Thank you Yelp and my Elite buddy Angie for this fun VIP experience. The Great Wine Festival May…read more21, 2016 from 2-5pm was an enjoyable experience for me. I think I may have had a better time than many of the other patrons because Yelp VIP we're able to enter the event at 1:00pm, an hour earlier than the general public and our tickets were free not $100 each like others paid. Parking at OC Great Park, Hangar 224 was very easy to find and free of charge. Once we checked in we were given a HUGE gift bag to fill up with swag and were also given a nice engraved wine glass . I think my friend wanted to strangle me because I kept bumping her with the cumbersome bag. There was not too many goodies to put in there. I got a couple pamphlets, wine book, business cards, a keychain , pin, sticker , and one beer can holder. I checked into Yelp and got a complimentary wine corkscrew . All of this could have fit in my purse, but the thought was there and I'm appreciative. Sip and savor was the events theme. There was live music and all inclusive wine, beer, spirits, and food. Half of the event was inside the hangar and the other half was under white tents outside. Since Angie and I were able to enter the event an hour early , we were able to take our time and visit all the booths before the insane crowds came. We were done after an hour and change because it was so crowded and there was still a line to get in. My favorite wine at this event was the OneHope merlot. Ludlow had some awesome jelly shots (I had 2 lemon drops). Tatratea had some awesome mixed drinks and for an additional $5 we got these cool copper mugs filled to the brim with fresh berries and mint with a mojito type drink inside. There was a lot of IPA type beers but I did not try any of those. Fiji water provided nice small water bottles for everyone to hydrate . There was not much food to sample here, but since we were early we got to try everything. Brio provided a small plate of pasta and mozzarella & tomato skewers. Shuck oyster bar gave everyone a little cup of clam chowder ( very good ) . Trader Joes gave out a packet of granola mix. I don't recall all the names of the vendors but there was also chocolate , cheeses, bread, crackers galore, pulled pork in martini glasses , carrot cake, chocolate cake , tarts, ice cream, pastries, and a booth that had olive oils and balsamic vinegar. On our first round we found a table no problem, and enjoyed our treats and drinks while listening to the live music. There were very few tables and seats, so when we came back to the table area we were lucky to to share a table with a nice couple. After round three there were no open tables or seats at all. By this time it was 2:00pm and the general ticket holders were coming in. It is very hard to eat and drink while holding a huge gift bag, purse, wine glass, and mug of TatraTea. We decided to call it a day when it was getting claustrophobic 15 minutes later. Intoxicated people , warm weather , crowds, and big bags bumping into everyone was a little much. I feel bad for the people that came later. I hear the food ran out and seating was even worse. If I had paid $100 for my ticket I would have been pissed. Thank you again Yelp. I had a lovely time with my friend , nice music, good food , and plenty of wine. I'm pleased as punch.

Super fun event and a great way to send an afternoon!…read more The live band was pretty cool to have, nothing more fun than getting drunk and then dancing your rear off pretending like no one is watching. My friend invited me to be his +1 to this event and we were able to come early during the VIP hour before it got really crowded. There were a gazillion wine vendors and the pours were very generous. There was an inner area and an outdoor area with shaded seating. There was also a few food vendors that had some delicious bites to offer. It was such a gorgeous day and the wine was definitely overflowing. Got to meet some cool folks with the Legal Aid of OC and talked to some of the winery staff. Nice event!

My Girlfriend Julie & I Are Having Fun Time At Rodeo. I Love Horses So Much At Rodeo.read more

Yee haw I went with friends down south county to check out the RMV rodeo had a pretty damn good…read moretime and even saw a couple of my fellow hometown rodeo nuts doing some badass bull riding. My only complaint was that the beer line was way too freaking long and the price for a sip of the suds was way too high. But if you're on the cougar hunt RMV is the place you need to be there are more 40+ something single women and divorcees there than anywhere else on the planet! Our game finished up the rodeo with the catered barbecue event at a friends house had a great time and can't wait to go back again next year.

We found out about the event through friends on Facebook. There were a total of 8 of us. We…read morepreordered our tickets so only paid 10. It was well worth the price, especially with the goody bag. There were lots of food choices, ranging from $2-$10. We loved the cavery and the loco taco. In addition to food booths there were T-shirt booths, a spice booth, chiropractor booths and a natural soap booth. My husband went to some of the seminars and especially liked Nicks. There was beer and wine, of course not paleo, but good. We stayed 4 hours and hung out with family and friends. We will definitely do it again!

