What You're Doing This Week: March 18
With the first day of spring this week, it's a perfect time to get out there and enjoy a host of fresh happenings on the L.A. and O.C. radar. You can take in some art and culture, celebrate Earth Hour or plan a visit to Knott's Berry Bloom Spring fling that opens this weekend. That and more, this idyllic midweek of March.
March 18
Discover the Arts in Los Angeles
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90028
discoverlosangeles.com
Discover 10 masterpieces in L.A. of history, science, culture and more. Through April 26, more than 40 of L.A.'s leading museums and performance groups invite you to savor a masterpiece while saving up to 50 percent on admission during L.A. Tourism's annual "Discover the Arts in Los Angeles: History, Culture, Science and More" campaign. Take advantage of special offers and discover new, inspired cultural escapes.
Spring Break Discounts At Big Bear
Big Bear Mountain Resorts
880 Summit Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5766
www.bigbearmountainresorts.com
Looking for a cool way to spend your Spring Break? Students ages 13 and up can show a valid school ID at any ticket window at Bear Mountain or Snow Summit for $20 off an all-day, dual mountain lift ticket. The deal is good starting Monday, but ends Friday.
March 19
Seasons 52 Spring Menu
Seasons 52
At South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol St Suite # 2802
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 437-5252
seasons52.com
This week marks the delicious debut of the spring menu at Seasons 52, the fresh, upscale grill and wine bar at South Coast Plaza. Chef Adam will be preparing a host of new dishes on the seasonally-inspired menu. New additions include: Garlic Pesto Chicken Flatbread (with Balsamic Onions, Roasted Peppers, Arugula and Fresh Mozzarella), Spring Asparagus and Lump Crab Salad (Bibb Lettuce, Hearts of Palm, Pea Shoots, Roasted Peppers and Yuzu Vinaigrette), Ahi Tuna Tartare (Avocado Guacamole, Mango Chutney and Curry Spiced Crisps) and the Copper River Salmon, which is available the last three weeks in spring and first few weeks in summer. And as always, Chef Adam will craft the dishes to fit 475 calories or under — the caloric count of all items at Seasons 52.
March 20
Swallow's Inn Fiesta Grandé
Swallow's Inn
31786 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
(949) 493-3188
swallowsinn.com
Up for a night of Wild West entertainment? Hit Swallow's Inn in San Juan Capistrano. Four contests are rolled into one evening of fun at the Fiesta Grandé: Best Dressed Old West Man, Best Dressed Old West Woman, Best Belt Buckle and the world famous "Smooth-Puss" contest. Don your finest Old West outfit, belt buckle and more, and enter one or more of the contests between 6 and 9 p.m.
March 21
Catch Me If You Can
The Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-1770
broadwayla.org
Catch it before it leaves The Pantages. Based on the hit DreamWorks film and the true story that inspired it, "Catch Me If You Can" is the splashy Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. The entertaining musical is created by a Tony Award-winning "dream team," with a book by Terrence McNally ("The Full Monty," "Ragtime"), a score by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman ("Hairspray"), choreography by Jerry Mitchell ("Hairspray," "Legally Blonde") and direction by Jack O'Brien ("Hairspray," "The Full Monty," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"). Call 800-982-ARTS (2787) for tickets.
March 22
ARTOPIA 2013
The Yost Theater
307 N Spurgeon St.
Santa Ana, CA, 92701
ocweekly.com
OC Weekly kicks off "Artopia," from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Yost Theater. Expect an eclectic collection of art from such Orange County artists as Alicia Rojas, Dino Perez, Jaime Johnson MiceofMillions, Samantha Pruitt and Salima Allen as you enjoy complimentary food, wine, cocktail and beer sampling. Artopia will also include live music, performance art and a fashion show. Tickets are $10 to $50.
March 23
Stories of the Cosmos
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, California 92629
(949) 240-2000
ritzcarlton.com
Guests and local residents are invited to celebrate Earth Hour through Stories of the Cosmos at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Held on the Eco-Adventure Center's Connect the Dots outdoor game board, Stories of the Cosmos is presented from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on March 23. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel's Eco-Adventure Center offers unique excursions to inspire with Southern California's unique ecosystems. Led by expert naturalists, the Eco-Adventure Center is dedicated to showcasing Southern California's natural wonders.
March 24
Knott's Berry Bloom Spring Fling
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
knotts.com
Spring break is just around the corner. Why not spend it at Knott's Berry Bloom? Knott's Berry Farm is celebrating the coming of spring with live entertainment, interactive games and food and wine events. From Ghost Town to the Boardwalk, the park will be alive with new activities and décor for the entire family, creating a park-wide experience that welcomes the new season. Highlights include The Search for the Easter Beagle, "Peanut's Party in the Park," the Grande 3-D Art Show at the Silver Bullet midway, "Lucy's Really Big Show" in Camp Snoopy and more. All of the activities are included with admission to Knott's Berry Farm, which also offers a full day of roller coasters and family fun rides. Knott's will have extended hours, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for families to take advantage of all the Knott's Berry Bloom spring fun.
Debbie Lavdas is a Southern California writer who covers events and travel for CBS Los Angeles. Keep up with her at @DebLavdas on Twitter or DebbieintheOC.com.
