Retail Therapy: Best things in life are free, discounted
With summer in full swing, amazing free and low-cost events are around every corner. Here are some of my favorites.
All the world’s a stage: Shakespeare by the Sea returns to Newport Beach this weekend with free performances of “The Tempest” at 7 p.m. Saturday and “As You Like It” at 7 p.m. Sunday at Bonita Canyon Sports Park, 1900 Ford Road. Bring a low chair or blanket, clothing layers and a meal or snack. Show up early for the best seating. The show is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Information: shakespearebythesea.org.
Fair warning: The OC Fair, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, opens Friday for a summer of celebrating its 125th anniversary. Here are hints for the best ways to save money (or, more accurately, keep more money available for deep-fried Oreos):
Arrive during the opening hour of the fair, from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, and enjoy free admission and parking.
Also, enjoy $2 fair food samples from noon to 4 p.m. Fridays, as well as $5 admission for seniors, along with free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides all day. Saturday, enjoy $2 rides and $2 games until 4 p.m. Take advantage of $3 general admission from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Get in on free parking and shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Experian parking structure off the Anton Boulevard exit of the 405 Freeway. All weekend, if you take the OC Fair Express bus to the fair, you’ll receive a coupon for $3 general fair admission.
Military members are admitted free for the run of the fair, and the same for kids ages 5 and under. Kids ages 5 to 11 who read at least two books and submit a book report form (available at ocfair.com/readandride) will receive three free carnival rides. Other donation-based admission discounts are planned throughout the run of the fair. Visit ocfair.com for details.
Art escape: Fashion Island begins a new partnership with the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters this Sunday. From noon to 3 p.m., the Bloomingdale’s Courtyard lawn will be filled with art exhibitors, and a living statue from the pageant will be on display. Attendees also will enjoy light bites and sips. The next Summer Art Sunday will be July 26, with a family-focused celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Information: shopfashionisland.com.
(Planning to go to the Festival of Arts this weekend? Stop by the Family Art Day celebration, co-sponsored by the Disneyland Resort, from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday on the festival grounds. The day will feature kids’ art projects and a celebration of Disney animation. Information: LagunaFestivalofArts.org.)
Favorite things: The Pacific Symphony will perform family-friendly classical music (and some highlights from “The Sound of Music”) at its free Symphony in the Cities concerts this weekend. On Saturday, family events begin at 4 p.m. at the Village Green at Oso Viejo Community Park in Mission Viejo, followed by the concert at 7 p.m. On Sunday, family activities and performances by local musicians will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Mike Ward Community Park, 20 Lake Road, Irvine. The Pacific Symphony will perform at 7 p.m. Information: pacificsymphony.org.
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at [email protected].