No question, these are unprecedented times. A lot of us are feeling uncertain, stressed, and to be honest…sick and tired of being cooped up. We get it. But here are over 50 fun and safe activities to do at home during the quarantine…

Live Streams from Zoos & Aquariums 

Nothing says calm, positive energy like animals. Just because these places are closed to the public doesn’t mean you can’t get in a healthy dose of the wild. Zoos and aquariums all over the world have free live streams so you can enjoy these amazing creatures from the comfort of your couch.

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Live cams from the San Diego Zoo: Watch koalas, polar bears, tigers, giraffes, and many more! https://bit.ly/2WL0tLI

Experience the tranquil waters and the animals who live there with live cams from Monterey Bay Aquarium: https://bit.ly/33N7E7B

Chillax in real-time with the Panda Live Cam from the Smithsonian National Zoo: https://s.si.edu/3bvs9If

Go on “safari” with the Cincinnati Zoo (home of Fiona the Hippo!) live on their Facebook page, airing every weekday at 12 pm Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2UFMYtO

See creatures great and small, from a hummingbird cam to a Bald Eagle’s nest with the wide variety of live nature streams from Explore.org: https://bit.ly/2WJ3nAw

The Elmwood Park Zoo in Pennsylvania is offering Zoo School on Facebook Live on weekdays at 8 am Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2UALMrM 

The Houston Zoo has live cams in several of their animal habitats, from giraffes and gorillas all the way down to the Leafcutter Ant: https://bit.ly/2UEpYLE

Bonus: The Houston Zoo also has Facebook Live videos on weekdays at 9 am Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/3duAZIh

Wild Earth can take you on a sunrise or sunset safari via their live streams all the way from South Africa: https://bit.ly/2QNbVT1 

Penguins, jellyfish, sea otters, and more, oh my! Check out the live streams from the Georgia Aquarium: https://bit.ly/33LNVF1 

Swim with the fishes (and sharks!) via the live cams from the National Aquarium in Baltimore: https://bit.ly/2UzKw8o 

Tours of Museums and Interesting Places

Whether you’re looking for something educational to share with the kids while they’re home from school, or you just always wanted to see the Louvre, check out one of the many live streams offered by these world-famous locations.  

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Take a virtual tour of the bizarre Winchester Mystery House: https://bit.ly/3dsCUgp 

Tour the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam: https://bit.ly/2xpfFDo 

Go on a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen of England: https://bit.ly/39pKu8w 

Take a tour through time with the British Museum in London, England: https://bit.ly/39eWGbP 

Enjoy several different virtual tours inside the National Museum of Natural History: https://s.si.edu/3dsKJCM 

Explore the Guggenheim Museum in NY with several tours: https://bit.ly/2wu0OYt 

The National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C. offers two online exhibits, Fashioning a Nation, and Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting:  https://bit.ly/3bqOnev 

Visit Paris for lunch! Explore the Musée d’Orsay with their virtual tour: https://bit.ly/2Ul8J3f  

Journey to Korea and explore the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: https://bit.ly/2Uj39hN 

Visit the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam via a Google street view from the inside: https://bit.ly/3aqe3YU 

Art lovers can see two exhibits, “Vincent van Gogh’s love life,” and “Which Books did Vincent van Gogh Read?” from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam: https://bit.ly/39ly6Gp 

The titles alone have us curious about two exhibits you can see from The Getty Museum in LA. Check out Heaven, Hell, and Dying Well and Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: https://bit.ly/3anmuE0 

Show some love for the country of Italy when you tour exhibits from Uffizi Gallery in Firenze: https://bit.ly/33K8Msq 

See six different online exhibits, from Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand, in São Paulo, Brazil: https://bit.ly/3brSqHz 

And finally, see the Louvre in Paris, France: https://bit.ly/2WJFcC3 

Ride Disneyland and Disney World Rides–Without Leaving Home!

Bring the Disney magic to your home with virtual rides you can go on again and again. No need to wait! Just hit refresh and you’re at the front of the line again. 

