Culture OC’s Guide to Arts and Culture Events in Orange County for Winter/Spring 2026
- Culture OC Staff
- 32 minutes ago
- 26 min read
The new year offers audiences a wide range of premieres, returning works, and notable events across Orange County’s arts and culture scene.
National premieres, theater, art exhibitions, dance, concerts and plenty of cultural events are on tap for Orange County during the first half of 2026.
The new year is already looking promising for artists, cultural warriors and arts and culture enthusiasts in Orange County, with plenty of U.S. and regional premieres in store. Near the end of this month, South Coast Repertory will present “God of Carnage” and the Edward Albee classic “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” in repertory (the same cast on alternating nights), while Chance Theater will offer “Once,” followed by a competing “Once” at the Charleston in Fullerton.
Laguna Dance will present a bevy of Southern California-based dance artists from Feb. 13-15 at Laguna Playhouse. And the UCI Langson O.C. Museum of Art will feature a number of intriguing solo exhibitions – including Steve Roden, Sophie Callie and Jon Serl – in the new year.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap in theater, dance, visual arts, food and drinks, culture, classical, popular and jazz and world music for 2026, brought to you by Culture OC’s talented team of arts and culture writers. While this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, it should give you an idea of what’s worth marking down in your calendar, and what’s worth spending your hard-earned money on.
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Theater
Tony Award-winning musicals, an early masterpiece of America’s greatest musical theater composer, two thematically connected plays produced in repertory by Orange County’s signature professional theater and a play about one of the most iconic 20th-century Americans come to Orange County stages during the first few months of 2026. – Joel Beers
‘Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground’
When: Jan. 14-Feb. 1. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Admission: $51-$100
Contact: 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
This one-person show centers on American icon Dwight D. Eisenhower, as he reflects on his life and legacy. It premiered in Los Angeles in 2023 and has since been produced across the country, including runs in La Mirada and Solana Beach last year. This marks its first Orange County production, in the county where playwright Richard Hellesen is from. An Orange native, Hellesen has had a prolific career, with work staged at South Coast Repertory and even the White House.
In the play, John Rubinstein portrays Eisenhower at his Gettysburg farm in 1962, shortly after learning he’s been ranked 22nd on a list of the greatest U.S. presidents, a slight Ike has more than a few choice words to say about.
‘Company’
When: Jan.-16-Feb. 8. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente
Admission: $35.
Contact: 949-492-0465, cabrilloplayhouse.org
Stephen Sondheim was known before this 1971 musical, but his eventual canonization as America’s most innovative and masterful musical theater composer started here. It was the first so-called concept musical, one that ditched a linear plot in favor of loosely connected vignettes, and also thoroughly modern in its exploration of mature, complex themes like commitment and urban isolation. Its complex lyrics, which didn’t advance plot as much as articulate internal monologues, and its sophisticated music that, frankly, went over the heads of most critics and audiences at the time, would prove to be groundbreaking, helping inspire subsequent productions from “A Chorus Line” to “Rent.”
Brian Vaughn and Kim Martin-Cotton will appear in both productions of “God of Carnage” (left) and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” which will be produced in repertory by South Coast Repertory from late January to March 21. Photo courtesy of South Coast Repertory/Jon White
‘God of Carnage’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ in Repertory
When: Jan. 23-March 21. 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays.
Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Admission: $23-$104
Contact: 714-708-5555 or scr.org
The connection between these two plays is unmistakable. Edward Albee’s 1964 obliteration of East Coast academic life and Yasmina Reza’s 2006 social implosion among educated, affluent Brooklyn professionals stripped the veneer of social civility, exposing the cruelty and emotional violence lurking beneath polite American discourse. They’re also blisteringly funny at times.
In both four-character plays, a single room, a small window of time, and the arrival of guests – along with copious amounts of alcohol as truth serum – trap the characters in a pressure cooker where language is weaponized to devastating effect.
What makes these productions unique for South Coast Repertory is that they will be performed in repertory with two of the actors appearing in both plays, sometimes on the same day. They also share the same space, meaning everything from sets to lighting must be perfectly coordinated, especially on days when there are only a couple of hours between performances.
