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Lights, Wine & Hidden Caves
Kick off the holidays with South OC’s brightest tree lightings, glowing night markets, and a hike to Aliso Viejo’s secret bandit cave.
In partnership with
Hey friend,
SoCal’s about to get walloped with rain and my big plans for the Vintage Newport Mesa Crawl might be heading down the drain, literally. We’ll have to play it by ear.
If the forecast holds, this might be the perfect weekend to lean into cozy mode, grab a latte, hit an indoor market, or wander a gallery (the Laguna Art Museum is Free all month). B
To all the new readers, welcome to The Scene… Our motto is: the more you know, the more you 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.
Stay Dry!
Lorna & Jason
☔ Note: Due to the rain some events may be postponed. Be sure to check in with the organizer for updates!
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS 🗓️
~~ FRIDAY NOV 14th ~~
🚶 Group Walk in Dana Point Harbor
Easy 3-mile stroll with ocean views, harbor breezes, and pups welcome.
Fri, Nov 14, 5:30pm | Starts at the wharf between Baby Beach & Tall Ship | Dana Point
🍷 Holiday Tasting Pop-Up
Sip and shop local with complimentary wine and olive oil tastings.
Fri, Nov 14 | 5–8pm | Laguna Beach
🍺 $1 Beer at Thankfulness Party
Sip $1 beers from Capo Brewing and shop local vintage finds at this festive pop-up.
Fri, Nov 14 | 4–8pm | Old 44 Vintage, San Juan Capistrano
😂 Alfred Robles at Irvine Improv
Stand-up night at Spectrum. Grab your tickets before they're gone!
Fri, Nov 14 | 7:30pm | Irvine Improv | Irvine.
🎭 The Heart Sellers
A witty, heartfelt story of two immigrant women finding friendship in 1970s America.
Fri, Nov 14 | 7:30pm | South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa
🍎 Laguna Hills Farmers Market
Fresh produce, local goods, and handmade treats every Friday.
Fri, 9am–1pm | El Toro Rd & Avenida De La Carlota | Laguna Hills
Scroll down to see what’s happening next weekend and beyond:
➡️ PLAN AHEAD…
🎶 🎶 Checkout This Weekend’s Live Music Options
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~~ SATURDAY NOV 15th ~~
🎄 Tree Lighting & Music Concert
Kick off the holidays with live music, festive performances, and a dazzling tree lighting. Free concert starts at 5pm.
Sat, Nov 15 | 5pm | Outlets at San Clemente, San Clemente
🛍️ Vintage Newport Mesa Crawl
Hunt treasures across 20+ hidden vintage and antique shops. Visit 5 shops to enter the prize raffle.
Sat, Nov 15 | 9am–4pm | Costa Mesa
📚 OC Book Fair
Meet authors, browse indie publishers, and enjoy live readings in historic Old Town. Free.
Sat, Nov 15 | 10am–5pm | Tustin
🧵 Capistrano Bay Craft Fair
Shop handmade goods from local artisans while supporting programs for women and girls.
Sat, Nov 15 | 10am–3pm | Dana Point
🥗 Planting a Salad Bowl
Hands-on garden fun! Create your own take-home salad planter with library-provided supplies.
Sat, Nov 15 | 11am | Laguna Beach
🌟 Night Market: Glowfest
Family-friendly evening with live music, games, food vendors, and glowing photo ops. Free entry.
Sat, Nov 15 | 5–9pm | Mission Viejo
💭 Splinters: Art of Love + Loss
Ceramics, video, and sound explore grief and memory at this new exhibition opening reception.
Sat, Nov 15 | 2–4pm | Irvine
🍸 SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest
Sip unlimited tastings from 35+ premium spirit brands with DJs, mixology demos, and a red-carpet vibe.
Sat, Nov 15 | 6–10pm | Costa Mesa
Scroll down to see what’s happening next weekend and beyond:
➡️ PLAN AHEAD…
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SUNDAY NOV 16th ~~
🛍️ Mermade Market
Shop 100+ local makers for gifts, art, and coastal vibes at this lively pop-up.
Fri, Nov 14 | 9am–6pm | River Street Marketplace, San Juan Capistrano
🎭 Beside Myself
Final-day matinee of Paul Slade Smith’s smart comedy at Laguna Playhouse.
