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Brunch at the End of the Trail
BBQ battles, classic cars and cocktails, a moonlit grunion run, live country music, and magical brunch at the end of the rainbow tunnel!
Jason Ladd & Lorna Ladd
July 23, 2025
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Hey friend, hope you’ve been loving this cooler weather—ideal for hitting the OC Fair without melting into a churro or strolling the Sawdust Fest in comfort.
This weekend’s packed: BBQ in Mission Viejo, a moonlit grunion run, classic cars with cookies and cocktails, live country music, a rainbow tunnel-to-brunch walk, and a playground launch with free tacos.
Reply to this email and let us know what you’ve got planned! (Was this email forwarded to you? You can get your own weekly copy by subscribing here.)
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS 🗓️
~~ FRIDAY JULY 25th ~~
🔥 BBQ Battle Smoked meats, carnival rides, live music, and a grill-off between BBQ pros and backyard champs. Only VIP, and Wild Fork BBQ Lounge tickets include BBQ tastings. General Admission does not include tastings.
Friday-Sunday, July 25–27 | Oso Viejo Park, Mission Viejo
🐟 Grunion Run at Doheny Catch one of SoCal’s strangest natural spectacles as thousands of grunion fish ride the waves onto shore to spawn under the moonlight.
Friday, July 25, 10:15pm–12:15am | FREE | Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
🎬 Western Movie Night Line dance into the evening with DJ Sami G, live country hits from Kelly Boyz Band, and a screening of Urban Cowboy under the stars. Tickets include movie entry & popcorn—kids 12 & under free!
Friday, July 25 | 6–10:30pm | The Swanner House, San Juan Capistrano
🎹 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SATURDAY JULY 26th ~~
Cars & Cocktails at Auto Addiction.
🚗 Cars, Cocktails (& Cookies) See cool classic and exotic cars, plus hot rods, cold beer, flash tattoos, and live rockabilly. Enjoy pizza, cocktails, and insanely good cookies from MavensTreats, the winner of our chocolate chip cookie contest. Don’t miss the 327 motor raffle benefiting OC Rescue Mission!
Saturday, July 26 | 3–6pm | Auto Addiction 26862 Vista Terrace, Lake Forest
🧘♀️ Yoga & Hiking Start your morning with a 4-mile hike featuring sweeping 360° views, followed by a gentle outdoor yoga session focused on breath, balance, and recovery. Advanced registration required. This fills up.
Saturday, July 26, 8:30–11am | FREE | Irvine
🌙 Luna Park Grand Opening Explore OCs biggest playground, a 13-acre park with two pools, pickleball, basketball and outdoor kitchens. Start the day with a free yoga and strength class (sign-up in advance), stay for music, free cold brew, tacos, bbq and cookies.
Saturday, July 26 | 9am–2pm | 531 Gadwell, Irvine
🎸 Live Music on The Deck Enjoy classic rock and oldies poolside and a food truck by Xclusive.
Saturday, July 26, 1–4pm | Montanoso Rec Center, Mission Viejo
🎸 Berlin at the Lake Catch iconic ‘80s new wave band Berlin under the stars, with opener Johnny Two Bags starting the party at 7 PM. Members enter free with a valid Lake ID; guests welcome with members.
Saturday, July 26 | 7–10pm | Lake Mission Viejo
🎹 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SUNDAY JULY 27th ~~
🎨 Sawdust & Pageantry It’s a perfect weekend to stroll the shady paths of the Sawdust Festival—think handmade ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and live music. Then cross the street and catch Pageant of the Masters, Laguna’s most iconic show where art literally comes to life.
Get 20% off select tickets here or hunt for last-chance tickets up to 50% off here. Laguna Beach
🎶 Reggae Sunday with Rasta Fuego Chill out with live reggae, 25+ beers on tap, and smashed burgers at this hidden gem taproom behind Plaza Del Obispo. Easy Sunday vibes, cold drinks, and good tunes.
Sunday, July 27 | 3–6pm | BrewHouse Tap Room, San Juan Capistrano
🍷 Farmer’s Market on a Vineyard Sip local wines, browse a farmer’s market, enjoy live music, and meet baby goats. Family- and dog-friendly.
