Irvine Arts, Attractions and Entertainment

Bren Events Center

100 Bren Events Center, Irvine
(949) 824-5000, www.bren.uci.edu
An elegantly designed, modern arena on the campus of the University of California, Irvine, the Bren Events Center provides an exciting and prestigious location in Orange County for a full array of musical, performance, exhibition, sporting, and other public events.

Farmers’ Market

Irvine University Shopping Center
Corner of Bridge and Campus
Hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free parking and admission.

Irvine Barclay Theatre

4242 Campus Dr., Irvine
(949) 854-4646, www.thebarclay.org
Located on the University of California-Irvine campus, the Irvine Barclay Theatre puts on an eclectic mix of performing arts, a mix of experimental fare and more traditional performers, as well as lectures by UCI professors and researchers and student dance and music recitals.

Irvine Fine Arts Center

14321 Yale Avenue, Irvine
(949) 724-6880, www.IrvineFineArts.org
Irvine Fine Arts Center is host to various monthly exhibits that display the artwork and photography of contemporary artists. The center offers numerous art classes as well, including painting, drawing, photography and ceramics.

Irvine Market Place

I-5 at Jamboree Rd., Irvine
(714) 730-4124, www.shopthemarketplace.com
With major retailer, a variety of restaurants, and a movie theater complex, this shopping center has it all. The Market Place offers something for everyone, with over 120 stores offering a wide range of home, apparel, dining and entertainment.

The Irvine Museum

18881 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine
(949) 476-2565 / (949) 476-0294, www.irvinemuseum.org
Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tue-Sat
The museum specializes in Californian Impressionist paintings from 1890 to 1930. Along with preserving some of the best art from the era, the museum is also dedicated to educating the public about the state of the environment in California. The museum has taken particular interest in collecting or exhibiting art that portrays the landscape of Southern California as it was during the Impressionist era.

Irvine Ranch Historical Park

13042 Old Myford Rd., Irvine
(949) 923-2230, www.ocparks.com
The Irvine Ranch Historic Park contains a unique assemblage of buildings reflecting the history of The Irvine Ranch. The park site includes the Ranch’s headquarters building, the James Irvine II Home, which houses the Katie Wheeler Branch Library of the Orange County Public Library, and numerous barns and other residential buildings.

Irvine Spectrum Center

71 Fortune Drive, Irvine
(949) 753-5180, www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com
An enjoyable experience for the entire family, the Spectrum features a Giant Wheel carousel over 100 ft tall, water fountains, one of the largest movie theaters in America, and a multitude of outdoor specialty boutiques and restaurants.

Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center

5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine
Box Office: (949) 451-5333, www.ivcarts.org
A beautiful, state-of-the-art performing arts venue featuring dance, music and theatre programs offered by Irvine Valley College and visiting artists.

Santa Ana - A Place for Arts

www.aplaceforart.org
Find the latest information on the Galleries, Studios, Museums, Theaters, Education and Restaurants.

UCI Beall Center for Art + Technology

712 Arts Plaza, UCI
(949) 824-4339, beallcenter.uci.edu
Hours: 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Tue-Wed; 12 p.m.-8 p.m., Thur-Sat
UCI’s high-tech gallery focuses on video and interactive art exhibitions by artists from around the world. Free admission.

University Art Gallery, UC Irvine

712 Arts Plaza, Irvine, (949) 824-6206
studioart.arts.uci.edu/gallery/
Hours: 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Tue-Sat
Gallery on the campus of UC Irvine showcasing student and community exhibits during the school year. Free admission.

Cinemas

Starplex Cinemas - Woodbridge Dollar Movies 5
4626 Barranca Pkwy., Irvine
(949) 733-0980

Edwards Westpark 8 Cinema
3735 Alton Parkway, Irvine
(949) 622-8609

Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 & IMAX
65 Fortune Drive, Irvine
(949) 450-4920

Edwards Marketplace Stadium 10
13782 Jamboree Road, Irvine
(714) 505-1126

Edwards University Town Center 6 
4245 Campus Drive, Irvine
(949) 854-8818

Golf

Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course
1 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine
(949) 451-0840, www.americangolf.com
Located in the heart of Irvine, Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course is a players course appeals to golfers of all levels. The course features three different lakes as a back drop and it is also the home of some of South Orange County’s finest and most challenging greens.

