Events In Orange County November 2015
Once Halloween has passed, there’s still plenty of things to do in Orange County. We’ve got the what and where on the events in Orange County this November 2015. Get ready for more Fall events including turkey trots, the Season of the Force at Disneyland and holiday fun popping up all over town.
VIVA LA VIDA SANTA ANA
Sunday, November 1st
11AM-9PM
Viva La Vida is a free, family friendly Dia De Los Muertos Festival. Participants in past events have dedicated altars to parents, siblings, and friends as well as present causes such as soldiers who have died in war, women who have made an impact in history, and people who have died of illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, or diabetes. In addition to the beautiful altars is live entertainment and a variety of vendors.
Event website: vivalavidasantaana.com
SOCAL VEGFEST
Sunday, November 1st
10AM-4PM
Shake off the Halloween candy wrappers and commit yourself to some healthier choices at the SoCal Vegfest. Admission is free to this event geared toward inspiring health conscious living in people of all ages. The event will include plant-based food samples, live music, guest speakers, cooking demos, raffles, interactive booths and more. The event is run by volunteers as a project of Animal Protection and Rescue League (APRL), a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. And did we mention there’s a Vegan Cupcake Competition? We think this is a must try!
Event website: socalvegfest.org
DINOSAUR DASH
Sunday, November 1st
6:30AM-11AM
The Dino Dash is the biggest fundraiser of the year and it’s having its 25th anniversary this year. The Dinosaur Dash Run for Education features 5K and 10K races for all ages, a 2K “Fun Run” and non-timed 15K and 50K bike tours. All proceeds benefit the Tustin Public Schools Foundation and all 28 Tustin Unified Schools. Once you make it to the end, grab some grub at the food court!
Event website: tpsf.net/dinodash
IRVINE FINE ARTS CENTER HOLIDAY FAIRE
Friday, November 6th – Saturday, November 7th
Fri: 5PM-9PM; Sat: 9AM-4PM
The holidays are coming, so why not go shopping for some unique handmade gifts, decorations and more at the Irvine Fine Arts Center? Local artists will be showcasing their work for purchase including hand-blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, clothing and more. The event will feature holiday music, selected food items, and an interactive craft area.
Event website: cityofirvine.org
WIPEOUT RUN
Saturday, November 7th
8AM-3:30PM
Ever watch people make a fool of themselves by eating it on the Wipeout inflatable obstacle course and think you can do better? Well here’s your chance! Take on the crashtastic 5K coming to Irvine Meadows Amphitheater for an un-timed open chance to take out the inflatable course. Must be 18 or older and sign up now. Start times available between 11:30 – 3:30 for $71.
Event website: wipeoutrun.com/oc
FASHION ISLAND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Saturday, November 7th & Sunday, November 8th
5:30PM
Mickey Mouse and his friends will host the annual Fashion Island Tree Lighting this year. The night will include a Fashion show, holiday tree lighting show “Disney Holiday Magic” wintertime tunes and magical snowfall. The event is free and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
Event website: orangecountyzest.com
NOCHE DE ALTARES
Saturday, November 7th
1PM-10PM
With the great help of Centro volunteers and local community members, Noche de Altares continues growing year in and year out as more and more people join the celebration of our sacred traditions. For one night, families, students, community organizations, activists, artists, and businesses are invited to build an altar in memory of a deceased loved one or to bring awareness to a social issue. There will be over 30,000 attendees and dozens of food and craft vendors.
Event website: nochedealtares.org
KONSEPT ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015
Saturday, November 7th
12PM-10PM
The 3rd annual Konsept Art & Music Festival is back and better than ever bringing a massive blend of Art, Music, Fashion, Photography, and Culture. This is a free event and open to the public, held at the East End in Downtown Santa Ana. Enjoy live performances from local artists, DJ sets and vendors all night.
Event website: facebook.com
BLEU CHOCOLAT DESSERTS POP-UP TASTING
Saturday, November 7th
12PM-6PM
Located inside the ‘Studio’ of The Hood Kitchen Space in Costa Mesa will be the first ever Bleu Chocolat Desserts Pop-up tasting. Your admission will include a 2-hour tasting of a variety of Bleu Chocolat’s most popular and tastiest items, along with a sample box of the same goodies for you to take home. Some seasonal specialties include salted caramel rice krispies and pumpkin spice whoopee pies!
