San Clemente Ocean Festival

We’re back! Join us for a weekend of fun in the sun on JULY 16TH & 17TH as we celebrate 45 years of “The Greatest Show on Surf!”

“The Greatest Show on Surf” returns to San Clemente Pier on July 16 & 17 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Ocean lifeguards, Junior Lifeguards, swimmers, multi-sport athletes and surfers compete for commemorative Ocean Festival medallions and cash prizes. Don’t miss the super exciting thrills and spills of the National Doryman Association Races on Saturday, where two person teams paddle 300 lb. dory boats in and out of the crashing surf!

On Saturday, catch the Push-In Division of the “Groms Rule” Surf Contest, an all-ages Fishing Derby on the Pier, and the 12th Annual Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run, with nearly 200 children participating, south of the Pier. Saturday evening, lay down a beach blanket as the sun sets over Dana Point, enjoy a barbeque dinner and free concert featuring Idol X.

During both days of the event, the Youth Pavilion features games and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy. Car enthusiasts can stroll down the Pier to check out the Woodie cars on display (15 different ones each day) and in Parque del Mar, overlooking all of the action, an ocean art show takes place. Start off each day with a tasty pancake breakfast prepared by the San Clemente Lifeguards. Proceeds support the San Clemente Surf Lifesaving Association’s equipment and program needs.

Sunday, watch the next generation of surf stars in the continuation of the “Groms Rule” Surf Contest, enter or watch Sand Sculpting competitions (south of the Pier) and sponsor your lucky duck in the Great Rubber Duck Race.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the San Clemente Ocean Festival. To avoid traffic and parking issues, you may park for free at the Outlets at San Clemente and take the complimentary shuttle or ride the train directly to the festival. To register for athletic events, volunteer, and for a full schedule of events and additional information, please visit OceanFestival.org.

ADMISSION IS FREE.
The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of San Clemente. Monies raised from the Ocean Festival help fund many worthwhile local community organizations and provide scholarships to local high schools.

Irvine Greek Fest

A Taste of Greece

St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church will hold its 42nd annual Irvine Greek Fest on June 24, 25, and 26 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. The festivities will take place at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine at 4949 Alton Parkway, between Culver Drive and Jeffrey Road. 

A family-fun event, Irvine Greek Fest caters to adults and children of all ages with a variety of traditional Greek food and pastries, live music and authentic Greek folk dance, a kids’ play zone, boutique booths, a Greek Plaka (marketplace), bookstore, and church tours to learn about the ancient faith of Orthodox Christianity. 

“We’re excited to once again welcome our neighbors, friends, and families back to St. Paul’s for our 42nd Irvine Greek Fest,” says Father Steven Tsichlis, Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. “Wander the grounds of our campus and savor the wonderful aromas and taste the delicious food. Listen to the sounds of the bouzouki and join us in Greek Folk Dance! At the heart of every Greek village is a Church – and so it is with us here at St. Paul’s! Take a tour of our beautiful Church containing Christian artwork done in Mosaic patterned after ancient prototypes that is unique in Orange County. We’re delighted to invite everyone for ‘A Taste of Greece’!” 

A highly anticipated focal point is the festival’s food and beverages, featuring a traditional Greek menu, delicious pastries, authentic drinks and a beer and wine “Taverna.” 

All profits from the event will benefit St. Paul’s Church and its charitable outreach ministries. Festival admission is $3 per person with free admission to children under the age of 10 and seniors 65+ on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Veterans, active service military and families, and first responders are always offered free admission. 

For more information visit IrvineGreekFest.com. 

Irvine Greek Fest
4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine
949.733.2366
IrvineGreekFest.com

The Outpost

San Juan Capistrano

The OutPost is South Orange County’s hottest new outdoor entertainment venue. Located at the beautiful Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, nestled against the San Juan Hills in San Juan Capistrano and home to some of America’s most prestigious equestrian events. 

The OutPost now brings headline music and marquis entertainment to one of Southern California’s most cherished parks. Along with concerts and festivals, The OutPost will also play host to sporting events, endurance events, arts festivals, holiday festivals, community events, corporate parties, brand launch activations, and weddings. Great local food vendors, a full bar, and games and activities are available at every event. 

