Monday, November 2, 2026

Winter Fest OC is back for 2026!

The Magic is Back: Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Fest OC 2026!


Hey everyone! Get ready to unpack your favorite winter coats because Southern California’s largest winter festival is officially returning to the OC Fair & Event Center. 

From November 27, 2026, through January 3, 2027, Costa Mesa transforms into an absolute winter wonderland. We love Winter Fest OC!!!! 

Whether you are planning a memory-making family day, a cozy holiday date night, or a festive outing with your favorite group of friends, Winter Fest OC is bringing major upgrades this year. From real snow and ice tubing to massive new interactive zones, here is everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.


The Big Highlights for 2026

• The All-New Holiday Light Trail: Included right in your general admission, this brand-new immersive experience features seven uniquely themed zones. You can wander through the Peppermint Tunnel, the Singing Forest, and the Aurora Snowfall Walk. Don't miss the Grand Cove, where colossal illuminated trees, a real pine forest, and a stunning starfield create the ultimate holiday backdrop.

• Massive New Bounce Land: A brand-new 20,000-square-foot inflatable world packed with obstacle courses, slides, and climbing structures.

• Snowflake Summit: Take a thrilling ride down a nine-lane ice tubing slide.

• SoCal’s Largest Outdoor Rink: Lace up your skates for a classic winter experience right under the stars.

We absolutely love Winter Fest OC and have made a tradition out of visiting every year to kick off the holidays. Here are some of my tips to make the most out of your festive fun too...

• Pro Tip #1: Lock in Early Bird Pricing. Buy your tickets before November 10 to get the best possible rate.

• Pro Tip #2: Enjoy Total Flex-ibility. All passes are now "Flex Passes." This means you can buy your tickets early to save money, but you don't have to lock in your actual arrival date until later. If you plan on going multiple times, look into the Season Pass for the best value.

• Pro Tip #3: Skip the Lines. If ice tubing is at the top of your bucket list, grab the Snowflake Summit Fast Pass to get express lane access and maximize your slide time.


Some pricing info... *** Children ages 2 and under are free.

Admission Pass Tiers

• Snow Pass ($25.99): Includes general admission, the new Holiday Light Trail, ice tubing, snow play, and Santa visits.

• Winter Pass ($45.99): Adds unlimited ice skating, the 20,000 sq. ft. Bounce Land, and Polar Putt-Putt.

• Platinum Pass ($101.99): Adds unlimited carnival rides, a tubing Fast Pass, and VIP Lounge access.

• Season Pass ($47.99): Unlimited Snow Pass entries for the entire season.

Add-Ons & Extras
• A la carte add-ons: Bounce Land, Ice Skating, Carnival Wristbands, and Tubing Fast Passes can be purchased separately to upgrade a base Snow Pass.

• Fireside Private Igloos: Premium VIP rentals for up to 10 people (admission sold separately).

• Parking: $15 per vehicle, charged by the venue.

All early-bird tickets are Flex Passes, meaning you buy now to save and pick your date later!

Upgrades available as well...



Grab your tickets early at www.WinterFestOC.com and follow @WinterFestOC on social media to keep up with all the magic. 

See you out on the ice!

Dream Glow Festival at Wild Rivers 2026

Dream Glow Festival 2026: Orange County’s Ultimate Holiday Light Experience is Back!


Hey everyone, tis the season, and I love it already...

If you are looking for the perfect, family-friendly holiday activity right here in Orange County, I have some glowing news for you.

The Dream Glow Festival is officially returning to Wild Rivers Waterpark in Irvine for its second year!

We had so much fun last year! The best part is you make the most of the evening to what you like. Take it slow and wander, grab a private cabana, taste some holiday eats and treats... it's all in one place amongst the magical feeling of holiday lights and winter wonder.

From November 6 through December 30, 2026, the waterpark will trade its water slides for winter magic, transforming into a dazzling nighttime wonderland. We are talking more than 1,000 handcrafted light displays spread across three entirely new, magical worlds.

Here is a sneak peek (my expereince last year) at what you can expect at this year's festival, plus all the details you need to plan your visit.


Three Immersive Worlds to Explore

This year, the festival is introducing three unique themes that will take you on a journey through imagination and holiday cheer:
• Sweet Dreams: A whimsical world packed with vibrant, colorful, and sugary displays.
• Outer Space: A glowing, cosmic adventure that will make you feel like you are walking among the stars.
• Christmas Fantasy: The ultimate holiday experience complete with festive lights and enchanting snow scenes.

Interactive Fun & Snow in SoCal!

It isn't just about walking and looking—there is plenty to keep the kids (and adults) entertained:
• Quests & Challenges: Participate in interactive activities throughout the park for a chance to win fun prizes.
• Arctic Snow Village: Yes, real winter vibes in Irvine! Enjoy actual snow machines, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and indulge in delicious seasonal treats.


Know Before You Go

• Where: Wild Rivers Waterpark | 10000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618
• When: November 6 – December 30, 2026 (Starts at 5:00 PM nightly)
• Tickets: Adults start at $37, children start at $25, and kids under 3 get in free!
• Parking: Free (we love to see it!)
• More Info: Grab your tickets and plan your night at www.dreamglowfestival.com.


Are you planning to take the family to Dream Glow Festival this year? Let me know in the comments which world you are most excited to see! All opinions are ny own.

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Taste of Santa Ana - Frights and Bites 2026

Spooky Flavors: What to Expect at the Taste of Santa Ana 2026

Get your taste buds and your best costumes ready! 

