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Best Activities To Do This Week In Orange County - October 17

header_paranormal-queen-mary - verified ashley ryan
(Credit: The Queen Mary)

As we near the end of October, this week offers a mix of fall fun, spooky haunts and artwork. When Monday rolls around, foreign indie rock band The Temper Trap hits Orange Countt, followed by an evening of classic cinema with the iconic "Thelma & Louise". Midweek, leap into the spirit of the season with a paranormal talk or a workshop focusing on the ever-popular October icon, the pumpkin. Once the weekend hits, stop by a local airshow, an annual historical event or Old World's famous Oktoberfest.

Monday, October 17
temper-trap - verified ashley ryan
(Credit: The Temper Trap)

The Temper Trap
The Observatory
3503 South Harbor Boulevard
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 957-0600
www.observatoryoc.com

Australian band The Temper Trap returns to Orange County this week, bringing with them a flurry of indie alt rock hits that have wowed audiences for the last decade. The group, who is originally from Melbourne, released their latest album "Thick As Thieves" in June, following a four-year gap. Singles like "Sweet Disposition", "Need Your Love" and "Fader" put them on the charts in the United States, but they now have a strong following across the globe with their 2012 self-titled release going platinum in Australia and charting in seven other countries. The band's 8 p.m. show will be held at The Observatory, one of the best venues for both established and up-and-coming artists in OC.

Tuesday, October 18
FridaCinema
(Credit: The Frida Cinema)

Thelma & Louise Screening
The Frida Cinema
305 East 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 285-9422
www.thefridacinema.org

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Santa Ana's community-based art-house cinema will partner with nonprofits WISEplace and No Silence No Violence to present a screening of a classic film beloved by many. "Thelma & Louise", which stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, tells the story about two friends who suffer various mishaps on a road trip to Mexico. Though the film was nominated for a variety of awards, it has also become a symbol of the feminist movement, touching on issues like female oppression, support and empowerment. The free screening aims to spread the word about both domestic violence and homelessness in the local community and beyond.

Wednesday, October 19
paranormal-queen-mary- verified ashley ryan
(Credit: The Queen Mary)

Paranormal Queen Mary
Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library
1855 Park Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 646-8845
www.ocpl.org

Paranormal investigator Matthew Schulz's local library chat is the perfect way to add some spice to your week. In a month known for its spooky, spiritual vibe, this event reveals a different side of the beloved Long Beach ocean liner that doubles as both a hotel and event space for a variety of festivals and holiday happenings. Though the ship is retired and remains docked nearby, it has been said to be haunted for the last few decades. Schulz's discussion will include a retelling of the boat's history as well as information on the ghosts and legends that have come to light since the 1980s. The event will also discuss evidence of paranormal activity on board the ship during both tours of the boat and personal investigations over the years.

Thursday, October 20
pumpkin-spice-workshop- verified ashley ryan
(Credit: Soul Project)

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Workshop
The Soul Project
1516 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-0489
www.soulproject.com

Whether it's in a latte or a pie, pumpkin spice is one of the most iconic aspects of October. This week, Laguna Beach clothing store The Soul Project will host their Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Workshop, giving visitors a chance to create their very own body scrub using all natural ingredients. Led by an aromatherapy expert, the workshop combines sugar and doTERRA essential oils into a product you'll want to use all winter long. Essential oils can be ordered at the event as well. Keep with the fall theme and taste some of the cider offered to this that are 21 years and over, but those that are underage can enjoy their own treat as well—Red House Ice Cream will be on site.

Friday, October 21
breitling-huntington-beach-airshow
(Credit: Thunderbirds)

Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow
Huntington City Beach
21500 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(657) 204-3199
www.hbairshow.com

Though Saturday and Sunday are the heart and soul of the Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow, the fun begins Friday with a practice day. The show will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday right on the sand of Huntington City Beach. Look sky-high to catch sight of a variety of different performers. Headlined by the Thunderbirds—the United States Air Force Flight Demonstration Squadron—and the Breitling Jet Team, the event will also feature an F-18 Super Hornet demonstration and flights by the Screamin' Sasquatch among others. There are VIP sections with seats available for purchase, but general admission is free so line up your chairs along the sand and get ready for an unbelievable show—new to OC this fall.

Saturday, October 22
cemetery-tour - verified ashley ryan
(Credit: Guy Ball, Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society)

Annual Historical Cemetery Tour
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 547-9645
www.santaanahistory.com

This annual event brings the rich history of the city of Santa Ana to life in the local Fairhaven Memorial Park and neighboring cemetery. Rather than focusing on the scarier aspects of Halloweentime, the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society, who sponsors the event, aims to educate and inspire locals and visitors alike. Docents will guide small groups through staged scenes presented by actors portraying historical local icons. Horticulturalist Walter Knott details local berry growing while female doctor Willella Howe discusses the challenges she faced. Held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., this is the living history event's 19th year. Proceeds will benefit Santa Ana's museums and educational programs put on by the historical society.

Sunday, October 23
old-world-oktoberfest- verified ashley ryan
(Credit: Willy Sanjuan)

Oktoberfest
Old World German Village
7561 Center Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 895-8020
www.oldworld.ws

Oktoberfest is one of the most iconic celebrations that occur during the month of October; for many, it is more prominent than Halloween. Old World presents a rather authentic version of the event, offering an impressive selection of beers imported straight from Germany. Aside from beer, visitors can dine on bratwurst and other authentic German dishes. The event will feature games and competitions, live music by bands from Germany and dance performances offered by Donauschwäbische Volkstanzgruppe of Los Angeles. Sundays double as family day at Old World with discounts or free admission for children as well as face painting, bounce houses and more.

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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