Best Events & Activities To Do This Weekend In O.C. - October 7
The weekend is here and if you have yet to figure out what the plan is, there is some assistance for you procrastinators. Orange County is an important region of the Southland that is brimming with art, culture, history, and plenty of great ways to spend your time away from work. Here is a concise rundown of some premium options of what do get into if you are headed East of the 605.
Congress of the Weird
Magoski Arts Colony
223 W. Santa Fe Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 441-1504
www.mcbiff.com
Huntington Beach artist known as McBiff has curated an independent art show featuring some 20-plus contributors that all flirt with a style that embraces the peculiar. Described as, "Lowbrow cosmos of art with a big bang of pop-surrealism," there is big top circus tent aesthetic associated with this gallery showing for good reason. McBiff essentially functions as the ringmaster in corralling the hefty roster of eccentrics in what becomes an impressive collection of visual weirdness. Finding a different way to showcase beauty utilizing paint, canvas, sculpture, and photography, this is an art show that challenges the visitor to think outside the box.
The 17th Door Haunted House
The Market Place in Tustin
2961 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92782
www.the17thdoor.com
One of Orange County's most talked about haunted attractions, the 17th Floor follows Paula and her decent into madness as she tries to escape the torment of fictional institution, Gluttire University. The premise of the 17th Floor first introduced visitors to Paula last year, during her freshman stay at Gluttire. This year, visitors assume the role of Paula as she slowly clings to her sanity during her Sophomore year. Enduring a hellacious year that included some horrifying personal trauma, guests will join Paula as she tries to brave the real terrors within her four walls. Guests are actually enclosed for 34 minutes and are challenged to last the duration without opting for mercy and being let out. In the way of haunted attractions, this one is as inventive as it is realistic. Score a ticket, if you dare.
Pacific City Beach Pong Tournament
Pacific City
21022 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
www.gopacificcity.com
As far as no-brainers go, this is an open invitation ping-pong tournament happening on one of the most scenic stretches of Southern California. There really is no refusing being a part of something this cool. Benefitting the Life Rolls On Foundation, participants shell out a $20 entry fee and get to compete against other ping pongers of all skill levels for a $1000 grand prize and Cornilleau ping-pong table. There will be music. There will be food. There will be special guests and athletes on hand for a charitable cause. However, the focus here is some head-to-head ping -pong action. What a great Saturday afternoon.
See Craig Robinson
Brea Improv
120 S. Brea Blvd.
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 482-0700
www.improv.com
Easily one of the most consistent contributors of hilarious one-liners during his stint on The Office, Eastbound and Down, and films like This Is the End! And Hot Tub Time Machine, Mr. Robinson has become a household name. Often times performing with his band The Nasty Delicious, Robinson's stand up game is both dynamic and swift. Musically inclined and armed with sharp wit, Robinson will perform an intimate weekend at the Brea Improv and no doubt leave those lucky enough to get in, in stitches.
"Beautiful" – The Carol King Musical
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
South Coast Plaza
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.scfta.org
Since making its debut in 2013 and moving onto the Steven Soundheim Theatre on Broadway in 2014, fans and critics have cheered this musical chronicling the early life and career of songstress Carole King. Based on the book by Douglas McGrath, the bio-musical retells King's collaborative efforts with the likes of Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Well. In examining the career of such an important songwriter, the audience is treated to a unique look at not only the creation process, but the context in which some of the greatest songs ever written were inspired. Brilliant performances are anchored by sincere renditions of King's most beloved tunes. Whether musicals are your thing or not, this show is a can't miss.
