Best Activities & Events This Weekend In O.C. - September 2
It's Labor Day weekend and there seems to be a collective confusion about how fast 2016 has already gone by. There's Halloween displays in stores already and the summer was here and gone in a flash. Luckily for us, Southern California is always prime for a weekend out on the town. While the plan is likely to open that BBQ and crack a can of beer, we have some great alternatives if you need to get out of the backyard. If you are out in Orange County, here is a rundown of what your weekend could look like.
Orange International Street Faire
112 E. Chapman Ave. Suite G
Orange, CA 92866
www.orangestreetfair.org
Throughout the summer months, Orange County is ripe with fairs that embrace the foodie culture. Becoming sort of the culmination of fair season, the city of Orange has been going strong with the International Street Faire since 1973. The genesis of the fair was in part to commemorate the city's centennial but was met with such enthusiasm the event has continued to grow and became part of the identity of the community. The format of the fair is part of what makes it unique. Comprised of 15 different ethnicities among the various streets within the city's circle, there are some 42 different food and drink vendors all representing the diverse corners of the world. Adding in various family-friendly activities, live music, and local artists and vendors displaying their wares, this is a Labor Day tradition that would be a tragedy to miss. Come hungry.
The Richard Nixon Library
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 993-5075
www.nixonlibrary.gov
This sprawling facility is truly a functional monument to Richard Nixon as it houses both his birthplace and resting place, complete with the house his father built in-tact on the grounds. One of just 13 facilities that are run by the National Archives and Records Administration, the Museum and Library boasts a robust collection of memorabilia and presidential treasures. In fact, the grounds also house a complete replica or the East Wing of the White House and of the Lincoln Sitting Room. Among the more prominent features of the Nixon Library are the exhibits that detail the space exploration of Nixon's presidency, the Nixon helicopter, his administrative archives, and his hand-built birthplace. Regularly used for weddings and other special events, the location is as spectacular as it is historic.
Balboa Fun Zone
600 E Bay Ave.
Newport Beach, CA 92661
(949) 673-0408
www.thebalboafunzone.com
An iconic part of the Balboa Peninsula since 1936, the Balboa Fun Zone has since undergone some healthy modernization to service the estimated seven million visitors the area sees every year. With the retails shops in the nearby Balboa Village a stones throw away, guests can channel their inner kid after some shopping and jump into a bumper car or ride the Ferris Wheel. More modern rides like the Ocean Motion bungee and the water ride Fish Pipe provides some advanced thrills if the safe stuff is too tame. Boasting impressive views of the waterfront and close proximity to cafes, bars, and retails locations, the Balboa Fun Zone is the destination that everyone in the family can find something that will make them want to return.
Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 498-2139
www.casaromantica.org
Listed in the National Registry for Historic Locations of Orange County, this architectural dream was built as the visual translation of the American Dream. Designed by Carl Lindborn and built by San Clemente founder, Ole Hanson, the seven-bedroom Spanish-style home continues to be a jaw-dropping destination along the California coast. While Romantica's main purpose now is to play host to weddings and private events, there is a cultural center operating at Casa Romantica that hosts workshops, musical events, and other vehicles of artistic expression. This is easily one of the most picturesque locations in Southern California and because of that, there is always something happening. Take the drive down South and do some discovering.
The Fifth
Grand Legacy At The Park
1650 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 772-0899
www.thefifthoc.com
Part of a major 15 million dollar restoration project at the Grand Legacy At the Park, The Fifth can rightfully tout themselves as Anaheim's only rooftop lounge. Offering panoramic views of the city, particularly Disneyland, a drink near the fire pits under the stars might be the perfect nightcap to round out your weekend. Speaking of drinks, The Fifth offerings an impressive craft cocktail program that emphasizes style and taste in a way that doesn't feel pretentious. Paired with simple, albeit delicious small plates from the kitchen, the Fifth is destined to be one of the city's most frequented watering holes in no time at all.
L.A. County Fair
1101 W McKinley Ave
Pomona, CA 91768
(909) 623-3111
www.lacountyfair.com
The L.A. County Fair is in full swing and will feature everything you've come to love and expect from years past. With petting zoo's, plenty of rides and games for kids and adults alike, as well as delicious and over the top foods, it's one event you won't want to miss. This is the opening weekend for the fair, which lasts until the end of September!
