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More Haunting Details Unveiled for Pageant of the Monsters

10/13/2023

 
Last Chance to Register for Scarecrow Contest October 20
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The Demented Chef Side Show will return for the 2023 Pageant of the Monsters
Laguna Beach, CA - Attention ghouls and boils! The much-anticipated Pageant of the Monsters is creeping closer and even more spine-tingling details and activities have been announced. Presented by the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, this monstrously delightful Halloween event transforms the Pageant’s backstage into a family-friendly haunted house with an artist twist October 27, 28, 29 and 31. Tickets are on sale now at www.foapom.com/monsters.

The Pageant of the Masters' creative team of artists and technicians have reunited to resurrect the acclaimed haunted house as part of the Pageant of the Masters 90th Anniversary celebration. Themed the “Maze of the Minotaur,” guests will be directed through the amphitheater, Pageant workshops and stage, which have been transformed into the labyrinth from ancient Greek legend. Those daring enough to enter will join the valiant Warrior Theseus and embark on a harrowing mission to rescue the Minotaur's captives and navigate the labyrinth’s twisting passages to find a means of escape. It’s a bone-chilling celebration of creativity that’ll send shivers down your spine!

“Halloween has always been my favorite annual celebration. I'm obsessed with it,” shared Diane Challis Davy, Pageant of the Masters Director and the creative mastermind behind the Pageant of the Monsters. “When selecting the inspiration for the haunted house, I scrutinize our available sets, searching for the perfect theme to make the most of our resources. This year, it's focused around Greek mythology, featuring Zeus, Medusa, Pandora, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Theseus, and of course, the Minotaur, among other gods, monsters, and creatures.” Davy continued, “ It’s one of the most artistic and creative haunted houses in the region, and all of our monsters are volunteers. We take immense pride in that. Catch Pageant of the Monsters in 2023 because they won’t be back for another 5 years!”

In addition to the haunted house, the Festival of Arts will also be holding a scarecrow competition inviting local community groups, clubs, organizations and individuals to participate. Deadline to register is October 20, 2023. Attendees will be able to vote on their favorite from October 27 to 29 and the winners will be announced on October 31. This competition is open to the public and cash prizes will be awarded.

Other fiendish tricks and treats on the Festival grounds include:
  • Alien autopsy, demented chef, fortune tellers and other spooky side shows
  • Face painting and airbrush tattoos
  • Up-Close Encounters with The Reptile Zoo
  • Halloween photo-ops and selfie stations
  • Play the Exquisite Corpse Drawing Game with Laguna Art Museum
  • Make paper lantern pumpkins and fall leaf watercolor notecards with Laguna Art-A-Fair
  • Draw zentangle pumpkins and create mixed media Frankensteins with Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
  • Design a crown or wand with Laguna Playhouse inspired by the upcoming performance A Cinderella Christmas
  • Hands-on Halloween crafts with LOCA Arts Education and Festival of Arts
  • Popcorn and snacks for sale by the Da Vinci Guild
  • Art displays from local artists Attila Borbás, Sheri Cohen, Linzey Christy, Brian Giberson, Rick Graves, Judith Haron, Jayne Dion, Jayne Dion, Melinda Puhó, Varsha Patel, Miche McClendon, Cheryl Walsh, Cliff Wassmann, and Patrick Whelan
  • Plus music, games, and more “spook-tacular” activities the whole family can enjoy! Food and drink will also be available for purchase from Intermission. 

Tickets are $20 for adults in advance ($25 day of) and $10 for children 12 and under. This event is not recommended for children under 5. Tickets are available online at www.foapom.com or by calling (800) 487-3378. Costumes may be worn by guests ages 12 and under. Guests 13 and older are not permitted to wear costumes. The event will take place at Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Funds for this event are provided in part by the lodging establishments and the City of Laguna Beach. 
For more information on Pageant of the Monsters visit www.foapom.com/monsters. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Festival of Arts, follow the Festival on social media at @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.

Universal Studios Hollywood Unwraps Spectacular Holiday Entertainment With the Return of “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and “Grinchmas”

10/12/2023

 
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Featuring An All-New Who-Bee Doo-Wops Musical Performance, Beginning Friday, November 24, 2023, and Running Daily Through Monday, January 1, 2024
 
All Holiday Festivities are Included in the Price of Theme Park Admission
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Universal City, California, October 12, 2023 – Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates the festive holidays with eagerly awaited seasonal favorites, “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and “Grinchmas,™” beginning Friday, November 24, 2023, and running daily through Monday, January 1, 2024. All holiday activities are included in the price of theme park admission.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” brings the spirit of the holiday season to the village of Hogsmeade™ as the land is transformed with merry décor of shimmering lights, decorative garlands and festive wreaths. Guests can take delight in special holiday a cappella performances from the Frog Choir, stroll through the village shops while sipping delicious hot Butterbeer™ or savor festive fare at Three Broomsticks™. 

