Michio Kaku: The Future of Humanity, Musco Center for the Arts
March 1
Chapman University’s Office of the Provost and Musco Center present theoretical physicist/futurist Michio Kaku speaking about his new book, The Future of Humanity, where he contends that a human settlement on Mars is a “definite possibility.” His irrepressible enthusiasm and wonder will take you on a fascinating journey to a future in which humanity may finally fulfill its long-awaited destiny among the stars. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. MuscoCenter.org
Festival of Whales, Dana Point
March 2-3 & 9-10
The 48thannual Festival of Whales brings the family for whale watching, parades, Wyland Art Lessons, Clam Chowder Cook-Off, Sailing and Stand-Up Paddling, Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip, Whale of a Breakfast, Whale of a Sand Sculpting Competition, Mammal Lecture Series, Harbor Music Series, Whale of a Pizza Party, Whale Walk Painting, Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash & Expo, and much more. FestivalofWhales.com
Hoag Classic, Newport Beach Country Club
March 6-10
The Hoag Classic hosts one of the best fields on the PGA Tour Champions and raises money for Hoag Hospital. The Legends Pro-Am pairs an amateur foursome with a PGA Tour Champion professional and includes a Hoag Charity Sports Gala, a festive awards party and “Dining with the Pros.” Also included is a Corporate Day, Military Appreciation Day and Student Day. HoagClassic.com
Disney’s Aladdin, Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
March 6-23
From the producer of The Lion Kingcomes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. All your favorite songs from the film will be featured as well as new music written by the likes of Alan Menken (Newsies), Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast) and Tim Rice (The Lion King). SCFTA.org
OCSA Gala, Hotel Irvine
March 16
The spirited rhythms of Latin culture will be featured at this year’s annual gala, themed “Let’s Get Loud.” A luscious dinner awaits, along with tempting auctions, but the piece de resistanceis the talented OCSA students who will be performing pop-contemporary tunes from Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Santana, The Gypsy Kings, Miami Sound Machine and even Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights. OCSArts.net/AttendGala
Stabat Mater, Orange County Women’s Chorus
March 16-17
Pergolesi’s exquisite and much-loved Stabat Mater (featuring string quartet and organ) is paired with a newly-commissioned work by composer Nkeiru Okoye. It will be a musical experience not to be missed! Saturday, March 16, 7 p.m. at Newport Harbor Lutheran Church, Newport Beach; March 17, 3 p.m. at St. Wilfrid of York Episcopal Church, Huntington Beach. OCWomensChorus.org
36thAnnual Spirit Run, Fashion Island
March 17
With a multitude of road racing events featured from Family Walk to the Toddler Trot, there are events for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Also look for a Youth & Fitness Expo with live music, food and beverage, youth activities, massage, health and fitness information and a Dog Expo with free on-site microchip scans and pet food samples. NBSpiritRun.org
Mendelssohn’sItalian Symphony, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
March 21-23
The Pacific Symphony, with Maestro Carl St.Clair conducting and exciting violinist Paul Huang performing, will present three stellar offerings: Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, “Italian, “ Beethoven’s Adagio from String Quartet No. 16,Op. 135, and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. “Paul Huang makes impressive debut at Kennedy Center. He is definitely an artist with the goods for a significant career.” – The Washington Post PacificSymphony.org
Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair, San Juan Capistrano
March 23
The 61stAnnual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair celebrates the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th. The parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades and is organized by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Arrive early due to street closures. Parade starts at 11 a.m. SwallowsParade.com