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Splash Mountain https://bit.ly/3dqTeye 

Pirates of the Caribbean https://bit.ly/2QODRpM 

Peter Pan’s Flight https://bit.ly/2y4rXRT 

It’s a Small World https://bit.ly/3aj2zWN 

The Seas with Nemo and Friends https://bit.ly/2JhrUEU 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway https://bit.ly/2UxNl9Q

The Jungle Cruise https://bit.ly/3akTJYM 

Expedition Everest https://bit.ly/33KcJgV 

Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye https://bit.ly/2xpg9cG 

Free Online Cooking Lessons 

One of the best DIY projects is one you can eat! Tantalize your tastebuds with these free cooking lessons. Just think about how you’ll be able to impress your friends when we can all go visit again…

Chef Massimo Bottura is offering a free nightly cooking lesson on his Instagram page: https://bit.ly/39kez9t 

Learn to bake bread with your kids via King Arthur Flour: https://bit.ly/3dqTE7M 

Delish is offering free daily digital cooking classes for kids at 10 am Pacific Time via Instagram Live: https://bit.ly/2UlCAZw 

Learn how to recreate your junk food favorites like Twinkies, Cheetos, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and more from Bon Appetit Pastry Chef, Claire Saffitz: https://bit.ly/39eH740 

Milk Street is offering their online cooking classes for FREE through the end of April. You’ll learn recipes, and new ways to approach food and cooking: https://bit.ly/33KehY0 

Don’t Forget the Library!

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We hope you are Safe at Home and taking advantage of some much needed time to recharge and reconnect virtually. Since traveling may not be the best idea right now, we want to encourage you to share your #OCPLtravelinglibrarycard as it discovers new destinations around your home. In the next weeks we will be sharing all the #OCPLsafeathome pictures—just send them or tag us with the hashtag #OCPLsafeathome. Where (in your home) will your #OCPL card take you? . . . #ocpl #ocpubliclibraries #orangecounty #safeathome #librarycard #travelinglibrarycard #oc #saferathome #stayhome #librariesofinstagram

A post shared by OC Public Libraries (@ocpubliclibraries) on Mar 25, 2020 at 2:59pm PDT

Get an Electronic library card from the OC Public Libraries and start downloading content such as EBooks, EMagazines, music, and more. 

https://bit.ly/2QKWeeW 

The Internet Archive opened the National Emergency Library allowing you to virtually borrow over 1 million titles, while schools and libraries across the country are closed. https://bit.ly/2wvl9fY 

Free Online Fitness Classes

With gyms closed, many of us are re-inventing our fitness routines. These free online classes can help…you might just find something new you love!

YMCA is offering 60 free fitness classes ranging from Tai Chi to Bootcamp, Barre, Yoga, and more: https://bit.ly/2Ji5Lq2 

Core Power Yoga is offering free classes: https://bit.ly/2QIucRh 

Free at-home workouts from OrangeTheory Fitness: https://bit.ly/2wF1fPr 

Twice daily intense Cardio Dance live stream workouts from 305 Fitness: https://bit.ly/2UDVPw6 

Gold’s Gym is offering free virtual workouts: https://bit.ly/39japhR 

Planet Fitness is offering Facebook Live at-home workouts daily at 4 pm Pacific Time: https://bit.ly/2wDTZTV  

Lifetime Fitness is offering its most popular classes for free on-demand, including cardio classes, yoga classes, strength classes, and more: https://bit.ly/2Jlh2FL  

Art & Cultural Activities 

Art and drawing are perfect activities for when you’re enjoying the great indoors. Hone your drawing skills, take in an opera, or even do a little singing yourself!

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Don’t miss Lucia di Lammermoor, streaming for FREE tonight, March 21. Soprano @anna_netrebko_yusi_tiago sings the title role of Donizetti’s tale of a woman driven to murder and madness. Due to popular demand, we are extending stream time to 23 hours. The opera will be available tonight, March 21, at 7:30PM EDT until tomorrow, March 22, at 3:30PM EDT. This stream will be available, with subtitles, online at metopera.org as well as on all Met Opera on Demand apps, including IOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire devices, Samsung TV, and Roku. Photo by Ken Howard / Met Opera #MetOperaStreams #MetOpera #Opera #LuciadiLammermoor #Donizetti #BelCanto #MetOperaonDemand #MetHD #MeetOpera #NYC