The 11th Annual Taste of Santa Ana: Frights & Bites is making its highly anticipated return on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with early entry for VIP pass holders starting at 5:00 PM. Choose the ticket package that fits your vibe.

For the last few years this event has been my Fall fave. There's so many friendly people to meet, vendors to chat with, everyone is eating, dancing, having a drink and enjoying the moment. Let me tell you more about TOSA...


Proudly presented by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and the Power of One Foundation, this staple Orange County culinary festival is taking over the parking lot at MainPlace Mall for a night filled with unlimited tastings, live entertainment, and spooky seasonal fun.

Whether you are a local foodie or just looking for a unique Halloween-themed night out, here is everything you need to know about this year’s must-attend event.


Event Highlights
• Unlimited Tastings: Feast on unlimited food bites and sips from over 30 to 40 of Orange County's boldest kitchens, local craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
• Live Music & Dancing: Dance the night away with live music from the M80’s Band and beats by DJ Luigi.
• Halloween Theme & Costume Contest: Costumes are highly encouraged! Show off your best look. (Note: Face-concealing masks, real/replica weapons, and silly string are prohibited for safety).
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: While there are plenty of spirits for the 21+ crowd, the seasonal atmosphere offers fun for all ages.
• Free On-Site Parking: Driving in? Free parking is available at MainPlace Mall, complete with a designated rideshare zone for safe travel.

Stop by a few of my must try hot spots... Casa Ramos, Mi Casa Oaxaca, Cali Licious, and Taco Nazo!!! Let me know what you think!!!


Because this event is a local favorite, it is highly recommended to secure your spot online before it sells out!

• Purchase Tickets Directly: Head over to the official Taste of Santa Ana Tickets Page to lock in your GA, VIP, or group wristbands.

• Official Event Details: For full vendor lists, safety rules, and FAQs, visit the main Taste of Santa Ana Website.

* Pricing as of Oct 8th - $35 for GA & $69 for VIP (Note: Reduced pricing for children aged 6–12 is available starting at $15)


Happy spooky season, see you there for all the treats!!

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Kick off Sunmer with the Crawfish Festival 2026

Crawfish Festival is Back to kick off summer 2026! 

🦞🎸 Southern Rock fans — get ready for Skynyrd Reloaded LIVE at 30th Annual Crawfish Festival THIS WEEKEND! 🎸🦞


🎢 Catch Skynyrd Reloaded on stage from Sun. 5:45PM–7:15PM!

Southern California’s premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band has been rocking stages since 2012, delivering high-energy performances that capture the spirit of the Ronnie Van Zant era Skynyrd band. From deep cuts to crowd-shaking anthems, Skynyrd Reloaded brings Skynyrd’s legendary golden years (1973–1977) roaring back to life — complete with the sound, look, and soul of a true Southern Rock concert! πŸ”₯🀘
30th Annual Crawfish Festival at Fountain Valley Sports Park, May 15–17, 2026!

πŸ“ 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
πŸš— Right off the 405 FWY + FREE PARKING!

A full weekend of Louisiana flavor, live music, dancing, and nonstop fun!

πŸ”₯ WHAT TO EXPECT:
• Live crawfish flown in daily from Louisiana
• Boiled in the world’s largest pots
• Crawfish Feasts, Crawfish + Jumbo Shrimp Combos & more


🎭 NEW ORLEANS VIBES ALL WEEKEND:
🎢 Live Cajun, Zydeco & New Orleans-style music 
πŸ’ƒ Second Line Parades 
🎩 FREE Jackson Square DIY NOLA Mad Hatter Workshop
🍩 Food Court packed with iconic New Orleans eats & plenty of non-crawfish options

🎑 ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES:
🎀 FREE Karaoke Lounge with Live Band (Fri/Sat)
✨ Magic & Illusion Shows (Sat/Sun)
πŸ¦‹ Interactive Butterfly Garden
🐐 Kids Area with Inflatables + Petting Zoo
🎑 Carnival Games
πŸ₯ƒ Complimentary El Baston tastings
πŸ’ƒπŸ•Ί Giant Dance Floor with DJ & Dance Lessons

πŸ’₯ ONLINE BUNDLE DEALS (No ticket service fees — tax included!)
• 2 lbs Crawfish Feast + General Admission = $45 OR 3lbs. + GA $55, 5lbs. + GA $75
• 5 lbs Crawfish + Jumbo Shrimp Combo + General Admission = $80
🎟️ GREAT VALUE: General Admission includes live music, dance lessons, Second Line Parades, Sports Tent, Magic & Illusion Shows, Karaoke Lounge with Live Band, El Baston del Rey complimentary tastings & Jackson Square DIY NOLA Mad Hatter Workshop!

πŸ‘¨‍πŸ‘©‍πŸ‘§ Kids 12 & under get FREE admission (food & drinks not included)

πŸ•’ Festival Hours:
Fri: 5PM–10PM
Sat: 2PM–10PM
Sun: 12PM–8PM

πŸ¦žπŸŽ‰ Come eat, dance, and celebrate Louisiana culture all weekend long!

#lynardskynard #SoCalEvents #rockmusic #seafoodlovers #orangecountyca

Monday, February 23, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 Updates

All Things FIFA World Cup 2026

Key dates for the 2026 World Cup

Host cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Atlanta, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Boston, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Vancouver and Toronto.

Tournament dates: June 11 - July 19, 2026.​

Opening match: June 11, 2026 in Mexico City (Estadio Azteca).​

Final: July 19, 2026 in New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium).​


For the first time ever, 48 teams will participate in the event, increasing from the previous 32-team format. 



All matches can be found here 

More updates as we find them...