Every Top Event To Know About This February In Orange County
Pretend City, Irvine
www.pretendcity.org
Teach little ones about the Olympics as they participate in the center's own version of the torch relay tradition. In addition to the relay, families can make their own torches to take home and learn about South Korea in honor of the upcoming winter games.
LCAD Gallery, Laguna Beach
www.lcad.edu
This free, three-week exhibit will present the works of Phillip Boutte, Jr., a costume concept and production designer working in the entertainment industry. The showcase will present some of his concepts from movies like "The Greatest Showman," "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" and more. An opening reception will be held the evening of February 1.
Las Laguna Gallery, Laguna Beach
www.laslagunagallery.com
In honor of Valentine's Day, explore this group exhibition featuring Sarey Ruden that will present various interpretations of love, from images of actual hearts to pieces that evoke feelings of love, affection, lust and infatuation.
"H2OMG! Watercolor Gone Wild"
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
www.themuck.org
Organized by the National Watercolor Society, the Muck's spring art show will consist of watercolor paintings that explore the wild side of the medium, including unique pieces from Joanna Barnum. A special opening party will be held on Feb. 1, and there will be gallery tours available on select days throughout the exhibition.
The Frida Cinema, Santa Ana
www.thefridacinema.org
Early in the month, Punxsutawney Phil will reveal if we have six more weeks of winter. But whether he sees his shadow or not, the silly tradition will be highlighted with this movie screening of the 1993 comedy film that sees Bill Murray repeating his day over and over again.
Honda Center, Anaheim
www.pbr.com
The Professional Bull Riders return to Southern California with a two-day invitational that includes a variety of well-know riders, which may include everyone from the 2017 champion, Shane Proctor, as well as the world champion, Jess Lockwood.
Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
www.oc-hc.org
The Orange County Heritage Council is hosting this annual fete, which starts out with a parade featuring members of the local community. Then, a cultural fair offers information on black history, health screenings, youth activities, networking opportunities and food.
"Poisoned Pens"
Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaplayhouse.com
This show plays three roles: a youth theater production, a murder mystery and a fundraiser. In addition to the performance, dinner and both live and silent auctions, the Society of Mystery Enthusiasts and Great Mystery Authors will be on-site to crown their Author of the Year and award the winner with $100,000.
Great Train Show
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.greattrainshow.com
Traveling from coast to coast, this annual train show makes its way back to Orange County this month, offering views of operating tabletop train sets, vendors offering hundreds of trains and accessories and special activities for kids. There will also be workshops and demonstrations.
The Frida Cinema, Santa Ana
www.thefridacinema.org
While the art house cinema typically has a series dedicated to one specific director, this month, in honor of Black History Month, the Frida will present four groundbreaking films from African American directors, including Jordan Peele's "Get Out" and John Singleton's "Boyz n the Hood."
Big Game Viewing Party
House of Blues, Anaheim
www.houseofblues.com
Whether you're watching to see if the Patriots continue their win streak and beat the Eagles, or simply to scope out the new commercials, this is a great way to watch the game amongst friends. There will also be an all-you-can-eat buffet with foods like chicken wings, nachos, tater tots, chili and more.
Crochet for Kids
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
www.fullertonarboretum.org
Children can stop by the arboretum for a workshop on crocheting, where an instructor will teach them the most basic stitches and techniques as well as how to make slipknots, to turn their work and to tie off while making a square-shaped crocheted coaster.
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Silverado
www.letsgooutside.org
With an extremely low level of difficulty, this free outdoor fitness class is ideal for those of all ages and abilities. The slow, non-stressful movements of the Yang style of tai chi will be combined with deep breathing in the fresh air and summoning internal energy for meditation.
Bluebird Canyon Farms, Laguna Beach
www.bluebirdcanyonfarms.com
Learn to make healthy choices and prepare delicious, balanced meals at this cooking workshop led by the farm's chef Aurelie Glorieux. The menu consists of goat cheese and beet cakes, steamed fish with seaweed and a Valentine's Day pink sauce and raw chocolate truffles.
"Kinky Boots"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
With a score created by pop star Cyndi Lauper, it's no wonder that this Broadway musical is a hit. But the plot itself is the main cause: the uplifting true story follows a show factory owner who befriends Lola, an entertainer looking for some fabulous stilettos.
Native Seed Farm, Irvine
www.letsgooutside.org
Irvine Ranch Conservancy has its own native seed farm in Irvine, where this wildflower-planting event will take place. Sign up to plant new flowers in the fields, weed existing plants, harvest seeds and more. This fulfilling workshop will help create new plants to later be placed in the conservancy's various parks.
