Orange County is home to one of the most eclectic mixes of entertainment. Often very short distances from each other one can easily find everything from up-scale cultural regalement to down-and-dirty bar room beguilement. Below is a list of of some venues sorted by distance from the conference hotel.
OC Performing Arts Center - home of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Opera Pacific, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Pacific Chorale, this performing arts complex hosts many touring Broadway productions, international dance companies, and opera troupes. Check here for calendar . 0.1m
South Coast Repertory Theatre - known for its extensive new play development program, this 3-stage theatre founded in 1964 has 40% of the plays it produces be world, American or West Coast premieres. Check here for calendar . 0.2m
Orange County Fair - one of OC's biggest events for locals boasting around a million visitors in recent year. This attraction running from 7/13/07-8/5/07 offers carnival rides, live shows, concerts, demonstrations, and an array of food and things to buy. Theme this year is: "Cowabunga! The year of Herefords, Surfers, and Sand." Check out events calendar. Best to go at night! 3m
Triangle Mall - not reall a mall at all, this collection of bars and clubs is located just up the street from the beaches in Costa Mesa. There is a 10 screen movie theatre too. It is also located just across the street from one of Costa Mesa's beach bars: "The Goat". 5m
Fashion Island - SoCal style open-air mall (SoCal's most famous) dedicated to shopping and some evening entertainment. Located just down the street from the beaches of Newport, there is a Hard Rock Cafe and one of SoCal's finest steakhouses. This mall has two movie theatres to serve its customer base. 7m
The Irvine Spectrum - (another) SoCal style open-air mall loaded with bars and clubs, lots of restaurants, some outdoor rides for the kids, a 21-screen movie theatre with IMAX, and shopping. 10m
Old Towne Orange - this historic district of OC's second oldest city has a notable evening restaurant and bar scene drawing locals and out-of-towners. Catch the live jazz and blues! 11m
The Block at Orange - (yet another) SoCal style open-air mall with lots of dining, entertainment, bars, and clubs. There's also plenty of shopping and a 30-screen movie theatre. 11m
LA Angels of Anaheim - this major league team has changed their name to the LA Angels, but there still in Orange County. Check out a game! They play Oakland the 25th and Detroit the 27th and 28th. 12m
Downtown Disneyland - this outdoor-mall style venue offers live music (blues, jazz, etc.) and entertainment, restaurants, bars, and shopping. Entrance is free, parking is not. 14m
Belmont Shores in Long Beach - between OC and LA nightlife there is Long Beach's Belmont Shores. Located around Second St., this 10-block strip of bars, restaurants, and clubs, runs parallel to one of the area's most popular beaches. 18m
Medieval Times - supper and sword-fighting! Featured in several recent movies, this unique dinner-theatre offers medieval jousts and clashes in a central arena while you enjoy your meal. 19m