Good Evening {{first name | there}},
This month we’re especially excited for the Dueling Piano singalong with Tom Bagley at The Coach House, where they’re offering buy one get one free tickets (more below).
Some of you may remember Tom from the concert in the Mission Viejo tunnel. It was SO much fun. We’re also heading back later in the month for The Man in Black, a Johnny Cash tribute.
We’re also looking forward to Align & Design, a hands-on art journaling workshop coming to Mission Viejo this month.
It’s built around manifesting and creating a personal journal focused on what you want more of, clarity, momentum, direction, confidence. Get creative. Have a mimosa. Laugh and enjoy being around other people. Learn more.
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
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS
~~ FRIDAY FEB 6th ~~
🍷 Pour-Your-Own Wine Bar
Try without committing to a full glass. Tap a tasting card, choose your wine and move on to the next. One spot overlooks Lake Mission Viejo; the Dana Point location features a broader menu and sommelier guidance.
Any night | A Hidden Vine (Mission Viejo) & Wine Experience (Dana Point)
🤠 Cowboy Canyon Nights
Line dancing, wine and beer, and local vendors at Giracci Vineyards. Free to attend.
Fri, Feb 6 | 6–10pm | Silverado
🎤 Piaf! The Show
Celebrate the legacy of French icon Édith Piaf in a dazzling musical journey from Montmartre to Paris’s Olympia.
Fri, Feb 6 | 8pm | Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout This Weekend’s Live Music Options
~~ SATURDAY FEB 7th ~~
🐾 Pack Walk at Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Walk the park with a big group of dog lovers and their pups. Easy pace, lots of wagging tails, and a fun way to start the morning together.
Sat, Feb 7, 2026 | 9:30am | Laguna Niguel Regional Park | Laguna Niguel
💦 Can You Keep the Water Flowing?
Step into a fast, hands-on game designed by EscapeX creators where you control a virtual water system and see what happens when demand spikes or systems fail. Come play for free at the grand opening.
Sat, Feb 7, 2026 | 11am–3pm | Moulton Museum | Laguna Hills
💗 Modern Makers Mart: Galentine Edition
A feel-good makers market with 30+ handmade vendors, live music, a kids craft station, and a pet-friendly setup.
Sat–Sun, Feb 7–8 | 10am–4pm | Woodbridge Village Center | Irvine
🧧 Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a parade, lion dancing, cultural performances, food, and family-friendly fun at Great Park Live.
Sat, Feb 7 | Parade 11am–12pm, Festival 12–4:30pm | Great Park Live | Irvine
📚 Books & Blooms: Enemies to Lovers Edition
A bookish market made for romantasy readers and cozy-core fans, with 60+ book and plant vendors, themed crafts, author readings, live music,
Sat, Feb 7 | 10am–4pm | Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point
🚗 San Juan Capistrano Rotary Car Show
Hot rods, cruisers, trucks, and vintage rides take over downtown with vendors, exhibits, and food trucks.
Sat, Feb 7 | 9am–3pm | San Juan Capistrano
🎼 Laguna Beach Music Festival 2026
A multi-day series of classical and contemporary concerts and community music events featuring world-class performers.
Final Day | Various concerts & events | Laguna Beach
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
Johnny Cash Rocked This South OC Dinner Theater
It’s still Serving Legendary Shows 45+ Years Later!
Since opening in 1980, the Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano has built its legendary reputation on iconic performers, an intimate 500-seat room, and a dinner-and-show experience that keeps fans coming back.
Johnny Cash played here…
So did Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, Pat Benatar, Norah Jones, Miles Davis, Jerry Seinfeld, and Debbie Reynolds!
Hundreds of framed photos of past performers cover nearly every inch of wall space, turning the venue into a living museum of music history.
Why Every Seat Feels Like the Front Row…
What sets the Coach House apart is its setup: long communal tables pushed close to the stage, with no seat more than about 40 feet from the performers. The intimacy makes even back-row spots feel personal and electric.
Also, unlike everything else in So Cal, the prices to see a show remain very reasonable at about $30 per ticket.
