Flight of Darkness at The Iron Press Costa Mesa
Feb. 3. Enjoy an evening of craft beer culture as The Iron Press in Costa Mesa features another extravagant night of indulgence showcasing some of their favorite dark beers. Taste big boozy beers like Hangar 24 Pugachev’s Cobra, Dogfish Head Olde School Barleywine and a special barrel-aged variation of Ballast Point Victory at Sea in addition to a few other goodies. On the sour side, try a special dark sour from Hoparazzi Brewing as well as the Oude Tart from The Bruery. Belching Beaver’s Peanut Butter Milk Stout and Saint Archer’s Coffee Brown will showcase the lighter side of dark beer. Indulge in food specials as you listen to tunes from DJ Lex. 5-10 p.m. Iron Press at The OC Mix, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.426.8088. theironpress.com
Dirty Dancing
Feb. 3-15. Baby and Johnny are back in this musical adapted from the 1987 film about a teenager’s budding relationship with her dance instructor while on a summer family holiday. Relive the hit songs including “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” which won the Golden Globe and Oscar for best original song. $29-$109. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Feast for the Senses at Bowers
Feb. 7. Spend a unique evening centered around the special exhibition China’s Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui with music curated by Chinese American composer Dr. Huang Ruo and featuring world-renowned pipa player Zhou Yi with Pacific Symphony musicians. Enjoy a reception and authentic Sichuan Province inspired dinner and dessert presented by Tangata. 6 p.m. $100. Reservations required by Feb. 3. Bowers Museum, 2002 Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org
Spirits in Black at Pie Society
Feb. 12. Join the speakeasy for this event featuring original and exciting cocktails and food based on heavy metal songs and artists. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails including five metal-inspired libations such as Holy Diver made with Sailor Jerry, fresh lime, yellow chartreuse, house ginger syrup, black strap rum and sparkling water and Down By the Seaside with Beefeater, house sea salt tincture, fresh lemon, sugar, egg white and house made hot sauce as well as snack foods from Kris Delee of Bourbon Steak. Rare kegs from Stone Brewing will be pouring all night and reps will be on hand to talk about beer and metal, with metal music playing all night long. 6 p.m.-12 a.m. 353 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.313.6335. piesocietybar.com
Mardi Gras at Social
Feb. 12-17. Celebrate Mardi Gras New Orleans-style with Social as Executive Chef Jeffrey Boullt prepares a special menu including masa fried frog legs with remoulade and scallions; seared foie gras with pain perdu, quince, hazelnuts and foie ganache; sweet tea lacquered gulf fish with charred okra, pineapple smoky crawfish consommé and nasturtium. Bar Director Mike West will be serving a themed cocktail called The Last Day of Sin, made with foie gras infused cognac, armanac, apple cider shrub, Herbsaint rinse with dried apricot garnish. 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.2425. socialcostamesa.com
ScotsFestival & International Highland Games at The Queen Mary
Feb. 14-15. Experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment and cuisine in ode to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy. Opening ceremonies begin with the traditional Grand Parade of Clans & Bands and daily festivities include Border Collie sheep-herding, firing demonstrations, performances by the Scots Greys Calvary, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Celtic Harp & Wren Iniquity Ensemble and historic re-enactments. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $19-$65; parking $15 daily. queenmary.com
Spa at Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Through Feb. 28. Pamper your sweetheart with the spa’s Best of Romance Package and indulge in a 60-minute Couples Massage Ritual. Relax for an additional 30-minutes of private time in the Couples Suite after your treatment with a complimentary glass of champagne and chocolate treats. $375. 949.487.7576. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, lagunacliffs.com
An Evening in Verona Fumanelli Wine Dinner and Reception
Feb. 20. Join Waterline Newport Beach for a special reception and five-course wine dinner featuring Fumanelli Winery. Start the evening with an hour-long Italian Farmer’s Market reception on the patio, followed by a decadent Northern Italian dinner. Take in the sounds of true opera talent as you dine and meet special guest, proprietor of Fumanelli, Marchesi Armando Fumanelli. 6-10 p.m. $150. Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 888.894.2788. balboabayresort.com
Billy Idol
Feb. 22. Catch the rock icon famous for his lip-curling sneer and fist-pumping persona on his Kings & Queens of the Underground Live tour as he stops in Santa Ana’s The Observatory to perform new hit “Can’t Break Me Down” among many of his hits such as “Dancing With Myself,” “Rebel Yell” and “Hot in the City.” Oklahoma’s Broncho appears as a special guest, promoting their new album Just Enough Hip to be Woman. The Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. observatoryoc.com
Top Chef Duo Dinner at Twenty Eight
Feb. 25-26. Attend this special dinner where Chef Shirley Chung and Chef Nina Compton present a seven-course collaborative menu inspired by their competition dishes on Top Chef Season 11. The dinner will culminate with Twenty Eight’s noted black & white dessert made with house-pressed soybean milk panna cotta, black sesame and sea salt ice cream topped with a sesame tuile . Benefits No Kid Hungry. Two seatings from 5-6 p.m. and 7:30-8:30 p.m. $188; add $68 for wine and cocktail pairings. 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.852.2828. twentyeightoc.com
Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings
Feb. 27. Watch the Pacific Division title-holders face off against their freeway rivals, the Los Angeles Kings. 7 p.m. $38-$391. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com