By: Hannah George By: Hannah George | April 17, 2025 | Lifestyle, Feature, Events, Entertainment, Guides,
Anaheim native Gwen Stefani will headline 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango concert in Huntington Beach on May 10. PHOTO BY ART STREIBER/NBC VIA GETTY IMAGES
5/1-3
Beethoven’s Emperor
Experience the intersection of the past and the future as the Pacific Symphony debuts newly appointed conductor Alexander Shelley alongside pianist George Li during Beethoven’s monumental Emperor Concerto. 8 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
5/3
31st Annual Glass Slipper Guild Gala
Themed Notte di Eleganza, this black-tie soiree will honor Luminary Award recipient Bonnie Gillman with proceeds going toward critical funding for the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. 5 p.m., Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, e.givesmart.com/events/cek
5/3
A Night of Hope
In support of Community Action Partnership of Orange County, help celebrate the organization’s momentous 60th anniversary with gourmet cuisine, lively auctions and surprise appearances you won’t want to miss. 6 p.m., VEA Newport Beach, capoc.org/event/a-night-of-hope-2025
5/3
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation’s Spring Gala
Elegance meets action at this black-tie gala chaired by Patrick and Lindsay Thomas, celebrating the mission of MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. 5:30 p.m., Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Dana Point, memorialcare.org/spring-gala-2025
Patrick and Lindsay Thomas will chair the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Foundation Spring Gala on May 3. PHOTO BY JOHN RIEDY
5/3
Wells of Life’s Run4Water
Race with Wells of Life to support its goal of restoring 40 wells to provide 40,000 individuals with safe water. 7:30 a.m., Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley, wellsoflife.org/r4w
5/4
The Teen Project Fashion Show Benefit
Save the date for a stunning fashion show at Saks Fifth Avenue, where proceeds will provide homeless teens with vital resources to lead happy, healthy and productive lives. 10 a.m., Saks Fifth Avenue at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, theteenprojectfashionshowbenefit.com
5/4
Uncork for Hope
Sip specialty wines from Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles while bidding on silent and live auction items during this charitable event that supports at-risk youth through vital community partnerships. 2 p.m., Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, e.givesmart.com/events/fn7
5/8
Miracles in Bloom Tea
Nothing says spring quite like flowers and tea! Indulge in a delightful afternoon featuring a speech by Olympic Gold Medalist Tara Lipinski as you give back to Miracles for Kids at this beloved community event. 11 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, miraclesforkids.org/events/2025-miracles-in-bloom
Jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall brings her soulful songs to O.C. on May 9. PHOTO COURTESY OF SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
5/9
Diana Krall
With a host of awards in her repertoire, including two Grammys, the famed jazz singer brings her sultry ballads and most recent release, This Dream of You, to the O.C. stage. 7:30 p.m., Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
5/9
Tony Hinchcliffe
International touring comedian Tony Hinchcliffe will stop by Anaheim for this one-night stand-up show in a phone-free environment so uproarious that you’ll have to see it for yourself. 7 p.m., Honda Center, Anaheim, hondacenter.com
5/9-10
Cirque Goes Broadway
Los Angeles-based aerialist and acrobatics group Troupe Vertigo defies gravity in this must-see production fusing circus arts with Broadway dazzle. 8 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
5/10
102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, this annual summer concert is headed to the shores of Huntington Beach for the first time, with a lineup that includes Gwen Stefani, Doja Cat, Meghan Trainor, David Guetta and more. 6 p.m., Huntington City Beach, kiisfm.iheart.com
5/10
Susan G. Komen’s Pink Tie Party
Don your chicest pink attire to support Orange County’s breast cancer patients during an evening of exciting surprises, a spirited cocktail reception and an auction of prizes too good to pass up. 6 p.m., VEA Newport Beach, komen.org/ocpinktieball
5/12
Elephant Cooperation’s Welcome to the Jungle 5th Annual Golf Fundraiser
From jungles brimming with wildlife to lush golf greens, the Elephant Cooperation’s life-saving campaign takes action during a scramble, welcome party, cocktail hour and awards ceremony. 8 a.m., Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, Mission Viejo, elephantcooperation.com/golf
5/13-18
Mamma Mia!
