OC Arts Ahead - Oct. 18, 2023

October 18, 2023

Each week, Arts Orange County and Culture OC deliver you this look at the stories and events happening in our arts and cultural community.

Celebration of Fabulous Fall Festivals

It's a global musical spectacular from Pacific Symphony honoring fall cultural traditions like Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Mid-Autumn Festival, Diwali, and more MORE

First Look: Toastique in Newport Beach

It’s reverse bikini season. You know how in spring, thoughts turn to your body on the beach in June? Well, this time of year it’s all about trimming a few pounds so you can gain five celebrating the holidays. Toastique on Balboa Island has arrived just in time with healthful cuisine that’s way more fun than some punishing diet.

This is the first California location of a franchise founded in Washington D.C. by former D1 collegiate cheerleader Brianna Keefe. There are stores in D.C., Colorado, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah and Virginia, with more in development across the country. It’s a daytime, counter service spot with coffee and breakfast/brunch items such as smoothies, bowls and toasts served on slices of whole grain goodness by Bread Artisan Bakery.

Knott's Scary Farm, Which Created the Blueprint for Large Scale Halloween Events, Turns 50

As Knott’s Scary Farm celebrates its 50th anniversary, fans look back at how the theme park haunted attraction has impacted their relationships, careers and lives.

Pacific Symphony Searches for a New Leader in Challenging Times

The 2023-2024 season will feature many guest conductors seeking to succeed longtime music director Carl St.Clair.

OC Museum of Art Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Free Events, Saturday Party

Each week, we recommend a variety of events and experiences from the listings at SparkOC.com, our free website for Orange County's arts and cultural community.

The Addams Family

Perfect for spooky season, the Newport Theatre Arts Center stages the Tony-winning musical about the macabre, eccentric, and beloved Addamses MORE

Inspired 2023: The Tenth Annual Artist Council Member Exhibition Opening Reception

A beloved tradition at the Huntington Beach Art Center has reached a decade with its multi-disciplinary group exhibition of artworks that move and uplift MORE

Irvine Nights

It's the season's last free festival at the Great Park - with live music, line dancing, a kids' play zone, and over 50 food and crafts vendors MORE

Moonlit Garden Talk & Tour of Sherman Gardens

It's a whole other world in the plant kingdom at night, and with this special, guided after-dark experience, you can learn about what goes on in the ground when the sun goes down MORE

"Arts Orange County is a steadfast ally for arts organizations and local artists here in Orange County. That support results in increased partnerships with school districts and expanded access to the arts for students and families. Arts Orange County collaborates with the Orange County Department of Education to raise awareness of the need for the arts in our schools. We are grateful to Arts Orange County for its leadership and partnership and look forward to expanding our work together."

— Dr. Al Mijares,

Orange County Superintendent of Schools

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Culture OC's mission is to provide the best possible arts and cultural journalism to Orange County, raise awareness of the area’s cultural richness and diversity, and strengthen the future of our field.

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Arts Orange County builds appreciation of, participation in and support for the arts and arts education throughout Orange County. Event information provided by SparkOC, an ArtsOC program.

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