Free and Cheap in Orange County

When it comes to high-energy stage shows featuring performers in drag, queens have long dominated the genre. But a regime change is in the air. In this show at Santa Ana's Velvet Lounge, the ladies ha... [more+]

When it comes to high-energy stage shows featuring performers in drag, queens have long dominated the genre. But a regime change is in the air. In this show at Santa Ana's Velvet Lounge, the ladies have abdicated their throne and now the drag kings reign supreme. "'Staches, Not Lashes" features a stellar cast of swaggering, masculine dudes who you'd never guess are actually women. This monthly cabaret is hosted by male-impersonator Landon Cider, with guests including Havok Von Doom, Ivory Onyx and Phantom. [less-]

L.A.-based multi-culti comic Edwin San Juan is one of America's top Asian stand-ups, and he's known for producing and starring in a series of Showtime comedy specials, including "Pacific Rim Comedy". ... [more+]

L.A.-based multi-culti comic Edwin San Juan is one of America's top Asian stand-ups, and he's known for producing and starring in a series of Showtime comedy specials, including "Pacific Rim Comedy". You may have seen him on YouTube, where's he's got a clip with more than a million hits, and on plenty of other TV outlets, including Comedy Central, Si TV and the major networks. He's been on shows including "Comics Unleashed, Live at Gotham, Comic View" and Galavision's "Que Locos". Come catch his act live in Brea. [less-]

Andrew Santino is most recognizable for his work as an actor, which has included starring roles in "Mixology" and "Sin City Saints", along with appearances in favorites such as "This Is Us", "The Leag... [more+]

Andrew Santino is most recognizable for his work as an actor, which has included starring roles in "Mixology" and "Sin City Saints", along with appearances in favorites such as "This Is Us", "The League" and "The Office", among others. He even appears in the new film "The Disaster Artist" with James Franco, but his first love is still stand-up comedy, which has taken him everywhere from "Conan" to SXSW to Montreal's "Just For Laughs". You can see the rising star of both the comedy and acting worlds at the Brea Improv. [less-]

Hollywood films are fun, but sometimes you need to connect to something deeper. The International Christian Film Festival assembles spiritually aware short and feature films from America and the globe... [more+]

Hollywood films are fun, but sometimes you need to connect to something deeper. The International Christian Film Festival assembles spiritually aware short and feature films from America and the globe. Past winners have included dramatic, educational, documentary, fantasy, science and animated genre formats. Gather with a like-minded community and bring the family to enjoy this festival championing love, faith and purpose at Irvine's Woodbridge Community Church. [less-]

Become the DIY master you've always dreamed of at the 40th Annual OC Home & Outdoor Living Expo, which gathers over 100 home improvement experts all under one roof. Browse exhibits featuring the lates... [more+]

Become the DIY master you've always dreamed of at the 40th Annual OC Home & Outdoor Living Expo, which gathers over 100 home improvement experts all under one roof. Browse exhibits featuring the latest products and services to beautify your abode and learn how to save thousands of dollars on both the interior and exterior of your home during various DIY workshops. There'll also be drawings for prizes every hour, pumpkin painting and a "Dockdogs" dog jumping competition show running daily. The Ultimate Outdoor Recreation area of the show is loaded with free hands-on activities for all ages such as on-site fishing, archery, kids' casting game, paddle boarding or kayaking in the demo pool, paddle board yoga, plus see the Ultimate Outdoor Living Display and enter to win The Ultimate Campsite Grandprize. Come to Costa Mesa's OC Fair & Event Center for a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs. [less-]

Join Alonzo Bodden for an evening of, as he puts it, "cynically good-natured" stand-up comedy. The New York native was the champion of the third season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing", and he's also sh... [more+]