Follow Sophie on her quest to discover who her father is during this iconic musical featuring ABBA hits and Grecian seascapes. Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
Here we go again! The beloved tale of Mamma Mia! takes the stage at Segerstrom Hall from May 13 to 18. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS
5/14
Share Ourselves’ 32nd Annual Wild and Crazy Taco Night
Put your judging skills to the test as local chefs craft their best taco recipes to support Share Ourselves’ barrier-breaking initiative of quality healthcare access for all. 5:30 p.m., O.C. Fair & Events Center, Costa Mesa, shareourselves.org/event/32nd-annual-wild-crazy-taco-night
5/15
28th Annual Newport Harbor
Home and Garden Tour Presented by Barclay Butera Interiors, this annual event invites guests to tour seven stunning seaside homes near Newport Beach High School to support its academic programs and on-campus initiatives. 9 a.m., Newport Beach, newportharborhometour.com
5/15-17
Cathedrals of Sound
Take a symphonic journey to the Ancient Abbeys with the help of organist Paul Jacobs, the Pacific Symphony and the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey. 8 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, pacificsymphony.org
5/17
CASA Celebration: CASAblanca
Don your best black-and-white attire and travel to the glamorous Moroccan city of Casablanca while supporting CASA’s powerful mission of helping children experiencing neglect and abandonment. 5:30 p.m., Pendry Newport Beach, casacelebration.org
Join CASA supporters, including Lauren and Michael Wong, for the annual CASA Celebration: CASAblanca on May 17 at Pendry Newport Beach. PHOTO BY JOHN WATKINS
5/17
CHOC Gala
Headlined by country icon Blake Shelton, this evening under the stars celebrates the generous donors and sponsors who make the Children’s Hospital of Orange County a life-changing center of hope and healing. 4 p.m., Grove of Anaheim, foundation.choc.org/choc-gala
5/17
Human Options’ Serious Fun Gala
Boogie back to the disco era in support of Human Options’ mission to ignite social change and empower survivors during this Studio Serious Fun-themed gala. 5:30 p.m., Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, humanoptions.org/event/serious-fun-gala-2025
5/29
38th Annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch
Brunch by the sea and commemorate those who continue to support the Hoag Family Cancer Institute. 9 a.m., Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, hoaghospitalfoundation.org/circle-1000-founders-celebration-brunch
5/30
Los Angeles Philharmonic
The famed Los Angeles Philharmonic will make the trek to Orange County for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony under the wistful baton of Gustavo Gimeno. 8 p.m., Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
5/30-31
The Catalina Wine Mixer 10th Anniversary
As SoCal heats up for summer, head to Catalina Island for two days of parties, wine pairings and plenty of can’t-miss programming, like a VIP screening of Step Brothers—the movie that started it all. Catalina Island, visitcatalinaisland.com/catalina-wine-mixer
Set sail for the 10th annual Catalina Wine Mixer, a Step Brothers-worthy celebration. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY
5/30-6/1
The Subaru Newport Beach Jazz Festival
Orange County’s longest continuously running festival is back with some of jazz’s biggest names, including Anthony Hamilton, Boney James, Jeffrey Osborne and many more. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, festivals.hyattconcerts.com
5/31
MOMs Healthy Beginnings, Bright Futures 2025
Swing into action for maternal mental health during a night in the outfield at this baseball-themed fete. Funds raised go toward MOMs’ heartfelt programming for mothers, babies and families. 5 p.m., Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Irvine, momsorangecounty.org/hbbf2025
5/31
Pacific Symphony Gala
The Pacific Symphony gala beckons the O.C. community to a Bond-inspired evening of dining, drinking and revelry, featuring live music by JT & Friends. 5 p.m., Hyatt Regency Irvine, pacificsymphony.org/gala
5/31
The Shea Center Gala
During this spectacular oceanfront gala, indulge in exquisite cuisine, dance to live entertainment and hear the inspiring stories of The Shea Center’s therapeutic horse-riding services. 5 p.m., Montage Laguna Beach, sheacenter.org/events
Photography by: JOAN MARCUS