It was good to attend the Festival! The brochure is available near the entrance. The center of the…read morebrochure contained good information: a map, a schedule for each stage, and a list of vendors. But that info was not widely available. There is room for better communication. * Approaching Parking Lot 2. As we drove east on Hornet, the sign said to keep going, but lanes were coned off to turn right on Phantom. Someone stood in the junction as if they were IPD directing traffic, but they did not direct traffic. That caused congestion as people stopped to ask them to ask for info. Next year, remove the person directing traffic and put signs BEFORE Phantom. * Entering Lot 2 took a long time and there was a long tailback on Phantom. Need signs in both lanes to state that "Parking $10 cash or card". Then we can get payment ready and keep the lines moving. While that info is on the website, not everyone checks beforehand. * Events were organized by stage. It was easy to find which event was on which stage but hard to find which stage was which. Even when we got to the stage, it was unlabeled! I checked the website for the festival and could not identify the stages. Need to label each stage. Especially important for first time visitors. * Need QR codes linking to the map. * We enjoyed the Great Park Live area. Most people approached the area and tried to walk into the exit because it was closer! A Police Explorer had to direct almost everyone to move to the entrance further along. Needs big signs "Exit Only" and "-- Entrance". * Driving out of Lot 2. No signs to the exit. We drove towards Hornet and found that exit closed off. We tried Phantom, but vehicles were coming in. Traffic exiting Lot 2 had to cut dangerously across pedestrians and cars entering from Phantom, to turn left on Corsair. Also, there were many pedestrians coming that way from the venue near closing time. Need to separate vehicle exits from pedestrian traffic. * We see a pattern. Great Park events tend to be very good but weak in communication. Events are clear to the organizer but may not be to the attendees. Attendees must deal with traffic jams, steps, wheelchairs, heat, crowds, and noise, or are managing children. Organizers should write all comms as if they are the first-time attendee.

Very over priced food, music and vendors are all low quality and mediocre. City of Irvine should do…read morea better job attacking high quality food and better entertaining activitie.

Likes: + Scare actors put their heart into their roles…read more Really sold the delivery. + Pretty organized event. + Good use of a radio station channel to employ unnerving music to add to the spooky ambience. + Good use of scare props. + Well priced for the car wash + haunt experience. lol at one point a spooker came close enough to me I could smell his cologne. Didn't know zombies stayed that minty fresh. Non-likes: - Bad traffic regulation. The staff weren't monitoring the car line that extends through the Lincoln Ave-Brookhurt St intersection. I was waiting at the intersection on Brookhurst St's north side at the red light waiting to turn right, when a certain car from the south side of Brookhurst St turned left and cut right in front of me, thereby blocking the intersection. What they were supposed to do is go straight through the intersection and then make a U-ey and get in line properly like the rest of us. - The vacuums were non-operational that evening. Wish they had mentioned this in advance. The eventbrite tickets didn't mention this. - The rear windshield of my car was still very dirty after the wash.

I was excited to try this on a whim but found it underwhelming especially for the price tag. I went…read moresolo only because of my travel circumstances, and I had some good fun moments with the actors. The actors who were there were putting on a decent show. And I just LOVE the idea of them getting through your window and hopping into your car! I had some really fun and spooky interactions with a few of them. I understand they don't have much room to work with as far as set pieces, so if you're looking for themed rooms or facades like the hayride, this is definitely not for you. Given how long the wait was last night (though understandably as it was the Saturday before Halloween), versus how much time was spent actually experiencing what the haunt had to offer, I just don't think this experience was worth the price tag. Speaking of the price tag real quick, I also struggled to understand the validity behind their pricing tiers online. The prices change based on what time you say you're going to be there in line for the attraction. But it didn't seem to matter. I played the honest game, and bought the ticket for the time I said I could arrive , but I think I spent an extra $15 for absolutely no reason. I don't think $44 is worth a car wash and 5 minutes of interaction with actors. In my opinion they still could have made this a 4 star haunt if they hired more actors. There were SO many cars in line once you got on the car wash property and I think it was grossly misused by keeping their actors in one small area.

