Well hello there!
Summer’s starting to show up… the Sunset Serenade series in Laguna Beach kicks off this Friday and I really want to hit the Redo Market in San Clemente on Sunday for all those cool vintage finds!
A few things worth highlighting:
🌮 Cinco de Mayo: Avila’s in San Clemente is going all in with tequila tastings, a DJ, and $9 margaritas. (see May 5th below)
🍽️ Mother’s Day: A 5-course Southern x Asian tasting menu with Chef Dorian, small group, intimate setting. This will go fast.
🚀 May the 4th: Club 616 in Santa Ana is going full Galactic Cantina. One of the oldest bars in OC, plus themed cocktails and music. Worth the drive. (see May 4)
🎶 The English Beat: this is your reminder to get your tickets!!
See you out there!
Lorna & Jason
Join The Scene Facebook Group
A spot for locals who want to know what’s worth doing in South OC.
Not the place for:
Coyote sightings, e-bike rants, news, or politics.
Come join so it’s not just us sitting in there talking to ourselves.
What's Inside...
🗓️ THIS WEEKEND’S PICKS
~~ FRIDAY MAY 1st ~~
🌅 Sunset Serenades: Afro Fiesta
Afro-Cuban rhythms with ocean views at this free sunset concert.
Fri, May 1 | 6:30pm | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
🥁 Full Moon Drum Circle at Aliso Creek
Community drum circle on the beach—bring a drum (or just listen) and join in under the full moon. All levels welcome.
May 1 | 7–10pm | Aliso Creek Beach (just south of Montage), Laguna Beach
🤠 Cowboy Canyon Nights
Line dancing under the canyon sky with free lessons, local vendors, and wine + beer at the Vineyard. Boots encouraged.
Fri, May 1 | 6–10pm | Giracci Vineyards, Silverado
🎭 Jerry’s Girls
A high-energy Broadway revue packed with hits from Hello, Dolly! and Mame, staged at a local theater that’s been quietly putting on shows since the late ’90s.
May 1 | 7–9pm | No Square Theatre, Laguna Beach
🏃♀️ Hoag OC Marathon Festival
Three days of races from a kids run to a sunset 5K and the full marathon, all set against OC’s coastline.
May 1–3 | Various times | 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.
Way Fresher Than the Grocery Store!
There’s a new app called Pick Fresh that’s doing something kind of brilliant. It connects people who have fruit trees with locals who actually want the fruit. Think lemons, avocados, oranges.
Right now, they’re trying to get things started in South OC, and we’re helping them get the word out because it’s a great way to keep things local, organic, and connect with people in your own neighborhood.
If you’ve got a tree in your yard, you can list what you have and earn a little cash or better yet, have your kids do it as a summer side hustle so they can earn some extra money.
It’s simple, sustainable, and why are we still buying fruit shipped in from Central California when it’s growing in our own backyards?
~~ SATURDAY MAY 2nd ~~
🌸 Gate & Garden Tour
A self-guided walking tour through curated private gardens, with plein air artists, refreshments, and a festive garden party vibe—all supporting local school gardens and scholarships.
Sat, May 2 | 10am–4pm | Laguna Beach County Water District, Laguna Beach
🐴 Rancho Days Fiesta
Step into OC’s rancho era with live music, folklorico dancing, charro roping demos, and hands-on activities inside a historic park setting.
Sat, May 2 | 11am–3pm | Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest
🌮 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Live music, vendors, and a full-on family-friendly fiesta with a kids zone and multiple stages.
Sat, May 2 | Max Berg Plaza Park, San Clemente
👜 Purse Palooza
Score new and gently-used handbags, backpacks, and luggage—basically a treasure hunt for your next “where did you get that?” bag.
Sat, May 2 | 9am–2pm | Norman P. Murray Center, Mission Viejo
🎨 ArtWalk in Downtown Santa Ana
Art, live music, street performances, and 30+ local vendors take over downtown.
Sat, May 2 | 5–10pm | Santa Ana
🍊 Taste of Orange
An evening of local flavor with 40+ tastings, live music, and a walk-around food-and-drink vibe. Come hungry.
Sat, May 2 | 3–7pm | Orange
🛍️ Mission Viejo Garage Sale Trail
38+ homes selling everything from home finds to hidden gems—follow the map and make a morning of it.
Sat, May 2 | 8am–1pm | La Paz/Olympiad area, Mission Viejo
~~ SUNDAY MAY 3rd ~~
🛍️ Redo Market on Del Prado
The Lantern District turns into a four-block vintage playground with 200+ vendors, live music across five stages, and plenty of food and drinks. It’s one of the best spots to score unique home finds, clothing, and surf gear all in one place.
Sunday, May 3 | 9am–5pm | Del Prado Ave, Dana Point
📚 Cookbook Author Talk: Adrienne Cheatham
Michelin-starred chef and Top Chef finalist shares stories, recipes, and hard-earned kitchen wisdom, plus free books if you get there early.
