Slow Smoked Sundaze
Beginning May 1. It’s officially BBQ season and Oak Grill is kicking it off with Slow Smoked Sundaze. Enjoy a down-home feast complete with starters (deviled eggs, a pickled plate and farmer’s salad), a main entree (baby back ribs, whole roasted catch of the day, fried chicken, beef brisket or cedar planked salmon), a choice of two sidekicks (corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, sauteed greens or cole slaw) and cornbread with honey butter. Top it all off with pecan pie or Pizookie Sundaze. Complimentary Backyard Lemonade is included, made with basil and fresh strawberries. Sundays 5-9:30 p.m. $34/pp. Oak Grill, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Irvine Improv
May 1, 5-8. Laugh with hilarious comedians David Spade and John Heffron. David Spade’s wide-spanning career includes movies like Joe Dirt and Grown Ups to CBS comedy Rules of Engagement. John Heffron, Champion of Last Comic Standing, has appeared on several late night television shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Chelsea Lately. John Heffron also remains one of a small handful of veteran performers to tape three separate Comedy Central specials. Additional May performers include Joe Rogan and Bob Saget. See website for showtimes. May 1 David Spade, May 5-8 John Heffron. $20-$35. Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvine.improv.com
AVP Huntington Beach Open
May 5-8. 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
Jackson Browne
May 6. Revel in the sounds of singer/songwriter Jackson Browne as he makes his Segerstrom Center for the Arts debut. The concert will feature both guitar and piano and performances of top hits from Jackson Browne’s most recent album, Standing In The Breach. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Amadeus
Opening May 6. Hear the glorious music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in this psychological mystery. Transport back to Vienna, 1781: the city of drama, intrigue and scandal is abuzz with the arrival of a young Mozart, who can write an opera a week but can’t control his exuberant giggling and notorious libido. Antonio Salieri—until now the royal court’s most lauded musician—recognizes Mozart’s genius, calling him “God’s magic flute.” Pious, wicked, and soon to be guilt-ridden, Salieri tries everything to subvert the success of this enfant terrible. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
OC Beerfest
May 7. 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 8th annual OC Beerfest. Breweries include Four Sons Brewing, Ballast Point, Shock Top, Strand Brewing Co., and more. VIP admission 1 p.m., General admission 2 p.m. Advance purchase $40-$50, at the door VIP $60, GA $50 (cash only). Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, 714.563.4166. orangecountybeerfest.com
Stars on Ice
May 7. See some of the world’s most creative and cherished champions perform together in both individual and ensemble routines at North America’s premier figure skating tour. Guests include three-time and reigning U.S. Champion and 2014 Olympic Bronze Medalist Ashley Wagner, 2014 U.S. Champion and 2014 Olympic Bronze Medalist Gracie Gold, four-time U.S. Champion and 2013 Olympic Bronze Medalist Jeremy Abbott and many more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $27. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 800.745.3000. starsonice.com
Beginner Modern Calligraphy
May 14. Join Kelly Hollstrom of Letter Sparrow for a workshop defining the art and structure of modern calligraphy. Learn the proper way to use tools, warm up exercises to loosen your hands as well as basic strokes and technique. Each student will receive a take home kit of Kelly’s preferred high quality supplies. This kit will include paper, a straight holder, a nib, ink, blank card with envelope, washi tape and an instruction manual. 2:30-5:30 p.m. $100. The Portal, 210 E. 4th St., Santa Ana. mlovewell.com
Laguna Beach Taste of the Nation
May 15. 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. Celebrity chefs include David Coleman of Chianina Steakhouse (Long Beach, CA), Ray Garcia of Broken Spanish (Los Angeles, CA), Walter Manzke of République (Los Angeles, CA) and many more. VIP 3-8 p.m., general admission 3-6 p.m. $200-$300. Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. ce.strength.org
Tech N9ne
May 15. Tech N9ne—American rapper whose music has been featured in film, television and video games—will rock the stage at The Observatory with his signature chopper-style rapping. Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m. $35. The Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. observatoryoc.com
Newsies
May 17-29. They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines. See an inspiring New York success story filled with one heart-pounding number after another. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
OC GreekFest
May 20-22. 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 12-10 p.m. $3. 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim, 714.827.0181. ocgreekfest.com
48th Annual Costa Mesa Speedway
May 21. 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
Doheny Blues Festival
May 21-22. 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 Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot, Tommy Castro & The Pain Killers and many more. Sa 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. $60-$430. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.360.7800. dohenybluesfestival.com
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
May 27-30. Celebrate local sports heroes—this year’s theme at the 58th annual festival—with 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
Scottish Fest USA
May 28-29. 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