Best Events This Week In Orange County - November 21
"Big Idea" Art Show
Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavilion
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 432-5738
www.orangecoastcollege.edu
Art lovers can visit the Frank M. Doyle Arts Pavillion on the Orange Coast College campus for a stunning display of contemporary artwork. Their main gallery is currently home to "Big Idea," a show featuring 2D and 3D works by local artists Kiel Johnson and Abel Alejandre. Their detailed pieces include a variety of drawings as well as real life applications using simple materials. The artists create portraits as well as works featuring everyday objects and different types of systems. The artwork, which makes up the campus' largest show of the year, is on display Monday through Thursday until December 3.
"Muzeo Express: Holiday Model Trains" Exhibit
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center
241 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 956-8936
www.muzeo.org
Now in its second year, "Muzeo Express: Holiday Model Trains" is a local holiday exhibit that is sure to become a tradition for families and friends all over Orange County. Visit the main gallery of the exhibit to delight over the extensive collection of model trains, which include layouts of popular California towns and Thomas the Tank Engine. Because Macy's sponsors the showcase, there is also a vintage department store window layout. In addition to the museum's regular hours, visitors can attend special "Polar Express" pajama parties on December 2 and December 10 as well as the Holiday Tea and Christmas Celtic Show on December 4.
Harvest Wildflower Seeds
Native Seed Farm
4727 Portola Parkway
Irvine, CA 92602
(714) 508-4757
www.letsgooutside.org
Stop by the Native Seed Farm on Wednesday morning to participate in a wildflower seed harvest. The flat terrain is home to plants like California buckwheat and sagebrush. The farm, which is a part of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, will teach volunteers all about the plants they're working with, detailing how they can be used for healing purposes as well as providing food and shelter for animals. The types of seeds harvested can also be planted to create a buffer for natural disasters like mudslides, wildfires and floods. Fall mornings are a great time to connect with nature and give back to the local community in a positive way.
Celebrate Thanksgiving!
Multiple Locations
Before you dig into your turkey and the tryptophan sets in, spend some time getting your fitness on at the Plymouth Rock N' Run at Yorba Regional Park. Whether you walk or run, it will be a gorgeous view as the course winds through Yorba Regional Park and along the Santa Ana river trail. Choose between a 5K and a 10K race; there will also be a children's 1K and a special Tot Trot for those under the age of five. All participants will receive the event t-shirt, a medal and photos at the finish line. Additional prizes will be awarded to overall finishers in both of the main races. The annual Rock N' Run benefits spinal cord injury research at UC Irvine. For more options, make sure to visit our list of the best Orange County Thanksgiving Events In Orange County.
For your Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of restaurants in all cities in Orange County serving up their own delicious Thanksgiving Dinners. Or, if you want to spend your Thanksgiving at home, many restaurants are offering terrific Thanksgiving Take-Out Options.
Take Advantage Of Black Friday
Ways & Means Oyster House
21022 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 960-4300
www.wmoysters.com
The day after Thanksgiving is the well-known shopping holiday, Black Friday. Shop at many Great O.C. Stores For Black Friday Deals, as well as many Local Stores In O.C. offering deals. But the deals don't have to end with Best Buy and Target. Visit Pacific City to do some holiday shopping and take advantage of Ways & Mean's Black Friday deal. Every gift card purchase of least $50 will include a free drink or snack from the oyster houses' menu. While guests may only claim one deal, they have a few different options to choose from. Free drinks include a beer or a special fizz cocktail while the snack options include fish or shrimp tacos. The special will run until closing on Friday.
Winter Fantasy
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3030
www.sawdustartfestival.org
Through December 18, Orange County natives and visitors alike can delight over the Sawdust Art Festival's holiday celebration. Winter Fantasy combines a fun winter wonderland full of activity with artwork exhibited and sold by local artisans. With paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, metalwork and more, the festival offers a unique shopping experience that will put each and every visitor in the holiday mood. With Santa, fake snow and Christmas trees on site, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained. They will also be serving a variety of foods from local Laguna vendors, including Espresso on the Go, GG's Mediterranean Express and Evan's Gourmet Bistro.
Holiday Festive Small Bites
Surfas Culinary District
3309 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 453-2665
www.cookingschoolsofamerica.com
Join Chef Mike Rolon for a hands-on cooking class that will showcase some of the most festive holiday treats. Whether you are throwing a Christmas party or simple want mini bites to serve to the family once the day itself arrives, this class at SOCO's Surfas Culinary District is great. Start your afternoon with a complimentary glass of champagne before Chef Rolon reveals the steps to creating the perfect mini beef Wellingtons, French cheese puffs called gougeres and phyllo dough shells filled with various flavors. In addition to the small bites you create, the chef will also discuss holiday entertaining in general, including a variety of plating techniques and holiday party do's and don'ts's.
