November 2016 Events Calendar For Orange County
With the arrival of November, we're well into the fall season. This month, there's plenty to celebrate up until Thanksgiving, including gardening events, a Color Run at the Huntington State Beach and much more.
"Song of the Reed Flute" Exhibit
JoAnne Artman Gallery
326 North Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 510-5481
www.joanneartmangallery.com
Throughout the month of November, stop by the JoAnne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach for the "Song of the Reed Flute" exhibition featuring works by Korean artist Rimi Yang. Her pieces expertly blend contemporary surrealism and more traditional art forms, producing oil paintings that are dreamlike and whimsical while still maintaining the subject's form. Vibrant colors, loose brushstrokes and her cross-cultural background add to her images, making this show a great event for anyone who enjoys a mix of traditional and modern techniques. Yang's pieces have won her numerous awards and have been showcased around the world before coming to Laguna Beach.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Fairhaven Memorial Park
1702 Fairhaven Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 633-1442
www.dignitymemorial.com
Each year after Halloween, many celebrate the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos, or, in English, the Day of the Dead. The spiritual holiday focuses heavily on family and friends that have passed away, celebrating their lives and their transition to the world beyond the living. In addition to honoring ancestors, many celebrate by painting their faces, wearing costumes or eating sugar skulls and pan de muerto. For the event at Fairhaven Memorial Park, visitors are encouraged to bring photos of their loved ones to place on the altar. There will also be an offertory, a memorial service, entertainment and Mexican cuisine.
BlizzCon
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
(949) 955-1380
www.blizzcon.com
Video game lovers will flock to BlizzCon during the first weekend of November. Local gaming company Blizzard Entertainment, who are the creators of games like Warcraft, Heroes of the Storm and Overwatch, are hosting the annual convention. In addition to five different championships, BlizzCon will feature an opening ceremony, live demonstrations, game-related announcements and previews, developer panels, Q&As and lectures from voice actors. Those not attending the festivities can purchase a pass to stream the tournaments online, where they can also check out some of the panels as well as some behind-the-scenes clips. Dress up as one of your favorite in-game characters and enjoy all this virtual game world has to offer.
Revolution Bike Fest
Oak Canyon Park
5305 Santiago Canyon Road
Silverado, CA 92676
(949) 427-2897
www.revolutionbikefest.com
While there are many hardcore cyclists in Southern California, Revolution Bike Fest offers something for everyone—meaning that you don't have to be a professional bicyclist to enjoy your time at the festival. Rather than races, Revolution is filled with chances to test demo bikes, head out on nearby trails, try out slalom courses or even set up camp near the festival action. Children are welcome as well; the festival offers everything from face painting to workshops on bike skills for kids. Food trucks and local breweries will be selling goodies throughout the weekend and there will be live music in the evenings from bands like Dramarama, Revolution Underground and Lifeline. Brands like Black Market Bikes and Intense Cycles will also be on hand.
Save the Waves Film Festival
Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(831) 426-6169
www.savethewaves.org
Each November, the Save the Waves Film Festival travels the world attempting to bring with it awareness about protecting our coasts and oceans. After hitting San Diego, the festival will stop in Dana Point for a day before moving on to Santa Cruz, Venice and San Francisco. Rather than including documentaries that showcase activism, the films act as activism themselves. This year's tour will feature a variety of shorts and features, including "The Urchin Hunter" by director Morgan Maassen, "Skeleton Sea" by director Mauritz Solberg and "The More Things Change" by director Nathan Myers. Proceeds raised by the tour will go toward Save the Waves' programs and campaigns to support the environment.
Fall Wine Tasting
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
26772 Avery Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 305-5100
www.arroyotrabuco.com
Mission Viejo's Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is the perfect spot for golfing, but they have their own events to offer as well. On November 10th, follow up a day of golf with some wine tasting, or simply make reservations for the event itself. From 6:30pm to 9pm, guests sample over 100 different wines. Though club members will receive a discount, the event is open to anyone over the age of 21. As you savor your favorite types of wine, consider buying a few bottles as gifts to give out during the holiday season; they will be available for wholesale prices throughout the evening.
