The Weekender
Things to do in San Clemente this Weekend
GardenFest 2023 Plant Sale
Saturday, April 15, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The San Clemente Garden Club (SCGC) hosts this annual event in partnership with the City of San Clemente Parks & Recreation Department, to offer bargains on hundreds of plants with an emphasis on drought-tolerant species.
SCGC members and sponsors propagated and donated the plants, along with a community center auditorium filled with flea market items useful for gardens, homes and hobbies. GardenFest also offers gardening and craft activities for children, display and sale of local art, craft demonstrations, displays about beekeeping and butterflies, and tips on water conservation.
Master gardeners will offer free garden tool sharpening. South County area residents are also invited to enter the annual “Funky Plant Container Contest.” Attendees judge winners at the event. Entrees are due by 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 15. GardenFest proceeds fund horticultural scholarships, programs for junior gardeners, and civic beautification.
San Clemente Community Center
100 N. Calle Seville
San Clemente
Friday, April 14
FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN
Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. 949.364.1270.
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SENIOR PROM AND ACTIVITIES FUNDRAISER
Daily’s Sports Grill, 204 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente
4 p.m.
The Happy Empty Nesters are hosting a fundraiser at Daily’s Sports Grill to help San Clemente High School seniors participate in senior year activities. Matt Koerner will perform live music starting at 7 p.m. Fifteen percent of proceeds will go toward the fundraiser. 949.522.9010.
‘FRI-YAY FUN’ WOOD WORKSHOP
AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano
6-9 p.m.
Craft your own wood sign, plank tray, or photo frame with this fun DIY workshop. Customize your project with designer paints and non-toxic colors. Participants can register online beforehand. 949.482.1362.
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COA OPEN MIC NIGHT FOR TEENS
The San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente
6:30-9 p.m.
This free Open Mic Night event is open to those between the ages of 11 and 22 who love to sing and perform, and hang out in COA’s gaming area, too. Teens, do you love to sing, play guitar, piano? Do you have a band that is looking for exposure and to play on stage? Play an instrument, sing to tracks, sing solo or with others. This is a great way to build confidence performing in front of others with your peers. Sign up to perform by emailing coaentertainmentoutreach@gmail.com.
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LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER
StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point
9 p.m.
Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Rock band Your Mom will perform. 949.661.6003.
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FRIDAY NIGHT AT SWALLOW’S
Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Put on your cowboy hat and boots and get ready to enjoy all the Western-style fun at one of San Juan Capistrano’s best-known dive bars and country music spots. Cecil Allen Moore Band will perform. 949.493.3188.
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Saturday, April 15
E-WASTE AND SHREDDING EVENT
San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, Alipaz Street and Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano
8-11 a.m.
The City of San Juan Capistrano is hosting a free event for people to get rid of their e-waste and shred documents. Participants are asked to place items in their car trunks, drive up to the event, remain in their cars, and pop their trunk so event staff can unload items. Check online for what specific items are allowed.
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SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE
The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
9-11 a.m.
South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory, but they are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts.
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DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET
La Plaza Park, 3411 La Plaza, Dana Point
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags.
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STRAWBERRY U-PICK
The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano
9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked. Cost to attend is $9. 949.443.4223.
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DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SPRING ART SHOW
Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Join the Dana Point Fine Arts Association for its Spring Art Festival Show and Sale running through Sunday. Local, award-winning artists will display their art throughout the harbor.
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KAYAK HARBOR TOUR AND SAIL AT OCEAN INSTITUTE
Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
10 a.m.-noon.
Join the Ocean Institute for a two-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point Harbor and learn about the history of harbor and its unique ecosystem. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $28. In the afternoon, from 2-5 p.m., set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tall ship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tall ship. Must be 4 years or older to sail. Tickets are $65. 949.496.2274.
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ART AND SHORT FILMS AT THE SHACC
Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente
1 p.m.
The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center will host two events that celebrate the works of artists in the surf world. From 1-4 p.m., there will be a free exhibit displaying never-seen-before art from Rick Griffin. The center will then host the U.S. premiere of six 4K short films from George Greenough, from 5-6 p.m. Tickets for George Greenough’s Echoes are $5 for members and $10 for non-members. 949.388.0313.
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DANA POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY: ‘KING OF DEVIL’S ISLAND’
Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point
2-4 p.m.
Join the Dana Point Public Library for a screening of King of Devil’s Island, an award-winning movie from Norway. The film follows the true story of the infamous Bastoy Reform School in Norway. 949.496.5517.
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LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S
Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano
3 p.m.
Bruddah Adrian will perform. Enjoy the entertainment on the outdoor patio while you chow down on food and sip drinks. 949.493.9593.
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LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S
Iva Lee’s Restaurant and Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite. E, San Clemente
6:30 p.m.
Sit back and enjoy classic cocktails and live music at this moody, Southern-themed lounge. Tightrope will perform. 949.361.2855.
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GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT
Left Coast Tasting Room, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente
7-9 p.m.
Left Coast Brewing presents trivia modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the United Kingdom, covering everything from Hungary to the Hunger Games. Teams can include up to six people. Winning teams earn bar cash and other prizes.
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LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER
StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point
9 p.m.
Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. The 80z All Stars will perform. 949.661.6003.
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Sunday, April 16
SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET
Avenida Del Mar
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers. 949.361.8200.
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LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE
Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
2 p.m.
Watch a live performance of the hospital-set comedy It Runs in the Family at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Renditions will be held through April 16. 949.489.8082.
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MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS AT BAHA’I CENTER
Baha’is of San Clemente, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente
3 p.m.
Take part in the discussion titled “Is There a Cure for Racism?”, as the Baha’is offer a spiritual perspective on racism’s root causes. All are welcome.
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LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S
Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano
6-9 p.m.
Come listen to some live music and dance, perhaps after enjoying fish and chips and a pint. The band 24K Country will perform. 949.661.3400.
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CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE
The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
7 p.m
Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Herman’s Hermits, known for “I’m Into Something Good” and other hit songs, will perform. Tickets are $55. Doors open at 5 p.m. 949.496.8930.
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Weekend Spotlight
Spotlight: California Wine Festival
Friday, April 14, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Guests are invited to sip on fine wines and taste a variety of delicacies at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s Richard Henry Dana Ballroom overlooking the Pacific.
The California Wine Festival will run through Saturday at Sea Terrace Park, featuring fine wines, regional craft brews and artisanal food samples. Caribbean steel band Upstream will perform.
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point