Sunday, July 27 | 11am–4pm | Giracci Vineyards & Farms, Silverado
🎶 Country at Sea Terrace Park Catch a double-header of country hits with Kelly Boyz Band at 2:30pm and Vegas McGraw at 4:30pm.
July 27 | 2:30 & 4:30pm | Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point
🎹 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🤔 Trivia Quiz
Soka University in Aliso Viejo was founded on principles from which religion?
A) Judaism
B) Catholicism
C) Hinduism
D) Buddhism
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🍳 Brunch at the End of the Trail
The Jeronimo Tunnel is part of the Oso Creek Trail. Then brunch at at the end of the trail !
Some trails end in blisters. This one ends in brunch.
Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo is one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend morning—not because it’s a big workout, but because it’s a beautiful walk that just so happens to end with one of the best patios in Orange County.
Terrace on the Green, tucked beside the golf course, is the perfect way to end a walk: oversized umbrellas, cozy sofas, fire tables if it’s chilly, and a peaceful view of the fairway that makes you feel like you’re at a resort.
But getting there is half the fun.
Oso Trail winds along a gentle creek, past wildflowers, native gardens, and more unexpected art than you’d expect from a suburban walking path.
There are sculptural mosaics, bridges, and even a tunnel with a vibrant mural that shifts in color as you move through it.
A holdover from the trail’s fairy house era, this whimsical birdhouse tree keeps the community art spirit alive at Oso Creek
You’ll pass rose gardens, birdhouses, shady benches overlooking the water, and plenty of spots that make you want to slow down (or stop entirely).
The whole trail is easy, flat, and surprisingly versatile. If you want to keep your shoes clean, you can stay entirely on pavement.
If you want to extend the walk, start from Pavion Park and make your way all the way down to La Paz and back for a 5-mile loop.
Don’t want to commit? You can make it a casual 2-miler and still earn your Eggs Benedict.
Watch a quick video to see what it’s like.
Get the step-by-step instructions on where to park and how to do the loop that ends in brunch…
🦄 NICE NEWS…
Photo Credit: Craig Hatfield
📸 Heart-Stopping Photo Wins Big
Mission Viejo’s own Craig Hatfield earned first place in the professional category of the 2025 Laguna Bluebelt Photo Contest, wowing judges with his mesmerizing “Heart Bubble”.
Now on display at the Laguna College of Art, Hatfield’s image helps shine a spotlight on coastal conservation efforts in our community, showing that a single frame can spark both wonder and awareness. See all the winners.
🚢 Dana Point Harbor Gets a Glow-Up
The new parking structure with 984 spots debuts about a year after breaking ground. Photo Credit: Photo: Kaila Mellos / Dana Point Times
Dana Point Harbor’s $600M makeover is sailing right along. The first big reveal? A sleek three-level parking garage with nearly 1,000 spots, smart tech, restrooms, and lockers.
Next up: Phase 3 starts later this summer, bringing in waterfront dining, boutique shops, and a reimagined marina. Learn More.
🍔 Pro Snowboarder Opens San Clemente Restaurant
Pro snowboarder Jordan Small just opened Small’s Smash Club in San Clemente, turning his viral burger pop-up into a full-blown restaurant.
Locals are lining up for crispy smashburgers, tallow fries, and ice cream. Are the queues worth the hype? We haven’t been there yet but Yelpers give it a 4.6!
It’s located near the DMV in the Shorecliffs area of San Clemente.📍 641 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673
MOVIES & CONCERTS…
🎬 Free Movie Tickets !
Well, not exactly free - you’ll literally have to give blood!
The Red Cross is offering movie tickets this July because, frankly, they’re desperate.
Summer vacations, heat waves, and extreme weather have led to a national drop in donations, just when hospitals need blood the most.
So if you’ve got a vein to spare, they’ve got a Fandango code with your name on it.