"Home Alone"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
615 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.pacificsymphony.org
It may only be November, but the holidays will soon be in full swing. Take a trip to the Segerstrom Center to watch one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time: Home Alone. After Macaulay Culkin's character Kevin is left behind when his family heads out of town for Christmas, he fights to protect himself and the house from two creative burglars. Along with the movie screening, guests will enjoy live music from the Pacific Symphony as they perform the endearing John Williams score. This event will be held for two nights only so don't miss your chance to experience it before it's gone.
Diamond Ball
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 240-2000
www.thediamondball.org
This spectacular event is held each year to raise money for animal-related charities. This year, the Diamond Ball will donate funds to the Canine Companions Veterans Initiative, who works to give service animals to veterans with disabilities. In addition to a four-course dinner crafted by Executive Chef Brian Sundeen, the Diamond Ball will offer opportunity drawings as well as live and silent auctions. Throughout the evening, organizers will also be collecting donations of gold, silver, diamonds and jewels that will be appraised on-site in an effort to raise more money for the initiative. There will also be a performance by X-Factor winners Alex & Sierra, a folk-pop duo that became quick fan favorites on the show.
Russian Artists Show
Lahaina Galleries
1173 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-9117
www.lahainagalleries.com
For one night only, Lahaina Galleries at Fashion Island will present artwork created by Russian artists Alexei Butirskiy and Larissa Morais. Butirskiy's serene paintings portray scenes of beautiful urban landscapes using expertly crafted techniques to showcase light and color. Morais's detailed-oriented paintings are often mistaken for photographs. Both artists were born and raised in Moscow, exhibiting collections based on their homelands and their lives there. The three-hour event will run from 4 pm to 7pm, featuring Russian delicacies and beverages. The Newport Beach gallery is one of four locations, but remains the only site outside of Hawaii.
Repticon
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1500
www.repticon.com
Repticon, a traveling reptile and exotic animal convention, returns to Costa Mesa for a two-day extravaganza full of snakes, lizards and more. Visitors can get up close and personal with these creatures through live animal encounters and various informational seminars. In addition to learning about and visiting with the reptiles, the convention offers a chance to purchase exotic pets at discount prices as well as talk to breeders and trainers directly to get all of the info you need. In addition to the animals, there will be a variety of vendors selling products for reptiles and other exotic pets as well.
"Parade"
Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 824-6614
drama.arts.uci.edu
The UCI Claire Trevor School of the Arts presents their latest show at the Irvine Barclay Theatre this November. "Parade" was first written in the early 1900s, but the UCI performance will feature a 21st century spin, making it relevant to today's audiences. This is the department's second major production this school year, telling the story of Leo Frank, a man wrongly convicted of the murder of his young female employee. Senior BFA student Jacob Ben-Shmuel will play Frank while Kelsey Jenison will play his wife Lucille. The UCI Drama department has titled their 2016-2017 season "THEM!" presenting shows like "Parade", "The Iliad" and "Avenue Q" that deal with acceptance and understanding.
Anaheim Ducks vs. New Jersey Devils
Honda Center
2695 East Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
www.hondacenter.com
Take in a mid-week hockey game as the New Jersey Devils take on local Orange County favorites, the Anaheim Ducks. The game will take place at the Ducks' rink inside the Honda Center with star players like Ryan Kesler, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf hitting the ice. Last season, following a winning streak that set a franchise record, the Ducks made it to the first round of the playoffs. In the seven-game series, they lost to the Nashville Predators. This year, the team looks to make the playoffs once more, hoping to win their first Stanley Cup championship since 2007. Slip on your sweaters and scarves and head to the rink for a night of exciting plays (and maybe a few fights as well).
The Color Run
Huntington State Beach
21601 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(855) 662-6567
www.thecolorrun.com
Known as the Happiest 5K on the Planet, the Color Run returns to Orange County this month, bringing with it an endlessly colorful day of fun. Now in its fifth year, the traveling fun run presents the Tropicolor World Tour, which features the same brilliant colors you've come to know and love as well as some other treats. Island music, palm trees and tropical scents will fill the course before runners arrive at Rainbow Beach. This interactive party at the finish line will have participants dancing the day away as they enter to win prizes, complete various photo ops and join in on color throws. The event, which will take place in Huntington Beach this year, provides t-shirts, headbands, temporary tattoos and more in their participant goodie bags.
