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Happy Wednesday!
Memorial Day has come and gone and South OC is officially gearing up for summer. The two sure signs? Summer concerts and free coastal trolleys. ☀️🎶
1. The summer concert calendar has dropped, so it’s time to dig out the Tommy Bahama chairs buried somewhere in the garage.
2. And good news for your gasoline bill: free summer trolleys and shuttle services are back across Coastal South OC cities, making it easy to avoid driving and parking hassles.
Shuttles run in Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano, so you can park somewhere far far away from the beach, hop on a trolley, and step off just blocks from the sand.
Worth Highlighting:
We love supporting local, so when we saw OC favorite Pinch Me! headlining at The Coach House, we had to shout it out. Every time I’ve seen them, I leave sweaty and exhausted because literally no one sits down when this band starts playing. 💃🕺
Rick from the band also hooked up The Scene readers with 40% off plus VIP front table seating. One of the most fun nights out in OC.
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
Free gummies for better weather
The sun is here and we're back outside!
Longer days, lighter hangs, and THC gummies that fit the vibe. Grab a free pack of gummies from Cycling Frog! Just cover $4.99 shipping. Fruity, perfectly dosed, and made for campfires, park days, and whatever summer turns into.
Must be 21+ and only valid on 10ct bags of gummies
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS
~~ FRIDAY MAY 29th ~~
🎸 Desperado: Eagles Tribute
Take it easy with an evening of Eagles classics, soaring harmonies, and peak Southern California nostalgia from longtime tribute band Desperado.
May 29 & 30 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🌅 Sunset Serenades: Simon Says Revue
A Paul Simon tribute with all the familiar hits.
Fri, May 29 | 6:30pm | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
🍝 Comedy & Cannoli Night
Dinner, drinks, and live stand-up comedy all rolled into one night at Antonucci’s with a full comedy lineup and headliner Bryson Banks.
Fri, May 29 | 7–8:30pm | Antonucci’s Italian & Seafood, Mission Viejo
🍢 626 Night Market
The massive Asian night market returns to Costa Mesa with endless street food, desserts, shopping, games, and live performances.
May 29–31 | 3–11pm | OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa
🎶 🎶 Checkout all of this weekend’s Live Music Options
➡️ NEXT WEEK
Scroll down to see events happening next week and beyond.
~~ SATURDAY MAY 30th ~~
Newport Beach Jazz Fest
🎷 Newport Beach Jazz Festival
Smooth jazz, waterfront sunsets, dancing couples with wine glasses, and a lineup packed with legendary artists make this one of OC’s signature music weekends.
May 29–31 | Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach
🏖️ Sunset Music Right on the Sand
Beachside bites, live music, and front-row sunset views at this laid-back cafe sitting directly on Doheny Beach.
Sat, May 30 | 4–6pm | Doho Cafe, Dana Point
🐴 Nellie Gail Horse Show
Patriotic horse competitions, live music, food trucks, and a free stick horse race for kids.
Sat, May 30 | Starts at 8:30am | Nellie Gail Ranch Equestrian Center, Laguna Hills
🧘♀️ Workout & Worship
A women’s-only evening of body sculpt workouts, acoustic worship, sunset stretch sessions and flower bouquet making.
Sat, May 30 | 4–6:30pm | The Casino, San Clemente
👻 Black Star Canyon Ghost Tour (Halfway to Halloween)
A guided nighttime walk through one of OC’s most talked-about canyons, with local legends and eerie history.
Sat, May 30 | Black Star Canyon, Silverado Canyon
🚂 Train Days at the Moulton Museum
Watch detailed model trains zip through miniature towns and historic displays during this free family-friendly exhibit celebrating America’s railroad history.
Sat, May 30 | 10am–4pm | Moulton Museum, Laguna Hills
~~ SUNDAY MAY 31st ~~
🥁 Full Moon Drum Circle + Potluck
Community drum circle on the beach, bring a drum (or just listen) and join in under the full moon. All levels welcome.
