With spring in full bloom, Orange County brings you food and wine festivals, family-friendly festivities, Easter happenings and more. See our list of 30+ top Orange County things to do in April.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
Egg-cellent Easter Egg Display
April 1-30. Visit the seaside resort to view 8-foot eggs painted and designed by celebrated local artists and surfboard shapers, including Trevor Mezak, James Galindo, Robin Hiers, Kym de los Reyes, Matt Parker, Album Surf and, new this year, Jessica Osbourne. Each egg evokes a different inspiration—from beautiful Southern California beaches and surf culture to art legends and nature. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com
Wine Down Wednesday Cruise
April 4. Hop aboard part of Hornblower Cruises & Events’ signature series cruises. Enjoy appetizers, wines from Regal Wine Company and Cambria Wines and live music by South Bay Duo. Wine, beer and cocktails are available for purchase. Boards at 5:30 p.m., sails 6-8 p.m. $65. Hornblower South, 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.631.2469. hornblower.com
Festival Styling Event at Gorjana
April 4. Head over to the brick-and-mortar location to stock up on jewelry for the upcoming festivals. Expect beverages, a raffle and music while Gorjana’s team helps you style your festival look. The first 25 guests to arrive can build their own complimentary flower crown with The Crown Collective. 5-7 p.m. Free. 190 Beach St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8166. Info
Desert Calling at Elysewalker
April 5-6. Looking forward to the heat? Drop in for a special event to get desert ready. View designer and fashion lines by Jacquie Aiche, Re/Done and Golden Goose. Browse festival fashion and jewelry, then get custom embroidery on your new outfit. F 1-4 p.m., Sa 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lido Marina Village, 3444 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 949.612.2646. lidomarinavillage.com
Lea Salonga
April 5. Internationally renowned and Tony Award winner vocalist Lea Salonga takes center stage to perform songs from her many Broadway credits, her Disney animated features (Aladdin and Mulan) and a selection of her other favorite tunes. 8 p.m. $49. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Luxology Cocktail Class
April 5. Create, taste and learn interactively about Patron Tequila at Coliseum Pool & Grill’s luxe poolside setting. 21+. 2-4 p.m. $40. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Beach, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com
Outdoor Movie Night
April 5. Cozy up for a movie night featuring Oscar-nominated film A Star is Born on the Pelican Hill event lawn. Tickets include complimentary valet parking and popcorn. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and low-height lawn chairs. Beer and wine available for purchase. 18+. Doors open at 7 p.m., film starts around 7:30 p.m. $20. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. Tickets
Mayumana’s CURRENTS
April 6. Featuring gifted performers from around the globe, one of Israel’s leading cultural exports Mayumana brings its spectacular new show CURRENTS to Segerstrom Hall. This modern work is inspired by the rivalry between the early developers of electricity Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Described by Time Out New York as “cutting-edge blend of movement and technology,” Mayumana combines song, dance and percussion for innovative, immersive and visually striking performances. 7:30 p.m. $39. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Princess Tea & Story Time
April 6, 20. The Resort at Pelican Hill presents a magical afternoon tea time in the Great Room Social Lounge with special princess appearances and readings of classic children’s storybooks by the fireside. 2-4 p.m. $65 adults, $45 children under 12 (parent supervision is required for all children in attendance). 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com
Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco and Music Festival
April 6-7. Get a taste of over 150 craft beers, tacos, Lucha Libre-style wrestling and live music at this annual festival. Taco vendors include Chicana Vegana, Panchos Tacos and Good Fellas Taco Catering. Fans of sweets can enjoy Coned Ice Cream’s beer-infused ice creams. Featured performances include The Offspring, Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, Descendents, Good Charlotte and Black Flag. 21+. 1-9 p.m. $49.50-$209.50. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 888.512.7469. sabrosotacofest.com
Taste of Fountain Valley
April 6. Come hungry to the 16th annual tasting event that showcases a variety of delectable sips and bites from more than 40 local restaurants, caterers, bakeries, beverage vendors, wineries and breweries. Full pours from wineries and breweries are available for purchase, as well as musical entertainment, a silent auction and raffle. 5:30-9 p.m. $15-$45. Los Cab Sports Village, 17272 Newhope St., Fountain Valley. Tickets.