‘Once’ ... Twice
From Chance Theater
When: Jan. 23-March 1. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m., Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays
Where: Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim
Admission: $32-$54
Contact: 888-545-4212, chancetheater.com
From Electric Company Theatre
When: Feb. 1-Feb. 25. 7 p.m. Sunday Feb. 1, and 7 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays
Where: The Charleston Event Center, 114 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton
Admission: $43.82
Contact: Electriccompanytheatre.org
Two productions of this musical, which won eight of the 12 Tony Awards it was nominated for in 2012, are set for local stages. Chance Theater’s opens for previews Jan. 23 and the Electric Company Theatre, the in-house theater at Fullerton’s Muckenthaler Mansion, opens its show at the Charleston in downtown Fullerton Feb. 1. Based on the 2007 film, this minimalist musical, in which the actors are also the orchestra, revolves around a struggling street musician in Dublin who meets a Czech immigrant with a similar love of music.
‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime’
When: March 13-April 5. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach
Admission: $25
Contact: 949 631-0288, info@ntactickets.com
Christopher Boone is a brilliant but socially awkward 15-year-old whose obsession with logic and order turns a neighbor’s dead dog into a journey that exposes hidden family secrets. Simon Stephen’s 2012 adaptation of Michael Haddon’s 2003 novel earned an Olivier Award for best play and nearly swept the Tony Awards in 2015.
‘The Last Days of Judas Iscariot’
When: April 16-25. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Where: Irvine United Congregational Church, 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine
Admission: $32
Contact: thelarkinghouse.com
The Larking House Theatre Company and The Wayward Artist team up for this co-production of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ 2005 time-bending theological courtroom drama/dark comedy, in which the eternal fate of the man who permanently ruined the name Judas is at stake.
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Dance
As 2026 begins, Orange County’s dance calendar signals a season shaped by range rather than a single theme, with performances that move between legacy and reinvention. Across the region’s major stages, audiences will encounter classical ballet and modern works that continue to anchor the field alongside contemporary programs that emphasize community, collaboration, intimacy and new voices.
The first half of the year offers a chance to see companies and presenters working at different scales, inviting patrons to explore dance from multiple angles. From Martha Graham and Paul Taylor at Musco Center to American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom and a new festival of local companies at Irvine Barclay Theatre, these programs highlight how dance is being preserved, reinterpreted and newly made. For those looking to sample what’s unfolding on Orange County stages this year, the following four performances offer a thoughtful place to begin. – Kaitlin Wright
Martha Graham Dance Company
Where: Musco Center for the Arts, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange
When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11
Cost: $58-$98
Contact: 714-997-6812, muscocenter.org
The Martha Graham Dance Company brings a program to Musco Center for the Arts as part of the ongoing Graham100 celebration, marking a century since the founding of one of modern dance’s most influential companies. The evening is expected to include some of Graham’s most enduring works, including “Lamentation” and “Diversion of Angels,” alongside more recent repertory such as “Cortege,” which explores themes of grief and resilience set to a contemporary techno score. Altogether, the program reflects the company’s dual focus on preserving Graham’s foundational choreography while continuing to expand its relevance for today’s audiences. For viewers, the performance offers a chance to encounter modern dance history in the making, where it is rooted in legacy but still evolving.
PHOTO 1: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company dancers in Tommie-Waheed Evans' "Home/An Untitled Portrait.” Photo by Ben Jackson. PHOTO 2: Kynetiqs dancers Renee Kester and Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasit. Photo by Jeremy Jackson.
Photos courtesy of Laguna Dance
Laguna Dance’s ‘Love Letters’
Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
When: Various times Feb. 13–15
Cost: $75, general; $25, student
Contact: lagunadance.org
Laguna Dance’s “Love Letters” weekend unfolds over three evenings, each offering a distinct approach to contemporary concert dance. The program opens with a performance by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, whose work blends modern dance with influences ranging from postmodern classicism to hip-hop. The Feb. 14 program, “Heart 2 Heart,” turns its focus to the duet, bringing together artists from major ballet companies as well as contemporary projects for an evening centered on partnership and exchange. The weekend concludes with a showcase of Southern California-based artists, featuring companies such as Backhausdance, the Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, Ballet Project OC and Kynetiqs, alongside new choreography by Azuki Umeda, Jodie Gates and Rauf Rubberlegz. Altogether, the programs span ballet, hip hop, traditional Chinese dance, and contemporary forms, reflecting the breadth of voices shaping the region’s dance scene.
