Top Things to Do in O.C.: February 25th through March 3rd

The Groundlings, From Mozart to Mahler, plus more events and things to do around O.C. this week.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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This article highlights a variety of events and activities happening in Orange County, California from February 25th through March 3rd, 2026. The events include improv comedy from the renowned Groundlings troupe, classical music performances by the Pacific Symphony, lectures on China and Taiwan affairs, a children's symphonic tale, a U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus concert, a bilingual musical for young audiences, and two Tony Award-winning plays.

Why it matters

Orange County is a vibrant cultural hub with a diverse array of entertainment options. This roundup showcases the breadth of performing arts, music, and theater offerings available to residents and visitors during this week, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups.

The details

The events highlighted include an evening of improv comedy from the iconic Groundlings troupe, classical music concerts featuring works by Mozart and Mahler performed by the Pacific Symphony, a lecture series on China and Taiwan affairs, a family-friendly performance of Prokofiev's 'Peter and the Wolf', a free concert by the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus, a bilingual musical adaptation of 'Cinderella', and two Tony Award-winning plays presented in repertory at South Coast Repertory.

  • The Groundlings performance is on FEB. 25.
  • The Pacific Symphony concerts are FEB. 26 THROUGH 28.
  • The Witte Lectures with Julian Gewirtz are FEB. 27 AND 28.
  • The 'Peter and the Wolf' performance is on FEB. 28.
  • The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus concert is on MAR. 2.
  • 'Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale' runs THROUGH MAR. 8.
  • The productions of 'God of Carnage' and 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' run THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY.
  • 'Once' runs THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY.

The players

The Groundlings

A Los Angeles-based improv and sketch comedy troupe that has helped launch the careers of many comedic legends.

Pacific Symphony

A professional symphony orchestra based in Costa Mesa, California that performs classical and contemporary music.

Julian Gewirtz

A former senior official on China and Taiwan affairs at the National Security Council and State Department during the Biden administration, and the author of three books including 'Never Turn Back: China and the Forbidden History of the 1980s'.

Pola Benke

The conductor for the Pacific Symphony's performance of 'Peter and the Wolf'.

U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus

A 65-member concert band and 24-member chorus that has performed around the world, showcasing musical excellence and versatility.

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The takeaway

Orange County offers a diverse array of cultural and entertainment options this week, from comedy and classical music to theater and dance, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. This lineup showcases the vibrant arts and performance scene in the region.