EVENTS
VANS U.S. Open of Surfing
July 25-Aug. 2. Bring your sunscreen and enjoy the most popular of the two weekends of the U.S. Open of Surf in Huntington Beach. The world’s largest pro-surfing competition features some of the world’s most respected surf, skate and BMX professionals. Events include a beach-lifestyle festival, skate and BMX events, autograph signings and community movie nights. See website for full schedule of events. Free. Main street and Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. Vansusopenofsurfing.com
Anaheim Packing House
Aug. 1. Celebrate Anaheim Packing House one-year anniversary with crafts, games, giveaways, face painting and a beer and citrus cocktail garden. Listen to live music on the Mezzanine Stage featuring three different bands between noon and 9 p.m. or the Farmers Park Stage, also featuring three bands between noon and 7 p.m. Join in on a game of Birthday Bingo at Cooks Chapel on Saturday 4-6 p.m. and Sunday 1-3 p.m. To play, it’s $20 for four game cards and prizes will be given out each game. Don’t miss Polly the Trolly ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. 12-6 p.m. Free. Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.533.7225. Facebook.com/PackingDistrict
Standup Comedy at Irvine Improv
Aug. 2, 7. Spend a summer evening (or two) in laughter with well-known comedians Wayne Brady and Rob Schneider. Wayne Brady, best known for his roles in Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Wayne Brady Show, and Don’t Forget the Lyrics will be performing stand-up comedy on Sunday, August 2. But don’t let the laughs stop there… come back August 7th and see Emmy-nominated actor Rob Schneider, well-known for his trademark blend of character and comedic acting. Wayne Brady, Aug. 2. 7 p.m. $30. Rob Schneider, Aug. 7. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. $30. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvine.improv.com
Movie Mondays
Aug. 3, 10. Bring the family for a fun-filled evening of activities, outdoor dining and Monday night summer film screenings at Segerstrom Center for the Art’s Movie Monday’s. August’s line-up includes My Best Friend’s Wedding, and E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial. The movies are projected on the side of Segerstrom Hall so everyone has a great seat. Each Monday will feature different food trucks serving culinary sensations throughout the screening. Arrive early for audience participation events. Set-up 5:30 p.m.; Movie begins at dusk, Approx. 8 p.m. Free. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Artsy August Mixer
Aug. 5. The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce invites you to its Artsy August mixer at [seven-degrees], located in the heart of the city’s festival district. The event will feature tasty bites, beer and wine, raffle prizes and a few artistically-oriented surprises. Each attendee will receive a free ticket to the Sawdust Art Festival that they are able to use that evening or save for later date. 5:30 p.m. $15-$25. [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1018. lagunabeachchamber.org
Ribs, Pigs & Watermelons Summer Festival
Aug. 7-9. Come to beautiful Huntington State Beach for a pro BBQ competition and summer festival. 50 of the top West Coast and nationally ranked BBQ teams, including teams from TLC reality television show BBQ Pitmasters, will be competing for a $10,000 prize sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. Enjoy free watermelon and watermelon carving demonstrations. Roll up your sleeves and join in on a rib and watermelon eating contest, a seed-spitting for distance contest and a cow milking contest. Listen to live bands and taste over a dozen craft beers from local and national suppliers. All proceeds benefit American Family Housing. F 5-10 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Craft beer tasting, Sat 1-5 p.m. 3 day pass adults $10; 3 day pass children (ages 8-12) $5; Children 7 and under free. Beer tasting $25. Huntington State Beach, Beach Blvd. and Pacific Coast Hwy Lot 9, Huntington Beach, 714.897.3221. afhusa.org
Lobsterfest Newport Beach
Aug. 8. The 7th Annual Lobsterfest at Newport Beach will be hosted by Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina. Live Maine lobster is flown in fresh on the morning of the event and will be prepared on-site alongside a buffet that includes tri-tip, corn on the cob, salads and dessert. Purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy all-you-can-eat lobster, complimentary wine, valet parking and reserved seating. Pinch Me!, a high-energy rock-n-pop band will be performing favorite tunes from more than seven decades. The band features a saxophone, keyboards and guitars accompanied by vocal harmonies. Special activities for kids will be provided by Camp James from 3-5 p.m. 3-8 p.m. $60 if purchased in advance, $80 at the door; Children 12 and under $20 in advance or $25 at the door. VIP tickets $150 in advance. 101 North Bayside Drive, Newport Beach. lobsterfestatnewportbeach.com
Orange County Fair
