August 14


🖼️ Glass in Motion A bold new exhibition of molten glass frozen mid-ripple, with color, light, and gravity-defying forms by Irvine artist Greg Price. Opening reception includes artist Q&A and light bites.
Thursday, August 14, 2–4pm | Art at City Hall, Irvine Civic Center. Exhibit runs Aug 14–Dec 12 | FREE

🤠 Western Night in SJC Line-dancing warms up the night (6:30pm) before Western Medicine hits the stage at 8pm, Mama Tried serves country classics, and a Western movie caps it off under the stars.
Thursday, August 14 | 6pm–late | The Swanner House, San Juan Capistrano

🍍 Tropical Nights at Great Park Live Kick off your summer with a tropical escape under the stars—enjoy local food stalls, artisan vendors, live music (including steel drums), and beachy eats and sips in a relaxed market atmosphere. | Free admission & free parking Thursday, August 14 | 5–9 PM | Irvine

🍴 Taste of Irvine Sample signature bites from nearly 20 of Irvine’s best restaurants, paired with craft cocktails and premium pours from brands like Don Julio, Bulleit, and Fords Gin. This elegant evening of food and drink takes place at the scenic “PARK at Lakeshore”—come hungry, leave inspired.
Thursday, August 14 | 5–8 PM | PARK at Lakeshore (18169 Von Karman Ave, Irvine) | Tickets required

🎸 Broadway Rocks: A Journey Through Broadway’s Rock Anthems
Feel the energy as Broadway meets rock in this high-voltage cabaret at the historic Casino in San Clemente. Expect dynamic tunes from Rent, Hair, Rock of Ages, Jagged Little Pill—performed with flair in a cozy, reimagined theater setting.
Thursday–Saturday, August 14–16 | 7:30 PM nightly | The Casino, San Clemente

August 15

🍴 Taste of Lake Forest Sample bites from your favorite local spots, sip from the beer and wine garden, and sway to live music by The Trip—all set against the charming backdrop of Heritage Hill Historical Park.
Friday, August 15 | 4–7:30pm | Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest

🌵 Agave Fest Returns to Laguna Cliffs
Tequila lovers, rejoice! The 2nd Annual Agave Festival is back at Laguna Cliffs Marriott featuring tastings from top tequila and mezcal brands like Don Julio, LALO, and 400 Conejos. . Friday, August 15 | 5–9pm | Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Dana Point | $35 (food sold separately)

August 16

🛍️ Vintage Walk ‘n’ Shop Explore Old Towne Orange’s best thrift and vintage shops, collect passport stamps, and enter to win a $600 gift card. Saturday, August 16, 10am–5pm | Orange

🛹 Ramps & Amps Skateboarding & BMX demonstration from X Games pros, a street course open to public, live bands, and beer-plus-food trucks—hosted by legendary pro skateboarder Christian Hosoi.
Saturday, Aug 16 | 3–8pm | Dana Point | FREE

🍽️ Summer Night Cookout at Tanaka Farms Enjoy a breezy summer evening with a buffet-style dinner, sunset tractor rides, and visits with barnyard animals. Reservations required. Saturday, August 16 | 6–9pm | Tanaka Farms, Irvine

🛥️ Dockside Drafts in Dana Point An open-air seafront event where you’ll sip craft beers from local breweries and enjoy bites from Delanya’s Texas BBQ—all while taking in harbor views. No RSVP needed.
Saturday, August 16 | 11am–5pm | Ocean Institute, Dana Point 

🔥 OC Smoke Show Dig into top-tier BBQ from SoCal pitmasters, sample 100+ whiskeys at the Barrel Saloon, and hit the line dancing tent between bites. Chris Young to headline.
Saturday, August 16, 1–10pm | San Juan Capistrano

🎨 San Clemente Arts & Crafts Fair Returns
This longtime local favorite celebrates 64 years of creativity by the coast. Stroll more than 50 booths featuring fine art, handmade jewelry, and beachy treasures—plus live music and food trucks all weekend long.
Saturday & Sunday, August 16–17 | 9am–4pm | San Clemente | Free

🐾 Bark & Brew Sip local craft beer, shop pet vendors, and let the kids enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, and arts & crafts. Pups can test their skills in the on-leash dog park while everyone snacks on treats and joins in for prizes and giveaways. Proceeds benefit the San Clemente–Dana Point Animal Shelter.
Saturday, August 16 | 4–7 PM | Outlets at San Clemente – Oak Tree Court |

August 17

🌊 Floating Obstacle Course Challenge Run, slip, and splash your way across a giant inflatable course at Sierra Rec Center. Free for members; $10 guest pass.
Sunday, August 17, 12–4pm | Mission Viejo

👗 Clothing Swap + Mini Donuts
Clear out your closet and score some new-to-you finds while snacking on gourmet mini donuts. Bring gently used women’s and children’s clothes and shoes to swap; leftovers benefit Laura’s House. Sunday, August 17 | Drop-off 9 AM, shopping 10 AM | High Tide Coffee, San Clemente | Free

🎨 Seashell Decoupage Create a seashell holder using the art of decoupage with decorative napkins. All supplies provided; registration required at the Service Desk.
Thursday, August 21 | 11 AM–12:30 PM | San Juan Capistrano Library

