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Fireworks Guide: South OC
Celebrate July 4th weekend in South OC with fireworks by the beach, water wars in the harbor, drone shows, live concerts, garden strolls, kayak tours, candle workshops, and more.
Jason Ladd & Lorna Ladd
July 02, 2025
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Welcome to The Scene… your weekly guide to what’s actually worth doing in South Orange County.
This weekend, the skies are set to light up with fireworks from San Clemente to Mission Viejo—alongside pancake breakfasts, WWII flyovers, and small-town parades.
We’ve got your cheat sheet to the best viewing spots, unexpected local events, and a few quiet escapes if you’d rather skip the noise.
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What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS 🗓️
~~ FRIDAY JULY 4th ~~
4th of July Fireworks
Want to catch some fireworks? You’re in luck - look any direction in South OC and a city show will be lighting up the sky.
That’s handy, because personal fireworks are not allowed in South OC. If you spot illegal fireworks, you can quietly report it at 714-538-3501.
Here’s the South OC rundown of city-sponsored displays:
Aliso Viejo Festivities start at 6pm at Town Center Amphitheater, fireworks at 9pm.
Dana Point Water Wars all day in the harbor, WWII flyover at 5:55pm, fireworks set off from a barge off Doheny. Starts at 9pm.
Best Viewing Spots: Doheny State Beach | Capistrano & Baby Beach | Lantern Bay & Heritage Park | Pines Park | Cliffs above the harbor.
With Dinner & Drinks: Chart House, Glasspar, Proud Mary’s, or Wind & Sea for dinner + fireworks from the harbor or cliffside.
On the Water: Paddleboards, boats, or book a fireworks cruise with Dana Wharf or Ocean Institute.
Irvine Family festival at Great Park (4–10pm): community wheels-parade rolls at 5pm, lawn games & water-balloon contests all afternoon, Hangar 244 live music + silent-DJ inside, carousel & balloon rides outside. High-tech drone show lifts off 8:45pm, followed by big-sky fireworks 9:45pm.
Best Viewing Spots: Great Park Lawn | along the Historical Timeline parade route | bleachers near Hangar 244.
Ladera Ranch Freedom Run at 7am, park activities at 4pm, Cupcake Bake-off 4:45pm, Concert 6-9pm and fireworks at 9pm at Founders Park.
Laguna Beach Fireworks show begins at 9pm at Monument Point in Heisler Park.
Best Viewing Spots: Main Beach | Heisler Park| Aliso Beach (Easiest parking in South Laguna with oceanfront views).
With Dinner & Drinks: Hotel Laguna at Larsen or Fin | The Deck| The Cliff | Las Brisas | Skyloft.
Laguna Hills Carnival rides, games, and live music at the Community Center, fireworks at 9pm.
Laguna Niguel Free swim at aquatic center 9am-4pm, patriotic flyover at 5:30pm, concert at 5:30pm, Drone Show Experience at 9pm at Crown Valley Park.
Lake Forest Pancake breakfast starts at 7am (Kiwanis, $10), 5K run at 7am, and the community parade kicks off at 9:30am near El Toro High School.
Mission Viejo Street fair on Olympiad starts at 12pm, fireworks at 9pm.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to live in Mission Viejo to enjoy the street faire—it’s open to everyone. But if you want to go to the lake, you’ll need to tag along with a resident. The street faire takes place just above the lake.
Best Viewing Spots: North Beach (must be resident), Vista Del Lago near the baseball fields, FloJo Park, and the dam side of LMV along Alicia. You can also set up chairs along the hillside path near Marguerite and La Barca for a great lake-facing view.
Rancho Santa Margarita Bike parade 10am, 11am beach club fun, DJ & games. Live music at the lake from 5-8pm, fireworks at 9pm. You must be a resident or guest of RSM.
San Clemente Office Chair Downhill Derby kicks off the fun in the morning, followed by Stars, Stripes & Slip N’ Slides at 10am with water play, military vehicles, and live music. Catch the Condor Squadron flyover around 5:40pm, then fireworks at 9pm at the pier. Trolley runs 10am–11pm.