Pilobolus
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
When: 8 p.m. March 25
Cost: $34-$149
Contact: 949-854-464, thebarclay.org
Pilobolus brings its “Other Worlds Collection” to Irvine Barclay Theatre with a program shaped by collaboration, physical invention, and imaginative world-building. Founded in 1971, the company is known for a collective approach to choreography that treats the body as both mover and structure, often blurring boundaries between dance and theater. Rather than following a single narrative, “Other Worlds” balances humor, sensuality and moments of quiet reflection alongside displays of physical control and ensemble coordination. The movement itself is largely abstract and image-driven with plenty of weight-sharing and sculptural groupings made out of bodies in space.
ABT dancer Isabella Boylston in "Sylvia." Photo courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts/Rosalie O'Connor
American Ballet Theatre’s ‘Sylvia’
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: Various times, April 9-12
Cost: Starting at $59
Contact: 714-556-2787, scfta.org
American Ballet Theatre brings “Sylvia” to Segerstrom Center for the Arts, presenting a full-length classical ballet drawn from Frederick Ashton’s repertory. The work draws on pastoral mythology and follows Sylvia, a huntress, and Aminta, the shepherd who pursues her, as the story moves toward Sylvia’s eventual choice of love over the hunt. First staged in Paris more than 150 years ago, “Sylvia” is known for choreography that places demands on speed, musical precision and ensemble coordination, particularly through intricate footwork and sustained phrasing. By choosing Sylvia, ABT brings forward a classical ballet that sits outside its usual touring staples, highlighting a different facet of the company’s repertory while foregrounding technical clarity and style.
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Visual Arts
The start of a new year is an ideal time to clear the decks and check out what’s coming up in the world of visual arts. A career survey of accomplished French artist Sophie Calle is coming to the UC Irvine Langson O.C. Museum of Art at the end of this month. Los Angeles abstract painter Andy Moses will be featured at the Laguna Art Museum starting in March. And little-seen works by actress Natalie Wood, as well as pieces she collected, will be on view at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, starting in May.
There’s much more happening in the Orange County visual arts scene in 2026. This is just a snapshot.
– Richard Chang
Top left: "Mother‐Father," 2018, by Sophie Calle. It's a pigment print with embroidered woolen cloth and wooden box. Courtesy the artist and Fraenkel Gallery. Top right: "In Memory of Frank Gehry's Flowers," 2014, by Sophie Calle. Edition of 25. Courtesy of the artist and Gemini G.E.L. Above: "North Pole" (detail), 2009, by Sophie Calle. It's made of a light box, sandblasted porcelain plaque, video, screen, color photograph and frame. Courtesy of Sophie Calle and Paula Cooper Gallery, New York. Photo: Steven Probert
All images: © 2024 Sophie Calle / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris.
‘Sophie Calle: Overshare’
When: Jan. 30-May 24
Where: UC Irvine Langson O.C. Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa
Cost: Free
Contact: (714) 780-2130 or ocma.art
The UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art (that’s a mouthful) is presenting the first North American exhibition to explore the full range of Calle’s work across the past five decades. Calle is a French conceptual artist, writer and filmmaker, known for her provocative, autobiographical works that blur the lines between reality and fiction. The survey captures the ways in which Calle’s early work anticipated the rise of social media, and includes creations from the late 1980s to 2024. “Overshare” will feature photography, text-based works, videos and installations. The show was organized by the Walker Art Center and curated by Henriette Huldisch. This presentation in Costa Mesa is being coordinated by Courtenay Finn, co-chief curator and director of programs at Langson OCMA.
IMAGE 1: "Vortex 101," 2011, an acrylic on canvas by Andy Moses. On view at Laguna Art Museum, March 21-Sept. 7. Image courtesy of Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation, Los Angeles. IMAGE 2: Auctioneer Zack Krone at the 43rd Annual California Cool Art Auction last year. Image courtesy of Laguna Art Museum
‘Andy Moses: Into the Light’
When: March 21-Sept. 7
Where: Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach
Cost: $15 general; $10 for students 20+, seniors and military; free for youth 19 and younger
Contact: (949) 494-8971 or lagunaartmuseum.org
Los Angeles native Andy Moses – son of late great Ed Moses – pushes the physical properties of paint through chemical reactions, viscosity interference and gravity dispersion to create elaborate compositions that mimic nature and its forces. His works straddle the boundaries between landscape and abstraction, and can be aligned with the Light and Space movement, as well as abstract expressionism. This exhibition surveys Moses’ work over the last two decades, exploring his commitment to art that simultaneously displays and obscures imagery.