A post shared by The Metropolitan Opera (@metopera) on Mar 21, 2020 at 9:41am PDT

Kids (and grownups too!) can learn to draw cute characters with illustrator Rob Biddulph, with new videos posted every Tuesday and Thursday: https://bit.ly/2WNcU9B  

The Metropolitan Opera is offering daily opera streams: https://bit.ly/2UzLqBO 

Join the OCEvents “Quarantine Karaoke Challenge” Facebook Group and post a video of yourself, or your kid singing a song. Just for fun! https://bit.ly/2Uk8aGS

Kids can take drawing classes via Instagram Live with illustrator Wendy MacNaughton weekdays at 10 am Pacific Time. Classes stay live on her IG stories for 24hrs: https://bit.ly/2UhhgUT 

Take a live stream dance class, or enjoy a dance performance with “Dancing Alone Together.” Multiple activities daily: https://bit.ly/2QL1Nu2 

Kids can take drawing classes with illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka via YouTube. New classes daily! https://bit.ly/2UCCGuv 

Free Virtual Learning

Try your hand at something new, or improve upon your skills in an area you already love. You never know, you could unlock a hidden talent!

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There are hundreds of courses currently available for free if you’re interested in learning something new, such as “Improving Communication Skills”, “Hollywood: History, Industry, Art”, “Wonders of Ancient Egypt’, and more: https://bit.ly/39iLFGw 

How many languages can you say “awesome?” Learn a new language for free with Duolingo, including High Valyrian for all you Game of Thrones fans out there: https://bit.ly/2vOvzqu 

Here’s what’s happening this weekend in OC, the Dana Point Festival of Whales kicks off the weekend with a parade, “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” opens at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana,  Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival continues in Anaheim, Hoag Classic golf tournament is in Newport Beach, and more!

• The 49th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales returns for its first of two fun-filled weekends, in Dana Point. Events include a parade, sand castle building competition, street fair, and more! FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2kSq03O
• The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival continues this weekend and runs through 4/21. Attend celebrity chef events, sample California-inspired menu items in the Festival Marketplace, attend seminars and more. Park admission required. http://ocevent.co/1ROHxhh 
• “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” opens Saturday 3/7 and runs through 8/30 at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Stroll through a dazzling display of more than 400 objects, including original artwork, costumes, and props. Admission required. http://bit.ly/2VNnxJ3 
• The Hoag Classic golf tournament is all weekend at the Newport Beach Country Club. Watch exciting world class golf in OC. Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2Iq6J2O 
• There’s plenty of fun to be had at various OC Parks this weekend including a full-moon hike, sunspot spotting, “amazing snakes”, several hikes, and more! Some events charge a nominal fee. http://bit.ly/2GCgAAu 
• Visit one of the many weekend Farmers Markets in OC https://ocevents.co/farmersmarkets/

Happy Leap Day, Orange County! In honor of this strange day, we think it’s only fair to get out and enjoy what Orange County has to offer. From sparkling gems to sparkling wine, there’s something for all of you to enjoy.

All Weekend:

• For lovers of sparkly things, the Gem Faire is at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa Friday through Sunday. Peruse fine jewelry, crystals, precious stones, and more from nearly 200 vendors. Tickets and parking required, admission good for all three days. https://bit.ly/3a9s4tj 
• The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is back! The festival starts Friday 2/28 and runs through 4/21. Attend celebrity chef events, sample California-inspired menu items in the Festival Marketplace, attend seminars and more. Park admission required. http://ocevent.co/1ROHxhh 
• Both Saturday and Sunday have several different Farmers Markets to choose from all over OC! Check out a full list of Orange County weekend Farmers Markets. https://ocevents.co/farmersmarkets/

Saturday:

