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 Summer may be winding down, but Orange County's entertainment options will continue to abound this fall. From a culinary celebration and a seaside festival to the return of Stanley Cup winners the Anaheim Ducks, the season brings an array of entertainment opportunities. Here is a look at some of the highlights:
Closing out the summer months are two annual favorites. First up is the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual event of its kind on the West Coast. Presented Sept. 7-9 at Dana Point Harbor, the festival will feature an array of activities, including live music, arts and craft shows, living-history demonstrations and a variety of foods. Other highlights include maritime displays and presentations, Polynesian dancers, sea-chantry concerts, interactive pirate encampment and dramatic sunset cannon battles.
Culinary festivals
Further south, Newport Beach’s signature event, the Taste of Newport, returns. Presented Sept. 14-16 at Fashion Island, the food and entertainment fest showcases more than 30 local restaurants and wine from more than 15 wineries. In addition to food and wine, world-class entertainers are scheduled to perform throughout the event. Visit tasteofnewport.com for details.
For more food and music, visit South Coast Plaza's annual Food, Wine and Micro-Brew Fest. The 23rd annual event features top Orange County restaurants, regional vineyards and microbreweries. Other highlights include live entertainment, raffle drawings and prizes. Proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The event will be held Oct. 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Macy's Home Store/Crate and Barrel wing.
Musical entertainment
Music continues at several Orange County venues. Among the many options are the last few shows of the Summer Jazz Series at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, presented on select days through Oct. 5. Headline jazz artists include saxophonist and songwriter Euge Groove (Aug. 17), trumpeter Rick Braun (Aug. 31) and guitarist Peter White (Sept. 7). Later in the series, The Rippingtons, one of the nation's top contemporary jazz instrumental groups, will perform Sept. 14. And closing the series is saxophonist Candy Dulfer, known for her hit song recorded with Prince, “Graffiti Bridge.” A pre-concert dinner, prepared by the Hyatt's new culinary team, is also available prior to every Friday performance.
Headline artists will also perform at Honda Center. Josh Groban, known for his hit song “You Raise Me Up,” will take the stage during Aug. 25 as part of his Awake Tour. Music begins at 8 p.m. On Sept. 29, Latin Grammy Award-winning pop singer Ricky Martin performs during his acclaimed Black & White Tour. The concert begins 8 p.m.
On stage
Several theater options will also be offered. “A Little Night Music,” for example, opens Sept 14 at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. The musical comedy, based on Ingmar Bergman's “Smiles of a Summer Night,” centers on the theme of love and takes place in Sweden during the turn of the century. The production runs through Oct. 7. Next, storytelling comes to life during “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment.” The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright centers on the adventures of Louis de Rougemont. From a Typhoon in the South Sea to cannibalism, Rougemont shares his true tale of survival. The production opens Sept. 28 and runs through Oct. 14.
Also in September, Yasmina Reza’s hit play, “Art,” opens at Laguna Playhouse. Presented Sept. 11-Oct. 14, the production centers on a sparkling debate about the nature of art between three men that quickly turns into a witty examination of friendship.
Sports highlights
Closing out summer is the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, running Aug. 25-26. The two-day event, held at the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo grounds in San Juan Capistrano, features top rodeo contestants as they compete in saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping and more. Proceeds will be contributed to Orange County children’s educational and health charities and facilities.
Also, the Ultimate Fighting Championships return to Honda Center as Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell battles former light heavyweight Champion Keith Jardine (Sept. 22). The evening also features Mauricio Rua vs. Forrest Griffin.
Later in the season, the NHL hockey season begins. Returning to the Honda Center is the Stanley Cup champions, the Anaheim Ducks. Oct. 10 marks the first home game of the season as the Ducks take on the Boston Bruins. Face off is at 7:05 p.m.
Tracy Bennett is Churm Media’s calendar coordinator.
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