Best Events This Weekend In Orange County - November 18

It's incredibly easy to fall into a routine and end up at the same bar, same restaurant, or watching the same movies to pass the time on a weekend. There is comfort in familiarity. However, there just isn't anything exciting about that Monday morning conversation of what you did over the weekend if nothing new was in the equation. Pardon the cliché, but variety certainly is the spice of life and if nothing else, your weekends should be a great opportunity to explore, expand your comfort zone, and experience something great. In that spirit, we hope that narrowing the focus and piecing together these shorts lists of what to do and where to go are helpful. Here is the rundown of what is happening in Orange County.

Friday, November 18

Art Walks
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300
www.missionsjc.com

No doubt cherished California soil, the Mission at San Juan Capistrano is not only beautiful, but also tangibly historic. As the 7th of the 9 missions, San Juan Capistrano continues to function as a cultural destination and a focal point within the SoCal community via it's exhibits and events. Highlighting not only the roots among the Native American people but also the Spanish Colonial era, these buildings serve as monuments to the identity of California. On Fridays, the mission hosts docent lead tours that further explain the artwork of the Serra Chapel, the Spanish Colonial Room and the Mission Treasures Exhibit and how the work provides a snapshot of a significant time in history. These tours are free with paid admission to the mission. This is a huge slice of Golden State history and an ideal way to spend a weekend.

Saturday, November 19

Dim Mak 20th Anniversary Party w/ Steve Aoki
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
www.dimmak.com

It's hard to believe that Steve Aoki's pioneering record label Dim Mak has now reached their 20th anniversary mark. The purveyor of the Pickle Patch, Steve Aoki went from hosting legendary parties during his time in college in Santa Barbara, to helming one of the most respected indie record labels in music. With releases ranging from hardcore, punk, hip hop, and electronic dance music, Aoki's brand is as versatile as it is consistent. With parties spotting the country to commemorate this milestone, the Southern California installment had to go above and beyond. Enlisting the help of Autoerotique, Dvbbs, Migos, and taking on a sunset set himself, Aoki is ensuring his 20th is one of the books. There just aren't many places where you can dance with toes in the sand during November with Steve Aoki. Take advantage.
 

Mana
Honda Center
2695 E Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806
www.mana.com

While Mana is regarded as Latin Rock royalty, the band is not content to sit back and enjoy their status. The band continues to trek around the world and connect with their legion of fans, transforming arena-sized production into moments of intimate experiences. On the second leg of the Latino Power Tour, the band actually gives fans the chance vote in real time on which songs they will play during the acoustic portion of the set. Mana performs a comprehensive collection of tunes that span the group's 30-year career in a way that makes the songs sound as relevant as they day they emerged. Whether you are familiar with the music or not, Mana is a name that has withstood the test of time for a reason. Now you can find out why.

Sunday, November 20

The Addams Family Musical
Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse
661 Hamilton St.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949)650-5269
www.costamesaplayhouse.com

There are countless adaptations of the classic family unit, but this is the very first musical development of the Addams family. Debuting in Chicago in 2010, the production would land on Broadway and feature Nathan Lane for it's brief run. Since then the show has struck a chord with the series' cult fanbase and continued to dot the country for limited engagements. With music and lyrics written by Andrew Lippa, the compositions were enough to garner a Tony nomination for Lippa in 2010. The Southern California tour stop is nearing it's end. Do not miss your chance to experience classic television characters in a whole new way.
 

Lake Forest Ice Palace
25821 Atlantic Ocean Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 305-9658
www.lficepalace.com

Whether your skill level is that of a novice or an expert, there's something wholesomely satisfying about strapping on a pair of ice skates in Southern California. The Ice Palace is a fantastically maintained facility that offers free skate, hockey, broomball, and lessons for those looking to sharpen their skills on the ice. While Southern California doesn't get much of the natural stuff, this indoor rink is conducive for an afternoon of activity and big enough to enjoy some elbow room. If you are looking for a date night or afternoon with the kids, some time on the rink is always good call.

Article by Ramon Gonzales.