The Weekender
Things to do in San Clemente this Weekend
63rd Annual Swallows Day Parade
Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m.
Celebrate the return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano with the 63rd annual Swallows Day Parade. Horses are back in the parade for the first time since 2019.
Community groups will be riding and walking in the parade.
Keep an eye out for local equestrian Robert Ridland, who is this year’s grand marshal.
The Mercado Street Faire will take place just off the main parade route, if you want to celebrate in a different way.
Downtown San Juan Capistrano
Friday, March 24
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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HOOS’GOW DAY
San Juan Capistrano
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Better wear your Western duds this day—otherwise, you might end up in “jail”! This annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas tradition gives a taste of the Wild West. Costumed San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association members are stationed throughout town in search of city slickers who aren’t wearing at least some Western attire. You may get “arrested,” all in fun. To bail out of the old-time jail cell, try to talk your way out or purchase a Fiesta souvenir, with proceeds helping to defray costs of the annual Swallows Day Parade.
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LINE DANCING FRIDAYS
10-11 a.m.
Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente
Join Age Well Senior Services for line dancing every Friday at San Clemente’s senior center. No partner required. For a $5 donation, learn some easy and fun line dances to get you moving. Carrie Wojo teaches all over South Orange County and makes it easy to stay active and have fun. 949.498.3322.
FROG JUMPING CONTEST
Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano
4-6 p.m.
The Fiesta Association’s annual frog jumping contest is a family-friendly time for entertainment and prizes before the Swallows Day Parade. Bring the kids out to see the namesake amphibians leap around. You might even see “Mark Twain” make an appearance.
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LIVE MUSIC AT PIERSIDE
Pierside Kitchen + Bar, 610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente
6 p.m.
Live music is featured at this walk-up restaurant with great views of the sunset. Boo Stubbs will perform. 949.218.0980.
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. Undercover Live will perform. 949.661.6003.
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Saturday, March 25
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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WYLAND’S WHALE AND DOLPHIN ADVENTURE ART LESSONS IN THE WILD
Dana Wharf, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603
10 a.m.-noon.
Available Saturdays through April 29, Dana Wharf is offering this exclusive package for kids ages 12 and under that includes an art lesson via video feed by environmental artist Wyland and a free two-hour whale watching adventure. Each child who participates in the art lesson will be entered in a contest to win prizes, as well as a gift from Wyland and Dana Wharf. Lessons cost $15.
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SWALLOWS DAY CELEBRATION AT EL ADOBE DE CAPISTRANO
El Adobe de Capistrano, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
Noon-7 p.m.
Enjoy food, music, and drinks at one of San Juan Capistrano’s signature restaurants during the big day. Grand Junction Band, DJ Tones, and Marie Kelly will be on hand to provide musical entertainment. There will also be mariachi music on the front patio. Wristbands for entry into the palenque and garden will be sold the day of the event for $10. The event is for people 21 years of age or older.
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LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB
San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano
4-7 p.m.
Gary Calvaneso will perform. Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. 949.565.4855.
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POST-SWALLOWS PARADE CONCERT
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano
5 p.m.
The fun won’t stop after the Swallows Day Parade. Head over to The OutPost to continue the celebration with a country music show. Granger Smith, Earl Dibbles Jr., and Lauren Alaina will perform. Doors open at 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $45. VIP tickets are $95.
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A ‘SEA’CRET’ SOIREE: JAZZ 2023
The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
5-11 p.m.
Get in your 1920s best glamour attire and join the Ocean Institute for a secret speakeasy by the sea Jazz Festival Fundraiser. This year, the Ocean Institute is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Jazz Festival Fundraiser with a Roaring ’20s theme. Proceeds from the event go to support Ocean Institute’s flagship outreach program, Adopt-A-Class, and its operations.
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LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S
Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente
8 p.m.
Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Family Style 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 80s All Stars will perform. 949.661.6003.
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Sunday, March 26
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 along. 949.361.8200.
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LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S
Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano
11 a.m.
Local singer-songwriter Karly Moreno 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 STILLWATER
StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point
5 p.m.
Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Join Katie Miller for her album release party in which she will perform songs from her new album. 949.661.6003.
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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 after enjoying fish and chips and a pint. 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. Reggae band Big Mountain will perform. Tickets are $28. Doors open at 5 p.m. 949.496.8930.
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Weekend Spotlight
Spotlight: Think Blue This Spring
Friday, March 24
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
With the unrelenting rains, it may not seem like spring has sprung yet, but when we are finally able to string together a few sunny days, we’re going to be in for one heck of a treat.
The hills are as green as they’ve ever been, and area beaches have enjoyed some healthy sand replenishment thanks to the flowing San Juan and San Mateo Creeks.
If you’re looking for a reason to get outside and be inspired by the world around you, this Friday, The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is hosting the first Blue Session.
Tackling issues surrounding sustainability, the environment and related subjects, there are several guest speakers on the bill, as well as a lineup of fun, hands-on activities. The full-day experience promises to have a little something for everyone.
The Ecology Center
32701 Alipaz St.
San Juan Capistrano