The Potting Shed, Orange
www.tpshomeandgarden.com
The Potting Shed teams up with Fenny's Flowers for this special Valentine's-inspired workshop. In addition to a ceramic pot with gold hearts adorned on the side and fresh succulents, the class includes a wood sentiment to insert into the dirt and a gift tag.
Celebration of the Muckenthaler Legacy
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
www.themuck.org
Celebrate the family who once lived in the Muckenthaler mansion with this event honoring three important things: the premiere of clips from Muckenthaler home videos, the restoration of the stained glass window donated to an Anaheim church in the 1920s and the launch of efforts to recover one of the family's long-lost murals.
Pretend City, Irvine
www.pretendcity.org
Following the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics on February 8, Pretend City will hold a ceremony of their own, complete with a parade at the end of the day. There will also be a South Korean dance party as well as a craft featuring Olympic rings made out of tissue paper.
Painting Class
Sherman Library & Gardens, Newport Beach
www.slgardens.org
For two hours, local artist Erna Van Dyk will lead a special watercolor class at the library, allowing guests to complete their own piece of artwork to take home. The class will focus on watercolor painting as well as mixed media techniques.
Yoga on the Farm
Bluebird Canyon Farms, Laguna Beach
www.bluebirdcanyonfarms.com
Practice yoga in the fresh air with Bluebird Canyon Farms' 60-minute fitness workshop. The event starts with a power vinyasa yoga session followed by a tour of the farm and ends with a healthy tea or juice drink made with the farm's organic produce, all for only $25.
Dolphin Dash
Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
www.abetterworldrunning.com
Offering a 5K, 10K, 15K and a half marathon, the Dolphin Dash is a somewhat informal run with an open course that is located near the beach in Huntington. An aid station will offer water, Gatorade and energy gels, and each finisher will receive a medal.
Floral Heart Arrangement Workshop
Roger's Gardens, Corona del Mar
www.rogersgardens.com
www.rogersgardens.com
The garden's floral designer, Alison Whiteman, will lead this class on floral heart arrangements, offering step-by-step guided instruction as well as fresh flowers, soil and a wooden container. Whiteman will also give out tips for caring for the unique-shaped arrangement.
Ja Rule and Ashanti
The Observatory, Santa Ana
www.observatoryoc.com
As one of the most popular rappers and music producers in the early 2000s, Ja Rule made a name for himself, partnering with female artists for many of his hit songs. One of those artists was Ashanti, who joins him on this tour to perform their hits. Ray J will open the show.
California Cool Art Auction
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaartmuseum.org
This year marks the Laguna Art Museum's centennial celebration, and this annual art auction, now in its 36th year, is one of the museum's biggest fundraisers. Grab a ticket to view and purchase California art while enjoying signature cocktails and quality cuisine.
University Art Gallery, Irvine
uag.arts.uci.edu
One of the art galleries on the UCI campus will host this exhibition through February 10, touching on current issues like feminist embodiment through technology and the ethics of the Internet through artwork. Artists include Morehshin Allahyari, Angela Washko and more.
"Shakespeare in Love"
South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa
www.scr.org
As the current play at South Coast Repertory winds down, make sure to catch it before it's gone. Inspired by the 1990s film of the same name, the story follows a young William Shakespeare who suffers from writer's block until he meets Viola, who becomes his muse.
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
www.lacookiecon.com
Sweet, salty and savory brands come together for the region's largest baking and pastry convention along with numerous celebrity chef. Expect to find workshops on things like fondant work and vegan desserts, cooking demonstrations, activities for kids and more.
One Love Reggae Fest
The Queen Mary, Long Beach
www.observatoryoc.com
The Observatory will host their One Love festival at the Queen Mary this month, with two days of reggae music dominating the festival grounds in front of the famous ship. Headliners include Rebelution, Atmosphere, Nas and Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals.
Brea Gallery, Brea
www.breagallery.com
With an opening reception on February 10, and an exhibit that extends much longer, guests can enjoy work from Masters of Fine Arts students from various local universities. Included in the show are paintings, drawings, installations, photographs and more. There will be an artist in residence program as part of the show as well.
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.babydatefest.com
For the first year, the Baby Date Fest is happening here in Orange County, offering a fun family-friendly event in celebration of Valentine's Day. Activities at the festival include face painting, a bubble experience, a fashion show, meet and greets with mermaids, a photo booth with Valentine-themed props, stage shows, a crawling contest and a vendor marketplace.
