DANA POINT, CALIF: Visit Dana Point has announced the appointment of John Ehlenfeldt to executive director. Ehlenfeldt brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He most recently served as executive vice president at Visit Huntington Beach, where he oversaw the destination marketing plan, group and leisure sales, visitor and destination partner services, and more for nearly a decade.

LAS VEGAS: The Halloween & Costume Association and Clarion Events have announced that the Halloween & Party Expo will return to The Mirage from Jan. 10-12, 2023. Party and specialty retailers can once again expect three days of new product releases, networking and sourcing opportunities. Proceeds from the expo are used to promote and grow the safe celebration of Halloween and year-round costumed events throughout North America.

LOS ANGELES: Open now, The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience is an immersive, Instagram-ready event held in the ballrooms of the Millennium Biltmore Hotel for fans of the hit Netflix show. Up to 300 guests can bow before an actress doing her best impression of Queen Charlotte, learn a dance set to a string quartet version of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams,” participate in a Lady Whistledown scavenger hunt and possibly even be granted the coveted honor of being named the “diamond of the evening.” The 90-minute experience will also travel to Washington, Chicago and Montreal.

SEATTLE: Seattle Center Festál will host the Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival from April 8-10. Following last year’s virtual festival, this year features a lineup of both in-person and virtual events, with in-person gatherings at the Armory Food & Event Hall and Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center. The free, public festival includes sake tastings, a calligraphy exhibit and a tea ceremony with the theme "Soul of Artisans."

TYSONS, VIRGINIA: The Boro Tysons is hosting its first-ever Kite Fest on April 23. The event celebrates spring with kite performers, multiple crafting stations, giant board games and live music across The Sandlot Tysons and Boro Park. There will also be a pop-up bookstore hosted by Turning the Page, and The Gift of Language will be doing springtime crafts, storytime and face-painting for kids. There will also be a live DJ, jumbo-sized board games and multiple kite-decorating stations.