HAM x KIT Spring Pop-Up
April 7. Elevate your evening with an exclusive, experience-based five-course pop-up dinner (with optional wine pairings). Entrées to look forward to include braised abalone, ricotta “sujebi” (traditional Korean hand-pulled dough soup) and “dweji bulgogi” (marinated pork) ribs. 21+. 7:30-10 p.m. $69, $110 with wine pairings. Kit Coffee, 1651 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.322.1535. Tickets
Cats
April 9-14. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including best musical, Cats tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this record-breaking musical has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. $29+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
P!NK
April 13. Grammy Award-winning international pop icon P!NK is returning to Orange County with her Beautiful Trauma world tour, this time with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Julia Michaels as the special guest. 7:30 p.m. $78.95+. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com
San Clemente Microbrew Fest
April. 13. Gather your friends to sample micro-brews from all over Southern California at this annual festival. Participating vendors include Oggis Sports Brewhouse Pizza, The Bruery and Four Sons Brewing Co. Popular food trucks, such as Brew Wings, are serving up grub while local bands perform throughout the day. VIP noon, GA 1-5 p.m. $40 GA presale, $45 GA at the door, $50 VIP. Left Coast Brewing, 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. scchamber.com
Shen Yun
April 16-28. Watch the spirit of China’s 5,000 years of civilization come to life with music, dance and acrobatics. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. See website for show times. $80+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Tapestry, the Carole King Songbook
April 17-21. Be transported back to the sound and vibe of a 1970s concert experience with North America’s premier musical tribute to Carole King. This show not only performs songs from the record-breaking, Grammy-winning album of the same name, but also Carole’s follow-up hits that continued throughout the ’70s. See website for schedule and ticket prices. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2728. lagunaplayhouse.com
Beast Feast
April 18. Dine with chef Cesar Sarmiento for the second installment of this primal dinner series that utilizes the entire animal instead of specific cuts. Buffalo (a.k.a bison) kicks off the first of two, intimate family-style dinners with tuna to follow on July 18. 6:30 p.m. $84. Cucina Enoteca Newport Beach, 951 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.861.2222. urbankitchengroup.com
Easter Brunch at Oak Grill
April 21. Brimming with holiday brunch selections, spend your Easter Sunday at Oak Grill’s fireside patio. Expect live-action stations filled with traditional brunch favorites, made-to-order specialties and desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth, plus bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, and margaritas to top off the morning. Call to make reservations. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $109 adults; $29 children ages 5-12; children 4 and under free. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. fashionislandhotel.com
Disney’s California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Through April 23. Indulge in bites and booze at one of the happiest places on earth—Disney’s California Adventure. Expect festival booths with everything from California produce to coastal dishes and stand-alone beer and wine outposts. Beyond the food and drink, enjoy cooking demonstrations from California chefs, wine education and tasting seminars and beer and spirit seminars. See website for more details. Festival is an additional cost to park admission. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. disneyland.com
Silverado Vineyards Wine Dinner
April 23. Executive chef Jesus Mendoza and the culinary team at 21 Oceanfront presents an exclusive wine dinner featuring Silverado Vineyards wines paired with each course. With winemaker Jon Emmerich in attendance, enjoy lobster ceviche for the first course, followed by a spring garden box salad. The third course is venison bolognese with house truffle fettuccine, followed by braised pork shank with smoked black grape glaze for entrée. Finish off dinner with a caramel apple cheesecake for dessert. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. $125 (excludes tax and gratuity). 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.673.2100. 21oceanfront.com
Whiskey Wednesday at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
April 23. Known for its expansive whiskey collection and famed whiskey room, Bosscat’s favorite event is back—Whiskey Wednesday. Enjoy a coursed chef-inspired meal, a tasting flight highlighting Heaven Hill Distillery’s favorite expressions including Elijah Craig, a hands-on cocktail crafting demonstration, special gifts from the distillery and raffle prizes. 7-9 p.m. $75. 4647 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.333.0917. Tickets
Daou Wine Dinner
April 25. Dine with chef Brittany Valles as she serves a four-course menu to pair with wines produced at family-owned Daou Vineyards & Winery. A representative from Daou will attend to interact with guests. Hors d’oeuvres at the cocktail reception include mini beef Wellingtons and truffle-mushroom arancini. Main courses include Faroe Island salmon, the Little Gem Salad, Duo of Lamb and Gianduja Crémeux for dessert. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. $145, plus tax and gratuity. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. oakgrillnb.com
Southern California Spring Garden Show