MUST SEE SHOWS:
🎹 Dueling Pianos Sing Along
We already have our tickets for Dueling Pianos with Tom Bagley on Feb. 11th. it’s a sing-along where the audience runs the playlist.
Buy one get one free when you use code SCENE at checkout. (total cost is $34 for two tickets)
⚫ The Man in Black
We are also going to “The Man in Black,” a Johnny Cash tribute playing Sunday, Feb 22.
We'd love to share one of those long tables with you, drop us a note if you're heading to either event!
~~ SUNDAY FEB 8th ~~
🌴 Reggae on the Beach
Free, family-friendly reggae with ocean views, food, drinks, and laid-back Sunday energy. Show up, grab a seat, and stay through sunset.
Sun, Feb 8 | 12–5pm | Doho Café | Dana Point
💗 Galentine’s Tea & Trivia
An afternoon of tea-party vibes and Bestie Trivia, with iconic duos, rom-com moments, and a little playful spice. Hosted by OC Sober Gals for gals 18+ seeking connection and fun.
Sun, Feb 8 | 1pm | The Social Loft, Laguna Niguel
💘 Valentine’s Market at High Tide Coffee
A cozy, creative pop-up with 25+ local vendors, photo sessions, tarot, a charm bar, flowers, live music, and nonstop coffee.
Sun, Feb 8 | 10am–2pm | High Tide Coffee | San Clemente
🎾 Valentine’s Tennis Social
A fun, low-pressure morning of round-robin, co-ed doubles tennis followed by lunch, treats, and a few friendly prizes. Festive attire encouraged.
Sun, Feb 8 | 9am–12:30pm | Mission Viejo
🏈 7 Best Places to watch the Super Bowl in South OC
1. Oggis, Mission Viejo 2. Daily’s Sports Grill, RSM 3. Neighbors Bar & Grille, Laguna Hills 4. The Ranch Sports Grill, Ladera Ranch 5. Cali Costa, Dana Point 6. Knuckleheads, San Clemente 7. Station Craft, Dana Point
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🤔 Trivia Time
Before luxury shopping took over, what was growing where South Coast Plaza now stands?
A) Oranges
B) Lima beans
C) Corn
D) Avocados
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY FEB 9th
🏓 Ping Pong Anyone?
A low-pressure, drop-in ping pong hang designed for easy games, casual matches, and meeting new people. All skill levels welcome. Equipment provided. Come for five minutes or stay the full session.
Mondays, through Mar 30 | 12–2pm | Aliso Viejo Ranch | Aliso Viejo
TUESDAY FEB 10th
🎬 $7.50 Movie Tuesday
Catch a movie without the blockbuster price tag. Every show, every seat, all day long for $7.50. Perfect for an easy Tuesday night plan that doesn’t require advance planning or a second thought.
Tuesdays | All day | Director’s Cut Cinema | Laguna Niguel
WEDNESDAY FEB 11th
🎹 Dueling Pianos with Tom Bagley
A high-energy piano show where you request the songs and sing along as loud as you can!
Tom Bagley and Scott Doyle trade riffs, jokes, and crowd interaction in a fun, unpredictable musical free-for-all that turns the room into part of the band.
Buy one get one free when you use code SCENE at checkout. (total cost $34)
Feb 11 | Dinner 6pm, Show 8pm | Coach House Concert Hall, San Juan Capistrano
🍷 A Perfect Pair: Silver Connections Wine Social
A relaxed, sunset wine tasting designed for the Silver Connections crowd. Sample four different wines, enjoy appetizers, and learn what pairs best as you sip and socialize.
Feb 11, 2026 | 4:30–6:30pm | Ole Hanson Beach Club | San Clemente
THURSDAY FEB 12th
🀄 Evening Mahjong at River Street
Learn American Mahjong or drop into open play at this social game night. Beginners get a guided lesson; experienced players can jump right in.
Wed, Feb 12 | 6:30–8:30pm | River Street Marketplace, San Juan Capistrano
🍣 Sushi Roll BOGO + $1 Beer BOGO
Buy one sushi roll and the the second 50% off
Mon–Thurs, all day | Samurai Sushi, Mission Viejo
FRIDAY FEB 13th
🤠 Knockin’ Boots Line Dancing
Line dancing, champagne vibes, and a DJ-led dance floor with Champagne Cowgirl. Lessons kick off at 6 PM, then it’s boots-on-the-floor until late. $10 cover.
