Well hello {{first name | there}}!
This week it’s all about St. Patrick’s Day with Irish music, Guinness, and packed pubs around South County. We flagged a few standout events below.
Also, a heads up for one of the city’s most asked-about events: the concert inside the colorful Jeronimo Tunnel in Mission Viejo returns next Wed, Mar 18, with Pacific Symphony musicians performing by candlelight inside the tunnel’s surprisingly great acoustics.
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 MARCH 13th ~~
💜 A Prince Tribute Show
A high-energy tribute bringing Prince’s biggest hits like Purple Rain, 1999, and Kiss back to life with all the style and funk of the original.
Fri, Mar 13 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🍀 St. Paddy’s Weekend Kickoff
Live music from Steven Shaw launches the weekend with Guinness, Harp, and Killarney on tap, Jameson cocktails, and a festive Irish menu.
Fri, Mar 13 | 7pm | Pub Thirty Two, Mission Viejo
🇮🇪 Irish Comedy Night with David Nihill
Irish and hilariously sharp, David Nihill brings his quick wit, storytelling, and global stand-up perspective to Irvine for two nights only.
Fri & Sat, Mar 13–14 | Irvine Improv, Irvine
🤠 Line Dancing in the Barn
Grab your boots and hit the floor at Farmakis Farms for a high-energy night of country hits, easy-to-follow lessons with instructor Marie Kelly.
March 13 | 7-10pm | San Juan Capistrano
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout This Weekend’s Live Music Options
~~ SATURDAY MARCH 14th ~~
🍀 Irish Pub Night: Music, Pints & Craic
Settle in for a lively Saturday with Irish tunes playing live while the pub pours Guinness and rolls out its St. Patrick’s specials.
Sat, Mar 14 | 7pm | Pub Thirty Two, Mission Viejo
🇮🇪 St. Paddy’s Warm-Up Party
Start the celebration with live rock and blues from The Wild Cards, followed by a DJ spinning dance-floor favorites. Irish tunes, green outfits, authentic Irish fare, and festive drinks.
Sat, Mar 14 | 6pm | The Original Patsy’s Irish Pub, Laguna Niguel
🇺🇸 Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade
A classic hometown parade celebrating “America 250” with floats, music, and community groups along the downtown route.
Sat, Mar 14 | 11 AM | Downtown Laguna Beach
🍽️ OC Restaurant Week
Restaurants across Orange County roll out special menus for one week only. No tickets or passes needed.
FINAL DAY Sat, Mar 14 | Participating Restaurants | Orange County
🎶 Musical Melodrama in the Park
A family-friendly Old West melodrama packed with music, laughs, and local history.
Sat, Mar 14 | Festivities 1–3pm, show 3–4pm | Historic Town Center Park, San Juan Capistrano
🛍️ Old Towne Vintage Market
A vintage market with 30+ sellers, live DJ, food vendors.
Sat, Mar 14 | 11am–4pm | American Legion Post 132 | Orange
👑 The Six Wives of Henry VIII
A high-energy pop concert–style musical where Henry VIII’s six wives remix history into a fierce, funny, girl-power celebration.
Final Night | Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🍀 It’s Almost Like Being In Ireland
Pub Thirty Two in Mission Viejo offers 4 days of St Paddy’s Day entertainment leading up to the big green day.
If you’re looking for the closest thing to a real Irish pub in South OC this week, Pub Thirty Two in Mission Viejo is where the celebration starts early.
Since a group of Irish owners took over last year, Pub Thirty Two has become one of the closest things to a real Irish pub in South OC.
For St. Patrick’s week, they’re hosting live music Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday, mixing Irish tunes with contemporary pub music.
Behind the bar, pints of Guinness, Kilkenny, and Harp are flowing alongside special Jameson cocktails, while the kitchen is serving up traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage.
🌟 One thing I love is that you can reserve a table. It sounds small, but it’s the kind of thing that will make me choose one place over another.