I heard about this food event, Taste of Paleo, from my crossfit gym. It sounded intriguing:" Taste…read moreof Paleo is the first ever paleolithic (aka Caveman diet) food tasting festival of its kind, providing an environment in which members of the paleo community come together to celebrate the paleo lifestyle and enjoy an event like no other." I was excited to attend because of the "sampling tasty paleo creations" that I have yet to discover and the food competition between the chefs. In addition, the event also featured speakers that spoke on topics like "keeping it paleo without recipes" and "stress." I liked learning more about paleo from the knowledgable speakers. If the purpose of the event is to educate people about paleo lifestyle, then I think it achieved that. However, this event publicized itself as a food event where people can walk from booth to booth, "sampling tasty paleo creations." It unfortunately fell short of that. The event had limited food vendors that offered samples. In addition, it costs $15 to attend, which is hefty for what it offered--limited food vendors and not so tasty food. The booths that sold food and were part of food competition were okay. The food from the booths did not blow me away. It was a good first attempt. The idea of having a food festival for paleo lovers is great, but there are areas for improvements that the organizers need to work on for the next one.

Definitely pre-purchase your tickets online instead of buying them in person! Saves you some time…read moresince the pre-purchase ticket line was much shorter and I believe slightly cheaper. There's a little bit of everything here for pet owners, but definitely a huge must for reptile owners since they had 2 entire event halls for these cold blooded friends. Everything you could possibly imagine or need if you are a reptile owner including food (fresh insects and frozen rats), equipment and supplies, enrichment, merchandise for humans, and of course the animals themselves. Large variety and different patterns, colors, etc. I'm sure someone who is an avid reptile fan would love going to see what they have here since there was definitely an abundance of lizards, geckos, and snakes. There was also a decent amount of frogs for the amphibian folk out there. In this hall, they also had a Galapagos tortoise conservation foundation and it was the first time I got to see such small, younger ones up close that was not at a zoo and another sanctuary who had a monitor lizard, monkeys, and a caiman. Neat! As for the other pets there are some cats to adopt, a good amount of dogs, one foundation that was adopting out bunnies, and some vendors who were selling rodents and birds (smaller amount). There was a decent amount of supplies and merchandise for these pets too, just not substantially so. There was also a monkey show at this event which was a really big highlight as there was a huge audience watching. Some of the monkeys were retired celebrities and the show itself is pretty funny. Probably the first time I've seen a baboon be part of one these animal shows too. Overall a decent way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Really really bad. It was canceled and no motivation in Facebook. Many people arrived and left…read more Included me and my friends. Just awful experience

3.5 stars Born on…read morethe Bayou, living on pension in the OC The inaugural OC Cajun Food & Music Celebration popped off at Field D of the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sports Complex at Mile Square Park. I was fortuitous enough to score some tickets, so I was game for participating in the first time ever event. The Celebration benefitted Community Action Partnership of Orange County & the OC Food Bank. 2 worthy charitable organizations whom are always in need of sought after funding. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=-ttxot3njefNxa4axPdxhA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=qGNxHSepQnkCZ85ddJ3TiQ There were games a-plenty to keep the young & old alike amused, with cornhole, Jenga and the like. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=8lMKPk9UMDVlKFgxALXz4Q https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=wN0wozqoo92ffOo4dtXG7Q Surprisingly, there were only a scant amount of vendors participating- Coco Community refreshed attendees with their organic coconut water. I still call it coconut juice, as that was what it was called before it became the health food darling it deservedly became. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=eOC8IS0qOJAF10pLmF-00w Stella Rosa had a bevy of bottle wine to sample. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=RL5YSzBde2SSq7B9WG_nPQ https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=CrgKJ-b_cEWIj-iVDEC5Pg Mighty Swell freely poured their mango & grapefruit sparkling cocktails. I tried the mango, and it had the perfect amount of sweetness. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=hM_sNA306og6MXtN-FWFqg Angel City Brewery & Cismontane Brewing Co. each had a pair of beers to guzzle. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=Kvj9lxgqQoQDndAISYpBZg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=dpCRQDgjK4M6rRnA1nCrlg The Suja organic drinks were my favorite libations, as they served 2 drinking vinegars & 3 probiotic beverages. I took quite a few home ;p https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=7VpbvyRwFNX0MP9Jx5bwRw Ritter's Steam Kettle Cooking Santa Ana had a rough go most of the day, as their Sterno cans weren't heating their pan roast & New England clam chowder. I did manage to avail myself of their vaunted pan roast on a couple of occasions, but the chowder still wasn't ready when I left halfway through the festivities. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=NYIxEEEynR5dpT-raeKxRg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=OikddYgNJcjGRm0EzhO8pg We're Blessed Catering took the food crown, with their chicken pasta, gumbo & whiskey-glazed bread pudding. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=dkQvCoNMA2HGODffowjfIA https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=Subiiw93SU1wI7eA2FSjNQ https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=Vcc87wgPD0C2RKN-dgsOJQ Other food included jambalaya, salad, apple pie & peach blueberry pie. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=bt_I0sIRL-P23VXUrkyouw I didn't bring my dancing shoes, but I lit the floor up dancing the afternoon away. Karen instructed the brave enough on how to do such dances as the "Butt Thang". Between classes, 2 bands played traditional zydeco music. Getting bored with "Electric Slide" again & again, I started doing several line dances, which some were quick to follow. I also 2-stepped & waltzed with a few lovely ladies, dazzling them with my twinkle toes ;p https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=SWqRvN95ZI4yV-ikKPsusg https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/oc-cajun-food-and-music-celebration-fountain-valley?select=eYgVu5d8le7p5sVvkj2EzQ Being the inaugural event, the OC Cajun Food & Music Celebration could work to improve upon this year's outing with much more vendors. Those that were present did, however, serve up hearty & delicious food & drink (with Ritter's having a hiccup or 2). Myself, I had a great time because I danced myself silly. I brought home a ton of Coco Community organic coconut water & Suja organic drinks. And, keeping in mind how proceeds benefit the Community Action Partnership of Orange County & the OC Food Bank, the OC Cajun Food & Music Celebration made for an entertaining Saturday afternoon/evening. Recommend!