The venue is flexible and can be set up for a myriad of event sizes, including more intimate events of 1,000 to 2,500 capacity, mid-size events in the 3,000 to 5,000 range, and can even host larger events with up to 10,000 capacity. The OutPost doesn’t just host events, it creates experiences. 

SOLD OUT, Walker Hayes to headline the Official Kick-Off Concert for the Swallows Day Parade Weekend on Friday, March 11, 2022. The following week Jon Pardi is scheduled to perform on St Paddy’s, Thursday, March 17th, 2022. Limited tickets available @ www.sanjuanoutpost.com. 

For information regarding rentals for live events, sports events, corporate parties, brand launch events, or weddings, please contact: info@sanjuanoutpost.com. 

The Outpost
30753 Ave. La Plata
San Juan Capistrano
www.sanjuanoutpost.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 8th annual celebration of Greek culture on Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th. 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 Mexico!

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.

Don’t miss the popular “Taverna” with a sports bar twist – equipped with bigscreen 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 awardwinning 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 Facebook and Instagram @SJCGreekFest.

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

OC Wine & Spirit Fest

Presented by A Stone’s Throw Winery

September 19-20, 2020

Wine, craft beer and fine spirits come to A Stone’s Throw Winery September 19 and 20 for the OC Wine & Spirit Fest, bringing a modern tasting experience to the people of Orange County. With luxe vibes, a laid back coastal attitude, and a focus on fun, OC Wine & Spirit Fest offers an experience that’s perfect for everyone, and every taste.

Founded by the winemakers at A Stone’s Throw Winery, the OC Wine & Spirit Fest encourages festival attendees to explore a modern tasting experience with community and camaraderie at its heart. Set among the quintessential orange groves in historic San Juan Capistrano, guests will mingle with sommeliers, vintners, craft beer experts and others, while they shop from a myriad of luxe vendors ranging from wine-related items to furniture, experiences and jewelry, and gourmet food trucks. There will also be a food + wine/spirits pairing lunch available, led by some of the area’s best chefs and craft wine & spirits makers.

“This will be our best event of the year, and we’re looking forward to bringing something extremely special to Orange County,” says OC Wine & Spirit Fest co-founder Linda Kearns, who is also a partner in A Stone’s Throw Winery. “Orange County has an amazing history of wine culture, and we know this event will be a celebration of that, as well as an opportunity to explore new beverages while having a great time among friends and neighbors.”

With philanthropy at heart, this year’s OC Wine & Spirit Fest has partnered with two charitable organizations – JDRF Orange County and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA OC). Both organizations are life-changing in their missions. JDRF leads the charge in finding a cure and providing resources to patients and their families with Type 1 Diabetes. CASA OC serves severely abused, neglected and abandoned children through the recruitment, training and continued support of volunteers who advocate for and mentor these children.

“We are thrilled to partner with such fabulous Orange County organizations,” Kearns enthuses. “We truly admire the very important work that both JDRF and CASA OC do, and we look forward to helping raise awareness and funds for such worthy causes.”

Purchase discounted tickets online and enter the code “DISH” for 30% off any ticket. Tickets at the door will cost $125 for General Admission or $150 for VIP, which includes the food + wine/spirits pairing lunch, if space is available. Designated drivers are welcomed and encouraged, and they receive discounted admission for just $25 (no alcohol tastings). Parking is $5 and ride-sharing or carpooling is highly recommended. For more information, visit OCWineAndSpiritFest.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 7th annual celebration of Greek culture on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th and 29th. 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.

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.

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 www.SJCGreekfest.org or the event’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages @SJCGreekFest.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GREEK FESTIVAL
San Juan Capistrano Community Center
25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano

17th Annual Two Stepping Under the Stars

Saturday, August 10

The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition, in conjunction with Blenheim EquiSports, is pleased to host the 17th Annual “Two Stepping Under the Stars” on Saturday, August 10th. This wonderful family event is held every year under the oak trees on the beautiful grass fields of the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. Thanks to the generous support of Blenheim EquiSport, this event is free to everyone. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. with free line-dance lessons from the beloved local country band, The Kelly Boyz.

