What You're Doing This Week: February 25
Follow the yellow brick road towards one of the various food events happening this week. This week has fun for the entire family, from the Festival of the Whales in Dana Point to Read across America Events to Wicked at the Segerstrom there is fun for children and adults of all ages.
February 25
Family Autism Night
Pretend City
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
PretendCity.org
Pretend City will close to the general public for children, parents, caretakers and siblings of children with autism to enjoy a safe and fun night at Pretend City. The free event is limited to 80 families on Feb. 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Free Coffee Drinks
Handsome Coffee Roasters
582 Mateo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 621-4194
www.handsomecoffee.com
Since it's Monday, treat yourself to some eye candy -- oh, and free coffee -- at Handsome Coffee Roasters, which is celebrating their first anniversary. Stop by the shop anytime between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
February 26
Wicked
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.scfta.org
Wicked is currently playing at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts through March 17. A limited number of discount tickets for $25 (cash) are available based on a lottery 2 1/2 hours prior to each show. Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz to the stage in this thrilling and interactive performance.
February 27
Food Truck Fare
OC Fair and Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
OCFair.com
All your favorite food trucks can be found at the OC Fairgrounds on Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Food prices vary depending on the pricing of each food truck, and admission and parking are complimentary. Food truck fans can follow the food truck line-up for the night on Twitter under @ocfair.
February 28
Orange County Restaurant Week
Various Locations
OrangeCountyRestaurantWeek.com
Through March 2, more than 100 restaurants in Orange County are participating in the 5th annual OC Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants will be serving fixed-priced menus at discounted prices during the week-long event. Reservations are limited and highly recommended.
March 1
Dr. Seuss' Birthday Celebration
Lakeview Senior Center
20 Lake Road
Irvine, CA 92604
www.cityofirvine.org
Come celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss for Read Across America day. The Lakeview Senior Center will host a memorable morning with story time and more on March 1 at 9:30 a.m. Registration is recommended by calling (949) 724-6908 or online. The cost is $2 per child.
Just Food and Fair Food
USC Doheny Memorial Library
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, CA 90089
usc.edu
The public is invited to join an informational day with lunch, panelist and speakers focused on food issues. Issues about food safety, sustainability, and food choices will be the main topics of discussion at the event. The event is free to the public and lunch will be provided on March 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 2
Grand Park Downtown Bookfest
Grand Park
Between First And Temple Streets
Los Angeles, CA 90012
grandparkla.org
Celebrate Read across America Day at this festive community event in Los Angeles. There will be a free lending library, crafts, story times and more. The event is on March 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Grand Park.
Winter Bulb Festival
UCI Arboretum
Campus and Jamboree
Irvine, CA 92697
Celebrate rare and beautiful flowers at the 12-acre UCI arboretum. Specialists will be available to help educate and answer questions to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 per person and complimentary for children under 12.
March 3
Dana Point Festival of Whales
Dana Point Harbor
34675 Golden Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
festivalofwhales.com
Dana Point Festival of Whales offers fun for the entire family on March 2 and 3 as guests celebrate the return of the whales. There are fun activities including whale watching, art festivals, street fairs, exhibits, lectures and hands-on activities. There is a free shuttle making accessibility to the event convenient for all to enjoy. See the online calendar for activities happening every hour as the entire Dana Point Harbor comes alive with festivities for everyone.
Shelby is an Orange County Native, and is a freelance writer for multiple magazines and websites around LA and Orange County. She can be found writing daily about the hottest happenings at the OC Mom Blog or on Twitter @OCMomBlog.