Cape Crusaders, Cosplay and Comic-Con Energy Take Over Anaheim

WonderCon returns to the Anaheim Convention Center March 27 to 29, bringing one of the West Coast’s largest celebrations of comics, movies, television, gaming and cosplay to Southern California.

Produced by Comic-Con International, WonderCon is the organization’s sister convention and draws thousands of fans, creators and industry talent for a weekend of panels, exhibits and immersive fan experiences.

This year’s event features more than 900 exhibitors across a 412,000 square foot exhibit hall filled with comics, original art, toys and merchandise from leading artists, publishers and retailers. Attendees can expect exclusive movie and television programming, panels with top comics professionals, autograph sessions, games, portfolio reviews and the fan-favorite Masquerade.

Cosplay is a major part of the weekend, with thousands of fans arriving in elaborate looks inspired by Marvel, anime, gaming and original creations. The convention floor is packed with high-energy moments, from collectibles and artist showcases to interactive experiences throughout the venue.

WonderCon runs Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information on how to attend, visit comic-con.org/wc/badges.

Anaheim Convention Center Address 800 W. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92802

Two Upcoming Workshops at the Environmental Nature Center

The Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach is offering two engaging workshops this month designed to connect the community with food, nature and the local landscape.

Outdoor Cooking with Chef Corso

March 24 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Chef Corso, a classically trained chef and host of the Outdoor Eats TV series, will lead a lively cooking workshop focused on preparing great meals outdoors using simple gear and fresh ingredients.

During the demonstration, Corso will cover camp stove basics, smart meal planning and grocery strategies that make outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable. Guests will watch several trail-tested recipes come together and enjoy tastings along the way.

The workshop is ideal for day hikers, backpackers, RV travelers and car campers looking to improve their outdoor cooking skills.

Corso is the creator of Outdoor Eats, where he teaches people how to prepare memorable meals outside using straightforward techniques and fresh ingredients. Through his television series, cookbooks and workshops across the country, he has helped thousands of outdoor enthusiasts upgrade their trail meals.

Cost is $22.50 for ENC members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations and more information, here.

Belonging to Place: Why Native Plants Matter with Mike Evans

March 29 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Renowned California native plant horticulturist Mike Evans will open the Environmental Nature Center’s 2026 Native Plant Workshop Series with a thoughtful look at the role native plants play in Southern California landscapes.

Evans, founder of Tree of Life Nursery, will explore how gardening with native plants connects people more deeply to the places where they live. Drawing on more than four decades of horticultural experience, he will discuss how local landscapes function and why working with nature rather than against it leads to healthier and more resilient gardens.

The class also looks at the broader idea of belonging, asking what it means for both plants and people to be rooted in a place shaped by climate, soil and time.

The workshop is presented in partnership with the California Native Horticulture Foundation and reflects a shared commitment to expanding place based ecological education in Orange County.

Reservations and more information, here. 

Environmental Nature Center is at 1601 E. 16th Street, Newport Beach. 949.645.8489 

Highball and Naisho Omakase Debut in Costa Mesa With a First-of-Its-Kind Dual Concept

A new hospitality concept is set to debut in Costa Mesa on March 23, 2026, bringing a distinctly different experience to Orange County’s dining landscape. Highball, a Japanese-style cocktail bar rooted in precision and ritual, will open alongside Naisho Omakase, a hidden 14-seat sushi counter located just beyond a velvet curtain within the space.

Together, the two concepts introduce a layered approach to dining, where the evening is designed to unfold from cocktails to omakase. While Orange County is home to notable sushi counters and craft cocktail bars, this is the first concept locally to present both experiences in tandem with this level of intention, creating a more immersive and sequential night out.

Highball draws inspiration from Japan’s “Authentic Bar” tradition, where classic techniques are preserved and elevated through discipline and detail. The bar’s namesake drink, a highball of whisky and soda, reflects that philosophy. Though simple in composition, it requires precise balance, controlled dilution and exacting preparation. The opening menu reflects a Japanese-American perspective, offering refined classics alongside original cocktails that emphasize clarity, texture and restraint.

Behind the curtain, Naisho Omakase offers a more intimate experience, with just 14 seats and a chef-driven tasting format. Guests may choose between a 12- or 16-course omakase, with a progression that moves beyond traditional sequencing to highlight contrast in temperature, texture and flavor. Each course is designed to feel considered and unexpected, encouraging a more engaged and present dining experience.

The team behind Highball and Naisho Omakase brings together years of experience across hospitality, with a shared philosophy centered on thoughtful execution and guest-focused service. In a market often defined by scale and visibility, the concept takes a more restrained approach, prioritizing craftsmanship, atmosphere and discovery.

Highball and Naisho Omakase are set to open on March 23, 2026 at 3033 Bristol St #117 in Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Highball welcomes guests from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Naisho Omakase offers dinner service from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (subject to change). 

For more information, call 949-390-8377 or visit naishoomakase.com.