San Juan Capistrano Celebration at Marco Forster Middle School from 2-9:30pm, fireworks at 8:45pm.
Trabuco Canyon Small-town parade at 10:30am at Trabuco General Store.
🎶 Want to skip the fireworks?
Head to a local restaurant or bar for some Live music. The listing is here 🎶
~~ SATURDAY JULY 5th ~~
Kayaking in Dana Point
🛶 Dana Point Kayak Tour Paddle through Dana Point Harbor on a 2-hour guided tour with the Ocean Institute and learn about local marine life and harbor history. All skill levels welcome.
Saturday, July 5 | 9–11am | Dana Point.
🧺 Farmers Market & Crafts Shop fresh produce, handmade goods, and local treats at this laid-back Saturday market.
Saturday, July 5 | 9am–1pm | Mission Viejo Village Center.
Here’s a full list of Farmer’s Markets in South OC
🎭 Pageant of the Masters Living art, starry skies, and a touch of Laguna magic. This iconic show transforms real people into classic masterpieces. It’s really unbelievable.
Saturday, July 5 - August 30 | 8:30pm | Laguna Beach.
🎟️ Bonus: Your ticket includes same-day Festival of Arts entry—opens 4pm weekdays, 10am weekends.
👢 Line Dancing & Axe Throwing Line dancing, unlimited small axe throwing, and drinks.
Saturday, July 5 | 8pm–Midnight | Kaleidoscope, Mission Viejo.
~~ SUNDAY JULY 6th ~~
90s Rockshow will play in RSM on July 6th
🌿 Guided Nature Hike Explore native plants and wildflowers on a scenic 2.5-mile hike led by Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalists. Moderate terrain, great views, and canyon ecology insights.
Sunday, July 6 | 8–10:30am | James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Beach.
🟡 PAC-MAN Exhibit at Great Park Celebrate 45 years of PAC-MAN with arcade games, rare memorabilia, and global artwork at this free interactive exhibition.
Sunday, July 6 through Sept. 28 | 10am–4pm | Great Park Gallery, Irvine.
🏐 Social Bocce Ball & Happy Hour Join the Happy Hour Players for casual bocce, rotating teams, and shared snacks with a view. No experience needed—just bring a drink and something to share. Equipment provided. Sunday, July 6 | 1–3pm | Lantern Bay Park, Dana Point.
🎸 The Big Rockshow – 90s Tribute Band From Nirvana to Red Hot Chili Peppers, this OC-based cover band brings the best of 90s alt rock—live and loud. Sunday, July 6 | 6–8pm | Central Park, Rancho Santa Margarita.
🕯️ Candle Pouring Workshop Blend, pour, and sip at this hands-on candle workshop inside Union Market. Create your own custom scent while enjoying a complimentary drink. Sunday, July 6 | 6–8pm | Mission Viejo.
🤔 Trivia
Which bean was Orange County once famous for producing in massive quantities?
A) Black bean
B) Pinto bean
C) Lima bean
D) Garbanzo bean
Hit reply with your guess -1st correct response will get a shoutout next week
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🏞️ Freebie: Borrow a State Park Pass
OC Public Libraries now offer California State Parks day-use passes you can check out with your library card - just like a book.
Get free entry (and parking) at 200+ parks across the state, including local favorites like Crystal Cove, Doheny & San Clemente.
Passes are good for 3 weeks and can save you $10–$20 per visit.
Available at all OC Public Library branches. Valid through Dec 31, 2025.
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🎤 Summer Concerts This Weekend
Thurs July 3. Lauren Black
Dana Point at The Harbor 4pm
Fri July 4. 90s Rock Show
Ladera Ranch at Founders Park 6pm
Fri July 4. Juke Box Productions & Titans of Rock
Laguna Niguel at Crown Valley Park 5:30pm
Sun July 6. Big Rockshow
Rancho Santa Margarita at Central Park 4pm
See all the concerts happening around South OC…
Nice News…
Laguna Hills Is Paying You to Party!
Block Party Bucks are here, and Laguna Hills is picking up the tab (up to $700) to help neighbors throw get-togethers.
