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Every Top Event To Know About This March In Orange County

It's hard to believe we're already welcoming the month of March. With spring right around the corner, the Easter Bunny is ready to hop into town and the weather is bound to start warming up soon. As you enjoy this new month, a variety of live stage shows, concerts, workshops, sports competitions and child-friendly events are just waiting to be explored. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to find something on this list to keep you busy.
March 1, 2018
Free Watercolor Demo
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
www.themuck.org
Watch this free art demonstration, during which plein air artist Joe Cibere will reveal his best watercolor techniques. This event will be held in conjunction with the center's current exhibition, titled "H20MG! Watercolor Gone Wild."
March 1-11, 2018
"The King and I"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
Enjoy a famous story about the King of Siam, who hired a British schoolteacher to come to Bangkok to teach his wives and children. In the special Rodgers & Hammerstein's production, however, she teaches him a little something as well.
March 1-17, 2018

 

"The Great Compromise"
University Art Gallery, Irvine
uag.arts.uci.edu
This special art showcase, held on the UCI campus, celebrates the artistic compromise of 10 artists who were earning their MFA last year. The varied artists include Brandon Davis, Yubo Dong, Anna Ialeggio, Maximilian Karnig, Kristy Lovich, Ariel McCleese and more.
March 1-25, 2018
Luzia
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.cirquedusoleil.com
Cirque du Soleil returns to Orange County with a brand new show, focusing on light, water and the culture of Mexico. Enjoy a variety of gymnastic jumps and twists as well as contortionists, trapeze artists and more as the talented performers showcase unique skills and effects.

"The Graduate"
Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaplayhouse.com
During most of the month of March, audiences can enjoy the popular tale of "The Graduate" on a local stage. This production features Melanie Griffith in the role of Mrs. Robinson, a seductress who tempts over-achieving Benjamin—though he later falls for her daughter, Elaine.

March 1-31, 2018
"Women in Art"
Las Laguna Gallery, Laguna Beach
www.laslagunagallery.com
Female artists are on display on this gender-specific exhibit, held in honor of Women's History Month. A blend of oil and acrylic paintings, mixed media pieces, digital art, photography, illustrations and more will be shown from more than 30 female artists.
March 2, 2018
Gogol Bordello
The Observatory, Santa Ana
www.observatoryoc.com
One of Orange County's biggest venues brings a one-night performance by Gogol Bordello, a gypsy punk band that originated from New York in the late 1990s. The band aims to bring Eastern European music to America, and to get new listeners to always have a great time.
March 2-8, 2018
Screenings of Oscar-Nominated Short Films
The Frida Cinema, Santa Ana
www.thefridacinema.org
The art house theater near 4th Street Market will show screenings of a variety of Oscar-nominated short films, both before and after the awards ceremony has taken place. It will show genres like animated, documentary, live action and more.
March 2-11, 2018
Tomatomania!
Roger's Gardens, Corona del Mar
www.rogersgardens.com
Now in its sixth year, this tomato plant sale will allow visitors to pick up the finest plants with which to grow their own vegetables this year. With more than 200 varieties of plants, including heirloom and hybrid tomatoes, buy some of your own or attend daily educational seminars.
March 2-30, 2018
Stargazing
The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
www.theranchlb.com
On Friday nights, stop by The Ranch for a special event in the resort's secluded canyon. Hide between the walls in the darkness and get ready to see stars light up the entire night sky. An astronomer will be on-hand to answer questions and offer information.
March 2 – April 12, 2018
California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
www.disneyland.com
Disneyland is known for its incredible array of fun foods, but that variety is intensified each March with the Food & Wine Festival at the California Adventure park. Enjoy everything from tastings at kiosks and cooking demonstrations to beer and wine pairing dinners.
March 3, 2018
Living Greener Series: Toy Swap
Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach
www.encenter.org
Rather than buying new toys for your kids to play with, consider swapping them at the ENC this month. Bring anywhere between 1 and 30 toys, and you'll take home the same number you donate, giving your kids new toys to play with while reducing the effects on the landfill.

Facialworks Grand Opening
Pacific City, Huntington Beach
www.thefacialworks.com
This skincare company makes its debut at a local shopping complex, offering a grand opening party to remember. Enjoy everything from drinks and appetizers to fun giveaways and mini facials from 4 to 8 p.m.

