We have a full schedule of social activities each month, ranging from lunches and happy hours to games nights, discussion groups, trivia, and our Speakers Forum.
All events are open to all Mensa members, and to guests who accompany Mensa members. Events in public places (restaurants, theaters, etc.) are also open to prospective members. RSVPs are not required, except as noted.
The calendar of activities in the Oracle (our monthly newsletter) may include additional events that are open only to Mensa members and their guests. To view the Calendar in the Oracle, please visit American Mensa’s local group newsletters webpage. Have your Mensa log-in info (email address and password) ready.
Once a week, we send an Email Blast — “This Week in OC Mensa” — that lists the activities for the next seven days to each member with an email address on file with American Mensa.
Mensa members: You can schedule your own activity or get-together in next month’s calendar by submitting a Calendar entry to our Calendar Editor at: calendar@ocmensa.org
Note: To protect the privacy of our hosts, home addresses, personal email addresses, and phone numbers are not listed on this website. Current members of Orange County Mensa can access this information in the current Oracle newsletter or the weekly eBlast.
Tuesday, April 23
10:00 AM Camp Pendleton Historical Tour POSTPONED
Join San Diego Mensa on an excursion showcasing some of the most fascinating locations in Camp Pendleton. Take a docent-guided tour of the Santa Margarita Ranch House, a stunning example of early ranch architecture in California. Then we will explore Camp Pendleton’s Mechanized Museum.
Advance reservations are required by April 17.
Contact: Suzanne Bryant, San Diego Mensa.
5:00 PM Danny K’s Quiz Night
See April 2 entry.
Wednesday, April 24
12:35 PM (almost) FREE LUNCH
It’s time for a hearty German lunch! Join us for sandwiches or sausages and maybe a German brew at Mattern Sausage and Deli.
Location: Mattern Sausage and Deli, 4327 E. Chapman Ave. Orange
Directions: On Chapman Ave, 1.5 miles east of 55 Fwy
Contact: John Olsen.
Thursday, April 25
5:00 PM LOT (Last Odd Thursday)
LOT – Last Odd Thursday – begins its 2024 season. It’s our al fresco Happy Hour which will be held in our renovated front yard this year. Bring a snack to share if you are so moved, but we have plenty of beer.
Location: Orange.
Contact: John Olsen.
Deadline for Reservations for OCM Anniversary Party
Reminder… Join us on Saturday, May 4, at 1:00 PM for a fun time socializing with your fellow Mensans and guests. Advance paid reservations are required by today, so we know how many are attending and how much food to order. No payments can be accepted at the event. Event location: Santa Ana.
To reserve: Send $10/person (check or PayPal). If you are reserving today, your best option is to pay via www.PayPal.com to treasurer@ocmensa.org
Contact: Meg Sulzen, Anniversary Party Chair.
Tuesday, April 30
5:00 PM Danny K’s Quiz Night
See April 2 entry.
Wednesday, May 1
1:00 PM LuncH with a Capital H
We’re back at our old haunt. Join us for sandwiches and conversation and maybe a beer. Look for us at the round big table (if we get it).
Location: Hollingshead’s Deli, 368 S. Main St., Orange. Behind Victory Diner. North of the 22 Fwy, south of Chapman. Look for Deli sign in the corner of a small shopping center.
Contact: John Olsen
Saturday, May 4
1:00 PM OC Mensa Anniversary Party
Celebrate Orange County Mensa’s 44 years of being an independent local group of American Mensa! We’ll also celebrate Star Wars Day and the eve of Cinco de Mayo. All Mensans and their guests are invited for a festive party. $10 per person includes Mexican buffet lunch, beer, wine, margaritas, and soft drinks.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Reservation Deadline: Thursday, April 25. If you are reserving on or a few days before April 25, it’s best to reserve online, because your payment is received immediately. Send $10 per person via www.PayPal.com to treasurer@ocmensa.org .
Note: Reservations and payments must be made in advance so we know how many are attending and we can order the food. No payments can be accepted at the event.
Location: Santa Ana.
Contact: Meg Sulzen, Chair.
Sunday, May 5
3:00 PM New Member Meet & Greet and Mensa 101
If you joined Mensa within the last year (or if you have been a member for a while, but haven’t attended very much and you want to know more about Mensa), you are invited to join us for coffee or iced tea, casual conversation, and an orientation to Mensa. Meet other new members and learn from a few of OCM’s more experienced members about Orange County Mensa and how to make the most of your Mensa membership.
