The Week Ahead in Orange County

Today

Festival of Whales: The 33rd annual festival will include whale-watching excursions, a street fair and parade, tide pool tours and art exhibits. The event will take place today and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in and around Dana Point Harbor. Information: (888) 440-4309 or www.festivalofwhales.com.

Santa Ana Zoo: The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park will celebrate its 52nd anniversary with a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, and a bake sale by students. Entertainment will include live music and a dance performance by the Cambodian Family Dance group. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free to $5, depending on age. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana. Information: (714) 953-8555 or www.santaanazoo.org.

Battle of the Bands: Mimi’s Cafe will sponsor the second annual fundraiser. Musicians from 10 local high schools will compete. Food and drink will be prepared by Mimi’s Cafe. $8-$10. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bradford Field, 500 N. Bradford Ave., Placentia. Information: (714) 544-4826 or www.mimiscafe.com.

Great American Write-In: Representatives from 41 local and national advocacy groups will present their work and seek volunteers to help them lobby on behalf of social and political issues 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake Road, Irvine. Information: (949) 581-3938.

Tibet: The Bowers Museum will present a film and discussion of Tibet’s sacred Potala Palace with photojournalist Peter Murphy. $5. 2 to 3:30 p.m. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Information:(714)567-3600 or www.bowers.org.

Sunday

Mariachi and Folklorico: Nearly a dozen youth mariachi and folklorico groups throughout Southern California will compete to perform in the nation’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival. 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. Anaheim High School, 811 W. Lincoln Ave. Information: (310) 444-7000.

Diabetes Fundraiser: More than 20 premium wines will be featured at the third annual “Taste for the Cure” fundraiser benefiting the North American Foundation for the Cure of Diabetes. Silent and live auctions featuring many rare bottles of wine and fine wine artwork will be included. 1 to 5 p.m. $60. Clubhouse at Pelican Hill, 22651 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast. Information: (800) 287-3669.

Monday

Nature Center: The Oak Canyon Nature Center will hold a walk for children and their parents. Participants will learn about butterflies and create an art project. 10 to 11 a.m. $3. 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills. Information: (714) 988-8380.

Our Big Backyard: Staff members of Wild Wonders Inc. will offer a hands-on look at animals from North America. Learn about the porcupine, arctic fox, opossum, and others. 1 to 2:30 p.m. $10, ages 5 and up. Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 N. University Drive, Newport Beach. Information: (949) 923-2275.

Tuesday

Rainforest Animals: The Wildlife Co. will present a variety of animals native to rainforests around the world at the El Toro Library. Open to children 4 to 12. 4 p.m. Free. El Toro Library. 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest. Information: (949) 855-8173.

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The Orange County calendar is compiled by Philip Le and Jessica Zuchero. Submit items two weeks in advance to ocdesk@latimes.com or by fax to (714) 966-7711.