Events
Maritime Festival
Sept. 8-10. Dana Point’s Maritime Festival returns with a lineup of exciting activities. Highlights include live music, mermaid-themed swim shows and breakfasts, cannon displays and the “Sails N’ Ales” event featuring craft beer tastings from eight local breweries. Attendees can also enjoy a performance by American Idol’s Casey Abrams, meet mermaids, savor food from various vendors and historical reenactments. Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. maritime-fest.org
The Original Lobster Festival is Back
Sept. 8-10. The 27th 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, offering critter show, face painting and 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
Rip Curl WSL Finals
Begins Sept. 8-16. The culmination of what the best surfers in the world have been building to all season long – After ten events, the World Title will be decided in a one-day, winner-take-all event. The World Surf League finals come to San Clemente at Lower Trestles. Additional information and coverage can be found here. 3929 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. worldsurfleague.com
Furry Friends Pet Fair
Sept. 9. A pet vaccination and vendor fair takes place this weekend so bring your canine family members and enjoy. Including low-cost vaccinations, micro-chipping, physical exams, nail trimming, dog licensing, adoption opportunities, OCSD K9 Unit demonstrations and more. Saturday, 9 a.m. – Noon. Aliso Viejo Ranch, 100 Park Ave., Aliso Viejo. dogtrekker.com
Fire Ecology Internship Applications Open
Now Accepting Applications. This new school year, Irvine Ranch Conservancy is partnering with Crystal Cove Conservancy and Crystal Cove State Park to train the next generation of scientists who will study wildfires, their impact, and how to mitigate their effects. Applications are open through Sep. 22 for Orange County high school students. More information can be found here. crystalcove.org
Food + Drink
4th Anniversary Party at X
Sept. 8-10. Brewery X turns four years old and is throwing a weekend full of events for guests to enjoy as they celebrate. With live music all weekend, limited edition glassware and apparel available for purchase, and a special anniversary beer – “Tumble Time,” a special West Coast IPA – this is one weekend-long party you won’t want to miss. Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 3191 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim. brewery-x.com
Tacos & Tequila with Tommy
All Month. Throughout September, Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in Newport will showcase a special menu featuring exclusive cocktails and dishes. Alongside their signature staples, the menu introduces four distinct tequila cocktails and a range of dishes that reimagine traditional Mexican cuisine. Highlights include lobster flautas, Chilean seabags and blackened shrimp chili rellenos. Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 854 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. tommybahama.com
New Cocktails at Bello
Now Available. One of Orange County’s best dining destinations has breathed exciting new life into its bar program – Bello by Sandro Nardone has unveiled a new lineup of delectable drinks for guests to imbibe. Created by some of the best mixologists around, these new concoctions are sure to delight all who order them. 1200 Bison Ave, Suite C2, Newport Beach. bellobysandronardone.com
Football is Back at Blind Pig
Sept. 10. The return of The NFL is exciting enough, but what about enjoying happy hour-priced drinks while you watch your team? The Blind Pig offering happy hour prices on all drinks on Sundays all season long at both locations. New food items are also being offered to be enjoyed alongside the drinks at both locations. For directions to locations, hours, menus, and more, visit theblindpigoc.com
Arts + Culture
Les Misérables Triumphantly Returns to Segerstrom Center
Coming Soon. After more than a 10-year absence, Les Miz is finally back in OC for 2 weeks only, Sept 19 – Oct 1. With an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption, experience why Les Misérables is still the world’s most popular musical. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. www.scfta.org
MindTravel ‘Silent’ Piano Experience
Sept. 10. MindTravel brings its Live-to-Headphones ‘Silent’ Piano Experience to Huntington State Beach for an audio journey that won’t be forgotten. Immerse yourself in this unique musical experience unlike anything else around. Sunday, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. $15-$45. Tickets can be purchased here. 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. mindtravel.com
A Poetic Journey into the Art of Joseph Kleitsch
Sept. 9. Enjoy an evening of poetic exploration as Dr. Natalie Graham, the inaugural Poet Laureate of Orange County, takes us on a journey through the artistry of Joseph Kleitsch. She will share new work inspired by the featured exhibit, Joseph Kleitsch: Abroad and At Home in Old Laguna, on display until September 24. 6 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. lagunaartmuseum.org
Photo credits: Bello by Sandro Nardone courtesy of Kyle Ortiz. WSL courtesy of Kurt Steinmetz. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