Event website: eventbrite.com
THE DIAMOND BALL
Saturday, November 7th
An evening of music, dancing, amazing food and inspiration dedicated to saving lives by providing veterans with assistance dogs. The night will include a live and silent auction, four-course dinner, live music and dancing and a diamond drop where guest get a chance to donate gems and jewelry in support of the cause. The even will be held at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel to benefit the Wounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence.
Event website: thediamondball.org
AVENGERS SUPER HEROES HALF MARATHON
Thursday, November 12th – Sunday, November 15th
Avengers Assemble! Join the Avengers team for the Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at the Disneyland® Resort – the extraordinary course on Earth hosted by Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! The half marathon includes entertainment on-course, live entertainment and characters at the finish line, a nighttime past party and more incredible fun.
Event website: rundisney.com
THE BOOTLEGGER’S BALL
Friday, November 13th
6PM – Until we get raided
It’s going to be a roaring good time at the Bootlegger’s Ball to celebrate the Fox Fullerton Theatre’s 90thbirthday! The nigh will be 20’s themed to celebrate and raise money for the restoration of this historic treasure. Get all dolled up and party backstage with the Art Deco Orchestra. Tickets are $75 per person and seating is limited so reserve yours now.
Event website: foxfullerton.org
ORANGE COAST MAGAZINE HOSTS “THE WINE AFFAIR”
Saturday, November 14th
3PM-5PM
Featuring the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance, “The Wine Affair” will be a special afternoon of wine and food pairings from Orange Coast magazine’s partners. Eateries include Sadie Rose Baking Company, Mastro’s Steakhouse and OC Donut Bar serving their signature wine-infused donuts!
Event website: orangecoast.com/wineaffair
OUTPOST FEST 2015
Saturday, November 14th
2PM
Outpost Fest is the brainchild of Delta Spirit, an indie rock band with strong roots in Southern California. The idea for Outpost Fest is based on a conversation Jonathan Jameson (bass) and Brandon Young (drums) had with friends about creating a festival “with no fluff and no fillers, where we love all the bands, and the atmosphere reflects the vibe of the music, eats and craftsmen.” Outpost Fest is for all ages and will be held in Downtown Santa Ana from Santa Ana Blvd to 4th St between French St. and Main St.
Event website: ticketweb.com
GOODFELLAS WINTER DRIVE KICK-OFF CONCERT & SCREENING
Sunday, November 15th
6PM Lobby Reception, 7PM Musical Tribute, 8PM Movie
The Frida Cinema is having their 2015 Winter Fundraiser and Member Drive with a celebration of the film Goodfellas. The evening of entertainment will begin with a live musical tribute to Goodfelllas of select songs from the film’s soundtrack and there will be a special screening at 8PM. Come early at 6PM for a mix and mingle with friends, staff, Frida Cinema Board Members and Councilwoman Michele Martinez.
Event website: thefridacinema.org
SEASON OF THE FORCE AT DISNEYLAND
Source: Flickr
Monday, November 16th – Wednesday, December 16th
In anticipation of the new film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Disneyland will give guests the chance to experience new and exiting twists on the Star Wars park attractions. Special attractions include Star Wars Launch Bay with exhibits, peeks at the upcoming film and a chance to meet your favorite characters. A new scene in the Star Tours ride, Jedi Training with new characters. Hyperspace Mountain, a reimagining of the classic Space Mountain plus themed food and drink around the park.
Event website: disneyparks.disney.go.com
SLEEP OUT ON SUPERIOR
Friday, November 20th – Saturday, November 21st
6:30PM – 7AM
The 2nd Annual Sleep Out on Superior is an all-night program and sleep out to bring awareness to the issues of hunger and homelessness in Orange County. During the night participants will be assembling food bags for the Thanksgiving Food Distribution program, putting together hygiene kits for the homeless and watching speakers and documentary screenings. This event is $25 per person, or participants can bring $25 worth of hygiene items, blankets and canned goods to the event.
