Fall Things to Do in and Around Costa Mesa

Orange County Beer Fest – Check out 80 different breweries offering more than 175 different brews for your tasting pleasure! It’s a fun event that also supports the Fallen Firefighters Relief Fund. September 12, in Silverado: ocbrewhaha.com

Oktoberfest – In Old World in Huntington Beach, this event has been voted best and most diverse Octoberfest in So Cal. There are live bands, imported German beer, bratwurst, strudel, pretzels, and everything German you could want. They do Saturdays as adult nightouts, and Sundays are family days.

Check out Taco Maria in Costa Mesa’s OC Mix -— It’s one of Jonathan Gold’s 101 best restaurants, and you won’t believe how good these famous $15 tacos are on the homemade tortillas. They also have a full menu, complete with wine pairings. For brunch, chilaquiles with chicken confit and pickled onions; yogurt mousse and granola; and a glass of sangria. You can even sit at the chef’s counter for a pretty cool (and free) cooking show. 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, (714) 538-8444, tacomaria.com.

Cruisin’ for a Cure – The world’s largest one-day car show, right here in Costa Mesa! All proceeds go to find a cure for prostate cancer, so it is truly a great cause. OC Fairgrounds, September 26, 2015: Cruisinforacure.com

Check out the Costa Mesa Scarecrow and Pumpkin Festival, October 17-18 at Fairview Park’s Goathill Junction (train area). Free train rides, face painting, rocketeers, food, fun, and pumpkin picking! More info at the city’s website.

Annual sand castle contest – Corona Del Mar @ Big Corona beach, October 4th, 11 Am – You have got to see these castles- incredible artistry with sand….it will blow your mind. Info for the 54th annual event can be found here.

Pie-Not — It’s an Aussie-style meat and veggie pie shop with Australian coffee. This is a total twist on the American notion of a sandwich, but it is fantastic. You are supposed to eat these pies “just like a sandwich”, but you will probably need a fork :). 270 East 17th Street #17, Costa Mesa, (949) 650-7437, pienot.com. 

The Toshiba Classic – A pro golf event for a cause, Newport Beach County Club, October 26-November 1st, 2015. Proceeds benefit Hoag Hospital Charities – visit their site for info on how to get free tickets.

Ice Rink @ The Spectrum - Wuuuuuutttt? Ice skating in the OC? You’ve got to do it! Where else in the world can you ice skate in 75 degrees? More info on stake times on their site here.

Eat Chow — One of my absolute faves in Costa Mesa. Don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you- this is gourmet comfort food without the pretense. You will find a savory baked goat cheese bread pudding, Fall leaves French quarter cut Creole New York strip steak, and a grilled shrimp po’boy made with marinated Mexican white prawns, lemon remoulade, Cajun beurre rouge, and red pepper aioli slaw on a garlic and Parmesan-crusted French baguette. And the prices are reasonable to boot! 1802 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, (949) 650-2469, eatchownow.com