From the Newport Beach Film Festival and Houston Ballet to Halloween festivities and live performances, here’s what’s happening in Orange County this week.
OCT. 15 THROUGH 18
Houston Ballet: “Sons de L’âme”
The Houston Ballet will perform “Sons de L’âme” in its West Coast debut on the Segerstrom stage. “Sons se L’âme,” or “Sounds of the Soul,” is set to the music of Frédéric Chopin and will be performed live by renowned pianist George Li. The choreography breathes life into Chopin’s entrancing melodies, with more than 20 dancers performing together. This new original ballet is emotional and intimate, featuring mesmerizing solos and ensembles. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
OCT. 15 THROUGH 22
Newport Beach Film Festival
Fans of cinema have a chance to see nearly 100 feature films and more than 30 short works in exclusive screenings across Newport Beach. For 27 years, the Newport Beach Film Festival has hosted filmmakers and actors to discuss their projects and receive special accolades. The featured films span a variety of genres, including documentaries, international spotlights, environmental, action sports, animation, feature narratives, and more. Attend screenings, award ceremonies, keynote speeches, and celebrations throughout the weeklong festival. Newport Beach, 949-253-2880, newportbeachfilmfest.com
OCT. 16
Shanghai Ballet: “The Butterfly Lovers”
Two lovers must fight against social barriers to stay together in this treasured Chinese love story. The Shanghai Ballet transforms a classic story into a theatrical full-length ballet complete with vibrant costumes and set design. Each element of the production honors the past with traditional Chinese influences in the costuming, visuals, theatrical elements, and ballet technique. The world-renowned ballet company has earned critical acclaim for its precision and detailed performances. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org
OCT. 17
Falloween
Bring the whole family in costume to enjoy fun fall festivities at Huntington Central Park. Trick-or-treat with local businesses or stop by the photo booth in the park. Enjoy live stage performances throughout the event, including rock covers from The Ramsey Brothers Band. The festival will also feature a fun zone with bounce houses, games, craft booths, and food trucks. The event is free with an additional charge to access the fun zone. Thomas Ridley Bandstand in Central Park, Central Park Drive, Huntington Beach, hbsands.org
Credit: Benjamin Krieg
OPENS OCT. 18
“Blind Runner”
A man is pushed by his wife, a political prisoner in Iran, to help a blind woman as she trains to run a marathon in Paris. When she successfully completes the race and places third, the pair embarks on an even more daring challenge. They set out to run the treacherous 38-kilometer Channel Tunnel from France to the United Kingdom in time to avoid the first train of the morning. The emotional multimedia story is performed entirely in Persian with English supertitles. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
OCT. 18, 19, 25, AND 26
Boo at the Zoo
As the moon comes up and the nocturnal animals emerge, the Santa Ana Zoo opens for an exciting night of Halloween festivities. Throughout the zoo, 10 different toy and treat stations will be set up for kids to trick-or-treat, along with a fun holiday-themed scavenger hunt. Visitors can ride on the “Boofari” Express Train, the Conservation Carousel, or the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel all night long. Stroll through the zoo exhibits to catch a glimpse of some of the animals and the adorable Halloween decorations. Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714-647-6575, santaanazoo.org
Credit: Matthew Murphy
OPENS OCT. 20
“The Outsiders”
It’s 1967 in Tulsa, Okla., and a war has broken out between the local Greaser gang and their affluent rivals, the Socs. The groundbreaking novel-turned-iconic-film takes on a new life as an exhilarating live musical. Watch as Ponyboy Curtis and his gang of Outsiders navigate acceptance, friendship, belonging, and heartbreaking loss. The winner of four Tony Awards in 2024, “The Outsiders” has quickly become a fan favorite with its dynamic score and inventive stage design. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
THROUGH OCT. 30
Hyatt Summer Concert Series
The Hyatt Summer Concert Series stretches into the fall with a handful of shows this month in the picturesque outdoor Back Bay Amphitheatre. Grammy-nominated singer Brian McKnight will kick off the month on Oct. 2 along with jazz musician Tatiana Tate. On Oct. 15, “Wicked Game” singer Chris Isaak will perform his rockabilly hits. Grammy-nominated saxophonist Boney James will perform on Oct. 23. Pioneering musician Todd Rundgren will close out the month with a performance on Oct. 30. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, series.hyattconcerts.com