Sun, May 3 | 11am | OC Public Library, Costa Mesa
🪄 Magic & Cocktails
Close-up magic, strong cocktails, and a tiki bar setting that leans into the illusion.
Sun, May 3 | 4pm & 7pm | The Lost Inferno, San Clemente
🥾 Bommer Canyon Guided Hike
A 4.7-mile hike with steep climbs, big views, and a guide walking you through the landscape along the way.
Sun, May 3 | 6:30–10:45am | Bommer Canyon Preserve, Irvine
🕊️ The Birds
A chilling stage adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s classic tale, where isolation, paranoia, and terror take flight as strangers face an unexplained avian uprising.
LAST NIGHT May 3 | Cabrillo Playhouse, San Clemente
🕵️♂️ The Maltese Falcon
A classic noir comes to life as a detective hunts for the elusive statue through a maze of lies and danger.
LAST NIGHT May 3 | Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach
🛸 Star Wars Trivia Night
Think you actually know your Star Wars? Prove it. Questions span movies, characters, and deep-cut lore.
Sat, May 3 | 5pm | 1886 Brewing Co, Orange
🎶 🎶 Checkout all of this weekend’s Live Music Options
➡️ NEXT WEEK
Scroll down to see events happening next week and beyond.
Live Music 🎶 🎶 🎶
Whether you’re looking for some relaxing acoustic guitar, an upbeat jazz ensemble, a folky singer-songwriter, or some good old rock ‘n’ roll… we have it listed!
Hundreds of live music events from all your favorite locations around South OC…
New events added weekly !
🤔 Trivia Time
Which two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and world-record holder trained with the Mission Viejo Nadadores and later served as the Mayor of Mission Viejo?
A. Jason Lezak
B. Brian Goodell
C. Mark Spitz
D. Matt Biondi
(Scroll to bottom for answer)
🗓️ NEXT WEEK…
✏️ Add these events to your Calendar
MONDAY MAY 4th
🛸 Star Wars Trivia Night
Test your galaxy knowledge for prizes and bragging rights. Light snacks included.
Mon, May 4 | 5–7pm | Sierra Rec Center, Mission Viejo
🚀 May the 4th Star Wars Day
Lightsaber crafts, trivia, and kid-friendly activities—basically a low-stakes way to train the next generation of Jedi.
Mon, May 4 | 3:30–4:30pm | Mission Viejo Library, Mission Viejo
⭐ Club 616 Galactic Cantina
Santa Ana’s oldest bar goes full galaxy mode for a rare Monday opening. Expect themed cocktails, music
May 4 | 6–11pm | Club 616, Santa Ana
✨ Family Magic Show: May the 4th
A Star Wars–themed magic show with crafts, a Darth Vader meet-and-greet, and free galaxy slime for the kids.
Mon, May 4 | 11am–12pm | Mesa Verde Library, Costa Mesa
🌌 Star Wars Nite at Disneyland
After-hours Star Wars takeover with themed entertainment, rare characters, and next-level photo ops, already sold out, but put on calendar for next year
May 4, 6pm | Disneyland Park, Anaheim
TUESDAY MAY 5th
🌮 Cinco de Mayo at Avila’s
Food and drink specials, tequila tastings, and a DJ after 4 PM—plus margaritas starting at $9 and beer at $6
Tue, May 5 | Avila’s El Ranchito, San Clemente
🎉 Cinco de Mayo at Xclusive
Live mariachis, strong margaritas, great food and a full-on fiesta in Ladera Ranch!
May 5 | Xclusive Taqueria Moderna, Ladera Ranch
💃 Latin Rhythms Night
Kick off summer with upbeat Latin dance lessons under the stars—no partner or experience needed.
May 5 & 12 + Aug 18 & 25 | 6:30pm | Argyros Plaza, Costa Mesa
🚋 Free Historical Trolley Tour
Hop aboard a guided trolley ride through downtown San Juan Capistrano and hear the stories, people, and places that helped shape the city.
Tue, May 5 | Starts at SJC Library, San Juan Capistrano
🎶 Tuesday on the Terrace: Pickleback Shine
Free outdoor concert with a local band mixing covers and originals.
Tue, May 5 | 4:30–6:30pm | Norman P. Murray Center, Mission Viejo
🧁 Cinco de Mayo Cupcake Decorating
Drop in anytime to make two piñata-style cupcakes filled with candy—quick, fun, and easy to take home.
May 5 | 11am–5pm | Sugar Blossom Bake Shop, San Clemente
WEDNESDAY MAY 6th
Trivia Night!