Join Alonzo Bodden for an evening of, as he puts it, "cynically good-natured" stand-up comedy. The New York native was the champion of the third season of NBC's "Last Comic Standing", and he's also showcased his brand of sharp observational stand-up on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "The Tonight Show", "Comedy Central Presents" and tons of other TV shows. He's appeared in a number of feature films, including "Bringing Down the House", "The Girl Next Door" and "Scary Movie 4", and had a recurring role on TV's "Californication". Now you can see him live on stage at Brea Improv. [less-]

Why just "fear" the walking dead -- when you can actually be a part of their flesh-eating takeover of humanity? Join hordes of rotting revelers for the annual "Long Beach Zombie Fest" at Rainbow Lagoo... [more+]

Why just "fear" the walking dead -- when you can actually be a part of their flesh-eating takeover of humanity? Join hordes of rotting revelers for the annual "Long Beach Zombie Fest" at Rainbow Lagoon Park, a three-day invasion of undead music, guts, horror and fun for the whole family. Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman tribute band Dead Man's Party brings all the ghouls to life for an epic concert on Sunday as you lumber, amble and groan your way through the event. The infamous Zombie Walk is happening on all three days of the fest, as well as free makeup services by artists from the Cinema Makeup School to help you look your gory worst. You can immerse yourself in a live-action role playing session, surviving against a continuous onslaught of zombies. You'll also witness the Dangerous D Ultimate Shock Show, known for wild, cringe-worthy stunts. Channel your inner Michael Jackson in a Thriller Workshop, snag yourself a free digital souvenir in the Zombie Fest Photo Booth, join the Zombie Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt and enjoy a horde of other fun activities. With costume and brain contests for all ages and states of decay, it would be horrific to miss this jam-packed event. [less-]

In "Cut", three reality television writers are every inch as desperate as the housewives at the center of their show, "Ladies of Malibu". Danno, an editor well on his way to a belly full of ulcers, ha... [more+]

In "Cut", three reality television writers are every inch as desperate as the housewives at the center of their show, "Ladies of Malibu". Danno, an editor well on his way to a belly full of ulcers, harbors a secret guilt for deserting his sick sister. Renee is in the midst of a divorce and at a significant turning point in her career. Colette has allowed her ceaseless ambition to land her in a world of trouble, as she guns for Renee's job and Danno's respect. As the show unfolds, all three of them will discover that it's infinitely easier to yell "Cut!' on set that it is in one's own life. Catch Crystal Skillman's "Cut" at the Modjeska Playhouse in Lake Forest. [less-]

One of the most well-known ships in history comes to life again at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. With this series of over 100 photographs of the epic Titantic, visitors are taken on a journey through ... [more+]

One of the most well-known ships in history comes to life again at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. With this series of over 100 photographs of the epic Titantic, visitors are taken on a journey through the eyes of the passengers themselves, revealing everything from the ship's conception to its downfall. Take a look through the grandiose decks, smoking rooms, luxury swimming pools and first class lounge while learning about the making of the Titanic too. Rare and unique artifacts from the boat, its sister Olympic and the rescue ship Carpathia accompany the exhibit and include pieces like furniture, memorial postcards and even a gold watch dropped by a passenger. A brand new educational experience, "Titanic in Photographs" keeps the story of the legendary ship alive for both young and old alike. [less-]

Some of the most memorable music in theater history comes to the stage of the Mysterium Theater at The La Habra Depot Playhouse with Cole Porter's classic "Anything Goes". This boy-meets-girl roller c... [more+]

Some of the most memorable music in theater history comes to the stage of the Mysterium Theater at The La Habra Depot Playhouse with Cole Porter's classic "Anything Goes". This boy-meets-girl roller coaster ride centers on Billy Crocker, a young Wall Street broker who falls hopelessly in love with a wealthy heiress. When he sees her boarding a boat to London, he throws caution to the wind and becomes a stowaway. Craziness ensues when fellow passengers -- including evangelist-turned-nightclub-singer Reno Sweeney and second-rate gangster Moonface Martin -- decide to help Billy win his true love. Showcasing Porter's signature wit and masterful composition skills, the musical features timeless tunes like "I Get a Kick Out of You," "You're the Top" and, of course, the title track. [less-]