🍀 Entertainment Lineup
Friday 13th: 7pm: Steven Shaw
Saturday 14th: 7pm: Mouhammed Bassaj
Sunday 15th: 1pm: Brenden Holmes
Tuesday 17th: 4pm: The Stouthearts
Reserve online or by calling 949-716-0687
📍Pub Thirty Two
23962 Alicia Pkwy #2, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
~~ SUNDAY MARCH 15th ~~
Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day at Patsy’s Irish Pub in Laguna Niguel with Hali the Irish Fiddler.
🎻 Irish Fiddle Night at the Pub
Hali the Irish Fiddler fills the pub with the sounds of Ireland while guests enjoy authentic Irish fare and festive drinks.
Sun, Mar 15 | 5pm | The Original Patsy’s Irish Pub, Laguna Niguel
🍷 OC Wine & Spirit Fest St. Patrick’s Celebration
Unlimited tastings of wine, beer, and spirits plus live music, dancing, and food vendors set against the vineyard backdrop. Use code GIRACCI for 50% off tickets. (VIP tickets not included)
Sun, Mar 15 | Noon–4pm | Giracci Vineyards & Farms, Silverado
🇮🇪 Sunday Session at the Irish Pub
A classic afternoon session with Bren Holmes playing live while pints of Guinness and Harp keep the Celtic sing-alongs going.
Sun, Mar 15 | 1pm | Pub Thirty Two, Mission Viejo
🌸 Cottagecore Spring Faire
Modern Makers Mart brings 55+ vendors, live music, kids crafts, pet-friendly vibes, and free jam jars each day to Woodbury Town Center.
March 14–15 | 10am–4pm | Woodbury Town Center | Irvine
🕯️ Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
A string quartet performs Vivaldi’s iconic Four Seasons alongside classical favorites like Debussy’s Clair de Lune in a candlelit oceanfront setting.
Sun, Mar 15 The Ritz-Carlton, Dana Point
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
🤔 Trivia Time
The building that houses Knowlwood’s Restaurant in Irvine originally served what purpose in Old Town Irvine?
A. Train depot
B. Citrus packing house
C. General store
D. Blacksmith shop
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
Featured Event
Celebrate All Day (& Night) at Patsy’s Irish Pub
Patsy’s in Laguna Niguel offers 4 days of shenanigans leading up to the big day.
If you’re looking for the kind of St. Patrick’s Day where the fiddles start early, the pints keep flowing, and the dance floor fills up before sunset, Patsy’s Irish Pub in Laguna Niguel is going all in.
On Tuesday, March 17, the celebration runs 11am to 1am with live music, dancing, and a packed house of locals ready to celebrate.
Irish favorites like corned beef & cabbage, shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, and Irish coffee will be served throughout the day.
🍀 Entertainment Lineup for Tuesday March 17
12–3pm: Hali the Irish Fiddler
2–5pm: The Sleevens (Irish Folk Band)
4–7:30pm: The Wild Cards (Rock & Blues)
6–9pm: Selly & The Strays (Classic Rock)
9pm–1am: DJ & Dancing 🍀
📍The Original Patsy's Irish Pub
28971 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY MARCH 16th
🎸 St. Patrick’s Pre-Party
Kick the celebration off early with Irish rock from The Sleevens, plus festive drinks, classic pub fare, and plenty of emerald-green spirit. Free.
Mon, Mar 16 | 5–8pm | The Original Patsy’s Irish Pub, Laguna Niguel
🤠 Free Country Two-Step Lessons
Learn the basics of country two-step with free weekly lessons. No partner required, just show up ready to dance.
Mondays | 6–7pm | Swallow’s Inn, San Juan Capistrano
🏓 Ping Pong
Drop-in ping pong games. All skill levels welcome.
Mondays, through Mar 30 | 12–2pm | Aliso Viejo Ranch | Aliso Viejo
TUESDAY MARCH 17th
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Pub
Celebrate the big day with live Irish music from The Stouthearts, Jameson cocktails, and a pub packed with green-clad revelers. Reservations recommended.
