Best Activities & Events In Orange County This Week - September 12
Another week of exciting events is upon us. Living in Orange County means we are bombarded with endless streams of artwork, food-related events, live shows and more. But, we're not complaining! Start this September week off with a baseball game and a comedy show before getting to know a bit about wines and experiencing some world-famous artists at the Pageant of the Vandals. Once Friday night hits, a classic performer returns to Orange County for the first time in 20 years. Then the weekend is filled with two unique and exciting festivals to end the week right.
Angels vs Mariners
Angel Stadium
2000 East Gene Autry Way
Anaheim, CA 90806
(714) 940-2000
losangeles.angels.mlb.com
We are close to the official end of summer, which means the nights are getting cooler, but they're not quite cold yet. Late summer weather is perfect for night games at Angel Stadium. Before we head into fall, spend a summer night at the ballpark taking in a game against the Seattle Mariners. Having just won two of three games against the Mariners up in Washington at the beginning of the month, it's bound to be a good showdown as the Seattle team tries to even up the score. Throw on a red shirt and grab a hot dog, some popcorn and a Rally Monkey—you'll have everything you need to blend in with the crowd and enjoy your time rooting for one of only two pro sports teams based here in OC.
Patton Oswalt
Irvine Improv Comedy Club
527 Spectrum Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 854-5455
irvine.improv.com
Tuesday is the second of two consecutive nights of Patton Oswalt shows at Irvine Improv, bringing a night of laughs to locals with this special event. With regular headlining tours across the United States and the U.K., Oswalt has become a household name throughout much of the country. He plays a bi-weekly show in Los Angeles, but isn't in Orange County nearly as often. Aside from nine seasons on "The King of Queens", appearances in over 20 films and guest roles on shows like "Parks and Recreation", "Seinfeld", "Two and a Half Men" and "Justified", he has served as the narrator on "The Goldbergs" and voiced Remy in Disney's "Ratatouille". He also appears at events like San Diego's Comic-Con and the desert festival Coachella. His stand-up deals with everything from pop culture to political issues.
Liquid Arts Series
Fairmont Newport Beach
4500 MacArthur Boulevard
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 476-2001
www.fairmont.com
The Liquid Arts series takes place at the Fairmont in Newport Beach on the second Wednesday of the month, offering the public a chance to explore all there is to know about wine and spirits. Led by experts in the industry - mixologists, sommeliers and even chefs - the talks explore brand history, proper pairing and more. Each month has a different topic of discussion, with each one focused on a different drink. For September, that topic is Malbec. Late summer is the perfect time to grill meat and pair it with the perfect Malbec. The Fairmont's series will discuss multiple varieties including Argentine Malbec. Each sessions costs $20 and includes valet parking at the hotel. Though they won't host an event in December, October's theme will be craft beer and November's will be Thanksgiving wines.
Pageant of the Vandals
Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow
1175 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 988-0603
www.artists-republic.com
As a play on the famous Laguna Beach-based Pageant of the Masters, AR4T's Pageant of the Vandals is an exhibit showcasing contemporary street art. Centering on a piece by world-renowned street artist Banksy, it's one of the few places in the country where guests can view an original by the secretive artist. The life-size rat was originally painted on the side of a San Francisco bed and breakfast in 2010. Brian Greif, who works to save Banksy's paintings from entering private collections, contacted the owners to remove the panels, plank by plank, so the painting could be reformed and shown in galleries. The two-month exhibition will rotate additional pieces every few weeks, showcasing work from other street artists including Zio Ziegler, Jeff Gillette, Lucy Sparrow, Ella Sadkin, Beau Stanton and more. The pageant is put on in partnership with the Hexagon Gallery and Elephants & Castles.
Garth Brooks World Tour
Honda Center
2695 East Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
www.hondacenter.com
After a long hiatus, dynamic country singer and 10-time Entertainer of the Year Garth Brooks returns to Anaheim. The three-night series begins Friday, marking his first show in Orange County in two decades. If the shows are anything like the rest of his world tour, he will pass on playing many songs from his latest release in favor of playing classic country hits like "Friends in Low Places", "The Dance" and "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)". Joining him on tour is Trisha Yearwood, his wife of over 10 years, who will play her own country hits. His electrifying performance will no doubt be worth the 20-year wait. So, put on some cowboy boots and see this legend for a night that you won't soon forget!
OC Fest of Ales
Downtown Anaheim
201 Center Street
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 956-3586
www.festofales.com
Beer lovers rejoice, for this single-day event, which will take place on Anaheim's Center Street Promenade, will celebrate all things ale. Unlimited craft beer tastings are included in the ticket price and more than 35 breweries will be on site to offer samples. These include Ballast Point Brewing, Bootleggers Brewery, Four Sons Brewing, Noble Ale Works, Lagunitas Brewing Company, The Bruery and more. Food from popular local restaurants like Slater's 50/50 and Out of the Park Pizza is also included. The event will not include its usually beer run and home brew competition this year, but will instead feature plenty of live entertainment and awards for the breweries. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Anaheim Association and the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center. Tickets are $70 or $35 for designated drivers.
Dozynki Harvest Festival
John Paul II Polish Center
3999 Rose Drive
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 996-8161
www.polishcenter.org
Sunday marks the second and last day of the Dozynki Harvest Festival, an annual event that celebrates Polish culture. The harvest event dates back to the 16th century in Poland, but has long since become a tradition across the world—including right here in OC where this specific festival is in its 38th year. Traditional costumes and Polish folk dancing will be present as well as traditional Polish music. Along with the entertainment, guests can sample a variety of Polish fare, including pierogi, Polska Kielbasa, stuffed cabbage and even Polish beer. Check out artwork, games and Polish gifts while you enjoy the food and performances. Though the event will be held from noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday's hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
