Hoping to fill up your social calendar to start 2020 off with a bang? Look no further, we've hunted down the top activities, concerts and parties to kick off the new year.
Through 1/27 Maison Margiela Fragrances Pop-Up
Discover a fabulously fragrant pop-up at the first-ever Maison Margiela Fragrances free-standing retail experience at South Coast Plaza, featuring the brand’s 15-piece Replica collection. Stop by for new scents and to customize your very own label. South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, southcoastplaza.com
1/2-5 Girls Night: The Musical
Let’s hear it for the girls! This energetic off-Broadway show follows a group of friends on a night out, telling the hilarious and heartfelt tale of their friendship. Grab your girls and prepare to find yourself dancing in the aisle. Tickets $56-$71, Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach, lagunaplayhouse.com
Catch the eccentric antics of Blue Man Group during a five-night run at Segerstrom Hall.
1/7-12 Blue Man Group on Tour
Join a massive audience of more than 35 million fans who have already seen this thrilling can’t-miss production worldwide. Expect a revamped show with loud music, bright lights, signature drumming and quirky comedy proving that, in this case, it’s OK to be blue. Tickets $26-$120, Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
1/13-26 Newport Beach Restaurant Week
Find special prix fixe menus highlighting Newport Beach’s best spots for brunch (on the weekends), lunch and dinner. Participating restaurants include Andrea, Red O and The Winery, among many others. Brunch $15-$20, lunch $10-$25, dinner $20-$50, multiple locations, Newport Beach, visitnewportbeach.com
1/18 Music of the Knights
Part of the Barclay’s Broadway Cabaret Series, this special performance showcases the incredible sounds and songwriting talents of the legendary Elton John, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Paul McCartney, as performed by top Broadway talent and accompanied by a 10-piece live band. 8pm, tickets $40-$100, Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine, thebarclay.org
Tony and Emmy winner Lillias White heads to the Samueli Theater stage Jan. 23-25.
1/23-25 Lillias White
This Tony and Emmy awards winner has graced the Broadway stage as well as the small screen and silver screen, and now she’s sharing her powerful voice and commanding stage presence as part of Segerstrom Center’s Cabaret Series over three nights. 7:30pm, tickets $89, Samueli Theater, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
1/27 An Evening With Anderson Cooper
You’ve seen him on CNN; now see the Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and bestselling author in person as he takes part in Segerstrom’s inaugural Distinguished Speaker Series as one of six presenters (George W. Bush among them). 8pm, Distinguished Speaker Series package $320-$420, Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
1/30 NFM Wrocław Philharmonic With Bomsori Kim
Poland’s Wrocław Philharmonic, founded in 1945, is joined by acclaimed violinist Bomsori Kim, winner of multiple international music competitions. Experience Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 and Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 1, among other notable pieces. 7:30pm, tickets $53-$83, Musco Center, Orange, muscocenter.org
2/1-4/1 America Martin:Connecting the Dots
This exhibition of works by L.A.-based Colombian American artist America Martin is inspired by artist Paul Klee’s statement: “A line is a dot that went for a walk.” The pieces tell a thought-provoking narrative through the use of lines of varying weights and intensity, focusing on the human figure, shape and contour. JoAnne Artman Gallery, Laguna Beach, joanneartmangallery.com
2/4-9 Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville
It’s nothing but good vibes in Margaritaville! This hilarious musical comedy features an original score plus all your beloved, laid-back Jimmy Buffett faves including the indelible “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” It’s time for a little escape. Times vary, tickets $26-$120, Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
2/5-8 Laguna Beach Music Festival
Under the artistic direction of violinist Ray Chen, this year’s event features special guest artists, including pianist Julio Elizalde, the Dover Quartet and the Academy Virtuosi from the Colburn School. Don’t miss the festival prelude Feb. 5 at Laguna Art Museum for an intimate preview and special performance by Chen and friends. Tickets $38-$58 per concert, multiple locations, philharmonicsociety.org
2/9 An Evening With Oscar
This is one Academy Awards viewing party you don’t want to miss! Walk the red carpet before sipping themed specialty cocktails inspired by the year’s nominated films and dining on a special Oscars-themed a la carte menu during this first-come, first-served event. Cast your own ballot for a chance to win dinner for two at Pelican Grill. 5-10pm, Pelican Grill, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, pelicanhill.com
2/14 AHA Orange County Go Red for Women Luncheon
What better day to celebrate the American Heart Association’s fight against heart disease than Valentine’s Day? Support the cause during this heartfelt expo and luncheon featuring keynote speaker and cardiothoracic surgeon Emily A. Farkas; an inspiring survivor story; the always popular “Purse-onality” silent auction; and more. 10am-1:30pm, tickets $100, Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, heart.org
2/15 Radiant Health Centers’ Cirque Rouge Gala
This annual themed affair is sure to bring out your fun, philanthropic side. Join the crusade for health care equality in Orange County, raising funds for Radiant Health Centers’ medical and social services focused on ending the local HIV epidemic. Expect a parade, games and musical performances. 5:30pm, tickets $250, tables from $1,500, The Yost Theater, Santa Ana, radianthealthcenters.org
2/20 Miranda Lambert
See the sassy singer-songwriter during her North American Wildcard tour with special guests Cody Johnson and LANCO. Inspired by her 2014 hit “Little Red Wagon,” the Fill the Little Red Wagon campaign is also making an appearance on tour, so be sure to donate pet food, treats and supplies for a chance to meet the Grammy-winning country star. 7pm, platinum tickets from $125, Honda Center, Anaheim, hondacenter.com
2/29 Napa in Newport
Where else can you find 40 of the best Napa Valley wines under one roof? Napa in Newport is every oenophile’s dream event, and it’s all for a good cause, benefiting CureDuchenne’s fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Enjoy a grand tasting, vintner-hosted dining tables, a four-course chef-designed dinner and epic auction lots. 5-10pm, tickets $1,000, tables from $7,500, Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, cureduchenne.org
Photography by: John Mac; Blue Man Group Photo By Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made; Lillias White Photo By James Alexander
