The week ahead in Orange County

Today

Rancho land: The Mission Viejo Heritage House exhibit, “The Rancho Era,” opens with entertainment from the Stella Dance Company and the Barrio Family. Light refreshments. Noon to 4 p.m. 28951 Melinda Blvd. (949) 470-3061.

Race benefit: The 26th annual Los Alamitos Race on the Base takes place at the Joint Forces Training Base on Los Alamitos Army Airfield. Proceeds will benefit the USA Water Polo National Aquatic Center and the Cancer Support Foundation. 4522 Saratoga Ave. Registration: 6:30 a.m. (562) 430-1073.

Bulbs galore: The UCI Arboretum presents “Prelude to Spring,” a two-day winter bulb festival featuring wild species of South African bulbs. The festival also includes a sale of rare and unique plants from the arboretum’s nursery. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $2; children younger than 12, free. Campus Drive and Jamboree Road. (949) 824-5833.

Sunday

Chamber concert: The Santiago String Quartet performs at the Bradford House. Program includes renditions of Brahms’ Quartet No. 2 in A major and Dvorak’s Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major. Free. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.; concert begins at 3 p.m. 136 Palm Circle, Placentia. (714) 993-2470 or www.bradfordhouse.com

Film series: The Bowers Museum’s film series presents “Nowhere in Africa,” a film about a Jewish family fleeing the Nazis to a secluded farm in Kenya. 1:30 p.m. Admission, $8. Popcorn and candy included. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. (714) 567-3600 or www.bowers.org

Monday

Period lecture: Charles Frazee will share photos, discuss the growth of national monarchies and other events of the 16th century at the Placentia Public Library. Refreshments. Free. 7 p.m. 411 E. Chapman Ave. (714) 528-1906.

Wednesday

Bone lesson: Children can learn about strong bones at Oak Canyon Nature Center’s “Boney Basics.” Kids will see the bones of animals. For ages 4 to 6. 11 a.m. to noon. $3. 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills. (714) 998-8380.

Friday

Concert: The Fullerton College Music Department presents the Concert Choir performing songs of musical theater, gospel and romance. Tickets available Monday through Friday at the fine arts box office. $8; students and senior citizens, $7; children younger than 12, $3. 321 E. Chapman Ave. Reservations: (714) 992-7433.

March 4

Dog walk: Registration for the annual Wag-a-Thon fundraiser supporting animal care at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter takes place at the Festival of Whales street fair Saturday and Sunday. The fee is $25. The March 11 fundraiser starts at 8:30 a.m. at Dana Point Harbor. Register at Dana Point Plaza on Pacific Coast Highway North at La Plaza. (949) 595-8899.

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Source: The Orange County calendar is compiled by Yvonne Villarreal. Submit items two weeks in advance to ocdesk@latimes.com or by fax to (714) 966-7711.

Los Angeles Times