Travel Costa Mesa Blog
Costa Mesa: A Symphony of Creativity Blooms in the City of Arts®
Step into Costa Mesa, where October marks the vibrant celebration of Art Month—a clear testament to the city’s abundant cultural richness and its rightful title as the City of the Arts®. In this story, we’ll dive into the fascinating history that earned Costa Mesa this title, explore the city’s iconic murals, showcase the performing arts venues, and revel in the delectable fusion of art and food.
Costa Mesa’s Artful Roots: A Glimpse into History
– Photo by @robdavisre
Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Costa Mesa boasts a history as colorful as its artistic offerings. Originally an agricultural haven, the city evolved into a hub for creativity, with each chapter of its history contributing to the vibrant arts community we see today.
Why City of the Arts®?
Costa Mesa boasts its renowned title due to its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic expression. The city’s dedication to the arts is exemplified by its live entertainment theaters, public art installations, and diverse array of artistic culinary food that attracts residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in creativity.
OCMA’s Majestic Celebration: One Year of Artistic Brilliance
October marks the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Orange County Museum of Art’s (OCMA) new building! This architectural gem is free to enter and stands as a beacon for art enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking showcase of contemporary works that echo the city’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
Mural Magic: A Stroll Through Costa Mesa’s Outdoor Gallery
Embark on a visual journey through Costa Mesa’s streets adorned with striking murals. Admire the work of renowned artists like Shepard Fairey, whose iconic pieces add a touch of urban sophistication. Celebrate the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant with a mural that captures the spirit of a true legend. Be captivated by the whimsical and enchanting CostAmazing murals that grace the city’s walls, turning every street into a canvas of creativity.
Performing Arts Extravaganza: Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Indulge in the performing arts at the world-renowned Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The center’s majestic venues, including Segerstrom Hall and Samueli Theater, play host to an array of captivating performances, from Tony-Award winning Broadway shows to classical symphonies, enriching the cultural landscape of Costa Mesa.
Self-Guided Art Walk: Unleash Your Inner Explorer
Embark on a self-guided art walk through Costa Mesa’s enchanting neighborhoods. Enjoy a free audio tour while discovering hidden gems and 20+ public art installations that showcase the talents of local and international artists. Let the streets be your canvas as you immerse yourself in the city’s ever-evolving artistic spirit.
Harmonies Under the Stars: Pacific Amphitheater
Enjoy the sweet melodies of outdoor concerts at Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheater. Surrounded by the OC Fairgrounds, music enthusiasts can bask in the magic of live performances under the stars, creating unforgettable memories amidst the city’s artistic embrace.
The Art of Food: A Feast for the Senses
Costa Mesa is not just a haven for visual and performing arts; it’s a culinary canvas that showcases the art of food. Take an Eatcation® as you immerse your taste buds in a symphony of world cuisines, with award-winning restaurants offering a gastronomic journey that mirrors the city’s commitment to excellence in all its forms.
The City of the Arts® invites you to join the celebration of Art Month this October! Whether you’re admiring murals, attending a performance, indulging in culinary delights, or simply exploring the city’s artistic nooks, Costa Mesa promises a symphony of creativity that will leave an incredible mark on your soul. Come and be a part of this artistic hub, where every street, every mural, and every note of music tells a story of a city that truly lives and breathes the arts.
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Posted in Misc, Music & Art
Broadway Shows and Concerts Coming to Costa Mesa
Indoor performances return to Orange County this fall with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts 2021-2022 season! Broadway shows and popular series – Cabaret, Jazz, and Chamber Music – are back with headliners and exciting productions. Whether you’re visiting Costa Mesa for a quick getaway or an extended stay, you’ll find a performance in the City of the Arts®. While you’re planning your visit, check out our hotel deals page.
All major Orange County arts organizations, including Segerstrom Center for the Arts, require ticket holders to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask while inside the venues.
Arts Orange County
Fall Concerts
Laura Benanti – September 23
Broadway fans will be excited that Laura Benanti, Tony Award® winner for her role in Gypsy, makes her Cabaret series debut. Her other Broadway credits include My Fair Lady and Into the Woods. Benanti has also been featured in television shows such as Younger and the reboot of Gossip Girl.
