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Love Letters to the OC
We hosted our first-ever Summer in South OC Sugar Cookie Showdown, where 50+ bakers were nominated. The cookies weren’t just pretty—they were like little love letters to Orange County.


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Hey friend, Lots happening in South OC this weekend. With the weather heating up, it’s a good time to get out and give your AC a break—just don’t forget the mosquito repellent. Anyone else getting eaten alive lately?
San Clemente’s throwing a full-blown street festival, Mission Viejo has symphony and stargazing, and a secret comedy show is popping up somewhere coastal. There’s wine tasting in Silverado Canyon, paddle tours in Dana Point, and we finally have the results from our sugar cookie showdown (prepare to drool).
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS 🗓️
~~ FRIDAY AUGUST 8th ~~
🔥 Jungle Fire at Soka University Get ready to dance! This Afro-Latin funk band brings the heat with high-energy rhythms and soul-shaking beats. Pack a picnic and enjoy the summer night under the stars on the university’s scenic Campus Green. Pro Tip: get there early and walk around the campus. It’s beautiful. See what it’s like.
Friday, August 8 | 7:30pm | FREE | Aliso Viejo
🤣 Secret Comedy Night Underground comedy show with surprise comedians and a secret San Clemente location (revealed day-of).
Friday, August 8th | San Clemente
🎹 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SATURDAY AUGUST 9th ~~
🍷 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.
Saturday, August 9, 6:30–9:30pm | Silverado
🛶 Kayak Harbor Tour Paddle through Dana Point Harbor with a naturalist guide and learn about local marine life and harbor history on this 2-hour tour. All levels welcome; gear included. Ages 3+ (under 16 must be with an adult).
Saturday, August 9 | 9–11am | Dana Point
🥾 Mini Grand Canyon Hike Trek to OC’s own “mini Grand Canyon” on this 6-mile FREE guided hike from Portola to the West Sinks in Limestone Canyon. Expect sustained climbs, sweeping views, and rugged beauty. (See what it’s like in this short video) Registration required.
Saturday, August 9 | 7–9:30am | Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve | Irvine
🎻 Symphony in the Cities: Wild West Edition Kick off the night with western-themed fun—petting zoo, gold panning, games, and food trucks—then settle in for a live symphony concert under the stars.
Saturday, August 9 | 4–8pm | Oso Viejo Park | Mission Viejo
🎹 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SUNDAY AUGUST 10th ~~
🌿 Nature Meditation Walk + Tea Ceremony Unplug and reconnect on this mindful 1-mile walk through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This slow-paced experience includes playful nature activities, meditation, and a closing native plant tea ceremony. FREE (registration required).
Sunday, August 10 | 9–11am | Nix Nature Center | Laguna Beach
🎉Fiesta Music Festival Live music on three stages, local eats, beer garden, kids’ zone, and artisan vendors—right in the heart of San Clemente. Headliner: Tijuana Panthers. Free admission.
Sunday, August 10 | 10am–7pm | Avenida Del Mar | San Clemente
🛍️ 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
🐶 Puppy Yoga at Laguna Cliffs Flow through an all-levels outdoor yoga class while cuddling adoptable puppies from @promise4pawsrescue. Proceeds support rescue efforts. Advance booking required.
Sunday, August 10 | 8:45 & 10am | Dana Point
🐎 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
🤿 Snorkel Tour Explore the kelp forests of Laguna Beach on this 45-minute semi-private snorkel tour led by a local guide. Swim alongside vibrant marine life and learn about the cove’s unique underwater ecosystem.
Sunday, August 10 | 9–10:30am | Shaw’s Cove | Laguna Beach
🎹 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🤔 Trivia Quiz
Helena Modjeska, namesake of Orange County’s Modjeska Canyon, rose to fame in the 1800s as a:
A) Novelist
B) Opera singer
C) Shakespearean actress
D) Pioneer
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🦄 NICE NEWS…
🏄♀️ San Clemente’s Surf Star Wins U.S. Open —Again!
San Clemente native Sawyer Lindblad swept the women’s title at the U.S. Open of Surfing, becoming one of the few athletes to win it twice. At just 19, she flawlessly navigated the final heat claiming the crown for the second time after her 2023 victory. Learn More.
🚲 Irvine’s Gearing Up for a More Bike-Friendly Future
Irvine is expanding free shuttle routes, adding protected bikeways, and building a new bridge over the I-5 to link the Jeffrey Open Space Trail. A bike share program is also in the works, with proposed docks at UCI and City Hall. Learn More.
🌿 Banning Ranch to Become SoCal’s Newest Nature Preserve
Big win for local nature lovers: After years of back-and-forth, the 387-acre stretch of coastal land between Newport Beach and Costa Mesa—known as Banning Ranch—is officially becoming the Frank & Joan Randall Preserve. Once an oil field, it’s being transformed into trails and wildlife habitat, with public access expected by 2027. Learn More.
