Best Things To Do This Week In Orange County - June 19
Pajamarama Storytime
Barnes & Noble
7881 Edinger Avenue Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 897-8781
www.barnesandnoble.com
Bring the kids down to Barnes & Noble's Pajamarama Storytime, an exciting children's event that celebrates reading and creativity. Beginning at 7 p.m., youngsters can gather on the floor to hear a story. It's a great way to help little ones wind down before hopping into bed. And the best part is that pajamas are welcome! Get your kiddos ready for bed before coming down, and ensure that it will be easier than ever to get them to sleep afterward. Though the event is recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 8, it's free and open to the public so everyone is invited.
O.C. Tasting Showcase
Chuck Jones Center for Creativity
3321 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949) 660-7793
www.craftspiritscollective.com
Celebrate the first day of summer at the O.C. Tasting Showcase at SOCO's Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. The event, hosted by Craft Spirits Collective, features three hours of sips and sessions dealing with specialty spirits. This gallery is the ideal place to enjoy artisanal spirits including rum, whiskey, vodka, brandy and gin—in addition to specialty liqueurs. Aside from sampling the beverages, guests can meet their makers, giving them a glimpse into the world of craft spirits. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and serves as a fundraiser for Grandma's House of Hope in addition to the center itself.
Cypress Grove Creamery Takeover
SideDoor
3801 East Coast Highway
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 717-4322
www.sidedoorcdm.com
Sit back and relax—pub style—at SideDoor's monthly curated cheese takeover. This month's installment of the unique series will feature fine cheeses from Cypress Grove Creamery, based in Humboldt, CA. The creamery's portfolio of artisanal cheeses will be available for guests to savor starting at 4:30 p.m., with five-piece cheese boards selling for $28. While enjoying these boutique products, Tracy Nelsen—the restaurant's certified cheese expert—will educate guests about the cheeses and what they are best paired with. In addition to the cheese boards, the specialty cheeses will be incorporated into menu items for one night only. A special celebration in August will wrap up the series, with sample and menu items featuring all of the creameries featured since April.
Cos Bar Grand Opening Party
Lido Marina Village
3434 Via Lido
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 424-6572
www.cosbar.com
In honor of the store's launch, there will be a celebratory grand opening party on Thursday at Cos Bar. Just one of the many retail spots to come to Lido Marina Village this year, Cos Bar is a luxury cosmetic chain that carries high-end products. Ranging from make-up and fragrances to skincare, bath and body items, you'll find everything you need to stay beautiful this summer. The clean-cut interior of the store makes it a lovely environment in which to shop as well. During the party, cocktails and small bites will be available, and there will be raffles for prizes. The event will help support local charity Olive Crest.
UNPLUGGED SoCal Blues Party
Shannon's At The Top
209 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.atthetoplb.com
This new music venue and event space sits atop Shannon's On Pine, on the corners of Pine and Broadway in Long Beach. Recently opened, it's a great space to enjoy live music, and one such way to do so is at the UNPLUGGED SoCal Blues Party. Friday night marks the kick-off of this summer music series, which will take place every fourth Friday at 7 p.m. through September 22. This week, the G All-Stars will perform a blend of blues and R&B music. They will be joined by San Antonio-based artist Shy But Flyy as well as other special guests. Live music will last until 11 p.m., after which a DJ will take over the sound system.
SoCal Pirate Run
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 377-2481
www.itzabouttime.com
Ahoy, mateys! Calling all pirates! Put on your stripes, eye patches and running gear for a themed fun run right next to the high seas. With a finisher's medal complete with a skull design, you'll be decked out from head to toe by the time you finish the race. Starting at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington, the route takes you along the beach path and through the rest of the entirely paved course. Whether you're an avid runner or an amateur, this course is easy to navigate and provides some stunning views of the beach. Some winners will randomly receive free bottles of rum upon completion of the race.
Wags N Wine
Paséa Hotel & Spa
21080 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 328-8661
www.wagsnwine.com
Now in its eighth year, Wags N Wine is an annual event benefiting the Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation—a group that helps save local dogs from euthanasia at local shelters. Held in a new location this year, the fundraiser will take place in the hotel's grand ballroom, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Sip wine or beer, enjoy tasty snacks, view live entertainment and participate in silent and live auctions throughout the event. There will also be dogs on-site, with a special Pooch Pageant that is included in the price of admission. Attendees may also adopt animals at the event. A special VIP hour will take place from noon to 1 p.m., while general admission runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