That’s right: the city will cover your party permit and chip in for snacks, games, or even a bounce house.
Why? Because waving from the driveway is fine, but chatting over cornhole and cupcakes is better. Learn More: Holland Gannon at [email protected] or (949)707-2686.
✏️ Plan Ahead…
🌟 Neon Street Fest Glow up your weeknight with food trucks, DJs, glow sticks, and an electric vibe under the stars.
Thursday, July 10 | 5–9pm | Great Park Live, Irvine.
🌲 Forest Bathing Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), this guided walk invites you to slow down, unplug, and fully immerse yourself in nature.
Saturday, July 12, 10am–12pm | Irvine Regional Park.
🧘 Sunset Yoga + Cocktails Stretch and sip at Dana Point’s hip El Caminante Hotel. Enjoy a 60-minute sunset yoga session by the fountain, followed by a post-flow cocktail, DJ set, and happy hour patio hang. Thursday, July 17, 5:45–8pm | Dana Point.
🎨 Natural Color Bandana Workshop Explore the vibrant hues hidden in nature during this hands-on workshop. Start with a guided walk to observe color in the landscape, then use live plants and hammering techniques to create your own botanical bandana. You’ll leave with wearable art!
Friday, July 18, 9:30–11:30am | Ages 12+ | Laguna Beach.
🎡 OC Fair Deep-fried everything, mini donuts, giant Ferris wheels, and pig races you didn’t know you needed to see. Plus concerts, rodeos, farm animals, and people-watching.
July 18–Aug 17 | OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa.
🌊 San Clemente Ocean Festival Lifeguard relays, surf comps, sand sculpting, and a one-mile ocean swim—this beach bash packs it in.
July 19–20 | San Clemente Pier.
🍷 Winedown Friday at the Vineyard Tucked in Silverado Canyon, Giracci Vineyards hosts a dreamy Friday night with pours by the glass and a live jazz-pop set by Midnight Martini.
Saturday, July 19, 6–9pm | Giracci Vineyards, Silverado Canyon.
🛥️ 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 or ticket needed—just show up!
Sunday, July 19 | 11am–5pm | Ocean Institute, Dana Point Harbor.
🌿 Growing Herbs Workshop Learn how to grow fresh herbs in containers, on your patio, windowsill, or even in a pumpkin. UC Master Gardeners will guide you through the basics, from classic basil to more exotic picks.
Saturday, July 19, 11am–12pm | Free | Laguna Beach.
🏞️ Limestone Canyon 4WD Photo Tour See OC’s “Mini Grand Canyon” without breaking a sweat. This rare backcountry tour takes you deep into Limestone Canyon by 4WD vehicle. Snap photos of The Sinks and sketch sweeping sandstone cliffs.
Sunday, July 27, 4–8pm | Free with RSVP | Silverado.
🎶 A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical From “Sweet Caroline” to “Cracklin’ Rosie,” this Broadway hit brings Neil Diamond’s story, and songs, to life.
July 29–Aug 10 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
🍷 OC Wine & Spirit Fest Sip, dance, and soak in the magic of Silverado Canyon at this luxe tasting event under the stars. Enjoy unlimited pours of wine, spirits, and brews, live music, dancing.
Saturday, August 9, 6:30–9:30pm | Silverado | 🎟️ Save 60% with code EARLYEARLY
🐎 Capistrano Polo Classic The First Annual Capistrano Polo Classic brings horses, live music, food trucks, and cocktails to the Ortega Equestrian Center.
August 10 | 11am–3pm | San Juan Capistrano.
About Us: Lorna’s an OC native with a journalism degree she’s finally getting to use. Jason’s a Brit who traded rain for sunshine, but he still wakes up at 4am to cheer for his beloved Arsenal soccer team. We started The Scene because life’s short, and there’s so much to see, do, and savor! Thanks for letting us be part of your weekend!
🧐 Trivia Answer: D) Lima Bean
💡 In the early 20th century, Orange County was dubbed “Beanville” for its massive lima bean production. The Segerstrom family, now known for South Coast Plaza, built their fortune farming limas, once harvesting enough to fill 50 train cars in a single season.
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