Strawberry Farms Golf Club
11 Strawberry Farms Road, Irvine
(949) 551-1811, www.sf-golf.com
The par-71, 6,700 yard course is set amid canyons and wetlands, the 18-hole course offers picturesque vistas across the 35-acre reservoir, large rolling greens surrounded by wildlife and natural vegetation and scenic hills studded with granite boulders and natural waterfalls.

Oak Creek Golf Club
1 Golf Club Drive, Irvine
(949) 653-7300, www.oakcreekgolfclub.com
Named after the beautiful creek that runs through it, Oak Creek Golf Club welcomes golfers of all skill levels. Featuring tapered fairways, picturesque greens, beautiful lakes and bull-nose carved bunkers, Oak Creek rewards your senses as it beckons your competitive spirit.

Seasonal Events Calendar

Events and schedule subject to change. Check www.cityofirvine.org for current information.

Spring
April — Great Park Anniversary Celebration
(866) 829-3829 or www.ocgp.org
Each year, the Orange County Great Park reflects and celebrates its past and future vision as the premiere 21st Century metropolitan park in the making.  The anniversary celebration features family-oriented festivities with food, exhibits, and fun activities for visitors of all ages.

Summer

June — Irvine Studio Arts Festival
(949) 724-6880 or www.irvinefinearts.org
More than 100 local and national artisans display original works of art, including ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, textiles, glass and other hand-crafted items.   The Festival showcases live demonstrations and musical performances. All proceeds support the Irvine Fine Arts Center’s special projects and programs.

August/September — Great Park Outdoor Dance/Concert Series
866-829-3829 or www.ocgp.org
Join the summer tradition of music, food, fun and the Great Park Balloon night flights. Great Park guests will be captivated by the music and performances of Flights & Sounds of Summer presented by the Great Park and the Irvine Barclay Theatre. On Friday nights, live bands will perform in front of Hangar 244 where dance instructors will demonstrate a few simple steps to get the crowds hopping. On Saturday nights, the Great Park will be transformed into an arts and culture destination. Performing artists, from an eclectic mix of styles and cultures will entertain guests in the unique setting of the Preview Park.

Fall

October — Irvine Global Village Festival
(949) 724-6606 or www.irvinefestival.org
A favorite annual event for thousands of residents and visitors, this multifaceted festival features international cuisine, live entertainment, a Kids Village, cultural exhibits and demonstrations, and an international marketplace. Festival admission is free. Bill Barber Park is located adjacent to the Irvine Civic Center on Harvard between Barranca and Alton in Irvine. 

October – Great Park Pumpkin Harvest
(866) 829-3829 or www.ocgp.org
Visitors will be able to enjoy time-honored fall activities, including a pumpkin patch, art activites, carnival-style games, candy stations, a costume parade, and refreshments.

Winter

December — Joyful Jingles
(949) 724-6606
A local favorite holiday tradition of uplifting music by regional musicians.  Past performances have featured concert handbells of Concordia University and seasonal holiday choral music by the New Orange County Children’s Choir.  The family-friendly holiday concert will be presented at the Irvine Valley College Performing Arts Center, 5500 Irvine Center Drive.

January – The Great Skate
(866) 829-3829 or www.ocgp.org
Visit historic Hangar 244 to skate on an ice rink with a view of the Great Park Balloon. Family fun with low skate rental fees.  Reservations are recommended.

Special Events

January 8-31, 2010 —
Cirque du Soleil – Kooza 2010
www.cirquedusoleil.com
A limited engagement -- the Cirque du Soleil touring show Kooza will perform at the Orange County Great Park under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top).