laguna beach music festival Jan. 17–24. Explores music in film, from classical inspirations to modern masters, with 24 events in just eight days. Call for hours. $15-$35. Various Laguna Beach locations, 800.877.1115 Map H15

Surf city usa marathon Feb. 7. Largest ocean-front running event in California; half-marathon charted through Huntington Beach. Starts in front of Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. 6:50 a.m.
$20-$99. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 888.422.ORUN Map N9

Taste of san juan Feb. 17. The kickoff celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas (Swallows Festival) features more than 20 eateries. 6-9 p.m. $20. El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700 Map I17

Spectacles
kooza Jan. 8–31. A stunning showcase of contortion, high wire, chair-balancing and the “Wheel of Death” in a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil. $45.50-$135. Orange County Great Park, 7000 Trabuco Road, Irvine, 866.829.3829 Map D6

Holidays
Sawdust Winter fantasy Dec. 5–6, 12–13. 170 artists and artisans display wares. Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $3–$6, under 5 free. Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030 Map G15

Dana point harbor boat parade of lights Dec. 11-12, 18-19. Sparkling lights, fun entertainment and lots of holiday cheer with boats decked out for “Santa’s Surfin’ Safari.” 7:30 p.m. Free. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, 949.923.2255 Map J16

newport beach christmas boat parade Dec. 16-20. “The Joys of Christmas Toys” is the theme for annual event featuring decorated boats both large and small. 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, 949.729.4400 Map M14

cruise of lights Dec. 17–23. Narrated boat tour of elaborately decorated homes benefits Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Tours run hourly from 5:30-8:30 p.m. $9-$15. Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach, 714.840.7542 Map C1

holiday on ice Through Feb. 28. Outdoor skating rink for kids of all ages. Irvine Spectrum Center, 111 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.727.7039 Map D5