Howl-o-ween Pup Pop-Up Comes to The LAB Anti-Mall

Dog parents, bring your pup to celebrate the fall season at The LAB Anti-Mall's Howl-o-ween Pup Pop-Up from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Hosted by popular golden retriever Pawbrey, the event will feature more than 10 local brands offering dog gear, treats and related products and services.

The afternoon also includes a costume contest for four-legged guests, with a prize for the best-dressed dog and owner. Guests can also enjoy a live DJ, a free pumpkin patch (while supplies last), pupcuterie cups and pet portraits available for purchase. A doggy relief area with real grass will be on site. All dogs must be leashed.

The LAB Anti-Mall is located at 2930 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa. Free parking is available on site and at The Waters office park across Randolph Avenue.

Newport Beach Film Festival Opens With ‘Frampton’

The 27th Newport Beach Film Festival opens Thursday, Oct. 15, with "Frampton," an intimate documentary portrait of rock icon Peter Frampton. The screening begins at 7 p.m. at Big Newport, Screen 1. Frampton and director Rob Arthur will take part in a live Q&A afterward.

The film follows Frampton from the stadium-sized success of "Frampton Comes Alive!" in the 1970s through the long road of rebuilding his career and the personal cost of fame. It also looks at his diagnosis with Inclusion Body Myositis, a degenerative muscle condition that threatens his ability to play guitar. Rare archival footage, candid interviews and concert moments tell the story of an artist determined to make every performance count.

After the screening, the celebration moves to Fashion Island with live entertainment, food and specially crafted cocktails. The gala is for guests 21 and older. Cocktail attire is strongly encouraged, and since the event is outdoors, bring a coat or jacket.

The festival runs through Oct. 22 and features more than 100 films from around the world. Highlights include:

Festival Honors, Sunday, Oct. 18: A brunch at Balboa Bay Resort, held with Variety 10 Actors to Watch, will celebrate Taraji P. Henson (Artist of Distinction Award), Jack O'Connell (Outstanding Achievement in Acting Award), Mckenna Grace (Spotlight Award), Sosie Bacon (Breakout Award) and casting director Sarah Finn (Casting Visionary Award). The event will be filmed for broadcast on PBS SoCal in January.

Additional honorees: KJ Apa on Saturday, Oct. 17, Justin Hartley and Jonás Cuarón on Monday, Oct. 19, and Gemma Chan on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Closing night,  Documentary Feature: Thursday, Oct. 22: The West Coast premiere of "Unleashed Spirits: The Rise of the Hollywood Vampires" screens at 8:30 p.m. at the Lido Theater, with director Daniel E. Catullo III and members of the band expected to attend.

For the full lineup and tickets, visit newportbeachfilmfest.com.

Honda Center Serves Up New Eats and Big Shows

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.