Event website: shareourselves.org
SURFING SANTA COMPETITION
Saturday, November 21st
7:30AM
One of the best things about living in Southern California has got to be that we have a Surfing Santa Competition. Surfers of all ages dress up like our favorite jolly friend and hit the waves at Salt Creek in Dana Point. There will be a $1,000 cash prize for “Big Air” plus a special give away for the best Santa or holiday inspired character costume. $50 entrance fee, $60 after November 19th. So grab our beard and sign up or come watch and support this charity surf event to benefit Surfers Healing.
Event website: surfingsantacontest.org
SCIC’S 47TH ANNUAL POW WOW
Saturday, November 21st – Sunday, November 22nd
Sat: 10AM-9PM; Sun: 10AM-6PM
Celebrate American Indian Month at the Southern California Indian Center (SCIC), Inc.’s 47th Annual Pow Wow and Cultural Festival. This event serves as the largest fundraiser and outreach tool for SCIC. Come experience this unique cultural exchange and support this non-profit organization at the Orange County Fair Grounds. Parking is $7 and general admission is $5.
Event website: ocfair.com
DUCK THE HALLS: WATCH PARTY
Wednesday, November 25th
5PM-9PM
Along with Wild Wing and the Power Players, help “Light Up The Market Place” as the shopping center turns on their three 35’ trees to kick off the Holiday season. Then, watch the Ducks take on the Arizona Coyotes outside on the big screen beginning at 6:00PM. The night will include free popcorn, cotton candy and water too so you can get your snack on during the game!
Event website: orangecountyzest.com
DANA POINT TURKEY TROT 2015
Thursday, November 26th
6AM-12PM
Run the race before you stuff your face at the 38th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot. Join in the 10K, 5K or Kids Gobble Wobble – there’s a leg of the race for any age and level of expert. And don’t forget to dress up to be part of the Costume Contest! Everyone goes all out for this themed run so bring your A game. Sign up soon because this event will sell out. Prizes will be give for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female for the 10K and The top three male and female winners in each age group of the 5k and 10k will receive a commemorative Turkey Trot award medal.
Event website: turkeytrot.com
PLYMOUTH ROCK ‘N’ RUN
Thursday, November 26th
7AM
Set around the perimeter of the Yorba Linda Regional Park and the Santa Ana River bike trail, the Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run in North Orange County’s Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. The race includes a 5K and 10K race and new ‘tot trot’ for kids under 5. This year Proceeds from this race directly support The Reeve-Irvine Research Center at UC, Irvine. Fun day of includes a finish-line festival, costume contest, food, fun and more!
Event website: plymouthrocknrun.com
DISNEY MAGICAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Friday, November 27th – Sunday, December 27th
At the Irvine Spectrum
Kicking off the holiday season at Irvine Spectrum is the Disney Magical Holiday Lights in the Edwards Courtyard. This special tree lighting moment occurs throughout the night: Showtimes begin at 5:30pm and run every hour to closing. Other holiday magic at the Spectrum includes selfies with Santa outside of Macy’s and the OC Chill Ice rink where you can glide around an outdoor ice rink.
Event website: orangecountyzest.com
THE FAB FOUR
Friday, November 27th
8PM
The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles will be performing at the City National Grove of Anaheim this November. The Fab Four will make you feel like you’re watching the real thing with note-for-note live renditions of Beatles songs, stage show the three costume changes and amazing attention to detail throughout. Doors open at 6PM!
Event website: citynationalgroveofanaheim.com
PATCHWORK SHOW SANTA ANA
Sunday, November 29th
11AM-5PM
Patchwork Show is Dear Handmade Life’s bi-annual, crafters festival showcasing local emerging artists, makers and designers alongside artisan food, DIY craft workshops, gourmet food trucks and indie music. All Patchwork shows are free to attend and family friendly. Vendors include clothing for men, women & kids, handbags, accessories, jewelry, art, ceramics, garden finds, home goods, plushies, crochet & knit items, pet gear, kits & patterns, bath & body goodies and more!
Event website: dearhandmadelife.com
Thank you for reading. I hope you found this information useful.
Jeff Pittman, Realtor in Ladera Ranch – Orange County, California