Also at Laguna Art Museum is the 44th Annual California Cool Art Auction, with more than 100 works by respected California artists going on view through February, and the in-person auction on March 7.
‘More Than Love: The Life & Art of Natalie Wood’
When: May 14-Aug. 2
Where: Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton
Cost: $5
Contact: (714) 738-6595 or themuck.org
The Muck is presenting an exhibition celebrating actress Natalie Wood’s unwavering curiosity and passion for art, design, literature, music, family and friends. The show features rarely seen artwork by Don Bachardy, Henry Jaglom, Margaret Keane and Wood herself. Highlighting many of her personal possessions, the exhibition will offer an intimate glimpse at the life and loves of one of the world’s most beloved film icons. “More Than Love” is curated by Annabella Pritchard, Jamie Hiber and Adam R. England.
Top left: California Quilt, c. 1975. Gift of Novell Hendrickson. Top right: Detail of Star of Bethlehem Pattern Quilt, c. 1920. New York. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ben J. Allen. Bottom left: Detail of Crazy Quilt, 1888. Gift of Jennifer K. Hans, Trustee, Vincent and Geraldine Orbish Trust. Bottom right: Detail of Crazy Quilt, c. 1900. Whitaker Family; Kansas City, Missouri. Gift of Clara Whitaker. All images courtesy of Bowers Museum
‘The American Quit: Cloth and Commerce’
When: May 23-Aug. 30
Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
Cost: $18 adults, $15 seniors and students, free for children under 12
Contact: (714) 567-3600 or bowers.org
‘The American Quilt’ will explore how the materials, dyes and techniques used in quiltmaking reflect centuries of economic shifts and technological innovation. The exhibit will feature more than 40 quilts and coverlets from the Bowers’ permanent collection, as well as loans from the family of famed quilter Jean Ray Laury and others.
Highlights will include a rare 1776 whole-cloth wool quilt, a quilt made of handkerchiefs commemorating the American centennial in 1876, and a 1975 pictorial quilt celebrating scenes of California life.
Also on view at the Bowers: “Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution,” through April 5.
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Food & Drinks
Nothing says O.C. like a zero-proof cocktail menu and bespoke organic mushroom farming. As the days are slowly get longer, residents can’t wait to stay out later. I like to take the opportunity to acknowledge small businesses doing big things in our county. – Anne Marie Panoringan
When: Through Jan. 31
Where: 24781 Alicia Parkway, Suite A; Laguna Hills
Cost: Zero-proof cocktails starting at $14
Contact: (949) 484-998
A hybrid of ‘70s bar vibe plus convenience store of salty snacks, old school sweets plus chilled bottles and cans of wine, soda and beer, the new Bardega tacks on a modest dining room serving a throwback to comfort eats. Think tender meatloaf, bacon-wrapped “Danger” hot dogs and an extra creamy onion dip.
While bars normally feature a couple of zero-proof cocktail selections, Bardega celebrates the new year by promoting a half-dozen, non-alcoholic versions of some of its signature and classic beverages thanks to veteran bartender Robert Hoover. A midori sour (honeydew shrub and fresh citrus) minus the vodka and midori liqueur? Yes, it’s possible to go spirit-free without sacrificing taste thanks to alternative spirit brands Ritual Zero Proof, Almave Blue Agave Spirit and Free Spirits Non-Alcoholic Spirit of Bourbon behind the stick.
From Harrison Mushrooms: Pink oyster mushrooms, left, and a variety basket of blue oyster, golden oyster, lion's mane and pink oyster mushrooms. Photos courtesy of Harrison Kho
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Aliso Viejo Farmers Market, 26701 Aliso Creek Road; 10 a.m.-noon and Stonegate Elementary Certified Farmers Market, 100 Honors, Irvine; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: varies
Contact: info@harrisonmushrooms.com; (949) 987-4388
Families are cooking at home more often to avoid the stresses of hunting for parking, huddling around the host stand and waiting for their higher-priced meal in a boisterous dining area.
If staying in with your family/friends to create your next meal sounds ideal, you’re not alone. Neighborhood farmers markets are experiencing a surge in foot traffic as customers young and young-at-heart take charge of their health, visiting one of the 20-ish county outdoor markets held weekly to fill their reusable totes with local, organic produce and fresh baked goods.