Feb 13 | 6–10pm | Knowlwood | Irvine
💚 Speed Dating, Matcha Edition
An after-hours, low-pressure speed dating night with guided rounds, good vibes, and great matcha. $7.77 ticket includes one drink. 18+ only.
Fri, Feb 13 | 5–8pm | Redshift Coffee | Lake Forest
SATURDAY FEB 14th
🐐 Valentine’s & Galentine’s Baby Goat Yoga
Stretch, laugh, and try to focus while baby goats roam, cuddle, and steal the show. It’s yoga-adjacent, extremely cute, and best enjoyed with friends, a partner, or anyone who needs a serotonin boost.
Feb 14 | 10:00am | Hana Field Costa Mesa
🏎️ Kart After Dark at OC Fun Fiesta
Nighttime go-kart cruising under the lights, plus food vendors, live music, games, jump houses, and plenty of reasons to linger. Free entry & parking
Fri, Feb 14 | 4:30–9:30pm | | OC Fun Fiesta, Santa Ana
💘 Love on the Vine Valentine’s Day
A romantic vineyard evening with wine, live music, dancing, a four-course dinner, and candlelit views at Giracci Vineyards.
Sat, Feb 14 | 6:30–10:30pm | Giracci Vineyards, Silverado Canyon
💘 Valentine’s Dance at Patsy’s
A no-pressure Valentine’s night for couples, singles, and anyone in between. Expect themed cocktails, a DJ spinning all night, plenty of dancing, and a complimentary rose if the mood strikes.
Fri, Feb 14 | 9pm–1:30am | Patsy’s Irish Pub | Laguna Niguel
🎨 Wyland’s Whale & Dolphin Adventure Art Lessons
Create ocean-inspired art aboard a Dana Wharf vessel during this weekly, hands-on lesson — with drawings judged by marine artist Wyland himself.
Saturdays, Jan 31–Apr 25 | 9–10am | Dana Wharf, Dana Point
SUNDAY FEB 15th
🍾 Galentine’s Day at The Sunday Toast
Sip bubbly, browse vintage finds, enjoy live music, and linger over brunch treats at this vineyard market made for celebrating your favorite gals.
Sun, Feb 15 | 10am–2pm | Giracci Vineyards & Farms, Silverado Canyon
🧘♀️ Baby Goat Yoga
A 45-minute yoga class, followed by 15 minutes of free play and photo ops with the real stars of the show. Expect stretching, laughing, and goats doing whatever they want.
Sat–Sun, ongoing | 10am | Registration required | Tanaka Farms Irvine
✏️ PLAN FURTHER AHEAD:
To see what’s happening even further ahead, check out our full listing.
New events added daily…
Unlock South OC for 70% Less
Ready to make plans you’ll actually brag about? Groupon is your ticket to unbeatable local experiences—think chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, and spa days that melt stress away.
Hand-picked deals drop daily at up to 70% off—so whether you’re craving sushi, salsa lessons, or a surprise staycation, you’ll discover something extraordinary (and shockingly affordable) right in your own backyard.
📸 This Weeks Snapshot
Last weekend we checked out one of Laguna’s best hidden gems: the Hortense Miller Garden, A quiet 2.5-acre garden packed with 1,500+ plant species and a mid-century modern house.
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: ✅ B — Lima Beans
Forty acres of Lima Beans still exist today, next to an Ikea store in Metro Costa Mesa.
Before South Coast Plaza became Orange County’s most iconic shopping destination, the land was farmland. Specifically, it was used to grow lima beans.
The area sat on flat, fertile ground ideal for row crops. In the mid-20th century, agriculture still dominated much of what is now central Costa Mesa.
In fact, the Segerstrom family still maintains about 40 acres of lima beans on the original home ranch land, a living link to the agriculture that once defined the region.
As farming gave way to planned development, the Irvine Company partnered with the Segerstrom family to transform former bean fields into what would open in 1967 as South Coast Plaza—now one of the most successful shopping centers in the country.
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.