An evening of spirit communication and philanthropy is set for Friday, May 1, bringing together connection, healing and community support at the Aliso Viejo Country Club.

Master Channeler Oracle Maureen will share messages of love and closure from the Other Side during a special program that also raises awareness for equine-assisted therapy and the role horses play in supporting speech therapy, mental health and addiction recovery. Proceeds benefit The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception featuring hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, followed by a group reading at 7 p.m. Guests will then enjoy a seated dinner with wine service, concluding with dessert and closing remarks. Tickets start at $150 per person, and reservations are required at RazzberryReadingsAVCC

The event is organized by Angels Among Us Foundation, with all proceeds supporting therapeutic riding programs that help individuals facing a range of physical and emotional challenges.

At the heart of the evening is Razzberry, a therapy horse whose calm and intuitive nature supports participants in building confidence, emotional awareness and trust. Through programs at The Shea Center, horses like Razzberry provide a unique form of connection that complements traditional therapies.

For those unable to attend in person, a virtual group reading with Oracle Maureen will take place on May 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Tickets are $55 per person, with proceeds also benefiting the cause. Reservations, at VirtualRazzberryReadings

Space is limited for both events. For reservations or more information, visit AAUF.org/Razzberry or call 949-933-5504.

The Costa Mesa Historical Society is celebrating its 60th year with a special Mother’s Day brunch and speaker program that brings the community together around the stories that define Costa Mesa.

On Sunday, May 10, guests are invited to gather at the Norma Hertzog Community Center for an afternoon featuring local journalist, Greer’s OC founder and author of Born in OC, Greer Wylder.

The presentation will highlight the artists, entrepreneurs and visionaries who have shaped Orange County, sharing the kinds of stories that continue to inspire and connect this community.

More than a brunch, this is a meaningful way to celebrate mothers, grandmothers and the women who have made an impact, while spending time with an organization that has played an important role in preserving Costa Mesa’s history for six decades.

The Costa Mesa Historical Society continues to be a vital part of the community, collecting, protecting and sharing the stories that might otherwise be lost. Events like this help support future programs, exhibitions and educational efforts.

Event Details
Sunday, May 10, 2026
2 to 4 p.m.

Norma Hertzog Community Center is at 1845 Park Ave., in Costa Mesa.

Tickets
Members: $60
Non-members: $75

Seating is limited and early reservations are encouraged here. 

Those interested in hosting a table, becoming a sponsor or volunteering are invited to connect with the Historical Society.

The California Wine Festival returns to the Orange County coast April 24 and 25, 2026, launching its season with a weekend of tastings, chef-driven bites and live entertainment. Set against sweeping Pacific views at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the palm-lined lawns of Sea Terrace Park, the two-day event blends an elevated experience with a relaxed coastal setting.

Festival Details

Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting
Friday, April 24, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Del Mar Lawn

The weekend begins with an intimate evening overlooking the Pacific. Guests are welcomed with a sparkling wine reception before sampling a curated selection of limited-production wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles and beyond.

Designed for collectors and wine enthusiasts, the event offers opportunities to meet winemakers and proprietors while enjoying gourmet hors d’oeuvres in a refined setting. A silent auction featuring rare bottles and exclusive tasting experiences will benefit Sandy Feet Initiative, which provides beach-based programs including yoga, surfing and ocean play. Live music adds to the relaxed coastal atmosphere. With limited tickets and rare wines, the event typically sells out in advance.

Beachside Wine Festival
Saturday, April 25, 1 to 4 p.m.
Sea Terrace Park

The festival continues at Sea Terrace Park, a grassy bluff above Dana Point Harbor. Beneath white tasting tents, guests can sample hundreds of wines, regional craft brews and a wide selection of artisan foods.

Participating chefs and specialty purveyors will serve bites ranging from cheeses and fresh breads to olive oils, chocolates and globally inspired small plates. VIP ticket holders receive early entry at noon with access to reserve wines and priority tastings.

Live music by Upstream, a Caribbean steel drum band, brings an upbeat energy to the afternoon, creating a celebration of wine, food and ocean views.