• The city of San Clemente is celebrating its 92nd anniversary Saturday, 2/29 with a kids’ fishing derby and family-friendly event featuring face painting, crafts, and photo ops. It is also a free swim day for the family, featuring a giant inflatable obstacle course in a warm-water pool. Free to attend. https://bit.ly/384qM1k 
• Old Town Tustin’s Sip & Stroll returns Saturday 2/29 featuring a walking taste tour of Old Town featuring live music, delicious food, award-winning wines, craft beer, and more! Festivities begin at noon. Tickets required. https://conta.cc/3abUsLt 
• Soak up the natural beauty of the OC at the Leap Day Bluff & Beach Sunset Walk on Saturday 2/29 in Crystal Cove, beginning at 4:30 pm. Bring your binoculars, and you might even catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales. Small fee required. https://bit.ly/2VqtifJ 

Sunday:

• Adventureland Day 2020 (an unofficial themed day at Disneyland) is a day that celebrates the jungles of Adventureland and everything that makes it such a special land for so many guests. Adventureland Day 2019 was held in March of last year and had an amazing turn out for only being its second year. Attendees of this themed day (known as AdventureLanders) dressed in safari wear (think Pith helmets), and went on a treasure hunt, which was planned by the event organizers.  For all the details visit: http://bit.ly/2TaIYlq
• Welcome Spring at the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on Sunday 3/1 11 – 3 pm. Snack on some free mochi treats as you watch demonstrations in bonsai, taiko, and even candy sculpture! Museum admission required (free for museum members). https://bit.ly/37Ylhkx 
• The OC Food and Wine Festival is Sunday 3/1 from 1 to 5 pm at the Marconi Automotive Museum. Enjoy food from top OC restaurants as well as wine from wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara. Ticket proceeds benefit charity. https://bit.ly/384tNyG 

Happy weekend, Orange County! As usual, there is a variety of activities just waiting for you this weekend. Attend the OC Home & Garden Show, get outside for a beach clean-up, find out who will win the U.S. Barista Championship, and more.

All Weekend:

• The OC Home & Garden Show is this weekend 2/21-2/23 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Browse everything from bathrooms to gardens, attend a workshop, and get inspired. Tickets required, but free with pre-registration. https://bit.ly/2TckXJV 
• Calling all caffeine addicts! The U.S. Coffee Championships are this weekend in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair & Event Center. Competitors will go head to head in the U.S. Barista Championship and U.S. Brewer’s Cup. Spectators free Friday, $5 tickets required Saturday & Sunday. https://bit.ly/2SXOjLP 
• Both Saturday and Sunday have several different Farmers Markets to choose from all over OC! Check out a full list of Orange County weekend Farmers Markets. https://ocevents.co/farmersmarkets/

Saturday:

• The Pacific Symphony’s annual Lantern Festival is Saturday 2/22 at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. Experience live performances, food, lantern decorating, and more. Free admission, $5 craft fee. Tickets required. https://bit.ly/2SFEOSz 
• Feast on a delicious Mardi Gras Brunch at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney on Saturday 2/22 at noon. Tickets include a full brunch buffet, coffee, tea, and sodas with a cash bar available. https://bit.ly/2SIqJ6Q 
• Roll up your sleeves and fight the good fight at the War on Trash beach cleanup at Huntington State Beach on Saturday 2/22 from 8 am to 11 am. Free to attend, though charity donations accepted. https://bit.ly/2P8CKQC 
• The annual Winter Bar Crawl for a Cause is this Saturday 2/22 1 – 6:30 pm in Newport Beach with a rad 80s ski apparel theme! Sip adult libations, play some games, win a prize, and have a great time all while raising money to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation OC chapter. Tickets required; ages 21+. https://bit.ly/2uaccHw 
• The Harlem Globetrotters will be at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Saturday 2/22. Tickets required. https://bit.ly/32bMjE3 

Sunday:

• The Kids Mardi Gras party is Sunday 2/23 at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim from 1-4 pm. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for a chance to win a prize! Free family event. https://bit.ly/37LjK18 
• Have a smashing time at Monster Jam in Anaheim, Sunday 2/23 2:30 pm at Angel Stadium. https://bit.ly/2uZXl2U 

Happy Valentine’s Day, Orange County. This weekend OC has jazz, zydeco, a beach cleanup, pets in costume, a 5K, and even epic dance battles! So grab your sweetie, your friends, or your family, and go have an adventure. 

