Hey {{first name | friend}},
This weekend we’re trading rain clouds for color storms and heading to the Orange Coast College Planetarium for an immersive dome show: music, color, and 360° visuals that make you feel like you’re inside the art. (Event details below.)
What about you? Cozy weekend? Big plans? Or just seeing where the weekend takes you? Reply and let us know!
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.
See you out there!
Lorna & Jason
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS 🗓️
~~ FRIDAY NOV 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
✨ Happy Harbor Days
Twinkling lights & themed displays transform Dana Point Harbor into a seaside wonderland
Nightly | Dana Point
🌌 Beautifica Immersive Dome Experience
A 360° mind-bending visual journey blending music, art, and full-dome imagery.
Nov 21 | Orange Coast College Planetarium, Costa Mesa
🎭 Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol
A heartwarming, family-friendly spin on Dickens’ classic as Tiny Tim sets out to teach Scrooge a lesson in Christmas cheer.
Nov 21–Dec 7 | Saddleback College Studio Theatre, Mission Viejo
✨ Nights of Coastal Lights
Fashion Island’s iconic Christmas tree comes alive with snowfall, festive music, and shimmering light shows every 30 minutes from 5:30–8pm.
Nov 21–Dec 28 | Fashion Island, Newport Beach
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
➡️ PLAN AHEAD
🎶 🎶 Checkout This Weekend’s Live Music Options
~~ SATURDAY NOV 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
🌟 Dream Glow Festival
A three-world holiday light experience featuring Christmas Wonderland, Realm of the Dragon, and Under the Sea — plus free parking.
Through Dec 31 | Wild Rivers Irvine
🎸 Lord of the Strings: Alberto Lombardi
Italian guitar virtuoso blends rock, jazz, and country influences..
Sat, Nov 22 | 7–9pm | 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
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
➡️ PLAN AHEAD
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SUNDAY NOV 23rd ~~
🖼️ 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
🎭 Little Women: The Broadway Musical
The March sisters chase dreams and find their voices in this beloved classic.
Final Performance Nov 23 | Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
⚓ 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
🎄 Ulbricht Nutcracker Signing
Meet master craftsman Günther Ulbricht and have your handcrafted nutcracker personally signed.
Sun, Nov 23 | 11am–4pm | Roger’s Gardens, Corona del Mar
🌽 Shucked
A Broadway sleeper musical turned fan favorite.
Final Performance 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
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
➡️ PLAN AHEAD
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🤔 Name That Spot…
Which South OC City has a series of beautiful mosaic bears around a walking path?
A) Mission Viejo
B) Rancho Mission Viejo
C) Ladera Ranch
D) Rancho Santa Margarita
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
Espresso Yourself
This Harborfront Café Provides Luxury on the Cheap
If you’re hunting for a coffee spot that brings the harbor view and great food, look no further than Coffee Importers in Dana Point.
For the price of a fancy coffee, you’re basically getting front-row, waterfront seating. The patio sits right on the marina, so you can sip your latte while watching sailboats glide by.
No reservations required plus a view that feels way fancier than the bill, how refreshing!
Despite the name, it’s more than coffee. You can grab sandwiches, pastries, smoothies, and even beer (they carry my favorite local beer - Webb’s)!
Parking? It’s actually not a nightmare. I always find a spot without trying.
📍 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr Ste A, Dana Point, CA 92629
There are several easy things you can do right after your coffee. Read the full article to get the list.
🦄 NICE NEWS !
🎨 New Mural ‘Dana Delights’ Unveiled
A vibrant, hand-painted 70’×25’ mural now brightens the Dana Point Community Center, packed with colorful details celebrating the city. 34052 Del Obispo Street (Back of the building).
🛍️ New Goodwill Opens in Foothill Ranch
Goodwill of Orange County just opened its 25th retail store and donation center in Foothill Ranch, bringing new jobs, training opportunities, and plenty of treasure-hunting potential to the community.
🌮 South of Nick’s Rumored for Dana Point
Word is swirling that one of OC’s most popular Mexican restaurants, South of Nick’s, may be moving into the high-profile Dana Point space once slated for Javier’s. Nothing confirmed yet, but locals are already buzzing about the possibility.
☕ Happy Coffee Club Revives a San Clemente Classic
The former La Tiendita space has new life as Happy Coffee Club, a warm, modern café created by locals Shelby and Cameron Houle. With locally roasted coffee, beer and wine, a refreshed patio, and the original La Tiendita mural preserved, it’s quickly becoming a new community hangout.
