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

Train Days at MUZEO

The history, science, and culture of the railroad get an inspiring spotlight in this special Saturday celebration at Anaheim's MUZEO MORE

Wish You Were Here' Traces Friendship in Turbulent Times

The Iranian Revolution was a shot heard around the world. Even now, nearly a half-century later, its effects are still being felt in Iran’s interactions with other nations.

“Wish You Were Here,” which takes place at the dawn of that event and covers the 13 years following it, had its world premiere at Williamstown Theatre in Massachusetts. Now it will be seen in its West Coast premiere courtesy of South Coast Repertory.

Five Standout Spots at River Street Marketplace

This new complex in the heart of old town has stayed true to the community’s roots. Instead of a slick city feel, River Street Marketplace has been developed with a little bit of a country twang, making it the Rodeo Drive for cowboys and cowgirls in the same way downtown Huntington Beach caters to surfers.

The vibe is rancho days, carefully blended with contemporary California; citrus trees edge the parking lot, buildings resemble barns and farmhouses, open spaces are filled with welcoming green lawns and wide gravel paths, don’t wear those fancy athletic shoes or you’ll be picking pea-sized stones out of the soles.

Instead, pull on your good boots and kick up your heels. Here are five of Culture OC's favorite hangouts in this new Western wonderland.

What's Happening in Arts and Culture in Orange County in 2025

U.S. premieres, theater, art exhibits, dance, concerts and plenty of cultural events are on tap for Orange County during the first half of 2025.

The new year is already looking promising for artists, cultural warriors and arts and culture enthusiasts in Orange County, with plenty of national and regional premieres in store. On Jan. 12, South Coast Repertory will present the West Coast premiere of “Wish You Were Here” by Sanaz Toossi, a 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner and an Orange County native.

Starting Jan. 31, the O.C. Museum of Art is offering the first solo museum exhibition outside Asia for Su Yu-Xin, an up-and-coming Taiwanese artist based in Los Angeles. And Segerstrom Center for the Arts will host the U.S. premiere of American Ballet Theatre’s “The Winter’s Tale” in April.

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 2025, brought to you by Culture OC’s talented team of arts and culture writers.

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.

End of the Range: Charlotte Skinner in the Eastern Sierra

The Langson Irvine Museum of California Art present a curated collection of the works of Charlotte Skinner, whose paintings captured the magic of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and Owens Valley over many decades MORE

Hsi Lai Temple presents a Mindful Morning

Saturday at the Bowers Museum you have the free opportunity to explore activities that build healthy mental attitudes like Buddhist exercises, meditation over tea, calligraphy, and more MORE

Family Fun Fest at Pageant of the Masters Open Casting Call

Enjoy live music, food trucks, a sneak preview of this year's Pageant and an opportunity to purchase unique pieces from Pageants past in this new festival unfolding alongside the annual casting call MORE

College All-Stars at Improv Collective

Tips, tricks, and tasty samples abound at this special workshop at Anaheim's MUZEO where you can learn how to make festive seasonal cocktails and mocktails for your holiday get-togethers MORE