🪄 Weekend magic, cereal bars, and surf rock? Gonna be a busy one.

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It’s easy to get caught up in the big events, but sometimes the best local moments happen at the library. From cereal bar pajama parties to "Books on the Menu" challenges, our local branches are putting in the work this month.

We love seeing these ways for neighbors to connect without spending a fortune. In this Scoop, we’re balancing those quiet community wins with the loud, bright, and busy events that make our area so unique. Let’s get into it.

🍺 The godfather of craft in Anaheim

In the shadow of the stadium, the Karl Strauss outpost offers a polished retreat for locals and visitors alike. The vibe is effortlessly coastal, perfect for a post-game wind-down or a deliberate dinner.

Try their white cheddar mac and cheese, which pairs beautifully with the rich, toffee notes of their gold-medal Red Trolley Ale. It is a masterclass in local heritage that feels both timeless and welcoming.

🏴‍☠️ Retro comfort steps from the magic

Howard Johnson by Wyndham: Hotel & Water Playground can provide a cheerful home base during the upcoming vibrant Lunar New Year festivities.

With temperatures near eighty degrees, the pirate-themed water playground and garden pools offer a perfect afternoon break. Rooms feature a nostalgic touch with modern comforts, just a short walk from the park gates. It is a reliable favorite for those seeking a friendly, effortless getaway in our sunny corner of Anaheim.

🏔️ A Bright New Landmark for Our Travels

The Gist: If you are heading out for a getaway, keep an eye out for a beautiful new sight at the corner of Archibald Avenue and Airport Drive. The airport just unveiled a twelve foot tall monument featuring the "ONT" letters set against sculpted peaks that mirror our snowy San Gabriel Mountains. This eight ton landmark replaces the old sign from 1998. It features glowing LED lights that can change colors to match our community celebrations and holidays throughout the seasons.

Why It Matters This display is a warm point of pride that honors ten years of local leadership and makes coming home feel even more special. The airport will continue its yearlong celebration of local control through November 1, 2026, with the sign lighting up for upcoming community events.

🎭 Heart and Harmony in the Hills

The Gist Amid the bright, crisp days of the new year, local life is buzzing with fresh ways to connect. Our libraries are hosting a "Books on the Menu" reading challenge through February 22, while the East Anaheim branch offers a free after-school club for kids. Neighbors can also head to the community center on Tuesdays for free, friendly tech classes.

Why It Matters These local gatherings remind us that there is always something new to learn or a neighbor to meet right around the corner. Catch a performance of "Once" at the Chance Theater, running through March 1.

Darwin is a spirited Tuxedo kitten weighing under six pounds.

He is currently looking for a family through Cats In Need. This little fellow is a dedicated lapcat who insists on sharing the bed and keeping everyone entertained with his antics.

He is already neutered and vaccinated, and he settles in easily with other cats, dogs, and children. Your adoption donation helps cover his care. Darwin is a local treasure ready for a warm lap.

To learn more about this endearing boy,

👟 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend | Disneyland Resort | Anaheim | 01/29–02/01 | More
Magical multi-day race series: themed runs, unique finisher medals, & sunrise yoga.

🪄 Magic at the Majestic | Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel | Anaheim | 01/31-02/01 | More 
An intimate theatrical experience filled with mystery, laughter, and astonishing illusions.

🥋 Dream BJJ Kids Championship | Convention Center | Anaheim | 01/31 | More
Young martial artists showcase their skills in this regional jiu-jitsu competition.

🥣 CEREAL-sly Awesome Pajama Party | East Branch Library | Anaheim | 01/31 | More
Wear pajamas for a cozy morning featuring a cereal bar, games, and crafts.

🚜 Monster Jam | Angel Stadium | Anaheim | 01/31–02/01 | More
Gravity-defying stunts, freestyle competitions, and iconic 12,000-pound trucks.

🪩 All Your Friends Indie Party | House of Blues (The Parish) | Anaheim | 01/30 | More
Electric indie hits and dance-floor favorites in an intimate underground club setting.

🎸 Jetpack Surf Rock + Rancho Del Rey | Packing House | Anaheim | 01/31 | More
Reverb-heavy surf rock meets gritty Western grooves for a coastal-desert crossover.

💃 Reggaeton & Hip-Hop Party | Heat Ultra Lounge | Anaheim | 01/31 | More
Club night with floor-filling rhythms and modern urban vibes.

🕺 Stayin' Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees | Grove of Anaheim | Anaheim | 01/31 | More
Electrifying disco-era tribute: shimmering vocal harmonies & iconic dance anthems!

💫 D.I. Live in Concert | Doll Hut | Anaheim | 01/31 | More 
Aggressive old-school punk rock energy in an intimate, storied dive bar setting.

🛠️ MD&M West Manufacturing Expo | Anaheim Convention Center | Anaheim | 02/02-02/05 | More
The West Coast's premier event for medical technology and manufacturing innovation.