Citrus Care and Pruning Workshop
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.ocfair.com
Orange groves used to cover Orange County, but now that the trees have dwindled in number, it's important to take care of the ones that are still here. Join Isabel Barkman as she covers how to select the site for the tree, the variety, the planting process, irrigation and more.

Hamiltunes: An American Sing-Along
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
In anticipation of the upcoming production of "Hamilton," the public is invited to a giant sing-along. Costumes are encouraged so dress up and head down to join host Seth Rudetsky for a two-hour event during which locals will lead songs and the audience will sing it loud.

Night at the Cube
Discovery Cube, Santa Ana
oc.discoverycube.org
Load up your sleeping bags and pajamas and hop in the car to spend the night at the Discovery Cube. This sleepover is a great way to explore the museum's exhibits, but guests will also experience interactive activities and two meals.

On the Town Gala
Hotel Irvine, Irvine
www.pacificsymphony.org
The annual gala for the Pacific Symphony is 1940s New York-themed, offering carriage rides through Central Park and performances at Carnegie Hall as well as special delicacies from street carts in the city. There will also be a live auction and dancing as well.

March 3-4, 2018
!Ay! with Eva Yerbabuena
Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
www.thebarclay.org
This special flamenco solo dance performance by Eva Yerbabuena will captivate views. Accompanied by live musicians, she will present everything from impressive footwork to a slew of emotion that the audience will feel firsthand.
March 3-4 and 10-11, 2018
Festival of Whales
Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
www.danapointharbor.com
Go on whale watching tours, watch locals march in the annual parade or visit the street fair that takes place after the parade ends for local fare and fun activities and vendors. Other events during the event include a sand sculpting competition and marine mammal lectures.
March 3 – May 26, 2018
"It Passes Like a Thought"
Beall Center for Art + Technology, Irvine
beallcenter.uci.edu
Combining media and wildlife, this unique exhibit focuses on the work of seven modern artists who include birds in various ways. From visual diversity in different species to the mimic of bird sounds, this showcase reveals the vulnerability and fleetingness that they bring.
March 4, 2018
An Evening With Oscar
The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach
www.pelicanhill.com
Hit a red carpet of your own the night of the Academy Awards, with a themed party that will allow you cast your own ballet before the show begins. Then, enjoy an Oscars-themed menu, specialty cocktails and popcorn as you watch the big reveals live.
March 4-10, 2018
Orange County Restaurant Week
Various Locations
www.ocrestaurantweek.com
This 10th annual celebration honors the finest restaurants in all of Orange County, offering special menus at fixed prices. Spend anywhere from $10-$20 for lunch or $20-$50 for dinner, with more than 150 local restaurants participating throughout the week.
March 6, 2018

Mosaic Reliefs Workshop
Brea Gallery, Brea
www.breagallery.com
Learn a grout-free mosaic technique during this special workshop, then create a unique project using recycled materials to find varied textures, colors and patterns. In addition to design methods, participants will learn to cut the mosaic pieces and find inspiration for new works.

Practical Pepper Garden
Roger's Gardens, Corona del Mar
www.rogersgardens.com
Expert David Rizzo hosts this Tomatomania event, where he will discuss why peppers are easy to grow as well as how to pamper the vegetables while they grow to make sure that they thrive. The free hour-long seminar will start at 9 a.m.

