Answer the call of creativity and celebrate diversity.
This month the worlds of art, culture, music, and cannabis invite you to stir your soul, feed your belly, and open your mind.?
The Magic and Flair of Mary Blair
Now through March 7
Hilbert Museum of California Art, City of Orange
hilbertmuseum.org
M?xico Quiero Conocerte: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide and Manuel ?lvarez Bravo
Now through March 15
Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego
mcasd.org
Featuring the works of two of Latin America?s most celebrated photographers, Iturbide and Bravo, this exhibition captures the essence of Mexico through intimate imagery. Inviting viewers to remove their societal lens through which they have perceived the nation and the people, Quiero Conocerte (meaning ?I want to meet you?) is an opportunity to see Mexico in a more romantic light through black and white photography.?
San Diego Museum Month
Feb. 1?29
San Diego County
50 percent off admission
sandiegomuseumcouncil.org?
San Diego is home to some of the most intriguing museums in Southern California. This month, more than 40 of those museums are offering 50 percent discounts on admission (some with free admission). Pick up a monthly museum pass at any participating library in San Diego County.
Black History Month Parade and Cultural Faire
Feb. 1?
Downtown Anaheim Farmer?s Market
oc-hc.org
Kimono: A Living History
Feb. 1?May 29
Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego
$12?
niwa.org
The tradition of the Japanese kimono dates back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Sewn with precision using the straight-line cutting method, kimonos (Japanese for ?things to wear?) were made as daily wear, and their fabrics would vary based on occasion. To date, this tradition is still thriving, though it is primarily reserved for special occasions.
Aphrodisiac Cooking
Feb. 6, 11:30 a.m.
Zov?s Bistro, Tustin
$75
zovs.com
Learn the art of sensual cooking by understanding which ingredients get the sexual feelings moving. Cook aphrodisiac-awakening desserts such as fresh strawberry and chocolate mousse tarts to invoke a little ooh la la.
Super Bowl Sunday
Feb. 7, 3:30 p.m.
Stag Bar + Kitchen, Newport Beach
stagbar.com
Get your game face on and watch the 54th Super Bowl on one of 16 big-screen televisions. Open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Party Gras
Feb. 12, 9 p.m.
Aqua Lounge, Newport Beach
aqualoungenb.com
Celebrate New Orleans Mardi Gras seaside in Newport Beach, kicking off with a surprise ?party gras? cocktail. The cost is $25 per person or $239 per night for hotel packages.
Valentine?s Day Sunset Cruises
Feb. 12?14
Golden Lantern, Dana Point
danawharf.com
It?s that time of year when lovers celebrate, and Dana Point is the perfect place to cuddle up and head out on a romantic sunset cruise. Each cruise features complimentary champagne, and some include a sparkling wine tasting, bottomless bubbles, and decadent chocolate on a refined catamaran. Depending on how active the sea life is, you may even catch a glimpse of a whale or two playing out in the big blue. Prices start at $29 per person.
The Heart of Hip Hop
Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Honda Center, Anaheim
hondacenter.com
If you grew up in the 1980s, you were privy to the birth of hip-hop. The music industry has since soared because of this genre, and kids and adults alike have sung lyrics, danced their booties off, and celebrated the music that has changed our lives. This month, revisit some of the bands that changed the hip-hop game in the 1990s and 2000s, such as Ashanti, Ja Rule, and DMX. Tickets start at $49.
