The Beach Cities - Southern California Events

December - April
Dana Wharf Sportsfishing
Dana Point Harbor

Whale Watching Excursions Migration season for the Gray Whale is December through early April. Dana Point Harbor has great Whale Watching Excursion Services to provide you with an exciting and and awesome experience. Each service is different, so check them out before you decide on your whale watch experience.

Dana Point Festival of the Whales

March
From 10am-5pm
Dana Point Harbor
Information Call 949-496-5794

It's time for the whales to make their annual trip down south and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will celebrate with their 9th Annual Street Fair, which is part of the 30th Whale Festival with a weekend of fun, food, entertainment and an arts & craft show with over 100 vendors.

Doheny Blues Festival

May
Information Call 949-360-7800

The Annual Blues Festival is the true kick-off to summer with a weekend filled with music, lots of vendors and a International Food Court that features foods from around the world. Be sure you come down to Doheny State Beach and celebrate the beginning of summer with Orange County?s Favorite and most anticipated annual summer festival!

California Coastal Cleanup Day

September 16, 2006
All Beaches!

This premier volunteer event focuses on the marine environment in Orange Country. Each year, more than 40,000 volunteers turn out to over 400 cleanup sites statewide to conduct what has been hailed by the Guinness Book of Records as "the largest garbage collection" (1993). Since the program started in 1985, over 552,000 Californians have removed almost 8.5 million pounds of debris from our state's shorelines and coast. When combined with the International Coastal Cleanup, organized by The Ocean Conservancy and taking place on the same day, California Coastal Cleanup Day becomes part of one of the largest volunteer events of the year!

Toshiba TallShips Festival

September 9 & 10, 2006
From 10am-5:30pm
Dana Point Harbor
Information Call 949-496-2274

At the Marine Institute: Sea Chantey Concert, maritime exhibits and demonstrations, Port Royal Privateers encampment, model boat building, wood carving, touch tank encounters, rope challenge course, crafts and food.

Doheny Days

September
Dana Point Harbor
Information Call 949-360-7800

The two-day World Music & International Food festival will feature:

Top musicians from the genres of Reggae and world-beat music, Art & Craft vendors, environmental exhibits and sponsor display,
an International Food Court with various ethnic foods and beverages.
A festive concert atmosphere just steps away from the beach

Turkey Trot

NOVEMBER 23, 2006
Dana Point Marina
Race Hotline: 949-496-1555

California's Largest Thanksgiving Day Run Event - The Dana Point Turkey Trot - One of America's Most Scenic Runs... hosted by The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Tour the beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves of Dana Point. Enjoy pounding surf, rugged cliffs, and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State Park and pass the historic tallship Pilgrim moored in Dana Point Harbor.

Sawdust Festival

June 30 - September 3, 2006
From 10 am-10 pm
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Information Call 949-494-3030

Join the fun in a shady canyon by the sea. Continuous entertainment, fine food, and the best fine art and crafts shopping in Southern California.

Art-A-Fair

June 30th - September 3, 2006
777 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach , CA 92652
Information Call 949-494-4514

The Art-A-Fair Festival is the ultimate destination for lovers of art to visit this summer! Nestled in a Colorful garden setting in romantic Laguna Canyon.

Pageant of the Masters

July 7 - September 1, 2006
650 Laguna Canyon Rd. Laguna Beach, California 92651
Information: (800) 487-3378

Presented in July and August since the early 1930's, these colorful events have won worldwide recognition. The Festival is a juried exhibit of fine, strictly original works by 160 gifted artists, while the Pageant is a spectacular stage production of living art re-creations.

Sawdust Winter Fantasy

Four Weekends: November 18 & 19; November 24, 25 & 26 December 2 & 3; December 9 & 10
From 10 am-6 pm
935 Laguna Canyon Road
Information call: 949-494-3030

Over 130 Artists, many of them new to the Winter Fantasy. A wide selection of Original Arts and Crafts, many with holiday themes. Artists Demonstrations & Hands-on Workshops.

Spring Garden Tour

July
San Clemente Municipal
Prier & Beach
Information Call 949-440-6141

Annual one-day self-guided tour of five outstanding local gardens. The community and members of the Garden Club are invited to visit these showplace gardens that offer diverse landscape design, plant materials and lots of good ideas to take home to their own garden. Proceeds from the tour benefit their scholarship project and civic beautification projects.

