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, March 24
6:30 PM Book Chat
Once again, we are meeting at Valerie Spear’s house. We will be discussing The Alchemist’s Daughter by Mary Lawrence. Look forward to seeing you.
Location: Tustin.
Contact: If you need directions or encouragement text Karon Roberts.
Wednesday, March 25
12:35 PM (almost) FREE LUNCH
Burns Road is a famous food street in Pakistan. It’s also a cafe blending South Asian flavors with classic American burgers, chicken, and salads. And it’s Halal. Join us for a taste adventure.
Location: Burns Road, 15712 Tustin Village Way, Tustin,
Contact: John Olsen.
Wednesday, April 1
12:30 PM LuncH with a Capital H
No joke, we’re back at our usual haunt. Join us for lunch at the big round table (assuming 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 the Deli sign in the corner of a small shopping center.
Contact: John Olsen.
Thursday, April 2
12:00 Noon First Thursday Lunch
Please join us at Cafe Rose Express. Typical full lunches priced from about $8 to $25. Fresh salads & pastries. Full lunch menu with daily specials. We’re welcoming, good-natured and friendly. If the weather is nice, we may be outside in the shade. Look for the M on a yellow background.
Location: Cafe Rose Express, 1570 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa, 949-478-8777.
Contact: John Kerr.
Monday, April 6
Deadline for Reservations for OCM 46th Anniversary & Spring Fling
Celebrate Orange County Mensa’s 46th Anniversary with your fellow Mensans on Sunday, April 12, at Noon in Santa Ana. $20 per adult/teen or $10 per child (age 12 and under). Includes all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet lunch, sweets, beverages, and water.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQURIED, so we know how much food to order. To reserve, send $20 per adult/teen or $10 per child (age 12 & under) either via PayPal or by mailing a check. Indicate the name of each attendee. Also indicate any dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian and/or gluten free.
To Pay Online: www.PayPal.com – send to treasurer@ocmensa.org
To Pay by Check: Make payable to Orange County Mensa. Mail to the address listed in the Oracle.
Tuesday, April 7
6:30 PM-7:30 PM Parent Support Zoom
Just as our gifted children may struggle finding their place and tribe, parents of gifted children can struggle with trying to help them. Join other parents of Gifted Youth on Zoom every first Tuesday to ask questions, share advice or just feel validated that you aren’t alone in this journey.
This meeting is open to any parents of gifted youth, even if your “youth” may not technically be kids or teens anymore. We parents of young ones will definitely benefit from those who have gone before us.
Contact: Jennifer Colucci.
Thursday, April 9
5:00 PM SCIHH (South County Indoor Happy Hour) – 2nd Thursday of the Month
We’re continuing indoors for Spring. The always interesting conversation follows wherever it leads, no set topic. We’ll provide the beer, wine, and water. Bring a snack to share if you’re so inclined, but don’t feel obligated. Note: There are some stairs inside.
Location: Laguna Beach.
Contact: Joyce Farmer.
Saturday, April 11
12:00 Noon – 2:00pm Cutting-Edge and Big Ideas SIG
We’ll meet monthly to share big ideas, friendship, and fun. We’ll discuss articles, books, and knowledge about lots of cool topics not limited to: Cutting-edge Science, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Technology, Economics, History, Politics, Biography, Inspirational Leadership, Philosophy, Brain Science, Learning & Thinking, Positive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Gifted Minds, Futurism, Cultural & Physical Evolution, as well as AI & Machine Learning. We will be reading a cutting-edge or big idea book each month, chosen by our members. Meetings are the second Saturday of each month and after our intellectual fun together we can join the Mensa group at the Whale and Ale down the street. Come for the exciting conversation, stay for the connection, fun, and friendship. Our book for April is The Brain That Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge.
Location: Sirens Java & Tea, 402 W 7th St, San Pedro.
Contact: Jennifer Minette.
Sunday, April 12
12:00 Noon – 2:30 PM OC Mensa 46th Anniversary Party & Spring Fling
Celebrate Spring and OC Mensa’s 46th Anniversary with your fellow Mensans at our annual party! We will enjoy an all-you-can-eat Mexican lunch with sweets and a variety of beverages. Paid reservations were required by Monday, April 6.
Education Program by: Orange County Bird of Prey Center. Meet live birds of prey and learn all about them from a knowledgeable docent.
Location: Santa Ana.
Contact: Parking or directions: Ken Burke. Reservations: Meg Sulzen. Other questions or to volunteer to help: Angie Mattson.
Monday, April 13
10:00 PM Calendar and Oracle Deadlines
Submit May 2026 calendar entries to the Calendar Editor.
Submit May 2026 Oracle entries (articles & photos) to the Oracle Editor.
Friday, April 17
6:30 PM Millennial/Gen Z Meetup
All adults are welcome and you can stay until closing. However, this event will mainly be geared toward Millennial and Gen Z age groups under 45. Mensans, feel free to bring a plus one. Craft beers, meads & ciders and a tasty menu. First 10 attendees receive one free beer ticket courtesy of GLAAM! Hope to see you there!
Location: So. Cal Vibes Co. 17812 S Main Street, Carson, CA 90248.
Contact: Lauren Montgomery Wallman.
Saturday, April 18
1:00 PM South of the Border Lunch
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: Olamendi’s, 34660 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point. www.originalolamendis.com, Nixon’s old hangout!
Directions: Directions: Exit I-5 at Camino Las Ramblas/PCH/Exit-79, go west (toward the ocean) for a quarter of a mile, and take the Doheny Park Road exit. At Doheny Park Road, turn left (under the freeway). Doheny Park Road becomes PCH South. Go a third of a mile; the restaurant is on your left. Yes, there is a center turn lane.
Contact: Tom Streeter.
Sunday, April 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 Ken Burke to receive the login information/link for joining the meeting.
Contact: Ken Burke, OCM President.
Thursday, April 23
5:00 PM LOT Last Odd Thursday returns
It’s our al fresco Happy Hour which we try to hold in our front yard. Bring a snack to share if you are so moved, but we have plenty of beer.
Location: Orange.
Contact: John Olsen.
Sunday, April 26
10:45 AM Brunch Buddies
Join us for brunch! This month we are going back to where we started: Bosscat Kitchen & Libations. Wide range of brunch options and the Flaming Hot Cheetos Bloody Mary. Please note: Brunch time can often mean wait times. Please RSVP for this event no later than 48 hours before so we know who to wait for before getting a table.
Location: Bosscat Kitchen & Libations, 118 W Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.
Directions: Parking tip: There is a garage with free parking at Lemon and Maple. All parking within two blocks of the circle will cost you to park unless you have a handicapped placard.
Contact: Valerie Spear or John Olsen.
Wednesday, April 29
12:30 PM (almost) FREE LUNCH
(almost) FREE LUNCH goes for the pho (and other Vietnamese and Chinese dishes) at Pho Ky Dong in Tustin. We’ve been coming here for years when it was Long Hai. Now the niece has taken over and rebranded it.
Location: 682 El Camino Real, Tustin (tucked all the way back in the corner of the El Camino Plaza shopping center) between 6th and Newport Ave.
Contact: John Olsen.
