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.
Wednesday, December 4
12:35 PM LuncH with a Capital H
We’re back at our old haunt. Note the new time. 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
Thursday, December 5
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
Saturday, December 7
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM OC Mensa Holiday Party
Celebrate the holiday season with your fellow Mensans at our annual Holiday Party! We will enjoy an all-you-can eat dinner of Honey Baked ham, turkey, side dishes, desserts, and a variety of beverages. Paid reservations were required by November 21.
Silent Auction to benefit the OC Mensa Scholarship Fund: We have a variety of artwork, handmade items, games, books, puzzles, museum tickets, and other items for our auction. We can accept cash, checks or credit/debit cards, so come prepared to bid and take home some great items to give away as holiday gifts or to keep for yourself.
Location: Santa Ana. (Same location as last year’s Holiday Party and our OCM Anniversary Event.)
Chair: Angie Mattson
Sunday, December 8
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. 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, December 9
10:00 PM Calendar and Oracle Deadlines
Submit January 2025 calendar entries to the Calendar Editor at Calendar@ocmensa.org
Submit January 2025 Oracle entries (articles & photos) to the Oracle Editor at Editor@ocmensa.org
Saturday, December 14
3:30 PM – 8:00 PM San Diego Mensa Holiday Party
Come join us at the home of Richard Lederer and Simone van Egeren for San Diego Mensa’s annual celebration of the holiday season. Mensans and guests of all ages are welcome. $10 at the door for munchies, beer, wine, mulled cider, juice, and soft drinks. Rich will be inscribing and signing his books at the party. All profits will go to San Diego Mensa. Do your holiday shopping inexpensively and benefit SDM! Covid is still with us – masks are optional, and vaccinations are encouraged. Please respect other people’s preferences and maintain your distance when asked. Smoking outside. Please leave your pets at home.
Location: San Diego (Scripps Ranch)
Directions/Info: Call Richard or Simone to RSVP – Your response is important as it helps us determine the shopping list and other preparation. no later than Wed., Dec. 11th.
Wednesday, December 18
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: Minato Sushi, 23505 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest
Directions: Exit I-5 at El Toro Rd, head inland a half mile; on the left
Contact: Tom Streeter