Directions: Oak Creek Shopping Center, 5653 Alton Parkway, Irvine. Outside on the patio in front of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
Contact: Angie Mattson
Tuesday, May 7
5:00 PM Danny K’s Quiz Night
Come join your fellow Mensans and other smart people for a nationwide trivia quiz at Danny K’s. It’s on Tuesday nights and we start at 5:00 PM, but there is another game that starts at 5:30 PM for those who can’t make it at 5:00 PM. One time we were 3rd in the nation. The questions cover a wide range of topics. For more information as to how this works, please contact Tim Bentley.
Location: Danny K’s Billiards & Sports Bar, 1096 N. Main St., Orange. dannyks.com
Contact: Tim Bentley
Saturday, May 11
6:00 PM Games, Puzzles, Origami, & Conversation
Join us for a fun and relaxing evening hanging out with your fellow Mensans. There will be a variety of things to do. We’ll have an assortment of board games to play, as well as jigsaw puzzles for group puzzling. Or, challenge your mind with a variety of 3-dimensional brain-teaser puzzles. Or, try your hand at origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Those who don’t want to get involved with puzzles or origami or a game can spend their time visiting and conversing. There will be snacks available for noshing, but we’re not serving a meal, so plan accordingly.
Directions: Garden Grove
Contact: Marti Reis
Sunday, May 12
10:30 AM Atheists United Orange Co., Second Sunday Brunch
The conversation is enjoyable and unstructured among like-minded friends. We order brunch from the menu. We are open to the public, free parking at the hotel. Or go to: meetup.com/orange-county-second-sunday-brunch/events An RSVP is appreciated.
Location: The restaurant inside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 4545 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. (The cross street is Birch, near the airport).
Contact: Joyce Farmer
Monday, May 13
10:00 PM Calendar and Oracle Deadlines
Submit June calendar entries to the Calendar Editor at Calendar@ocmensa.org
Submit June Oracle entries (articles & photos) to the Oracle Editor at Editor@ocmensa.org
Tuesday, May 14
5:00 PM Danny K’s Quiz Night
See May 7 entry.
Wednesday, May 15
1:00 PM South of the Border
Join us south of the border (the border being the El Toro Y) for a south-county lunch. RSVP not required. Look for the black-and-yellow “M” sign on the table.
Location this month: Café Nordstrom, inside Nordstrom (2nd floor) at the Mission Viejo Mall, 100 The Shops Boulevard, Mission Viejo.
Directions: Exit I-5 at Crown Valley Parkway, go inland 1/4 mile, and turn right at The Shops Boulevard.
Contact: Tom Streeter
Sunday, May 19
3:00 PM OCM Board Meeting – Zoom
The Board is meeting to handle the business of Orange County Mensa. This meeting will be via Zoom and all OC Mensa members are welcome to attend. You can attend on a computer, smart phone, or tablet. If you prefer, you can listen in on a landline phone. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Bill Shaddle to receive the login information/link for joining the meeting.
Contact: Bill Shaddle, OCM President
Tuesday, May 21
5:00 PM Danny K’s Quiz Night
See May 7 entry.
Thursday, May 23
5:00 PM LOT (Last Odd Thursday)
LOT – Last Odd Thursday. It’s our al fresco Happy Hour which will be held in our renovated front yard this year. Bring a snack to share if you are so moved, but we have plenty of beer.
Location: Orange.
Contact: John Olsen
Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27
San Diego Mensa uRGe
Looking for something fun to do over Memorial Day Weekend? Our neighboring chapter to the south, San Diego Mensa, is holding a regional gathering (RG) at the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside. For more info, including online registration and pricing, see:
Tuesday, May 28
5:00 PM Danny K’s Quiz Night
See May 7 entry.
Wednesday, May 29
12:35 PM (almost) FREE LUNCH
Join us at El Camino Café for some distinctive Mexican food. You’ll find their sauces to be rather intriguing. Come for Chilaquiles, Burritos, Quesadillas, Tortas and more.
Location: El Camino Café, 195 El Camino Real, Tustin. Corner of Second & El Camino Real.
Contact: John Olsen