July 17-Aug. 16. Whether it’s an Oreo, a Snickers bar or Doritos, get ready for some deep-fried everything at the Orange County Fair. This year’s theme is “One Big Party” in celebration of 125 years. Bring the whole family and enjoy action sports (rodeo, BMX, pig racing), tribute bands in the Hangar, carnival with rides, La Grande Wheel, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, petting zoo, wine tasting and of course –fried food galore. Concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre include artists such as The Offspring and Charli XCX. M-Tu Closed, Wed-F 12 p.m.-12 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 -12.a.m. $7-$12; Free for children under 6; $10 (cash only) for parking. 88 fair drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. ocfair.com
Disney’s D23 EXPO 2015
Aug. 14-16. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, brings you the ultimate fan event that allows a sneak peek into what’s new and what’s next from Disney theme parks, television, gaming and music. With the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars under one roof, the 4th D23 EXPO offers a glimpse of upcoming Disney films. In addition, see some of your favorite A-list celebrities announcing new projects and signing autographs, watch the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony and experience the largest Walt Disney Archives exhibit ever showcased at the EXPO featuring rarely seen props, costumes and assets. F-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m. One day pass: adults $65-$74, children under 10 $48-$54; Three day pass: adults $188-$216, children $139-$156; Free for children under 3. Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.765.8950. D23expo.com
Rockstar Beer Festival
Aug. 22. Get ready to party in Huntington Beach with unlimited samples of over 100 beers from multiple local and regional breweries like Beach City Brewery, Stone Brewing Co., and Left Coast Brewing Co. Taste the fare from several food trucks and listen to live performances by Alien Ant Farm, Red Not Chili Peppers (tribute band to Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Eyes Set To Kill. 7-10 p.m. $37.92-$53.74. Meadowlark Golf Club, 16782 Graham St., Huntington Beach. huntingtonbeachbeerfestival.com
Food, Wine & Jazz
Aug 27-30. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort has partnered with Barcelona Enterprises to bring three days and nights of decadent fare, vibrant wines and full-bodied fun to coastal Orange County. Featuring the culinary talents of world-renowned chefs, the event will include 50 chefs and 30 wineries and boutique vintners. See website for daily ticket prices and hours. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3900. stregismb.com
Watermelon Tours
Through Aug. 30. Take a guided wagon ride around 30-acre Tanaka Farm, stop at different areas and try different summer fruits and vegetables. At the end of the tour, step into the watermelon patch to sample delicious, home-grown watermelon. Take home a mini watermelon to enjoy later and don’t forget to stop at the produce stand to pick up how-sweet-it-is white corn, home-grown melons and vine-ripened tomatoes. Weekend tours 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. every hour; weekday tours by reservation only. $18; Free for children under 2. Tanaka Farms, 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, 949.653.2100. tanakafarms.com
Pete’s Sunset Concert Series
Friday & Saturday Nights Through August. With summer in full swing, Pete’s Sunset Grille at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is bringing sizzle to the Surf City dining scene. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a beachside smoke out featuring mouthwatering entrees like Southern California fried chicken and whiskey barrel BBQ smoked brisket tips, classic sides like country cole slaw, specialty items like Frito crusted mac & cheese, and of course – classic southern desserts. Savor the feast while listening to live, free concerts. 5:30-9:30 p.m. $19.95 Adults; $9.95 Children. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4775. huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com
Festival of Arts
July 5-Aug. 31. The Festival of Arts has offered a breathtaking showcase for artists and art lovers for more than 80 years. The Festival’s juried art show includes a wide variety of media such as paintings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, handcrafted wood, ceramics, glass and more – all by 140 of South Orange County’s finest artists. The Festival of Arts offers a wide range of daily activities that the whole family can enjoy including nightly live music, jazz concerts, wine and chocolate pairings, guided art tours, demonstrations and art workshops. Several special one-day events return this year, including the Festival Runway Fashion Show and Family Art Day. Visit website for hours and events. $6-$10/pp. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145. foapom.com
Pageant of the Masters
