Top 10 Things to Do in Anaheim in February 2014

Too many people think that the winter is less fun than the summer. This certainly is not the case in Anaheim. If you are looking for things to do in Anaheim this February, consider this list of eclectic events.

1. Rotary Car Show. Held in San Juan Capistrano, this event has things to do for the whole family. Visitors can peruse 400 antique vehicles, including classic cars and vintage trucks. For a touch of the modern, the show will also showcase some of the hottest cars on the market right now, including a LFA sports coupe from South County Lexus. While the cars are the main attraction, there will be other things to do, including a demo show and activities for kids. Vendors will be on-hand along with fresh tunes from DJ Thumper MacDowell. As always, sales from the show will benefit community causes. This year’s event will be on February 1.

2. Surf City Marathon. Huntington Beach is best known for its surfing, but in February, this beachside oasis hosts the best oceanfront marathon in the country. This marathon takes full advantage of the coast, winding a path by the ocean for spectacular views during the run. With its February date, the weather is quite mild, making it more pleasant for runners and other attendees. Winners can look forward to unique surf board medals. Runners can pick from a full marathon or a half marathon, and everyone is welcome to come cheer on the pack at Surf City USA on February 2.

3. Laguna Beach Music Festival. The Laguna Beach Music Festival is a spectacular collection of musicians, including pianists, string quartets and singers. This year’s schedule includes performers from all across the country and is headlined by Gabriel Kahane, a premier composer and musician. Other performances include classical music from the Linden String Quartet and avant-garde productions from yMusic Ensemble. There will be free events, intimate performances and even a musical feast. Check it out on February 3 through February 9.

4. Laguna Folkdancers Festival. This unique event celebrates the talents of local folk dancers near Anaheim. Attendees can participate in various workshops, where everyone can learn from the experts to improve their dancing or just have a little fun. There are also dance parties, and the performances are always spectacular. This festival attracts the best folk dancers in the region and welcomes groups from around the world. This festival is perfect for anyone with an interest in dance or someone who is simply looking for a new experience in Anaheim. Mark your calendar for February 7 through February 9.

5. Newport Beach Jazz Party. This will be the 14th year for the Newport Beach Jazz Party, and the schedule of performances looks better than ever. Sponsored by the Jazz Cruise, this year’s party will have countless performers, including the Jeff Hamilton Trio, Frank Capp Juggernaut, Byron Stripling & His Big Band and more. There are nightly concerts at the party, and the daytime will feature poolside performances and jazz brunches. The party kicks off on February 13 and lasts through the weekend, concluding on February 16. Tickets are necessary and seating is reserved.

6. Annual Orchid Auction. To start prepping for spring, the Annual Orchid Auction is a great place to start. This event is put on by the Newport Harbor Orchid Society. Guests can not only see the best flowers in Southern California, but they have the opportunity to purchase plants for their personal collections. The auction will be hosted at the Costa Mesa Community Center and is open to the public. The flowers are beautiful, and the prices are competitive, making this a good time for casual visitors and serious buyers. This year’s auction will be on Tuesday, February 16.

7. La Traviata. Anaheim is a long way from the great opera houses in Europe, but there are still ways to experience this expressive form of music. The Pacific Symphony Orchestra is proud to present their performance of La Traviata this coming February. With three performances at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, this production of La Traviata is sure to impress both novices and experienced orchestra goers. The opera is a classic, written by Giuseppe Verdi, and has been performed around the world. There are performances on February 20, 22 and 25.

8. Festival of Fine Arts. One great event in February is the Festival of Fine Arts. This year, over 200 artists are expected to display their work. The entire event is family friendly, and admission is free. The range of art is impressive, including watercolors, photography, ceramics, stained glass, sculpture and more. Guests are invited to appreciate the many talents or to buy a perfect piece to accent their home. Stop by on February 21 through February 23 at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights.

9. Orange County Restaurant Week. Orange County Restaurant Week features the best food and drink in all of Southern California. By participating, guests have the chance to try some of the best restaurants in the area with special menus designed just for this extravaganza. The list of participating restaurants is impressive, including names like Lark Creek, Slapfish and Villa Roma. Participants can select from different menu prices, ensuring that there are options for every budget. To set up reservations for February 23 through March 1, visit their .

