Orange County

Weekend roundup

March 19-22

Events

Swallows Day Parade

March 21. The 66th Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair brings a full day of family-friendly festivities to San Juan Capistrano, celebrating the return of the swallows to the Mission on St. Joseph’s Day. Rooted in the tradition of Fiesta de las Golondrinas, the event highlights Old West heritage with a lively parade and Mercado Street Faire featuring local vendors, entertainment, and community celebrations.  Arrive early, as street closures are in effect by 10 A.M. Saturday, the parade begins promptly at 11 A.M. San Juan Capistrano. More Information

St. Joseph’s Day at The Mission

March 19. This historic celebration full of tradition, community, and festivity, is celebrated annually on March 19, marking the return of our famous swallows to Capistrano and the coming of spring – a time of renewal and rebirth. Event highlights include Ringing of the historic bells, live Mariachi music, community presentations, Native American storytelling, Flamenco dance performance, and much more. Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. More Information

Live Shows at The Wayfarer

A Weekend at The Wayfarer

March 19-22. This weekend at The Wayfarer is tight and music-forward. Thursday (tonight) features Double Wish with support from Ali Coyle and Dylan Dunn. Friday leans late-night with a return of SEGA Genecide. Saturday and Sunday delivers Whitey Morgan – A gritty, blue-collar torchbearer for the Waylon Jennings sound – with Eli Wulfmeier from Leroy From The North. Showtimes vary. 843 W 19th Street, Costa Mesa. More Information

Food + Drink

Naisho Omakase Debuts in Costa Mesa with Intimate 14-Seat Experience

Opens March 23. A hidden 14-seat omakase counter arrives in Costa Mesa, offering an intimate, chef-driven experience behind a velvet curtain. Led by Chef Shimpei Shinohara, the concept reimagines the traditional tasting format with 12- and 16-course menus that explore temperature, texture, smoke, and salinity without following a predictable progression. Signature dishes include tuna-mi with miso toro tartare and ikura, fat & fire with bluefin tuna noodles and binchotan charcoal, and ocean bacon with cold-smoked black snapper. Designed as a quiet, focused space, the experience emphasizes craft, precision, and a more personal approach to sushi dining. Dinner service is during 6-9:30 p.m 3033 Bristol Street #117, Costa Mesa. Reserve Now

R&D Month at Project Social

Ongoing. Project Social wants to hear from you as each week they’ll be testing out a new dish as they work toward building the menu at Project Social 2.0, and they’d love your honest feedback. Featuring weekly specials like a new cuban sandwich, a special new burger, and more, this is a great time come try some exciting new (possible) menu additions. Your feedback helps shape what makes the final menu. Hours vary. 24040 Camino Del Avion, Unit J, Dana Point. More Information

La La Land Cafe Opens in Newport

Now Open. The La La Land Kind Café in Newport Beach brings the brand’s bright, Instagram-friendly coffee concept to Lido Marina Village, serving colorful lattes, matcha, and light bites in a feel-good, “kindness-first” atmosphere. More than a café, it’s a social enterprise focused on mentoring foster youth, blending trendy design, community energy, and purpose-driven hospitality. Hours vary. 418 via Lido, Suite 3418, Newport Beach. More Information

El Brewjo at Stereo Brewing

El Brewjo at Everywhere

March 21. A smash burger pop-up serving “American fare with a Mexican flair” lands at Everywhere Beer Co., pairing bold flavors with one of the area’s standout breweries. Known for its cult following, El Brewjo delivers intensely flavored smash burgers that have become some of the most sought-after around. Paired perfectly with one of Everywhere’s countless beer and seltzer options, its a recipe for a perfect Saturday evening. Saturday, 4-9 p.m. 1501 W. Orangewood Ave Ste. 101, Orange. More Information

Arts + Culture

Bollywood Bash at Bowers

March 21-22. For the first time ever, Bowers Museum presents a spectacular Bollywood Bash — a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, arts, and community. Experience an exclusive night – a dazzling fusion of music, dance, fashion, and fine dining celebrating the colorful heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Inspired by the rich traditions of Bollywood and in honor of their groundbreaking exhibition, Global Threads: India’s Textile Revolution. Saturday and Sunday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Limited tickets available for purchase here. 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana. More Information

Art Sessions with Peter Zokosky

March 21. Come join other artists and enthusiasts this Saturday for a hands-on creative workshop designed for artists of all skill levels. Led by Peter Zokosky, Chair of MFA Drawing + Painting at LCAD, each session explores a new technique, medium or theme. Supplies included with ticket. Friday, 4-7 p.m. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. More Information

Festival Ballet Theatre Presents Don Quixote

March 21-22. Join the gallant Don Quixote on his knightly quests across old-world Spain in Festival Ballet Theatre’s rendition of this beloved ballet, based on the novel by Miguel Cervantes. Celebrate the spirit of adventure with the flavors and rhythms of 17th-century Spain, captured elegantly in Ludwig Minkus’ memorable score. This full-length, traditional production features world-renowned guest artists in the lead roles. Showtimes vary. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. More Information

Photo credits: All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.

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