Watertable Wine Dinner: Cambria Estate Winery
May 3. Watertable invites you to indulge on a five-course tasting menu with select pairings from Cambria Estate Winery. Menu highlights include Skuna Bay salmon crudo with Cambria Clone 4 Pinot Noir 2014 and Colorado lamb rack with Cambria Tepusquest Vineyard Syrah 2013. Winemaker Denise Shurtleff hosts the event. See website for full menu. 6 p.m. $125/pp. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4885. watertablehb.com
AVP Huntington Beach Open
May 4-7. The AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour hits Huntington Beach with the world’s best beach volleyball talent, and an ultimate beach festival with interactive activations, music, food and more. General admission is free; however tickets are available to special covered premium seating areas that feature a hosted lounge. See website for schedule of events. Free. 1 Main St., Huntington Beach. avp.ticketspice.com
The Monster Builder
Opening May 5. Laugh along with this outrageous comedy about the world’s most celebrated architect and a peculiar project he’s embarked on. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $20. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
Fiesta Yacht Party
May 5-6. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with specialty margaritas, authentic street tacos and dancing. Cruise on a beautiful luxury yacht in Newport Harbor equipped with one-of-a-kind margaritas, an array of bottomless street tacos, quesadillas, mini burritos and churros; all while listening to the beats of top 40 music and Latin hits. Tickets include four specialty margaritas, unlimited taco bar and apps and more. 21 and over. 6:30-10 p.m. $69. Royal Princess Yacht, 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.485.6543. annualyachtparties.com
La Habra Citrus Fair
May 5-7. Enjoy carnival rides, fair-style food (think funnel cakes and cotton candy), live entertainment and the famous Bubble Parade. The fair also includes a livestock auction and youth expo, arts and crafts vendors and entertainment especially chosen in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Discounted ride tickets are available for pre-purchase online. See website for full schedule and multiple locations. $3-$6/per ride. 321 E. La Habra Blvd., between Cypress and Euclid Streets, La Habra, 562.697.1704. citrusfair.com
OC Marathon
May 7. Tour through Newport Beach, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa with a full or half marathon. Bring the kids for the Kids Run, or for less experienced runners, opt for Wahoo’s 5k. Registration includes access to the Health & Fitness Expo. Registration fees and race times vary, see website for details. Parking F-Sa $8, Su $10. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 949.222.0456. ocmarathon.com
OC Beerfest
May 13. Indulge in dozens of international and domestic beers, savor fare from a handful of food trucks (food sold separately) and listen to a variety of bands providing live entertainment at the 9th annual OC Beerfest. Among the 50 participating breweries are Guinness, Left Coast, Golden Road Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing and more. VIP admission noon, General admission 1 p.m. Advance purchase $45-$55. Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, 714.563.4166. orangecountybeerfest.com
Newport Beach Spirit Tasting: 2017 SIP Awards
May 13. Taste and rate spirits from all over the world in this world-renowned spirit tasting competition. With last year’s record of 462 brands entering the playing field and over 30+ spirits to choose from, learn how to effectively taste fine spirits in the categories of mezcal, scotch, moonshine and many more. Enjoy appetizers, refreshments and special giveaways. SoCalPulse readers receive a 35 percent discount by following the link below. Pre-register and purchase tickets online. 1-5 p.m. Tickets start at $22.75 (SoCalPulse exclusive). Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach. sipawards.com
West Coast BBQ Classic
May 13. Get ready for a finger lickin’ afternoon full of barbecue, games, contests and more. Join the Queen Mary for the 6th annual West Coast BBQ Classic where amateur and expert grill masters are invited to take part in a classic showdown. Savor barbecue styles from across the country—from Texas slow-cooked hickory to southern Memphis-style. Enjoy live entertainment on two different stages from country music sensation Dean Kalogris, DJ Rod Epic and more artists to be announced. Don’t forget the watermelon and cobbler eating contests! 11 a.m.-6 p.m. General admission $18-$34; Parking $20. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 800.437.2934. queenmary.com
49th Annual Costa Mesa Speedway
