Greer's OC

Looking for family activities, concerts from award-winning musicians, educational programs, and community events with picturesque views and a slice of history? All that and more are available year-round at Orange County’s major cultural institution and arts destination, Casa Romantica. A hidden jewel of San Clemente, the nonprofit center has developed a reputation of wide-ranging cultural events for all ages that bring international talent to south Orange County. Throughout October and November, Casa Romantica will offer an array of diverse events and experiences.

Fall in love with the recently-debuted Endless Summer art exhibition, test your fears at the family-friendly haunt walk, enjoy three weeks of world-renowned musicians, experience a Vietnamese-American film festival, and more in addition to Casa Romantica’s public daytime hours. To view the online calendar, and purchase tickets, please visit CasaRomantica.org to learn more.

Rounding out October is south Orange County’s largest family-friendly Halloween attraction, Casa Creepy Haunted House from October 27 - 29th. A 1920s-themed haunted house and gardens, Casa Creepy will take guests through 2.5 acres of the most haunted mansion on the block! Casa Creepy Haunted House is suitable for most families with children ages 8 and up. One of the most popular events of the year, Casa Creepy pre-sale tickets are still available from $10 - $15 USD for Thursday, Oct 27th, with limited walk-up admission for all three dates.

Every first Sunday of the month, the cultural center offers free admission to the estate as part of its D. Yoder Family Sundays. On November 6th, in partnership with VAALA (Vietnamese American Arts and Letters Association), Casa Romantica will present a special family-friendly screening for Viet Film Fest! This event is FREE and open to the public. The films will play throughout the day, and include an Oscar-nominated short documentary “Walk Run Cha-Cha,” as well as short films “Fighting for Family,” “Trading Card Season (MÙA HÌNH),” and “Jasmine Lane (Allée des Jasmins).” All screenings will include English subtitles. Viet Film Fest with VAALA is part of the Vietnamese-American Stories programming at Casa Romantica, with more themed events starting in January. For more information, please visit casaromantica.org/vietnamese-artists.

Following the spooky season, Casa Romantica will host three weeks of award-winning concerts as part of its Casa Classic and Jazz Club series. Award-winning cellist, composer, and San Clemente-native, Paul Wiancko returns to Casa Romantica for a special chamber music performance! Paul will be joined by fellow Japanese-American artist Ayane Kozasa as the duo Ayane & Paul, with a performance including works by Wiancko, Greenstein, Shaw, Lutoslawski, Clarke, Bach, and more. The New York-based duo was featured on Aizuri Quartet’s Grammy-nominated album Blueprinting and has toured throughout the US and Japan. Ayane & Paul will perform on November 3rd at 7 p.m., with limited tickets still available from $25 - $30 USD.

The Casa Classic series continues with internationally-acclaimed musician HyeJin Kim on November 10th. Praised by critics as “a pianist who is truly passionate, sensitive and musical,” HyeJin Kim performs internationally as a soloist with orchestras and in recitals, as well as a chamber musician. Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea, and began piano studies at the age of five. She entered Seoul’s Yewon Arts School, the most famous in Korea, and has gone on to win multiple awards and accolades across the world. Kim now teaches at The Colburn School in Los Angeles for the Community School and pre-college Music Academy divisions. Tickets to see HyeJin Kim on November 10th are available today and start at $20 USD.

The third week of captivating performances in November is Southern California favorite Lizzy and the Triggermen. Known for killer vocals, wailing horns, and a lethal rhythm section, the band channels the electrifying swagger of Prohibition Jazz with a mixture of originals and re-imagined vintage gems. Tickets to the highly anticipated performance by Lizzy and the Triggermen on November 17th are available now online and range from $45 - $55 USD.

Casa Romantica’s popular Endless Summer art exhibitions will remain open to the public in the gallery until November 13th, and the outdoor installation by Olga Lah will be incorporated into holiday events through the end of December. In addition to the highlighted programming, the cultural center offers weekly activities for all ages. From daily public visitation hours, dance and music classes, movie nights, Casa Kids activities, special events, and so much more, there is something for everyone to enjoy across the beautiful estate and gorgeous gardens. Casa Romantica offers free general admission to active duty service members all year round and will extend the offer to veterans in honor of Veterans Day weekend, November 11 - 13th. Find a complete lineup of October and November events at CasaRomantica.org/calendar/.

To learn more about the cultural center and arts destination, the history of the estate, or plan a trip, please visit CasaRomantica.org.