March 7, 2018
Casa Wellness: Yoga
Casa Romantica, San Clemente
www.casaromantica.org
In an effort to enhance the wellness of its guests in 2018, Casa Romantic is hosting monthly yoga sessions, which combine a variety of different types and styles of the practice to create a unique, integrated class that is perfect for beginners and experts alike.
March 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2018
Aquatic Academy
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
www.aquariumofpacific.org
This four-week series, which takes place each Wednesday evening, will utilize experts to examine the rising sea levels and melting of the ice caps. It will also examine which parts of California are most vulnerable to sea level rise as well as possible solutions.
March 8, 2018
Historic Re-Enactment Interview with Dr. Bullard
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
www.fullertonarboretum.org
This re-enactment will be one to remember as Dr. James Hovey Bullard travels back in time via a time machine to discuss his memories of O.C.'s history and mysteries from more than 80 years ago. In a fun twist, his great-grandson, Andy Alison, is portraying Bullard.
Through March 8, 2018
MFA Tributary Exhibition
Laguna Beach City Hall, Laguna Beach
www.lcad.edu
Students from the Laguna College of Art + Design's MFA painting program will display a sample of works at the local city hall gallery, incorporating aspects of the styles of the artists that have influenced them and those that came before.
March 8-10, 2018
Big West Tournament
Honda Center, Anaheim
www.hondacenter.com
Four men's quarterfinal basketball games will take place on opening night as the Big West Tournament returns to the Honda Center for the eighth year. Semifinals and championship games for both men and women will continue throughout Saturday night.
March 9, 2018
Golden Boy Boxing
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.goldenboytickets.com
Witness two fights at the OC Fair & Event Center this month. The night kicks off with Alexis Rocha and Aaron McKenna before moving on to the headlining fight between Ronny Rios vs. Azat Hovhannisyan. It starts early, at 4 p.m., and will be televised on ESPN.
March 9-25, 2018
"The Cripple of Inishmaan"
Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano
www.caminorealplayhouse.org
Taking place on Stage II, "The Cripple of Inishmaan" offers a glimpse into Irish storytelling. A lot of unique comedic aspects are thrown in to this dark production, which takes place in 1934 as a film crew films a movie on the coast of Ireland and a young cripple aims to get a role.
March 10, 2018
iPhone Tips and Tricks Workshop
Bluebird Canyon Farms, Laguna Beach
www.bluebirdcanyonfarms.com
Delve into the basics of your iPhone with these workshops led by Paul Schmid. With a session at 10 a.m. and another at 2 p.m., guests will learn how to optimize their cellular data, how apps are designed, how to use the Spotlight feature and much more during the workshop.

Primitive Skills Society Meeting
Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach
www.encenter.org
Part of a series dedicated to learning primitive skills, this meeting for the month of March will focus on hand drills, bow drills and knife sharpening before moving on to a meal cooked over a campfire at the nature center.

¡DAMAS! Celebrating Women Creators
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
Celebrate International Women's Day in the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza as local powerful females share their voices and encourage you to find yours. Live speakers and musicians will share stories and songs about women, diversity and much more. There will be a complimentary yoga class as well.

March 10 – June 3, 2018
"American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times"
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
Though his presidency was short-lived, John F. Kennedy left a lasting impact on the country as one of the most progressive presidents. Now, take a look at his life and career through more than 70 photographs that offer an intimate view into his travels, his marriage, his presidency and more.
March 11, 2018
Brewing Wild Beers
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
www.fullertonarboretum.org
Instructor Pascal Baudar will lead a plant-based workshop that combines flora with one very popular drink: beer. The class will discuss the best ways to brew your own wild beer using a variety of local plants for fermentation.

Swing Into Spring Open House
The Potting Shed, Orange
www.tpshomeandgarden.com
Decorating for spring is always an amazing task, and there's no better way to find chic home goods than by visiting a spring-centric open house. Check out the shop's new arrivals, both for the garden and the home, and enjoy live music, food and drinks from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

March 13, 2018
Naturalist Notebook Series
Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Irvine
www.letsgooutside.org
Listen to a presentation from the California Native Plant Society on local wild plants that will feature a list of the best garden-friendly plants that are still aesthetically pleasing. Then, learn about organisms that use these plants as hosts and different landscape.
March 15, 2018
Celebrating the Flavors of Spring
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
www.fullertonarboretum.org
Gather your friends and head to the arboretum for a special dinner featuring fresh ingredients and flavors from springtime. The recipes used throughout the evening will use easy-to-find foods that you can recreate at home next time you're seeking a healthy meal.

Mandy Gonzalez
Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
www.thebarclay.org
Best known as a member of the "Hamilton" cast, Mandy Gonzalez is an extremely versatile contemporary singer that comes to Orange County to perform pop songs, Broadway hits and more, including favorites from her debut album like "Fearless," written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

March 16, 2018
An Evening with Tony DeSare
Casa Romantica, San Clemente
www.casaromantica.org
This Frank Sinatra-themed night will feature music by pop composer and pianist Tony DeSare, known for his renditions of Sinatra tunes. In addition to his singing, enjoy a three-course meal inspired by one of Sinatra's favorite restaurants in New York and an additional wine pairing.
March 16-18, 2018

Musink
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.musinkfest.com
For more than a decade, this festival has come together to celebrate music as well as tattoo artistry. This year's line-up includes headliners like The Descendants, Blink-182, Lil Yachty, Good Charlotte, Machine Gun Kelly and more. There will also be a Miss Musink contest.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan: Formosa
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
Audiences will be thrilled by this outstanding display of Asian culture and aesthetics. This show, put on by the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, is a blend of not only ballet and modern dance, but also Qigong and martial arts.