Join the fast-growing Orange County tech community for a networking mixer where you can participate in lively discussions with up-and-coming names in the Southland's "Silicon Beach" community, home to... [more+]

Join the fast-growing Orange County tech community for a networking mixer where you can participate in lively discussions with up-and-coming names in the Southland's "Silicon Beach" community, home to more than 500 startups -- including major successes like Dollar Shave Club, Snap Inc. and TrueCar. And whether you're already a part of this thriving community or just want to put your toe in the sand, you'll enjoy attending this fun and relaxed get-together at Cucina Enoteca. A variety of startup pros are set to be on hand, including notable female entrepreneurs, so take a break from your cube to meet, mingle and take advantage of drink specials. [less-]

Get up close and personal with an incredible array of marine life on this 2.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Davey's Locker. You'll cast off from picturesque Newport Beach, home to one of... [more+]

Get up close and personal with an incredible array of marine life on this 2.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching cruise from Davey's Locker. You'll cast off from picturesque Newport Beach, home to one of the most beautiful coastlines in Southern California, and enjoy a whale-watching trip where each voyage is a unique experience with views of a variety of marine life. During grey whale migration season, cruises regularly run into 5 or more whales on a trip. You might also see dolphins (including megapods of 500 or more), a sea lion colony, finback whales, minke whales and humpback whales. The ship features a large upstairs sun deck, a snack bar with food and beverages available for purchase, wraparound outdoor seating and indoor seating with large windows. [less-]

There "is" something you can do to help Houstonions after Harvey. The Houston Food Bank (our nation's largest food bank) supports the children, families and seniors in Southeast Texas who are in need ... [more+]

There "is" something you can do to help Houstonions after Harvey. The Houston Food Bank (our nation's largest food bank) supports the children, families and seniors in Southeast Texas who are in need of food, water and supplies. A $10 donation will enable Houston Food Bank to provide 30 meals for hungry neighbors in emergencies and throughout the year. Every year Houston Food Bank feeds 800,000 people through its network of food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and other agencies. You can pitch in with donations of $10 (feeds 30), $20 (feeds 60) or $30 (feeds 90), now through the end of September, and 100% of the money donated will go to Houston Food Bank's life-changing work. Once this year's disaster relief and recovery needs have been met, any remaining donations will be used to fund ongoing hunger-relief efforts. [less-]

One of the most amazing sights in nature is that of majestic whales swimming and playing on the ocean's surface, leaping out of the water and slapping their mighty tales. On this 2.5-hour cruise off t... [more+]

One of the most amazing sights in nature is that of majestic whales swimming and playing on the ocean's surface, leaping out of the water and slapping their mighty tales. On this 2.5-hour cruise off the shores of Newport Beach, you may see giant blue whales during the summer and fall months or the annual grey whale migration that brings tens of thousands of grey whales along the coast during the winter and spring months. Huge pods of several species of dolphin are very common, as are the resident sea lions. You might also catch glimpses of seals, killer whales, sharks and many other marine creatures. With a 96% success rate, almost every cruise has many opportunities to observe these fascinating creatures. An added plus is the picturesque coastal backdrops of Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach. [less-]

Tustin Dance Center proudly presents its 14th annual production of "The Nutcracker Ballet" at Fullerton's historic Plummer Auditorium, featuring dozens of dancers of all ages. In this enchanting balle... [more+]

Tustin Dance Center proudly presents its 14th annual production of "The Nutcracker Ballet" at Fullerton's historic Plummer Auditorium, featuring dozens of dancers of all ages. In this enchanting ballet, featuring the famous score by Tchaikovsky, a young girl has a very special Christmas. At a fun-filled family party with dancing, magic and dolls that come to life, Clara receives a special gift: a Nutcracker. That night she dreams of an epic battle between mice and toys, and a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where Clara dances with her Prince and meets the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. [less-]

