will be showing screenings of Global Groove in the RenĆ©e and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall lobby and leading dance-themed video-making workshops. 4-8 p.m. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

SteelCraft Garden Grove exterior event photo by Jakob Layman

SteelCraft Garden Groveā€™s Hispanic and Latinx Culture EventĀ 

Sept. 18. In celebration of Southern Californiaā€™s rich diversity, SteelCraft Garden Grove continues its Summer Culture Series with this third and final installment celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture. Look forward to a market of goods from Black makers in the community, food from SteelCraft eateries, live music, cultural performances, and more. Noon-8 p.m. 12900 Euclid St., Garden Grove. steelcraftlb.com

Toast to the Casa photo courtesy Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

Toast to the Casa

Sept. 18. Adventure around the world to exotic destinations with live music, food and wine from more than 20 vendors and games at Casa Romantica’s annual fundraiser gala. Toast to the CasaĀ helps the award-winning arts institution and historic destination raise critical funds to continue rich cultural programming for the community and children. 5:30 p.m. $200. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org

Food + Drink

Chef Tony Esnault of Knife Pleat in the kitchen photo courtesy Knife Pleat

Friday Tasting Menu at Knife Pleat

Sept. 17. Experience chef Tony Esnaultā€™s weekly six-course tasting menu at elegant French restaurant, Knife Pleat. With a focus on late-harvest produce, this weekā€™s menu features dishes such as chef’s special terrine, sweet corn and polenta farce ravioli, lamb with cranberry and romano, and more. Reserve seats for the dining room or open-air patio. 6:30 p.m. $195 per person, additional $110 for wine pairings. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite 3001, Costa Mesa, 714.266.3388.Ā knifepleat.com

COMEBUYTEA at Bella Terra photo by COMEBUYTEA

COMEBUYTEA’s Customer Appreciation Day

Sept. 18-19. Looking for a refreshing way to enjoy the weekend? Get high-quality, brew-to-order teas from COMEBUYTEA at Bella Terra during its Customer Appreciation Day celebration, which spans not one but two days with giveaways and a chance for one lucky winner to receive an Apple Watch. The giveaways include giving the first 100 in-store orders one free drink with any toppings, the next set of 100 in-store orders BOGO free on any items and more. Noon-9 p.m. 7777 Edinger Ave., Suite 174, Huntington Beach, 949.299.2789. comebuyteausa.com | More Info

SueƱos Laguna Beach photo courtesy Outshine PR

SueƱos Laguna Beach

Opens Sept. 18. Mark your calendar for the opening of O.C.’s newest Latin American-inspired restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. The eatery is helmed by husband-and-wife restaurateurs Jose Gutierrez and Kay Ayazi with executive chef Alan Sanz taking led in the kitchen. Look forward to dishes such as ceviche de mango y jicama with Mahi Mahi cured in a traditional Peruvian citrus-based marinade; duck carnitas tacos;Ā black risottoĀ with lamb chops; tagliatelle verde with filet mignon; and more. Open daily for dinner starting at 4 p.m. with weekend lunch from noon-3 p.m. 222 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8155. suenoslagunabeach.com

Arts + Culture

"C.S. Lewisā€™ The Great Divorce" photo courtesy Irvine Barclay Theatre

C.S. Lewisā€™ The Great Divorce

Sept. 16-18.Ā Don’t miss Irvine Barclay Theatre’s production of C.S. Lewisā€™ mesmerizing fantasy about heaven, hell and the choice between them comes to life. The story follows Lewisā€™ characters as they take a fantastical bus trip from hell to the outskirts of paradise, however, each receives an opportunity to stay ā€¦ or return to hell, forever divorced from heaven. Note: Recommended for ages 13 and older; children under age 4Ā notĀ admitted. Th-F 8 p.m.; Sa 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. $49-$99. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org

Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards photo courtesy Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards

Sept. 18. Come along on a New Orleans-style musical adventure with Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Founded by celebrated vocalist, writer and arts educator Ashli St. Armant, the band tours the U.S. bringing jazz to young audiences to encourage kids and their grown-ups to celebrate the music of New Orleans as part of the American folk music heritage. 1 p.m. $15+. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

The Gatlin Brothers photo courtesy The Gatlin Brothers

Larry, Steve and Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers

Sept. 19.Ā The country chart-topping trio of Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin will entertain guests with their string of No.1 records and country classics at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. The Gatlin Brothers will play songs such as ā€œAll the Gold in California,ā€ ā€œBroken Lady,ā€ ā€œLove is Just a Game,ā€ and others from their storybook career that has spanned more than 45 years in the entertainment industry. 7 p.m. $30-$120. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org

Photo credits: SteelCraft Garden Grove by Jakob Layman. SueƱos Laguna Beach courtesy Outshine PR. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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