Festival Sponsors and Highlights

Sponsors include DreamFinder Travel and Virgin Voyages, Sommsation, Hyatt Vacation Club, Piper Sonoma, Leaf Filter, Lifestyle Remodeling, High Flyer, Priest Ranch, Renewal by Andersen, Lloyd Cellars and Hilton Garden Inn Doheny Beach Dana Point.

Participating restaurants and food purveyors include All Things Fabulous Catering, Brio Tuscany Grille, BeachFire Bar and Grill, Bluewater Grill, Gino Angelini Authentic Italian Sauces, Glasspar Restaurant, Krave Asian Fusion, Trevor’s at the Track, Seven Barrels Olive Oils and Aged Italian Balsamics, Sundried Tomato Bistro and Catering and other regional favorites.

Notable wineries include Akash Winery & Vineyards, Alma Rosa Winery, Aperture Cellars, Ascension Cellars, Barlow Vineyards, Bellante Family Winery, Bernardus Winery, Bezel from the Cakebread Family, Bouchaine Vineyards, Burtech Family Vineyard, Candoni De Zan Family Wines, Carol Shelton Wines, Cuvaison, Double Bond Wines, Familia Hicks Wines, Frisby Winery & Brewing, GC Lurton Family Vineyards, Goldschmidt Vineyards, Hawk and Horse Vineyards, Highflyer Wines, Kubani Wines, Lyons Vineyard, MCV Wines, Mizel Estate Wines, Navarro Vineyards, Pasmosa Sangria, Piper Sonoma, Priest Ranch, PRP Wine International, Rombauer Vineyards, Ramona Valley Vineyards, The Vinho, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Ysidro Sake Spritz and more.

California Wine Festival is a 21+ event. Tickets include all wine and food samples, live entertainment and a keepsake wine glass. For full event details, ticket information and lodging options, visit CaliforniaWineFestival.com. 

The 36th annual Southern California Spring Garden Show returns to South Coast Plaza from April 23 to 26, transforming the Crate & Barrel and Macy’s Home Store wings into a lush indoor garden filled with inspiration. It is one of the region’s most anticipated seasonal events, drawing everyone from serious collectors to casual plant lovers.

At the center of the show is a striking botanical installation created entirely from natural plant materials by an award-winning Rose Parade float designer. This year’s theme, “Nurtured by Spring,” brings a refined garden setting with sculptural florals and delicate wildlife details. A standout moment is a flowering tree made of pink Mokara orchids and cascading leptospermum branches rising above layered garden terraces.

Throughout the show, specialty growers and plant vendors offer rare and hard-to-find varieties, along with garden décor and tools. Landscape designers team up with South Coast Plaza home boutiques to present outdoor living ideas that feel both elevated and approachable, with plenty of inspiration to take home.

Visitors can also join a guided tour of the center’s unique palm tree collection, led by a horticulturalist from Sherman Library & Gardens.

The event is free to attend, with complimentary parking.

While there, it is easy to make a day of it with stops for coffee, ramen, sushi, or a casual bite throughout the center’s many dining spots.

Hours and location
April 23 to 26, 2026
Crate & Barrel and Macy’s Home Store wings
3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa

More information is available at South Coast Plaza’s website.

Festival Napa Valley’s signature tasting event, Taste of Napa, will offer two opportunities in 2026 to experience the region’s wines and hospitality. For the first time, the event heads to Southern California in partnership with The Meritage Collection, with a coastal setting at Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach on April 12. It then returns to Napa Valley at The Meritage Resort and Spa on July 11. Tickets for both events are now available.

The Huntington Beach debut brings Taste of Napa to the oceanfront, where guests can enjoy live music alongside pours from more than 30 wineries and culinary offerings from Paséa Hotel & Spa. Participating wineries include Aperture Cellars, Blackbird Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards, Clif Family Winery, Duckhorn Portfolio, Grgich Hills Estate, Lewis Cellars, Peju Winery, PlumpJack Collection, Turnbull Wine Cellars and more. 

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with general admission priced at $175. Ticket holders also receive 25 percent off best available room rates at Paséa Hotel & Spa from April 10 to 13.

