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Happy Wednesday!
Look up ☝️ this weekend. A full moon lands on Saturday and there’s a few ways to star gaze:
🌕 A Moon Festival at the Great Park, a beach drum circle and a talk on NASA's next space telescope (read more below).
But before we jump into the weekend, here are a few things we wanted to highlight.
🇬🇧 Just announced! The English Beat performs at The Coach House on Dec. 11 & 12. Tickets go on sell this Friday 9/25. This show sells out every year so get your tickets this friday.
😂 Rita Rudner is coming to the Lido. She’s my favorite female comedian, and she’s here for one night only. Get Tickets.
👩🍳 Garten, the Barefoot Contessa will be speaking at Segerstrom in November. Get Tickets
To all the new readers, welcome to The Scene… Our motto is: the more you know, the more you’ll go. That’s what this newsletter is all about, sharing ideas big and small to make it easier (and more fun) to get out and enjoy OC.
See you out there!
Lorna & Jason
P.S…A Quick Favor:
Click the sponsor ad below. It’s an easy way to support The Scene at no cost to you (We get paid when you click, even if you don’t buy).
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🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS 🗓️
~~ FRIDAY SEPT 25 ~~
🥃 The Macallan Evening at Winston’s
Settle in for an evening of whisky and cigars featuring four Macallan pours, including the coveted 18 Year Old, each paired with a cigar from Winston’s new house collection, including The Maduro. Charcuterie included.
Fri, Sept 25 | 6–11pm | The Winston’s Club, San Juan Capistrano
🎸 Beatles vs. Stones
Two tribute bands face off song by song in a live musical showdown between the Beatles and Rolling Stones.
Fri, Sep 25 | Show 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🤙 Ohana Fest Returns
A weekend of big-name artists like Eddie Vedder, Maná and Billy Idol. Parking will be a nightmare so consider the Dana Point and San Clemente free trolley
Sept 25–27 | Doheny State Beach, Dana Point
🎤 Michael Jackson by Candlelight
From “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” to “Smooth Criminal” and “Man in the Mirror,” Michael Jackson’s biggest hits get the string-quartet treatment inside Newport’s restored Art Deco theater.
Fri, Sep 25 | 6:15 & 8:30pm | The Lido Theater, Newport Beach
🔭 NASA’s Next Space Telescope at OCC Planetarium
Astronomer Trevor Weiss previews NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, designed to survey a field of view 100 times larger than Hubble.
Fri, Sep 25 | Reception 6 pm, talk 7pm | OCC Planetarium, Costa Mesa
🌝 Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
The Great Park lights up for an evening of cultural performances, displays, hands-on crafts and food celebrating the traditional Moon Festival.
Fri, Sep 25 | 5–9:30pm | Great Park, Irvine
🎻 Symphony on the Go
Pacific Symphony rolls its mobile stage into Heisler Park for a free chamber music concert overlooking the coast.
Fri, Sep 25 | 5:30pm | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
➡️ NEXT WEEK
Scroll down to see events happening next week and beyond.
~~ SATURDAY SEPT 26 ~~
💪 FREE Outdoor Bootcamp at Moulton Ranch Park
Shake up your workout with a free 30-minute outdoor bootcamp, with a high-energy group workout, fresh air and a chance to meet new people. Hosted by Mission Viejo Fit Body Bootcamp, with guests welcome. Registration required.
Sat, Sep 26 | 8:30am | Moulton Ranch Park, Laguna Hills
🌙 Mirage: Visions of Fleetwood Mac
Mirage recreates Fleetwood Mac’s biggest songs and harmonies, with Shenanigans opening.
Sat, Sep 26 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🇬🇷 San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
Fill up on gyros, souvlaki, baklava and Greek wine, then stick around for live music, folk dancing and the Greek bazaar.
Sept 26–27 | Community Center, San Juan Capistrano
🍺 Oktoberfest at Lake Mission Viejo
Lake Mission Viejo brings Oktoberfest to the waterfront with German festivities and live music from Die Sauerkrauts. This event is for LMVA members and invited guests.
Sat, Sep 26 | 4–8:30pm | Lake Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo
🎹 David Benoit World Premiere with 40-Piece Orchestra
Grammy-nominated jazz pianist David Benoit premieres Resonance and Renewal, his deeply personal new cello concerto, conducting a 40-piece orchestra.
Sat, Sep 26 | 5pm | Soka Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo
🥁 Full Moon Drum Circle at Aliso Creek
Community drum circle on the beach, bring a drum (or just listen) and join in under the full moon. All levels welcome.
Sept 26 | 7–10pm | Aliso Creek Beach (just south of Montage), Laguna Beach
~~ SUNDAY SEPT 27 ~~
🪩 Queen vs. ABBA by Candlelight
A string quartet moves between Queen’s rock anthems and ABBA’s dance-floor favorites.
Sun, Sep 27 | 6pm | Richard Nixon Presidential Library Yorba Linda
🥩 Sunday Steak Night + Football
Winston’s fires up a FULL steak dinner for just $28 with beans, potato salad & cornbread while the NFL takes over the big screens. Perfect spot for cigar aficionados.
