46th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

The 46th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day tradition, attracting thousands of runners, volunteers, and spectators to this charming, coastal city. Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, this event includes scenic 5K and 10K courses, and a Kid’s 1-mile Gobble Wobble fun run. Ambitious runners can register for both (5K and 10K races) to complete a 15K. The Dana Point Turkey Trot attracts world class competitors to recreational runners and walkers of all ages and is a perfect family-friendly event to kickoff the holiday season. Run the race before you stuff your face!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Dana Point Turkey Trot benefits two local nonprofit organizations, the Dolphin Foundation at Dana Hills High School and the Pet Project Foundation. A portion of each runner’s registration fee goes towards each cause. The Dana Point Turkey Trot has donated over a half a million dollars since its inception!

The Dolphin Foundation at Dana Hills High School has been making a remarkable impact since its formation in 1995. The foundation’s primary objective is to support and enhance the educational experience for all students and staff.

The Pet Project Foundation is a rescue partner for the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter providing pro-humane care to lost and abandoned animals through compassion, responsibility, education and service.

The Dana Point Turkey Trot encourages costumes, including a contest with prizes. While you may not be the fastest runner, you could win Best Adult Costume, Best Child’s Costume, or Best Group Costume. Pick up your race packet in advance at the two day Vendor Expo featuring a wide variety of local and national vendors.

Register online at TurkeyTrot.com. Use promo code: TURKEYDISH by November 19 and save on registration. For event details, registration, and volunteer opportunities, visit TurkeyTrot.com.

The 9th Annual Shopping Extravaganza

Outlets at San Clemente on Saturday, October 14th

Outlets at San Clemente, OC’s premier outlet shopping destination, invites friends and families for a day of fun, shopping and fundraising at the center’s 9th Annual Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, October 14.

For many organizations, Shopping Extravaganza is the largest single fundraising event of the year. The day of fun-filled shopping includes access to exclusive deals on top of Outlets at San Clemente’s daily savings of 30-70% off. From 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., event attendees can enjoy:

• Exclusive discounts from Outlets at San Clemente fashion brands
• Private catered lunch by Ruby’s Diner
• Live entertainment
• Complimentary wine tasting for guests aged 21+
• An opportunity to win up to $40,000 in prizes including gift cards to Converse, Tommy Hilfiger, GUESS, Levi’s, Le Creuset, and more!

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online at https://www.outletsatsanclemente.com/shoppingextravaganza. Select a charity to support from the dropdown menu when purchasing as Outlets at San Clemente donates two-thirds of proceeds directly to the purchaser’s charity of choice. Tickets and a full list of participating organizations can be found on our website.

PierPride’s Pier Jump and 95th Pier Birthday Party

Help Preserve the San Clemente Pier

PierPride is dedicated to helping preserve the historic San Clemente Pier, the heart of the city since 1928. With two special events scheduled October 7 and 19, help support the maintenance and improvement of this treasured landmark.

Twelve lucky jumpers on October 7, 2023 will participate in a Marine-safety supervised Pier Jump. The event will begin at 10 a.m. Locals can be a pier jumper with a donation of $1,000. The minimum age to jump is 12 years old. 100% of funds go to preserve the Pier. Pier jumps are generously sponsored by San Clemente Life Guards. Contact Eileen Kawas today at 310.739.3617 to reserve your spot.

On Thursday, October 19, PierPride will also be hosting a 95th Birthday Party for the Pier at the Ole Hansen Beach Club. Light the future of the Pier by supporting this special evening. Attendees will enjoy cocktails, appetizers, live music, dinner and a unique San Clemente auction. Limited sponsorships are still available starting at $1,000 and individual dinner tickets are $250. Sponsorship donations are used to preserve the Pier for future generations.

PierPride is a non-profit organization dedicated to working in partnership with the city and community stakeholders to fill the gaps between city funds and the Pier’s needs in order to restore the Pier to the best version of its historic self. Their goal over the next couple of years is to raise sufficient funds for an endowment that will ensure preservation of this unique San Clemente experience long into the future. PierPride is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. EIN #32-0515984

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion, SJC

Get set for an eagerly awaited, fun-filled weekend! The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, proudly sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, is returning to San Juan Capistrano’s Community Center for its 10th annual homage to Greek culture on September 23rd and 24th. This event is brimming with authentic Greek delicacies, live melodies, Greek spirits, traditional dance, a Greek Bazaar for keepsakes, and an exuberant Kids Zone. Keep your eyes peeled for a raffle drawing that could land you a hefty cash prize or other prizes!