April 25-28. Notable landscape designers have partnered with local home stores to create Southern California lifestyle displays that will provide inspiration for your own house and garden. Activities include cooking classes conducted by chefs from South Coast Plaza’s restaurants, a tour of palm varieties around South Coast Plaza and more than 70 complimentary seminars. Free. Th-F 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sa 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store Wings, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888. southcoastplaza.com
California Wine Festival
April 26-27. Sip on fine wines and taste a variety of delicacies at this elegant VIP event for true fine wine lovers, surrounded by the ocean at the Dana Point Yacht Club. F 6:30-9 p.m., Sa 1-4 p.m. $70-$110 single day, $175 two-day, $35 designated driver. 24399 Dana Drive; and Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. californiawinefestival.com
Hundred Acre Dinner with the Winemaker
April 26. Join Hundred Acre owner and winemaker Jayson Woodbridge for an intimate wine dinner featuring his Napa Valley wines, including cult favorites such as the opulent Cabernet Sauvignon that made the label famous. These wines will be paired with six seasonally inspired courses from Andrea’s Chef de Cuisine. Call for reservations. 6:30 p.m. $795. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com
Back to the Beach Festival
April 27-28. Dig your toes in the sand for a family-friendly weekend festival inside Huntington State Beach featuring great food, drinks and local artisans from the vendor village. This years lineup includes blink-182, The Used, Goldfinger with special guests, Reel Big Fish, The Story So Far, Anthony Green, Streetlight Manifesto, The Aquabats, Less Than Jake, The Wonder Years, Save Ferris and Story of the Year. VIP Lounge for ages 21+. Doors open at noon. $39.99-$249.50 adults, free for children under 10 (with paid adult admission). Huntington State Beach, 21601 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach. backtothebeachfest.com
Butter, Flower, Sugar with Danielle Keene
April 27. Learn from Sheila Mae owner and Top Chef: Just Desserts finalist Danielle Keene, as she shows you how to embrace flower power this spring and add a special floral twist to your favorite sweet treats. 2-4 p.m. Free. Macy’s South Coast Plaza Home Store – Stonewall Kitchen, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa. Tickets
Day of Design
April 27. Get crafty and explore spring trends at this all-day design function. Experience a lineup of workshops and sessions that introduce new products and collections, as well as the newest styles and concepts in home design to look out for in the future. Showrooms participating include Pirch, Cisco Home, Design Within Reach, Hay, Timothy Oulton, Brown Jordan and Ligne Roset. The first 75 guests to arrive at check-in the morning of the event will receive a complimentary “Day of Design” swag bag filled with giveaways, promos and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $25. SOCO & The OC Mix, 3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa. socodayofdesign.com
Earth Day Celebration
April 27-28. Join the Aquarium of the Pacific for a weekend of family fun celebrating Earth Day while learning simple, everyday tips to protect the environment. Visit booths from various Earth-friendly organizations, and participate in hands-on learning demonstrations for people of all ages. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with Aquarium admission ($30 adults, $18 ages 3-11). 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100. aquariumofpacific.org
OC STEAM Fest
April 27. Come one, come all to learn, discover and play at this exciting community event featuring games and activities related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Look forward to human foosball, dancing robots, LEGO engineering, virtual reality, live performances and food trucks. 2-7 p.m. $10 presale online for children ages 4-17, free for adults and children 3 and under, $15 at the door. Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way, Irvine, 949.263.8340. ipsf.net
Dogs on Deck Cruise
April 28. Bring your pooch aboard for a lunch cruise in the scenic Newport Beach harbor. Enjoy lunch with wine, beer and cocktails available for purchase, but your furry friend gets pet snacks sponsored by Petco, along with a dog relief area set up on the sun deck of the yacht. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society to help dogs in need. Boards at noon, cruises from 12:30-2:30 p.m. $65 adults, free for dogs. Hornblower South, 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.631.2469. hornblower.com
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival
Through April 28. Make merry at America’s first theme park for the annual boysenberry fest. Indulge in over 75 one-of-a-kind boysenberry-inspired dishes and drinks. Don’t forget to try appetizing bites of ribs, grilled chicken, alligator and more smothered in Knott’s very own farm-made boysenberry barbecue sauce. See website for prices and park hours throughout festival. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Taste of Huntington Beach
April 28. Get a taste of endless samples from over 50 local restaurants in Huntington Beach, paired with the finest wines in California and unlimited sips from local breweries. Enjoy live entertainment by The Ramsey Brothers Band. VIP reception 11 a.m.-noon, GA noon-4 p.m. $60 GA, $80 VIP. HB Sports Complex, 18100 Goldenwest Ave., Huntington Beach. tastehb.com
Wine Down Wednesday Cruise photo courtesy Hornblower Cruises & Events. Outdoor Movie Nigth photo courtesy Pelican Hill. California Wine Festival photo by Luis Esparza. Dogs on Deck Cruise photo by Hornblower Cruises & Events.
