🪔 Diwali’s official, chili’s brewing, and pumpkins are plotting something...

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The question we keep asking lately: why go far when so much good stuff is right here? Strong Water is serving up candlelit cocktails with a shipwreck twist and even our chili cook-offs come with live music and raffles.

We packed this week’s issue with local gems you’ll actually want to check out. Go explore something new. Or at least mark a few things down before your weekend fills up, right?

🍹 Hidden Treasure Beneath the Tides

A secret little shipwreck pouring liquid sunshine in Anaheim, Strong Water whisks you into a candlelit space where rum rules and time slows. The cocktails are bold, beautifully made, and served in custom mugs you’ll want to take home.

Pair one with the chili fries or Japanese fried chicken, settle into the glow, and let the sea breeze find you. Learn more here.

🧩 Clocks, Clues, and Close Calls

Mission Escape Games pulls you into worlds where every riddle counts: whether you’re cracking codes in Bank Heist or racing the clock in End of Days. Have a heart-racing Anaheim adventure right by the park!

Trade candy for clues this Halloween and head to the escape rooms tucked just off Disney Way. Locals love the sharp puzzles and upbeat hosts who make every minute as exciting as they can get. Learn more here.

🚗 New Parking Garages Open at Honda Center

The Gist: Fans heading to Ducks games or concerts have two new parking options at the Honda Center. The freshly opened Cerritos Garage C and Katella Garage K add 4,500 spaces and are the first completed pieces of the massive $4 billion OCVibe development now rising around the arena. General parking is included with event tickets for easy access.

Why It Matters: The new garages ease event-day traffic and mark the first step toward OCVibe’s vision of a vibrant entertainment district set to expand through 2026. Read more here.

🪔 California Declares Diwali a State Holiday

The Gist: California has officially recognized Diwali, the Hindu “Festival of Lights,” as a statewide holiday beginning January 1. Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the new law allows state employees to take the day off and grants public school students an excused absence to celebrate. Schools and colleges can also choose to close.

Why It Matters: The move honors the state’s vibrant South Asian community and ensures those celebrating Diwali (and related observances by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists) can fully participate in the traditions of light, joy, and togetherness. Read more here.

Meet Delilah, a stunning 3-year-old cream Domestic Shorthair with a gentle spirit.

This graceful girl enjoys being near her people, quietly observing the world from her favorite cozy spot. While she prefers affection on her own terms, her thoughtful eyes and sweet presence fill a home with calm warmth.

Delilah would thrive in a patient, peaceful household where she can feel safe and loved. Adoption fee: $200.

To learn more about this beautiful girl, click HERE.

🎃 Boo-Tastic Halloween | Adventure City | Anaheim | 10/16–10/17 & 10/23–10/24 | More
A frightfully fun family night with trick-or-treating, rides, scavenger hunts, and more!

🌿 Global Produce & Floral Show | Convention Center | Anaheim | 10/16–10/18 | More
Top brands, tech showcases, and industry networking at this premier event.

🍲 3rd Chili Cook-Off | Patriots and Paws Warehouse | Anaheim | 10/18 | More
Sample mouthwatering chili, enjoy live music, raffles, and food: all for a good cause!

🥞 Pumpkins & Pancakes Sunday | Naples Ristorante e Bar | Anaheim | 10/19 | More
Enjoy fall flavors, pumpkin picking, and brunch favorites with bottomless mimosas!

👻 Trunk or Treat Fest | United Methodist Church | Anaheim | 10/19 | More
Join the community for candy runs, bounce houses, a costume contest, and giveaways.

🎬 OTR 6: NUCLEAR by Keiko Green | Chance Theater | Anaheim | 10/22 | More
A staged reading exploring office politics, science, and the Fukushima disaster.

🏆 Trivia Night: Epic Pub Quiz | Radiant Beer Co. | Anaheim | 10/22 | More
Free-to-play trivia; max team size 7 and prizes up for grabs.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.