Best Things To Do This Weekend In OC - November 20

Rest assured, with the Thanksgiving holiday in sight, the prospect of being cooped up and in a food-induced haze is almost certain. So before getting together with your family and the second helping of pumpkin pie, you might want to get out and get active. Orange County has a healthy amount of places and faces to get familiar with, a few of which we have included in this handy-dandy list below. If you were looking for how best to spend your weekend, look no further.

Spark Imagination 2015
The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center
100 Academy
Irvine, CA
(949) 824-2500
www.scienceoc.org

Irvine will play host to the fine folks of Science@OC, a non-profit organization invested in developing Science curriculum throughout the county's schools on both a student and teacher level. The benefit will include plenty of food and drink, but will also offer a silent auction and a video address from Los Angeles Lakers legendary center, Kareem Abdul-Jabar. This organization not only helps to nurture sagging science instruction throughout the county, but they also offer professional development for teachers that want to add to their tool belt in the classroom. It's always great to party for a purpose.

OC Wine Cruises
34675 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-5794
www.ocwinecruise.com

Easily one of the most serene destinations in Orange County, the Dana Point Wharf offers a pretty spectacular environment for unwinding and soaking in some nature. It just so happens if you are sipping a bit of local, organic wine, your surroundings can become especially tranquil. OC Wine Cruises offers patrons the chance to board their luxury Catamaran and indulge in loads of sampling from their Organic Cellar. The 90-minute tour through the Wharf might be one of the best date options in Southern California and one of the few places where taking a boat ride in the winter actually makes complete sense.
 

Check Out Heavy Metal with The Iron Maidens
The Slidebar
122 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-2233
www.slidebarfullerton.com

While tribute bands often catch a bad rap for diluting the tunes they play, the ladies of the Iron Maidens have been regularly listed as one of the most authentic. The kicker here is, Iron Maiden's classic catalog of heavy metal proves difficult to recreate. These Iron Maidens however, absolutely shred. Capturing the energy of heavy metal's most enduring groups, the band is an intimate venue translation of the same, arena-sized ferocity. Screaming guitar solos, pounding percussion, and plenty of fist-pumping sing-alongs is the reason the Iron Maidens are often seen as more than just your typical tribute act.

King Tut: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh's Tomb
241 S Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 956-8936
www.muzeo.org

Often ailed as one of the most interesting archeological finds, Howard Carter's discovery of Pharaoh Tutankhamen tomb uncovered a trove of historical treasures that provided a glimpse into the enchanting world of the adolescent ruler. Working with artisans of the Pharaonic Village in Giza, Egypt and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this 131-piece exhibit offers a comprehensive recreation of artifacts from that find. Displayed in open glass cases, there are also some authentic items from the era, including three 26th Dynasty funerary necklaces and an 18th Dynasty sandstone stela. Spend an afternoon delving into a world from more than 3000 years ago.
 

Irvine Spectrum's Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
71 Fortune Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 748-8280
www.skatespectrum.com
Dates: October 2, 2015 - February 15, 2016

Each year, The Irvine Spectrum puts together it's outdoor ice skating rink for adults and children to come and have a great time. As the holidays begin, visiting this ice rink is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The Irvine Spectrum Center rink sits next to the Giant Wheel and gives families, couples and kids the opportunity to get in the spirit as they put on their warmest to skate the day away. Families may purchase season passes, sign up for private lessons, or book the rink for private parties. For those family members who want to drop their kids off and do some shopping, the Irvine Spectrum provides a terrific selection of stores to choose from to get your holiday shopping off to a start. In addition, the Irvine Spectrum offers a chance to catch the latest blockbuster at the movie theater nearby and dine at world class eateries. Visit OC Chill for more information on skating times. Irvine Spectrum even offers late night sessions!