Ocean Festival

July 15-16, 2006
San Clemente Municipal
Prier & Beach
Information Call 949-440-6141

Full weekend of family events Classic Woody Car Show, Surf and Ocean Art Show, Children's activities. Annual Beach Party and Concert. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

San Clemente Street Festival

August 13, 2006
Held on Ave. Del Mar
Information Call 949-492-1131

Besides the Run/Walk, this event features food and game booths, three stages with continuous live music throughout the day, contests for all ages, a Salsa Challenge, arts & crafts show, kiddie rides, exhibits, clowns, jugglers, face painters and much more!

San Clemente Sea Fest

Second Sunday in October
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
San Clemente Pier
Information Call 949-492-1131

Sponsored by the San Clemente Chamber, this event features a Chowder Cook-off, an Arts & Craft Show, a two day Surf Contest, entertainment and an array of fresh seafood, served seaside on the beach in the historic San Clemente Pier area.

Swallows Day Parade & Mercado

March
Dowtown San Juan Capistrano
Information Call 949-493-1976

Taking place in down-town San Juan Capistrano. This is the nation's largest non-motorized parade. Organized and presented by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association.

Music Under the Stars

June 24 through September 2, 2006
6:30-9:30 pm
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Information call: 949-234-1321

Shakespeare Festival

Summer
Camino Real Playhouse
31776 El Camino Real
INFO: (949) 489-8082

The Camino Real Playhouse has presented Shakespeare Under The Stars each summer for over 15 years. The summer production for 2006 will be expanded to four Shakespeare plays as the first annual Capistrano Shakespeare Festival. Three plays will be presented in the outdoor venue in a ?Rep? format and one play will be presented indoors on the main stage.

Romance at the Mission - Benefit Gala Concert & Dinner

Friday, September 8, 2006
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Information call: 949-234-1322

Concert in the Great Stone Church followed by dinner, compliments of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel with opportunity items for the evening donated by Traditional Jewelers of Newport Beach.

Vintage at the Mission

Saturday, October 21, 2006
6:00 pm - 10:00 PM
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Information call: 949-493-4700

This annual San Juan Capistrano celebration commemorates the return of its famous, small swallows to their winter home in Goya, Argentina. A silent auction, dancing, entertainment, some of the finest foods from the region and tastings from award winning wineries are all part of the fun for this event.

Corona del Mar Scenic 5K

June
949- 673-4050

Presented by the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce and City of Newport Beach, this event draws thousands of folks for a scenic race/walk along the enchanting streets of CDM. The race finishes along the bluffs of Big Corona State Beach with restaurant row, merchant booths and live entertainment. The Corona del Mar Scenic 5K Race, 2 Mile Fun Walk and 1 Mile Kids Dolphin Dash is a signature special event that you will not want to miss.

Annual Sandcastle Contest

Sunday, October 1, 2006
949-729-4400

A popular tradition in our community for 40 years, the Sandcastle contest draws participants of all levels and experience to build creations on the beach. Awards are given by a panel of judges. A fun day for everyone! Some very incredible creations are made! Held at Big Corona State Beach

Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race

April
714-834-6106

In the yachting world, no other international race attracts more entries. This annual event takes place the last weekend in April. With its spectacular starts off the shores of Newport Beach, this is always reported as one of the greatest sailing events of the year.

Newport Beach International Film Festival

April
714-253-2880

Attracts nearly 20,000 film devotees from around Southern California and beyond. More than 170 features, shorts, documentaries, and animated films compete for dozens of Jury Awards and Audience Awards. In addition to film screenings, the Festival hosts several premiere galas, yacht parties, and question and answer sessions with filmmakers.

Annual Food & Wine Festival

May
Balboa Bay Club
949-729-4400

Celebrating fine wines, epicurean delights and spirits for three spectacular days and two nights. Acclaimed winemakers, celebrated chefs, master sommeliers, and noted experts will serve as gastronomic guides, captivating festival goers with educational seminars, tastings and extraordinary dining experiences.

Summer Jazz Series

June 9 - October 6, 2006
Various Locations
Recorded Information: (949)729-6400

The smooth sounds of jazz return to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach each summer during the three-month Newport Beach Jazz Series, hosted by The Wave 94.7. In addition to popular tunes by such jazz greats as Bobby Caldwell and Richard Elliott, attendees enjoy a selection of food and wine amidst an unforgettable setting.

Annual Taste of Newport

Friday, September 15 through Sunday, September 17, 2006
Newport Center Drive
Fashion Island in Newport Beach
949-729-4400

The Taste of Newport is a three-day festival drawing over 75,000 people with over 30 restaurants, 15 wineries, rich tasting brews, flavorful drinks and top notch live entertainment. The Taste is truly Newport Beach's social event of the year!