July 8-Aug. 31. The Pageant of the Masters is arguably one of the most unique productions in the entire world. Be amazed and enchanted by ninety minutes of tableaux vivants (“living pictures”) –incredibly faithful re-creations of classical and contemporary works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. This summer’s production of The Pursuit of Happiness will explore the many sources of happiness, featuring seminal works of art by a diverse group of artists such as Winslow Homer, Norman Rockwell, and of course Leonardo da Vinci, whose Last Supper traditionally closes the show every year. A live narrator guides the audience through the story of each living picture accompanied by a full orchestra. 8:30 p.m. $15-$230/pp. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145. pageanttickets.com
DRINK | EAT
Cookout Tour
Aug. 1. Join Tanaka Farms for a cookout tour around the farm where you will get to harvest your own vegetables. Wash and season your veggies to be BBQ’d and choose to add tofu, chicken, tri-tip or salmon to your meal. Also choose from additional BBQ’d veggies and kale salad. Enjoy your prepared meal while overlooking the farm and the city of Irvine. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25-$32 per menu item selection, $10 per menu item for children under 10. Tanaka Farms, 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, 949.653.2100. tanakafarms.com
Red O
Ongoing. Join Red O for it Summer Concert Series featuring live music in the pavilion accompanied by extraordinary cuisine. Enjoy food and drink specials with happy hour menu being served all night. Taste specialty items like the classic guacamole with chunky avocado, tomatoes, onions, fresh lime juice, cilantro and Serrano chile or sip on a signature cocktail like La Rosita made with Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka, fresh lemon, hibiscus syrup and apple essence. Every Sunday 4 p.m. Fashion Island, 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0300. redorestaurant.com
MUSIC
Summer Concert Series
July 23-Aug. 27. OC Parks welcomes back its annual outdoor summer concert series every Thursday through August 27. All concerts are part of the KROQ ‘N Surf summer series. Bring a blanket and beach chair and enjoy local, live music and food trucks on-site. Take the opportunity to visit the parks of Orange County including Irvine, Mason Square and Craig Park among others. See website for full list of parks and performers. 6-8 p.m. Free. Varying locations. Contact numbers are listed for each event online. ocparks.com
Shania Twain Rock This Country Tour
Aug. 19. Bring your cowboy hats and see one of the best-selling female artists in history, Shania Twain, who will perform her extensive catalog of iconic hits in a brand new production. Fresh from finishing her two-year residency in Las Vegas at the Colosseum, Shania promises that her Rock This Country tour will be like nothing fans have seen from her before. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $50.50/pp. Honda Center, 2695 East Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.714.2500. hondacenter.com
Acoustic Summer Sundays
July 19-Sept. 27. Start a new Sunday evening ritual and chill out with House of Blues Anaheim. Enjoy free music on the patio as talented local songwriters and musicians gather every Sunday night through summer. Visit website for full line-up of artists. 8 p.m. Free. House of Blues Anaheim, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
THEATRE
The Phantom of the Opera
Aug. 5-16. Come experience The Phantom of the Opera, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success. The production boasts of new scenic design, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, new choreography, new staging and lastly, new special effects. Tue-Fri 7:30 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Additional performance Aug. 6, 1 p.m. Tickets start at $39. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
ART
This Is Not Surf Art
Through September 30. Experience the ultimate surf history lesson and explore the legendary iconic surfboards collected over the years that live in the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC). In addition to the surfboards, This is Not Surf Art exhibit features art created by individuals that are all serious surfers. In many ways, it can be described as an abstract translation of the act of surfing onto a painted canvas. The exhibit reflects the correlation that both art and surfing require creativity. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed on Sundays. $4-5; Free for children under 12. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, 949.388.0313. surfingheritage.org
SHOP
Gem Fair
Aug. 28-30. Shop for fine jewelry, gems, beads, minerals, crystals, findings and more (at manufacturer’s prices) at one of the largest gem, jewelry and bead shows in the United States with nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Join classes, watch demonstrations and win free hourly door prizes. Get your jewelry repaired and rings sized while you shop. F 12-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7; Free for children under 12. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 503.252.8300. gemfaire.com