Sun, Nov 16 | 1pm | Laguna Beach
🏄 Vintage Surfboard Swap & Market
See rare boards, retro gear, and surf memorabilia, plus music and a beer garden. Free to attend.
Sun, Nov 16 | 8am–2pm | Hobie Surf Shop Dana Point
🖼️ Free Admission at Laguna Art Museum
Laguna Art Museum is free all November, so grab a friend and take in some California creativity.
All month | Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
🏛️ Step Into the Past
Explore Mission Viejo’s history at Heritage House museum.
Sun, Nov 16 | 11:00am–1:00pm | Heritage House at Melinda Park, Mission Viejo
Scroll down to see what’s happening next weekend and beyond:
➡️ PLAN AHEAD…
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🤔 Trivia Quiz
These beautiful mosaic stairs are located in which Orange County City?
A) Laguna Beach
B) San Clemente
C) Dana Point
D) Corona del Mar
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
Easy Hike to a Cave in Aliso Viejo
Most people in Aliso Viejo have no idea they’re living near an outlaw hideout!
Tucked inside Aliso and Wood Canyons, Robbers Cave (also known as Dripping Cave) once sheltered Juan Flores and his 1850s gang of stagecoach thieves.
They hid here after raids, hanging saddlebags of stolen loot from wooden pegs drilled into the sandstone ceiling. The holes are still there today.
A Scenic, Easy Hike with a Story
The 5-mile round-trip hike is easy and scenic, winding through golden canyons and shady groves before ending at the cave’s wide, echoing mouth.
Take the Detour!
My favorite part was actually a second set of caves you can take if you’re adventurous. It makes the hike slightly more difficult. Learn more in the video.
Watch a short video
🎉 Happy Birthday, Lisa York!
A big birthday shoutout to VIP reader Lisa York of Mission Viejo. Thanks for being part of The Scene and making South OC a little brighter.
By the way, our referral program is now live. Share The Scene with friends, earn points, and unlock fun perks. It’s our way of saying thanks for spreading the word.
🦄 NICE NEWS !
🐾 Drone Finds Lost Dog After Days on the Run
When Josie the German Shepherd vanished in Mission Viejo, Animal Services launched their brand new thermal drone that picked up her heat signature along a remote trail, guiding her anxious owner straight to a happy reunion.
🎡 New Giant Wheel Approved for Irvine Spectrum
A new handcrafted Giant Wheel from Italy is coming to Irvine Spectrum Center, standing 132 feet tall, 27 feet higher than the original. Approved by the City of Irvine, it’ll feature the same dazzling skyline lights and panoramic views.
🚁 New Fire Helicopter Pad in San Clemente
The OC Fire Authority just opened a brand-new helicopter pad off La Pata, boosting emergency response and wildfire preparedness for South OC communities.
🐶 Free Adoptions for Big Dogs This November
OC Animal Care is waiving adoption fees for dogs over 25 lbs all month long, giving lovable pups a better shot at finding homes just in time for the holidays.
🛒 Super Irvine Makes Its Big Return
After a three-year break, the beloved Persian market has reopened in a new 30,000-sq-ft space with a café, bakery, juice bar, and Mediterranean restaurant with fresh produce from their local farm. Parkview Center, Irvine
🏄♀️ San Clemente Surfer Clinches Third World Title
Rachael Tilly took first at the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships on Nov 6, earning her third World Surf League championship after back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2015.
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18th
☕ Coffee & Florals Workshop
Join a morning of floral design (Ikebana-inspired) and excellent coffee at this charming workshop.
Tues, Nov 18 | 9:00–10:30am | The Cellar, San Clemente
🎭 Nutcracker in a Nutshell
Abridged live performance of the holiday classic presented by Tustin Dance Center. Free.
Tues, Nov 18 | 4:30pm | Tustin Library, Tustin
🥖 Cranberry Orange Sourdough Workshop
Learn to bake your own festive loaf at High Tide Coffee’s after-hours holiday class.
Tues, Nov 18 | 5:30–7:30pm | Laguna Niguel
🤠 Line Dancing at Swallow’s Inn
Beginner lesson at 6pm, then two-step the night away till 11pm.