Bootlegger’s Brewery 7pm, Costa Mesa
Wild Goose Tavern 7pm, Costa Mesa
Pub Thirty Two 6:30pm, Mission Viejo
Station Craft 6pm, San Clemente
The Point 7pm, Dana Point (Note: Bi-weekly)
Hangar 24 7pm, Irvine
THURSDAY MAY 7th
🍷 Wine + Art Pairing Night
Five curated paintings paired with wines, with guided tasting and insight into how flavor and art connect.
May 7 | 6pm | Casa Romantica, San Clemente
🎨 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. Trolley service available.
First Thursday of every month | 6-9pm | Laguna Beach
FRIDAY MAY 8th
🎤 Missing Persons Live
The original voice Dale Bozzio performs hits like “Walking in L.A.” and “Words”—this is the real band, not a tribute.
Fri, May 8 | 8pm | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🌅 Sunset Serenades: Kim Johnson
Americana, folk, and country as the sun goes down.
Fri, May 8 | 6:30pm | Heisler Park Amphitheater, Laguna Beach
SATURDAY MAY 9th
🎸 The English Beat at The Coach House
The legendary ska band behind “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Save It for Later” returns for two nights of high-energy ‘80s hits.
May 9 + May 23 | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🧘 Mindfulness Expo
A full day of yoga, sound baths, workshops, and wellness vendors focused on self-care and personal growth.
Sat, May 9 | 10am–5pm | Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
SUNDAY MAY 10th
🎤 Brandy Clark (Mother’s Day Show)
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for sharp, honest, story-driven country songs, with a more stripped-down, rootsy sound. Get two tickets for the price of one. Use code: MOMSNIGHTOUT
Sun, May 10 | 7pm) | The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
🍽️ Mother’s Day Brunch at Oso Creek Golf Course
A full brunch spread with all the stations, prime rib, fresh fish, risotto, waffles, meat & cheese, plus live jazz and wide-open golf course views. Bonus: every mom gets a flower and chocolate. Book early, this one will sell out.
Sun, May 10 | 10am & 12:30pm | Terrace on the Green, Mission Viejo
🍽️ A 4-Seat Chef’s Tasting Experience for Mother’s Day
A 5-course Southern x Asian vegetarian tasting menu served at a private chef’s counter with just 4 seats. It’s intimate, personal, and a completely different way to do Mother’s Day. Reservations required.
May 9 or 10 | 5:30pm | Private Studio, Tustin
♻️ Vintage Market at Laguna Hills Mall
Shop vintage finds, give pre-loved pieces a second life, and hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures. Free admission and parking.
Sun, May 10 | 8am–3pm | Parking lot, Laguna Hills M
✏️ PLAN FURTHER AHEAD:
To see what’s happening even further ahead, check out our full Event Finder listing. There’s 100’s of ideas, and fun things to do, to help you get out and enjoy OC.
New events added daily !
📸 This Weeks Snapshot
Last Saturday we went to the Helena Modjeska open house in Modjeska Canyon. It’s the former home of the namesake of the canyon, a world-famous Shakespearean actress who settled here in the late 1800s.
She was the Meryl Streep of her day, a stage star who could silence a room with one line.
There were pysanky egg decorating demos, home tours, and time to wander the grounds under the oaks, while Chopin played softly in the background.
You can tour it too! Learn more
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.
Stop These 6 Lash Mistakes
Thinner lashes after 50 aren’t “just aging”
It is also the way you're taking care of them...expired mascara, waterproof formulas, heated curlers, harsh preservatives, and more.
This page breaks down 6 things to stop today + what to use instead for lift without irritation. Read the lash tips.
🧐 Trivia Answer:
✅ B — Brian Goodell
Commemorating Olympic gold medalist Brian Goodell at Florence Joyner Park in Mission Viejo
Brian Goodell won two Olympic gold medals in 1976 in the 400m and 1500m freestyle, setting world records in both and quickly becoming one of the top distance swimmers in the world.
He also became the first Olympic gold medalist to come out of the Mission Viejo Nadadores program, helping put the team on the national map.
He was entering his prime heading into the 1980 Olympics and likely would’ve added more, but the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Games cut that opportunity short.
Locally, he’s stayed deeply involved in the community. Goodell went on to serve as a 3x Mayor of Mission Viejo, is currently a City Council member, and still spends time in the pool as both a coach and swimmer with the Mission Viejo Nadadores Masters program.
So yes, you can technically share a lane with an Olympic gold medalist. Just don’t expect to win.
It’s A Wrap..
🎈Not yet a subscriber? You’ll get early access to The Scene—delivered every Wednesday at 8:45pm! Sign up here.
🙋♀️ Have an event you want to list? Learn more
📰 Want to advertise? Learn more
🥱 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.
*Affiliate Disclaimer: This publication contains affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We only share things we believe in. Anything you buy through our affiliate links supports the ongoing publication of The Scene. We greatly appreciate your trust in us. Thank you!
©️ 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.