May 13. Experience the most exciting, colorful and unpredictable live action racing event in the nation. Costa Mesa Speedway gives you a seat in front of all the action for the first round of the American Motorcyclist Association National Championship Series. 6-10 p.m. $10-$20, parking $8. OC Fair & Event Center, Grandstand Arena, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 949.492.9933. costamesaspeedway.net
Stars on Ice
May 13. See all the ice-carving action from U.S. skaters competing for gold in the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Emmy Award-winning production will be the ultimate preview of the U.S. figure skating team that will compete in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Nathan Chen and Karen Chen, who both captured gold medals with their spectacular performances at the 2017 National Championships, will headline the show. Medal hopefuls, including three-time U.S. Champion and 2016 World silver medalist Ashley Wagner, reigning two-time U.S. champion Gracie Gold, and 2015 U.S. Ice Dance champions and two-time World medalists Madison Chock and Evan Bates, will skate alongside a star-studded cast that will also include reigning Olympic Ice Dance gold medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White, and four-time U.S. Champion and Olympic bronze medalist Jeremy Abbott. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $27. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. starsonice.com
Chris Brown: The Party Tour
May 16. Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Chris Brown headlines The Party Tour, which also features artists 50 Cent, Fabolous, O.T. Genasis and Kap G. Brown kicks off the party as his friends join him throughout the night. The anthem of the night was teased in Brown’s current single “Party” featuring Gucci Mane and Usher. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.778.2583. hondacenter.com
Chateau Montelena Wine Dinner
May 16. Indulge on a four-course wine dinner featuring vines from Chateau Montelena Winery. Menu pairings include smoked Chilean sea bass with a prosciutto-wrapped artichoke hearts salad and aged balsamic reduction paired with a 2014 Napa Chardonnay; and Parmesan cheese-stuffed filet Mignon and lobster tail with asparagus lemongrass risotto paired with both a 2014 and 2012 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. See website for full menu. 6:30 p.m. $135/pp. 21 Oceanfront, 2100 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Opening May 19. Relive a childhood favorite—a hilarious tale of sibling rivalry—with the stage adaption of Judy Bloom’s book, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $27. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
OC GreekFest
May 19-21. Celebrate the best of Greek food, music, dancing and culture. The fest features authentic Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries; traditional Greek dancing and Greek music; an outdoor marketplace and expansive “Kidz Zone” with carnival rides, games and other children’s activities, and much more. F 3-10 p.m., Sa-Su noon-10 p.m. $3. 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim, 714.827.0181. ocgreekfest.com
Doheny Blues Festival
May 20-21. Rock out to three different stages of music while enjoying micro brew tastings and wine lounges. The lineup of performers include rock, R&B and blues legends like Melissa Etheridge, Joe Walsh, Chris Isaak and many more. Sa 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. $75-$140. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.360.7800. dohenybluesfestival.com
Laguna Beach Taste of the Nation
May 21. Enjoy an afternoon of tastings, wines, signature cocktails and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. A number of high-profile chefs will come together to prepare farm-to-table delicacies in honor of Share Our Strength’s mission to end childhood hunger. Also enjoy a silent and live auction and live entertainment. Guest chefs include Los Angeles-based chefs Jason Neroni (Rose Cafe), Dakota Weiss (Estrella, Sweetfin Poke), Eric Samaniego (Michael’s On Naples) and more. 2-7 p.m. $300. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. ce.strength.org
North Italia Community Dinner
May 22. Experience traditional yet modern homemade Italian food during North Italia’s 4-course spring community dinner. Indulge on seasonal flavors with menu items antipasto carpaccio con fiori di zucca ripieni (shaved grass fed beef, squash blossoms, goat cheese and tomato conserva), primo tagliolini burro e salvia (hand cut tagliatelle, brown butter, meyer lemon, sage, grana Padano), secondo agnolotti del plin (short rib, roasted mushroom, robiola and Barolo) and dolce bonèt (chocolate pudding, hazelnuts and amaretti cookie). 6-8 p.m. $65. 2957 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.629.7060. northitaliarestaurant.com
Yappy Hour