March 16-25, 2018
Spring Celebration
Roger's Gardens, Corona del Mar
www.rogersgardens.com
For nine days, Roger's Garden will celebrate the arrival of spring with a series of workshops and special events, including display garden crawls, landscape design open houses and a Christmas ornament trunk show featuring works from Christopher Radko.
March 16 – April 8, 2018
 
Boysenberry Festival
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
www.knotts.com
While Knott's is always a fun spot to ride rollercoasters and enjoy Peanuts-themed shows, the Boysenberry Festival is the best time for food. This year, the theme park will offer unique boysenberry quesadillas, pierogies, short ribs, boba tea, hummus, elote and more.
March 17, 2018
Succulent Critter Planter
The Potting Shed, Orange
www.tpshomeandgarden.com
This adorable workshop is one to remember, allowing participants to create a colorful planter to place on a desk or windowsill. There are three different animals to choose from—a rhino, a snail or a pig—and each will feature a succulent top for a water-saving plant to keep indoors.

Saved by the 90s
House of Blues, Anaheim
www.savedbythe90s.com
Hop in a time machine and head back to the 1990s with this fun party, featuring a live cover band playing all of your favorite 90s hits. The band just might be joined by one of your favorite acts from a few decades ago, having previously been surprised by Sugar Ray, Sisqo, Aaron Carter, Vertical Horizon and more.

Author Event with Heather Ezell
Lido Village Books, Newport Beach
www.lidovillagebooks.com
With her debut novel "Nothing Left to Burn" hitting shelves, author Heather Ezell will be on site for a special launch party and discussion on her book. It tells the story of a girl located near a California wildfire that changes the course of her life. Ezell will also be signing books.

Video Game Odyssey
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 will appreciate this videogame-themed concert featuring this music from all of their favorite games. The Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform alongside the actual Pacific Symphony, and there will be a musical carnival in the lobby as well.

Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl
Baja Sharkeez, Newport Beach
www.pubcrawls.com
St. Patrick's Day is all about this drinks so join in on this pub crawl to make new friends, visit local bars and get in on a variety of drink specials. There will also be plenty of green beer to go around in downtown Newport Beach.

March 17-18, 2018
International Children's Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
www.aquariumofpacific.org
For more than a decade, the talents of children from many different cultures have come together for this special annual event. The kids will perform dances from West African, Cambodian and Irish cultures, among others, and there will also be a choir, crafts and martial arts demonstrations.
March 18, 2018

Teen Science Cafe
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
www.aquariumofpacific.org
Students from nearby middle and high schools can enjoy a two-hour nighttime experience at the aquarium while discussing current issues in the science field. The March 18 event will focus on sharks, discussing their diets and behavior alongside interactive activities.

March 19, 2018
Rebelution
The Observatory, Santa Ana
www.observatoryoc.com
Typically known for old-school emo bands and modern hip-hop acts, The Observatory is a great place for reggae group Rebelution. For more than a decade, the band has enchanted music lovers all over Orange County and beyond with songs like "Safe and Sound" and "Those Days."
March 19 and 26, 2018
Spring Visionary Series
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach
www.ocma.net
This series discusses art forms and pieces since the 1970s, with Monday afternoon seminars focusing on a new subject each week. These first two specializations, which take place in March, will focus on what contemporary art really is and contemporary paintings.
March 20, 2018
Kid's Can Be Chefs
Pacific City, Huntington Beach
www.gopacificcity.com
Children can enjoy a special reading of the book "The Donut Chef" at this monthly family-friendly experience, and afterward there will be chances to create and decorate your own chef's hat to wear home. Don't forget to check out the special dining and shopping deals throughout.

Ninth Annual Creative Edge Lecture
Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
www.thebarclay.org
This seminar is hosted by Dr. Robert Duke, member of the local Department of Education and a professor from Austin, Texas.  It will discuss music while also looking at procedural memory formation that leads to producing expressive and artistic works.