Embark on a culinary adventure with a spectrum of bona fide and delectable Greek dishes, encompassing cherished classics like Gyros, Lamb Chops with Mediterranean seasoning, Souvlaki (kebabs), Spanakopita (savory spinach pastry), Tiropita (layered cheese pastry), Pastitsio (Greek lasagna), and Greek Salads that are sure to captivate festival-goers. Indulge in the new and unique “Feta Bites” which consist of deep fried feta balls finished with a lemon-honey drizzle which provides you with that sweet and savory experience. Partake in handcrafted Greek indulgences, all lovingly prepared from traditional family recipes, including the mouthwatering Baklava, Kourambiethes coated in powdered sugar, and honey-drenched Loukoumades (Greek donut holes). Complement your culinary journey with traditional Greek coffee and rejuvenating iced coffee Frappés.

Don’t overlook the ever-popular “Taverna,” which carries a sporty twist with its big-screen satellite TVs, inviting guests to relish domestic favorites alongside Greek beer, wine, and Ouzo. Meander through the Greek Vendor Marketplace at the festival to uncover a trove of unique essentials such as Greek olive oil, honey, teas, and spices. The array encompasses themed souvenirs, gifts, jewelry, and books, catering to enthusiasts of all ages.

“Kefi,” the Greek term for the spirit of joy, fun and zest for life, is destined to course through you as you’re transported to the captivating realm of Greece through the visual splendor, resonating sounds, and tantalizing flavors of this action-packed festival weekend. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as the live music and enchanting Greek dance compel you to your feet, releasing your inner-Kefi with spirited shouts of “Opa!” and an unexpected urge to partake in plate smashing (rest assured, user-friendly lessons await). Saint Basil’s distinguished dance troupes will also take the stage in their authentic garb, performing traditional dances that pay homage to various regions of Greece.

The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free throughout the entire weekend. For additional details about the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, feel free to call 949-542-3445 or visit SJCGreekfest.org. You can also stay updated by following the event on its social media pages, Facebook and Instagram, all @SJCGreekFest. Don’t miss out on this captivating celebration!

68th Annual Fiesta Music Festival

Hosted by the San Clemente Chamber

SAVE THE DATE!
The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the upcoming 68th Annual Fiesta Music Festival, taking place on Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will be held on the 100 and 200 blocks of Avenida Del Mar.

A BRIEF HISTORY: Fun for All Ages
Originating in 1953, the Fiesta is a cherished summer celebration, supported by the city, designed to bring joy to the entire family. This all-day extravaganza offers an array of activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Moreover, local nonprofit organizations actively participate and raise funds, which are utilized to finance essential local youth scholarships, community events, and charitable initiatives.

UNINTERRUPTED THRILLS: Live Entertainment Extravaganza
Prepare for an exhilarating experience as Avenida Del Mar will be transformed into a vibrant hub of live music. Three stages will feature a lineup of popular performers throughout the day. Headliners for this year’s event include The Aggrolites, Rumble King, NOT, The Provos, Star Zero, Laxi, and Wes Chiller.

AN EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE: Food, Games, Arts & Exhibits
Delight in a diverse array of offerings at the festival, including delectable food booths, arts and crafts vendors, marketing booths, games, and exhibits. The kids’ zone, situated in the parking lot adjacent to the library, will entertain the little ones from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Furthermore, don’t miss the chance to explore the open shops and restaurants in the downtown area.

TRANSPORTATION: Event Access Options
To ensure easy access to the event, two bike corrals will be available: one in front of the Community Center at Avenida Del Mar, and the other in the alleyway next to Artifex, behind South of Nick’s. By participating in the opportunity drawings, you stand a chance to win an e-bike and bike accessories.

For those seeking convenience, a complimentary shuttle service will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shuttle pick-up point will be at San Clemente High School, located at 700 Avenida Pico. Additionally, the trolley service will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with pick-up at the Outlets at San Clemente, in front of Starbucks. Please be aware that a modified downtown trolley schedule will be in effect from Saturday evening at 6 p.m. until Sunday at 8 p.m., featuring five stops throughout the downtown area.

Get ready for a day of festivities, music and fun at the 68th Annual Fiesta Music Festival in San Clemente!