All Weekend:

• Enjoy an entire weekend of jazz 2/13 through 2/16 at the Newport Beach Jazz Party. Tickets required. https://bit.ly/39sle1F 
• Check out one of our picks for a Valentine’s Day sweet treat!
• Both Saturday and Sunday have several different Farmers Markets to choose from all over OC! Check out a full list of Orange County weekend Farmers Markets. https://ocevents.co/farmersmarkets/

Saturday:

• The San Juan Capistrano Kids’ Pet Parade is Saturday 2/15 at 12 pm in Los Rios Park. Kids ages 5-12 can show off their animals and participate in contests. Prizes awarded! Tickets required. http://bit.ly/2BxrB6f 
• Attend a beach cleanup in Seal Beach Saturday 2/15 from 9 am – 12 pm. Meet at the beach parking lot at the end of 1st Street. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2o8ZH8g 
• The Cars & Coffee morning meet up is Saturday 2/15 at the Enderle Center in Tustin from 7 am to 10 am. All enthusiasts and unique car owners welcome. Free to attend, but patronage at the center’s businesses is suggested. https://bit.ly/38j7MNo 
• If you love a good dance battle, don’t miss the Costa Mesa Art Walk & Dance Battle at Lions Park on Saturday 2/15 starting at 2 pm. Enjoy art from 30+ artists, live performances, food trucks, and a silent disco–we know you’re at least a little curious! https://bit.ly/2ONUTTZ 
• The 3rd Annual Hearts & Heroes 5K is Saturday 2/15 at Grace OC in Anaheim, beginning at 7:30 am. All proceeds from the 5K go to benefitting foster children in Orange County. Registration required. https://bit.ly/2SkJ75E  
• Celebrate Mardi Gras on the Argyros Plaza at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa on Saturday 2/15, 6 pm – 9 pm. Enjoy mask making and live musical performances. Free to attend. https://bit.ly/39w71AR 

Sunday:

• Celebrate an evening of tradition and fun for the family at the Nixon Museum in Yorba Linda for their Lunar New Year spring festival on Sunday 2/16 4:30 – 7:30 pm. Museum admission required. https://bit.ly/2OPeh2R 

Monday:

• Celebrate Presidents Day at the Nixon Museum in Yorba Linda, Monday 2/17. First 1000 visitors get a slice of cherry pie! Enjoy photo ops, a concert, and all the museum has to offer. Admission is half price. https://bit.ly/39B6L3H 
• Military and Veterans receive FREE admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano this weekend for Presidents Day. http://bit.ly/2F5LcKv 
• The Holiday Skate Center in Orange has special daytime public skate hours from 1 to 5 pm on Monday 2/17. Admission is $12, skate rentals are $5. https://bit.ly/2vpWgkO 

Here are our top Orange County dessert picks: 

Hula Girls Shave Ice

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You wanted a POG Dole Whip Float, you wanted @hawaiiansunproducts well you got it!. . . #hulagirlsshaveice #hulagirls #shaveice #disneyland #dolewhip #dolewhipfloat #hawaiiansun #pog #surfcity #huntingtonbeach #california

A post shared by Hula Girls Shave Ice (@hulagirlsshaveice) on Feb 8, 2020 at 2:12pm PST

If you can’t take your valentine to a tropical island, take them to the next best place – Hula Girls Shave Ice. Serving up authentic Hawaiian shave ice, Dole Whip, as well as this tropical POG Dole Whip Float, it’s a treat that will make you think you’re in the tropics.

Huntington Beach.

AFTERS Ice Cream

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The couple that milky buns together stays together. AFTERS is known for their out of this world flavors like Cookie Monster, Cookie Butter, and Milk & Cereal, but if you really want to indulge, try a milky bun. It’s a delectable ice cream sandwich with the ice cream stuffed into a doughnut. If that doesn’t get your heart racing, we don’t know what will.

Multiple Orange County locations.

Sidecar Doughnuts

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Speaking of doughnuts…don’t just say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day…say “hey babe, I woke up early and got your favorite doughnuts from Sidecar before everything sold out.” Sidecar Doughnuts is the must-have for every doughnut lover in OC, and their special Valentine’s Day event includes a flower shop pop-up for one-stop shopping to impress your sweetheart this weekend.

