Best Events & Activities This Weekend In O.C. - September 23
Marking the first official week of Fall, there is a bounty of recreational options happening in Orange County this weekend. While technically we should be reaching for our sweatshirts and scarves, the forecast is looking Southern California sunny, ideal for an afternoon or evening out and about. In an effort to save our readers the time and headaches of trying to narrow down the choices, we figured we'd prepare some notes on the best places to check out on your days off. Pay close attention, here is your weekend in the OC.
Jack's 11th Show
Irvine Meadows
8808 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-8095
931jackfm.cbslocal.com
Jack FM is hosting their 11th and final show at Irvine Meadows to kickoff the weekend and there is some historical weight packaged with this particular show. While the bill features some big names, Violent Femmes, Garbage, The Cult, the headliners for the evening, Jane's Addiction, are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their pivotal release, Ritual de lo Habitual and the 25th anniversary of the Lollapalooza. The added significance is that Irvine was one of the first cities to host Lollapalooza way back in 1991. The guys in Jane's Addiction are not filling the nostalgia role. Their tunes are as relevant as they were a quarter century ago, with Farrell and Navarro still ever the powerhouse tandem. The rock n roll celebration is one of the last few happening down in Irvine before the venue closes for good. Don't miss it.
OC Brew Ha Ha
Oak Canyon Park
5305 E Santiago Canyon Rd
Silverado, CA 92676
(949) 363-1774
www.ocbrewhaha.com
Though many have tried to make one of their own, for the last seven years, the Brew Ha Ha has become the craft beer pilgrimage that every other festival only aspires to be. In the industry, it's the party that functions like a convention, complete with new product rollouts and collaboration releases. For ticket-holders, the Brew Ha Ha is a beer bonanza, stacked with some 250 different pours from some 90 different breweries from across the nation. Giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the craft beer experience, Brew Ha Ha has even arranged an extensive shuttle service that drops guests at the Tustin Metro station for convenient, responsible Uber/Lyft transport. The meat and potatoes of the festival's appeal is the beer selection with each brewery really looking to put forth their very best. In addition, the ambiance of Oak Canyon Park near Irvine Lake is a gorgeous place to enjoy some suds. See what all the fuss is about and spend your afternoon taunting your tastebuds.
Visit The Pacific Marine Mammal Center
20612 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3050
www.pacificmmc.org
California is a beautiful place to be and the community that makes their life about conservation is passionate. Take for example the folks at Pacific Marine Mammal Center who have been working to rehabilitate the mammals of the Pacific since 1971. The center was the first of it's kind and has since spent generations caring for the incredible wildlife in need of their assistance. Founded by former lifeguard Jim Stauffer, the center has been nursing seals and sea lions back to health with the help of generations of volunteers in a grassroots effort that would make an SoCal resident swell with pride. The center is open to visitors that are looking to lend a helping hand and get up close and personal with some impressive animals.
Surf City Surf Dog
Huntington Dog Beach
100 Goldenwest St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92615
(714) 841-8644
www.surfdogevents.com
A global destination for surfers, Huntington Beach is no stranger to some friendly competition in the water. This Sunday there will be a unique contest pitting the world's best surfing dogs in a head-to-head battle for supremacy on the sand. All for charity of course, the doggies will be shaving the waves on longboards to raise funds for their particular charities as onlookers fawn over how adorable the four-legged athletes are. There will be vendors. There will be dog treats and people food. There will be music, but really, there will be surfing dogs and that should be more than enough to sell you.
Craig Shoemaker
Brea Improv
120 S Brea Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 482-0700
brea.improv.com
Laughter really is the best medicine for stress. Right before you finish out your weekend, it might be best to get a good belly laugh or two in before hitting it hard on Monday morning. Veteran funnyman and self-ordained Lovemaster, Criag Shoemaker is making his rounds in Southern California this weekend. Equipped with a brand of observational humor that works among a diverse audience, Shoemaker has been braving the stand-up stage for more than 30 years. His ability to endure and remain relevant is a testament to his knowledge of not only the crowd, but the changing climate of what's funny. If you are good with grown man jokes and timeless funny, go see Shoemaker.