Sun, Sep 27 (& every Sunday) | All day | The Winston’s Club, San Juan Capistrano
🐦 Upper Newport Bay Bird Walk
Search the Back Bay for shorebirds, ducks, grebes, herons, egrets and seasonal migrants on this guided walk.
Sun, Sept 27 | 8am | Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach
🎺 Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story
A World Trade Center firefighter and three-tour Afghanistan veteran share their first hand stories in a theatrical production blending live jazz, storytelling and music.
Sun, Sep 27 | 5pm | Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
🛍️ Motel Mini Market at High Tide Coffee
Shop 25+ local vendors while sipping coffee, with live music, pizza, flowers, art and vintage finds.
Sun, Sep 27 | 9am–2pm | High Tide Coffee, San Clemente
🌌 Coldplay and Imagine Dragons by Candlelight
“Fix You,” “Viva la Vida,” “Radioactive” and “Believer” are reworked for string quartet.
Sun, Sep 27 | 8:15pm | Richard Nixon Presidential Library, Yorba Linda
➡️ NEXT WEEK
Scroll down to see events happening next week and beyond.
🤔 Trivia Time
Which South OC city has the most assisted living and board and care facilities.
A. Laguna Woods
B. Laguna Niguel
C. Mission Viejo
D. San Clemente
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🎃 Halloween Decorating is Getting Serious.
Communities have opened their decorating contests, which means haunted yards, over-the-top displays and some excellent neighborhood cruising are coming.
Think your house has what it takes? Enter now: Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest II and Talega/San Clemente.
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28
🤘 Geoff Tate: Operation Mindcrime
Former Queensrÿche frontman Geoff Tate brings the landmark Operation: Mindcrime to The Coach House, revisiting the progressive-metal concept album that became one of the band’s defining releases.
Mon, Sep 28 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
👻 Spookeasy on the Queen Mary
Sip with spirits aboard the Queen Mary with haunted tales and cocktails, then explore the ship’s eeriest spaces before slipping into the hidden Speakeasy for palm readings, and a haunting sound bath.
Every Mon, Sep 28–Oct 19 | 7–9:30pm | Queen Mary, Long Beach
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29
🌿 Falling for Microgreens
Learn how to grow microgreens at home during this all-ages workshop. All supplies are provided.
Tue, Sep 29 | 10am | Laguna Woods Library, Laguna Woods
🕯️ Oktoberfest Candle Workshop
Make an ultra-realistic candle designed to look like a mug of Oktoberfest lager.
Tue, Sep 29 | 6–8pm | Potocki Center for the Arts, Mission Viejo
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30
🤠 Line Dancing Wednesday
Pull on your boots for a midweek night of line dancing, cold drinks and country tunes at Goody’s Tavern.
Every Wed | 7:30pm | Goody’s Tavern, San Clemente
🧘♀️ Yoga at Casa Romantica
Start the morning with an outdoor-feeling yoga session amid Casa Romantica’s historic gardens and ocean views. Bring your own mat.
Wed, Sep 30 | 9:15–10am | Casa Romantica, San Clemente
🥾 Explorers Hike: Barbara’s Lake
Take an easy-paced three-mile guided hike to Barbara’s Lake. Advance registration required.
Wed, Sep 30 | 8–10am | Nix Nature Center, Laguna Beach
THURSDAY OCTOBER 1
🎃 Sugar Plum Halloween Festival
Shop handmade Halloween décor, art, baked goods, vintage finds and seasonal collectibles from local makers and curators.
Thu, Oct 1–Sat, Oct 3 | 10am | Woodbridge Village Center, Irvine
🤠 Line Dancing Thursdays
Kick up your heels with line dancing lessons and three hours on the dance floor at Inn at the Mission.
Every Thu | 6–9pm | Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
FRIDAY OCTOBER 2
🎸 Orianthi
The Australian guitar powerhouse headlines the Coach House, with Aquafox opening.
Fri, Oct 2 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🤠 Cowboy Canyon Nights at Giracci Vineyards
Vineyard setting, country-western atmosphere and evening market.
Fri, Oct 2 | 6–10pm | Giracci Vineyards & Farms, Silverado
🎶 Sunset Serenades: Uncanny Valley
Close out the fall Sunset Serenades series with Uncanny Valley and a set promising “music you forgot you loved.”
Fri, Oct 2 | 5:30pm–sunset | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
🎃 Sugar Plum Halloween Festival
Shop handmade Halloween décor, art, baked goods, vintage finds and seasonal collectibles from local makers and curators.
Oct 1 - 4 | 10am | Woodbridge Village Center, Irvine
SATURDAY OCTOBER 3
🧛♀️ Brides of Dracula Afternoon Tea
Halloween tea gets a gothic makeover with hauntingly beautiful bites, sweets, tea and cocktails from the crypt, plus a little spooky story magic.
Through Oct 31 | Story Anaheim, Anaheim
⚖️ The Jury Experience
Take a seat inside an immersive courtroom drama, examine the evidence and vote on the final verdict.
