Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend

Beachgoers watch body surfers, surfers, and body boarders attempt to ride an 8-12 foot day at The Wedge in Newport Beach, Calif., on July 19, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

OC Japan Fair in Costa Mesa

Offering the best of food, culture, and art from Japan, the 12th annual Orange County Japan Fair is one of the largest of its kind in Southern California. Explore over 130 booths featuring Japanese entertainment, tradition, pop culture, and tasty delights! Aside from vibrant performances, the Tuna Cutting Show will return after its 2021 success and serve some of the freshest tuna sushi in the United States. Back by popular demand, this colorful celebration expects to see more than 45,000 visitors throughout the weekend.

OC Fair & Event Center. 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. Friday to Sunday, times vary. Admission $10, children under 6 and adults over 65 enter for free. For more information.

Award-Winning ‘Eternal Spring’ Comes to Orange

“Eternal Spring” will play in select AMC Theatres nationwide starting on Oct. 20. Selected as Canada’s entry for the 2023 Oscars for Best International Film, the documentary reconstructs a daring operation in 2002 by a group of Chinese citizens who risked their lives to bring uncensored news to China. “Eternal Spring” is an exhilarating tale of determination to speak up for political and religious freedoms, no matter the cost. If weekend attendance is high, the week-long screening may be extended another week.

AMC Orange 30. 20 City Blvd. W Suite E, Orange. Starting Friday, times vary. Adult tickets starting from $10.69. For tickets and trailer.

A still from the film "Eternal Spring," which tells the story of a small group of Falun Dafa practitioners who tapped into Changchun City’s state-controlled cable television to broadcast information to counter the Chinese communist regime’s propaganda against the spiritual practice. (Courtesy of Lofty Sky Pictures)

Bentley Celebrity Golf Tournament in Dana Point

Bentley Newport Beach’s celebrity golf tournament features stunning beach views and golf with high-profile locals—accompanied by delicious food made by top chefs in Southern California and a cocktail reception. The Monarch Beach Golf Links presents a blend of natural beauty along the bluffs, all designed by master architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

Monarch Beach Golf Links. 50 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets starting from $150. For tickets.

Disney’s ‘Newsies’ Broadway Musical in Huntington Beach

Featuring world-class dancers and singers, “Newsies” is a musical set in turn-of-the-century New York City, telling the tale of Jack Kelly, a newsboy and leader of a ragged band of “newsies,” who dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. When publishers raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike.

Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach. Friday to Sunday, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets $15 to $25. For tickets.

Pumpkin Patch in Orange

Enjoy autumn festivities outdoors with the family at Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Pumpkin Patch! Suited for people of all ages, the event’s free activities include a haunted house, hay maze, and picture stands for lasting memories. Tickets are available for purchase for train and hay rides, a moon bounce, face painting, panning for gold, cookie decorating, and more.

Irvine Park Railroad. 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange. Saturday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free entry, with activity tickets available for $7 each. For more information.

‘Run4Sharks’ in Newport Beach

Help protect the ocean’s most endangered animals while getting the family together for a day of active fun! “Run4Sharks” hosts annual 5K and one-mile runs to support protecting sharks and ocean health. Participants also have the chance to win prizes donated by sponsors and will learn how to stay fit and healthy from notable event partners.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. 1131 Back Bay Dr., Newport Beach. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online registration $20 to $40. To register.

People are seen gathering on the Little Corona del Mar Beach in Newport Beach, Calif., on April 25, 2020. (Michael Heiman/Getty Images)

UC Irvine Master’s Students Book Reading in Newport Beach

Book lovers and literature enthusiasts are invited to an enriching evening with some of the nation’s finest rising authors at Lido Village Books. Students from the University of California–Irvine’s Master of Fine Arts writing program will be sharing their latest works. Event attendees will receive a 5 percent discount on books, and light refreshments will be served. The beloved independent bookstore is located in the heart of Lido Marina Village with famed eateries and shops.

Lido Village Books. 3424 Via Lido #103, Newport Beach. Saturday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free. For more information.