Events
30th Annual San Clemente Car Show
Sept. 20. The popular car show is back in San Clemente. Attendees can come for a classic day of gorgeous cars, music, food, slot cars, unique shopping, and family fun. Spectators are free and sweet pups are welcomed. From classics, rods, muscle to exotic cars, and vintage trailers, the San Clemente Car Show has something for everyone. Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Show takes place in the 100 & 200 blocks Avenida Del Mar in historic downtown San Clemente. More Information
Children’s Book Festival
Sept. 20. The Orange County Children’s Book Festival returns to Orange Coast College bringing a full day of books, authors, entertainment, and family activities. Visitors can meet more than 100 authors, illustrators, booksellers, and literacy organizations, while enjoying readings, live performances, character encounters, train rides, hands-on activities, and food trucks. Free admission and parking for all attendees. Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. More Information
Burger Week Hits Orange County
Begins Sept. 20. Produced by the OC Restaurant Association, for one week only, 70 of Orange County’s premier kitchens will push the boundaries of the bun – from the classic American beef burger to inventive chicken, turkey, mushroom, and plant-based masterpieces – and new this year is the Luxury Burger Pairings, where premium burgers meet curated wine pairings and handcrafted cocktails, plus dedicated specialty and vegetarian/vegan menus. More Information
Food + Drink
Flash Pop-up at DARKROOM
Sept. 17. Steak Frites, DARKROOM style – The temperature is finally cooling down and DARKROOM is stoked to finally do another one of their most popular special dinners … Steak Frites is back. It starts with a bistro salad. Then, the bistro classic hanger steak (onglet) with crispy potato and Cafe de Paris sauce. And finally, creme Brulee. All for $58. Also, Thursdays are free corkage night. Thursday, 5-9 p.m. 3751 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. C, Santa Ana. More Information
Boil and Bake Expansion Celebration
Sept. 18. After a long, long wait, through construction, inspections, staff trainings and menu development, Orange County darling Boil and Bake is finally opening their bakery expansion this weekend. Expanded drink menu. Expanded food menu. Bagel boxes ready to-go. House-made pastries, and much more. Come see what they’ve been cooking up in Costa Mesa in this brand new, expanded space. Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 270 Bristol Street, Ste. 114, Costa Mesa. More Information
Shaved Ice Hours At Exit 8 Bodega
Now Available. One month in, and the support from the local community has apparently been unbelievable as Exit 8 Bodega continues to grow more and more – and one of the most popular items, especially during the heat? Shaved Ice. With the winter months ahead though, come new, official hours for this crowd-pleasing delight. Come see for yourself what makes Exit 8 Bodega such a special spot. Now available Fridays through Sundays, from 12 p.m.-close. 270 East 17th Street, Costa Mesa. More Information
Madre Takeover at Lola
Sept. 17. Madre and Lola Gaspar come together for “A Celebration of Earth & Spirit,” an evening highlighting Madre’s collection alongside food and drink specials. Guests can enjoy flights from the entire Madre collection, plus Madre cocktails and a special food menu created by Chef Luis Pérez. The collaboration brings together spirits, cocktails, and cuisine for a one-night experience centered on the connection between earth, craft, and hospitality. Thursday, 7-10 p.m. 211 W. 2nd Street, Santa Ana. More Information
Arts + Culture
Be our Guest, OC!
Starts Sept. 22. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast opens next week at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with all the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. September 22 – October 11 only! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Artist Panel: Radiant Terrains
Sept. 20. Join guest curator Tyler Stallings and exhibiting artists for a conversation exploring how light, perception, and Southern California’s distinctive landscape have shaped their artistic practices. Featuring exhibiting artists Sandow Birk, Rena Small, Anthony Friedkin and Jimi Gleason. Sunday at 11 a.m. Tickets available here. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information
RAINBOW CABARET with Garland and Minnelli Tribute Singers
Sept. 17. Straight from Las Vegas, Denise Rose and Suzanne Goulet bring the legendary mother-daughter duo of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli to life with dazzling vocals, captivating choreography, and plenty of humor. Enjoy beloved classics including “Over the Rainbow” and “All That Jazz” in this unforgettable tribute to two entertainment icons. Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