One Orange County resident opted to venture away from the restaurant operations side of the hospitality industry. In under six months, culinarian Harrison Kho did the biggest pivot since his days executing his namesake Harry’s Deli within Irvine’s Sky Park Circle: He grew an unctuous, micro-mushroom patch on his property – curated for curious home cooks as well as seasoned chefs.
Prior to his fungi status, Kho was last connected to Japanese concept Robata Wasa as management before going behind-the-scenes to assist improving Robata’s marketing and guest experience.
Harrison Mushrooms are sold at Aliso Viejo farmers market and Stonegate Elementary’s parking lot on weekends.
When: April 2026
Where: 320 N. Coast Highway., Laguna Beach
Cost: Varies
Contact: (949) 218-8220 (Dana Point); hello@trulypizza.com
The recipient of two, 50 Top Pizza USA 2025 awards (Performance of the Year and Icon Award to co-founder John Arena), Truly Pizza has bestowed South O.C. with one of the most delicious dining experiences in recent years since opening its Dana Point kitchen in mid-2023.
The team behind Truly is working on two new locations, but the closest will be in Laguna Beach off Pacific Coast Highway, next door to Urth Caffé; Venice will be the first outside of the county. The main difference between the original Dana Point and upcoming Laguna Truly is the addition of a service bar, according to co-founder and Chef Chris Decker. Not to be confused with a public bar where diners are seated, service bars are dedicated workspaces for bartenders to prepare beverages specifically for servers to walk over to their assigned tables, making for a more efficient use of time.
I suggest sharing both a square and a round pizza to taste the differences in texture (both are quite good). Include any Truly salad to get your veggie requirement in. Before wrapping up, request a soft serve topped with ingredients you normally wouldn’t include such as olive oil and sea salt.
From Jadetiger Tea: The Tea'jito (mojito/tea blend), left, and the Pomegranate Tea'mosa (tea/mimosa blend).
Photos courtesy of Lan Zentil
When: Multiple events scheduled, dates and times through May 3
Where: Laguna Beach residence to be announced
Cost: Varies between $85.00 to $145.00
Contact: (844) TEA-LIFE or Tea@Jadetigertea.com
Laguna Beach resident and small business owner Lan Zentil launched Jadetiger Tea in April 2017. Her goal was to share her love of leaves and how consumers would benefit from high-quality tea in ways beyond hydration and energy.
Zentil promotes the brand through informal group “tea’vents” that educate attendees while sampling mindfully sourced cups of black, white, green and other types of tea, often with pairings of sweet and savory bites. Jadetiger’s events include an introductory tea 101 class, Galentine’s Day and Mother’s Day tea service – making it a creative present for the person who’s difficult to shop for.
Interested parties are required to RSVP and pay ahead of time via the website under the “Shop” category. Attendance is limited.
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Culture
Cultural activities in 2026 span a wide range of subjects and themes in Orange County. From prepping for Laguna Beach’s Pageant of the Masters with an open casting call and festival, to Tet and Lunar New Year, to Black History Month — there’s no lack of variety as we fully enter the new year. – Jessica Peralta
PHOTO 1: A prospective volunteer has her photo taken at the Pageant of the Masters’ Open Casting Call. PHOTO 2: Visitors can enjoy food trucks and other activities at Family Fun Fest, Jan. 10 and 11. Photos courtesy of Festival of Arts
Pageant of the Masters Open Casting Call and ‘Family Fun Fest’
Where: Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
When: 7-9 p.m. Jan. 9, 1-4 p.m. Jan. 10 (Family Fun Fest), 1-4 p.m. Jan. 11 (Family Fun Fest)
Cost: Free
Contact: (949) 494-1145, lagunafestivalofarts.org
Pageant of the Masters hosts its annual Open Casting Call Jan. 9-11 at the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna Beach. Volunteers of all ages can sign up for onstage and backstage roles for the 2026 Pageant production, “The Greatest of All Time,” running July 9 through Sept. 4. On-stage roles involve posing in living art re-creations. Backstage volunteers help with makeup, costumes and headpieces. No experience is required and training is offered.
