Go See Do-SC_2026

Summer 2026

OUTDOOR MUSIC TO GROOVE TO THIS SUMMER

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‘GREATEST SHOW ON SURF’ RETURNS NEXT MONTH Photo from a past San Juan Capistrano Summer Nights

Go. See. Do. 2026

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These FREE family-friendly concerts feature two headlining bands, and are held at Sea Terrace Park, PCH & Niguel Road

Food trucks, spirits for 21+ available for purchase.

For more information, email recreation@danapoint.org, or call 949-248-3530.

Go. See. Do. 2026

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Festival host and Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder performs during the 2025 Ohana Festival. Photo: Courtesy of Adrian Matthew

GO. SEE. DO IN SOUTH OC

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elcome to the latest edition of “Go.See.Do” your insider’s guide to the sun-drenched summertime in South Orange County.

Whether you are a lifelong resident or a curious weekend wanderer, the coastal trio of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano offers an undeniable magic where rich historic roots seamlessly blend with modern beach culture.

This season, we invite you to step outside, lean into the Pacific breeze and immerse yourself in the absolute best our vibrant communities have to offer.

Our journey begins by celebrating the coastal elements that define our region.

In Dana Point, we look out to the horizon for the legendary Festival of Whales, a world-renowned celebration of marine life and the magnificent gray whale migration that brings art, education, and community spirit together.

Just down Pacific Coast Highway, San Clemente brings the energy with the iconic San Clemente Ocean Festival.

Go. See. Do. 2026

Affectionately known as “The Greatest Show on Surf,” this beloved tradition transforms the historic pier into a high-octane arena of thrilling athletic feats, spectacular sandcastle mastery, and pure beachside joy.

When you’re ready to trade the roar of the surf for the rhythm of the beat, our roundup of outdoor music performances has you covered. We point you toward the ultimate local spots to throw down a blanket, unpack a picnic and dance under the stars.

No exploration is complete without exceptional food to fuel the journey.

When the afternoon sun peaks, we have the perfect culinary antidote. Discover how local chefs are using bright lime, fiery chiles and artisanal mezcals to cool you from the inside out, all tucked away within beautifully shaded, breeze-swept courtyards.

So, put on the sunscreen, grab your favorite sunglasses and let this guide be your passport to an unforgettable local escape. It’s time to Go, See and Do!

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY IS A HUB FOR OUTDOOR MUSIC

BY ALICIA VENTER

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rom the surf-washed shores of San Clemente to the breeze-swept bluffs of Dana Point and the historic, sun-dappled plazas of San Juan Capistrano, our towns are officially setting the stage for an unforgettable season of live performances. The lineups this year promise a little bit of everything — for the individuals looking to dance on the sand or check out iconic tributes alike. Some have admission fees, but most are free to attend.

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• SAN CLEMENTE San Clemente Summer Beach Concert Series The city’s premier free concert series takes place on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to sunset.

Most performances are held right at the historic San Clemente Pier, though a few are hosted at nearby coastal parks. See the full list below: • July 2 to July 4: Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights (US 250th Kickoff) — A massive multi-day celebration at the Pier Bowl and Parque del Mar featuring live music, food vendors and a beer garden to jumpstart the holiday

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weekend.

July 9: Wigs & Ties (Rock) at Linda Lane Park, 400 Linda Lane July 16: Knyght Ryder (80s & 90s Rock/Pop) at the San Clemente Pier.

July 23: ÚV-Time Firefighter Band (Classic Rock Tributes) at the San Clemente Pier.

July 30: The Pistol Blonde (Women of Country Tribute) at the San Clemente Pier.

Aug. 13: Common Sense (Reggae, Rock, Punk) at the San Clemente Pier.

Aug. 27: Pacific Symphony Quartet (Sunset Symphony) at the Ole Hanson Beach Club, 105 W. Avenida Pico

Concerts at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens Casa Romantica offers two distinct ways to enjoy outdoor music: high-energy evening shows under the stars in their ocean-view courtyard, and relaxing morning sets paired with local brews.

