Best Events In Orange County This Week - November 7
Early this week, breathe deep and enjoy some complimentary election week yoga at the Monarch Beach Resort. On Tuesday, it's time to vote! But, on Wednesday, trivia night at Santa Ana hotspot Wursthaus will have your mind off the election. Those that love the holiday season will be thrilled with the launch of the Brea Mall's Santa photos as well as the crafty Sugar Plum Festival. End the week with a wizard-themed concert, a music and craft beer festival or a celebration of poke.
Get Your Santa Photos
Brea Mall
1065 Brea Mall
Brea, CA 92821
(714) 990-2732
www.simon.com
Get your Christmas wish lists ready because Santa Claus is coming to town—or at least to the Brea Mall. Stop by Santa's sleigh for stellar holiday photos or for a chance to share what you want for Christmas with the big guy in red. Children will delight in the wintery décor. Standard photo experiences will run through Christmas Eve, but the mall will also be offering special events on certain days, including pet photo nights on November 13 and December 4. On November 20, there will also be a special Caring Santa event that is perfect for children with special needs; the environment will be set up to feel especially welcoming. Photos will all be taken in the fountain court on the lower level.
Get Out & Vote!
Multiple Locations
www.ocvote.com
If you haven't voted already, make sure to visit www.ocvote.com and find your nearest place to show off your democratic ways! Regardless of who you're casting your ballot for, it's your duty as an American!
Election Exhale Week
Miraval Life in Balance Spa
1 Monarch Beach Resort North
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 234-3900
www.monarchbeachresort.com
The Miraval Life in Balance Spa at the Monarch Beach Resort presents Election Exhale Week. After you vote, unwind with some group yoga, fitness classes or meditation sessions—complimentary for both resort guests and local residents. These sessions aim to help visitors de-stress and remove some of the tension caused by the current political climate. With free parking and a day full of wellness-related activities, guests are sure to leave feeling better than they did when they arrived. This is one of the best ways around to get you over the hump of election week: peaceful breezes, ocean air, seaside views and plenty of stress-relieving fitness.
Trivia Night
Wursthaus
305 East 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 760-4333
www.wursthausdtsa.com
With a long community table serving as the restaurant's centerpiece, Wursthaus is the perfect location for Wednesday night trivia. Modeled after a German beer hall, the restaurant offers boots of beer and various types of sausages in classic, gourmet and exotic varieties. They are also known for their Drunken Fries, which are triple fried before being drizzled in housemade haus andalouse sauce and topped with IPA caramelized onions. Trivia night occurs every Wednesday at 7 p.m., allowing groups to participate in eight themed rounds. The winning team will earn a boot of German beer for each of its members.
Sugar Plum Festival
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(562) 598-0857
www.sugarplumfestivals.com
While some have started their Christmas shopping, others have yet to purchase any gifts. With Christmas less than two months away, visit The Sugar Plum Festival, which makes shopping easy and offers various arts and crafts as well as unique collectibles and antiques. Nearly 200 artists will be on site, offering their handmade treasures; their selection includes clothing, jewelry, personalized gifts, collectibles, repurposed items, candles, lotions, ornaments, home décor, garden flags, teas, coffees, baked goods, tamales, fudge and more. The festival will last for three days, but a longer festival will be held from November 30 through December 4 in Downtown Buena Park.
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" In Concert
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
The popularity of the Harry Potter series never ceases to amaze. With the opening of various Wizarding World themeparks across the globe, a new movie coming out set in the same universe and endless merchandise available, this mind-blowing cultural phenomenon is as loved as ever. Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents a new way to watch "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", with the film playing on a massive screen while an orchestra presents John Williams' delightful score below. This family-friendly event is a great way to start the weekend—with fun, music and a timeless fantasy film.
Driftwood Festival
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
www.driftwoodfest.com
Taking place during Veteran's Day weekend, the Driftwood Festival is the perfect blend of country music, craft beer and savory food. Enjoy an afternoon filled with music while you sip on local craft beers. Unlimited tastings are included with admission until 4pm also! Breweries that will be on-site include San Diego's Stone Brewing Co. and Ballast Point along with Anaheim's Bottle Logic Brewing and Sierra Nevada from Chico, CA. Wineries like Rebel Coast, William Hill, Liberated and Maggio Winery will be offering tastes as well. Performers for the event include Jerrod Niemann, Parmalee, Rodney Atkins and duo Thompson Square as well as The White Buffalo and El Bronx. With a VIP lounge, delicious barbecue and outstanding scenery, the first year of this exciting festival is sure to be a hit.
I Love Poke Festival
Hotel Irvine
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine, CA 92614
www.onoyum.com
The I Love Poke festival takes place today, offering foodies a chance to try a variety of island-inspired cuisine. Hosted at Hotel Irvine, the event will run from noon to 3 p.m., offering chances for visitors to taste samples from over 20 different restaurants. Participants in the festival include North Shore Poke Co., Poke OG, Poke Party, Da Hawaiian Poke Co. and Sushi Studio Arts. In addition to the fare of the day, there will be plenty of other food-related companies at the event, including Pocky, King's Hawaiian, Supernatural Sandwiches and Hula Girls Shave Ice.