On two of those days, Jan. 10 and 11, Family Fun Fest returns with music, games, face painting, art projects and food from local food trucks, including Feeding Frenzy and Los Compadres. Volunteers who sign up during the festival will get a voucher for one free item from a participating food truck. Guests can also take a peek backstage at Pageant sets and snap some photos, and check out the Bizarre Bazaar, including Pageant stage props, artwork, costumes and other one-of-a-kind items for sale (proceeds benefit scholarships and arts programming at Festival of Arts).
46th Annual OC Black History Parade & Unity Festival
Where: 205 Center St. Promenade, Anaheim
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 (parade kicks off at 10 a.m.)
Cost: Free
Contact: office@oc-hc.org, www.oc-hc.org
Orange County Heritage Council’s Annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival returns to downtown Anaheim for a day of culture, history and unity. The council invites locals to bring family, friends and community spirit to celebrate Black history and unity.
French Wine & Jazz Tasting Experience with Caleb & Rose
Where: Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 18
Cost: $40 ($30 for members)
Contact: (949) 498-2139, www.casaromantica.org
Experience an evening of wine, cheese and music at the nonprofit, oceanside cultural center and gardens. Guests receive four French wine pairings, each with a selected cheese and musical excerpt performed live by French jazz singer Chloe Perrier. Immerse all your senses in a harmony of taste and music.
Scenes from the Westminster Tet Parade in Little Saigon on Feb. 1, 2025. Photos by Paul Rodriguez, Culture OC
2026 Westminster Tet Parade
Where: Parade starts at Bolsa Avenue and Magnolia Street, Westminster
When: Feb. 21 (time in the morning to be announced)
Cost: Free
Contact: (714) 895-2860, www.westminster-ca.gov
Complete with floats, marching bands, lion dances, color guards, veterans and youth organizations, martial arts and more, the Tet Parade has been celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Orange County Vietnamese American community in Little Saigon for more than two decades. The Westminster Tet Parade is the city's opportunity each year to celebrate the beliefs and traditions of the robust, local Vietnamese American community, which is the largest in the U.S. and outside of Vietnam.
‘New Owner’
Where: Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: 1 p.m. April 25 and 26, 3:30 p.m. April 26
Cost: Tickets start at $35
Contact: (714) 556-2787, www.scfta.org
“New Owner” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts takes guests on an adventure through a dog’s eyes, with the help of puppetry, animation and live-action. The story follows boisterous puppy Bart, waiting to be picked at the animal shelter and lonely widow, Mabel, who is trying to fill the hole in her heart. It’s a story of love, loss and fresh beginnings.
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Classical Music
January through May is the height of the classical music season here, and with our many fine performing venues waiting to be filled, the pickings are rich and plentiful. One can choose from solo recitals, chamber ensembles, orchestras, choral groups and even opera productions, and one can go often. Classical music may no longer be a part of the mainstream cultural conversation, but it survives quite nicely in its own thriving world. – Timothy Mangan
Shelley Conducts Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird’
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 15-17; 3 p.m. Jan. 18
Where: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $36-$252
Contact: pacificsymphony.org
Complete ballets are difficult to present in concert form (they are more often heard in suites); for a listener, it becomes like sitting through an entire movie score without seeing the film. Conductor Alexander Shelley and the Pacific Symphony address and hopefully solve the problem when they perform Stravinsky’s complete “Firebird” together with a full-length animation, projected and synchronized on a giant screen above the orchestra. Music director designate Shelley has already shown himself a keen master of such colorful and rhythmic scores as “Firebird,” and the Pacificers are following suit. Also on the program are John Adams’s energetic “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” and Korngold’s cinematic Violin Concerto, with the young American violinist Aubree Oliverson as soloist.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Riccardo Muti
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 24
Where: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $51-$371
Contact: philharmonicsociety.org
The Chicago Symphony has for decades been among the great orchestras of the world, and when it pairs with conductor Riccardo Muti, now the music director emeritus, the music making is predictably splendid. The current program is a delight, one which should satisfy connoisseurs and newbies alike. It opens with Johann Strauss’s rambunctious “Gypsy Baron” Overture, continues with Hindemith’s noble “Mathis den Maler” Symphony and Stravinsky’s playful Divertimento from “The Fairy’s Kiss,” and winds up with Ravel’s always sensational “Boléro,” (a complete ballet, by the way, that requires no visual prompting).
