Non-government Events

Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State. Please support private enterprise and non-profit groups.

Big Bucks Bingo, Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m. early bird and 6:45 p.m. regular games, Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, Marguerite and La Paz, Mission Viejo, 949-830-3557. 
http://www.mvelks.com/

Halloween Kids Boo Cruise at Dana Wharf Sportfishing, Fri., Oct. 25, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., every 20 minutes. All proceeds benefit Us Too Gymnastics and Community Autism NOW. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, (949) 496-5794, http://www.danawharf.com/cruises.html

Soka University, Halloween Fair and Haunted House, Fri.-Sat., Oct. 25-26, 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Recreation Center. Italian Opera Festival, Fri.-Sun., Oct. 25-27, includes “A Night in Venice,” “Viva Verdi,” and “Baroque Passion.” Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4278, http://www.performingarts.soka.edu

Orange County Chocolate Festival, Sat., Oct. 26, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This year’s event benefits the Orange County Food Bank. Hyatt Regency Orange County, 11999 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, (949) 514-9278, (714) 916-4079, info@ocChocolateFestival.com , http://occhocolatefestival.eventbrite.com/

Fall Fest hosted by Compass Bible Church, Thurs., Oct. 31, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., free, family-oriented event, costumes are encouraged (no scary ones, please), Compass Bible Church, 150 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, http://fallfest.publishpath.com/

The Laguna Playhouse presents Noel Coward’s “Fallen Angels,” through Nov. 3, 606 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, http://purchase.lagunaplayhouse.com/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=3576

Mount of Olives Church, Sun., Nov. 3, (first Sunday of each month) bring food for the SHARE Food Drive, http://moochurch.org/share . Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 837-7467, http://www.moochurch.org/

Concordia University’s Studio Theatre presents “Falling,” Fri.-Sat., Nov. 8-9, 7:30 p.m., drama about a family raising an autistic teenager, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, (949) 854-8002, http://www.cui.edu/AcademicPrograms/Undergraduate/Music/tabid/302/ctl/Details/Mid/2322/It emID/161/Default.aspx

St. Kilian’s Recycling Drive, Sat., Nov. 16, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, held on the third Saturday of each month. Organized by Knights of Columbus; acceptable items include aluminum, paper and plastic. No glass or cardboard. Lower parking lot, 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, (949) 472-1249, http://www.stkilianchurch.org

La Vida Drum Circle, Sun., Nov. 17, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., group meets on the evening of every full moon (Nov. 17, Dec. 17, Jan. 16, Feb. 15, etc.). Drummers should bring their drums. Firewood is appreciated for the bonfire, Aliso Beach, Aliso and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 275-7544, http://www.lavidalaguna.com/things-we-dig/