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Best Of OC - Week Of March 16

swallows day 610
(Credit: San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Assocation)

Spring has sprung in Orange County, and with it comes a week full of festivals and events you and your family won't want to miss. Celebrate the return of the swallows this weekend in San Juan Capistrano and the blossom of the Cherry tree at Huntington Beach's annual Cherry Blossom Festival. World-class music and theatrical performances, new menus, and special St. Patrick's Day opportunities provide fun for all.

Monday, March 16
sisterlaguna
(Credit: Laguna Playhouse)

Sister's Easter Catechism Roll: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?
The Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-2787
www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Written and performed by Maripat Donovan and directed by Mark Silvia, Laguna Playhouse artistic diretors Karen Wood and Ann E. Wareham are excited to welcome the return of their favorite Sister for her new show: "Sister's Easter Catechism Roll: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?" This hilarious Easter-themed production follows Sister as she answers baffling questions like why Easter isn't the same day every year and will my bunny go to heaven? The production runs Mondays and Tuesdays through the end of the month.

Tuesday, March 17
st patrick's day ireland
(credit: Shutterstock)

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
various locations
www.theatricum.com

Put on your green attire and head out for some St. Patty's Day fun for all. Take the whole family to one of these Family Friendly St. Patrick's Day events in Orange County, including a 5K, parades, and family fun at Pretend City. Adults can enjoy a pint of green Guinness at many of these best bars in the OC to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, or check out the Best Places in the OC to get whiskey.

Wednesday, March 18
Sab Shimono and Ryun Yu in South Coast Repertory's 2015 world pr
(credit: Debora Robinson/SCR)

tokyo fish story
Julianne Argyros Stage
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-5555
www.scr.org

Enter the culinary world of sushi in the world premiere of playwright Kimber Lee's tokyo fish story, where modern and traditional techniques and lifestyles collide as Sushi Master Koji's restaurant falls into decline and deals with the challenge of reinventing his business. The "beautiful and painful ways that we hold on to each other and let each other go, even and especially in unspoken moments" (Lee) are explored in detail in this unique tale led by Lawrence Kao, Jully Lee, Eddie Mui, Sab Shimono and Ryun Yu in the cast. A post-show discussion with the cast will follow tonight's performance.

little sparrow
(credit: Debora Robinson/SCR)

Flavors of Spring at Little Sparrow
300 N Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 265-7640
www.littlesparrowcafe.com

On the heels of their success and limelight on BravoTV's "Best New Restaurant," Little Sparrow Executive Chef Eric Samaniego has created an eclectic menu for spring that mashes together the flavors and techniques of French, Californian, Japanese, Mexican, and Mediterranean styles. Grilled prawns with cilantro, carrots, and salsa verde; Farro Salad with egg and mushroom; X.O. Mussels served with ginger, shallots, and xo sauce; and handmade Pici with braised lamb neck, black kale and Calabrian chili are some of the restaurant's featured dinner entree options for spring.

Thursday, March 19
artwalk Huntington beach
(Credit: Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District)

Huntington Beach Art Walk
Downtown
Huntington Beach, CA 92605
(714) 536-8300
www.hbdowntown.com

Head downtown to celebrate the first Huntington Beach Downtown Art Walk of the year, offered each 3rd Thursday of the month through October. Participating restaurants and stores throughout the HB downtown area display established, emerging, and student artist works in their businesses, which are free to tour through on the Art Walk. Many of the artists are on hand to meet during the event that takes place in the four square blocks of downtown Huntington Beach near the pier.

Friday, March 20
danandshay
(Credit: Dan and Shay Where it All Began)

Dan and Shay
House of Blues
1530 Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 778-2583
www.houseofblues.com/anaheim

Dan + Shay, the American country music duo, make a stop at Anaheim's House of Blues this week as they continue their Where it All Began US Tour. Their debut album "Where It All Began" debuted in April of last year to rave reviews from fans and critics alike, having been nominated for the 2014 Vocal Duo of the Year from the Academy of Country Music Awards. VIP tickets, that include a meet-and-greet diehard fans, are also available.

Saturday, March 21
parade21
(Credit: San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Assocation)

Swallows Day Parade
Downtown
San Juan Capistrano, CA
(949) 493-1976
www.swallowsdayparade.com

Celebrate the de las Golondrinas, the return of the swallows, on the heels of St. Joseph's Day in San Juan Capistrano this weekend. The parade, one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation, and Mercado Street Faire takes place in downtown San Juan Capistrano, with all the fun beginning at 10AM. At the Mercado Street Faire, you can meander through over 100 booths offering festive wares, food, and drink for the occasion. Live music and dancing take place throughout the day.

Sunday, March 22
cherry blossom festival
(Credit: Sister City Association of Huntington Beach)

Cherry Blossom Festival
Central Park Bandstand
7111 Talbert Av
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
www.hbjapanesefestival.com

Celebrate the blossoms of the Cherry tree today in Huntington Beach. The day-long event features Japanese food, cultural exhibits, crafts, games, music, and live entertainment for the entire family. Confirmed presentations for the 2015 festival include Taiko Drummers, featuring Daion Taiko and Kokoro Taiko-kai; Japenese classical dance by Bando Hidesomi; Kabuki Performance; Karate demonstration; and Koto by Ryan Kaneko. Japanese food vendors including Gaja and Samurai Burrito will be onsite serving up their specialties.

Katie Bodell is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo, the largest family travel website in the U.S. She is also a freelance writer, a happy wife to her best friend, and a mom to three sweet California girls. See more on: Trekaroo | CheapOair | Google+ | Twitter.
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