Gourmet Vegan Cheese and Pates
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton
www.fullertonarboretum.org
In this workshop at the arboretum, participants will learn to make a variety of vegan cheese spreads and pates using plants and nuts like dandelions, walnuts, acorns, chickweed, pine nuts, almonds, cashews and more. These plants can be purchased at the store or even grown at home in your own garden.
Songbook: Steven Page and the Art of Time Ensemble
Musco Center for the Arts, Orange
www.muscocenter.org
Steven Page, formerly of the rock band Barenaked Ladies, will grace the Musco Center stage with his unique tenor voice. Page will be joined by the Art of Time ensemble, a group of both popular and classical musicians that will offer up an entertaining night of music.
Equestrian Exploration
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, Silverado
www.letsgooutside.org
Saddle up your horse and get ready to explore Limestone Canyon on this free equestrian ride. The eight-mile trek will takes visitors through the oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub and grasslands of the area, traveling to both The Sinks and Dripping Springs.
Richard Nixon Library, Yorba Linda
www.nixonfoundation.org
A free program will allow guests to interact with Lieutenant Colonel Robert Friend, the oldest surviving Red Tail pilot of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first group of black pilots in the military. In addition to greeting visitors, he will detail his World War II experiences in honor of Black History Month.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
Whether you're single or taken, the Segerstrom Center has something to offer this Valentine's Day, with romantic dinner specials available inside Leatherby's Café Rouge and a single's celebration outside at Argyros Plaza with a themed menu and live karaoke band.
Art in Context Series
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
A six-part art series kicks off this month, led by art historian Annalee Andres. The hour-long first session will include an introduction detailing what's to come as well as an overview of the avant garde movement in Paris' Montmartre district from the 1880s to the 1920s.
Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
Casa Romantica, San Clemente
www.casaromantica.org
Enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day wine tasting experience at the cultural center, courtesy of Buccaletti Vineyards straight out of Tuscany. Guests will enjoy olive oil tastings as well as wines that were crafted at the winery's property in Italy.
Valentine's Day Four-Course Dinner
The Ranch, Anaheim
www.theranch.com
A four-course meal will be prepared by scratch on Valentine's Day at The Ranch. Diners can choose an appetizer, a second course, a main course and a dessert, including things like asparagus hummus, baby spinach salad, Dungeness crab and Champagne bisque, pork tenderloin, Chilean sea bass, strawberry cheesecake and lemon panna cotta.
A Buster Keaton Valentine
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
www.themuck.org
During this special holiday event, enjoy a screening of the 1925 silent film "Seven Chances," starring actor Buster Keaton. A comedy with themes like love and engagement, it's a great film to share with someone special. The movie will be accompanied by piano music from Michael Mortilla.
Fight Club OC
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.socafights.com
For one night only, watch professional boxers and MMA stars battle it out at the fairgrounds. There will be a 40-foot screen to catch all the action, VIP seats and an outdoor cigar lounge. Expect fights from names like Jarret Jeter, Roger Guiterrez, Paola Ramirez and Tricia Straight.
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.tetfestival.org
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the annual Tet Festival, offering up a variety of cultural displays and live entertainment as well as ethnic foods to enjoy. There will also be carnival rides, games and more than 150 vendors during the three-day festival.
El Camino Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano
www.caminorealplayhouse.org
The audience is invited to participate in this fun, Western-themed melodrama at the El Camino Playhouse. Cast members from all over Southern California will perform in a story filled with mischief and mystery as a heroine tries to protect her vineyard from those scheming to take it.
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach
www.ocma.net
Offered as an extension of the "Shi Zhiying" art exhibition, this meditation class utilizes a variety of Buddhist techniques that help clear the mind and bring a feeling of calmness as instructor Ross Stoutenborough leads the 45-minute workshop using sacred mantras.
The Year of the Dog Gala
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
A special fundraising event for the museum will honor the Lunar New Year as we welcome the Year of the Dog this month. Guests will enjoy a reception with an exhibition viewing, a dinner with an opera performance, a presentation of the stringed guzheng and a hand balancing act.
The Dangerous Summer
The Observatory, Santa Ana
www.observatoryoc.com
Maryland-based The Dangerous Summer called it quits back in 2014, but, interestingly, their fans kept their momentum building even after they'd gone. Now, after just releasing a new album, the band will return to Southern California to perform alongside Microwave and The Band Camino.
Edible Hanging Baskets Designs
Roger's Gardens, Corona del Mar
www.rogersgardens.com
While hanging plants are having their moment in the sun, it's especially wonderful when the plants growing inside have edible delights inside. This workshop will detail how to create a small garden filled with herbs and how to keep them healthy throughout the year.