This was a pretty fun event - not cheap, but fun. The ticket booths at the entrance were really…read moredisorganized and slow. We could not figure out why it was taking so long for each customer. Then, supervisor dude in pig hat started to sell admission tickets, cash only, on the side of the lines and that was awesome!! So apparently the ticket booths were slow because of credit card transactions or just customer indecision about what to buy? We heard supervisor pig hat dude talking to his staff at the end of the days about ideas for next year on how to alleviate the congestion, so hopefully it will run more smoothly! $10.00 admission just gets you in the door, then $10.00 for 5 BBQ tastes and $10.00 for 5 Beer tastes. The highlight for me was Three Men & A Smoker - they had delicious bacon wrapped meatballs and this super smokey corn souffle! My other favorite was Que'n & Brew'n and their Moink Balls - also bacon wrapped meatballs! If there were any other bacon wrapped meatballs at that festival, they would have also been my favorite! I'm monotonous and boring, I know. I felt bad for customers coming late in the day because the Beer area was totally depleted and out of samples. But there were still booths with BBQ! Definitely a fun time with live music and lots of happy tummies!

I've watched the OC BBQ Festival grow over the last few years, and it's been fun to participate --…read moreeither as a visitor or as a judge. The competition has always drawn local teams from around the area, from 20 teams in its inception to a whopping 70 teams this year. In years past, there was just the car show and a few vendors. For this year, they really increased the amount of entertainment and family fun activities. That's probably part of the reason why the admission price was raised, but all of the proceeds go to charity. If the event organizers are reading, I would suggest having some sort of an "early-bird" admission price, starting at $10 and gradually raising the price as things get closer to the event. At a lower price point, you could bring in a lot more people through the gates, that's for sure.

Awesome FREE festival with lots of vendors. The took over part of the parking lot in front of…read moreSurfas. They also spilled over into the OC Mix Mart area. In addition to the vendors, you can buy a wristband for $20 and sample unlimited cocktails and beers (from a limited selection) both Saturday and Sunday. Park at the Whittier Law School at the corner of Sunflower and Harbor. Walk is not even 5 minutes and you don't have to fight the parking lot at South Coast Collection. Keeping it short and sweet. Too many vendors to list. Lots of early ideas for the upcoming holidays. NICE

The patchwork indie arts and crafts festival's inaugural edibles edition was fantastic! Held at the…read moreOc-mix mart showcasing local artisans and businesses.I learned how to make my own kimchi, Sirarcha, pickled squash, herb flavored cooking oil and a lavender scented Epsom salt scrub for my skin. Everything for the do it yourself projects were donated by Whole Foods and the classes were free! I was able to take home the products I made in cute little glass jars. My kimchi is currently fermenting and I can hear my bottle bubbling. Classes were taught by local business owners which was a great way for them to promote their establishments. What a cool community event! There were cooking demonstrations inside Surfas culinary district where you could learn about things like how to cook with local California products, or about Tamales of South America and then we were able to have samples of what was demonstrated. Yum! Surfas also had some of their amazing cheese out to sample and I couldn't resist purchasing a big hunk of Holland Gold which is a Dutch goats milk Gouda. Oh it's tasty! I walked through the vendor area and bought some refreshing pink lady apple kombucha from the owner of the kombucha co thats trying to get her business off the ground. I also picked out a cute "Oh Kale Yeah!" T-shirt from another vendor that I was so excited about I wore it the next day to ciclavia. I was exposed to local business that I would love to seek out and patronize again. Arc restaurant gave a steak 101 demonstration and told us how he only uses local(from lake Elsinore) grass fed beef cooked over real fire using local almond and orange wood. He brought in his own wood burning oven for the demo. I only attended one day of the two day show but I'm on the mailing list now and can't wait for future editions. I only learned about the event the day before when I came to the mix mart to pick up some climbing shoes from gear co-op. The Santa Ana winds ruined our climbing weekend and I'm happy I was able to be a part of the inaugural edibles edition of the patchwork show. I hope they do a better job of promoting the next event and get even more people out. It's too cool not to check out.

