April 7–8
Boss in Charge
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform two nights at the Honda Center in Anaheim. “The Boss” released his first album in five years, Magic, in October to wide acclaim; many rock critics included it on their year’s-best lists. Springsteen catapulted to fame in the mid-1970s with rock jams such as “Born to Run” and power ballads including “I’m On Fire,” most inspired by the struggles of the American working class. The Grammy winner doesn’t stray from his roots on the Jersey shore with new singles like “Girls In Their Summer Clothes.” Early April might just be Jersey Days at the Honda Center: Bon Jovi, marking 25 years since the band’s New Jersey start, appears April 4–5. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. Map I11

Through April 19
Phantom of the Opera Andrew Lloyd Weber's award-winning Broadway production of seduction and despair returns to the Orange County Performing Arts Center. As the longest-running show in Broadway history, the tale of the Phantom and his beloved Christine is a timeless story that continues to thrill audiences. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. Map J13

Apr. 24-27
Southern California Spring Garden Show "Fantasy Gardens" is the theme this year when all three floors of South Coast Plaza's Bear Street wing showcase innovative garden displays. Created by leading landscape architects and designers, visitors can browse among more than 75 garden lifestyle vendors offering unusual plants and distinctive garden accessories. Children's activities include free garden projects, crafts and exotic animal shows. 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888.

APR. 24–MAY 1
NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL The event showcases more than 350 shorts, documentaries and features from around the world, among them U.S. and world premieres and Sundance Film Festival selections. Also scheduled are a Children’s Festival and Q&A sessions with directors.

APR. 25
NEWPORT TO ENSENADA YACHT RACE The world's largest international yacht race features 450 vessels racing from Newport Beach to Ensenada. The little strip of park along Ocean Boulevard overlooking Corona del Mar State Beach offers prime views.

MAY 8
PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA Principal Conductor Christoph von Dohnányi leads the acclaimed British ensemble in a program including Schumann's “Spring” Symphony and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. Map J13

MAY 16–18
ANGELS VS. DODGERS The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim take on the Los Angeles Dodgers, now led by former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre.

MAY 17–18
DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL The huge event features blues, rock and soul on three stages. A pop-up music store offers tunes and meet-and-greets with performers.

OPENING MAY 18
TERRA COTTA WARRIORS The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana presents the largest display of Chinese terra cotta sculptures ever seen in the U.S., the first stop on a national tour. The figures come from the tomb of
China's first emperor (259–210 B.C.). 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. Map G13