Costa Mesa.

SomiSomi

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(っ◔◡◔)っ Yupyup!! ⠀ We have strawberry flavor Check out weekly swirls post from this past week! And go have a Somisomi adventure with your soft serve buddy!!⠀ .⠀ Santa Monica location has a special Buy 1 Ah-Boong, get 1 Taiyaki FREE til 2/2 !!⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #somisomi #icecream #ahboong #carbsfordays #caloriesdontcount #losangeles #Santamonica #dessert #sweet #foodography #foodphotography #grandopening #foodbeast #feastagram #foodofinstagram #instafood #eeeeats #IGeats #four #quattro #milk #white #purple #ube #green #greentea #match #black #abbotkinney #thirdstreetpromenade

A post shared by SOMISOMI Soft Serve & Taiyaki (@somisomiicecream) on Feb 2, 2020 at 12:00pm PST

There’s no better place to ask your sweetie to make it Facebook o-fish-al than SomiSomi! They specialize in the Korean dessert ah-boong, which is a fish-shaped pastry filled with soft serve! They offer traditional flavors like black sesame and ube as well as chocolate, oreo, coffee, and more. They are as tasty as they are adorable.

Multiple Orange County locations. 

The Loop: Handcrafted Churros

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They’re sweet, pretty look at, and twisted–kind of like your ex. But these tasty-as-they-are-gorgeous treats won’t break your heart! Go for a loop churro by itself, with a dip, or atop a delicious soft serve sundae. 

Multiple Orange County locations.

Eiswalt Gelato

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For a treat that is truly an art, you can’t miss Eiswalt Gelato. First of all, it’s gelato and that should be reason enough to pay them a visit, but their fun, sculpted gelato creations are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. We’re sure you’ll find a way. 

Westminster.

Honey and Butter

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Is it even legal to make a list of desserts and not include macarons? We weren’t sure, and we wouldn’t want to skip them anyway! The macaron creations at Honey and Butter are a feast for the eyes and your sweet tooth. 

Irvine and Garden Grove. 

The Pie Hole

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8U99xOpCGo/

Don’t you know pie love you so?! The Pie Hole boasts both sweet and savory pies in a variety of traditional and unusual flavors. Their Chocolate Covered Strawberry pie of the month for February would make the perfect bite for two on Valentine’s Day!

Orange. 

Coffee Dose

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Sometimes life isn’t all flowers and hearts. So if you’re feeling a little anti- this year, Coffee Dose is just what you need. Simmer down, sip a cup, and maybe take the edge off with a cookie. You earned it.

If you’re wondering what to do in Orange County this weekend, there are some fun options to celebrate nature, life, and culture. Take a look!

All Weekend:

• The Laguna Beach Music Festival is Feb 5-8th with multiple events throughout the festival. For tickets & more info visit: https://bit.ly/2uqRUd5 
• Saturday & Sunday 2/8 & 2/9 enjoy the Asian Cultural Festival at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine. Tickets required: https://bit.ly/381JFTb 
• Both Saturday and Sunday have several different Farmers Markets to choose from all over OC! Check out a full list of Orange County weekend Farmers Markets. https://ocevents.co/farmersmarkets/

Saturday:

• Attend a Full Moon Drum Circle on Saturday 2/8 at Aliso Creek Beach in Laguna Beach from 7pm to 10pm. All are welcome to sing, dance, or drum under the light of the full moon. FREE to attend. https://bit.ly/2UuFUBO 
• Independent film lovers won’t want to miss a free big-screen viewing party for the Independent Spirit Awards hosted at the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana on Saturday 2/8 starting at 2pm. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/2Szi99p 
• The Downtown Anaheim Art Crawl Experience (with a special Valentine’s Day theme) is Saturday 2/8 from 6pm-10pm at the center street promenade. Check out the crafts, fire dancers, live music, and more. FREE to attend. http://bit.ly/2kOhwHo 
• Logger Fest (a Brew HaHa production) is Saturday 2/8 from 11am-5pm in Lake View Park at Irvine Lake. Guests are encouraged to channel their inner lumberjack for a day of craft beer, beards, breakfast foods, chainsaws and live music. Admission required. http://bit.ly/39bzhIT 

