February is here, and there are plenty of exciting events happening in Orange County! Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for the month, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From music and art festivals to outdoor activities and sporting events, here’s your ultimate guide to what’s happening in Orange County this February.
Sweetheart Dance Feb. 11
Love is in the air at Sea Country! Enjoy an afternoon of fun and dancing to music played by Close Harmony, a 10-piece band. There will be scrumptious desserts served. Buy your tickets and bring your sweethearts! Cost: $12.00
2-4 pm/Sea County Senior 7 Comm. Center, Laguna Niguel
949-425-5151/www.cityoflagunaniguel.org
Centennial Farm Workshop: Truffle Making Feb. 11
You’ll learn about chocolate’s origin, how to make your own ganache and how to decorate with several gourmet toppings. We will also provide gift boxes and ribbons to pack your scrumptious treats! In this two-hour class, we’ll measure, melt, mix, chill and roll truffles made with fair-trade cacao chocolate and silky cream. It’s sure to be a delicious experience to share with your loved one, friend or coworker and just in time for Valentine’s Day!
All participants will leave with truffles.
10 am-12pm/OC Fair & Event Center
714-708-1500/ www.ocfair.com/gardenclasses
San Juan Capistrano Rotary Car Show Feb. 11
This event draws nearly 400 exotic and classic show cars, and more than one thousand automotive enthusiasts. This car show is a major fundraising event that enables our SJC Rotary Club to help local charities thrive.
9am-2pm/Camino Del Avion Sports Park/www.sjcrotary.org/car-show
Great Train Show Feb. 11-12
Great American Train Shows is the nation’s only coast-to-coast train show company. Their train shows are designed for the general public, modelers, hobbyists, families, and the just plain curious. Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, and more. All scales are welcome as are books, videos, and railroadiana.
10am-4pm/ OC Fair & Event Center
224-240-8035/ www.trainshow.com
Fight Club OC Feb.16
Pro Boxing & MMA live. The most fun you can have a Thursday night in the OC! Baja Blues happy hour is from 5:30-6:30pm.
6pm/ OC Fair & Event Center/www.socalfights.com
20th Anniversary Kneeboard Surfing USA Titles Feb. 17
The event will celebrate 20 years of KUSA-sponsored competitions and is expected to attract top international competitors. In addition to the Open division, the 2023 event will feature the Women’s, Junior’s, and Pro Junior’s divisions. The 2023 and 2024 US Kneeboard Titles will be used as a qualifying event for the 2024 Kneeboard Surfing World Titles in South Africa. Results of the 2023 and 2024 US Kneeboard Titles will be used to rank US Team Members competing in the World Titles.
7am/ Huntington Beach Pier /www.ksusa.org
Family Night Out Feb 17
Join us for a fun night with your family! Family Game Night consists of activities and games to get families to work together and compete against other families in the community. We’ll have a free dinner, fun prizes for the top-winning families and raffle prizes.
5-7 pm/ Stanton Civic Center www.stantonca.gov
Laguna Beach Music Festival Feb. 17-19
The festival celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2023, featuring pianist Jeremy Denk, winner of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and the Avery Fisher Prize, as artistic director. Jeremy Denk is one of America’s foremost pianists, proclaimed by the New York Times as “a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs.”
949-715-9713 / www.lagunabeachlive.org/musicfestival
SoCal Swordfight 2023 Feb. 17-19
The largest Historical European Martial Arts Events in the United States attract competitors, attendees, and instructors from around the world. Featuring 15 tournaments across multiple weapons sets and divisions; Over 80 hours of classes and lectures on the use of a variety of historical and modern weapons and self-defense techniques; First Aid/CPR/AED and Active Shooter Response Certification; Antique Weapons; and much more.
Fri-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 8am-7pm/ OC Fair & Event Center/www.socalswordfight.com
Pacific Symphony: Lantern Festival Feb. 18
Bring the entire family and join us in celebrating the Year of the Rabbit! The Lantern Festival, which can be traced back 2,000 years, marks the return of spring and the reunion of family.
11am-4pm/ Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa
714-556-2787/ www.pacificsymphony.org
Kids’ Pet Parade & Expo Feb. 18
Part of the annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas celebration. Kids between the ages of 5 to 12 can show off their favorite animals in a contest for, The Cutest, Most Unusual, Best Team Costume (owner and pet), Funniest & Most Obedient (pet, not child).
