Start the new year right with these 20+ top Orange County things to do in February.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
Surf City USA Marathon & Half Marathon
Through Feb. 2. Run along Pacific Coast Highway, past the historic Huntington Beach Pier and the legendary surfing beaches of Southern California, at the Surf City USA Marathon. Races include Beach Mile, 5K, half marathon and marathon; also enjoy the Active LifeStyle Expo and beer garden (ages 21+). See website for races and registration details. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 888.422.0786. runsurfcity.com
American Authors and Magic Giant
Feb. 4. Rock bands American Authors and alternative Los Angeles-based Magic Giant bring their Band of Brothers Road Show to House of Blues Anaheim. Doors open 7 p.m. $25. STC Anaheim GardenWalk, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.520.2334. houseofblues.com
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville
Feb. 4-6. The musical comedy features original songs as well as Jimmy Buffett classics including “Fins,” “Volcano” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Book is by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia and nominee Mike O’Malley. See website for showtimes. $26+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Black Truffle Experience
Feb. 5. Elevate your evening with a six-course black truffle dinner at sophisticated new French restaurant Knife Pleat. The menu by chef-owner Tony Esnault features freshly shaved black truffles from Perigord, France, in every course. Plantin Truffle Co. president Christopher Poron talks and answers questions about the magic of France’s “black diamond” 5:30-9 p.m. $255 (including tax and gratuity). Optional wine pairings, cocktails, and other beverages available for purchase. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.266.3388. knifepleat.com
Author Kevin Kwan
Feb. 6. Internationally acclaimed author Kevin Kwan—best known for his breakout debut novel Crazy Rich Asians that inspired a No. 1 movie—comes to Irvine Barclay Theatre to discuss creativity, the cultural impact of his novels and how diversity in many industries must continue to expand. 8 p.m. $48-$110. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org
Pianist Alain Lefèvre
Feb. 6-8. Renowned pianist Alain Lefèvre joins conductor Carl St.Clair and the Pacific Symphony for three nights of performances featuring Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G. The program also includes Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Doors open at 6:45 p.m, show 8 p.m. $25+. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.755.5799. scfta.org
Taste of San Juan
Feb. 6. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Assn. presents its annual Taste of San Juan. The event kicks off the Fiesta de las Golondrianas (Swallows Festival) with samplings from more than 20 eateries and live music. 6-9 p.m. $40 GA, $60 VIP. Reata Park and Event Center, 28632 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. swallowsparade.com
Tina Live with Cookie Watkins
Feb. 6-9. Touring tribute artist Cookie Watkins takes center stage for a tribute to legendary singer Tina Turner. Watkins has entertained hundreds of thousands of Tina Turner fans around the world. See website for showtimes and prices. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Wine Tasting and Oscar Celebration
Feb. 7. Lights! Camera! Wine Tasting! Newport Beach bar Mutt Lynch’s hosts an evening of wine tasting from Francis Ford Coppola Winery amid patrons’ Oscar predictions. Beer also available from local breweries. For dinner, consider a three-course menu with a selection of appetizers, entrees and dessert. Prizes awarded to winners of the Oscar Nominee Prediction Contest and raffle. Space is limited. 7-9 p.m. $40. 2300 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach, 949.675.1556. muttlynchs.com
Logger Festival
Feb. 8. Celebrate the folklore of lumberjacks with lagers and more at Lakeview Park. Guests hoot and holler for their favorite professional lumberjacks, who compete in axe-throwing competitions, two-person cross-cut sawing, chainsaw vs. cross-cut races, hot-saw racing and other activities. Attendees can test their own lumberjack skills in various activities. Taste unlimited samples of craft beers from breweries including Societe Brewing Co, Brouwerij West, Four Sons Brewing and Alpine Beer Co. Noon-5 p.m. $35 early bird, $45 GA, $50 day-of, $25 non-drinking tickets. Lakeview Park, 5305 E. Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado. loggerfest.com
The Mac King Comedy Magic Show
Feb. 8. Join Musco Center for the Arts’ final event of the three-part Topic-Based Performance series. King has been Magician of the Year at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle, appeared on seven NBC specials and had his long-running act voted among the best shows in Las Vegas. 7:30 p.m. $20-$53. Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell, Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org
Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two at Five Crowns