Sunday:

• Hike through Weir Canyon on Sunday 2/9 with their volunteer-led Beginner Fitness Hike bright and early 7am-9am. All fitness levels welcome, participants must be 16+. Registration required. https://bit.ly/384gtef 

Happy February, Orange County! It may be a short month, but OC is still packed with fun adventures of all kinds for your weekend…

All Weekend:

• The Surf City Marathon and Expo is this weekend in Huntington Beach. The Active Lifestyle Expo runs Friday (1-7pm) and Saturday (10am-4pm) and the marathon and half-marathons are Sunday. Expo is free to attend. http://ocevent.co/1OmOgym 

Saturday:

• February is Black History Month! Celebrate in Anaheim on Saturday 2/1 from 10am-4pm at the Black History Parade and Cultural Faire. Free to attend. https://bit.ly/3140H0x 
• The 17th annual San Juan Capistrano Car Show is Saturday 2/1 from 7:30am-2pm at the Community Center and Sports Park. Over 400 hot rods, muscle cars & more on display. Tickets required. https://bit.ly/37Dx5cT 
• Saturday 2/1 is a special Wilderness Access Day for the strictly protected Limestone Canyon area. Self-guided hikes (ranging from easy to strenuous) will be open to the public only on Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Pre-registration optional. https://bit.ly/3aUWi4z 
• Celebrate World Wetlands day and give back to the beauty of nature by participating in a trash cleanup event in the Newport Back Bay on Saturday 2/1 from 1-3:30pm. Come prepared to get muddy! Tools provided, free to attend. https://bit.ly/2GBEkpA  
• The Downtown Santa Ana Art Walk is Saturday 2/1 from 6pm-10pm. Food, shopping, performances & more. Now with a free trolley that goes from end to end of the art walk! FREE to attend. http://ocevent.co/1Y76hbQ   

Sunday:

• Ever thought of trying birdwatching? On Sunday 2/2, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve has opened its monthly bird survey to the public from 9am-12 noon. No experience necessary, registration suggested. https://bit.ly/2tawW1x 
• Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is celebrating Groundhog Day on Sunday 2/2 11am-3pm. Bring the kiddos to experience interactive play and learning about why we celebrate this goofy holiday. Museum admission required. https://bit.ly/3aMDELY 
• The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is hosting its Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday 2/2 from 11am to 3:30pm. Experience music and art from China, Vietnam, and Korea along with arts and crafts activities. Museum admission required, but free for Santa Ana residents. https://bit.ly/3aVliso 
• Did you know there are free concerts every Sunday at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda? The Sunday 2/2 concert features ragtime piano music played by Eric Marchese and friends. Doors open at 1:30, concert begins at 2pm. https://bit.ly/314ulCN 

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Orange County is celebrating the Year of the Rat, with many different festivals to choose from. With so many options, you could attend a different festival every day. And don’t forget, free museum day is this weekend too!

All Weekend:

• Both Saturday and Sunday have several different Farmers Markets to choose from all over OC! Check out a full list of Orange County weekend Farmers Markets. https://ocevents.co/farmersmarkets/
• Celebrate Vietnamese culture with food, rides, lion dancers, and more while you welcome in the Year of the Rat at the OC Tet Festival, Friday through Sunday at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley. FREE to attend. https://bit.ly/2vdp4g9 
• Keep the celebration of culture and tradition going with the UVSA Tet Festival at the Orange County Fairgrounds Friday through Sunday–the largest Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival in the nation! Tickets required. https://bit.ly/2tPe0FR  

Saturday:

