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

Boca de Oro 2026

The annual celebration of literature and storytelling in a multitude of forms takes over the Santa Ana Arts District with workshops, an artist's alley, film screenings, and more MORE

Four Orange County Restaurants are Making Room to Grow

At a time when many O.C. restaurants are scaling back or closing, a handful of independent operators are choosing the opposite path – expanding with intention and betting that thoughtful growth can help shape the region’s next dining chapter. From a converted basement in San Clemente to a companion bar in Anaheim, these teams are creating new spaces for cocktails, celebrations and connection.

Orange County Restaurant Week Returns With Fresh Flavors

The culinary celebration features over 200 eateries offering special menus, cocktails and more at varying price points.

U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze Reflects on the Importance of Poetry in Our Daily Lives

Santa Fe, New Mexico-based poet Arthur Sze – the 25th Poet Laureate of the United States – is the first Asian American to hold that position. He is a second-generation Chinese American, and one of America’s most prolific and decorated living poets.

As U.S. Poet Laureate, Sze has made appearances across the country, reading his work and promoting poetry at all levels of society. On Tuesday, March 3, Sze gave a live talk at the Irvine Barclay Theatre as part of Arts Orange County’s 16th Annual Creative Edge Lecture.

Culture OC caught up with Sze to talk about his career and the role poetry can play in American society and everyday life.

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.

Juice--a 10 Minute Play Festival

The third edition of this showcase for original short works by Orange County playwrights comes to Irvine with nine plays crafted around the theme: "A Secret Revealed" MORE

55th Annual Festival of Whales

Dana Point Harbor pays tribute to the ocean's graceful giants on their migratory journey with a mix of education, games, live music and carnival thrills MORE

Peanuts-Themed Parent and Me Pop Up

Stimulate your toddler's imagination with creative play inspired by Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and all the rest at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center MORE

After Hours Social Club

Anaheim's MUZEO invites you to try a different way of connecting over an appreciation of art with this immersive night out that turns the museum into a cocktail club MORE