Category: Orange County

This fun yearly festival is back in Irvine for a day of fun, food and friendship. Check out the details on this yearly celebration and see our information on free admission to the festival this weekend.

Orange County’s 41^st annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 28^th – 30^th at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church (4949 Alton Parkway, between Culver Drive and Jeffrey Road, Irvine, CA 92604). More than 12,000 guests are expected to attend the three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine and pastries, live music, church tours, authentic Greek dancing with lessons, and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 28; noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 29; and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 30. Festival admission is just $3 per person, with free admission on Saturday, June 29 from noon – 5 p.m. for seniors 65 years and older. Children under the age of 10 are admitted free (with parents or an adult) throughout the three-day festival. Free festival parking will also be available, with complimentary shuttle buses transporting guests from public parking sites in Irvine.

NOTE Festival is FREE for Taste Travel Explore fans this weekend with this flyer. 

Greek cuisine and hospitality will be the focal points as the festival will feature authentic recipes for traditional Greek dishes, delicious pastries and a variety of beverages, highlighted with a wine “Taverna,” offering Greek wine and beer. The traditional Greek menu will include Chicken, Lamb Chops, Greek French Fries, Gyros, Pastichio (Greek lasagna), Loucanico (Greek sausage), Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), Saganaki (Greek brandy-flamed cheese), Loukoumathes (Greek doughnut holes), Greek Salad, Calamari and more. There will also be a Greek coffeehouse set up by Portola Coffee Lab to serve Greek and American coffee drinks in a traditional Plaka setting. St. Paul’s Philoptochos, the church’s philanthropic group, will bake around the clock during the weeks leading up to the festival to prepare traditional Greek pastries, Baklava and other exquisite pastries.

“As Orange County’s largest Greek Orthodox congregation, we are delighted to host a festival that offers an opportunity for the community to experience authentic Greek dining, wine, music, dancing and entertainment,” said Father Steven Tsichlis, Pastor at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. “This year’s festival, our 41st annual, will offer something for everyone with a variety of Greek-themed activities, and tours of the Church to view the beautiful sanctuary that contains Christian artwork done in mosaic patterned after ancient prototypes that are unique in Orange County.”

A family-friendly affair, the festival will offer free Greek dance lessons throughout the weekend, a variety of boutique shops, and feature a free Children’s Play Zone. Event attendees can also enter an opportunity drawing for the chance to win one of five premiere prizes. Service animals only; no pets allowed.

For more information on the “A Taste of Greece” festival, please visit http://irvinegreekfest.com.

About St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church
St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church began in 1977 when a handful of people took the initiative to organize a new Greek Orthodox Church in Orange County.  Today the church is flourishing with large youth and senior citizens programs, modern Greek language classes for children and adults, a bookstore and a beautiful sanctuary filled with mosaic artwork. The church places an emphasis on “Philoptochos” – also the name of the church philanthropic group – a Greek word meaning “love for the poor,” by supporting Kids ‘N’ Cancer; an orphanage for boys outside Tijuana, Mexico; digging wells for villages in Africa; building churches and providing medical supplies for church run clinics and hospitals in Tanzania; and much more.  For more information, visit www.stpaulsirvine.org or call (949) 733-2366.

This season there are some one of a kind Pageant of the Masters summer package specials at the beautiful and tranquil Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. If you haven’t visited, it is truly a beautiful hotel located right on the beach.

One of the most beautiful hotels in south Orange County is the The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. We have visited several times to enjoy the beautiful views and tasty bites offered at the 180BLU, which offers a gorgeous view of the coast.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel recently renovated its Club Level Lounge with a fresh, new look. Designed by leading luxury interior designer, Wimberly Interiors, the refreshed space evokes a sense of place through light blue and soft cream colors, subtle silver and gold accents, grey porcelain tile floor, airy layouts and stunning views of the coast.

Awarded the No. 1 Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge the past five years, the space doubled in capacity size, now seating 47 guests, with an open-concept layout and various seating areas from banquet booths to intimate tables for two and comfortable lounge furniture.

This summer, the oceanfront resort will debut two exclusive overnight experiences showcasing the 86^th Anniversary of the Pageant of the Masters, as the resort is the exclusive hotel partner. The Pageant of the Masters takes place each year, just minutes away in Laguna Beach.

