Orange County

Weekend roundup

September 5-8

Events

People sitting around a table at Oktoberfest in Old World Huntington Beach photo courtesy Old World Huntington Beach

Oktoberfest Begins

Sept. 8. Willkommen to OC’s original Oktoberfest. Kick off the weekend with the best celebration of this timeless festival, filled with lively music, authentic food and of course, plenty of beer. Experience all the sights and sounds that make Oktoberfest a must-attend event. See “More Information” for age restrictions, the events and live music calendar, ticket information and more. Hours vary. Old World Festival Hall, 7561 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach. More Information

Walk for Hope 2024

Sept. 8. Some walk for a loved one, in honor of their own journey, or a tomorrow when everyone can get the quality care they deserve, but we all walk for a future without cancer. A future of hope when no one must endure a diagnosis ever again. This weekend’s event begins at 7 a.m. with the walk (2k or 5k) starting at 9:30 a.m. City of Hope Irvine Campus, 1000 FivePoint, Irvine. More Information

Lobster Festival Returns

Sept. 6-8. The 28th annual Original Lobster Festival returns, featuring fresh, live Maine lobster cooked to perfection in the world’s largest cooker. Attendees can enjoy live music, a diverse food court, a VIP Lounge, complimentary souvenir e-photos, a premium tequila/whiskey tasting by El Baston del Rey and more. They also have activities for children, such as face painting, carnival rides and games. Friday, 5-11 p.m. Saturday, 12-11 p.m. Sunday, 12-8 p.m. 16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley. originallobsterfestival.com

Food + Drink

626 Night Market

Sept. 6-8. Inspired by the famous open-air nighttime bazaars of Asia, the 626 Night Market brings together people to eat, drink, socialize and be entertained. This iconic festival features over 250 food vendors, merchandise, crafts, artists, games, live concerts and entertainment attractions, creating an epic event that appeals to all ages. Friday-Sunday, 4-11 p.m. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 626nightmarket.com

Western Movie Night

Sept. 7. An outdoor movie pop-up event featuring local vendors, a culinary experience and movie lovers to enjoy the Western classic True Grit under the night sky. Featuring food by Heritage Barbecue and drinks from Capo Brew. Kids under 12 are free – bring your own seating. Tickets are available here. The Swanner House, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. westernmovienight.com

Mastica ¡Asada!

Sept. 7. As far as the pop-up Mastica is concerned, Summer isn’t over and this weekend just got hotter. They are rolling out their giant Santa Maria grill for a pop-up at their friends Play Coffee in Fullerton, serving up a menu cooked over Mesquite including Cochinita Pibil (Yucatan-style shredded pork) and more. Friday, 1- 5 p.m. 128 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. Additional Information

Pie of the Month + LEGO® Drive Launch

Available Now. Sgt. Pepperoni’s has launched The Baked Potato Pie – Created exclusively for Sgt. Pepperoni’s by Stan Frazier. Benefitting The CHOC Foundation LEGO® Drive through September, this new pie is crafted with a tangy sour cream base, topped with grated pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses, thinly sliced potatoes, minced garlic, crumbled bacon, fresh rosemary and finished with parmesan and chives. Multiple locations. More Information

Arts + Culture

Pacific Jazz Orchestra with John Pizzarelli and Sy Smith

Sept. 7. Acclaimed guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli and powerhouse singer Sy Smith join forces with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, 40 of the world’s finest musicians led by Hollywood veteran Chris Walden. The program reaches far beyond the boundaries of jazz, as it features music of a diverse range of styles, genres and backgrounds. Friday at 8 p.m. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information

Trivia Night at the Museum

Sept. 7. Join in for a fun-filled evening of trivia, pizza and a beer flight from Laguna Beach Beer Company. Test your knowledge across arts, culture, fashion and more, in the inspiring setting of the Laguna Beach Art Museum. Their Trivia Master will challenge you with intriguing questions that will push your skills to the limit. Friday at 6 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information

Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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