In July, the event returns to Napa Valley as part of Festival Napa Valley’s Summer Season, taking place July 4 through 19. The Taste of Napa at The Meritage Resort and Spa features more than 100 wineries, restaurants and culinary artisans, along with live music and craft beverages. 

The event runs from noon to 3 p.m., with general admission at $195. A Reserve Tasting Salon experience is available for $295 and includes early entry at 11 a.m., along with access to boutique wineries and curated culinary offerings in a private setting.

Guests attending the Napa event can also take advantage of a 20 percent discount on overnight accommodations at The Meritage Resort and Spa.

Tickets & Information 

Guests must be 21 or older to attend. To purchase tickets or for general information, visit festivalnapavalley.org/tasteofnapa.

Cugini’s Italia Boutique Market has opened its doors with a simple idea: bring the feeling of a neighborhood Italian market to the coast.

Created by partners Marcus and Toni, alongside their wives, Shereen and Lavi, the market is a true family effort rooted in years of restaurant experience and a shared love of Italian food and culture. The name “Cugini,” which means cousins in Italian, reflects both the partnership and the welcoming, family-style atmosphere they hope to create.

Everything in the shop is imported directly from Italy through a close partnership with a trusted source abroad. The result is a carefully curated selection of authentic ingredients that are not typically found in Orange County.

The shelves are filled with imported cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, sauces, olive oils, wines, and specialty items that rotate in from different regions of Italy. Fresh bread is baked daily, and the focaccia has quickly become a favorite.

The goal is simple: create a place that feels like stepping into a small market in Italy, where quality, tradition and community come together. Special orders are always welcome, and the team is happy to help customers find exactly what they need.

Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. 

2515 East Coast Highway in Corona del Mar (949) 505-8886

STAUD just opened its newest boutique at South Coast Plaza, bringing its California point of view to one of the country’s most recognized shopping destinations.

The space feels right at home here. Inspired by the brand’s Melrose Avenue flagship, the boutique leans into clean lines, built-in details, and a soft, neutral palette. It is polished but still relaxed, very much in step with the way Southern California shops and lives.

Inside, the focus is on the Spring 2026 collection, which pulls from both sides of California style. There is a mix of easy coastal pieces and more refined looks, with airy silks, denim, sport-inspired textures, and a few playful accessories layered throughout. It is a collection that feels wearable but still has personality.

For the opening, there is also an exclusive. A cream version of the Reef bag, priced at $425, is available only at this location and in limited quantities.

Founded in Los Angeles in 2015 by Sarah Staudinger and George Augusto, STAUD has built a following for pieces that balance classic shapes with something a little unexpected. The South Coast Plaza boutique is a natural next step and a strong fit for Orange County.

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

STAUD South Coast Plaza is at 3333 Bristol Street, Suite 1847 in Costa Mesa.

Dining options are plentiful at South Coast Plaza on Sunday, April 5. A dozen restaurants will offer brunch and dinner, with menus ranging from contemporary cuisine and steakhouse classics to Asian favorites. The center’s retail boutiques will be closed in observance of the holiday.

At Seasons 52, brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with dinner available all day. Guests can choose from individually priced brunch dishes or opt for the Easter Green Box to go. VIEW MENU. MAKE RESERVATIONS. 714.437.5252.

The Capital Grille will offer a two-course menu featuring chef-created selections, along with classic brunch cocktails and Champagne. The dinner menu will also be available all day. VIEW MENU. MAKE RESERVATIONS. 714.432.1140.

Morton’s The Steakhouse will serve an Easter three-course dinner from April 1 through April 5, with Easter Sunday hours from noon to 8 p.m. VIEW MENU. MAKE RESERVATIONS. 714.444.4834.

Several South Coast Plaza restaurants will also be open with à la carte menus throughout the day.

Outpost Kitchen will offer its popular Aussie-inspired weekend brunch with Easter specials, along with a full bar featuring creative cocktails and coffee beverages. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are available by calling 714.852.3044 or visiting OpenTable.

At Vaca, Chef Amar Santana presents a Spanish-inspired menu of tapas, paellas and wood-grilled steaks, along with Easter specials, craft cocktails and a Spanish-focused wine list. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Reservations are available through Resy or by calling 714.463.6060.