Pacific Shoreline Marathon

February
949-581-0105

Pacific Shoreline Marathon February Orange County's only Beachfront Marathon, events include a half Marathon, 5k and Surf Kids mile run. A three-day expo encompases health and fitness vendors, exhibitors, community groups and event charities.

Annual Duck-A-Thon

May
714-536-6712

Thousands of rubber ducks are sold to the public and tagged with numbers for entry into a race. During the race, they are launched from the Huntington Beach Pier and recaptured by a team of volunteers as they float ashore. Prizes are awarded for the first ducks to come arrive. There's live musical entertainment all day long, food booths and children's activities that include face painting, duck dip and more.

Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance

June
714-375-5023

The Huntington Beach Concours is a fun event where car lovers and enthusiasts can come to enjoy themselves, while knowing that they are also helping a worthy cause, The Huntington Beach Library Children's Resource Center. It is rated # 1 in California, please help us keep it that why by attending this years event.

Civil War Re-enactment

September 2 - 3, 2006
Central Park

In Huntington Beach Central Park. The annual two-day event includes cannon blasts, fiddlers, banjos, flutes, drums, festive costumes, troop encampments and booths where hoop skirts and military period costumes were sold.

Old World Oktoberfest

September 10 - October 29, 2006
Old World Village

If you love to drink beer, eat bratw?st and sauerkraut and enjoy dancing to "Oompah-pa music directly from Linzerbuben, Austria, then you'll love the Oktoberfest at Old World Village with its traditional German festivity. Complete with German bands imported from Europe, dancing, and imported beers (of course) and tasty German foods from bratw?st to potato salad to hot pretzels and apple strudel, Oktoberfest has something for everyone.

Lions Club Annual Fish Fry

Third weekend of July
562-596-1730

Held since 1945, the event features a parade, carnival, food and rides in Lions Park.

Beach Cleanup

Seal Beach
562-799-0179

4th Saturday of every month Community event where 'all are welcome'. They provide parking passes, protective gloves, trash bags and refreshments.

Saturday Sunrise Car Cruisers

Magnolia Ave & Adams Ave
Huntington Beach
Saturdays
6AM-9AM

Billed as the Best Free Car Show in the World, this event has been a tradition for over 15 years. Classic and hot rod car collectors known as the Donut Derelicts meet in the parking lot near Adams Avenue Donuts and Rodding Around every Saturday morning.

The Coach House Concert Schedule

33157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, Ca
(949)496-8930

Concert Theater and dinner house.

San Juan Capistrano Multicultural Arts Series

San Juan Capistrano Regional Library
31495 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano
(949) 248-SHOW (7469)

The Series provides multiple shows each year, with one show per month from November through February, and 2 shows per month the rest of the year. Seating is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 (unless otherwise noted). Please leave unruly children at home. Concert times are 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). Performances last about one hour.

Camino Real Playhouse

1776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 489-8082

Finding it's home in the beautiful and historic city of San Juan Capistrano ... the Camino Real Playhouse is South Orange County's destination for whimsical, gripping and compelling performances. From their annual worldwide playwriting festival ShowOff! to their annual Shakespeare under the Stars performed in Historic Town Center Park next to the Playhouse.

Laguna Playhouse

606 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92652
(800) 946-5556

Founded in 1920, when a group of Laguna Beach citizens met in a living room to establish a local theatre.

Family Arts Days

Orange County Museum of Art
Newport Beach
949-759-1122

Every other month Discover art at the Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach. Special FREE program designed for children and their families.

LOCA Art Escapes Workshop

Wells Fargo Bank
260 Ocean Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA
949-363-4700

Third Thursdays every month discover the artist in yourself with art workshops provided by LOCA. "Watercolor Journaling with Anne Weiler." $25 per workshop/$5 materials fee. Pre-registration required to guarantee space.

Casa Romantica Poetry Reading Series

Casa Romantica
415 Avenida Granada
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 498-2139

Readings are held the last Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. Promoting and celebrating the many poets living and writing in Orange County and offering the best poetry of Southern California and beyond in a setting both historic and beautiful: the Casa Romantica Cultural Center Gardens. Events are free and open to the public.

Wine Club Appreciation Night

Laguna Canyon Winery
2133 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach
949-715-9463 (Wine)
Meets the first Friday of every month
6-8 pm

For Wine Club members & non-members. Come and enjoy the wines of Laguna Canyon Winery with breads, crackers & cheeses. Bring some friends, mingle, and get to know other club members. Members - Free Non-members - $20