We went on opening weekend (9/28). Unfortunately, it wasn't very crowded at all. Which would have…read morebeen great for us if we hadn't bought the fast pass that we didn't end up needing at all. This is different from other haunted mazes that I have been to because they actually have vendors here and a live band playing. This is held in what was formally a Macy's...which adds to the creepy factor. There is also two scare zones that you walk through on the first floor. There is a total of three mazes...one on each floor. The first floor maze was one of the best mazes that I have ever been through. It is very interactive and personal. I like that you are not herded through like cattle which takes away the scary factor. This maze made me face my claustrophobia fears and once I made it through I was half filled with anxiety and half filled with thrill. Needless to say, we ended up doing that maze again. Actually, we went through all the mazes twice. The other mazes are really cool and the 3rd floor one is also unique in the way that you go through the maze. I won't add any spoilers. I definitely recommend this haunt. They have promo codes and discounts tickets out there and I would look for them, otherwise it's on the pricey side. Happy Haunting!!!

We already did Universal Horror Nights and Queen Mary Dark Harbor this year, so I was excited to…read morevisit Sinister Pointe! I've enjoyed their attraction when they were still in Fullerton and remember getting the crap scared out of me. I can report that they did it again tonight! Side note: I'm a Halloween haunt fan but a major scaredy cat! Located inside Laguna Hills Mall which is also by In N Out. Parking is plentiful and FREE! We purchased our tickets thru Groupon so entering was a breeze. No line at the entrance at 9:45pm on Friday 10/19/18. It was definitely a slower night. We completed all 3 attractions in 1.5 hours. This used to be a Macy's department store, so there is a lot of space they had to work with! Upon walking in on the first floor, there is a stage and vendors scattered among 2 scare zones which are mini maze walk throughs. Restrooms are only port o potties located on first floor by the entrance. There are 3 attractions - Boogeyman Express, Phobias, and Evil on 2. The website states there would be light touching by scare actors which I noticed A LOT of! Also, I noticed a heavy use of strobe lights. Some mazes splash you lightly with water and some require crawling. "Boogeyman Express" was SO FUN!! Line up here first! We waited almost 30 mins (I read that it can be longer), but it was so worth it! It is a train-like ride which is actually pretty scary with a pinch of adult comedy from the conductor. This attraction had me screaming, ducking, and jumping all from inside a train. Allowing only small groups (4 can comfortably fit in the train) really intensifies this experience! This ride should definitely NOT be missed! "Phobias" is a walk through INTERACTIVE maze! The line took a little longer because they only allow small groups in.. you'll see why! It's pretty fun and kept me on my feet. You literally experience some common phobias so proceed with caution! I refused to do certain things because like I said, I am a chicken! Thankfully my BF and a random guy who went thru with us completed the tasks! I appreciate how the walk through is built and all the surprises inside! "Evil on 2" is a haunted hotel themed walk through maze. The concierge walked us in to a big, dark room (it looked like what used to be the loading dock) and I instantly became scared! I like how this maze is different from other attractions due to utilizing department store stuff. The scare actors inside also did a great job hiding in unexpected places which sent me running away screaming! Overall, I think Sinister Pointe did a GREAT job! My experience may differ being a scaredy cat and having a small crowd which meant no more than 4 people grouped together in each attraction. I look forward to what Sinister Pointe offers next year!

What a great show, the weather was a little shaky but it ended up just fine. This show really…read moreexemplifies American exceptionalism in our military, combat technology and really makes you feel proud of the men and women in uniform. The Canadian and Australian performers were also very good and talented. This is our second year and not our last.

I'm glad they decided to have the airshow in HB for a second consecutive year. Besides the 4th of…read moreJuly, and the U.S. Open of Surfing, it seems to be the third most popular event of the year in HB. In addition to the the Blue Angels, the Air Force's Thunderbirds and the Canadian Royal Air Force's Snowbirds also performed. Lastly, there are also performances from classic planes from days gone by and skywriting planes. The air show is a lot less of a drunkfest vs the 4th and U.S. Open. Its an exciting way to spend a Fall afternoon when the weather is cooler, and there is a lot less knuckleheads around.

The Gourmet Detective was a fun and enjoyable evening the entire cast was fun and entertaining…read more The show was very interactive and you never knew what to expect from one moment to the next, the made you feel like you were part of the mystery. The Actors were not only entertainers, they served us our food and drinks throughout the evening. My wife and I selected the Steak and I wasn't really expecting much, but I have to say the Steak was a perfect temperature and Cheesecake was Great! This Gourmet Detective is the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion, or just for an entertaining evening out on the town with that special someone! Thank you everyone for a wonderful evening.