10. Gods & Gifts: Vatican Ethnological Collection. Before February is over, make a trip to the Bowers Museum. Among the many things to do is the Gods & Gifts exhibit, which is currently on loan from the Vatican Ethnological Museum. This fascinating collection features a range of objects that reflect artistic and cultural importance from around the world. Most of the collection is still located in the Vatican, but 65 pieces are currently being housed at the Bowers Museum, giving visitors the unprecedented opportunity to experience this slice of culture and history. The Gods & Gifts exhibit will be open until February 9.

Bonus: Four Must-See Events in Southern California

and things to do every day of the year. However, while planning your schedule in 2014, be sure to put the following four must-see events on your calendar.

1. Real Pirates. A trip to the San Diego Natural History Museum is always a good time, but be sure to stop by between February 8 and September 28 this year in order to see Real Pirates. This new exhibit is sponsored by National Geographic and features a whole host of exciting artifacts and information. The display tells the story of the Whydah, a real life slave ship that became a pirate vessel in the Atlantic several centuries ago. The ship’s history has been brilliantly brought to life thanks to a wealth of debris salvaged from the actual wreck in Cape Cod. The display has more than 200 pieces from the ship, including treasure chests, jewelry, weapons and more. There is even a replica of the ship itself, which is accessible for guests to board and explore.

The story of the Whydah explores the real day to day lives of pirates, looking at how they lived and interacted. There is an exciting audio tour to enjoy and plenty of hands-on activities to bring history to life. Tickets must be purchased in order to visit Real Pirates, but admission to the exhibit includes access to the rest of the Natural History Museum. Reservations are encouraged, and group rates are available for parties over 10. Visit the Natural History Museum website for more information or to book your visit.

2. SPY: The Secret World of Espionage. Most people enjoy a good James Bond movie or laugh at the antics of Get Smart. However, beyond the glitz and humor, there is a very real world of espionage. While this world is usually veiled in secrets and mystery, the SPY exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley gives guests a unique glimpse. This distinctive exhibit draws on real life documents from the CIA and FBI, supplementing these sources with other documents from the KGB and the National Reconnaissance Office. This treasure trove of information gives unprecedented insight into the way espionage works, featuring pictures, gadgets and written documents. In particular, the SPY exhibit showcases real life players in the spy world, including heroic spies and traitorous moles. With a visit, it is possible to learn about the ins and outs of the spy game by reading stories about successful spies, outed moles and the real dangerous missions that have helped form the modern world.

The exhibit has a number of interactive opportunities that are well suited for all ages. Visitors can even try unique spy trades like secret writing, voice changing and adopting a disguise. For a little extra fun, there is a life-sized laser maze to test your stealth skills. The SPY exhibit opened on October 30, 2013, and will remain available until March 9 of this year. Visit the Reagan Museum website to learn more.

3. Off Center Festival. There are many performances in Southern California, but for something truly different, the Off Center Festival should be on the calendar. This yearly celebration is at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Unlike other performance festivals, the Off Center Festival features a wide range of unique acts that include everything from storytelling to high octane music. Try the smooth sounds of the Gilbert Castellanos and The New Latin Jazz Quintet on February 1 or consider Die Roten Punkte at the Samueli Theater. Other performers include Edgar Oliver, Phil Soltanoff and Culture Clash. This blend of music, dance, theater and spoken performance is unparalleled, which is why the Off Center Festival continues to attract adventurous spirits from all over Southern California and beyond.

The 2014 festival starts on January 23 and runs through February 2. Tickets are available for one-time events or multiple performances. Please see the SCFTA to buy tickets.

4. Antiques, Decorative Arts and Vintage Show and Sale. This popular event is held three times a year and has been a mainstay of the culture scene for the last 20 years. The show brings together the best dealers in the region, featuring fine antiques and distinctive decorative pieces. This exciting show regularly houses over 90 dealers, each with their own unique collection to share and sell. Some guests come looking for the perfect piece for their home while other visitors simply love to come and relish the displays.

The next show will be held in Santa Barbara on January 24 through January 26. A portion of the proceeds will be used to benefit the CALM Santa Barbara charity. For discounted tickets, feel free to visit the website here.

Hotel Managers Group recommends 2 affordable hotels for your next trip to Anaheim California

• Crowne Plaza Hotel at Commerce Casino-Commerce, CA  www.ihg.com (“The Place to Go” in Southern California)
• Anaheim Express Inn Maingate  www.anainn.com (1 miles, 5 minutes – Walking Distance from Disneyland  )