Greer's OC

Honda Center Serves Up New Eats and Big Shows

By Greer Wylder

October 04, 2026

Whether you're a Ducks fan, a concertgoer or just there for the food, Honda Center has plenty to try this season. The arena is in the middle of its $1 billion Encore transformation, and it's staying open for games and events while the work continues through 2027.

New spaces and upgrades

The Splitero Club on the Columbia Bank Club Level is the arena's newest premium space, with private booths, loge seats, a full-service bar and direct access from the new River Garage. It's the first club in Honda Center history to offer concert views. Guests will also notice renovated restrooms, and the first aid station has moved just outside Section 202. Outside, the five-story South Entrance is steadily taking shape.

What to eat and drink

Executive Chef Cesar Regalado and his team have added some fun new items to the lineup:

Schiacciata Sweet Sandwich: Nutella, banana and strawberries at Anaheim Pizza Co. (Section 203)

Buñuelos: A nearly 16-inch dessert topped with cajeta caramel and Abuelita hot chocolate ganache at Blue Line Taqueria (Section 219)

The Golden Dog: An all-beef hot dog fried in cake dough at Quack Snacks (Section 421)

Pork & Roll: A sticky bun piled with pulled pork and beer cheese at Feather and Flame (Section 426)

Fun Bucket: Fried chicken, potato wedges and corn wheels made for sharing at Arena Classics (Section 434)

On the drink side, the self-serve Draft Picks beer stands are back, including Blue Moon Draft Picks at Section 424. The Modelo Puck Drop Patio returns with $5 12-ounce Modelo beers from opening until puck drop. The Coors Light Cold Zone and Jack Daniel's Backstage Bar are set to open later in the season.

Parking and getting there

Premium parking at the River Garage is on sale through Ticketmaster for events Oct. 15 and later. Passes are limited and must be bought in advance. General parking is still included with your ticket in the Katella and Cerritos garages, but overflow lots at Arena Corporate Center and off Phoenix Club Drive are no longer available. Rideshare pickup is at ARTIC, across Katella Avenue.

Mark your calendar

Along with a full slate of Ducks home games, here's what's coming up:

Oct. 8: Chayanne
Oct. 9: SOMBR
Oct. 15: Phil Wickham
Oct. 17: Los Tigres del Norte
Oct. 22: Bryson Tiller
Nov. 6: Dan + Shay
Nov. 7: Brand New
Nov. 21: V-Beyond
Nov. 24: Journey
Nov. 28: Los Gemelos de Sinaloa
Dec. 2: Jonas Brothers
Dec. 5: West Coast Hoops Showdown, featuring UCLA vs. Gonzaga
Dec. 11-14: Disney On Ice presents Jump In!
Feb. 12: Christian Castro
March 3: Elevation Nights
April 2: Hans Zimmer Live
April 29: Josiah Queen

What's next for the neighborhood

The Samueli family's 100-acre OCVIBE district is also on the way, with the first phase opening in early 2027. A 5,000-capacity concert hall arrives in March, followed by Katella Commons, a market hall with 21 chef-driven kitchens. Chef Roy Choi's restaurant Best Friend is slated to open later in 2027.

Find the full event schedule and parking details at hondacenter.com.

StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island Oct. 14-18

By Greer Wylder

October 04, 2026

StyleWeekOC is back at Fashion Island in Newport Beach for its Crystal Anniversary, Oct. 14-18, and this year's lineup brings a little extra Hollywood shine to Orange County. The Newport Beach Film Festival joins in again, running Oct. 15-22.

Actress, podcaster and editorial favorite Jamie Chung, a California native, headlines the week before she starts filming a new feature alongside Miles Teller. Also on the guest list are Emmy-winning television personality Keltie Knight, who will be joined in conversation by "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum Crystal Kung Minkoff, and 10-year-old designer Max Alexander, who will appear at the West Coast documentary premiere of "Couture to the Max." More celebrity panelists will be announced in the coming weeks.

The two festivals joined forces three years ago, and the partnership has become a true Southern California destination for style, culture and conversation. Last year's crowd included Jacob Elordi, Penn Badgley, Ashley Park and Noah Schnapp, along with a screening of the documentary "Thom Browne: The Man Who Tailors Dreams."

This year's theme is Sunlit Glamoratti, a sun-dappled, Hollywood-inspired look. Expect brand activations, industry panels, fashion shows, beauty events and a glittering opening night, plus a culinary event where fashion is the main dish.

Fashion Island has been busy, too. New arrivals include Ralph Lauren, Varley and Rothy's, along with Levain Bakery, Telefèric Barcelona and Ralph's Coffee, which made its Southern California debut here. Farm Rio, Jones Road Beauty and Hill House Home are coming soon. They join anchors Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom, and OC exclusives such as RH, Todd Snyder, Buck Mason, L'Agence, Rag & Bone, Cinq à Sept, Monica Vinader, Rails, PAIGE and American Vintage.

The 2026 StyleWeekOC Schedule

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Red Carpet Ready Beauty Event at Bloomingdale's: Hop from counter to counter, explore more than 20 beauty brands, collect stamps and unlock prizes. Free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Seating is first come, first served. 4-7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 15

The Runway Show at Neiman Marcus: A show of 30-plus looks from the store's fall ready-to-wear designer collections brings the Sunlit Glamoratti aesthetic to life. 11:30 a.m.

