Well hello {{first name | there}}!
This weekend, all roads lead to San Juan Capistrano.
The swallows are back after their 6,000-mile journey north, and the city is going all in with a parade, street fair, live music, and plenty of reasons to linger longer than you planned. See the event guide below.
A couple other things worth flagging:
🎹 A super fun Oingo Boingo cover band hits the stage at the Coach House Friday night, there’s still a few tickets left.
🏚️ Arden (Helena Modjeska’s home) is opening for a rare open house in April with live classical music, pysanky egg decorating, and tours. It’s free, but you do need to grab tickets ahead of time, and they go fast!
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 20th ~~
🎶 Dead Man’s Party: Oingo Boingo Tribute Night
This high-energy 8-piece band brings the wild horns, spooky funk, and Southern California nostalgia of Oingo Boingo back to the stage.
Fri, Mar 20 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🎭 Real Women Have Curves - The Musical
A one-night 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
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout This Weekend’s Live Music Options
Swallows Day Guide
San Juan Capistrano’s most famous tradition returns with the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair, a lively celebration of the legendary swallows that return to the Mission each spring.
Expect a festive Old West–style parade filled with horses, marching bands, colorful floats, and plenty of small-town charm.
After the parade, the celebration continues with the Mercado Street Fair, featuring food vendors, shopping, and family-friendly fun throughout the day.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: All streets will close at 9am, so the easiest (& cheapest) way to get to SJC will be either AmTrak or Metrolink which drops you exactly right where you need to be. Pick up the train in Anaheim, Irvine, Laguna Niguel/ MV and San Clemente. If you are local, the trolley will be running every 20 minutes.
Thursday
🕊️ 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
Friday
🤠 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
🐸 Old-Fashioned Frog Jumping Contest
Kids, frogs, and plenty of laughs at this classic Los Rios Park tradition inspired by Mark Twain’s famous Calaveras County contest.
Fri, Mar 20 | 4pm | Los Rios Park, San Juan Capistrano
Saturday
🥞 Swallows Day Pancake Breakfast
A longtime local tradition that kicks off Swallows Day morning with a full breakfast of pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs before the parade festivities begin.
Sat, Mar 21, 2026 | 6–10am | Rotary Scout Hut | San Juan Capistrano
🕊️ 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
Restaurants With Special Swallow’s Day Programs
🎺 Inn at the Mission
FREE concert from James Kelly band and line dancing lessons
Sat, Mar 21 | 12:30 - 6:30pm | Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
🎸 Swallow’s Inn
Celebrate Swallows Day all day with live music from Coyote Rebel Band in the afternoon and Bunch O’ Guys Band late into the night.
Sat, Mar 21 | From 6am | Swallow’s Inn, San Juan Capistrano
🤠 River Street
Live music, drinks, great food, and a full day of celebrating the biggest event of the year in town.
Sat, Mar 21 | 1–9pm | River Street Marketplace, San Juan Capistrano
🍹 El Adobe
DJs, live music, and a big patio crowd make El Adobe one of the liveliest spots to celebrate Swallows Day. $20 cover.
Sat, Mar 21 | From 8am | El Adobe, San Juan Capistrano
🥂 Rosewood Social Rooftop Party
Celebrate parade day with brunch, cocktails, a live DJ, and rooftop views right in the heart of the festivities. $20 cover.
Sat, Mar 21 | 10am–6pm | Rosewood Social, San Juan Capistrano
~~ SATURDAY MARCH 21st ~~
🍀 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
🪴 Decoupage Pots
Decorate plant pots and take home something cute and useful.
Sat, Mar 21 | 11am | El Toro Branch, Lake Forest
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
~~ SUNDAY MARCH 22nd ~~
A night of Stevie Wonder classics with a powerhouse band behind it at The Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano.
🎶 Stevie Wonder Hits Live: Higher Ground Tribute Show
A 10-piece band led by veteran performer Doug Starks brings Stevie Wonder’s legendary songs to life in a high-energy night of pop-soul favorites, comedy, and feel-good vibes.
Sun, Mar 22 | 7pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🎭 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 at the Repair Cafe.
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
Scroll down to see what’s happening next week and beyond:
➡️ NEXT WEEK
🎶 🎶 Checkout South OC Live Music Options
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🤔 Trivia Time
The famous swallows that return each spring to San Juan Capistrano migrate thousands of miles. Where do they spend the winter?
A. Chile
B. Argentina
C. Costa Rica
D. Peru
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY MARCH 23rd
🤠 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 24th
🌵 Succulent Arrangement Workshop
Create your own mini succulent garden and design a charming arrangement to take home. Registration required.
Tue, Mar 24 | 6:30–7:30pm | Library, Mission Viejo
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25th
📚 Aliso Viejo Library Grand Reopening
The newly remodeled library opens its doors with live music, storytime, a visit from Pete the Cat, and kids’ crafts throughout the morning.
Wed, Mar 25 | 10am | Aliso Viejo Library, Aliso Viejo
🎨 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 25, Apr 1 | 1:30–4:30pm | LOCA Arts Education, Laguna Beach
THURSDAY MARCH 26th
🌿 Woodland Wellness Walk
Slow down and reconnect with nature during this guided “forest bathing” walk with quiet reflection, sensory moments, and a closing tea ceremony.
Thu, Mar 26 | 10am–12pm | Irvine Regional Park, Orange
🐰 Storytime with the Easter Bunny
Kids can sit with the Easter Bunny and hear the tale of Peter Cottontail before hopping over for photos. Reservations recommended.