Screening of "Chinese Couplets"
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
Filmmaker Felicia Lowe will be on site for a screening of and discussion on her documentary "Chinese Couplets," which details the impact of the Chinese exclusion era on four generations of women in her family. An engaging debate will follow the film.
ScotsFestival & International Highland Games
The Queen Mary, Long Beach
www.queenmary.com
It's the 25th anniversary of the ScotsFestival at the Queen Mary, the best spot in Southern California to experience Scottish culture up close. Along with traditional cuisine and cultural entertainment, guests can watch athletic competitions like darts, archery and herding.
Bellydancer of the Universe Competition
Business Expo Center, Anaheim
bellydanceroftheuniverse.com
Individual and group bellydancers are invited to sign up for this annual competition, which will feature 16 different awards for 2018. With categories like Champion of the Universe, Fusion Solo and Group, there are plenty of changes to win. There will also be a fitness figure competition.
"Anatomy of the Piano"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
A family-friendly show full of imagination, "Anatomy of the Piano" follows a young boy named Will as he tries to reach the moon. After asking for a space ship for Christmas, but getting a piano instead, he's drawn into a musical adventure filled with famous pianists of the past.
Irvine Regional Park, Orange
www.pawsfurpink.com
While most charity runs don't allow our doggy friends to tag along, Paws Fur Pink encourages it. This dog-friendly run benefits both breast cancer and canine cancers with the Hearty Hound 5K and the Dawdling Doodle one-mile walk.
Chinese American Genealogy Workshop
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
Inspired by the Lunar New Year, this special event provides guests with helpful tips on how best to research Chinese American genealogy. Led by Steve Kwon, the workshop is sponsored by OC Public Libraries.
Kate Voegele and Tyler Hilton
The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
www.thecoachhouse.com
Two pop artists come together to perform at the Coach House this month. Voegele is a songwriter that has been writing music since a young age while Hilton is best known for his role on teen drama "One Tree Hill." A meet and greet will be held before the show.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Disney California Adventure, Anaheim
www.disneyland.com
Even Disneyland has a Lunar New Year celebration for locals and visitors to enjoy. Along with appearances from Mulan and her dragon Mushu, there is a wishing wall, cultural performances, plenty of traditional food options and special merchandise for sale until the 18th.
Harlem Globetrotters
Honda Center, Anaheim
www.harlemglobetrotters.com
The Harlem Globetrotters return to once again take on the Washington Generals. These two trickster basketball teams put on quite a show, with plenty of outlandish movies and silly sneaks up their sleeves. The team loves to interact with the kids in attendance during and after the game, making for a really special time that families can enjoy together.
Slow-Paced Mountain Bike Ride
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, Silverado
www.letsgooutside.org
On President's Day, enjoy your day off with an epic bike ride from Fremont Canyon to Sierra Peak. The 25-mile trip for experienced riders offers a chance to see little-explored parts of the region, and a guide will ensure you find your way back home and learn about the park along the way.
National Love Your Pet Day
Pretend City, Irvine
www.pretendcity.org
Whether you have a dog, cat, bird or fish at home, celebrate your beloved pet with your kids at Pretend City for National Love Your Pet Day. Enjoy a special story time, create a drawing or painting of your pet, test your motor skills with different animal-related movements and spend time petting adoptable dogs courtesy of the Irvine Animal Care Center.
Brea Gallery, Brea
www.breagallery.com
A new workshop that is being offered for the first time, the mosaic relief class will allow participants to create a unique 3D relief panel using a gout-free technique. Design and cutting skills will be demonstrated as students put together a variety of new and recycled materials.
Sherman Library & Gardens, Newport Beach
www.slgardens.org
James Irvine played a large role in the region after inheriting his Irish immigrant father's ranch on his 25th birthday. Enjoy a talk on his history, and on the impact he had on what is now the city of Irvine. The free event starts at 7 p.m.
The U.S., China and the Geopolitics of the South China Sea
Richard Nixon Library, Yorba Linda
www.nixonfoundation.org
Learn all about geopolitical competition in some of the world's trade epicenters with this special forum at the Nixon Library. With more than 30 percent of all trade passing through the South China Sea, China and neighboring countries have established maritime defenses in response.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.scfta.org
On select dates, stop by Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center to take free ukulele lessons. The Wednesday and Friday night classes are designed for musicians of all skill levels so all you have to do is bring a ukulele along and be ready to learn. Ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro will perform inside the center after the last class.
