Hey hey!
We just got some exciting family news, our daughter made Varsity cheer (as a Freshman)… and it has us in celebration mode heading into Mother’s Day.
Which also means we did a quick check on plans and realized… nothing was booked 😏. If your household dropped the ball too, you’re not alone. The good news: there are still some great spots with availability (see article below).
A few things worth highlighting:
👯♀️ New Facebook Group
We just launched it. This is where we’ll share last-minute finds, deals, and weekend plans. Come join us.
📚 Author Talk (Thursday May 7)
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Percival Everett discusses his novel James (100K+ reviews on Amazon) at Laguna Hills Community Center at 6:30. Free. Pro tip: Bardega is a new restaurant bar just five minutes away. Go before or after and call it a plan.
🎤 Brandy Clark (Mother’s Day Concert)
Grammy-winning country singer-songwriter, incredible live, and there’s a 2-for-1 deal. Details down in ‘Sunday May 10’.
See you out there!
Lorna & Jason
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS
~~ FRIDAY MAY 8th ~~
🌅 Sunset Serenades: Kim Johnson
Americana, folk, and country as the sun goes down.
Fri, May 8 | 6:30pm | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
🎤 Missing Persons Live
The original voice Dale Bozzio performs hits like “Walking in L.A.” and “Words”—this is the real band, not a tribute.
Fri, May 8 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🎭 Broadway Night with The Four Phantoms
A powerful concert of Broadway favorites performed by former stars of The Phantom of the Opera, plus a complimentary post-show reception with desserts and an open bar.
Fri, May 8 | 7:00pm | Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
🎭 Theatre Arts Presents: Next to Normal
A Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical following a suburban family navigating mental illness and grief in their pursuit of an elusive normal life.
Fri, May 8 | 7:30pm | Saddleback College Studio Theatre, Mission Viejo
🚶♀️ Friday Evening Harbor Walk + Potluck
A relaxed, beginner-friendly 3-mile walk around Dana Point Harbor timed perfectly for sunset, followed by a casual potluck.
Fridays | 6–7:30pm | Dana Point Harbor (meet at Baby Beach), Dana Point
🌌 Immersive Dome Experience
A 360° mind-bending visual journey blending music, art, and full-dome imagery. Save 10% with code BEAUTIFICASOUL or 25% with SURVEYTHANKS
Fri, May 8th | Orange Coast College Planetarium, Costa Mesa
🎶 🎶 Checkout all of this weekend’s Live Music Options
➡️ NEXT WEEK
Scroll down to see events happening next week and beyond.
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~~ SATURDAY MAY 9th ~~
🎸 The English Beat at The Coach House
The legendary ska band behind “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Save It for Later” returns for two nights of high-energy ‘80s hits.
May 9 + May 23 | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🧘 Mindfulness Expo
A full day of yoga, sound baths, workshops, and wellness vendors focused on self-care and personal growth.
Sat, May 9 | 10am–5pm | Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
🛍️ Modern Makers Mart: Mother’s Day Edition
Shop 50+ local artisans with live music, berry-themed treats, photo ops, and a kids craft station right by the harbor.
Sat, May 9 | 10am–4pm | Bump Out Park, Dana Point
💐 Celebration of Moms
A feel-good morning with a free stroller-friendly workout, kids activities, giveaways, and wellness experiences.
Sat, May 9 | 9–11am | Outlets at San Clemente
🎤 Swift Nation: Taylor Swift Tribute Night
A live sing-along tribute covering all the eras—from early country hits to pop anthems.
Sat, May 9 | Doors 6pm | Great Park Live, Irvine
🌿 Nature Walk at O’Neill Regional Park
A guided, easy-paced 1.25-mile walk through oak woodlands and coastal hills with stops for wildlife, plants, and local history.
Sat, May 9 | 9–10:30am | O’Neill Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon
~~ SUNDAY MAY 10th ~~
♻️ Vintage Market at Laguna Hills Mall
Shop vintage finds, give pre-loved pieces a second life, and hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures. Free admission and parking.
Sun, May 10 | 8am–3pm | Parking lot, Laguna Hills Mall
🎤 Brandy Clark (Mother’s Day Show)
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for sharp, honest, story-driven country songs, with a more stripped-down, rootsy sound. Get two tickets for the price of one. Use code: MOMSNIGHTOUT
Sun, May 10 | 7pm) | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🥾 Bridges of Buck Gully Hike
A guided 4-mile hike through a hidden coastal canyon with four scenic bridges, shaded trails, and year-round stream views.