Tues, Mar 17 | 4pm | Pub Thirty Two, Mission Viejo
🇮🇪 All-Day St. Patrick’s Day Party
Live Irish music, rock bands, a DJ dance floor, face painting, and photo ops keep the celebration going all day with authentic Irish food and plenty of festive drinks.
Tues, Mar 17 | 11am–1am | The Original Patsy’s Irish Pub, Laguna Niguel
💚 Lucky Match Singles Night
Skip the crowded bars and mingle with other singles through guided connection rounds, icebreakers, and social games designed to spark real conversations.
Tue, Mar 17 | 6–9pm | Brewery X, Anaheim
🧘 St. Patrick’s Day Yoga Party
A one-hour themed yoga class with a St. Paddy’s playlist, green attire encouraged, plus a green beer after class.
Tues, March 17 | 5:45–7pm | iHeartYoga, Dana Point
🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans at The Station
Live music, dancing, and corned beef.
Tues, March 17 | 7–10pm | The Station, San Juan Capistrano
🎸 St. Patrick’s Day Rocks at Hennessey’s
A late-night Irish pub vibe and a live band playing rock and party favorites.
Tues, March 17 | 9pm | Hennessey’s Tavern, Dana Point
🎻 St. Patrick’s Day Concert with Eileen Ivers
Grammy-winning fiddler Eileen Ivers blends Celtic roots with Americana, bluegrass, and Cajun influences in a lively performance.
Tues, Mar 17 | 8–9:30pm | Irvine Barclay Theatre, Irvine
🍀 Pub Crawl: Where to Grab a Guinness
Pub Thirty Two, Mission Viejo
The Original Patsy’s Irish Pub, Laguna Niguel
Bru Garden, Lake Forest
Dublin 4 Gastropub, Mission Viejo
Mulleady’s Irish Pub, Mission Viejo
Patsy’s Irish Pub, Mission Viejo
Bloom’s Irish Pub, San Clemente
Hennessey’s Tavern, Dana Point
Hennessey’s Tavern, Laguna Beach
Hennessey’s Tavern, San Juan Capistrano
The Station, San Juan Capistrano
WEDNESDAY MARCH 18th
🕯️ Concert in the Tunnel: Candlelight with Pacific Symphony
String musicians from Pacific Symphony perform classical and contemporary pieces by candlelight inside the acoustically rich Jeronimo Tunnel.
Weds, Mar 18 | 7–8pm | Jeronimo Tunnel, Mission Viejo
🤠 Fiesta Grande: Boots, Beards & Bragging Rights
Wild West–themed contests, costumes, and live music. Compete for titles like Best Mustache, Best Boots, and Hairiest Man.
Weds, Mar 18 | 6–10pm | Swallow’s Inn, San Juan Capistrano
🎨 Paint Laguna Beach with Lisa Rainey
Capture coastal landscapes in this relaxed painting class open to beginners and experienced artists alike. Take one session or the full series.
Wednesdays Mar 18, 25, Apr 1 | 1:30–4:30pm | LOCA Arts Education, Laguna Beach
THURSDAY MARCH 19th
🕊️ St. Joseph’s Day & Return of the Swallows
A long-standing Capistrano tradition marking the return of the swallows and celebrating St. Joseph’s Day.
Thur, Mar 19, 2026 | 9am–2pm | The Mission | San Juan Capistrano
🤠 Cowboy Hat Night
Wear a cowboy hat and score half-price beer and wine. Yes, the discount is riding on your head.
Thursdays 4-8pm | Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
FRIDAY MARCH 20th
🤠 Hoos’ Gow Day
Sheriffs and deputies roam downtown “arresting” anyone not in Western wear (or clean-shaven), with quick jail time and bail donations for charity.
Fri, Mar 20 | 9am–4pm | San Juan Capistrano
🎭 Real Women Have Curves In Concert
A one-night musical event featuring songs from the Broadway show performed live with the original cast and band.
Fri, Mar 20 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
🎸 Gipsy Kings Light Up Lido
Flamenco rhythms, rumba energy, and decades of iconic hits as the Gipsy Kings bring their Historia Tour to the Lido.