Taking place from July to August, the shows are one of the most unique productions in the world, recreating famous works of art live with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. This year’s theme is The Time Machine, transporting the audience around the globe into the past, present and future in search of great art and amazing stories.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is offering two packages this summer which include:

Behind the Velvet Rope provides guests with the chance to see how the grand production comes together, as well as the opportunity to meet the Festival’s artists during a private docent tour. Valid July 7 – Aug. 31

This package includes:

• • • • Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge ocean view accommodations, including complimentary resort fee
      • Behind the scenes tour of the Pageant of the Masters stage performance
      • Two premier Loge Center tickets to the performance
      • Admission for two to Festival of Arts, showcasing 140 of Orange County’s finest artists, located on the grounds of the Pageant
      • Private docent tour of Festival of Arts
      • Welcome amenity and Pageant of the Masters program
      • Prices for this package start at $1,999 per night

The Time Machine – Valid July 7 – Aug. 31

• • • • Overnight accommodations, including complimentary resort fee
      • Two premier Loge Center tickets to the performance
      • Admission for two to Festival of Arts
      • Welcome amenity and Pageant of the Masters program
      • This package starts at $844 per night.

This hotel not only offers great food and beverages, it also offers one of the best views of the California sunset.

About Visit Dana Point

Located along South Orange County’s extraordinary Coastal region, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point is a year-round destination with a historically deep connection to the ocean, and endless opportunities to explore. Always comfortable and inviting, Dana Point is home to pristine beaches, cliffside eateries, renowned whale watching, world-class boating, and endless opportunities to catch a wave or explore the city’s strong surf heritage. Travelers and groups of all sizes enjoy oceanfront accommodations featuring world-class spas, dining, golf and pools at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Monarch Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. For more information, visit VisitDanaPoint.com, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @mydanapoint.

Friends, It was just announced that the Sabroso Festival is returning to Orange County in April. This year the event will be held for two days at Doheney State Beach. Don’t wait to get your tickets to this fun and tasty festival.

Now in its 6th year, Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito has announced its biggest event yet. The event in Dana Point, CA has sold out for the last two years in a row. Due to popular demand, this year’s Southern California festival expands to two days on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. The event will take place at Doheny State Beach, with additional tour dates for early 2019 to be announced soon.

Produced by premier music festival production company Synergy Global Entertainment, Inc. (SGE) and California’s most successful and respected craft beer festival producer Brew Ha Ha Productions, Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival will feature performances from The Offspring, Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, Descendents, Good Charlotte, Black Flag, and more, with craft beer tastings (until 4:00 P.M.) from some of the best breweries in the country. Delectable tacos from the region’s top chefs and restaurants will be available for purchase, and attendees can enjoy Lucha Libre style wrestling, lawn games, contests, and more.

Performances From The Offspring, Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, Descendents, Good Charlotte, Black Flag & More

Unlimited Tastings From Over 150 Craft Beers,

Gourmet Tacos, Lucha Libre Style Wrestling & More

 Tickets On Sale now at http://www.sabrosotacofest.com/

For more on Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito, visit:

Website: www.SabrosoTacoFest.com

Facebook: @sabrosotacofest

Instagram: @sabrosotacofest

Hashtag: #sabrosotacofest

The Annual Brew Ho Ho! Holiday Ale Festival is coming to Orange County.

The 7th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival will be here on December 8, 2018. This event will be held in the garden gazebo area of the Phoenix Club in Anaheim. The beer festival will run from 12-4 p.m and if it is anything like last year’s event, it will be a phenomenal festival.

This sell-out event comes courtesy of the Brew Ha Ha Productions team, who continue to develop the most acclaimed beer festivals in the United States.

The Brew Ho Ho! Holiday Ale Festival, dubbed OC’s favorite festival in the craft beer community, offers a festive, intimate experience with one-of-a-kind, rare and limited release holiday beers. Beer aficionados and admirers alike will gather to sample over 100 craft beers from the finest local and national breweries.

Of the many exciting seasonal beers offered at Brew Ho Ho! is “Beard Envy,” a collaboration beer named in honor of Brew Ha Ha Productions founder, Cameron Collins’ signature beard and how envious he and Brian Giesen of Docent Brewing in San Juan Capistrano are of Santa’s epic beard. The beer, an imperial stout that incorporates toasted pecans and coconut, is layered with Simpsons Malt, balanced with chocolate wheat, brewed with Magnum Hops and boiled for two hours to create a distinct festive flavor. The collaboration beer will be the first-ever canned release for Docent Brewing.

