Best Of OC - Week Of October 12
Fall is in the air in Orange County. Outdoor festivals celebrate the season this weekend, or families can visit a unique environmental festival and solar power competition that is sure to inspire your own power-saving endeavors. In addition to the outdoor family fun, don't miss the exceptional live entertainment taking the stage this week throughout Orange County, notably including "The Lion King," the must-see visual production that is beloved by fans. Let's get started, Orange County, here's what you can enjoy this week.
Chowder for a Cause
Fly'n'Fish Oyster Bar
2304 W Oceanfront
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 673-8400
www.flynfishoysterbar.com
Throughout the month of October, diners at Newport Beach's Fly'n'Fish Oyster Bar can celebrate National Seafood Month with the best intentions thanks to their Chowder for a Cause promotion. Proceeds from every bowl of New England clam chowder will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with a mission to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment for every child, regardless of their race, religion, or ability to pay. In addition to this commitment to community efforts, Fly'n'Fish is also strong supporter of ensuring a healthy ocean future by focusing on sustainable seafood brought in daily from the most prominent and responsible purveyors of fine foods from around the world, a perfect match for ethical dining during the seafood-themed month.
"The Lion King"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2121
www.scfta.org
Disney's "The Lion King" continues on the Segerstrom Center stage this week, wrapping its Orange County run on November 1. The hit Broadway sensation and winner of six Tony-Awards including Best Musical, was last seen in the area in 2010, when its three-week engagement featured sold-out crowds at every showing. The production, based on the 1994 animated film of the same name, features Elton John and Tim Rice's music, stunning visuals, and costumes and masks (designed by director Julie Taymor) that beautifully bring the show's African animals to life.
National Dessert Day
Various locations
www.theatricum.com
Not every holiday is one worth celebrating, but National Dessert Day is in a class of its own. Take this hump day celebration as a chance to let your inner dessert fiend out. We've got some of the best recommendations to discover:
"I'm Still Getting my Act Together and Taking it on the Road"
Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 497-2787
www.lagunaplayhouse.com
The West Coast Premiere of Gretchen Cryer's and Nancy Ford's 1978 groundbreaking Off-Broadway musical, "I'm Still Getting my Act Together and Taking it on the Road," hits the Laguna Playhouse stage this week. A unique combination of old meets new, the show introduces Heather in Act One, a 39-year-old divorced songwriter attempting a comeback in the music scene. Directed by Gretchen Cryer, the production also features the playwright on stage as she reprises her original role of Heather in the newly added Act Two of the musical, a 30-year later look at the band.
Zoltán Mága
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2121
www.scfta.org
Hungary's foremost violin virtuoso, Zoltán Mága, will bring his exciting, sought-after Gypsy music to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a one-night-only show that can't be missed. Local residents will recognize Mága from the hit PBS special, "Zoltán Mága: From Budapest with Love," where his work was premiered to the majority of American audiences in March 2015. Joining him on stage will be stunning folk dancers, dressed in intricate costumes, singers, ballroom dancers, and a full orchestra, all direct from Budapest.
Solar Decathlon
Irvine Great Park
Irvine, CA 92618
www.solardecathlon.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon is taking place this week at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine. Tours of the Solar Decathlon Village and the environmentally-friendly houses are offered daily during public exhibit hours (from 11am-7pm daily) through the end of the event this Sunday. The City of Irvine is also hosting a Children's Activity Area this weekend with free interactive games, crafts, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, balloon artist, all in addition to the park's regular offerings including the Great Park Carousel, Rock Wall, and Farm + Food region.
Fall Faire and Pumpkin Patch
Environmental Nature Center
1601 E. 16th St.
Newport Beach, CA 92663
www.encenter.org
The Environmental Nature Center's Annual Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch returns for its 41st year of festive fall fun. The event features pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, a petting zoo, children's crafting, face painting and games sure to keep families entertained all afternoon. Visitors can also enjoy live music and delicious eats from the Savor OC Restaurant Showcase, which includes bites from local eateries.