New location, parking and traffic a nightmare..but once you get there it was fun to see all the…read moredogs and merch. Beautiful day for the festival.

4.4 stars This was…read morethe first Weinerfest I attended and Teddy and I both loved the event. True to Dachshund nature, everyone was very excited and barky, but I wouldn't be attending this event if I didn't love the weiner dogs! Majority of the dogs are friendly and the vendors are friendly & varied. There were a lot of vendors selling freeze-dried and dehydrated dog treats at varying price points. Other vendors sold dog accessories like dog-carrying backpacks, dog beds, dog crates, bandanas and clothes. I had a good time and there was enough to see for about 1.5 hrs. It's pretty well-organized with plenty of portapotties and outdoor sinks to wash hands. Parking, though, will always be an issue in HB. Street parking is $3.50 per hour if you can find a spot. The beach started to get hot around 11am, so I highly recommend SPF and water bottles. Because it was getting hot, I didn't stay for the other events, but I'll be back next year for it!

2026 fireworks show was so rad and they did an amazing job safely exploding beautiful arrays of…read morenoisy starbursts and hearts. I'm happy I had a rooftop view of all 3 shows tonight 7/4/26 from a rooftop in Dana Point drinking champagne! I forgot how much I love the excitement of July 4th! So much fun

I was surprised at how poorly organized this was. But somehow the masses of people kept their…read moresanity. And knowing parking is hell down there, and the hills are so killer..Why did the city not run free shuttles and bus folks in and out? Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and other cities with parking issues do it. As for the fireworks show, it was advertised on the city website going from 9-10 pm. Instead it started at 9:02 and ended at 9:22..exactly 20 minutes long, which is on the short side. They only had a few big boomers and let them off fairly slow. It added some fun to the experience watching from our blanket 10 feet from the incoming tide. But I would have liked live music, more activities for the kids. It was a lot of work and hassle getting in and out and I don't think it was worth it. We likely won't be back, since there are much better celebrations nearby.

This was my first time at this event but I was pleased to see that it was their 10th Anniversary…read moremixer in Orange County. The site was easy enough to find since it was held at the all-familiar OC Event Center. Parking was ample and quick with the attendants collecting the $5 fee and directing to appropriate places. Large balloons definitely showed the way to the check-in, another easy process. We got in without a hitch and were handed large tote bags full of informational goodies including a directory and map of the event which took up two hangars. Because we weren't there for sniping out particular companies, we neglected to look at the map (except for checking out where Yelp was located) and just proceeded inside to go in whichever direction we wanted. So much hubbub! Plenty of businesses inside were doing giveaways in exchange for business cards. Nothing wrong with that - it's a great tactic to collecting email addresses after all. I entered a few that seemed tempting. There were also lots of freebies and information to be collected. I noticed a huge presence of Chambers of Commerce; just about every OC one seemed represented there. That was fine and dandy in general but a bit targeted. It was definitely very expo-like (what more do you expect of the "Largest Mixer"?) with just a bit of food vendors inside giving out samples. Most people were very friendly, and it looks like a good place for budding businesses to show off their wares. I enjoyed myself there by meeting everyone though I'm hesitant to think that they remembered everyone! It was also a little strange because as friendly as many were, the business of the event was for both the vendors and the attendees to "sell" themselves to each other. Talk about mental pressure to make that sale! Luckily for me, I was just there to say hi =]. I'd definitely come back again to see what other types of exhibitors will be there in following years.

It's a great opportunity if you are either a business owner or a professional. There is a great…read morechance to meet people with similar interests, find business ideas and connect with owners or promoters. There is also a "speed connection" event that happens every hour or so, but you can just go from booth to booth and look for potential opportunities for business or just to connect. They sell beer and other drinks and some snacks, but there will be food samples around too. For only $10 it's totally worth it, you can finish it in a half an hour or you can spend all night here, depending on how productive this is for you. It's pretty well organized , except the long line for online tickets holders. If you buy tickets on the spot you get to walk right in, but they'll probably address this in the future.