AUG. 5 THROUGH 30
New Swan Shakespeare Festival: “The Merry Wives of Windsor Cove”
A swindling Elvis impersonator named Falstaff gets into mischief in his Southern California beach town. His ridiculous antics cause all kinds of trouble with the Merry Wives as he attempts to con them out of money. This unique adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor is set in the 1950s and features a live skiffle band. New Swan Shakespeare Festival, Gateway Commons, Inner Ring Road, Irvine, 949-824-2787, newswanshakespeare.com
AUG. 7, 14, 21, AND 28
OC Parks Sunset Cinema
Enjoy a free movie under the stars at local Orange County parks this summer. The first screening this month will be 10 Things I Hate About You on Aug. 7 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Kung Fu Panda 4 will play on Aug. 14, and 1995’s Jumanji will be shown on Aug. 21 in Irvine Regional Park. The final movie of the summer will be Top Gun at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach on Aug. 28. ocparks.com
AUG. 6, 13, 20, AND 27
OC Parks Summer Concert Series
The free concerts in the park continue through this month with four additional performances. The Mariachi Divas will kick things off on Aug. 6 with their performance at Craig Regional Park. Como La Flor Band: A Tribute to Selena plays on Aug. 13, and contemporary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performs on Aug. 20, both in Mile Square Park. The Taylor Swift tribute band Dream Like Taylor will play at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach on Aug. 27. ocparks.com
AUG. 6
Festival Ballet Theatre
The 17th annual Gala of the Stars offers a rare opportunity to see world-renowned dancers sharing the stage with young emerging dancers. The evening kicks off with a performance by the Inspired Young Proteges, a group of dancers hand-selected to participate in the program following two weeks of intensive training. This year’s gala will feature performances by dancers from all around the world, including Maria Khoreva, first soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
AUG. 7, 8, AND 9
Rebelution
The fan favorite roots reggae band will return to the Pacific Amphitheatre stage for three nights of groovy music and amazing guest performers. Rebelution is known for its unique blend of traditional reggae with pop, rock, and hip-hop fusion. Expect to hear hits such as “Feeling Alright,” “Lazy Afternoon,” and “Safe and Sound.” They will be joined on stage by Skip Marley, the grandson of reggae icon Bob Marley, and singer-songwriter Niko Rubio. Marley carries on the family legacy with his own spin on reggae with a modern pop twist. Rubio has made her mark by creating music that incorporates traditional ranchera influences and modern indie pop. Pacific Amphitheatre, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, pacamp.com
AUG. 8, 9, 15, AND 16
Symphony in the Cities
Each summer, the Pacific Symphony brings orchestral music out to the community with small intimate pop-up performances throughout various Orange County cities. The outdoor concerts feature a collection of popular classical pieces, pop music, and patriotic works. Before each performance, children can participate in the Musical Playground, an interactive experience that includes crafts and hands-on learning experiences. This month, the symphony will perform in Oso Viejo Community Park on Aug. 8, at Newport Beach Central Library on Aug. 9, at Mike Ward Community Park on Aug. 15, and at Musco Center for the Arts on Aug. 16. 714-755-5788, pacificsymphony.org
THROUGH AUG. 9
“The Lightning Thief”
Percy Jackson is an average teenager who discovers that he is the son of a Greek god. While navigating this revelation and his newfound magical powers, he finds himself thrown into a war among the gods that he must stop. Alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover, he sets out on a grand adventure to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and save his own destiny and the future of the world. The South Coast Repertory Theatre Conservatory’s Summer Players, a talented group of young performers, will bring this mystical rock musical to life on stage. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
THROUGH AUG. 29
New Swan Shakespeare Festival: “Romeo and Juliet”
The star-crossed lovers from Shakespeare’s beloved classic take on a fresh identity in this rendition; Romeo and Juliet’s love story unfolds in the impoverished Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The pair’s tale turns tragic as their families rip them apart and economic tension and food scarcity plagues their town. The New Swan Shakespeare Festival offers an authentic viewing experience with its traditional Elizabethan theater, unique stage design, and talented performers. New Swan Shakespeare Festival, Gateway Commons, Inner Ring Road, Irvine, 949-824-2787, newswanshakespeare.com
THROUGH AUG. 16
OC Fair
The Orange County summer staple returns to the OC Fair & Event Center for a whole month of food, games, shows, live music, rides, and more. Scope out the hundreds of entries into the agriculture, food, livestock, wine, horticulture, and art competitions, all submitted by locals from the community. In addition to catching daily concerts in the Hangar and demolition derbies in the Action Sports Arena, visitors can enjoy indulgent fair food, meet animals at Centennial Farm, and peruse the vendor halls. OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-1500, ocfair.com
THROUGH SEPT. 4
Pageant of the Masters
This year’s theme is The Greatest of All Time, highlighting artists with unforgettable careers that have left a lasting impact on the arts. Enjoy the works of Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, Norman Rockwell, Velázquez, and Van Gogh as they seem to jump off the canvas and come to life. The Pageant of the Masters perfectly combines art with theater as live music and a robust stage production create a truly unique live performance. Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 800-487-3378, foapom.com
THROUGH SEPT. 6
60TH Annual Sawdust Art Festival
Handcrafted pieces from local artists are available for purchase and to view all month long at the popular festival. Stroll through the many booths to view jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and photography, or participate in an art class. In addition to daily live demonstrations, there will be live music on different stages throughout the festival. For 60 years, the Sawdust Art Festival has served as a home for locals to support the bustling Orange County art scene. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-494-3030, sawdustartfestival.org