The Casa Cool Summer Concerts is the evening series. These ticketed events bring preSee CONCERTS on page 4

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CONCERTS from page 3 mier regional soul, blues and R&B bands into the intimate courtyard setting starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15 general admission or $130 to $150 for private tables. The lineup is as follows: • June 25: Backwater Blues (Rock, soul, funk and R&B) • July 15 and July 16: Blue Breeze Band (Motown, R&B and Soul hits) Enjoy free gourmet coffee and live acoustic music overlooking the ocean with the Coffee Concerts with High Tide Coffee, the morning series at Casa Romantica. These are free with general admission to the gardens and take place on Friday mornings at 10 a.m. See the lineup below: • July 17: Kyara Kalb • Aug 21: Molly Bergman • Sept. 11: Kim Johnson On Sunday, July 5, Casa Romantica hosts Free Family Sunday, featuring all-day live music performances across the grounds from the Community Outreach Alliance.

The San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival The ultimate end-of-summer block party returns on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., as the Chamber of Commerce completely closes down Avenida Del Mar for a massive, free multi-stage street festival.

Ola Vista Stage Lineup • Tumbleweed — 11 to 11:20 a.m.

• RøBBER — 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Tunnels – 1 to 1:45 p.m.

• Will Worden — 2:15 to 3 p.m.

• Wargirl — 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

• The ReFlexx — 4:45 to 6 p.m.

Seville Stage Lineup • The Real Big Bad — 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Fernando Noronha’s Blues Ride —12:30 to 1:15 p.m.

• Ramonda Hammer —1:45 to 2:30 p.m.

• The Soul Beacons — 3 to 3:45 p.m.

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The Great North Special - 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.

Weekly Saturday Music at the Outlets For a casual weekend afternoon option, the Outlets at San Clemente hosts live outdoor acoustic music every single Saturday throughout the summer. Curated by COA Entertainment, local bands and independent solo performers play in the shaded central courtyard starting at 10 a.m.

DANA POINT Dana Point Concerts in the Park (Sea Terrace Park) This is the city’s signature free summer music series, celebrating over 20 years of entertainment. Held on Sundays afternoons at Sea Terrace Park, each date features a high-energy double-header of top-tier tribute and party bands. Food trucks, beer and wine are available for purchase, with beverage proceeds traditionally supporting the Dana Point 5th Marines).

The Complete Sunday Lineup: July 12 • ​2:30-4 p.m.: Cassie B • 4:30-6 p.m.: Yachty by Nature July 19 • ​2:30-4 p.m.: Sega Genecide • 4:30-6 p.m.: Decades July 26 • ​2:30-4 p.m.: Flashback Heart Attack • 4:30-6 p.m.: Electric Avenue August 2​ • 2:30-4 p.m.: 90’s Rock Show • 4:30-6 p.m.: The Reflexx August 9 • 2:30-4 p.m.: Tunnel Vision • 4:30-6 p.m.: Common Sense August 16​ • 2:30-4 p.m.: Emo Kids • 4:30-6 p.m.: Tijuana Dogs The Dana Point Trolley has a designated stop right next to the concert area, making it easy to bypass parking at Salt Creek Beach or along Niguel Road. Bring low-back lawn chairs and

Zella Day of country band Chaparelle performing at the 2025 Ohana Festival.

Photo: Courtesy of Adrian Matthew

blankets.

OC Parks Summer Concert Series (Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach) Orange County Parks hosts its own county-wide concert series, bringing two major free outdoor shows to Dana Point’s stunning Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway. These events take place from 6 to 8 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. for picnicking.

See the lineup below: • Aug. 27: Dream Like Taylor (Taylor Swift Tribute) • Sept. 3: Family Style (Blues, Soul, & Rock) Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach While it’s a massive, ticketed festival rather than a casual community concert, you can’t talk about summer outdoor music in Dana Point without mentioning Ohana Fest. Curated by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, this world-renowned three-day festival takes place directly on the sand next to Dana Point Harbor. It acts as the ultimate star-studded farewell to the South OC summer. It returns Sept. 25 to Sept. 27.

San Juan Summer Nites The city’s official community concert series transforms the Historic Town Center Park,

31852 El Camino Real, into a massive block party on select Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly series features local business expos, a variety of food trucks, dancing and a highly popular beer and wine garden.