Cecile McLorin Salvant & Sullivan Fortner – September 26
Dazzling jazz vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant returns to Segerstrom Center of the Arts with celebrated jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner in Jazz series delight. The duo won a Grammy award for their collaboration, The Window, in 2020.
Kristin Chenoweth – October 2
The one-and-only Kirstin Chenoweth returns to the Center to showcase her new album, For the Girls, a tribute to some of her favorite female singers. Songs include hits from Dolly Parton, Dinah Washington, Barbra Streisand, Leslie Gore, Linda Ronstadt and more.
BalletX – October 16
Renowned company BalletX makes their Segerstrom Center for the Arts debut this fall. The innovative and diverse company celebrates their 15th anniversary this year. They’ve been named “among America’s best” by The New York Times.
Megan Hilty – October 21
Actress and singer Megan Hilty returns to the Cabaret series this October. Hilty starred as Ivy Lynn on NBC’s Smash, as well as in Wicked, 9 to 5 and Noises Off on Broadway. Her powerhouse vocals are sure to make for an entertaining evening.
Duets – October 22
Jazz lovers won’t want to miss a memorable evening of piano duets with three Grammy award-winning jazz greats. Dianne Reeves brings her immense repertoire and vocals, joining influential Afro-Cuban jazz pianist-composer-arranger Chucho Valdés and legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano.
Jesus Christ Superstar – November 9
Jesus Christ Superstar marks the return of Broadway to Orange County. Called an “an adrenaline-pumping production” by The New York Times, this production reinvents the iconic Billboard award-winning score. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
Postmodern Jukebox – November 18
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox puts a classical twist on modern hits. The ensemble of singers and musicians brings their thrilling live show to Costa Mesa as part of The Grand Reopening Tour. (Fans of the Bridgerton score will definitely want to check this concert out!)
Parsons Dance Company – November 20
Internationally acclaimed Parsons Dance Company makes their Segerstrom Center for the Arts debut this November. Their athletic style, exuberant performances and innovative choreography make Parsons Dance one of the leading modern/contemporary dance companies.
Upcoming Broadway Shows
My Fair Lady
The Broadway series kicks off in January with My Fair Lady January 11-23. The new production from director Bartlett Sher features classic songs such as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “The Rain in Spain” from Lerner and Loewe. Join Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins in this retelling of Pygmalion.
Wicked
Broadway blockbuster Wicked returns to February 9 – March 6. Travel to the land of Oz for the story of what happens before Dorothy drops in. Wicked has won more than 100 international awards. Music by Stephen Schwartz includes “Popular,” “For Good” and “Defying Gravity.”
Segerstrom Center for the Arts series tickets, including Broadway shows, Cabaret, Jazz and more, can be found here. For a full listing of events in Costa Mesa, visit our calendar.
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Posted in Events, Music & Art, Play
Jersey Boys at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The sound of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons changed pop music in the ‘60s. Their story and music inspired one of the most popular Broadway shows of all time – Jersey Boys. Oh what a night it will be tonight when Valli and The Four Seasons’ story comes to life on stage as Jersey Boy opens at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The show stars Nicolas Dromard as Tommy DeVito, Hayden Milanes as Frankie Valli, Quinn VanAntwerp as Bob Gaudio and Adam Zelasko as Nick Massi.
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Posted in Music & Art
Movie Mondays Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Each summer, Segerstrom Center for the Arts hosts free movie Mondays on the Arts Plaza. Some of the most iconic and beloved films of all time are projected onto a large screen on the side of Segerstrom Hall. Since its inception, Movie Mondays and Segerstrom Center for the Arts has been a popular Costa Mesa event, drawing hundreds, sometimes even thousands of movie fans to SCFTA. This summer’s lineup features five fun films.
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Posted in Events
Arts Teach at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Yesterday, hundreds of teachers, school administrators, PTA members, community partners, non-profit organizations and more were in attendance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for the annual Arts Teach program.
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Posted in Music & Art