The Gourmet Detective is where you will find the REAL DEAL murder mystery show. The actors are…read moreprofessionals and if you like it, their improv with you is GREAT! ***They just moved to a new location in OC (they also have a location in Riverside) so make sure you are going to the right place. There is a lounge bar area for you to relax with a drink if you like before it all starts. You get assigned to a table (all the seats in the house are great because the performers go all around the room.) The three course dinner happens between the three act show. Funny, funny, funny plot where someone dies and it's up to you to figure out who did it. Play along to have the most fun! ...and don't forget to pay attention. The performers are your servers! After you fall in love with them ...go get your photo with them for memories after the show! Fun for all! Worth a try!

3.5 stars Born on…read morethe Bayou, living on pension in the OC The inaugural OC Cajun Food & Music Celebration popped off at Field D of the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Complex at Mile Square Park. I was fortuitous enough to score some tickets, so I was game for participating in the first time ever event. The Celebration benefitted Community Action Partnership of Orange County & the OC Food Bank. 2 worthy charitable organizations whom are always in need of sought after funding. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=-ttxot3njefNxa4axPdxhA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=qGNxHSepQnkCZ85ddJ3TiQ There were games a-plenty to keep the young & old alike amused, with cornhole, Jenga and the like. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=8lMKPk9UMDVlKFgxALXz4Q https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=wN0wozqoo92ffOo4dtXG7Q Surprisingly, there were only a scant amount of vendors participating- Coco Community refreshed attendees with their organic coconut water. I still call it coconut juice, as that was what it was called before it became the health food darling it deservedly became. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=eOC8IS0qOJAF10pLmF-00w Stella Rosa had a bevy of bottle wine to sample. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=RL5YSzBde2SSq7B9WG_nPQ https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=CrgKJ-b_cEWIj-iVDEC5Pg Mighty Swell freely poured their mango & grapefruit sparkling cocktails. I tried the mango, and it had the perfect amount of sweetness. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=hM_sNA306og6MXtN-FWFqg Angel City Brewery & Cismontane Brewing Co. each had a pair of beers to guzzle. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=Kvj9lxgqQoQDndAISYpBZg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=dpCRQDgjK4M6rRnA1nCrlg The Suja organic drinks were my favorite libations, as they served 2 drinking vinegars & 3 probiotic beverages. I took quite a few home ;p https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=7VpbvyRwFNX0MP9Jx5bwRw Ritter's Steam Kettle Cooking Santa Ana had a rough go most of the day, as their Sterno cans weren't heating their pan roast & New England clam chowder. I did manage to avail myself of their vaunted pan roast on a couple of occasions, but the chowder still wasn't ready when I left halfway through the festivities. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=NYIxEEEynR5dpT-raeKxRg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=OikddYgNJcjGRm0EzhO8pg We're Blessed Catering took the food crown, with their chicken pasta, gumbo & whiskey-glazed bread pudding. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=dkQvCoNMA2HGODffowjfIA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=Subiiw93SU1wI7eA2FSjNQ https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=Vcc87wgPD0C2RKN-dgsOJQ Other food included jambalaya, salad, apple pie & peach blueberry pie. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=bt_I0sIRL-P23VXUrkyouw I didn't bring my dancing shoes, but I lit the floor up dancing the afternoon away. Karen instructed the brave enough on how to do such dances as the "Butt Thang". Between classes, 2 bands played traditional zydeco music. Getting bored with "Electric Slide" again & again, I started doing several line dances, which some were quick to follow. I also 2-stepped & waltzed with a few lovely ladies, dazzling them with my twinkle toes ;p https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=SWqRvN95ZI4yV-ikKPsusg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=eYgVu5d8le7p5sVvkj2EzQ Being the inaugural event, the OC Cajun Food & Music Celebration could work to improve upon this year's outing with much more vendors. Those that were present did, however, serve up hearty & delicious food & drink (with Ritter's having a hiccup or 2). Myself, I had a great time because I danced myself silly. I brought home a ton of Coco Community organic coconut water & Suja organic drinks. And, keeping in mind how proceeds benefit the Community Action Partnership of Orange County & the OC Food Bank, the OC Cajun Food & Music Celebration made for an entertaining Saturday afternoon/evening. Recommend!