Opening Night Gala, Taste of Style: Presented by the Newport Beach Film Festival, with more than 10 Fashion Island restaurants, including Joey Restaurant, Sushi Roku, True Food Kitchen, Red O, Cucina Enoteca, Telefèric Barcelona and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 10 p.m.-midnight.

Friday, Oct. 16

Guerlain Spa Experience at Neiman Marcus: A complimentary signature facial inspired by the Orchidée Impériale Collection, with a personalized consultation. By appointment only. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Coastal Collection Pop-Up: Curated collections from Fetneh Blake, Sienna Brown and Orange Twist on the Macy's Lawn. Noon-4 p.m.

In the Mix: Fashion is the Main Dish: Featuring St. John, Alice + Olivia, L'Agence, Varley, Todd Snyder, Arc'teryx and Monica Vinader, plus an interactive cocktail masterclass with Rémy Cointreau, Telefèric Barcelona, Cucina Enoteca and Levain Bakery. Tickets benefit CASA OC. 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Fashion Keynote with Jamie Chung: The actress and television personality talks personal style, motherhood and upcoming projects, with journalist Lindzi Scharf moderating. Fashion Island Main Stage, 1-2 p.m.

West Coast Premiere of "Couture to the Max": This buzzworthy documentary follows 10-year-old designer Max Alexander as he prepares to launch a bold, sustainable collection. Alexander will make an appearance. Fashion Island Main Stage, 4 p.m.

Author Talk with Keltie Knight: The Emmy-winning co-creator of the podcast "The Lady Gang" discusses her new memoir, "The F*ck Them Theory: Self-Help for People Who Are Done Being the Bigger Person." Kung Minkoff, a podcast host and former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" cast member, moderates. Fashion Island Main Stage, 6-7 p.m.

More to enjoy Saturday:

True Colors Pop-Up Analysis: A quick personal color consultation on the Macy's Lawn. Free when you follow Fashion Island on Instagram. Noon-4 p.m.

Featured Shopping Parties: In-store offerings from Monica Vinader, L'Agence, Varley, Rails, American Vintage, Vince, Hill House Home, Alice + Olivia, Farm Rio and others. 2-4 p.m.

Spend and Receive: The first 100 shoppers who present same-day receipts from two participating stores totaling $500 can receive a $100 Fashion Island gift card. Guest Services, Atrium Building, between Barnes & Noble and Arhaus. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Guerlain Spa Experience at Neiman Marcus: Same complimentary facial and consultation, by appointment only. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 18

On the Scent, Fragrance Masterclass with Neiman Marcus: Guerlain Global Ambassador Dawn Parton shares the secret chemistry of the French perfumery. The $75 ticket includes a $50 Neiman Marcus gift card and access to the Guerlain Lounge for signature cocktails, light bites and quick consultations. Begins at 11:30 a.m., with engraving and bottle painting from noon to 5 p.m.

Coastal Collection Pop-Up: Collections from Fetneh Blake, Coastal Cool and Orange Twist on the Macy's Lawn. Noon-4 p.m.

Documentary Premiere of "Armani and the Birth of Italian Fashion": A star-studded series tracing the rise of Italian fashion through the families who have shaped it for decades. THE LOT, Screen 3, 6 p.m.

Make It a Getaway

VEA Newport Beach, just steps from Fashion Island, is offering a StyleWeekOC Shop & Stay Package Oct. 13-19. It includes a $100 Fashion Island gift card, two tickets to a StyleWeekOC event, a welcome gift from Fashion Island, a $50 food and beverage credit at VEA and a personalized consultation with Fashion Island's personal shopper and stylist, based on availability. A one-night minimum stay applies, and the package can be booked through Oct. 12.

To purchase tickets and for additional information, visit styleweekoc

Fashion Island is located at 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.

Ben Bliss and Christopher Allen Bring an Evening of Song to Musco Center

By Greer Wylder

October 04, 2026

Musco Center welcomes acclaimed tenor Ben Bliss to the stage on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m., joined by pianist and conductor Christopher Allen for what promises to be an intimate and unforgettable evening of music.

Bliss has built a reputation as one of opera's most compelling voices, performing on stages such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera and the Opéra national de Paris, where he has made two debuts. The National Review has called him a "truly exceptional tenor," and Opera Warhorses praised his "purity of tone, vocal control and artistic sensitivity." His list of honors includes the Metropolitan Opera's Beverly Sills Award, the 2016 Martin E. Segal Award at Lincoln Center, the Mozart and Plácido Domingo awards at the 2015 Francisco Viñas International Competition, first prize at the 2014 Gerda Lissner and Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation competitions, and the 2013 Operalia Don Plácido Domingo Sr. Zarzuela Prize.

At the piano, Christopher Allen brings his own impressive résumé to the evening. A recipient of the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, Allen has been called "one of the fastest-rising podium stars in North America" by Opera News. He has led performances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the English National Opera and other organizations across the country and abroad. He is also the founder and creative and artistic director of Fourth Wall Ensemble, and he serves on the board of The Solti Foundation US.

Together, Bliss and Allen offer a rare chance to experience two extraordinary artists in one setting, a night sure to resonate with music lovers throughout Orange County.

The performance runs approximately 75 to 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets start at $48. For tickets and more information, visit muscocenter.org .

415 North Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866 | 714.997.6812

Honda Center Serves Up New Eats and Big Shows

StyleWeekOC Returns to Fashion Island Oct. 14-18

Ben Bliss and Christopher Allen Bring an Evening of Song to Musco Center

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