Thur–Fri, Mar 20–21 | Evening shows | Lido Theatre, Newport Beach
SATURDAY MARCH 21st
🕊️ Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Fair
San Juan Capistrano’s biggest tradition returns with Old West flair, marching bands, horses, and a full-day street fair celebrating the swallows’ return.
Sat, Mar 21 | Parade at 11am | San Juan Capistrano
🍀 Shamrocks & Shenanigans Night Market
Live entertainment, games, food vendors, photo ops, and plenty of festive mischief at this St. Patrick’s–themed evening market.
Sat, Mar 21 | 5–9pm | North Paseo at Los Osos, Mission Viejo
🌊 For the Love of the Sea
A luminous exhibition of seascapes celebrating Laguna Beach art pioneer Frank Cuprien and his love of the Pacific coast.
Opens Mar 21 | Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach
🥕 Planting Veggies
Learn the basics of growing vegetables at home, from soil to harvest.
Sat, Mar 21 | 11am | Laguna Beach Branch, Laguna Beach
🏃 Ultimate Run Club
Five South OC run clubs unite for a 3-mile, beginner-friendly run on Oso Creek Trail starting at High Ground Coffee.
Sat, Mar 21 | 7:30am | High Ground Coffee, Mission Viejo
🐰 Spring Celebration & Egg Hunt
Meet Peter Rabbit, enjoy face painting, bounce houses, community booths, and a festive egg hunt.
Sat, Mar 21 | 9–11:30am | Grand Park, Aliso Viejo
SUNDAY MARCH 22nd
🎭 The Shark is Broken
A hilarious comedy takes you on a deep dive into making a major motion picture with zesty, feuding co-stars.
FINAL NIGHT Mar 22 | Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
🔧 Get Your Stuff Fixed for Free
Broken lamps, wobbly chairs, busted gadgets — volunteers help you fix them at no cost.
Sun, Mar 22 | 3:30–7:30pm | Community Center, Mission Viejo
🌿 Nature Meditation Walk
A gentle guided one-mile walk through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with quiet reflection, and a closing tea ceremony made from native plants.
Sun, Mar 8 | 9–11am | Nix Nature Center, Laguna Beach
🇬🇧 The Cottage
A laugh-out-loud British comedy packed with secrets, surprise guests, and very bad timing inside a countryside love nest.
FINAL DAY Mar 22 | Times vary | Cabrillo Playhouse, San Clemente
🌼 Native Plant & Wildflower Hike
A 2.5-mile guided hike through James Dilley Preserve with volunteer naturalists, exploring the seasonal life of California native plants.
Sun, Mar 22 | 8:30–11am | James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Beach
✏️ PLAN FURTHER AHEAD:
To see what’s happening even further ahead, check out our full Event Finder listing.
New events added daily…
📸 This Weeks Snapshot
We got all fancied up to go to a wedding at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course. It was such a beautiful location. The mountain views were amazing and as the sun set it was magical. We noticed they had a casual grill menu and relaxed patio seating, so we’ll be back for cocktails and appetizers.
(And of course a big congratulations to the Bride & Groom, Kristen & Richard!)
📍Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
26772 Avery Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
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:
✅ D — Blacksmith Shop
Before burgers and milkshakes, the building that now houses Knowlwood’s in Irvine was the essential blacksmith shop in Old Town Irvine.
In the early 1900s, this is where local ranchers brought horses to be shod and farm equipment to be repaired. Blacksmiths forged horseshoes, fixed wagon parts, and kept the ranching and farming community running.
The building survived Irvine’s transformation from ranchland to suburb, and when it became Knowlwood’s, much of that history stayed behind. Look around the restaurant and you’ll still see many of the original tools hanging on the walls — a quiet nod to its working past.
📍 Knowlwood Restaurant
14952 Sand Canyon Ave, Irvine
(Have an idea for a fun trivia question, or know of a business that’s trivia-worthy? Reply to this email)
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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