1. Plein-air exhibit
Visit UC Irvine for an outdoor art experience at the “Plein-Air en Plein Air” exhibit, featuring iconic California landscape paintings projected onto the exterior surfaces of the School of Social Sciences complex. 7 p.m. April 12-midnight April 14 (reception: 7-9 p.m. April 12), imca.uci.edu.
2. Farm-to-table cookout
Spend a few hours at Tanaka Farms harvesting vegetables and enjoying a true farm-to-table meal. The menu will include fire-grilled chicken or tofu, grilled vegetables, kale and strawberry salad and fresh fruit for dessert. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 13, tanakafarms.com.
3. Irvine Improv: Julie Kim
Julie Kim, one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians who was included on Vibe’s list of Power 60: Inspiring Asian-Canadians of Influence in 2023, will take the Irvine Improv stage. She recently toured across North America, doing 40 shows with Ronny Chieng. 7 p.m. April 21, improv.com/irvine.
4. Toddler Storytime
Enjoy stories, songs and activities for toddlers ages 1-3 and their caregivers. The weekly Toddler Storytime is free. No registration required. University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way, 10:30-11 a.m. April 15, ocpl.libcal.com.
5. Dance the night away
Don some headphones and get ready to dance your way through spring at Irvine Spectrum Center’s Silent Disco Series. The event is free. Giant Wheel Lawn, 6-9 p.m. April 27, irvinespectrumcenter.com.
6. Jazz in the Palm Court
Listen to live jazz music inspired by the echoes of the cultural diversity represented in “Natural Language: Contemporary Book Art” on view at the Great Park Gallery. Bring folding chairs and blankets for this free event. Great Park Palm Court, 1-3 p.m. April 20, yourgreatpark.org/arts.
7. Irvine Improv: Carlos Mencia
Carlos Mencia, who will reprise his role as Felix Boulevardez in Disney+’s “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” and starred opposite Ben Stiller and Michelle Monaghan in “The Heartbreak Kid,” will make a stop at Irvine Improv. April 26-28, improv.com/irvine.
8. Dance festival
Celebrate the wide variety of California dance at CA DANCES, a statewide dance festival co-produced by the Irvine Valley College Dance Department. Live performances and dance films capture the richness of dance in the state, from traditional to innovative forms. IVC Performing Arts Center,
6 p.m. April 20, ivc.edu/pac.
9. High school art exhibition
See the best high school student artworks, including photography, drawing, painting, ceramics and mixed media, at the 2024 High School Art Exhibition. City Hall, April 8-May 24, cityofirvine.org/artatcityhall.
10. Pro soccer matches
The Orange County Soccer Club, the highest-tier professional soccer team in the county, will host Sacramento Republic FC on April 20 and Monterey Bay FC on April 27 at the Great Park. The OC club won its first USL Championship Cup in 2021. Championship Soccer Stadium, orangecountysoccer.com.