Jeremy Denk, piano
When: 8 p.m. April 9
Where: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $31-$171
Contact: philharmonicsociety.org
Jeremy Denk is among our most intellectual musicians (he’s a wonderful writer too), but his concerts are never merely cerebral affairs. Rather, his sensitive and commanding technique allows him to make his thinking audible, into a semi-concrete thing, so that a listener can follow him step-by-step. His wide-ranging recital here, including music by Beethoven, Gottschalk, Joplin, William Bolcom and Nina Simone, is capped with the colossal and transcendent “Concord Sonata” by Charles Ives, of which Denk is the foremost advocate.
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Popular Music
After we’ve made our resolutions, sipped Champagne and counted down to the ball drop, it’s official: The New Year has arrived. For many, this fresh start is motivation for all sorts of things. If your desire is to experience more live entertainment in 2026, Orange County’s popular music offerings have you covered. Concerts big and small bring a plethora of sounds and genres to nearby stages in the New Year, allowing locals to expand their horizons or enjoy more of their favorites. Whichever shows you choose to see this season, we hope 2026 hits all the right notes. – Ashley Ryan
STELLA COLE
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 15-17
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: $84 to $124
Contact: scfta.org
Music lovers will delight in timeless performances by Stella Cole, a vocalist who found her way into the New York City jazz scene after an a capella TikTok video of the musician singing “Over the Rainbow” went viral in 2020. During these three shows, Cole will share the intimate Samueli Theater stage with a string quartet, performing a collection of classic pop hits, show tunes and jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. These beloved songs, primarily from the early to mid-20th century, showcase Cole’s vocal range, diversity in style and impressive control while shining a spotlight on the quartet’s arrangements. Audiences can expect a memorable evening that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly personal as she brings her signature warmth to every song on the setlist.
JULIAN MARLEY
When: 6 p.m. Feb. 21
Where: Garden Amp, 12762 Main St., Garden Grove
Cost: $47.34
Contact: gardenamp.com
It’s been roughly two years since Julian Marley’s album “Colors Of Royal,” a collaborative effort with producer Alexx Antaeus, won Best Reggae Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. In a genre that emphasizes the importance of heritage and lineage, it’s no surprise that his artistry draws upon his own roots as the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. For one night only, the musician will perform in Garden Amp’s intimate outdoor amphitheater, carrying on his father’s legacy with hits of his own, including “Made for Your Love,” “The Tide is High” and “Straighter Roads.” This will be one of his last U.S. shows before he heads overseas to tour, and a new album is planned for later this year as well. A self-taught multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass, drums and keyboard, Marley is also known for his humanitarian work: Along with his two brothers, he co-founded the Ghetto Youths Foundation nonprofit to give back to the underprivileged. As part of this effort, they also created the Ghetto Youths Crew record label and collective to help upcoming artists.
BOOTS IN THE PARK
When: 1 p.m. March 7
Where: SilverLakes Sports Complex, 5555 Hamner Ave., Norco
Cost: $84 to $249
Contact: bootsinthepark.com
Boots in the Park is a traveling country music festival and concert series, bringing together major artists, line dancing, craft food, full bars and interactive art installations. This Orange County edition will be set in a field at the SilverLakes Sports Complex – offering plenty of room to lounge and enjoy live country music in the sunshine. The stage overlooks a small lake while the spacious venue also hosts corn hole tournaments, ax throwing sessions, mechanical bull riding, a custom car show, line dancing and art installations as well as cantinas and saloons at which to grab a drink. The spring lineup sees Jon Pardi, a Bakersfield native, headlining with his self-proclaimed California Country hits. Supporting artists include singer-songwriter Koe Wetzel, ‘90s favorite Jo Dee Messina, vibrant OC local Daniel Bonte and more.
BOYCE AVENUE
When: 7 p.m. March 25
Where: The Observatory, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana
Cost: $38.55
Contact: observatoryoc.com
In March, Florida rock band Boyce Avenue will embark on a short, seven-stop tour running from Texas to California. Started by three bothers – Alejandro, Daniel, and Fabian Manzano – almost two decades ago, the band has gained a prominent global following, amassing nearly 7 billion views on YouTube. Boyce Avenue plays acoustic-inspired pop rock tunes, offering a blend of iconic covers like “Landslide” and “Bitter Sweet Symphony” as well as original songs, including “Cinderella,” “On My Way” and “Broken Angel.” The group’s melodic, harmony-driven sound has helped cement their reputation as an inventive yet heartfelt band whose fans appreciate the craftsmanship and emotion that goes into every performance. Additional meet-and-greet tickets are also available.