Mar 26 | 11–11:30pm | The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo
🤠 Cowboy Hat Night
Wear a cowboy hat and score half-price beer and wine. Yes, the discount is riding on your head. (Check out their Easter Sunday Brunch menu!)
Thursdays 4-8pm | Tavern at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano
FRIDAY MARCH 27th
✨ Museum of Make Believe
Wander a hand-crafted storybook forest filled with mystical trees, twinkling lights, miniatures, sculptures, immersive soundscapes, and hidden surprises—an imaginative art experience created by local artists. Each ticket supports the nonprofit behind the magic.
Select Dates & Times | Laguna Beach
SATURDAY MARCH 28th
🎸 Chainsaw Rock Legends Jackyl Hit The Coach House
Southern hard rock legends Jackyl bring their wild, high-energy show to The Coach House with special guests Gilby Clarke (ex–Guns N’ Roses) and Bullets & Octane.
Sat, Mar 28 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🌿 Hortense Miller Garden Open House
Explore this hidden Laguna Beach garden with trails, ocean views, art, workshops, and tours.
Sat, Mar 28 | 10:30 AM–2:30 PM | Hortense Miller Garden, Laguna Beach
🗼 Springtime in Paris Boutique
A Paris-inspired shopping event with 70+ local makers, food, live entertainment, a Bellini bar, and free kids crafts. Sip, stroll, and shop.
Sat, Mar 28 | 8am–4pm | Community Center, Mission Viejo
🎻 Lord of the Strings: The Black Market Trust
A globe-trotting vocal jazz group blends crooner classics with Django Reinhardt–style guitar for a high-energy night of swing, jazz, and timeless standards.
Sat, Mar 28 | 7–9pm | Mission Viejo City Hall Council Chamber, Mission Viejo
🏀 March Madness at The Deck
Catch the games on the patio at Montanoso’s with free admission and light refreshments during each matchup.
Mar 28, Mar 29 + Apr 4 | 3pm | Montanoso’s The Deck, Mission Viejo
🎶 Laguna Beach Block Party
Celebrate Jedidiah Coffee’s 2nd birthday with DJs, live music, and beachside vibes at this community block party.
Sat, Feb 28 | 2–6pm | Laguna Beach
🍵 Native Plant Tea
Explore the Coastal Sage Scrub ecosystem with OC Park naturalists, learn the history and uses of native plants, then end by brewing and tasting your own native plant tea. Ages 12+.
Sat, Mar 28 | 3–4:30pm | Nix Nature Center, Laguna Beach
Easter Events on Saturday
🐣 Easter Garden Party at Kaleidoscope
Meet the Easter Bunny, decorate cookies, enjoy crafts, face painting, live music, a petting zoo, bounce house, and a family egg hunt.
Sat, Mar 28 | 11am–1pm | Kaleidoscope, Mission Viejo
🐰 Bunny Bonanza
Crown Valley Park hosts a morning of springtime fun with crafts, games, face painting, and special guests Mr. and Mrs. Bunny. (No egg hunt.)
Sat, March 28 | 10am–1pm | Crown Valley Park | Laguna Niguel
🐰 Bunny Blast Eggstravaganza
Egg stations, carnival games, crafts, food trucks, and nonstop springtime fun—this one sells out almost every year. Wristbands $10 (ages 2 & under free). Limited to the first 1,000 participants.
Sat, Mar 28 | 11am–2pm | El Toro Park, Lake Forest
🐤 Eggstravaganza Easter Celebration
Free egg hunts by age, Easter Bunny meet-and-greets, Victorian Kellogg House tours, and family activities throughout the museum grounds. Pet friendly.
Sat, Mar 28 | 10am–2pm | Heritage Museum of OC, Santa Ana
SUNDAY MARCH 29th
🏀 March Madness at The Deck
Catch the games on the patio at Montanoso’s with free admission and light refreshments during each matchup.
Mar 29 + Apr 4 | 3pm | Montanoso’s The Deck, Mission Viejo
🎳 Lucky Strike Bowling Night- Save 20%
A polished take on bowling with full bar service, upgraded food, and a sleek lounge feel.
Any night | Lucky Strike/ Bowlero | Aliso Viejo or Ladera Ranch
✏️ 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 were spoiled for choice with so many St. Paddy’s events going on. We opted for Pub 32. We enjoyed a super tasty appetizer of crispy pork belly and pan-seaerd scallops, followed by the special of the day - a really generous portion of corned beef and cabbage. We brought Dad along to celebrate his 90th Birthday - he approved of the Guiness!
📍Pub Thirty-Two
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:
✅ B — Argentina
The swallows that made San Juan Capistrano famous are cliff swallows, small migratory birds that travel nearly 6,000 miles from Goya, Argentina to Southern California each spring.
They make this remarkable journey because North America offers a seasonal explosion of flying insects, which provides ideal conditions for raising their young. Cliff swallows return to the same breeding areas year after year, following migration routes that have developed over thousands of years.
Historically, they nested at Mission San Juan Capistrano, where the Mission’s stone walls and eaves were perfect for building their distinctive mud nests, and the nearby river and wetlands provided plenty of insects to eat.
Over time, changes around the Mission made nesting there more difficult. Today, many of the swallows still return to the Capistrano Valley, but most build their nests on nearby bridges, cliffs, and other structures rather than directly on the Mission itself.
The town still celebrates their legendary homecoming every spring with the Swallows Day Parade and festivities.
(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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