Pets are strictly prohibited at this series.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or low-back lawn chairs. To completely avoid parking headaches downtown, the Free SJC Trolley runs extended hours, from 4 to 10 p.m., on concert Wednesdays.

The Complete Wednesday Lineup • June 17: Family Style Band (Classic Funk & Soul • July 15: The Big Rock Show (Nostalgic Classic 70s & 80s Rock) • Aug. 19: Young Guns Band (High-Octane Modern & Classic Country) • Sept. 16: Billy Nation (Premier Billy Joel Tribute Act) Music Under the Stars at Mission San Juan Capistrano For an elegant, historic experience, the annual Music Under the Stars fundraising concert series takes place inside the iconic courtyard

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See CONCERTS on page 5

CONCERTS from page 4 ruins of the “Jewel of the Missions.” These are exclusive, highly sought-after ticketed evening events. Guests can reserve entire tables or purchase individual tickets to picnic and dance surrounded by centuries-old architecture and manicured gardens.

The Courtyard Lineup: Saturday, June 27: Super Diamond — The country’s premier high-energy Neil Diamond tribute band (SOLD OUT) Saturday, July 11: The Long Run — A precise, harmony-driven tribute to the music of The Eagles.

Saturday, July 25L Disco Inferno — A massive, costumed 70s disco celebration that turns the historic ruins into a full-scale dance floor.

Weekend Acoustics & Theme Nights at River Street Marketplace San Juan Capistrano’s massive new openair agrarian hub, the River Street Marketplace, tucked right into the historic Los Rios District, has upgraded the town’s casual live music options. Rather than a single formal event, River Street offers a continuous summer soundtrack paired with local food and craft beverages.

Every single Friday, Saturday and Sunday

evening throughout the summer, the central courtyard features rotating live acoustic acts, local singer-songwriters and indie bands.

Look out for specialized Friday night community events on the calendar, including dedicated Salsa Dancing Nights and Country Line Dancing Nights, complete with brief introductory lessons for beginners.

Patio Music at Local Wineries & Breweries For a more intimate, adult-focused weekend hangout, two of SJC’s premier beverage destinations offer regular, free outdoor acoustic sets on their patios.

Concertgoers danced at Historic Town Center Park in 2023 at the year’s San Juan Summer Nites concert series kickoff. Photo: The Capistrano Dispatch

Rancho Capistrano Winery, 31516 San Juan Creek Road: Orange County’s largest winery features live acoustic artists on its sprawling, heated outdoor patio every Friday and Saturday night, alongside Sunday afternoon brunch sets.

Docent Brewing, 33049 Calle Aviador: SJC’s independent craft brewery hosts a rotating calendar of local indie rock bands, folk duos, and open mic nights on their casual industrial patio. It’s an excellent stop for a flight of local beer and some street tacos.

Join us in exploring the sights and sounds of SJC from the back of a horse.

OEC is proud to be the headquarters for OTRA MAS, a non-profit volunteer-based 27252 CALLE ARROYO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO retirement, rehabilitative & renewal OECBOSS@AOL.COM | 949-661-3130 equine psychotherapy organization.

Lessons are available for children and adults, from beginner to advanced riders.

Best Outdoor Dining in Dana Point From sunrise to sunset, enjoy coastal bites and craft cocktails with expansive ocean views overlooking Salt Creek Beach.

Go. See. Do. 2026

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‘GREATEST SHOW ON SURF’ RETURNS NEXT MONTH

BY ALICIA VENTER

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ubbed “The Greatest Show on Surf,” the San Clemente Ocean Festival is a tradition dating back more than four decades. The classic returns to the San Clemente Pier on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.

The event brings together local residents and world class athletes who can participate in various events or simply soak in the California sun and enjoy the festivities.

The San Clemente Ocean Festival draws visitors across the state, as well as participants from communities like Hawaii and Australia, where surfing is a way of life.

The volunteer nonprofit organization behind the event, which shares the same name as the festival, supports ocean safety and building community. It gives back to the community through grants and scholarships. The San Clemente Ocean Festival is welcoming volunteers to help bring the event to life.

See the lineup of events below.