10am / Los Rios Park, SJC www.swallowparade.com
Dog Beach Cleanups Feb. 19
Please sign up for the cleanup on the website at wwwdogbeach.org. For minors attending without parents, you will need a signed consent form that we will provide when registering. For more info including what to wear and what to expect during the cleanup day, visit the website under volunteering.
10am-1pm/ 100 Goldenwest St. Huntington Beach www.dogbeach.org
Newport Beach Film Festival – February 23-March 3
Film lovers, mark your calendars! The Newport Beach Film Festival is back, bringing the best of independent and international cinema to Orange County. With over 400 films, industry panels, and special events, this festival is a must-attend for movie buffs.
Laguna Beach Arts Festival – February 18-20
Step into a world of color and creativity at the Laguna Beach Arts Festival. This outdoor festival features over 140 artists displaying their work, live music, food and drinks, and hands-on activities for the whole family.
Kid’s Night Out Feb. 24
Parents, take the night off beach Kid’s Night Out is all about the kids. Offered the last Friday of the month during the school year, kids in grades 1-5 will enjoy a themed night of recreation games, arts and crafts, special presenters, movies and so much more. It’s not your average night…it’s Kid’s Night Out! Pre-registration is required.
6:30-9pm/ Stanton Central Park www.stantonca.gov
Daddy Daughter Dance Feb. 24
Dad’s and daughters are invited to make memories at the totally rad 80’s dance! This special event will include crafts, entertainment, dinner and dancing. All participants must be registered. $20 per person.
6:30-8:30pm / Yorba Linda Community Center
714-961-7100/ www.yorbalindaca.gov
San Clements Chamber Meeting/Awards Luncheon Feb. 24
Enjoy a delicious three-course luncheon, exciting community awards and the installation of the Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Board of Directors. Celebrate this past year’s Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Lifetime Achievement & Ambassador of the Year awards. Meet and mingle with local leaders from our city’s top organizations along with fellow Chamber members and guests. As always surprises await.
11:30am-4pm/ Bella Collina San Clemente www.scchamber.com
Gem Faire Feb 24-26
Fine jewelry, precious & semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold & silver, minerals & much more at manufacturer’s prices. Nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world. Jewelry repair, cleaning & ring sizing while you shop.
Fri 12-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm/ OC Fair & Event Center
503-252-8300 www.gemfaire.com
San Clemente day Fishing Derby Feb. 25
Join the City of San Clemente in celebrating its 95th Anniversary! To commemorate the great history and traditions of the city, there will be a youth fishing derby.
9am-12pm/ San Clemente Pier www.san-clemente.org
Learn to Swim Feb. 25
There will be complimentary 10-minute swim lessons to evaluate swimmers on what level to enroll in with Premier Aquatics. There will also be giveaways, plus information on employment opportunities, summer swim league, and summer camp.
1-3pm/ Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center www.avcity.org
80s Night Out Feb. 25
Dust off your leg warmers, tease up your hair, and get ready for the ultimate 80s retro night! The night will be filled with live music from Pulp Vixon, enjoy a specialty Cyndi Lauper cocktail, and special appearances from some of your favorite 80s personalities. Tickets include dinner, entertainment, and two drink tickets. Don’t wait to purchase tickets because this event will sell out fast. 21+ event, no refunds.
6:30-9:30pm, Oak Knoll Village Clubhouse, Ladera Ranch/ www.laderalife.com
Make It, Take It – Gifts from the Kitchen Feb. 25
This class will bring you up to date on the latest process recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and explain the reasons behind the process. You will learn what equipment is needed and the proper storage methods. A simple recipe will be taught and prepared in class for participants to take home.
9:30am-12:30pm/ OC Fair & Event Center
714-708-1500 / www.ocfair.com/gardenclasses
OC Home & Garden Show Feb. 25-26
Featuring home improvement products and services, garden supplies and displays with new water-saving garden products; hourly DIY workshops; and prizes.
Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm/ OC Fair & Event Center
801-599-6664/ www.thebesthomeshow.com
Irvine Park Railroad Anniversary Celebration Feb. 25-26
To celebrate their 27th year of business and to show appreciation to all their loyal customers Irvine Park is rolling back to their original 1996 prices during their anniversary weekend…including $2.00 train rides!
9am-4pm/ Irvine Regional Park, Orange
714-997-3968/ www.irvineparkrailroad.com
In conclusion, February in Orange County promises to be filled with exciting events and activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a thrilling outdoor adventure, you’re sure to find something to enjoy this month. So, grab your calendar and start planning your itinerary today!