“The great thing about Brew Ho Ho,” says Brew Ha Ha Productions founder, Cameron Collins, “is that all the breweries that come out bring their very best, with a variety of rare beers that you don’t see at other events. That is what defines this festival and why we are so excited to partner with Docent Brewing to create such a unique beer for the event.”

In true Brew Ho Ho! tradition, festivities will also include live music and dancing. The Gabba Gabba Hey’s, a Ramones tribute band, will be performing the punk rock group’s classic hits. Fast Times, the ultimate 80s’ tribute band, will also be performing classic 80s’ hits for attendees to enjoy as they sip their seasonal beers.

Back by popular demand, the annual Brewery Merchandise Expo returns, offering guests a one-stop shopping experience perfect for stuffing the stockings of fellow beer lovers. Santa will be onsite, trading in his milk and cookies for craft brews and taking photos with enthusiastic attendees. Have a jolly good time with tasty food trucks, fine cigars, interactive games, ugly Christmas sweaters, decorated beards and plenty of holiday beers.

Brew Ha Ha Productions and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire have a successful and growing relationship working events together resulting in tens of thousands of dollars to the charity each year.  The Big Brothers Big Sisters improve the lives, in dramatic ways of over 2,700 local children each year. https://www.ocbigs.org/#

Tickets are on sale now for $55 online, and pending availability will be available the day of for $65 online or at the door.  Designated driver tickets will be available for those accompanying a paid guest. Unlimited tastings will be provided in a complimentary commemorative tasting cup. Tastings will take place from 12 – 4 p.m. with the Brewery Merchandise Expo, music and food open until 5 p.m.  Brew Ho Ho! is a 21+ only, rain or shine event. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.brewhoho.com.

The KLOS Sabroso Taco Fest returns to Orange County!

The KLOS Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival Returns! We loved this festival last year. It has all the things you could ask for in a great festival -craft beer, lots of tasty tacos, Lucha Libre style wrestling, great music, all in a beachside setting.

The KLOS Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito returns to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point as its first stop on its new multicity road trip.

The Sabroso Taco Fest is in its fifth year in Southern California and festival-goers will have the opportunity to sample over 150 brews and a variety of delectable tacos while watching lucha libre style wrestling, playing games, and enjoying live performances by The Offspring, and other bands including Pennywise, The Vandals, Me First and The Gimme Gimmes, Unwritten Law, and Los Kung Fu Monkeys.      

Produced by California’s most successful and respected craft beer festival producer Brew Ha Ha Productions and premier music festival production company Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), KLOS Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival bring together a diverse array of supreme breweries and the region’s top chefs and restaurants to spotlight the West Coast’s growing craft beer community (see photo of participating breweries below).

 
Food fans will of course have the opportunity to savor the scrumptious tacos provided by Fiesta Gourmet (VIP only), Chicana Vegana, Panchos Tacos, Good Fellas Taco Catering, and more.  Chronic Tacos, will also serve their fan-favorite tacos, filled with choice of veggies or meat. Many participating restaurants are serving new and exciting taco creations like Romega’s alligator stuffed taco and Chef TLC’s Sidewalk Café’s Korean street tacos with kimchi for some innovative tacos at the Sabroso Taco Fest. To top off the array of flavors, those with a sweet tooth will be satisfied with Coned Ice Cream’s beer-infused ice creams.

While at the festival. attendees are invited to sample all flavors of The Offspring lead singer Dexter Holland’s top rated hot sauce – Gringo Bandito!

New at the Sabroso Taco Fest this year:

In 2018, the Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival brand expands to include dates in Sacramento, Denver, Albuquerque, Tucson, Auburn, and Portland during April and May.

Sabroso Taco Fest Ticket Information

Doheney State Beach-Saturday, April 7

Tickets start at $65.50 and VIP Lounge + Early Entry Tickets are sold out. Day-of Festival General Admission Tickets (if available) will be $75.50 per person. Check out the Sabroso Fest website for tickets.

Complimentary craft beer tastings last until 4 p.m. and tacos will be available for purchase while supplies last. Festival General Admission.

