♦ Sept. 30-Oct. 1: The 40th annual Ultimate Home & Outdoor Living Expo
More than 100 experts will help you with your home improvement projects, plus free hands-on activities and workshops for the whole family.
Hours: Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $10 general admission / $8 military and senior (60+) /$5 children (ages 8-12) / free for children 7 and younger. Parking is $8.
Info: thebesthomeshow.com
♦ Oct. 4, 11 & 18: Storytelling Workshop for Veterans
Veterans are invited to participate in storytelling workshops led by Dave Barton from Rude Guerrilla Theater Company. Learn how to craft your stories and present selections at the public reading event on Oct. 20.
Hours: Wednesdays through Oct. 18, 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission.
Info: ocfair.com/heroes-hall/events
♦ Oct. 7-8: Crossroads of the West Gun Show
Two-day gun and western Americana show with guns, accessories, tactical gear, ammunition, safes, personal protection products and more.
Hours: Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $18 general admission. Parking is $8.
Info: crossroadsgunshows.com
♦ Oct. 7: Costa Mesa Speedway – Harley Night Finals / Sidecar Nationals
The most exciting, colorful and unpredictable live action racing event in the nation puts fans right on top of all the action from the comfort of arena-style grandstand seating.
Hours: Saturday, Oct. 7, 6-10 p.m.
Cost: $20 general admission / $15 seniors (65+) / $15 juniors (ages 13-17) / $10 children (ages 3-12) / $15 military with ID / free for children 2 and younger. Parking is $8.
Info: costamesaspeedway.net
♦ Oct. 12-14: Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival
With gifts to warm the heart and accessories that make a home … Sugar Plum Arts & Crafts Festival offers the best in handcrafted items, palette-pleasing delights, antiques and collectibles.
Hours: Thursday & Friday, Oct. 12-13, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission. Parking is $8.
Info: sugarplumfestivals.com
♦ Oct. 12: Fight Club OC
Boxing and MMA together on the same night in the same ring.
Hours: Thursday, Oct. 12, 7-10 p.m. (happy hour specials from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Cost: $60 admission. Parking is $8.
Info: fightcluboc.com
♦ Oct. 13-15: OC Japan Fair
OC Japan Fair brings you an unforgettable cultural experience over three days, featuring authentic cuisine, notable performances and unique items.
Hours: Friday, Oct. 13, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 14, noon-10 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $8 general admission ($5 online pre-sale) / free for seniors (65+) and children 6 and younger.
Info: oc-japanfair.com
♦ Oct. 13-15: Gem Faire
Fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, minerals and more at manufacturer’s prices, sold by nearly 200 exhibitors from around the world.
Hours: Friday, Oct. 13, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $7 general admission (good for all 3 days) / free for children 12 and younger. Parking is $8.
Info: gemfaire.com
♦ Oct. 14: Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds: The Final Performances
Pacific Amphitheatre show will also feature special guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplan.
Hours: Saturday, Oct. 14, 8 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $39.50; buy online at Ticketmaster. Parking is $10.
♦ Oct. 18: Newport-Mesa Unified School District College & Career Night
This annual event allows 7th-12th grade students exclusive access to hundreds of college representatives, hands-on career demos and informational financial aid presentations.
Hours: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission. Parking is $8.
Info: nmusd-ca.schoolloop.com/collegecareernight
♦ Oct. 20: Voices – Veterans Storytelling Project
The voices of veterans come alive at Heroes Hall as former military men and women share their very personal and poignant stories of service. Voices is the culmination of a six-week veterans’ storytelling workshop.
Hours: Friday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; reserve your seat.
♦ Oct. 21-22: The Christmas Company
Kick off the holiday season with Junior League of Orange County, CA, Inc. at the 42nd Annual The Christmas Company. Support JLOCC, a women’s volunteer organization committed to improving the lives of the under-served in the Orange County, with unique boutique shopping and exciting events.
Hours: Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 22, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $10 general admission ($16 for two).
Info: jlocc.org
♦ Oct. 21: Growing an Herb Garden
Part lecture, part workshop, learn general identification, care and propagation techniques of the most popular herbs grown today. Then, design and create your very own herb container garden to take home.
Hours: Saturday, Oct. 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $15 includes materials and handouts; register by Oct. 19.
♦ Oct. 28-29: SoCal VegFest
SoCal VegFest is an annual vegan festival with lots of free samples, entrees and drinks to purchase, marketplace, speakers, food demos, celebrity chefs, social media celebs, famous musicians and DJs, comedians, yogis, games, kids area and more.
Hours: Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 28-29, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $5 online ($10 day of) / free for seniors (65+) and children 12 and younger. Parking is $8.
Info: socalvegfest.org
♦ Oct. 28: Backyard Beekeeping Class
Learn about the role beekeepers play in maintaining the health of their hive, producing honey and in gardening and agriculture.
Hours: Saturday, Oct. 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $5 includes materials and handouts; register by Oct. 26.
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