Sun, May 31 | 6–10pm | Aliso Creek Beach (just south of Montage), Laguna Beach
🛍️ It’s Almost Summer Market
Vintage finds, tarot readings, live acoustic music, tooth gems, tiny tattoos, crafts, and 25+ local vendors are taking over High Tide Coffee for this artsy little Sunday market.
Sun, May 31 | 9am–2pm | High Tide Coffee, San Clemente
🍷 Sip & Stroll at Giracci
A free afternoon of wine, live music, food trucks, and local vendors set against the vineyard views in Silverado Canyon.
Sun, May 31 | 12–5pm | Giracci Vineyards & Farms, Silverado
🧘♀️ Pilates & Brews by the Beach
Mat pilates, mimosas, ocean views, and post-class shopping.
Sun, May 31 | 11:30am–12:30pm | Dana Point Brewery, Dana Point
🎨 The Ways of Water Opening Reception
27 local artists take on everything from crashing waves to quiet rain. Live music and wine.
Sun, May 31 | 4–7pm | Civic Plaza, Rancho Santa Margarita
🌶️ Michelada & Pozole Sunday
Pozole, micheladas, lotería, and local vendors taking over the patio outside Alta Baja Market in DTSA.
Sun, May 31 | 10am–3pm | Alta Baja Market, Santa Ana
🎸 90s Alternative Tribute Fest
A throwback day at Cook’s Corner with live tribute sets to Sublime, The Offspring, Garbage, and Bad Religion.
Sun, May 31 | 12pm | Cook’s Corner, Trabuco Canyon
🎶 🎶 Checkout all of this weekend’s Live Music Options
➡️ NEXT WEEK
Scroll down to see events happening next week and beyond.
🎶 Live Music Guide
Whether you’re looking for free summer concerts in the park or live music at restaurants, bars, and local venues like The Coach House, we’ve rounded it all up into two easy-to-browse guides.
☀️ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES →
🎸 LIVE MUSIC GUIDE →
New events added weekly !
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY JUNE 1
🥕 Last Minute Mondays
An intimate four-seat vegetarian chef’s counter in a private Tustin location featuring multi-course seasonal dinners built around California produce, conversation, and whatever Chef Dorian feels inspired to create that night. Reservations open 14 days ahead and seats go fast.
Mon, June 1 | 7 PM | Tustin
⚔️ Star Wars Trading Card Game Night
Star Wars fans gather weekly at Comic Quest for battles, deck-building, promo packs, and casual gameplay from the hit new Star Wars Unlimited card game.
Mon, Jun 1 | 6–9pm | Comic Quest, Lake Forest
Monday Trivia Nights
Dave & Buster’s, 7:00pm, Irvine
The Harp Inn, 7:30pm, Costa Mesa
TUESDAY JUNE 2
🚋 San Juan Capistrano Trolley Tour
Hop aboard a free story-filled trolley ride through San Juan Capistrano exploring the people, landmarks, and local history that shaped the city.
Tue, June 2 | San Juan Capistrano Library
🎭 Broadway Dance Night
Channel your inner performer with musical-style choreography and theatrical flair.
June 2, 9 & 16 | 6:30pm | Argyros Plaza, Costa Mesa
🎶 The Sound of Music
The beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic returns to the stage with sweeping songs, timeless romance, and all the hills-you-can-sing-from energy.
June 2–14 | Times vary | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3
🎬 Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure on the Big Screen
Flashback Wednesday brings the cult classic time-travel comedy back to theaters with Wyld Stallyns energy and peak ‘80s nostalgia.
Wed, Jun 3 | 7pm | Regency Theatres Director’s Cut Cinema, Laguna Niguel
🎱 Public Bingo Night
Weekly bingo with cash payouts, and proceeds supporting local charities through the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge.
Wed, Jun 3 | 3–10pm | Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, Mission Viejo
Line Dancing
Goody’s Tavern 7pm, San Clemente
Shorecliffs Golf Club 4pm, San Clemente
Bigshots Billiards 8pm, Lake Forest
Murray Community Center 9:15am, Mission Viejo
THURSDAY JUNE 4
🎨 First Thursdays Art Walk
Laguna Beach throws open its gallery doors once a month for a self-guided evening of art, culture, and creative wandering.
