Best Activities & Events This Week In Orange County - September 5

The first full week in September brings a flurry of excitement as Orange County is filled with interesting events. Those that love to explore will have a hard time deciding which events to attend. The week begins with a party on a boat at sunset; what better way is there to say goodbye to summer? The rest of the week brings a thrilling show and two tasty opportunities—one will benefit charity while the other reveals some of the area's best tastemakers. Once Friday hits, attend the famous Tall Ships Festival, check out some of OC's furry friends or get your workout on as part of a triathlon. Whatever you choose, you're sure to enjoy it!

Disco Galactic Sunset Boat Party
The Port of Long Beach
555 Pico Avenue, Berth 55
Long Beach, CA 90802
(714) 492-6808
www.futurehouse.net

This limited capacity cruise is the third of three intimate Labor Day adventures from Why Knot? Party Cruises. The voyage takes off from the Port of Long Beach, giving guests a sunset experience to remember. Complete with a full bar, only 80 people can embark on the four-hour trip each day so getting tickets in advance is recommended. The cruise will feature music from Doc Martin, DJ Lillyanne and Steve Loria along with Meza Studios' new high-end Model Zero mixer. Grab a few cocktails, listen to some music and snap some selfies as you glide over the water during Golden Hour. Boarding starts at 4:30 p.m.

The Habit's No Kid Hungry Campaign
The Habit Burger Grill
2720 Nutwood Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 871-9116
www.habitburger.com

The Habit is partnering with No Kid Hungry throughout the month of September, so make sure to stop in to the restaurant and make a donation to the non-profit. Their mission is to end childhood hunger in America. Every cent of the donations will be pledged to No Kid Hungry and anyone who donates at least two dollars will receive a voucher for a free charburger on their next visit. Last year, the effort funded over two million meals for local children. Simultaneous with the campaign is the restaurant chain's Hatch Chile Festival, where diners can enjoy special menu items like the Hatch Chile Charburger or the the Hatch Chile Chicken Salad. Savor the flavor of these chargrilled chiles while making a difference. Locations throughout Orange County and Los Angeles are participating through the end of the month.

"All the Way"
South Coast Repertory
655 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-5555
www.scr.org

This week, South Coast Repertory's preview of "All the Way," will be playing for viewers to see. The play, written by Robert Schenkkan and directed by Marc Masterson, explores the complicated political landscape of 1963. It follows Lyndon B. Johnson, who recently became President of the United States, as he does everything in his power to get the Civil Rights Act passed. A Broadway hit on its own, it features other important political players of the time, including George Wallace, J. Edgar Hoover and Martin Luther King, Jr. Johnson is portrayed by Hugo Armstrong, an established performer who has appeared on the SCR stage before. The play will open on Friday night, but enjoy a preview Wednesday. Regular performances will be held through Oct. 2.

Tastemakers of Orange County
SOCO and The OC Mix
3303 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(949) 375-0749
www.ocapica.org

Hosted by the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), Tastemakers of Orange County is a luxury culinary event which is perfect for anyone interested in the intertwining of food and culture. In its first year, Tastemakers of Orange County will be held at SOCO on Thursday, giving the local community a chance to taste drinks and upscale cuisine inspired by Asian and Pacific Islander culture. Featured chefs include those from popular restaurants like Broadway, Vaca, Tackle Box, Wahoo's Fish Tacos, OC Baking Co., Pueblo, Shuck Oyster Bar, 320 Main, Bluefin, The Crema Café and Haven Gastropub. In addition to food tastings, visitors will enjoy live entertainment and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit OCAPICA, helping to support underserved families throughout the county.

Tall Ships Festival
Dana Point Harbor
24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-2274
www.ocean-institute.org

Today marks the first day of the weekend's Tall Ships Festival at the Dana Point Harbor. Running through Sunday evening, the event features a variety of tall ships that sail into the harbor to celebrate the maritime history of the area as well as legends like mermaids and pirates. On Friday, the Parade of Sail gives visitors a chance to hop aboard a tall ship during a sunset parade. The Sails 'n Ales event also takes place Friday, offering craft beer tasting from five different breweries. It takes place during the parade, offering perfect views and live music. The rest of the weekend will be filled with mermaid breakfasts, tours of the ships, local vendors, pirate adventures, mermaid encounters and afternoon cannon battles.

Summer Beach Party Dog Show
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.savkc.org

Since their start more than 60 years ago, the Santa Ana Valley Kennel Club has hosted twice that number of AKC all breed dog shows. The two-day event starts Saturday and concludes the following day as Best in Show is awarded to one lucky pup. Over 1,200 dogs will compete for the coveted title, but there will be plenty of family-friendly fun along with the show. Watch obedience and rally trials, talk with experts about training or grooming and take part in the silent auction that will benefit the kennel club's K9 Blood Bank Fund, a newly created fund that help provide money toward the welfare of the greyhounds that contribute blood to police K9s. Exhibitors can also attend the Saturday evening luau.

Pacific Coast Triathlon and Duathlon
Crystal Cove State Beach
6803 East Coast Highway
Newport Beach, CA 92657
www.octriseries.com

If you're going to put your body through the effort of training for a triathlon or duathlon, you might as well make sure the final event takes place somewhere as breathtakingly beautiful as Crystal Cove. One of the more remote spots along the Orange County coastline, Crystal Cove provides scenic views of pristine nature. The triathlon itself consists of a 750 meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run; a relay version of this is available as well. Similarly, the duathlon is a 2K run, a 20K bike ride and another 5K run. The swimming portion takes racers through a state marine conservation area to the closed course biking area and finally along PCH and the sand for the running portion. While all finishers will receive a medal, there are various awards available for the top finishers in various categories as well.