Sponsors for KLOS Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito include SUBARU, Sweet James Bergener, Gringo Bandito, Avery Brewing, Rockstar Energy Drink, Chronic Tacos, Milagro Tequila, Cosmic Fog and many more. The festival producers encourage attendees to drink responsibly.

Follow the conversation on Instagram and Facebook.

The inaugural OC Wine Fest brings wines, brews, music and more to Orange County this weekend.

Guests at OC Wine Fest will learn all about wine and sip award-winning wines from around world. The Wine Fest team has also specially curated some tasty craft breweries into the mix for beer fans.

There are seminars and classes Saturday and Sunday, led by wine experts, so any guest who wishes can further hone their tasting and pairing skills. These classes require a special entry.

This event also helps raise awareness for the OC Wine Fest’s charitable partner, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The OC Wine Festival will be held at A Stones Throw Winery.

A Stones Throw Winery is located at:
29943 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA

Saturday – March 10, 2018 1-5pm
Sunday – March 11, 2018, 1-5pm

Ticket includes:

• a commemorative tasting glass
• unlimited wine and beer sampling
• Music
• Water, coffee & food

OC Wine Fest Parking is available for $5 at:
Saddleback Valley Christian School, 26333 Oso Rd., San Juan Capistrano

Serra Catholic High School, 26351 Junipero Serra Rd., San Juan Capistrano

We’ve got a promo code for you – OC Wine Festival Promo Code

Purchase an all-access ticket to this weekend’s inaugural OCWineFest and you’ll get to sample wines from an additional 14 boutique wineries. Get a 30% discount when you use promo code OCSpecial at checkout. Head to the OCWineFest website for details.

Follow the OC Wine Fest fun on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Mark your calendars! The sixth annual Orange County Paws FUR Pink run/walk is coming back soon.

Looking for a great way to get some exercise with your pet? Check out the Orange County Paws FUR Pink® run/walk will be held on Sunday, February 18, at Irvine Regional Park in Orange. Whether you and your pet want to walk in celebration of life or to honor a friend or relative, it is a great way to raise money for a good cause and make some friends in the process.

Participants can register to run or walk with their dogs and raise funds for charity paw-tners, which include Susan G. Komen Orange County and The National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF). Other activities include a pet costume contest, a pet expo and an award ceremony.

“It’s an honor to be chosen for the sixth year as a charity partner of Paws FUR Pink,” said Lisa Wolter, executive director of Komen Orange County. “Every day in Orange County, five women are diagnosed with breast cancer and one dies from the disease. The funds raised at Paws Fur Pink are critical to save both human and canine lives.” Since the event’s inception, close to $50,000 has been raised, the equivalent of 400 mammograms.

Partial proceeds from Paws FUR Pink® will benefit Susan G. Komen Orange County to support breast health education, services and research, as well as The National Canine Cancer Foundation. Five percent of the net proceeds from the pledge money raised and a $5 donation per 5K and 1-Mile will be allocated post-event to the charity of the participant’s choice.

“We, at Book That Event, place an emphasis on women’s health and wellness and understand that cancer affects not only our daughters, sisters, friends and mothers, but the pets in our lives as well. We created an event that includes dogs because we understand how the love from our pets can make us feel better,” said Lisa Scolman, co-founder of Paws FUR Pink. “We’re dedicated to supporting organizations that provide the necessary research, treatment, care, hope and inspiration to those affected by cancer.”

The event features:

• Hearty Hound 5K Fun Run/Walk
• Dawdling Doodle 1-Mile Walk
• FURever Yours Expo w/Yoga in the Park and pet demonstrations
• PAWsitively Pink Costume Contest
• Each participant will receive a custom Paws FUR Pink branded participation t-shirt, wine glass, doggy frisbee and sunglasses.

SCHEDULE/LOCATION:

All events on Sunday start/finish at Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869.

7:00 a.m. – Registration & Packet Pick Up Opens

7:00 a.m. – FURever Yours Expo Opens

8:30 a.m. – Hearty Hound 5K Run/Walk Starts

9:00 a.m. – Dawdling Doodle 1-Mile Walk

9:50 a.m. – PAWsitively Pink Costume Contest

10:00 a.m. – Paws FUR Pink® Awards

Registration fees range from $15 to $48.  For more information and to register for Paws FUR Pink®, please visit PawsFURPink.com or send an email to info@bookthatevent.com.

Check out the Taste Travel Explore Events Calendar on our Facebook page for other great local events.