Best Events & Activities This Week In Orange County
Keep soaking up that sunlight before fall's cool weather arrives. You'll have plenty of chances to enjoy some fresh air this week. Start it off right with a time capsule celebration in Dana Point, honoring the city's history while celebrating those who currently call the city home. Throughout the week, wander Huntington Beach's evening farmer's market, sample rosé or prepped to run a fun-filled marathon at the Happiest Place on Earth. The weekend brings plenty of classic cars, jazz music and international food and drink. With options like these, you'll be ending summer in style.
50-Year Time Capsule Celebration
Baby Beach
34451 Ensenada Place
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 248-8121
www.danapointhistorical.org
Stop by Baby Beach in Dana Point to celebrate the recent opening of a time capsule from 1966. There's something incredibly fascinating about time capsules as it gives us a glimpse into the things the local community held important at the time. Placed in a rock 50 years ago, the contents have already been catalogued and prepared for exhibition, but the event gives the community a chance to discover what was inside via a video that will highlight footage from both the placing ceremony and the opening of the capsule. The party will also feature a barbecue dinner and live music, and event sponsors will have a chance to be a part of placing items in the new Centennial Time Capsule to be placed this year and opened in 2066.
Surf City Nights
Downtown Huntington Beach
200 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92618
(714) 536-8300
www.surfcitynights.com
Offered every Tuesday evening from 5 p.m to 9 p.m. all year long, Surf City Nights is the largest weekly event of its kind in Orange County. As a combination street fair and farmer's market, there is plenty to do and see each week. Vendors line up along Huntington's Main Street, selling various goods and services to those in attendance. You'll find everything from local businesses (think salons and surf shops) to food vendors selling pre-packaged nuts, jerkies, cakes and cookies. Food is also cooked on site, like tamales, empanadas, kettle corn, pupusas and roasted corn. There are also various farms present each week to sell fresh produce and flowers as well as local artists selling homemade crafts. Bring little ones to play in the bounce house, ride ponies or watch cartoonists.
Drink Rosé All Day
Restauration
2709 East 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814
(562) 439-8822
www.restaurationlb.com
End the summer right with a rosé tasting! Few things are better than dining al fresco with some delicious wine and this way you get to taste a few different kinds. The event, which will be hosted by Maddalena Wines, is happening from 6 to 9 p.m. Stop in to try a flight of four different rosés or drink by the glass. The various wines are from all over the world, making it a night of international fun, but don't forget to eat something too. While the regular menu will be available, Chef Philip Pretty will be preparing four special items for the event. Their locally sourced dishes will be served a la carte instead of the restaurant's typical family style. Food prices vary, but the flights will be $18 each.
Disneyland Half Marathon Week
Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(407) 939-4786
www.rundisney.com
Though the marathon isn't until Sunday, Disneyland's Half Marathon Weekend starts Thursday, offering plenty of fun throughout the whole weekend. On Thursday, the runDisney Health and Fitness Expo begins at the Disneyland Hotel, giving runners, family and more a chance to learn about fitness training and nutritional products via vendors and speakers. On Friday, the Disneyland 5K will take place inside the park while the 10K and additional kids races will happen on Saturday. The 13.1-mile half marathon will traverse California Adventure, Disneyland and the streets of Anaheim before returning to the Disneyland Hotel. Characters will be present at various stages of most of the races so keep your eye out for your favorite Disney duos.
34th Annual Great Labor Day Cruise
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.occa-inc.com
Now in its 34th year, the Annual Great Labor Day Cruise is one of the longest running car show in the area, with three days of exhibitions that feature a variety of classic cars. The 150-acre property ensures that the cars can circle a mile-long loop, offering non-stop cruising so guests can spot each and every car easily. Though the majority of cars are American-made and were crafted prior to 1978, some foreign cars may be on-site as well. With campsites available for both RVs and tents, it's easy to stay the whole weekend—you won't miss out on anything. Proceeds for the cruise will go to the Warrior Foundation, a non-profit that assists members of the military and their families with both housing and support services.
Monarchs of Jazz
Monarch Beach Resort
1 Monarch Beach Resort North
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 234-3200
www.monarchbeachresort.com
On Saturday night, head over to Monarch Beach Resort's sprawling lawn for an evening filled with music and gourmet food. Enjoy tunes from R&B artist Deniece Williams, pianist David Benoit, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. and saxophonist Michael Paulo as well as vocalist Kiki Ebsen. The high-quality entertainment will be accompanied by a three-course dinner. The mouthwatering dinner menu includes grilled vegetables, beef tenderloin and a delicious dessert trio of chocolate cake, lemon curd and chocolate cheesecake. Guests have the option of buying general or premium admission, the latter of which includes a VIP meet-and-greet experience with the artists prior to dinner and the concert. The cool air of late August nights is perfect for lounging outside, listening to music and enjoying a fabulous meal.
Orange International Street Fair
Orange Circle
Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 633-4816
www.orangestreetfair.org
Anyone who is a fan of culture, food or art will love the Orange International Street Fair. Occurring every year during Labor Day Weekend, this celebration first started in 1973 and was an instant hit. It has grown over the years and now includes 15 different ethnic areas on the streets that branch out from the Circle. Local artists are on-site to sell homemade crafts and other goodies, but the biggest draw are the food and alcohol booths that offer tastes of each country's food. This exploration of culture makes the event what it is, as visitors are able to explore Danish Street, Polynesian Street, Greek Street, Irish Street and more. With many of the food being sold by local companies or organizations, the money from the event is put back into the community.
