Newport Boat Show
Apr. 3-6. See the premier yacht show on the West Coast, featuring the newest vessels to reach the Western United States. A host of exhibitors will be on hand shore-side and in the water showcasing innovative products and services that make owning and operating a big boat more enjoyable. Free off-site parking and shuttle service. $15 adults; children under 12 free. Th, noon-7 p.m.; F-Sa, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Su, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lido Marina Village, Newport Beach, 949.757.5959. newportinwaterboatshow.com
Premier of “Draft Day”
Apr. 3. Join the cast and crew for an exclusive screening and West Coast debut of the major motion picture “Draft Day” starring Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner. Stay for the private after party at Newport Civic Center for cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, music and dancing. Benefits the Foundation for the Undefeated, which champions stories of perseverance in sports to inspire greatness in others. Screening at 7 p.m.; party at 9 p.m. $25 screening; $175 for all-access pass including screening and after party. Big Newport Theatre, 300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, theundefeated.org
Beatles vs. Stones-A Musical Shoot Out
Apr. 4. Watch tribute bands Abbey Road face off against Jumping Jack Flash for an on-stage throw down of British Invasion music. Both bands recreate the experience of seeing the two legendary groups live with fantastic music, iconic wardrobes and spot-on performances down to the onstage banter, missed notes and flubs heard on original recordings. 9 p.m. $15-$18. House of Blues, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
Apr. 11-13. See a seven-race lineup headlined by the IndyCar series, with stars like series champions Scott Dixon, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Heelio Castroneves, Takuma Sato and Juan Pablo Montoya behind the wheel. The entire family will enjoy non-stop activities in the Lifestyle Expo, Green Power Prix-View with a Family Fun Zone, concerts and more. $28-$135. 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 562.981.2600. gplb.com
Newport to Ensenada Launch Event
Apr. 13. Help kick-off the annual boat race with a day filled with family-friendly activities in Balboa Village, home of the Fun Zone. Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy live music, nautical displays, art exhibits, a La Strada dell’ Arte chalk festival, Taste of Balboa food samplings from local restaurants, children’s boat building and more. Tour a selection of official race boats docked by the ferry and learn more about some of the crews’ preparations for this world-famous event.11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 949.675.8915. balboavillage.com
The Lure of Chinatown: Painting California’s Chinese Communities at Bowers
Opens Apr. 12. Learn how artists have played a pivotal role in documenting the historical changes and contributed to the perception of California’s Chinatowns and their residents. Composed of paintings from the 19th-20th Centuries that reveal artists’ interest, curiosity, idealism and romanticism with the subject. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
Sarkisian & Sarkisian Exhibit
Opens Apr. 13. View a survey of art by Peter Sarkisian and his father, Paul, including 22 perception-challenging video sculptures by Peter and nearly a dozen 60s-era avant-garde paintings by Paul. Through July 27. Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122. ocma.net
The Big Cheese: Grilled Cheese Festival & Competition
Apr. 14. Watch Orange County chefs such as Greg Daniels, Dean Kim, Craig Brady, Noah Blom, Danny Godinez and Eric Samaniego compete as they present their own spin on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Taste the different concoctions and vote for your favorite while witnessing top chefs in action. 6-8 p.m. $18; advance tickets required. Provisions Market, 143 N. Glassell St., Orange, thebigcheese.brownpapertickets.com
Newport Beach Film Festival
Apr. 24-May 1. Catch the best of classic and contemporary film-making from around the world as the festival focuses on showcasing a diverse collection of both studio and independent films. See website for schedule. 949.253.2880. newportbeachfilmfest.com
65th Annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race
Apr. 25-27. Watch the exciting start of boats from around the world set sail from the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach to Ensenada, Mexico on Friday at 11 a.m. with the last boat passing by at approximately 1:30 p.m. at this world-famous 125-mile overnight race. Trophy presentation on Sunday at 2 p.m. 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, 949.644.1023. newporttoensenada.com
Taste of Huntington Beach
Apr. 27. Sample unlimited tastes from the area’s best restaurants such as Slaters 50/50, Eureka, Slapfish, RA Sushi, Duke’s, Sandy’s Beach Grill, Watertable, Lazy Dog Restaurant, Shades, Zimzala and more while enjoying boutique wines, craft beers, a raffle drawing, a silent auction and live entertainment by OC’s own Party Jones.12-4 p.m. $55. HB Sports Complex, 18100 Goldenwest, Huntington Beach, tastehb.com