August 22

📚 Meet Author Louis Sachar Bestselling author of Holes and Wayside School, Louis Sachar is coming to Laguna Hills to talk about his beloved books—and his debut novel for adults, The Magician of Tiger Castle. He’s a Newbery Medal and National Book Award winner.
Friday, August 22 at 6:30pm  Laguna Hills

💍 Second Time Around Jewelry Sale Shop thousands of gently loved accessories—everything from earrings and brooches to scarves, hats, belts, and bags—mostly priced between $1 and $5. All proceeds support senior services in Mission Viejo.
Friday–Saturday, August 22–23 | Norman P. Murray Center, Mission Viejo

The Days Music & Skate Festival

Head to Garden Amp in Costa Mesa for punk-rock energy and skate demos featuring The Adolescents, Ignite, Mike V & The Rats, and more. Expect rowdy riffs and board tricks this Friday and Saturday.
Fri–Sat, Aug 22–23 | Garden Amp, Costa Mesa

August 23

🎠 Sea Country Festival  Carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and family fun return to Laguna Niguel’s biggest annual bash.
Friday–Sunday, August 22–24 | Crown Valley Park, Laguna Niguel

🎤 San Clemente Comedy Underground Catch a killer comedy lineup in Krazy Kooters’ newly redesigned backroom—last show sold out fast! Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM; arrive by 6 PM if you’re dining first. Saturday, August 23 | San Clemente | $10 online / $15 at door

August 24

🌊 Bioluminescence Night Cruise See the ocean light up after dark as glowing plankton, darting squid, and curious sea lions come to life under the stars. Cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer for this summer-only experience, complete with deep-water net captures and squid light viewing.
Sunday, August 24 | 8:30–10:30 PM | $55 ($10 ages 0–1) | Ocean Institute, Dana Point

⚓️ Sing Sea Shanties on a Tall Ship Climb aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and join Pirate Joel with the sea-shanty band Queen Anne’s Blouse for a lively, interactive sing-along. Enjoy classic and original maritime tunes, learn sailor life and nautical terms, and hear true local pirate tales. Costumes welcome! Included with general admission to the Maritime Festival Village Sunday, August 24 | 12:30–2 PM | Ocean Institute, Dana Point Harbor

August 31

🥾 Boots, Beer & BBQ for a Cause
Line dancing lessons, a live DJ, and a full dinner from Outback Steakhouse—plus beer and wine for purchase—all to support Mission Viejo’s adopted Marines. Sunday, August 31 | 4–7pm | Norman P. Murray Center, Mission Viejo

September

⚓️ Maritime Festival Tall-ship tours, live cannon battles, mermaid encounters, carnival games, food trucks, a beer garden, and Friday-night Sails N’ Ales.
Friday–Sunday, September 12–14 | Ocean Institute, Dana Point

🎉 Outdoor Vintage Market Shop unique finds from vintage vendors, artisans and even succulent vendors. It’s part flea market, part craft show. Free admission, and free parking. Sunday, September 14 | 8 AM–3 PM | Laguna Hills Mall Parking Lot, Laguna Hills

🎉 Fiesta Latina  Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, food trucks, crafts, cultural demos, and a pop-up art show honoring Latin American history and traditions. Free and family-friendly.
Sunday, September 14 | Great Park, Irvine

🍷 Pacific Wine & Food Classic Sip, savor, and dizzy in culinary bliss on the shores of Newport Beach. More than 30 top OC restaurants, 100+ wines, craft cocktails, a Dessert Garden, Mixology Lounge, charcuterie art, and silent disco. Tickets required (21+ only) Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 1–5 PM | Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, Newport Beach |

🖼️ Dreamscapes and Dream States – Opening Reception Explore cinematic nightscapes by OC fine art photographer Christopher Allwine, created entirely in-camera using painted light—no post-production. His dreamlike works have been featured at Laguna Beach art festivals and venues from The Ritz-Carlton to John Wayne Airport. Free Thursday, September 26 | 6 PM | Casa Romantica, San Clemente,

🎸 Ohana Festival Three days of ocean views and live music featuring Eddie Vedder, Green Day, Hozier & more. Food, art, and storytelling panels round out this beachside weekend.
September 26–28 | All day | Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

October

🛍️ Craft Fair Stroll through a curated collection of local artisans inside the Crown Valley Community Center, featuring a kids’ craft station, live music, and tasty food vendors at the entrance—plus a family-friendly photo op and treat from 11 AM–2 PM. Free admission, free parking Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 9 AM–2 PM | Crown Valley Community Center, Laguna Niguel |

🌼 Día de Muertos Celebration. Celebrate culture, tradition, and ancestral remembrance with a family-friendly afternoon featuring a local artisan market, candle workshop, ancestral sound bath, and a free screening of Coco. Bring photos for the community altar and dress in bright florals.
Sunday, October 5 | 12–5 PM (Movie at 6 PM) | 1135 W. Chapman Ave., Orange

November

🎨 Artisans Market at Aliso Viejo Ranch Browse locally made goods from artists, crafters, and designers at this free, family-friendly market. Enjoy photo ops and food available for purchase.
Sunday, November 9 | 11 AM–3 PM | Aliso Viejo Ranch