1. Dance program at UC Irvine
UCI’s Department of Dance will host its premier annual production, “Dance Visions 2024.” Comprising works by faculty choreographers, the concert presents a diverse program of genres, including performances by the UCI Symphony Orchestra. Irvine Barclay Theatre, Feb. 22-24, arts.uci.edu.
2. Lego Block Party
Enjoy an hour of creativity and building with Lego blocks at this free event. Big blocks are available for the youngest builders, and smaller blocks for the older builders. University Park Library, 3-4 p.m. Fridays, 949-786-4001.
3. Standup comedy
Jeremy Piven, a household name for his Golden Globe- and Emmy Award-winning performance playing the fast-talking, acerbic Hollywood agent Ari Gold in the HBO series “Entourage,” will make a stop at Irvine Improv. Feb. 16 and 17, improv.com/irvine.
4. STEM challenge
Make a fiery snake rise from the ground at the first STEM Challenge of the year at Pretend City Children’s Museum. Explore the science behind the carbon sugar snake. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Feb. 17, pretendcity.org.
5. Earthcache hike
Hike to the East Sinks in Limestone Canyon, location of the Earthcache site – a designated place where you can learn about unique aspects of the Earth – listed on geocaching.com. Preregistration required. 8 a.m.-noon Feb. 17, letsgooutside.org.
6. Native Seed Farm
Looking for a way to give back to nature? Harvest seeds from native plants, plant new seeds in the annual plots, work in the native plant demo garden or tend to younger seedlings at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm. 8-11 a.m. Feb. 21, letsgooutside.org.
7. Improv comic
Laugh out loud as comedian Caitlin Peluffo takes the Irvine Improv stage. Peluffo was featured on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” and was a New Face of Comedy at the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal. 8 p.m. Feb. 22, improv.com/irvine.
8. Irvine Railroad anniversary
Take a ride on the famous Irvine Park Railroad for just $2 per ticket. The discount is part of the railroad’s 28th anniversary celebration, rolling back to its original 1996 prices. Irvine Regional Park, Feb. 24 and 25, irvineparkrailroad.com.
9. Art at City Hall
The city will celebrate the work of the late Paul Gardner, who contributed to the cultural landscape of Irvine by teaching painting at the Irvine Fine Arts Center. “Paul Gardner: A Retrospective” showcases the deep connection Gardner had with his surroundings. Irvine City Hall, through March 22, 949-724-6600.
10. Valentine’s cookout
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a kid-friendly farm-to-table cookout at Tanaka Farms. The cookout includes a special meal of chicken, salad, vegetables and dessert, as well as make-your-own chocolate-dipped strawberries, a tractor-pulled wagon ride and a visit with the barnyard animals. 2-3 p.m. Feb. 11, tanakafarms.com.