San Clemente Ocean Festival Events Pier Bowl Surf Classic WHEN: Starting at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, July 18 PRICE: $55 before midnight July 17 / $60 day of event The Pier Bowl Surf Classic is a day of high-performance surfing. The competition is open to surfers of all ages and skill levels, as divisions are based on gender and age.

Surfers are scored on length and quality of ride, maneuvers and performance, wave selection and style, sportsmanship and stroke.

Registration closes July 17 or when full.

Junior Lifeguard Competition WHEN: 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18 PRICE: $35 before midnight July 17 / $45 day of event This competition challenges individuals ages 9 to 17 with ocean experience to race for individual medals and overall age group championships. The events within this competition include “beach flags” — a single elimination musical chairs on the sand — an approximately 300-yard ocean swim, paddleboard sprint and run-swim-run race. Registration begins at 7 a.m., and participants can register both online in advance or onsite the day of competition.

Dolphin Dash WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 18

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PRICE: $30 before midnight July 17 / $35 day of event Open for children ages 4 to 12, the Dolphin Dash is built for kids, who will race across safe sand in a safe environment. Participants can register their young family members online by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 17, with day-of participation subject to availability. A parent or legal guardian must be present for all participants. All finishers receive a Dolphin Dash medal.

International Lifeguard Competition WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18 PRICE: $65 before midnight July 17 / $70 day of event Lifeguards from across the world will compete in this challenge. Athletes will earn points across a series of events, with scores combined to crown a champion. These challenges are: surf race; rescue relay; surf ski race; National Doryman’s Association race #1; international ironman and ironwoman; paddleboard rescue relay; National Doryman’s Association race #2; paddleboard race; and landline rescue relay (no points awarded). Check in starts at 7 a.m., with pre-registration deadline ending at 11:59 p.m. on July 17. Participants can enter as many events as they like, and there are unlimited event entries. The top performance will go towards the overall score. First place champions in the men and women’s categories will receive $500 each.

Groms Rule Surf Contest WHEN: Starting at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, July 18 PRICE: $70 before midnight July 17 / $80 day of event The Groms Rule Surf Contest invited young surfers up to age 14 to compete against one another and show off their skills.

Surfers are scored on length and quality of ride, maneuvers and performance, wave selection and style, sportsmanship and stroke.

Registration closes on the day of competition or when full, with the top six finalists in each division receiving commemorative San Clemente Ocean Festival medals. Registration is full for the 7 and under division.

Sandcastle Competition WHEN: 6:30 to 8 a.m. July 19 EVENT DETAILS TBA A fan favorite, the Sandcastle Competition See SURF on page 7

SURF from page 6 invites teams of up to 10 people each to compete in building the best sandcastle. Teams can compete in various categories, including Castles and Things or creatures. Judging will take place at 1:30 p.m. and awards handed out at 2 p.m.

5K Beach Run/Walk WHEN: Starting at 8 a.m. July 19 PRICE: $40 before midnight July 18 / $50 day of event The San Clemente Ocean Festival 5K Beach Run/Walk is along the water’s edge where the sand is firm. It is open to all ages and is for the casual jogger as well as the dedicated runner seeking a PR. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-register online

by July 18 or sign up on race day.

Ocean Multisport Challenge WHEN: Starting at 9 a.m. July 19 PRICE: $60 before midnight July 18 / $70 day of event The Ocean Multisport Challenge is the ultimate test, combining fast-pace runs with open-water swimming. Athletes can run solo or in a team. The events include the One-Mile Ocean Swim, Biathlon, Run-Swim-Run and

Splash & Dash Relay. Registration includes the chance to participate in the 5K beach run that morning.

Ocean Paddle Series WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 19 PRICE: $45 before midnight July 18 / $55 day of event The Ocean Paddle Series challenges athletes to a test of endurance and speed. Events in this series include a 5.5-mile open ocean paddle and SUP and paddleboard sprint races. Registration includes the chance to participate in the 5K beach run that morning.

Duck Design Contest WHEN: July 19 EVENT DETAILS TBA The Duck Design Contest starts as just as its name suggests — a challenge to design the perfect duck. However, following the designing process, San Clemente lifeguards will paddle the flock off the shore and let them “race.”

Learn more about the San Clemente Ocean Festival at oceanfestival.org.