🩸 Friday, July 25 | 9am–3pm | Royce Gracie Academy OC, Laguna Niguel
🩸 Monday, July 28 | 10am–4pm | Laguna Niguel City Hall
🩸 Wednesday, July 30 | 11am–5pm | Ivy Park of Wellington, Laguna Hill
🎤 Summer Concerts This Weekend
Friday July 25
Ladera Ranch: Common Sense, Town Green - 6:30pm
Nellie Gail: Stone Soul, Gallup Park - 7:00pm
Saturday July 26
Mission Viejo: Johnny Two Bags & Berlin, North Beach - 7:00pm
Lake Forest: Family Style, Sports Park - 5:30pm
Irvine: 1969 the Tribute, Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge
Sunday July 27
Aliso Viejo: Modern Highway, Grand Park
RSM: Redneck Rodeo (6:00-8:00pm), Central Park
See all the concerts happening around South OC…
🍽️ Where the Real Housewives Dine
The new season of Real Housewives of Orange County dropped July 10. We know you’re not here for the drama, but you are here for the dining recommendations. Love them or not, these women know their way around a reservation.
From cocktails at Javier’s to scene-stealing moments at The Quiet Woman, here’s a handy guide to where the Housewives wined and dined last season. Get the list.
Newport & Costa Mesa…
Subscribe to Back Bay Buzz. It’s a newsletter like The Scene but focusing on another area in OC. Plus, Jonathan the publisher is a really nice guy!
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✏️ PLAN AHEAD…
🗓️ Add these events to your Calendar
🏮 Water Lantern Festival Create and decorate your own floating lantern with a personal message, then release it onto the water at sunset in a stunning display of light and reflection. Friday-Sunday, August 1-3 | 5–9pm | Centennial Park, Santa Ana
🤠 Country Line Dancing in the Barn Kick up your boots for a night of line dancing in the barn with DJ Marie Kelly! Beginners welcome—lessons start the night, then it’s non-stop country hits and good vibes. Food & drinks available on-site.
Friday, August 1 | 7–10pm | Farmakis Farms, San Juan Capistrano | $16.75
🛥️ 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 2 | 11am–5pm | Ocean Institute, Dana Point Harbor
🌳 Nature Bathing & Mindfulness Walk This serene journey weaves breathwork, gentle stretches, and moving meditations beneath "Grandfather Tree" and along a flowing creek.
Saturday, August 2 | 4:00–5:30pm | Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita
🚤 Cardboard Boat Derby Build it, race it, hope it floats! Teams of four get one hour, two pieces of cardboard, and a roll of duct tape to create a pool-worthy vessel before racing it across the water.
Saturday, August 2 | 2–6pm | Sierra Rec Center, Mission Viejo.
🍷 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—all set against the lush charm of Giracci Vineyards. Use promo code GIRACCI for 50% off.
Saturday, August 9, 6:30–9:30pm | Silverado
🧘♀️ Morning Yoga Hike Start your day with a 4-mile hike through scenic Baker Canyon, followed by a gentle yoga flow under a shaded canopy. This is a FREE event but you must pre-register. These always fill up fast!
Saturday, August 9 | 8:30–11am | Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
🛍️ The Coast Vintage Market Hunt for hidden gems, vintage treasures, and curated finds from SoCal’s best vendors—everything from retro decor to family-kept heirlooms. Free. Sunday, August 10 | 8:00am–3:00pm | Laguna Hills Mall Parking Lot
🐎 Capistrano Polo Classic The First Annual Capistrano Polo Classic brings horses, live music, food trucks, and cocktails to the Ortega Equestrian Center.
Sunday, August 10 | 11–3pm | San Juan Capistrano
🖼️ 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
🛍️ 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
🔥 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
🌊 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
🎠 Sea Country Festival Carnival rides, live music, food vendors, and family fun return to Laguna Niguel’s biggest annual bash.
Fri–Sun, August 22–24 | Crown Valley Park, Laguna Niguel
🎸 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
Woof, woof…, Woof, woof…
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We’re a small team: Jason, me and these 4 dogs (who really aren’t that helpful)
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About Us: Lorna’s an OC native who has lived in Spain, France and New Zealand but always returns home for the tacos, the trails, and the beautiful tree-lined streets of Mission Viejo. Jason’s a Brit who swapped pub life for paddleboards and now splits his time between aquascaping and crafting perfect cocktails. We started The Scene because there’s so much to see, do, and savor. Thanks for letting us be a small part of your weekend.
🧐 Trivia Answer:
Correct Answer: D Buddhism
✅ Though secular and open to all, Soka University is rooted in Buddhist humanism - emphasizing peace, human rights, and the value of each life.
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