Sun, May 10 | 8–10am | Buck Gully Reserve, Newport Beach
🎶 🎶 Checkout all of this weekend’s Live Music Options
➡️ NEXT WEEK
Scroll down to see events happening next week and beyond.
Mother’s Day Reservations Still Exist (Barely)
If your kids dragged their feet and forgot to book Mother’s Day, don’t panic. There’s still time to take matters into your own hands. We found a handful of great spots across South OC that still have availability… for now.
Domenicos on the Lake Brunch menu and views of Lake Mission Viejo
Rosewood Social Mother’s Day Menu, rooftop bar in SJC
Bottega Angelina Gorgeous Italian restaurant, Laguna Niguel
Bloom Restaurant Brunch menu, across from the Mission SJC
Wind & Sea Restaurant Afternoon availability. Views of Dana Point Harbor
Drift Distillery & Smokehouse some of the best BBQ around, San Clemente
Rancho Capistrano Winery San Clemente
Bru Grill Mother’s Day Brunch menu, Lake Forest
Habana Cuban style brunch, Irvine and Costa Mesa
Villa Roma Argentine Restaurant, Laguna Hills
Avila’s El Ranchito, Mother’s day menu, Lake Forest
Ysidora Restaurant Inn at the Mission. Prix-fixe , SJC
Live Music 🎶 🎶 🎶
Whether you’re looking for some relaxing acoustic guitar, an upbeat jazz ensemble, a folky singer-songwriter, or some good old rock ‘n’ roll… we have it listed!
Hundreds of live music events from all your favorite locations around South OC…
New events added weekly !
🤔 Trivia Time
Which Hollywood legend lived in Laguna Beach for 3 years and performed at the Laguna Playhouse?
A. Bette Davis
B. Joan Crawford
C. Katharine Hepburn
D. Ava Gardner
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY MAY 11th
🀄 Mah Jongg Club
Casual drop-in game for players who already know the ropes—bring your tiles and NMJL card and find your table.
Mon, May 11 | 1–3pm | Mission Viejo Library, Mission Viejo
🦋 Butterfly Gardens
Create a garden designed to attract and support butterflies.
Mon, May 11 | 11am | Library of the Canyons, San Juan Capistrano
TUESDAY MAY 12th
💃 Latin Rhythms Night
Kick off summer with upbeat Latin dance lessons under the stars—no partner or experience needed.
Tues, May 12 | 6:30pm | Argyros Plaza, Costa Mesa
🎨 Seascape Sketch Workshop
Learn to sketch a coastal scene using colored pencil techniques with local artist Elizabeth McGhee. Small group, peaceful setting, and beginner-friendly.
Tues, May 12 | 9:45am–12pm | Hortense Miller Garden, Laguna Beach
WEDNESDAY MAY 13th
🎹 Dueling Pianos Singalong at The Coach House
A high-energy, request-driven night where the crowd picks the songs and the pianos do the rest.
Wed, May 13 | 7:30pm (6pm doors) | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
THURSDAY MAY 14th
Trivia
Hangar 24, 6:30pm Irvine
Deli Nerds, 7pm, Costa Mesa
Line Dancing
Neighbor’s Bar, Laguna Hills
Bigshots Billiards, Lake Forest
Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
FRIDAY MAY 15th
🌅 Sunset Serenades: Street Corner Renaissance
Doo-wop a cappella with classic harmonies by the coast.
Fri, May 15 | 6:30pm | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
🪼 Bioluminescence Night Cruise
A glowing after-dark ocean experience—watch the water light up as you cruise Dana Point Harbor with marine experts.
May 14–17 | 8:30pm | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
🎸 Live Music at Oso Creek
An outdoor summer concert kickoff with a high-energy ‘80s tribute band, plus drinks and a special event menu in a garden-style setting. It’s free.
Fri, May 15 | 6–8pm | Oso Creek Golf Course, Mission Viejo
☘️ Riverdance
The iconic Irish dance spectacular returns for its 30th anniversary, blending thunderous footwork, live music, and breathtaking choreography.
May 15 – 17, 2026 | Times vary | Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa
🎤 Linda Ronstadt Experience
American Idol star Tristan McIntosh delivers a stunning tribute to former superstar Linda Ronstadt, capturing her at the height of her career with a powerhouse backing band.