FREE OUTDOOR EVENTS AT SOKA THIS SUMMER Summer at Soka continues to captivate! We are pleased to welcome you to our remaining two outdoor events of the summer on the Campus Green. Bring picnics, blankets, and low-backed beach chairs along with your friends and family.

Soak Up Summer O N E M A R G A R I TA AT A T I M E SHAKESPEARE PLAY

CUMBIA FUSION

Macbeth

Buyepongo

THU | JUL 23 | 7 PM

FRI | AUG 14 | 7 PM

Co-sponsored with the City of Aliso Viejo.

• 26762 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 • • BlancasLatinKitchen.com • 363-207-0654 •

Go. See. Do. 2026

Learn more at www.soka.edu/summer-soka or scan code.

FREE & Open to the Public FREE Parking

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1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 www.soka.edu

BEAT THE HEAT WITH CITRUS, SPICE AND SHADED PATIOS

BY PICKET FENCE MEDIA

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hen the South Orange County sun reaches its midday peak, there is a true culinary antidote: the masterful interplay of bright citrus, fiery spice and a beautifully shaded outdoor patio.

This season, our local food scene is looking past the casual beachside taco stands to explore a more sophisticated tier of gastronomy. Across San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Dana Point, chefs are reinventing traditional flavors, combining premium ingredients with breezy alfresco spaces that offer the ultimate sanctuary from the summer heat.

San Juan Capistrano: Historic Charm and Tropical Vibes Found just steps from the historic Capistrano Depot on Verdugo Street, Blanca’s Latin Kitchen & Bar has quickly become a premier destination for elevated Mexican and Latin cuisine. Stepping onto the property, diners are greeted by a fresh, romantic energy com-

Go. See. Do. 2026

plete with soft lighting, exceptional service, and a vibrant, tropical ambiance that frequently features the sounds of live acoustic music drifting across the courtyard.

Blanca’s beats the heat by focusing on scratch-made purity and clean flavors. To cool down instantly, guests can order a housemade lemonade made entirely from scratch, or dive into a plate of their spectacular Mole Enchiladas, which balance a deep, authentic sweetness with just the right touch of complex spice. From tender chicken fajitas to their rich pork pozole, the kitchen’s commitment to premium ingredients shines through, making it a sophisticated yet deeply welcoming oasis in the historic district.

San Clemente: Modern Aesthetics and Bold Flavors Perched up the hill at the Outlets at San Clemente, Asada Cantina + Kitchen offers a striking, beautifully designed environment that elevates the traditional cantina experience. Far from the standard glare of the mid-

day sun, its expansive and beautifully shaded outdoor patio area serves as a stylish, breezeswept haven for locals and visitors alike.

At Asada Cantina, the culinary team leverages fresh citrus and slow-burning spices to craft an unforgettable contemporary menu.

Guests can escape the afternoon glare by cooling down with a bright, lime-marinated shrimp ceviche or indulging in their premium arrachera steak tacos. To complete the experience, their bar shakes up artisanal, fruit-forward margaritas infused with fresh-squeezed citrus and rimmed with tajín—providing that perfect, refreshing counterpunch to the summer temperature.

Dana Point: Heritage Courtyards and Modern Flair In Dana Point, the culinary landscape masterfully bridges decades-old heritage with contemporary execution. For a masterclass in the classic shaded patio experience, locals head straight to Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina on Pacific Coast Highway. A com-

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munity landmark since 1972, their spacious, charming patio tucked behind bustling PCH is the ultimate sanctuary to hide away under umbrellas. Carlos stays true to a strict family philosophy: always homemade, never canned. Their savory, slow-simmered Chile Verde and legendary, hand-shaken fresh margaritas have kept generations of residents perfectly cool.

Just down the road, Cali Costa brings a contemporary edge to the neighborhood, serving up “modern California Mexican” cuisine.

Their fiery, lime-drenched Aguachile is a masterclass in using heat to combat heat, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on their lively outdoor patio as the coastal breeze rolls in from the harbor.

Whether you find yourself in the historic heart of San Juan Capistrano, strolling the avenues of San Clemente, or cruising the coast of Dana Point, these elevated dining destinations prove that you don’t have to retreat indoors to stay cool.