This is as close to Mars as you are ever going to get. OC Parks is offering a free Astronomy and Stargazing event Saturday at our favorite Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, an architectural gem sheltered from the street at the Upper Newport Bay. Scientists from Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL),creators of America’s first satellite and the first robotic craft to the moon, are giving an update on their latest missions and explorations. And they’re bringing a slightly smaller scale replica of the actual Mars Rover for a close as you’re going to get sense of the Mars mission.
You can stargaze through telescopes, learn from OC astronomers during a star presentation, and view unique Mars imagery in the exhibit hall. It’s a perfect event for the whole family (children’s activities planned throughout the evening). Viewing 7:30 p.m., lecture at 8:15 p.m. Upper Newport Bay. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. 949.923.2275.
Sign up and run in the Irvine Lake Mud Run this Sunday. The race starts at 9 a.m.! The 5K Mud Run includes plenty of mud pits, challenging obstacles, and enough showers to clean up afterward. The event also features a Kid’s Mud Puddles race area, eco fair, concert, food, and beer garden.
Race registration from 7 to 8:45 a.m. “Mud Puddles” Kid’s Race Area is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Octoberfest Beer Garden and food from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Awards ceremony, costumed mud dive competition and concert from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Action Sports & Eco Fair booths from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Irvine Lake Mud Run supports the Scripps Institution of Oceanography efforts in coming up with solutions to help solve the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” issue. Entry fee $40 per person. Kids Mud Puddle race fee $10 (ages 2 to 14). Irvine Lake Park at Santiago Canyon Road in Orange. 714.637.1871.
Dine at your favorite Newport Beach restaurants for “Savor The Flavor” a week-long culinary celebration where you can order bargain three-course prix-fixe lunches and dinners. Newport Beach Restaurant Week runs today through next Thursday. Nearly 75 of the finest Newport Beach restaurants are serving up special menus at $10, $20, $30 or $40.
And the more you dine out, the more you’ll be rewarded. When your bill comes you’ll receive a Gratuity Card worth 20% off food orders redeemable after Restaurant Week ends, and a complimentary bottle of Perrier. Gratuity cards are good Oct. 23 through Nov. 30. And there is no limit to how many Gratuity Cards you can earn. Twenty percent discount offer is good for food order only. Limit one card per person. Gratuity Card promotion not good with any other promotions. Not valid on holidays. Take out orders do not apply. Perrier promotion good while supplies last.
Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling restaurants directly, or, by visiting NewportBeachdining.com. For a complete list of participating restaurants, menus, online reservations or special promotions and parties taking place during Newport Beach Restaurant Week visit: www.NewportBeachDining.com.
The OC Auto Show features the latest and greatest in futuristic concept cars, exotics, alternative fuel and more today through Sunday at the Anaheim Convention Center. Highlights of the show include the Tesla Roadster, an electric car with a range of 200 miles on a single charge; luxury exotics vehicles from both Ferrari and Maserati; the all-new 2010 Lotus Evora (only one in the U.S.); Toyota’s complete line of Hybrids; and futuristic concept cars and pre-production models from Ford, Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Mini Cooper. Tickets cost $10 for adults; kids free. Open noon to 10 p.m. today; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m Anaheim Convention Center 800 West Katella Ave. in Anaheim. 714.765.8950.
La Beauté, a salon, skin care and beauty supply store in Costa Mesa, is offering Greer’s OC readers a special: just mention us and receive 20% off your entire purchase (excludes Kerastase and red tags); and a $25 gift certificate with purchase of $100 or more through Sept. 17. Top name brands available include Redken, Moroccan Oil, Pureology, Alterna, Peter Thomas Roth and Yonka. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 2300 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa. 949.631.5888.
The summer sale is on now through Sept. 1 at Westerly, Corona del Mar’s source for hip designers like Elizabeth and James, Current Elliott, Vena Cava, Patterson J. Kincaid, J. Brand, Chick with Guns and many more. Save 20% off full price merchandise, and with sale merchandise—save 50% off first item, 60% off 2nd item and 70% off third items.. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 2908 East Coast Hwy in Corona del Mar. 949.313.7111
Anaheim Patio at The Market Place is hosting its 12th annual Labor Day Weekend tent Sale Friday through Monday. Save 15 to 75% off dining sets, chaise lounges, umbrellas, bar stools, firepits, seating groups, outdoor entertaining accessories and more. Also choose from select barbeques and fireplace items, as well as one-of-a-kind items and discontinued products. Top brands featured are Brown Jordan, Tropitone, OW Lee, Hanamint, Malin, Summer Classics and others. 13722 Jamboree in Irvine.714.669.9271.715 E. Birch St. in Brea. 714.671.9445. 6811 Warner Ave. in Huntington Beach. 714.894.0382.
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