Feb. 13-16. Treat yourself and your loved one to a romantic evening at Five Crowns this Valentine’s Day with a decadent four-course dinner for two, courtesy of executive chef Alejandra Padilla. The prix-fixe menu offers starters such as steak tartare or seasonal mushroom soup with devonshire cream. Entrees offered include a crisp potato horseradish-crusted salmon or the classic beef Wellington. End your evening on a sweet note with indulgent dessert options such the vanilla bean crème brûlée or profiteroles. Th 5-9 p.m., F-Sa 5-10 p.m., Su 5-9 p.m. $129+ per couple. 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331. thefivecrowns.com
A Wrinkle in Time
Opens Feb. 14. Based on the classic book by Madeleine L’Engle, a new theatrical adaptation by John Glore takes viewers on an epic journey through time and space. See website for showtimes. $25-$49. Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 888.455.4212. chancetheater.com
Valentine’s Day at Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen
Feb. 14. Treat your partner to a romantic three-course prix fixe dinner at Heirloom Farmhouse Ktichen. First course options include roasted beet salad, albacore crudo or lobster bisque. The second course options are bellwether farm’s ricotta gnocchi, pan-roasted scallops or filet with grilled asparagus, chive mashed potato, crab and béarnaise. The final course includes choices such as red velvet marquise with cheesecake mousse and chocolate crumble; or chocolate dome with crunchy praline, vanilla crème brûlee and cherries. $112 per person. Marriott Irvine Spectrum, 7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.759.0200. heirloomfarmhousekitchen.com
Valentine’s Day at Watertable
Feb. 14. Elevate your Valentine’s Day date night with a three-course menu featuring highlighted items from chef Adrian Lagov’s winter menu, coupled with romantic music by guitarist Ben Woods. Stand-out menu items include grilled baby lamp chops, roasted cauliflower bisque, and a petite filet with chive mashed potatoes and red wine demi. End your evening with the “Be My Valentine” dessert for two. $70 per person. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.4776. watertablehb.com
Kid’s Pet Parade
Feb. 15. Bring your favorite pets to play and to compete for five different titles at Los Rios Park. A special Judges Choice prize will be awarded and the winner will have the opportunity to be in the Swallows Day Parade. All pets must be leashed, haltered or caged. Bring completed application to the gate. For children ages 5-12. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $5 entry fee. 31747 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976. swallowsparade.com
ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXVII
Feb. 15-16. Celebrate the annual games with professional and amateur competitions in darts, piping, drumming, massed bands, Highland dancing and Highland athletics. Festivities include border collie sheep-herding, firing demonstrations and historic reenactments. Whiskey tasting sessions with aged malt experts are available for adult festival-goers. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. GA: $25 adults, $15 kids ages 4-11; VIP: $45 adults, $35 kids ages 4-11. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0738. queenmary.com
Miranda Lambert
Feb. 20. The Grammy-nominated vocalist Miranda Lambert brings her Wildcard Tour to the Honda Center with opening performances by country singer Cody Johnson and country band LANCO. The tour features the return of Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation campaign, “Fill the Little Red Wagon.” Fans are encouraged to help shelter pets in each tour city by donating dog food, treats, supplies and cash at the venue’s entrance prior to the show. 7 p.m. $50+. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. hondacenter.com
Roberto Devereuxin Concert
Feb. 25. Baritone Quinn Kelsey performs the central role of the Duke of Nottingham in Musco Center for the Arts’ concert presentation of LA Opera’s new production of Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux. One of Donizetti’s “Tudor Trilogy” masterpieces inspired by British history, the opera is loosely based upon the historical court intrigues that led to the execution of the lover of Queen Elizabeth I. 7:30 p.m. Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell, Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org
Herb Alpert and Lani Hall
Feb. 27. The musical powerhouse husband-and-wife duo Herb Alpert and Lani Hall boast 11 Grammy Awards and countless chart-topping hits between them. They present tunes from the American songbook, jazz sets sprinkled with Brazilian rhythms and a Tijuana Brass medley. 7:30 p.m. Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell, Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org
Fun Home
Through Mar. 1. Based on the intensely personal graphic novel by American cartoonist Alison Bechdel, the stage musical chronicles Bechdel’s childhood and youth in rural Pennsylvania. Focusing on her complex relationship with her brilliant but enigmatic father, the production also addresses themes of sexual orientation, gender roles, suicide, emotional abuse, dysfunctional family life and the role literature plays in helping people understand themselves and those in their family. Not recommended for those under 13. See website for showtimes. $25-$49. Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 888.455.4212. chancetheater.com
Photos: “Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville,” Matthew Murphy. Taste of San Juan, Scott Schmitt. The Queen Mary courtesy the Queen Mary.