May 25. Canines and their companions are invited to a special cocktail party—Yappy Hour. Dapper dogs, haute hounds and classy canines are invited to party with other pups and pooches and lap up libations such as bacon, chicken, and beef-infused water and the ever popular house-made dog biscuits, while their companions relax with a glass of Mutt Lynch Unleashed Chardonnay, Merlot Over and Play Dead, or Chateau d’Og Cabernet Sauvignon. Cocktails, beer and a savory selection of barbecue items are also available for purchase. As part of the resort’s Community Footprints program, proceeds from Yappy Hour will benefit The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. 5-8 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 26-29. Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at the 59th annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival. Festivities include a giant strawberry cake cutting ceremony, a Strawberry Stomp 5K Run, a VIP Celebrity Breakfast and much more. A parade will feature floats, bands, equestrians and characters like Knott’s Berry Farm’s Snoopy. Enjoy over 35 carnival rides, contests, games and more. See website for full schedule of events. F 1-10 p.m., Sa-Su 10 a.m.-10 p.m., M 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Rides from $1. Village Green between Main Street and Euclid Ave., Downtown Garden Grove, 714.638.0981. strawberryfestival.org
Newport Beach Beerfest
May 27. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with unlimited tastes of more than 150 of the best craft beer, wine and spirits available. Find more than 60 participating breweries on hand, including Stone Brewing Co., Bootlegger’s Brewery, Hangar 24, Valiant Brewing Company and Left Coast Brewing Co. Beyond unlimited tastes of craft beer, wine and spirits, enjoy a food truck tasting village featuring 15 local food trucks including Bacon Nation, Rain Cajun, Mess Hall, Eat em Up and Mexico Calbi to name a few. Enjoy live entertainment by The Black Eyed Tease paying tribute to The Black Eyed Peas with chart-topping hits, No Duh, the renowned No Doubt tribute band and Bass Punks spinning the ultimate party mix to get you on the dance floor. General admission 7-10 p.m., $35; VIP 6 p.m. entry, $50. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.3863. newportbeachbeerfest.com
Scottish Fest USA
May 27-28. Experience Southern California’s largest Scottish and Celtic festival. Indulge your senses to the sounds of bagpipes and drums, the flavors and smells of authentic Celtic foods and the sights of traditional kilts, dancing competitions and more. Take the opportunity this Memorial Day weekend to honor and give thanks to the men and women of the military with a memorial service on Sunday morning. All ages welcome. See website for schedule of events. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Order tickets online. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. scottishfest.com
Boots on the Beach: Nashville Meets Newport
May 28. Grab your cowboy hats and dancing boots for the 2nd annual country fest at The Newport Dunes. Enjoy craft beer tasting and BBQ all evening long and listen to live music from PicklebackShine, Southern California’s premier top 40 country cover band. The Kelley Boys will be teaching you all the right moves—learn to line dance, the Electric Slide, The Two Step, the Cowboy Cha Cha and more. 5-10 p.m. Free. $10 parking. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 800.765.7661. newportdunes.com
The Bodyguard
Opening May 28. See the exciting story of a former Secret Service agent hired to protect a superstar from a stalker. Enjoy classic tunes like “Saving All my Love,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and the huge hit, “I Will Always Love You.” See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
LA Times’ Food Bowl at SOCO and The OC Mix
May 30. Meet the Chefs and culinary experts at SOCO and The OC Mix for the event LA Times’ Food Bowl. Enjoy Chef Talks, where you may ask questions to SOCO’s extraordinary culinary crafters, taste their creations, and then stay for dinner at any of SOCO’s award winning restaurants. Live entertainment. RSVP encouraged. 5-8 p.m. Free. 3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. socoandtheocmix.com
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An American in Paris
Through May 7. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of an American soldier and a mysterious French girl who yearn for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
King of the Road
Through May 14. See the stage adaptation of the true story of Grammy Award-winning, wisecracking country star and Tony Award-winning Broadway composer Roger Miller. See website for showtimes. Tickets start at $66. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com