Category: Attractions

It’s almost that time of year again – time for the Orange County Fair. Held every summer at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, this event has something to offer for everyone. In 2007, the dates of operation are July 13th to August 5th. In the past several years, nearly one million people have attended the fair each year.

In addition to the petting zoos, carnival style games, and rides that you will see at just about any fair, the OC Fair also has some additional entertainment. The Fair has had motorcycle jumpers, along with other acts in the past. Although you will deal with crowds and some unfamiliar barn scents, the fair is a good place to bring the kids or a date. If you’re bored easily, you can check out the other entertainment nearby at night within easy walking distance of the fair.

About as equally impressive as the fair is the musical talent attracted to the nearby Pacific Amphitheatre. This year, "Weird Al" Yankovic is scheduled to perform in addition to She Wants Revenge, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Loggins. Of course, the venue is open year round for concerts and other events.

If you happen to be in Orange County, near the Irvine area, take advantage of the Irvine Spectrum Center. Whether it's a night out with family, friends, or a date, the Irvine Spectrum Center offers a plethora of fun and entertaining activities for people of all ages. From movies, children's fashion, adult fashion, restaurants, book stores, beauty stores, to specialty shops, you name it - the center has it all.

For a relaxing time out, enjoy the Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 & IMAX Theatre, which offers one of the best movie going experiences with its recently renovated facilities. Nothing beats watching the latest IMAX movies with stadium seating and updated surround sound systems - all from an eight-story movie screen.

If you want to add a little romance to the event, take your honey on the Spectrum Ferris Wheel. There's no better way to impress your date.

If you're looking for more of a boys or girls night out, Dave and Busters is a must. One can describe it as an adult version of Chucky Cheese. Dave and Busters offers a variety of adult entertainment, including a restaurant, bar, pool tables, and tons of arcade type games. They even have a genes machine, which produces a picture of what your baby will look like. The most exciting part of it is that you can choose your baby's race, regardless of what race you and your partner are. The machine basically takes you and your partner's facial structures and combines them with the chosen race.

If you want to experience a more upbeat evening, party until the late night (well, until about 1:30am anyways) at either Crazy Horse or Yard House, although the latter is a bit less brouhaha-ish. Both bars usually have a $5 cover charge.

Lastly, if you're just looking to get some quality shopping done, enjoy from the numerous stores that the Spectrum has to offer, including Forever 21, H&M, and an array of other eclectic clothing stores.

Whatever kind of entertainment you're looking for, Irvine Spectrum will most likely offer the service. As an outside shopping mall and entertainment center, one can't help but enjoy the experience under a nice sunny day or under a warm, clear night.