May 15–17, 2026 | Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
SATURDAY MAY 16th
🎉 Fiesta Night Market
Tacos, live music, margaritas, and a beer garden with local makers mixed in—basically a Friday night with better decisions.
Sat, May 16 | 5–9pm | North Paseo at Los Osos, Mission Viejo
🛍️ Handmade Market in Irvine
Two sunny days of handmade vendors, live music, kids crafts, and pet-friendly stroll-around energy—the kind of easy outing that somehow turns into three hours.
May 16–17 | 10am–4pm | Woodbridge Village Center, Irvine
👒 Garden Tea & Derby-Style Fashion Show
Dress up in your best hat and settle in for an afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches, and a full-on garden party vibe—plus a fashion show and raffle to keep things lively.
Sat, May 16 | 12–3pm | Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House, Santa Ana
🔧 Get Your Stuff Fixed for Free at Repair Café OC
Broken lamps, wobbly chairs, busted gadgets — volunteers help you fix them at no cost.
Sat, May 16 | 8:30–12:30pm | Norman P. Murray Community Center, Mission Viejo
💧 Water Festival
A lively, family-friendly event with hands-on exhibits, wildlife encounters, live shows, and interactive activities focused on water and sustainability.
Sat, May 16 | 10am–1pm | Rancho Santa Margarita
SUNDAY MAY 17th
🎨 Balboa Island Artwalk
Stroll a mile of local art, live music, and seaside vibes along Balboa Island’s bayfront. Free to attend and perfect for a spring day in the sun.
Sun, May 17, 2026 | 9am–5pm | Newport Beach
✏️ PLAN FURTHER AHEAD:
To see what’s happening even further ahead, check out our full Event Finder listing. There’s 100’s of ideas, and fun things to do, to help you get out and enjoy OC.
New events added daily !
In Case You Missed It…
🏄♀️ Best Places to Paddleboard in South OC (Mother’s Day idea!)
🚶➡️ 17 Easy Walks in South OC (Mother’s Day idea!)
🏡 This San Juan Capistrano Home is Still Lived in By the Same Family, 10 Generations Later
⛵ Who is the Dana of Dana Point?
🍊 8 Places in Orange County You Probably didn’t Know Existed
🌸 You Have to Visit This Hidden Garden in Laguna Beach
📸 This Weeks Snapshot
The other Saturday we were out promoting The Scene at the Earth Day celebrations along Oso Creek Trail. There were a host of volunteers planting trees and shrubs along the trail - take a look next time you’re heading south from the Oso Creek Golf Course.
The Green Expo area highlighted earth friendly activities, environmental exhibits, tips on polution prevention, recycling and more.
The biggest attraction though was a chance for everyone to meet the infamous goats from Mission Viejo’s Goat Grazing Program !
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth to say ‘Hi‘. A big shout out to the Mayor for chatting to us how to share even more amazing things with the community.
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.
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🧐 Trivia Answer:
✅ A — Bette Davis
The 5,500-square-foot French Normandy–style home was built in 1929. Notice the big D on the chimney. D for Davis.
After winning the Academy Award for Jezebel, Bette Davis lived in Laguna Beach from 1947 to 1950, renting a home in Woods Cove during a quieter stretch between major film projects.
Bette Davis and her third husband, William Grant Sherry, boating near their home in Laguna Beach, California, 1947,
Photo Loomis Dean/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images
The coastal setting drew a small circle of Hollywood figures at the time, but Davis was by far the biggest name in the neighborhood.
The house became a bit of local legend, marked by a large decorative letter “D” on the chimney a not-so-subtle signature of its famous tenant.
Years later, in 1960, Davis returned to Laguna Beach to perform in a summer stock production at the Laguna Playhouse. Her appearance brought national attention to the theater and remains one of the most notable celebrity moments in its history.
It’s A Wrap..
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🥱 Boring Stuff
Publication Disclaimer: Everything included here is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. It is always best to double-check links to be sure event information hasn’t changed if you plan on attending something.
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©️ 2025 The Scene: South OC | All content and information set forth above was created by Lorna Ladd and Jason Ladd and is the intellectual property of this publication. It is protected under US copyright law, including but not limited to “The Digital Millennium Copyright Act.” Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or duplication of any material, in whole or in part, without express written authorization & consent, is strictly prohibited by law and may result in legal action. Violators will be subject to prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.