Tues | 6–11pm | Swallow’s Inn, San Juan Capistrano
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19th
✨ Happy Harbor Days
Twinkling lights & themed displays transform Dana Point Harbor into a seaside wonderland
Nightly | Dana Point
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20th
🍵 Tea Ceremony
Silent tea meditation in The Ecology Center’s Peace Dome, guided by Village Tea Hut. Use code PEACETEA for free entry.
Thurs, Nov 20 | 9:30-10:45am | San Juan Capistrano
👩🍳 Indigenous Fusion Cooking
Hear from Next Level Chef winner Pyet Despain on blending Native American and Mexican traditions. Free.
Thu, Nov 20 | 6pm | Norma Hertzog Community Center, Costa Mesa
🎭 Little Women: The Broadway Musical
The March sisters chase dreams and find their voices in this beloved classic.
Thurs-Sun, Nov 20–23 | Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21st
🎄 Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Laguna’s holiday art fest with 180+ artists, live music, falling snow, and Santa. Save $2.00 with code WINTER2025 (deal ends 11/20)
Fri–Sun, Nov 21–Dec 21 | 11am–7pm | Laguna Beach
🍷 Wine Down Friday
Unwind at Giracci Vineyards with wine, food, and live music in a charming canyon setting.
Fri, Nov 21 | 6–9pm | Silverado
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22nd
🤠 Western Music Night
Kick up your boots with live country tunes from Mama Tried, BBQ by Heritage Barbecue, line dancing, and craft beer.
Sat, Nov 22 | 4–9pm | The Swanner House, San Juan Capistrano
🐶 Doggie Dive
Let your pup splash, swim, and strut in the costume and pie-eating contests.
Sat, Nov 22 | 9am | Ole Hanson Beach Club, San Clemente
🎁 Gifts & Goodies Holiday Boutique
Shop 80+ local makers, enjoy festive eats, and sip mimosas while you browse.
Sat, Nov 22 | Norman Murray Community Center, Mission Viejo
🎸 Lord of the Strings: Alberto Lombardi
Italian guitar virtuoso blends rock, jazz, and country influences..
Sat, Nov 22 | 7–9pm | Mission Viejo
🍓 Farm & Craft Market
Shop local produce, baked goods and handmade crafts.
Sat, Nov 22 | 9:00am–1:00pm | Mission Viejo
🌊 Restore the Shore
Community cleanup at Lago Santa Margarita. Keep the lakeshore clean and green. Donuts included!
Sat, Nov 22 | 10:30am–12:30pm | Rancho Santa Margarita
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23rd
🎄 Ulbricht Nutcracker Signing
Meet master craftsman Günther Ulbricht and have your handcrafted nutcracker personally signed.
Sun, Nov 23 | 11am–4pm | Rogers Gardens, Corona del Mar
🌽 Shucked
A Broadway sleeper musical turned fan favorite.
Final Performance, Sun, Nov 23 | Segerstrom Center, Costa Mesa
🎉 Sunday Funday Bingo
Win cash prizes, enjoy lunch, and play for a cause at this weekly bingo event supporting Alpha Recovery Life Systems.
Every Sunday | Doors 12pm, Bingo 2pm | Auto Addiction OC, Lake Forest
⚓ Sea Shanty Sunday
Sing along to maritime tunes and tales aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point.
Sun, Nov 23 | 12:30–2pm | Ocean Institute, Dana Point
✏️ PLAN AHEAD…
2025 & 2026
To see what’s happening even further ahead, check out our full listing.
New events added daily…
📸
THIS WEEK'S SNAPSHOT...
…We kicked off our golf club bar tour at O’Neill’s Bar & Grill inside Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. Live music, solid cocktails, and sunset views made this stop a hole-in-one.
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: ✅ Answer: C) Dana Point
The dazzling “Stairwave” mosaic by artist Mia Tavonatti cascades down 118 steps from Lantern Bay Park at Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. Crafted over 10 months and installed in 3 weeks, the staircase glimmers with ocean-inspired glass tiles that mirror the harbor below. Watch a short video to see what they’re like close up
It’s A Wrap..
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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.
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