AUGUST 13 • 10 A.M. – 7 P.M. • FREE ADMISSION
100 & 200 Blocks of Ave. Del Mar • San Clemente

Dana Point Film Festival

The Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) is excited to offer the community its first-annual Oceans Film Festival dedicated to filmmaking featuring marine life, ocean health, and the human relationship with this magnificent wonder. The inaugural DPFF will be held May 4 to 7 and features documentary films that focus on conservation, preservation, education, and ocean adventure, as well as surf films. In its inaugural year, the DPFF has 45 hours of screenings over four days. For the full event schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit DanaPointFilmFestival.org.

As a true community event, the DPFF will bring surf, ocean and film leaders to Dana Point for panel discussions. Through the DPFF Student Film Competition, students will be given an opportunity to grow as filmmakers while conveying captivating stories of the ocean.

Endless Summer Celebration at Salt Creek Beach
This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Endless Summer. To celebrate, the DPFF is hosting a party and The Endless Summer screening at Salt Creek Beach Park on Cinco De Mayo. Surf Legend and The Endless Summer II co-star, Robert “Wingnut” Weaver, will be the event MC.

Free The Endless Summer tickets are available to those that register in advance here: DanaPointFilmFestival.org/endless-summer. VIP tickets are also available for purchase.

“Film festivals are a great way to unite a community and bring attention to missions that truly count,” said DPFF founder Lloyd Bryan Molander. “We love and cherish our Pacific Ocean and coast and seeing our neighboring whales and our dolphins who continually bring magic and soul. We honor them as mascots, name parades after them, build statues, and commission institutes to study them. Now, we at DPFF, celebrate them in film in their precious and awe-inspiring environment.”

63rd Annual Swallows Day Parade

On March 25, the 63rd Annual Swallows Day Parade returns in all its glory, with Grand Marshal, actor Dennis Quaid. The 2020 and 2021 festivities saw the pandemic curtail large events. In 2022, the State enacted an equine quarantine because of a deadly horse virus. Last year, the 62nd Annual Swallows Day Parade became a motorized parade for the first time in its history. This year the Swallows Day Parade will have horses on the street for the first time since 2019. The theme is “Back in the Saddle Again!” The parade will feature equestrian groups from all over the state, with wagons, carriages, floats, re-enactment troupes and marching bands — a fun-filled family-friendly event!

Since 1960, the Annual Swallows Day Parade has been one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation. The festivities remind us of our equestrian heritage and pays homage to the Swallows and their return to San Juan Capistrano. The Parade, Fiesta Grande, Hoos’Gow Day and related events are produced by the all-volunteer organization, the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. All funding comes from the community in the form of sponsorships, donations, fundraisers and merchandise sales.

The Mercado Street Faire will be happening all day long during Swallows Day, boasting some incredible vendors, live country music, a kid’s zone and plenty of food! The Fiesta Association would like to thank the food vendors who will be serving their delights in the Mercado, including:

• B. Food International
• Barrett’s Lemonade and Burgers
• Bred’s Nashville Hot Chicken
• Chick-Fil-A
• Cocos Catering
• Cruisin Juice
• Keith’s Kettle Corn
• Love to Snack (aka Dippin’ Dots)
• Mario’s Tacos
• Nieves El Paraiso & Concessions
• Rosales Mexican Food
• Snowie California Shaved Ice
• SR Thai BBQ
• Taco Bar Catering
• Tacos Before Vatos

COME FOR THE PARADE AND STAY FOR THE MERCADO!

For more information on the day’s festivities and all other events please visit www.SwallowsParade.com.

45th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

The Dana Point Turkey Trot, owned and produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, will celebrate 45 years this Thanksgiving Day in the Dana Point Harbor. Nearly 10,000 participants will burn off those pre-Thanksgiving meal calories with a run or walk, including a 5K, 10K, or Kids’ 1-mile Gobble Wobble. 

Known for its scenic coastal routes and family-friendly activities, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has become an Orange County institution and was voted #1 Best Run/Race in the Orange County Register’s 2022 Best Of Orange County. 

Since its inception, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has raised more than half a million dollars for local nonprofit organizations. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is a big believer in giving back and supporting fellow nonprofit organizations. 

This year, a portion of the race’s proceeds will benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and South County Outreach. Participants can also elect to make an additional donation to these deserving organizations during online registration checkout or take part in the Food & Toy Drive. 

The Chamber will host a Food & Toy Drive at the two-day Health & Fitness Expo and Packet Pick-Up. The public can drop off their donations during the hours below. Pre-packaged food and items will be donated to South County Outreach. Toys and gift cards will be donated to Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. For a complete list of suggested donations, please visit TurkeyTrot.com/Food-Toy-Drive. 

Expo, Packet Pick-up, and Food & Toy Drive Hours: 

– Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 12:00-6:00 p.m. 