Water Grill will feature a wide selection of fresh seafood, including seasonal specialties such as live wild Dungeness crab, local spiny lobster and California spot prawns. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 949.208.7060.

Caló Kitchen + Tequila will serve Mexican classics and contemporary dishes made with high-quality ingredients, along with a curated selection of tequilas and cocktails. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are available on Yelp or by calling 714.462.1445.

Anqi Bistro will offer seasonal Easter specials alongside signature dishes from the House of An. Hours are noon to 8 p.m., with an à la carte menu. Reservations are available by calling 714.557.5679 or visiting OpenTable.

Din Tai Fung, known for its handmade soup dumplings, wontons and noodles, will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are available on Yelp or by calling 714.549.3388.

Paradise Dynasty will present bold flavors from eight regions of China, with hours from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 714.617.4630.

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar, a Singapore concept inspired by Japanese noodle soups, will serve its signature ramen and other savory dishes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 714.884.4693 for more information.

Darya Fine Persian Cuisine will offer an upscale dining experience with authentic Persian dishes in a spacious dining room and patio setting. Hours are noon to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are available via OpenTable or by calling 714.557.6600.

Easter Sunday falls on April 5, and restaurants across Orange County are offering everything from coastal brunch buffets to refined tea service and dinner experiences. Here is a look at where to celebrate the holiday this year.

Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach hosts its annual seaside Easter brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Chef Rainer Schwarz’s menu includes made-to-order omelets, fresh seafood, carving stations and desserts. The experience is priced at $135 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under, with younger children dining free.

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar will offer a two-course prix-fixe Easter brunch at both its Newport Beach and Tustin locations from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The $65 menu features seasonal dishes, with optional add-ons such as seafood towers and champagne.

In Costa Mesa, Knife Pleat celebrates Easter weekend with an afternoon tea service on Saturday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The experience includes tea sandwiches, pastries and premium teas, with optional caviar and champagne. Reservations, here. 

The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach presents a festive Easter brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The coastal celebration includes a buffet, bottomless champagne, live entertainment and family-friendly activities such as a petting zoo and Easter Bunny visits. Pricing is $125 for adults and $50 for children ages 5 to 12.

For dinner, ILYA offers a Mediterranean-inspired Easter evening from 4 to 9 p.m. The menu highlights wood-fired dishes, fresh seafood and house-made breads in a light, coastal setting.

Georgia’s Restaurant serves a Southern-style Easter brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring favorites such as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and cinnamon-apple waffles, along with brunch cocktails.

In Newport Beach, Sushi Roku offers a different take on Easter with its Japanese menu featuring fresh fish and globally inspired dishes, paired with sake and craft cocktails.

Finally, Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar in Old Towne Orange will serve Easter brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with seasonal specials and house favorites alongside mimosas, Irish coffee and its signature Bloody Mary.

Reservations are recommended at most locations, as Easter brunch remains one of the busiest dining days of the year.

OC Fashion Week heads to My Sister’s Closet in Newport Beach on Friday, March 27, with doors opening at 6 p.m. The private, ticketed event features a runway show and special guest designer Adolfo Sánchez.

The evening spotlights luxury fashion and structured silhouettes in an intimate retail setting. Sánchez will debut new runway looks and present select pieces from past collections, including signature coats, statement outerwear, and archival designs available for private viewing.

Guests can expect a mix of fashion, community, and celebration, with opportunities to watch, shop, sip, and connect. The runway will also feature styled looks from My Sister’s Closet and Well Suited, blending luxury consignment with contemporary menswear.

Live models, one-of-a-kind consignment pieces, and Sánchez’s latest collection come together in a setting that reflects a more experiential approach to retail, with an emphasis on sustainability and community.

My Sister’s Closet is known for its curated selection of designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories, with locations in Newport Beach and Encinitas. Well Suited brings a modern perspective to menswear with tailored pieces and updated styling for today’s customer.

Well Suited complements the portfolio with a modern approach to menswear, offering tailored pieces and contemporary styling designed for today’s confident, fashion-forward man. 

Tickets and more information at oc-fashion-week.

My Sister’s Closet is at 1100 Irvine Ave, Newport Beach. (949) 469-9510