Calendar of Events: October & November

“Ex·pose: Macha Suzuki” : Nov. 4 – Jan. 20, Laguna Art Museum

Blending narratives and abstract forms, the installations of Macha Suzuki combine materials such as clay, fluorescent lights, plastic and Bondo to tell the artist’s life stories in a narrative that is both familiar yet strange at the same time. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

“Timothy J. Clark” : Nov. 4 – Jan. 20, Laguna Art Museum

This exhibit will feature the artwork of Timothy J. Clark, who has art studios in California, New York and Maine. His watercolor paintings are infused with light and color reminiscent of late 19th century artists. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

Plein air landscape painters compete on the beach this fall for prizes that will be awarded during the Collectors’ Soiree on Oct. 20. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

Sawdust Winter Fantasy : Weekends, Nov. 17 – Dec. 9, Sawdust Art Festival

This holiday season, see the Sawdust Festival transform into a winter wonderland where local artists will showcase their jewelry, clothing, ceramics, paintings, sculptures and more. Enjoy crafts, live entertainment, and fine arts and crafts from more than 170 exhibitors. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)

Food & Wine

Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour : Oct. 25, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Dogs and owners alike will enjoy this Halloween-themed Yappy Hour. Bring your pup in costume and enjoy relaxing, wining and dining, and mingling. Prizes and proceeds will be donated to local animal rescue organizations. (949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com/lagunayappyhour)

Laguna Nursery Wine Tasting : Oct. 26, Laguna Nursery

Enjoy a taste of Sonoma County right here in Laguna Beach when Martinelli Winery comes to the Laguna Nursery. (949-494-5200; lagunanursery.net)

Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Dinner: Nov. 15, The St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point

This annual event showcases wines from the end of the Beaujolais harvest and pairs them with a succulent dinner feast. (949-234-3200; stregismb.com)

Charity Events

Providing Shelter Benefit: Nov. 3, Olamendi’s

The 2011 OC Shelter statistics show 50 percent of cats and 25 percent of dogs that entered the shelter were euthanized. Support The Pet Rescue Center’s efforts to reduce those numbers by attending their annual benefit. Tickets are $75 and include dinner, cocktails, entertainment and auctions. (877-277-7938; providingshelter.org)

World Hunger Bowl Auction: Nov. 3, Aliso Creek Inn

As part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, a citywide food drive to benefit the food pantry at Laguna Relief and Resource Center will be held Nov. 1 – 7. On Nov. 3, the main event will be held at Aliso Creek Inn, where handcrafted bowls and donated bowls will be auctioned off to raise funds for the homeless and to benefit the Laguna Beach alternate sleeping location. (949-280-2885; worldhungerbowl.org)

Feeding Somalia: One Dime at a Time: Nov. 17, Laguna Nursery

Enjoy sushi and other bites, wine and a silent auction at Laguna Nursery to raise funds for Feeding Somalia. (feedingsomalia.com)

Camino Health Center Auxiliary Fashion Show: Nov. 20, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

In support of Camino Health Center, the annual Fashion Show and Luncheon has raised more than $5 million over the last 27 years. (949-347-6042; mission4health.com)

Turkey Trot: Nov. 22, Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point

If majestic views and ocean breezes aren’t enough of a draw, proceeds from the Thanksgiving Day run go to funding the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. (949-496-1555; turkeytrot.com)

Activities

Annual Tree Lighting

Nov. 25, The St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point

Celebrate the holidays at The St. Regis Monarch Beach annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Sand Sculpture Dedication, where the resort will present a sculpture depicting a holiday scene and light a 50-foot tree. Guests can also enjoy photos with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate and cider. (949-234-3200; stregismb.com)

Montage Tree Lighting and community Open House

Nov. 26, Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage brings in the holiday spirit with their annual event, including live entertainment, new menu items, kids’ activities and the yearly tradition of lighting the tree. (949-715-6000; montagelagunabeach.com)

Yoga Workshops 

Oct. 20 – 21, Nov. 10 – 11, Montage Laguna Beach

Join Spa Montage artist in residence Ashley Turner in her workshop entitled “Fearlessness & Freedom” in October, where guests can clear their minds and promote fearlessness through yoga in an introduction to balance and inner peace, followed by “Gratitude & Grace” in November. (949-715-6000; montagelagunabeach.com)

Entertainment

Plaid Tidings

Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, Laguna Playhouse

The hilarious quartet Forever Plaid is returning for a holiday show where they will perform holiday favorites like “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in classic four-part harmonies. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)

Upcoming Shows at The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, Ongoing

Dread Zeppelin, cover band, Oct. 26, 8 p.m.; Cash’d Out, cover band, Oct. 27, 8 p.m.; Zach Deputy, rhythm and blues, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.; Colt Ford, country, Oct. 31, 8 p.m.; Janiva Magness, blues, Nov. 2, 8 p.m.; and many more. (949-496-8930; thecoachhouse.com)