• The Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is hosting a Lunar New Year event on Saturday 1/25. Experience Chinese history and culture through a variety of hands-on, kid-friendly activities. Museum admission required. https://bit.ly/2NRQq28 
• The Annual SoCal Museum Free-for-All Day is Saturday 1/25. Over 30 museums in SoCal will be opening their doors for free, including the Bowers Museum and the Orange County Modern Art museum here in OC. View the full list of participating museums: http://ocevent.co/1ZOT8l9
• The 2020 Westminster Tet Parade is Saturday 1/25. The parade starts at 8 am on Bolsa Ave., but we recommend arriving early to scope out a good spot. Free to attend. https://bit.ly/2ROaNhT 
• The District in Tustin will host a Lunar New Year celebration from 12-2pm Saturday, featuring a lion dance performance, Taiko drummers, stilt walkers, and kids’ crafts. Free to attend. https://bit.ly/2tPeV9h 
• Lion Dance performers will take the stage at Diamond Jamboree Shopping Center in the main rotunda area from 7-8pm. Free to attend. https://bit.ly/2NTW4Rc 
• Snow? In Orange County?! Visit SnowFest 2020 at Pittsford Park in Lake Forest and hit the slopes on Saturday 1/25. Make sure to pre-register; small fee required. https://bit.ly/37tuW3q 

Sunday:

• CalComicCon 2020 is Sunday, 1/26 at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. The event features special guest comic artists and exhibitors from California and beyond! Tickets required. https://bit.ly/2NW0gQx  

A trip to the Farmers Markets is a great low-key adventure for any weekend in Orange County. Here is a list of all of the weekend Farmers Markets. With 9 events on Saturdays and 5 on Sundays, pick from farm fresh produce, to handmade baked goods, to locally crafted treats, and so much more. The only tough choice will be which one to visit!

Saturday: 

Buena Park

The downtown Buena Park Certified Farmers Market is on Saturdays from 9am-2pm in the Sears parking lot at the corners of LaPalma Ave & Stanton Ave. https://bit.ly/2TxjfUZ 

Corona Del Mar

The Corona Del Mar Certified Farmers Market is Saturdays from 9am-1pm at the intersection of Marguerite & PCH. http://bit.ly/2Dp7p7Z

Costa Mesa

The Costa Mesa Certified Farmers Market is Saturdays from 9am-2pm at SOCO on Hyland Ave. http://bit.ly/2DmZhWe

Cypress

The Cypress Certified Farmers Market is Saturdays from 9am-2pm in the parking lot of Cottonwood Church on Katella Ave in Los Alamitos. https://bit.ly/2Tznm34 

Dana Point 

The Dana Point Certified Farmers Market is Saturdays from 9am-1pm at La Plaza Park, at the intersection of PCH & Golden Lantern. http://bit.ly/2rgH9Yg

Irvine

The Irvine Certified Farmers Market is Saturdays from 8am-12pm in the parking lot of Mariners Church, at the corner of Bonita Canyon and Turtle Ridge Road. https://bit.ly/2Ru4lMu 

Laguna Beach

The Laguna Beach Certified Farmers Market is Saturdays from 8am-12pm in the parking lot at the corner of Forest Ave and Laguna Canyon Road. https://bit.ly/2u5Tssq 

Orange

The Orange Home Grown Certified Farmers Market is Saturdays from 9am-1pm in the parking lot of Chapman University’s Becket Building on Palm Avenue. https://bit.ly/363jKc6 

Yorba Linda 

The Yorba Linda Certified Old Town Farmers Market is Saturdays from 9am-1pm on Main Street next to the winery. http://bit.ly/2Dp7p7Z

Sunday:

Garden Grove 

The Historic Main Street Garden Grove Certified Farmers Market is Sundays from 9am-2pm on Historic Main Street between Garden Grove & Acacia Pkwy. https://bit.ly/38hP9Jn 

Irvine

A second Irvine Certified Farmers Market is held Sundays from 10am-2pm at the Orange County Great Park. http://bit.ly/2Bf5gqe

Laguna Niguel

The Laguna Niguel Certified Farmers Market is Sundays from 8am-12pm at the Plaza de la Paz shopping center, at the intersection of La Paz and Pacific Park. https://bit.ly/2R6gKaR 

Newport Beach

The Newport Beach Certified Farmers Market is Sundays from 9am-1pm on the Newport Beach Pier. http://bit.ly/2mQwEFZ

San Clemente 

The San Clemente Certified Farmers Market is Sundays from 9am-1pm at the intersection of South Calle Seville and Avenida Del Mar. http://bit.ly/2DsSRE1

Can’t wait ‘til the weekend? There are even several Farmers Markets throughout the week in OC. https://bit.ly/2R1wYBK