– Thanksgiving Day / Race Day at 6:00-11:00 a.m. 

– Location: Dana Marina Plaza – 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point 

Race participants can pick up their race packet (t-shirt and bib) at the two-day Expo & Packet Pick-up during the hours above. Visit event sponsors and vendors within the Expo for giveaways, special offers, and more. 

One of the largest turkey trots in the nation, this race is a USA Track & Field (USATF) sanctioned and certified event. Prize money is awarded to the first, second, and third place male and female finishers in the 10K race. There will also be a costume contest with awards for Best Kid, Best Adult, and Best Group Costumes. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume to be eligible to win amazing prizes courtesy of event partners. For more information or to register for this year’s race, please visit TurkeyTrot.com. 

45th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot
949.496.1555
Twitter: @turkeytrot
Facebook: @danapointturkeytrot
TurkeyTrot.com

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

A highly anticipated, fun-filled weekend is right around the corner! The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano for its 9th annual celebration of Greek culture on Saturday and Sunday, September 24th and 25th. The event is chock-full of authentic Greek food and drink, live music, traditional Greek dancing, souvenir shopping at the Greek Bazaar, and a fully-loaded Kids Zone. There will be a raffle drawing for a grand prize vacation for two to Greece! 

Authentic and delicious Greek fare, including favorites such as Gyros, Mediterranean-seasoned Lamb Chops, Souvlaki (kebabs), Spanakopita (savory spinach pastry), Tiropita (layered cheese pastry), Pastitsio (Greek lasagna) and Greek Salads will tempt and tantalize festival attendees. You’ll enjoy handmade Greek delicacies from traditional family recipes, including mouth-watering Baklava, powdered sugar Kourambiethes and honey-dipped Loukoumades (Greek donut holes) along with traditional Greek coffee and refreshing iced coffee Frappés. Debuting this year at Greek Fest, Feta Bites — a lightly breaded and deep fried feta cheese with a marinara dipping sauce. 

Don’t miss the popular “Taverna” with a sports bar twist – equipped with big-screen satellite TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites, as well as Greek beer, wine and Ouzo. Stroll through the Festival’s Greek Vendor Marketplace where you’ll find an assortment of unique ingredients (including Greek olive oil, honey, teas, and spices) along with an array of themed souvenirs, gifts, jewelry and books to tempt shoppers of all ages. 

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You’re sure to feel Kefi as you’re transported to the enchanting country of Greece by the sights, sounds and culinary delights of this fun-packed Festival weekend. Within seconds, the live music and Greek dancing will have you on your feet, expressing your inner-Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” and an unusual desire to break plates (don’t worry… easy-to-follow lessons are provided). The Saint Basil award-winning dance troupes will also perform traditional dances in authentic costumes representing different regions of Greece. 

Hours for the festival are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is free all weekend long. 

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please call 949-542-3445, or visit SJCGreekfest.org or the event’s on Facebook and Instagram @SJCGreekFest. 

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano 

The Dana Point Classic Car Show

Sunday, August 28 | 10AM – 3PM

The Dana Point Classic Car Show returns to the Lantern District on Sunday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thousands of spectators will stroll Del Prado Avenue to enjoy over 250 classic cars, vendors, music, spirits on the street, food trucks, and more. Families and friends of all ages, including our leashed and well-behaved four-legged friends, are invited to this free community event. 

Car enthusiasts and spectators are encouraged to vote for their favorite car. An award ceremony will take place on Amber Lantern at 2:15 p.m. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award at the Information Booth on Amber Lantern. Car Show merchandise will be available for purchase, and raffle items will also be up for grabs at the booth. Don’t forget to pose for a photo at the Classic Day Photo Station and tag #DanaPointCarShow. 

Adults, 21 years and older, can cruise the event while sipping beer, wine, and other spirits on the street! Visit the drink ticket booths throughout the event to purchase your wristband and tickets to savor tasty libations throughout the show’s three block radius. 

Many of the restaurants and shops on Del Prado will be open and ready to welcome you. Dine on one of the outdoor patios, shop at local retailers, or explore the handcrafted products at more than 30 vendor booths. 

Skip parking and traffic hassles and hop on the free Dana Point Summer Trolley. Service operates on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and makes drop-offs and pick-ups near the event. For a live trolley tracker, download the DP Trolley App or visit DPTrolley.com. 

FOR MORE EVENT INFORMATION,
VISIT DanaPointCarShow.com
or follow @danapointcarshow on Facebook and Instagram.