Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

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

By Greer Wylder

August 02, 2026

Looking for plans this Thursday? Festival Ballet Theatre's beloved Gala of the Stars returns to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall on Aug. 6 for one unforgettable evening of world-class balletNow 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…

Winter Fest OC Kicks Off Christmas in July Sale

By Greer Wylder

July 24, 2026

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 5th. 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…

One Night, Five Courses, and a Top Chef Canada Champion at Balboa Bay Resort

By Greer Wylder

July 20, 2026

Balboa Bay Resort is bringing something special to Newport Beach this summer. On Thursday, Aug. 6, the resort will host an intimate chef's dinner with Coulson Armstrong, winner of Top Chef Canada and Culinary Director of Toronto's Our House Hospitality. Tickets are $415.90 per person and available on Eventbrite and at balboabayresort.com.Armstrong is one of Canada's most compelling culinary voices. He serves as Executive Chef of the celebrated Prime Seafood Palace, where he works alongside restaurateur Matty Matheson, and his Season 12 win on Top Chef Canada earned him fans well beyond the industry. But what shaped his cooking most…

VEA Newport Beach Debuts Chef Angelo Sosa Summer Menu

By Greer Wylder

July 14, 2026

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, has partnered with chef, restaurateur and "Top Chef" alum Angelo Sosa for a limited-time summer collaboration running July 14 through Sept. 30.The partnership brings two concepts, Beso Burger and Taqueria Amada, to dining venues across VEA Newport Beach, the coastal resort known for its sweeping Pacific Ocean views.Beso BurgerAvailable at Edge Bar (Monday through Thursday, noon to sunset; Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to sunset):Beso Burger, $28: a single smashed prime beef patty with Beso sauce, American cheese, pickles and crinkle-cut fries on a toasted brioche bunBeso Shake, $12: a signature French…

Flea Style Brings Its Hat Bar Concept Home to Laguna Beach

By Greer Wylder

July 14, 2026

Flea Style, the brand that turned a flea market side hustle into a roughly $18 million experiential retail business, is opening its first West Coast location: The Original Hat Bar in Laguna Beach.Founder Brittany Cobb bootstrapped the company from the ground up, growing it about 50% year over year and, along the way, creating a category of retail that didn't really exist before: part styling bar, part vintage shop, part experience. The brand got its start in Texas, but Cobb is an Orange County native, so the Laguna Beach opening marks a homecoming as much as an expansion.The launch also…