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY NOVEMBER 24th
🔥 Fireside Sound Bath
Unwind with a guided meditation and sound healing session by firelight at Sherman Library & Gardens.
Sun, Nov 24 | 7–8pm | Sherman Library & Gardens, Corona del Mar
🧺 Basket Weaving Workshop
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month through craft and learn traditional weaving techniques.
Mon, Nov 24 | 4pm | San Clemente Library, San Clemente
🧘 Free Community Yoga in RMV
Free all-levels yoga every Monday. Bring a mat, breathe deep, and unwind.
Mondays | 6pm | The Hangout, 30 Medana St, Rancho Mission Viejo
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 25th
🌼 Thanksgiving Arrangement Workshop
Create a fresh-and-dried floral centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or to gift your host.
Tue, Nov 25 | 10–11:30am or 6–7:30pm | San Juan Capistrano
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 26th
✨ Happy Harbor Days
Twinkling lights & themed displays transform Dana Point Harbor into a seaside wonderland.
Nightly | Dana Point
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 27th
🦃 Dana Point Turkey Trot
Run, walk, or cheer at this 48th annual Thanksgiving tradition along the harbor.
Thurs, Nov 27 | 6–11am | Dana Point
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28th
🎄 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
🎶 Lil’ Dickens Carolers
Strolling quartets fill Rogers Gardens and Farmhouse with classic and jazzy holiday carols.
Nov 28–Dec 21 | Various times | Rogers Gardens, Corona del Mar
✨ Hikari: Festival of Lights
A magical holiday light walk-through with wagon rides, a barnyard petting zoo, and more than a million glittering lights to wander through.
Nov 28–Dec 28 | Evening (Wed–Sun) |Tanaka Farms, Irvine
🔥 Fire & Lights Festival
Opening night brings Santa, fire dancers live music, and the 35th Lighting of the Bay at Newport Dunes. Free entry.
Nov 28–Jan 4 | Evening | Newport Beach
❄️ Winter Fest OC Returns
Experience ice tubing, holiday light shows, festive treats, and nightly snowfalls at the OC Fair & Event Center.
Opens Nov 28 - Jan 4 | Costa Mesa
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29th
Fix Your Stuff for Free
Bring broken household items and have community volunteers repair them—sewing, fixing, tinkering, and more. Free event.
Nov 29 | 10am–3pm | Norman P. Murray Center Mission Viejo
🎭 A Christmas Carol
Festive music, dancing, and Scrooge’s life-changing night in this beloved holiday classic.
Nov 29–Dec 28 | South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa
🌺 Little Kahuna at Royal Hawaiian
Post-Thanksgiving tiki party with surf rock tunes, cocktails, and island bites. Reservations required.
Sat, Nov 29 | 1–4pm | Laguna Beach
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30th
🎅 Santa’s Arrival & Celebration
Enjoy live entertainment, activities, and holiday fun for all ages—then watch Santa arrive on a fire engine to light up the city.
Sun, Nov 30 | 3–6pm | Mission Viejo
🎷 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party
High-energy swing, jazz, and holiday classics. Expect jive-filled renditions of “Jingle Bells,” “Run Run Rudolph,” and more.
Sun, Nov 30 | 5pm | Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
🍷 Holiday Sip & Stroll Farmer’s Market
Take in festive vibes at Giracci Vineyards with wine under oaks, curated vendor tables, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Sun, Nov 30 | 11am–4pm | Giracci Vineyards & Farms, Silverado
🖼️ Free Admission at Laguna Art Museum
Laguna Art Museum is free all November, so grab a friend and take in some California creativity.
Last day to go for free | Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
✏️ 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...
Last weekend we went to a neighbor’s 80s-themed birthday party: neon, big hair, with full Cyndi Lauper energy. The highlight? A giant inflatable Santa sprawled on the floor drinking a beer, which set the tone for the whole night!
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: Mission Viejo
The city’s “Bears About Town” project features nine life-size mosaic bears tiled by thousands of residents and created with artists Joy Aldrich and Aileen May.
You’ll spot them along the Oso Creek Trail between the Potocki Center for the Arts and the Norman P. Murray Center, with one perched outside the Oso Creek Golf Course.
Each bear has its own cultural theme and color palette, turning a simple walk into a mini art hunt. Watch a short video to see what they’re like close up
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.