‘Gala of the Stars’ Returns to Segerstrom for 17th Year

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Aug. 6, when Festival Ballet Theatre brings its beloved "Gala of the Stars" back to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for a one-night-only celebration of ballet.

Now in its 17th year, the gala pairs international ballet stars with a select group of young protégés for an evening that's equal parts mentorship and masterclass. This year's headliner is Maria Khoreva, first soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, who joins guest artists from American Ballet Theatre, Dutch National Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, Tulsa Ballet and Vienna State Opera. (Guest artists are subject to change.)

The evening unfolds in two parts. At 6 p.m., the program opens with an optional one act performance from the young protégés, dancers chosen for their exceptional promise who've just wrapped two weeks of intensive training under top artistic directors from the Royal Ballet School, Youth America Grand Prix and San Francisco Ballet Training Program. Then at 7 p.m., the main event takes the stage: a one act performance featuring the world renowned guest artists themselves.

It's a rare chance to watch seasoned stars and rising talent share one stage, all in celebration of the same craft.

This year's gala also marks a bigger milestone: the 38th anniversary of Festival Ballet Theatre, Orange County's premier resident ballet company. The young protégés taking part will be coached by Royal Ballet School Artistic Director Iain Mackay, along with YAGP founders Larissa Saveliev and Gennadi Saveliev, and a roster of esteemed guest faculty.

Tickets are available now at scfta.org.

600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa.

Winter Fest OC Kicks Off Christmas in July Sale

Summer just got a little more festive. Winter Fest OC, Southern California's largest winter festival, is bringing back its Christmas in July ticket promotion, giving guests a chance to lock in the season's lowest prices starting today through August 5^th. 

Now heading into its 12th year, Winter Fest OC will once again turn the OC Fair & Event Center into a winter wonderland from Nov. 27, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027. Expect all the holiday charm that's made this a local tradition: real snow, sparkling lights, ice skating under the stars and a visit or two with Santa himself.

The Classics Are Back

Guests can look forward to the festival favorites that keep families coming back year after year, including:

• Dazzling holiday lights and festive décor
• Real Snow Play areas
• Snowflake Summit, the 150-foot ice tubing slide
• Outdoor ice skating
• Visits with Santa
• Carnival rides and games
• Seasonal food and drinks
• Holiday photo moments
• Live entertainment

An all-new Holiday Light Trail and other surprises are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

What's New This Year

This season brings a redesigned ticket lineup built around flexibility and value. All passes are now "Flex," meaning guests can buy ahead and choose their visit date later. Options include Value Flex, good for off-peak days, and Anytime Flex, valid any day of the season.

Pass options include:

Snow Pass, starting at $19.99, with general admission and access to signature attractions

Winter Pass, the best value pick starting at $34.99, adding unlimited ice skating and the Bounce Pass experience with Polar Putt-Putt

Platinum Pass, starting at $89.99, which layers in an unlimited carnival ride wristband, Snowflake Summit Fast Pass access and entry to a new VIP Holiday Lounge with hot cocoa, s'mores kits and a dedicated bar (carnival games sold separately; height and safety restrictions apply)

• Family 4-Packs, starting at $17 per person plus fees, available with the Anytime Flex option
• Season Pass, offering unlimited Snow Pass admission all season for $39.99
• Unlimited Ice Skating, now bundled with select passes or available as an add-on

For those wanting an extra-cozy touch, Private Holiday Igloos are back too, offering a warm gathering spot with VIP Lounge access and complimentary s'mores kits (separate festival admission required).

The Christmas in July sale is the best window to grab tickets before prices climb in future sales phases ahead of opening day. Tickets go live today through August 5^th. For full pricing and package details, head to WinterFestOC.com.

Image courtesy Winter Fest OC

LJ’s Lounge Brings Soul-Infused Dining and Music to Triangle Square

LJ's Lounge has opened at Triangle Square, bringing elevated Southern-inspired comfort food and a lively music scene to Costa Mesa. The restaurant serves dinner on weekdays and brunch on weekends, with plans to add breakfast and lunch daily in the coming weeks.

Black and veteran-owned by Orange County native Kenneth Jackson, LJ's is named for his mother, Linda Jean. The weekend brunch series, Soul to Sole, features a DJ spinning old-school music on Saturdays and live gospel and jazz on Sunday mornings that transition to reggae by evening. A full entertainment calendar is coming in August.

Jackson developed the menu with chef Justin McNeil, blending Southern classics with a California coastal twist, from citrus-brightened roasted potatoes to a layered, well-seasoned gumbo. Breakfast and brunch highlights include the Sunshine Waffle & Soul Stack, Darlene's Shrimp & Grits, and a West Coast Breakfast Burrito. Lunch and dinner bring Uncle Manuel's Delta Catfish, a Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Black Mamba Smash Burger, gumbo, pizzas and shareable sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and wings. Desserts include peach cobbler and chocolate cake.

The bar offers craft cocktails, mocktails, beer on tap, and a wine list featuring House of Brown, a Black-owned, sustainably farmed Napa Valley label. Signature drinks include the Rhythm & Soul, Georgia on My Mind, and a Passion Fruit Margarita. Offset Coffee, a South Bay roaster, is also served, with a take-out window opening in August.

The 4,000-square-foot space will host live music, DJs, podcast recordings and community events throughout the week.

“LJ's is a long-awaited soul-infused restaurant and social hub for Orange County,” said Jackson. “We look forward to celebrating great food, unforgettable music, and connection, along with the kind of hospitality that makes every visit feel like Sunday dinner at Mom's.”

“Our mission is to become Orange County's go-to destination for dining, music, and elevated private and corporate events,” he added.

LJ's Lounge is located on the upper level of Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd. at Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. For reservations, hours or the entertainment schedule, call (949) 791-2022 or visit ljslounge.com.