In our endless exploration of our city, I’ve been seeking out all of the unique, engaging, and educational (shhh!) activities to make this the best summer ever with my kids. We love culture, food, and the arts, which makes the Segerstrom Center for the Arts an exciting destination for our family. I am a huge theater geek, and while I’ve missed jetting off to Hollywood for a musical night on the town, this acclaimed arts institution right in the heart of Orange County offers everything from national tours of popular Broadways shows, jazz and cabaret, international ballet and dance, and classical music to contemporary artists, family-friendly programs and entertainment, dancing, and free events. More than simply a “theater,” the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a the largest provider of arts education on the West Coast and reaches both young and old through it’s education programs and live performances.
Summer is proving to be an exciting time at the center, and in the midst of Award-Winning Broadway Musicals like Once, and ballet performances by two of the world’s greatest dance couple, check out the free Summer events at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Movie Mondays
Through August 4th, families can watch classic films such as Gigi and Cabaret at the Arts Plaza for free. This is the 8th year the Segerstrom Center for the Arts has hosted Movie Mondays and I personally think families will love the al fresco movie watching experience! Since this is a widely popular event during the Summer, families are encouraged to arrive early (set-up begins at 5:30) and prior to each film, a selection of the best animated short films from the Newport Beach Film Festival will be shown. Plus, contests are held prior to each screening around 7:30 pm and prizes include show tickets, CD/DVDs, and other items. Families are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets, snacks, and picnic dinners. Patina Catering is also creating special themed menus for each film as well as offering snacks and beverages for purchase. The film starts at dusk (8 pm ) and there are just 3 screenings left!
- The Little Colonel starring Shirley Temple – July 7
- Spice World – July 14
- Gigi – July 21
- Cabaret – July 28
- Sweet Charity – August 4
Broadway-inspired LEGO sculptures on display
If you happen to be visiting the Segerstrom Center for the Arts this summer, I highly encourage you to peruse through Segerstrom Hall to see a spectacular exhibit of Broadway-inspired LEGO art created by the LEGO Users Group of Los Angeles. The sculptures are themed to the shows that will be featured in the 2014-2015 Broadway and Curtain Call series including Pippin, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Kinky Boots, Dirty Dancing, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Guys and Dolls, Annie the Musical, Mowtown the Musical, and The Phantom of the Opera. Each of the sculptures draw from iconic moments from each show and utilize hundreds of LEGO pieces.
Free Public Tours
Want to step inside all three venues and learn more about the Segerstrom Center for the Arts? Take a free tour, conducted by Center Docents on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30 am. For a private group tour, be sure to make a reservation.
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an exciting place to be this Summer! For a list of their current events, visit SCFTA.org. And for a list of free events, visit SCFTA.org/FreeforAll.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Leave a Reply