Darker Waves returns to beachfront
Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins headline a one-day alternative music event at Huntington City Beach this Saturday.
By Lorenzo Marshall ·
The Darker Waves Music Festival returns to Huntington Beach on Saturday.
The one-day event takes place at Huntington City Beach. It features more than 35 artists across three stages. Morrissey and The Smashing Pumpkins serve as the headlining acts. The festival focuses on alternative, new wave, and post-punk genres. General admission tickets start at $259.99.
This event adds to the live music calendar in the area. Coastal Country Jam recently announced its lineup for May 2027. Both events contribute to the region's growing list of major concerts.
Santa Ana is hosting a commemoration for Judge Frances Muñoz on Sunday. The 4th annual Judge Frances Muñoz Poderosa Celebration for Latina Leadership honors the late judge. She was appointed the first Latina trial court judge in the United States in 1978. She served on the bench for 23 years before retiring in 2001. Muñoz died in 2022 at age 92. She continued to assist immigrant families from a small office at St. Joachim Catholic Church in Costa Mesa until her death.
The event includes a 40-minute stage play titled "Si Se Puede!" Actors from Los Angeles' Center Theatre Group will perform the tribute. The play honors Dolores Huerta, an immigrant rights activist who died on Oct. 28. Camilo Romero, co-founder of Regeneración Colombia, organizes the yearly tributes. He knew both women personally. Romero helped create a mural in 2020 featuring Muñoz and Huerta. Muñoz attended the unveiling of that mural. "The power we're talking about can be a gentle, elegant and thoughtful power, which is certainly Frances," Romero said. "Hers is a quiet, sweet power for justice." The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at Latino Health Access in Santa Ana. Admission is free and bilingual registration is encouraged.
Heroes Hall in Costa Mesa presents a Veterans Day celebration on Saturday. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. It includes an aircraft flyover and live music. A new exhibit called "Courageous Companions" opens on Saturday. The display honors animals that served in American wars. It covers cavalry horses from the Civil War to messenger pigeons in World War I. Participants can enjoy free hot dogs and chips provided by the Orange County Employee Assn. Local organizations will provide resources for veterans.
South Coast Plaza holds its 44th annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday at 7 p.m. The event takes place in Town Center Park. Performers from Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale, and other local arts groups will appear. Santa Claus will join the celebration. Admission is free. Newport Beach holds its "Light up Lido" ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 2. A 30-foot coastal redwood pine will be illuminated at 6:30 p.m. by Fritz Duda and Mayor Lauren Kleiman. Newport Harbor High singers will perform carols. A movie showing of "White Christmas" is scheduled at the Lido Theater. Toy donations for the Newport Beach Fire Department's Operation Christmas can be dropped off at Fritz Duda Company from Nov. 16 through Dec. 16.