One of the most famous theatrical comedies of all time, Moliere's "Tartuffe" was almost immediately censored when it first took the stage, but the wildly popular comedy could not be kept under wraps. ... [more+]

One of the most famous theatrical comedies of all time, Moliere's "Tartuffe" was almost immediately censored when it first took the stage, but the wildly popular comedy could not be kept under wraps. Is it still funny to a modern audience? Definitely! "Tartuffe"'s farcical comedy is full of slapstick humor and hilarious one-liners that poke fun at human behaviors that never change. Tartuffe is a religious fraud who has schemed his way into the home of young Orgon. Orgon and his mother have fallen for his tricks so completely that they do nothing without first consulting Tartuffe. Luckily, the rest of the family is not convinced, so they devise a plan to expose Tartuffe and his trickery before the family home and fortune are lost to Tartuffe's wily ways. Witness the madness at the Lyceum Theater in Costa Mesa. [less-]

A celebration of the richly entertaining and distinctive world of Stephen Sondheim, this program follows the romantic liaisons of several couples as they navigate the complexities of the human conditi... [more+]

A celebration of the richly entertaining and distinctive world of Stephen Sondheim, this program follows the romantic liaisons of several couples as they navigate the complexities of the human condition. During their journey, old flames reignite, kindred spirits struggle to bottle their passions and youthful strangers experience the joys of newfound love. This is your opportunity to hear the next generation of operatic talent at Chapman University's Salmon Recital Hall. [less-]

Sponge has proven to be one of the Motor City's heaviest hitters after gaining international notoriety with their debut album "Rotting Piñata". Emerging from Detroit with hits like "Plowed" and "Moll... [more+]

Sponge has proven to be one of the Motor City's heaviest hitters after gaining international notoriety with their debut album "Rotting Piñata". Emerging from Detroit with hits like "Plowed" and "Molly (16 Candles)" Sponge received massive airplay on radio stations from coast to coast and were in heavy rotation on MTV. Both "Plowed" and "Molly" hit No. 5 on Billboard's Modern Rock Charts, catapulting "Rotting Piñata" to Gold, and ultimately Platinum status. Now they're making their way to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, where they'll raise the roof with new and classic hits. [less-]

Before there was "Mean Girls", there was "Heathers", the dark '80s teen comedy starring Winona Ryder as a high school girl who joins forces with a hot rebel (Christian Slater) to take on a group of po... [more+]

Before there was "Mean Girls", there was "Heathers", the dark '80s teen comedy starring Winona Ryder as a high school girl who joins forces with a hot rebel (Christian Slater) to take on a group of popular divas -- all named Heather. Now the cult classic comes to Santa Ana in a live musical adaptation that features all the best lines from the movie, plus music and lyrics from the composers behind "Legally Blonde" and "Reefer Madness". The story centers on Westerberg High, a school terrorized by the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the sexy stranger J.D., who has his own deadly plan for the clique. Catch "Heathers: The Musical" as it explores the timely themes of teen suicide, murder, bullying, homophobia and gun violence -- with a generous helping of humor -- on the stage of SAC Fine & Performing Arts. [less-]

Texan troubadour Josh Abbott loves his home state -- and he's got the songs to prove it. His regional hit (and ode to the music he grew up on) "She's Like Texas" first grabbed audiences' and critics' ... [more+]

Texan troubadour Josh Abbott loves his home state -- and he's got the songs to prove it. His regional hit (and ode to the music he grew up on) "She's Like Texas" first grabbed audiences' and critics' attention in 2010 and the singer-songwriter went on to hit the "Billboard" Hot Country Songs chart with his single "Oh, Tonight." Now, the entire Josh Abbott Band -- fiddler Preston Wait, drummer Eddie Villanueva, lead guitarist Caleb Keeter, bassist James Hertless and Abbott's college buddy Austin Davis on banjo -- brings their charm and fresh country sound to House of Blues Anaheim on their "Until My Voice Runs Out Tour". [less-]