March 20 – April 1, 2018
"The Book of Mormon"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
Everyone's favorite musical is coming back to the Segerstrom stage this month, bringing with it a slew of talented performers aiming to enchant audiences with the tale of a pair of missionaries who set off to spread the word of God.
March 21, 2018
Let's Celebrate the Persian New Year
Pretend City, Irvine
www.pretendcity.org
While many of cultures are displayed in local events, the Persian New Year is one that doesn't get a lot of attention. Teach your children at this family-friendly play place so they will be familiar with the holiday. There will be a story time and various art sessions to create relevant projects.

Art in Context
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
The last Art in Context session is this month, with the sixth week of the program focusing on French art. It looks at the time period where Picasso moved to Paris, living in the stunning neighborhood of Montmartre and create pieces from his rose period instead of the blue period.

March 22, 2018

Queensway 5K
The Queen Mary, Long Beach
www.queenmary.com
Lace up your Nikes and head to the pathway near the Queen Mary and the harbor in Long Beach. This will be the site of the Queensway 5K, a 3.1-mile run that will feature signature characters from the Queen Mary. There will be a finish line party with medals, live music and food trucks in addition to craft beer tastings.

A Brief History of Laguna Beach
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaartmuseum.org
At 6 p.m., Gene Felder, the former president of the Laguna Beach Historical Society, will lead a discussion about Laguna's past, touching on the museum's history dating back to the art association that formed in 1918. It will also look at the museum's characteristics as a whole.

March 24, 2018
Bubblefest
Discovery Cube, Santa Ana
oc.discoverycube.org
This annual event returns to the most exciting science center in Orange County with the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show. In addition, kids and their families can learn about the science and math behind bubbles, including things like surface tension, elasticity and molecular properties.
March 24 – April 21, 2018
"Shrew"
South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa
www.scr.org
In the world premiere of this movie, everyone is going to appreciate the film for what it is: a 16th-century story that features the point-of-view of a woman. As the sexy, impressive show takes place, you'll be reminded just how wonderful Shakespeare is.
 
March 25, 2018

Latin Legends Tour 2018
House of Blues, Anaheim
www.houseofblues.com
A variety of Latin-music legends come together for a seasonal performance that is sure to have everyone up and dancing before the night is through. Expect to see acts like Tierra, Jorge Santana and El Chicano.

"Vascam: Of Times and Perspectives"
Musco Center for the Arts, Orange
www.muscocenter.org
Created by five generations of musical talent, this show features harp and clarinet solos followed up by symphonic and percussive sounds all around. The show represents love, kindness, wisdom and more.
 

March 29, 2018
Peter Frank on Tony DeLap
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaartmuseum.org
The current Tony DeLap exhibit celebrates the local artist for outstanding work over time. His pieces are now apart of the museum as well as in private collections, and this lecture will be held by his same man that curated his current showcase.
March 30, 2018

Ducks Vs. Kings
Honda Center, Anaheim
www.hondacenter.com
Two of Southern California's largest rivals come together for this special hockey game that pits them against one another as they battle it out for a playoff spot. It's always fun to watch two local teams play one another, specially in a locally famous venue.
 

March 31, 2018
Block Printing Workshop
Seaside Gallery & Goods, Newport Beach
seasidegalleryandgoods.com
On the last day of the month, this special seminar will teach guests to make two different hand-block projects. Using wood blocks, flour sack sea towels and the tools and supplies needed, they will be better protected and will have the creativity to try something new.

Free People = Free Yoga
Pacific City, Huntington Beach
www.gopacificcity.com
Saying Namaste to those around you is simply an unbelievable feeling. Start your yoga session off by examining the beach, the sky above and the ground below. Then, get ready to move around with this fusion yoga class. Don't forget to take your own mat though.

Zedtown
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
us.zedtown.com
Put yourself into The Walking Dead with this fun zombie-themed event. Held at the fairgrounds, it will simulate a zombie invasion, giving guests the chance to fight with foam blasters as the only line of defense.
 

Ashley Ryan is an Orange County native that loves traveling, live music and photography. She blogs at Pure Wander and freelances for a variety of publications including Newport Beach Magazine and Laguna Beach Magazine.
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