The main event begins at 6 p.m., with dancing, an array of tasty eats from a caravan of food trucks with plenty of beverages for kids and adults (wine, beer & non-alcoholic). The little ones will kick up their heels and stay busy at the children’s area with games, face painting and more. Two Stepping Under the Stars is a dual-purpose event, not only a celebration of the cowboy heritage of San Juan Capistrano, but a fundraiser for the Equestrian Coalition. A silent auction and raffle will delight attendees with big prizes up for grabs. 100% of the proceeds from this event go directly back into the San Juan Capistrano equestrian community through charitable projects.

This year’s event promises to be the best ever, so please join in the festivities for another unforgettable evening. It’s a great night for all. Please no coolers or outside alcohol. The San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition is devoted to maintaining the standards and infrastructure of San Juan Capistrano’s equestrian profile, activities and facilities. Please go online to www.sjcec.org for more information, including upcoming activities and events or to provide donations for auction items.

Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park

27174 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano • sjcec.org

San Clemente Ocean Festival

July 20-21

Join the excitement with a weekend of activities on and around San Clemente Pier, July 20th and 21st at “The Greatest Show on Surf!”

This year’s Ocean Festival has a treasure trove of new and exciting events. Joining the Ocean Fest’s fun-in-the-sun lineup are the Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest (sure to be a crowd pleaser), Pier Bowl Surf Classic (both long and short boards welcome) and Junior Lifeguard competitions (including the action-packed return of beach flags).

Head down to the end of the Pier on Saturday for an all ages Fishing Clinic and Derby and the Push-In Division of the “Groms Rule” Surf contest for ages 7 and under who will ride waves north of the Pier. The 11th Annual Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run, with nearly 200 children from ages 4 to 12, will take place south of the Pier.

Ocean lifeguards will compete for cash prizes and awards in multiple events that include the Surf Race, Rescue Relay, Surf Ski, Paddleboard Rescue Relay, International & American Ironman’s and 10’6” Paddleboard Sprint. Don’t miss the super exciting thrills and spills of the National Doryman Association Races — where two person teams paddle 300lb. dory boats in and out of the crashing surf!

Learn about ocean safety and how to ride waves at the bodysurfing and new tandem bodyboarding clinics south of the Pier, just beyond the event’s entertainment, games and family fun at the Youth Pavilion. Check out 15 different Woody cars being displayed on the Pier each day, and Saturday evening you can pull up your beach blanket as the sun sets over Dana Point to enjoy a barbeque and free concert featuring Dead Men Don’t Surf – the ideal way to end an amazing day of surf and sun.

Start off both days from 7 to 11 a.m. with a hot and tasty pancake breakfast prepared by the San Clemente Lifeguards and Cadets. Monies raised will support the San Clemente Surf Lifesaving Association for lifeguard equipment and programs.

Sunday brings mouth-watering corn-on-the-cob, sweet and delicious strawberry shortcake, juicy watermelon, and more. Stroll along both sides of the San Clemente Pier to check out the Sand Sculpting competitions, family entertainment and activities. Don’t forget to stop by the ocean art show just above the beach in Parque del Mar for that something special to take home.

To the north side of the historic San Clemente Pier, check out a 5K beach run, 1-mile ocean swim (separate competitions for men and women), Biathlon, and Splash & Dash Relay. The first-ever Tandem Boogie Bodyboarding Contest will feature two-person teams riding oversized bodyboards in the surf. The Pier Bowl Surf Classic, showcasing the speed, athleticism and style of open surfing competition is open to all and is fiercely competitive among the many high-level surfers who hail from Orange & San Diego counties. You can also check out the next generation of surf stars with the continuation of the Groms Rule Surf Contest, a hotly contested surf competition for local kids (boys & girls, 14 and under).

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at San Clemente’s Ocean Festival. To avoid traffic and parking hassles, park at the Outlets at San Clemente and grab the complimentary shuttle from the Outlets at San Clemente or take the train right to the festival.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

For more information about the different activities, a complete schedule of events, to register for competitions and contests, or to volunteer, please visit the website at oceanfestival.org.

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a 501(c) non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of San Clemente. Monies raised from the Ocean Festival help fund many worthwhile local community organizations and provide scholarships to local high schools.