DEMI LOVATO
When: 8 p.m. May 9
Where: Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Cost: $142.60 and up
Contact: hondacenter.com
After more than three years off from headlining and eight years since her last arena tour, Demi Lovato has announced her reemergence with the “It’s Not That Deep” Tour. The 23-stop journey will take the global superstar to many of the country’s biggest cities for high-energy concerts that will feature songs from her latest studio album of the same name, as well as other songs that span the eras of her extensive career. The singer’s new music shifts away from her recent rock sound, pivoting back to her origins in pop music with powerhouse vocals and upbeat dance tunes that reflect where she’s at right now in her personal life.
I Love the 90’s Tour
Where: Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine
When: 4:15 p.m. March 21
Cost: $85.87 general admission
Contact: greatparklive.com
Nineties nostalgia comes full force at I Love the 90’s Tour at Great Park Live in Irvine. The lineup includes ‘90s musical icons like Vanilla Ice, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Milli Vanilli, Tone Loc, Color Me Badd and Young MC. If ‘90s hits like “Ice Ice Baby” and “Funky Cold Medina” make you want to put on your parachute pants and “Bust A Move” – you may want to check out this show.
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Jazz & World Music
Spring brings a busy schedule to dedicated jazz venues such as the Drake in Laguna Beach. Soka and the Irvine Barclay Theatre retain their status as Orange County’s most consistent presenters of worthwhile world music. And the Segerstrom Center for the Arts continues to program some of America’s most important jazz artists. Here are four of the highlights from the coming winter-spring season. – Paul Hodgins
Keola Beamer & Henry Kapono
When: 8 p.m. Jan. 24
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
Admission: $59-$149
Contact: 949-854-4646 or thebarclay.org
Two legends of Hawaiian music, Beamer and Kapono rose to prominence in the 1970s, a period when the genre reinvented itself. Beamer’s contributions to slack key guitar began to spark public interest in kī-hō‘alu, launching a statewide revival of the tradition, and his 1978 release, “Honolulu City Lights,” is the largest-selling recording in the history of Hawai‛ian music. Kapono skyrocketed to stardom as a member of the popular duo Cecilio & Kapono and was instrumental in forging the sound of ‘70s music in Hawai`i.
Mads Tolling
When: 7 p.m. Jan. 26
Where: The Drake, 2894 S Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
Admission: $59.25 + minimum $75 food/drink purchase
Contact: 949-376-1000 or thedrakelaguna.com
A two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist and composer, Tolling performs with Bob Weir’s Wolf Bros/Pack Band, and his impressive resume includes long stints with bassist Stanley Clarke and the Turtle Island Quartet. “Mads has the amazing talent and skills that few young musicians can match,” says legendary jazz violinist Kean-Luc Ponty. “His music is both beautiful and refreshing, exhibiting his superb mastery of the modern American jazz music that is rarely seen among his peers.”
The Assad Brothers
When: 5 p.m. March 1
Where: Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo
Admission: $40-$90
Contact: 949-480-4278 or performingarts.soka.edu
Brazilian-born brothers Sérgio and Odair Assad are major forces in Latin American music. Over their decades-long careers they have established a new standard of guitar innovation, ingenuity and expression. They come from a family rich in Brazilian musical tradition, and they studied under guitarist/lutenist Monina Távora, a disciple of Andrés Segovia. Their virtuosity and impressive ensemble playing have inspired a wide range of composers to write for them, including Astor Piazzolla, Terry Riley, Radamés Gnattali, Marlos Nobre, Nikita Koshkin, Roland Dyens, Jorge Morel, Edino Krieger and Francisco Mignone. This concert is co-presented with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
Edgar Meter and Christian McBride
When: 7 and 9 p.m. April 11
Where: Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Admission: Tickets start at $49
Contact: 714-556-2787 or scfta.org
These two titans of the bass world bring their acclaimed album “But Who’s Going to Play the Melody?” to life in concert. The duo creates a sound that’s profound yet accessible, and they’re both astonishing virtuosos who effortlessly combine classical precision and jazz improvisation. Their music is a seamless fusion of genres, and their performances are a masterclass in virtuosity and the cross-pollinating magic of improvisation.