Cirque Du Soleil: Luzia
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.cirquedusoleil.com
Heavily inspired by Mexican culture, this new show from Cirque du Soleil—the first to come to Orange County in a few years—is designed around two special elements: light and rain. There are 15 segments in the show, including dance trapeze, hoop diving, Russian swings and more.
"The Graduate"
Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaplayhouse.com
Starring Melanie Griffith, this rendition of "The Graduate" will run for almost three weeks in Laguna, presenting the classic story of seduction from the 1967 film of the same title. Though Mrs. Robinson seduces Benjamin, he starts to fall for her bubbly daughter, Elaine.
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana
www.bowers.org
Historian Larry Maurer of the Timeless Melodies Foundation for Education will discuss some of the Oscar's best songs of the past, in honor of the upcoming award show. The event will take guests through the history of three different songs, including "Over the Rainbow," "Thanks for the Memory" and "Three Coins in the Fountain."
One Hour/One Painting
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaartmuseum.org
In a unique event held at the museum, author Peter Clothier invites guests to join him in spending an hour exclusively in front of one of the museum's paintings.
T-Pain
The Observatory, Santa Ana
www.observatoryoc.com
Singer, rapper and hip hop producer T-Pain will perform in Orange County this month, with hits like "Buy U a Drank," "Can't Believe It" and "Bartender." Tickets start at $20 and the show will start at 8 p.m.
The Magic Flute
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
www.pacificsymphony.org
Carl St.Clair will lead the orchestra in their performance of Mozart's "The Magic Flute." The performance is a favorite of the orchestra, played each year at Segerstrom. It tells the tale of Tamino and Papageno, a prince and a bird catcher who must rescue Pamina from a priest.
Gallery Q, Laguna Beach
www.thesusiq.org
Celebrate Valentine's Day through art with this special showcase, featuring works that showcase love and affection in many different ways. The paintings are not necessarily filled with pink hearts, but instead depict things that the artists themselves hold dear to their hearts.
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
www.thebesthomeshow.com
For more than 40 years, this home and garden show has presented creative ways to decorate. In addition to vendors and design ideas, guests will be able to experience (or participate in) the Great Landscape Competition. Cash prizes up to $5,000 will be awarded.
Roger's Gardens, Corona del Mar
www.rogersgardens.com
Create a modern look in your home with this terrarium workshop. Featuring vibrant green plants inside crystal clear containers, attendees can customize their creation to fit their own personal style. Step-by-step instructions and materials will be provided for each guest.
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach
www.ocma.net
As a museum focused on innovation and experimentation in art, OCMA has discovered some incredible artists that have gone on to do great things. This exhibition takes a look at pieces in the museum's permanent collection that were impactful in the artists' careers.
Peanuts Celebration
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park
www.knotts.com
One weekends through February 25, visitors can celebrate some beloved characters that call Knott's Berry Farm home. The Peanuts Celebration, starring Snoopy and Charlie Brown, features plenty of new live shows, photo opportunities, workshops and activities.
"Drawn from a Score"
Beall Center for Art + Technology, Irvine
beallcenter.uci.edu
UCI's Beall Center is known for combing art with technology, and the current show is no different. Running almost through the end of the month, visitors can check out pieces inspired by computational scores, including an impressive installation that draws simply by the wave of your hand.
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
www.lagunaartmuseum.org
Take a look at more than 80 paintings, drawings and sculptures crafted by local artist Tony Delap, whose work was at the forefront of various different art movements throughout the last few decades. The exhibit is part of the museum's centennial celebration this year.
Honda Center, Anaheim
www.hondacenter.com
WWE superstars, including Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and more, return to the Honda Center for Monday Night Raw, the company's flagship broadcast. While the lineup is always subject to change, you're sure to spot a few superstars at the event.
Casa Romantica, San Clemente
www.casaromantica.org
Guests visiting the cultural center at the end of the month can enjoy an art reception featuring the works of Paul Van Ernich, a Dutch painter who uses old-world techniques to craft stunning still lifes and portraits with deep, rich colors. There will be complimentary wine and cheese.
Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach
www.cacej.org
All races, genders, sexualities, religions and cultures are invited to come together for this annual breakfast. Hosted by the California Conference for Equality and Justice, the theme of the breakfast is "Two Spirits, One Heart" and a mother and her transgender son will be the keynote speakers.
Cove Gallery, Laguna Beach
covegallerylaguna.com
The gallery has teamed up with Laguna Beach High School to present artwork from local high school students. Now in its second round, the program is highlighting the works of Shea Skenderian and Ella Steinbach through the end of the month.