Beginning at dusk each night, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle” will dazzle with stunning imagery as the impressive light projection show illuminates Hogwarts™ School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, bringing the iconic Hogwarts™ castle to life and infusing the land with the sounds of an arrangement of music from the Harry Potter film series.

Guests can commemorate their Christmas visit to Hogsmeade Village with a variety of exclusive keepsake items available for purchase, including personalized ornaments, sweaters, scarves and stockings.

The spirited “Grinchmas” Who-bilation also returns with an all-new daytime performance featuring the Who-Bee Doo-Wops group, Who-ville’s latest musical sensation rocking out to hip-swinging, bell-ringing holiday classics for the Whos and guests to enjoy. 

The familiar and festive topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree, adorned with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights will stand tall within Universal Plaza, entertaining guests with a nightly tree lighting ceremony and snowfall flurry, bringing good tidings and season’s greetings to all.

“Grinchmas” activities will include photo opportunities with the GrinchTM and his faithful dog Max, a chance to spend time with Cindy-Lou Who as she leads daily story time for young guests looking to learn “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and visit to the Who-ville post office to mail a merry postcard sharing three good deeds.

A themed craft area will provide guests the opportunity for jolly holiday decorating by creating paper ornaments to adorn the Grinchmas tree or to take home as a holiday souvenir. Plus, a selection of themed Who-tacular sweet treats, including the Grinch Donut and hot cocoa, will be available for purchase.

Adding to the theme park activities, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40-foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen presents a new seasonal milkshake, available both at the Foundry milkshake bar and in the dining room. The ever-popular Voodoo Doughnut will entice guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit. Antojitos Cocina Mexicana serves up a variety of festive-themed drinks, including Mistletoe Mule, Chestnut Horchata and Apple Cider Margarita. NBC Sports Grill & Brew spreads holiday cheer with a tasty Peppermint Martini, and Jimmy Buffett’s® Margaritaville® whips up a deliciously creamy and joyful drink with its Co-co-Colada. VIVO Italian Kitchen offers an assortment of flavorful drinks with the Winter Martini, Apple Cheer Martini and Hot Apple Cider, which is available as a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage. Guests must be 21 years or older+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase or drink alcoholic beverages.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

BoxLunch to Celebrate the Art of Giving this Holiday Season with New Giving Ambassador David Harbour

10/6/2023

 
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LOS ANGELES, CA – October 6, 2023 – BoxLunch, the pop culture retailer with a cause, is thrilled to announce acclaimed actor David Harbour (Gran Turismo, Stranger Things) as the new BoxLunch Giving Ambassador. Together, the retailer and Harbour will raise awareness for hunger in America while sharing tips and resources so people across the country can help end food insecurity in our communities. United by the belief that everyone should have access to the food they need to thrive in America, the two parties will launch a comprehensive marketing campaign—The Art of Giving, starring Harbour—that will appear in all 260+ BoxLunch locations across the nation. The campaign will include video pieces, interviews, and web content, with the actor sharing his passion for food accessibility and personal connection to BoxLunch’s mission to help end hunger with Feeding America®, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization. To further solidify his legacy as Giving Ambassador, Harbour will join BoxLunch in an upcoming volunteer day and celebrate 175 million meals* donated to Feeding America by BoxLunch by appearing as the guest of honor at the second annual BoxLunch Holiday Gala in Los Angeles.

“BoxLunch captured the deep generosity of spirit that beats in the heart of the holiday season with their ‘art of giving’ campaign. I’m proud to be a part of it and support the amazing work done by both BoxLunch and Feeding America.” said David Harbour. 

"We are so thrilled to have David Harbour join us as this year’s BoxLunch Giving Ambassador to help us honor our philanthropic partner, Feeding America." Said Steve Vranes, CEO of Hot Topic Inc., BoxLunch’s parent company. "By coming together and highlighting BoxLunch's ongoing support for the vital work done by Feeding America to make a meaningful impact in the movement to end hunger, we can help ensure that individuals and families in communities across the country have access to the food they need to thrive."

Harbour embodies the spirit and warmth of the Holiday season in BoxLunch retail windows across the U.S.  starting November 6. Visit BoxLunch.com/BoxLunch-Gives to learn how you can help end hunger in your community and to see David Harbour in the Art of Giving.