Sat, Oct 3 | 4pm and 7pm | AMC Orange 30, Orange
🎃 Pumpkin Diving
Mission Viejo turns the Montanoso pool into a floating pumpkin patch, then adds decorating stations and carnival games once everyone dries off.
Sat, Oct 3 | 2–5pm | Montanoso Recreation Center, Mission Viejo
Pet Fair & Vet Clinic
Bring your furry sidekick for low-cost vaccines, microchipping, physical exams, pet adoptions, a costume contest, canine demo, giveaways, and more.
Sat., October 3 | 9–11am | AV Ranch, Aliso Viejo
🤘 HammerFall + Evergrey
Swedish metal heavyweights HammerFall bring their full-throttle live show to The Coach House with fellow Swedish rockers Evergrey.
Sat, Oct 3 | 7pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
SUNDAY OCTOBER 4
🎶 Raynes: “Expensive Folk” Comes to The Coach House
British-American trio blends three-part harmonies with folk, pop and Celtic influences, a sound they cheekily call “expensive folk.”
Sun, Oct 4 | 6pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
💃 Latin Heritage Sunday
Ballet Folklórico, a hands-on cultural craft and fresh churros fill Casa Romantica’s free family day.
Sun, Oct 4 | 10am–2pm | Casa Romantica, San Clemente
🎭 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels- Final Performance
The musical comedy about two con men on the French Riviera, sharp, campy, and a fun date-night pick.
Sun, Oct 4 | 2pm | Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano
🌲 Wild Child- Final Performance
A new pop-driven musical about two troubled teens sent to a wilderness therapy program, where the outdoors forces connection, friendship, and a little emotional excavation.
FINAL NIGHT Oct 4 | 1pm | Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
🎻 90s Unplugged by Candlelight
The Lido with its Art Deco setting with thousands of candles: ’90s songs stripped down and rebuilt for strings under candlelight. Save 10% with code SOUTHOC10
Sun, Oct 4 | 7:45pm | The Lido Theater, Newport Beach
🎻 Juan Gabriel by Candlelight
A string quartet celebrates the Mexican music icon with “Así Fue,” “Querida,” “Amor Eterno” and more. Save 10% with code SOUTHOC10
Sun, Oct 4 | 5:30pm | The Lido Theater, Newport Beach
🐾 RSM Cares Pet Food Drive
Help stock the shelves for RSM’s food bank by donating small bags or cans of dog and cat food. Donations benefit local families who need a help feeding their four-legged family members.
Through Wed, Oct 14 | Donations accepted at 25012 Las Marias Ln, Mission Viejo
📸 This Week’s Snapshot
Happy Anniversay to us ! Last week we went out for a celebration meal… but by time we’d taken a few sips of our cocktails we knew this wasn’t a good place. Especially for our anniversary date night! So we paid and left. And that’s OK. Don’t stay if you’re not going to enjoy the experience. (don’t worry, we’ll never recommend that place!)
Luckily we were in San Juan so we were spoilt for choice for other options. We walked passed Heritage Barbecue’s new indoor dining area (looked great, but they were closing), Bloom has a great vibe for drinks, and we’d never eaten there), we then strolled passed Mayfield which always looks so inviting (but maybe a little casual for that moment).
We continued strolling on to River Street Marketplace and ended up at CAPO Leisure House. Normally it’s packed, but tonight was just right. Lorna started with a Mission Margarita with their home-made hibiscus syrup, and I had one of their tastey craft home brews.
Their food was so delicious… we had the Yellowtail Ceviche which was a little different with it’s cocunut ‘leche de tigre’. Yumm. And then we endulged with the Brisket Burnt Ends Bowl. Again a little different with thinly sliced brisket on top of some amazing smoked birria. You gotta go try it!
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:
✅ C. Mission Viejo
Laguna Woods might seem like the obvious answer, but it’s Mission Viejo.
Why Mission Viejo? All those one-story homes. Mission Viejo was built with thousands of single-family homes, many ideally suited for small board-and-care facilities.
California allows licensed residential care homes serving six or fewer people to operate in residential neighborhoods.
The result? Mission Viejo has small care homes tucked throughout the city, along with larger assisted-living communities.
🤷♀️ But more choices doesn’t make choosing easier.
When a parent or loved one suddenly needs care, families may have to sort through dozens of options, often under tremendous time pressure.
That’s where Jay Minor of Assisted Living Locators can help. Jay lives in Ladera Ranch and helps South OC families understand their options, narrow down the choices and finds the right fit based on their loved one’s needs, budget and preferences.
Best of all, Jay’s service is completely free!
In Case You Missed It
💃Seven Best Girls Day Out Ideas in OC
🎶 Can Music Change the Taste of a Cocktail? This new OC Distillery Says It Can
☕ New Coffee Shop Coming to Plaza del Lago, near Lake Mission Viejo.
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.
*Affiliate Disclaimer: This publication contains affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only share things we believe in. Anything you buy through our affiliate links supports the ongoing publication of The Scene. We greatly appreciate your trust in us. Thank you!
©️ 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.