Garden Class: Pruning Fruit Trees
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 708-1619
www.ocfair.com
As part of the garden classes hosted by Centennial Farm, learn the basic of pruning fruit trees at the Orange County Fair & Event Center. Master Gardener Isabel Barkman will present information on citrus trees, stone fruit trees and even avocado trees, detailing how California's growing season is different from other parts of the county. This class also serves as an introduction to a workshop that will be held at the farm in January; the hands-on lesson will give participants a chance to see firsthand how to prune fruit trees and to try it themselves. The class starts at 9:30 a.m. and advanced reservations are required.
Reef-a-Palooza
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 926-8975
www.reefapaloozashow.org
A rather unique convention, Reef-a-Palooza was designed for saltwater aquarium enthusiasts who want to learn more about and purchase new products. The event will feature a variety of vendors, including small and large retailers, coral farmers, livestock merchants, industry professionals and more. In addition to aquariums, visitors can pick up some new exotic fish and tropical coral imported from various spots across the globe. Aside from products, the convention will feature guest speakers; authors, designers and experts will discuss their experience with these types of creatures and aquariums. With almost 5,000 people at last year's two-day festival, they project that there will be even more visitors this year so make sure you arrive early.
"Mamma Mia!"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org
Each year, Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents some stellar fall Broadway performances. This year, "Mamma Mia!" returns to the stage, telling the story of a bride who wants her father at her wedding. The only problem? She doesn't know who he is! After reading her mother's diary from way back when, she invites three men who could potentially be her dad in an effort to determine which one is. Based on songs by the Swedish pop group and created with the help of group members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, "Mamma Mia!" includes hits like "Dancing Queen", "Take a Chance on Me", "S.O.S." and, of course, "Mamma Mia".
Turkey Trot
Dana Point Harbor
24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-1555
www.turkeytrot.com
Every Thanksgiving, thousands of visitors flock to Dana Point's annual Turkey Trot to work off the turkey they'll eat later on. Both the 5K and 10K courses provide runners with scenic views as they travel through the marina, the harbor and Doheny State Park. In addition, there is a one-mile race known as the Kids' Gobble Wobble open to children between the ages of five and 12. The event features a costume contest as well so make sure to dress up in your funkiest Thanksgiving outfit to try to win a prize. As part of the Turkey Trot, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will also host a health and wellness expo the day before and the day of the race.
Thanksgiving Feast
Monarch Beach Resort
Stonehill Tavern
1 Monarch Beach Resort North
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 234-3200
www.monarchbeachresort.com
If you're looking for the ideal place to dine out in Orange County for Thanksgiving, make sure to visit the Monarch Beach Resort's Stonehill Tavern for a Thanksgiving feast. The restaurant will offer a special four-course holiday menu from 2pm to 7pm. Start out with the salad of endive, including roasted pear, pomegranate, stilton cheese and a hazelnut vinaigrette. For the second course, choose from leek velouté with langoustine or a wild mushroom tartlet. Turkey with cranberry relish will serve as the main dish, coupled with family-style sides like roasted brussel sprouts and croissant stuffing. For dessert, select a slice of pie: sugar pumpkin, orchard apple or pecan-butterscotch.
The Holiday GEM
GEM Theatre
12852 Main Street
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 741-9550
www.onemoreproductions.com
Holiday shows are getting underway toward the end of the month and One More Production's Holiday GEM is one you won't want to miss. Designed as a fun, family-friendly activity, the show takes visitors on a fictional ride through Christmas Fantasy Land in the first act, performing traditional and contemporary holiday songs like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride". The second act is set in England, combining songs like "Carol of the Bells" and "Silent Night" with scenes meant to resemble sets from "A Christmas Carol". Expect to see Santa Claus, dancing elves, Christmas costumes and Victorian ball gowns along with plenty of live musicians to keep the theatre rocking all night.
Tamale Festival
Portola and Brio Parks
La Habra, CA 90631
(562) 383-4211
www.lahabraca.gov
The City of La Habra hosts the annual Tamale Festival, celebrating one of the most famous Mexican holiday traditions. Locals are welcome to enter their tamales in the contest—either for best tamale or best dessert tamale. In addition to the tamales, guests can enter additional contests for best salsa, hottest salsa and churro eating. Vendors will be on site selling tamales for all to try while local artisans will sell crafts perfect for holiday gifting. Local dance studios will provide performances before the city hosts their tree lighting ceremony during the festival for the first time.