🎶 Mission Viejo Shelter Wants You to Sing to the Dogs
They just launched Wild Tunes, inviting musicians and singers to serenade shelter pets. The goal? Calm nerves and boost adoptions. Started by 12-year-old Yuvi Agarwal, the program kicks off August 5 with live performances—no music degree required, just heart. Learn More.
🎨 Locals Get In Free at Sawdust Festival
Live in South OC? You’re in luck. The Sawdust Art Festival is free for locals every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 3–8pm—just bring your ID.
That includes: Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Monarch Beach, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, San Clemente, Las Flores, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Dove Canyon, Rancho Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita.
Laguna Beach locals? You get in free every Thursday, all day.
✨ Other OC cities and nearby counties have their own free entry days too—check the full schedule to see when you’re eligible.
This summer festival ends on August 31!
🎉 Midweek Fun: Where to Go When You Want to Skip Netflix
Monday
• Cooks Corner (Silverado Canyon): Open‑mic karaoke from ~6:30–10pm with Happy Hour 3:30–6:30pm. Learn More
• Badlands Park Hike (Laguna Niguel): Weekly hike at 6pm—Three scenic miles through sandstone cliffs and coastal canyon views. Dog-friendly. Learn More.
Tuesday
• Pub Thirty‑Two (Mission Viejo): $5 patio cookout from 3–6pm—weekly summer deal. Learn More
• Segerstrom Center (Costa Mesa): Free line dancing on the plaza, 6:30–8 pm with a live instructor (Aug 12, 19 & 26) Learn More
• Station Craft (Dana Point): DJ & Trivia. Free & family friendly. 6:30pm Learn More
Wednesday
• Hangar 24 Brewing (Irvine): Weekly trivia night 7–9 pm—bring a crew and compete for prizes. Learn More
• Los Molinos Beer (San Clemente): Trivia at 6:30pm with quirky hosts and bonus rounds. Learn More
• Kaleidoscope @ Whoop Axe (Mission Viejo): Line dancing + unlimited axe throwing, 8pm–midnight; $15 cover, ages 18+. Learn More
• Brewhouse SJC (San Juan Capistrano): Weekly trivia night 7–9pm with prizes—bring a team or join one. Learn More
Thursday
• Patsy’s Irish Pub (Laguna Niguel): Musical Bingo 7–9pm followed by Karaoke at 9pm, Happy Hour runs 4–7pm. Learn More
• Shady Canyon Hike (Irvine): Weekly group hike at 6:15pm - 5.4 miles with sunset views and optional patio dinner after. Leashed dogs welcome. Learn More
🎤 Summer Concerts This Weekend
Friday August 8
Ladera Ranch: New Romantics, Town Green – 6:30pm
Nellie Gail: Wayward Sons, Gallup Park – 7pm
Aliso Viejo: Jungle Fire, Soka University Campus Green 7:30pm
Saturday August 9
Mission Viejo: Andy Grammer, North Beach – 7:00pm
Irvine: DW3, Mike Ward Community Park – Woodbridge
Mission Viejo: Symphony in the Cities, Oso Viejo Park – 7:00pm
Sunday August 10
Dana Point: Wayward Sons & Queen Nation, Sea Terrace Park – 2:30 & 4:30pm
Aliso Viejo: Flashback Heart Attack, Grand Park
RSM: Spintown, Central Park – 4-8pm
See all the concerts happening around South OC…
Newport & Costa Mesa…
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✏️ PLAN AHEAD…
🗓️ Add these events to your Calendar
(see full listing)
🌵Succulent Secrets Free Event! Discover the art of succulent gardening with UC Master Gardeners—learn how to grow and style these low-maintenance beauties. From pest tips to creative planting ideas, this free workshop has your green thumb covered. Registration required,
Tuesday, August 12 | 10–11am | Laguna Woods
🖼️ 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
🤠 Western Night in SJC Line-dancing warms up the night (6:30pm) before Western Medicine hits the stage at 8pm, Mama Tried serves country classics, and a Western movie caps it off under the stars.
Thursday, August 14 | 6pm–late | The Swanner House, San Juan Capistrano
📢 Want to Advertise?
If you’ve got a business, event, or brand that belongs in Inboxes across South OC, let’s talk.
Learn more here.
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:
Answer: C) Shakespearean actress
Born in Poland, Helena Modjeska became one of the most celebrated actresses of the 19th century, known for her performances in Shakespearean roles.
She moved to Orange County in the 1880s, and her canyon namesake is one of the few places in OC still holding onto that old-world theatrical flair.
Want a bonus fact? Her historic home, Arden, still stands and is a registered National Historic Landmark. Tours are held on Wednesday and Saturdays at 10 by advanced reservation.
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