The Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa features several venues for dance, music and theater performances that are also available for special events. Last year the center expanded with the 2,000-seat Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall as well as a smaller 500-seat theater and a 46,000-square-foot arts plaza. www.ocpac.org
Bowers Museum
With a $15 million expansion recently completed, the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, which features exhibits on California history and art, has several new areas for special events, including a 300-seat auditorium and an elegant courtyard seating up to 350 people for a banquet. For intimate gatherings of 125 people or less, the museum offers a covered balcony area and several gallery spaces. www.bowers.org
Hornblower Yachts
Hornblower Yachts maintains an impressive fleet of yachts that sail out of Newport Beach, with charters available for up to 574 people. The vessels include John Wayne’s beloved Wild Goose, a converted naval minesweeper. www.hornblower.com
The Beachcomber
Located in the Crystal Cove Historic District in Newport Beach, The Beachcomber offers a restaurant serving California cuisine and several function spaces, including the Beach Promenade, an event area on the sand accommodating up to 200 people, the Cultural Center Cottage and Deck, an ocean-view cottage accommodating up to 150 people, and the Visitor’s Center Patio Deck, which is available for gatherings of 50 people or less. www.thebeachcombercafe.com
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
With its elaborately decorated Hall of Arms, Knight Club (with DJ and dancing) and 1,116-seat arena where knights on horseback engage in jousting events, Medieval Times in Buena Park is a versatile venue with built-in atmosphere. www.medievaltimes.com