First Thursday of every month | 6-9 pm | Laguna Beach
🎶 Train Drummer’s Band Featherborn
Featuring the drummer from Train, Featherborn blends rock, Americana, and soulful harmonies for a live show that feels made for a summer night at The Coach House.
Thu, June 4 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
FRIDAY JUNE 5
🪩 ABBAFAB
Dancing Queen energy is taking over The Coach House with this glittery ABBA tribute packed with singalongs. Plus Buy one ticket get one free with code OCABBA26
Fri, June 5 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🤠 Cowboy Canyon Nights
Line dancing, wine, vendors, disco cowgirl energy, and a Silverado vineyard backdrop make this feel like Nashville wandered into Orange County for the weekend.
Fri, June 5 | 6–10pm | Giracci Vineyards, Silverado
🌅 Sunset Serenades: Caro Pierotto
Brazilian bossa nova with laid-back beachside vibes.
Fri, June 5 | 6:30pm | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
🍿 Movie Night: Minecraft
Family movie night under the stars with pre-movie activities starting at 6:30pm. Movie begins at dusk.
Fri, Jun 5 | 6:30pm | Grand Park, Aliso Viejo
SATURDAY JUNE 6
🦋 Monarchs & Milkweed
A charming morning at the Niguel Botanical Preserve celebrating monarch butterflies with plants, gifts, butterfly swag, and garden vibes inside the Butterfly Garden.
Sat, June 6 | 9:30am | Niguel Botanical Preserve, Laguna Niguel
🎨 Studio Arts Festival
Discover original, handcrafted artwork from local and regional artists featuring ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, fiber art, glass, and more at this annual community festival.
Sat, June 6 | 9am–5pm | Heritage Community Park, Irvine
🌊 KelpFest Laguna Beach
Tidepool tours, marine life walks, beach cleanups, and hands-on ocean education make this a very Laguna Beach way to spend a Saturday by the water.
Sat, June 6 | Main Beach, Laguna Beach
🐾 Dog Days at the Farm
Flower fields, adoptable pups, photo ops, local vendors, and very happy dogs running around.
Sat, June 6 | 10am–4pm | Hana Field at Tanaka Farms, Costa Mesa
SUNDAY JUNE 7
🌶️ Tustin Chili Cook-Off
The country’s largest single-day chili cook-off returns with spicy competition and live entertainment.
Sun, June 7 | 11am - 6pm | Old Town Tustin
🤔 Name This Spot
Where Can you find this mural in Dana Point?
A) Salt Creek Beach
B) The Strands
C) Doheny State Beach
D) Lantern Bay Park
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
📸 This Week’s Snapshot
Twenty chilis. One winner. Endless bragging rights.
Last Saturday's Rotary Club Fourth Annual Chili Cook-Off delivered the goods — we worked our way through every single entry, grilling chefs on their secret techniques and "special ingredients" along the way.
Early standout? Mission Viejo Mayor Wendy Bucknum, who showed up and showed OUT with a seriously delicious white chili. The Mayor can cook!
Between tastings, Sideways kept the music pumping, the bar was fully stocked, and the California sunshine did the rest. But the real win of the day? Thousands of dollars raised for local student scholarships.
Same time next year — we'll be there.
Voting time — and this was NOT easy.
Two chilis stopped us in our tracks. First up: a smoke show in a bowl. Smoked pork shoulder + smoked bacon = smoked chili, everything kissed by fire. One bite and we were done.
The second? A total dark horse. Hominy as the secret weapon — this incredible deep, earthy corn flavor, with added chewy texture, that nobody saw coming. Absolutely addictive.
Judges? We rest our case. 🏆
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:
✅ A — Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Beach walkway underpass
This massive mural is painted inside the Salt Creek Beach tunnel in Dana Point and was created in 2018 by Dana Hills High School student Aleena Malik along with other student artists. The 22-by-50-foot piece replaced an older mural and celebrates Dana Point’s surf culture with the vintage VW van, stacked surfboards, and coastal backdrop.
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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©️ 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.