THIS IS HALLOWEEN! BoxLunch Celebrates Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary with Exclusive Collection

10/5/2023

 
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(LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 5TH, 2023) – BoxLunch, the pop culture retailer with a cause, is thrilled to announce the launch of its exclusive Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary Collection. A tribute to Tim Burton's iconic masterpiece, this collection includes a wide range of items that are perfect for fans of all ages. From stylish apparel to stunning jewelry and accessories, as well as quirky housewares and bags, there's something for everyone in this enchanting collection.
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Standout apparel items include some fall fashion must-haves: a casino jacket featuring Disney’s Jack Skellington as the iconic Jack of Spades, a Team Jack hockey jersey in Halloween colors, Jack & Zero Wavy Black/White Colorblock Crewneck, a unisex THIS IS HALLOWEEN woven shirt featuring Disney’s Jack Skellington signature on the front and iconic Jack Skellington face on the back, and a cozy pullover sweater adorned with Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas characters. 
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A BoxLunch exclusive Loungefly Zero Cosplay Bag and matching wallet is a must-have for fans of Jack’s little ghost-dog reindeer, Zero.
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Fans of humanoid ragdoll Disney’s Sally can pay homage to her unique style with the Sally cosplay cardigan, Sally patterned smock dress, and the cozy Sally striped flannel depicting Sally’s apothecary on the back
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The collection also boasts a range of accessories and jewelry sure to complete any look this holiday season. Add a touch of flair to your hair with Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas wreath-themed scrunchy set that has a matching set of wreath earrings. Elevate your outfit with a stunning pearl layered necklace set featuring subtle elements inspired by the beloved cult-classic film or the Disney Jack Skellington beaded bracelet.
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For those looking to bring the magic of film’s frightfully fun Halloween Town into their homes, the collection includes enchanting housewares. Fans can set the mood with an adorable Zero Mood Lamp, which is perfect for creating a spooky ambiance, or drink their favorite beverages from the Sally Sleepytime Soup sculpted mug. Spice up your food with Scary Teddy and Zero salt and pepper shakers, or add a touch of magic to your kitchen as you store your mystical concoctions in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas potion jar set.
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The Nightmare Before Christmas 30th Anniversary Collection will be available both in-store and online at https://boxlun.ch/NBC30th starting on October 5th. Don't miss your chance to celebrate this beloved film's milestone anniversary exclusively with BoxLunch.

Winter Fest OC Returns November 24th Bringing More Holiday Magic Than Ever Before, Including Real Snow Play!

10/2/2023

 
For a Limited Time, Save on Anytime Use General Admission Tickets and Ultimate Experience Passes to Southern California's Largest Winter Festival at OC Fair & Event Center
COSTA MESA, Calif., Oct. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Winter Fest OC, Southern California's largest winter festival, returns to Costa Mesa from November 24th through January 7th on select dates, bringing winter fun for all ages! Winter Fest OC transforms OC Fair & Event Center into a magical winter wonderland with the region's one and only outdoor ice skating trail, ice tubing slide, and a real snow play area filled with endless delights. From free play to snowball throwing zones, sledding for the little ones, and a mesmerizing snow carousel, Winter Fest OC offers a winter wonderland like no other.
Winter Fest OC promises endless opportunities for memory-making fun for kids and adults alike. Sip on seasonal cocktails, wine, and beer in the all-new holiday lounge, discover talented local artisans and complete your gift shopping at the new holiday market, and enjoy festive photo opportunities throughout Winter Fest OC. Additional add-on experiences include VIP cabanas and cozy igloos with fire pits for roasting s'mores that are perfect for date nights, birthdays, or private parties.


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Winter Fest OC transforms OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa into a magical winter wonderland with the region’s one and only outdoor ice skating trail, ice tubing slide, a real snow play area, and much more.
"We are so excited to announce the return of Winter Fest OC this November where guests can enjoy the magic of the season with their favorite attractions, including an all-new outdoor ice skating trail, ice tubing slide, and the return of real snow in a bigger and better experience," said Katrina Carlson, executive producer of Winter Fest OC. "Our early bird special offers guests savings on general admission tickets and Ultimate Experience passes. You don't want to miss this limited time sale on tickets that can be used on any day of your choice!"

Don't miss the limited time early bird specials October 4th through 11th, offering anytime use general admission tickets for $34.99* for adults and $29.99* for children 3 to 12 years old - a $20 savings from gate prices. General admission tickets include the fan-favorite thrilling 150-foot-long, 9-lane ice tubing slide, and the magical "North Pole Journey" experience where visitors can embark on a guided quest to become a certified elf, filled with wonder and interactive discoveries along the way. Additional attractions include real snow play, interactive character meet and greets, live stage performances, a nightly tree lighting celebration with snow flurries, dazzling light displays, and much more.

Stay tuned for more announcements and visit WinterFestOC.com to see all pricing, add-on attractions, and event information as it is released. For the latest updates on promotions, entertainment, food and fun, follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube or with #WinterFestOC.
*Processing fees additional

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