Nordeck Memorial Golf Tournament

July 19, 2019

The community of San Juan Capistrano is proud to announce the inaugural “Nordeck Memorial Golf Tournament” coming this July. The tournament will honor Steve Nordeck who passed away last June after battling cancer. Steve was known as a San Juan Capistrano icon, a great man and a good friend. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club will host the event on Friday, July 19. Event organizers are hoping to achieve two goals through the tournament: to remember and celebrate the profound and long-lasting impact Steve had on his friends and the community and to raise funds for The Swallows Inn Foundation which was near and dear to Steve’s heart. The foundation has assisted many local organizations, including the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, the San Juan Equestrian Coalition, 11 Marines, Boys & Girls Club, The San Juan Historical Society and The Open Space Foundation.

Steve attended Loyola Marymount University and earned a Business degree, followed by a Masters from USC. After an introductory stint in politics in Manhattan Beach in the 1970s, Steve headed south for the cowboy lifestyle. He entered the restaurant business in 1987, buying the Trabuco Oaks Steak House. In 1993, he and his partners decided to purchase The Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano. Steve became legendary for taking historic landmarks and making them earthquake safe while preserving their authenticity. Steve and his partners further developed the Mission Promenade in 1997 and eventually acquired and renovated El Adobe de Capistrano.

Since 1984, Steve had been a resident of Coto de Caza, San Juan Capistrano, and most recently Rancho Mission Viejo. He was passionate about his horses, golf and USC football. Most of all, Steve cherished the time spent with his nieces and nephews, and their children and extended family. Steve was a respected politician, entrepreneur, restaurateur and Swallow’s Day Grand Marshall; his generous spirit will continue on through “The Nordeck Golf Tournament.”

Foursomes, individual golfers and sponsors are welcome to participate in the tournament. If you don’t golf and would like to attend the event for lunch, the cost is only $30. Donations of all levels are appreciated. Contact Joe Chiquete at (949) 922-8704 or email thenordeckgolf@gmail.com for registration and additional information.

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival, powered by Gringo Bandito, returns to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point for its sixth year on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, bringing craft beer, mouthwatering tacos, and live entertainment to the oceanfront. After selling out for two years in a row, Sabroso at Doheny State Beach expands to two days, giving craft beer connoisseurs and taco aficionados the opportunity to sample an extensive collection of brews and tacos while watching lucha libre style wrestling, playing lawn games, and enjoying live performances from The Offspring, Flogging Molly, Bad Religion, Descendents, Good Charlotte, Black Flag and more.

Sabroso brings together an array of breweries and the region’s top chefs and restaurants, highlighting the rapidly growing craft beer and taco scene in Southern California. Attendees 21+ will taste unlimited samples of 200 craft beers from 50 fan-favorite breweries including Avery Brewing, Artifex Brewing, Brooklyn Brewery, Burning Beard Brewing, MadeWest Brewing, Russian River Brewing, The Shop Beer, and 805.

Food fanatics will experience an array of flavor from renowned Southern California taco vendors including Panchos Tacos, Border Tacos, Good Fellas Tacos, Vegan Taco Company, and more. Spicy Bite will serve creative Indian-Mexican fusion dishes like jackfruit in chile rojo tacos topped with fresh chutney. Fan-favorite classics will also be available including 24-hour marinated carnitas from Chronic Tacos and fresh shrimp tacos from Sol Agave. Taco vendors will have the opportunity to compete in the coveted “Best in Show” with their most unique creations, voted on by esteemed judges.

World-champion competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi of Nagano, Japan returns to Sabroso on Sunday to defend his 2018 Gringo Bandito Chronic Tacos Eating Champion title in the 9th Annual Gringo Bandito Chronic Tacos Challenge. Additionally, taco creations from food vendors will compete for the coveted Sabroso “Best of Show,” awarded by a panel of food judges, while The Offspring lead singer Dexter Holland’s top-rated hot sauce, Gringo Bandito, will be available throughout the festival for sampling.

Complimentary craft beer tastings last until 4 p.m., and tacos will be available to purchase all day. Single Day tickets start at $59.50, and Weekend tickets start at $89.50, while supplies last. For this family-friendly event, kids 7 and under get in free with an adult ticket holder.

For the most up-to-date information on Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival and to buy your tickets, please visit www.SabrosoTacoFest.com.