Quite renowned at this point, the annual Ocean Institute Jazz Festival is now renamed as the Culinary Music Festival, coupling quite a schedule of music with appetizer parties and dining from area chefs. With Monarch Beach Resort as the title sponsor, the spectacular weekend takes place at the Ocean Institute.

On Friday, March 27, guests will experience an all-inclusive Waterfront Food Festival featuring the best restaurants of Orange County. Executive chefs will present the crown jewels from their menus accompanied by a variety of unique craft cocktails, brought to you by Nolet’s/ Kettle One and The Blind Rabbit.

Saturday’s festivities include a performance by Voices of Hope as seen on America’s Got Talent and food from the best coastal culinary talent. Each ticket includes a six-course dinner curated by Monarch Beach Resort’s Executive Chef Jason Adams, along with executive chefs Kyle St. John from The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Ron Fougeray from Surf and Sand Resort, celebrity chef John Tesar from Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, and Chef Rob Wilson formerly of the Montage and now Glasspar. This is Orange County’s only resort-driven culinary event.

Both nights feature live and silent auctions that directly support the Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class program that provides underserved students with hands-on STEM education.

It’s the Institute’s biggest fundraiser of the year and proceeds directly support their Adopt-A-Class program. Adopt-A-Class gives underserved students the life-changing opportunity of being immersed in hands-on STEM education at the Ocean Institute. Enjoy gourmet food, top jazz musicians and a beautiful sunset over Dana Point Harbor while knowing you are contributing to critical education for under-served children.