Trend Watch: Dachshund races at Old World Village

Dachshund races will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Old World Village in Huntington Beach.

The German-themed center is known for the races, a prominent part its annual Oktoberfest, but the dachshund races also take place Sundays year-round.

Admission is $2, and parking is free for those who pre-register their dogs. Those interested in signing up their dachshund to race can call (714) 898-5111 or go to wienerdogstore.com.

For more information, visit https://www.oldworld.ws.

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Eric Carle stories come to town

Parents know the tales by Eric Carle, and those stories will come to life at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s “A Brown Bear, a Caterpillar and a Moon: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle” on March 9 and 10.

The performance in Samueli Theater will feature “evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry that brings together old favorites and new friends,” according to a news release.

It’s about an hour-long show, a perfect length for children, with three stories performed: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” and “Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me.”

Puppets and props appear animated with black light used during some parts of the show, according to the news release. Each performance will include free pre-show creative play time so children can make their own puppets and try their hand at shadow puppetry, and a children’s reading area.

The show is recommended for ages 4 to 8. Tickets are $20 per person at scfta.org and (714) 556-2787.

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Andy Statman at Irvine Barclay

The Irvine Barclay Theatre will host the “Andy Statman Trio: Old Brooklyn” at 4 p.m. Feb. 17.

Statman, according to a news release, is “one of the world’s premier mandolinists and clarinetists,” who has played with the likes of Izhak Perlman and Jerry Garcia.

The Andy Statman trio features Jim Whitney on bass and Larry Eagle on drums, with the band performing pieces from its new two-volume record, “Old Brooklyn.” The album features fiddler Byron Berline, guitarist Jon Sholle and guest artists.

The national tour is in honor of Statman receiving a 2012 National Heritage Fellowship, the release said. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for those younger than 30 and $15 for children ages 6 to 16. More information is at thebarclay.org.

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Blackmarket Happy Hour

Blackmarket Bakery has kicked off an early morning happy hour from 6:30 to 8:30 Monday through Saturday throughout the end of the month.

Chef and owner Rachel Klemek is offering selected pastries, such as berry cream cheese croissants, orange cranberry muffins and apricot ginger scones, for only $1 during happy hour.

“Since opening our doors in Costa Mesa earlier this month, we realize that we’ve filled a void for those looking for fresh-baked pastries and Kean Coffee,” Klemek said in a press release. “To encourage the curious to visit us for breakfast, we’re offering a limited time offer of $1 off any scone, croissant or muffin during our early morning hours before 8:30 a.m.”

Plus, those picking up goodies for others receive $2 off their order for any six items, or $5 off any 12 items.

Blackmarket Bakery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It’s at The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., in Costa Mesa; call (714) 662-3095.

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Beers through the SideDoor

Beer on tap is taking over at SideDoor, the tavern and eatery adjacent to Five Crowns. From 4:30 to 11:30 p.m. Feb. 20, Hangar 24 Craft Brewery will offer guests a taste of award-winning craft beers, including some from the barrel, local fields and seasonal series, according to a news release.

A brewer will be on hand to discuss the tastings. SideDoor is at 3801 E. Coast Hwy. in Corona del Mar; call (949) 717-4322 or visit sidedoorcdm.com.

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Gospel Brunch in Laguna

Laguna Beach Live! is all about the music and on March 10 it hosts a Gospel Champagne Brunch as part of the Laguna Beach a la Carte — A Food & Wine Experience. Yve Evans will headline the event and Tivoli Too! will serve brunch, which will include hot and cold dishes, a carving station, fruits, pastries and a champagne tasting, a news release said.

Brunch starts at 11 a.m. with the gospel show beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $45 per person. Tickets and information can be found at https://www.lagunabeachlive.org and (949) 715-9713.

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Laguna Beach a la Carte kicks off

Speaking of Laguna Beach a la Carte, the full event kicks off March 7 and continues through March 10, so start making plans.

Events include a wine dinner at The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach, a winemaker dinner at Las Brisas, an etude wine dinner at Hotel Laguna, a “snack, sip and surf” event at Pacific Edge Hotel, dinner at Sawdust Art Festival, plus plenty of other happenings.

Laguna Beach a la Carte is a four-day event with more than 25 local restaurants participating by offering specials to guests. Money raised from last year’s main event, $20,000, went toward Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

For a schedule of events, visit https://www.lagunabeachinfo.com/foodies/alacarte.

ALISHA GOMEZ is the managing editor of the Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent. She can be reached at alisha.gomez@latimes.com or (714) 966-4618.