Events
Swallows Day Parade
Mar. 25. The 63rd Annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Fair will be held this weekend. The Swallows Day Parade is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parade and a truly spectacular experience. Arrive early as most street closures are in effect by 10 a.m. with the parade beginning at Saturday, at 11 a.m. More information, including the parade route and parking, can be found at swallowsparade.com
Springtime Pop-up Trunk Show
Mar. 25. Look for the string lights next to 254 Boutique this weekend to discover a special trunk show. Featuring multiple, talented local artists, this is a wonderful way to spend an evening perusing and supporting locals under the lights in Laguna Beach. Saturday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. 254 Beach Street, Laguna Beach. 949.497.3109. No website available at this time. More Information
Emo Night at Kitsch
Mar. 24. Come enjoy the sights, sounds, and angst that only a night of the greatest 90’s Emo music can bring. Dance – or don’t – the night away and enjoy the vibes and drinks as only Kitsch Bar can deliver. Mr Bleuu and Casually Late descend upon Kitsch Bar in Costa Mesa for a night to remember. 21+ over only. Friday, at 9 p.m. – Late. 891 Baker Street, Unit A10, Costa Mesa. kitschbar.com
WIP Pop-up Market
Mar. 25. Work In Progress (also known as WIP) is a beloved neighborhood bodega serving coffee, wine, provisions, and more. This weekend they are hosting a lovingly curated pop-up featuring West Coast Collective – a second hand retailer, and Culture of Good – a sustainable and non-toxic candlemaking company. The pop-up will run from Saturday, at 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 2944 Randolph Ave, Costa Mesa. wipgoods.com
Food + Drink
Rum Social Celebrates One Year
Now Available. Rum Social, the island-inspired restaurant and bar in the heart of Laguna Beach is celebrating its first anniversary with the launch of a new seasonal dinner menu. Executive Chef Nick Herrera is debuting a selection of new dishes showcasing his mastery of bold, exotic flavors. The restaurant will also have a special offer – select bottles of wine for just $1 during April. (Limit one per reservation.) 448 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. rumsocial.com
Swallows Day at Mayfield
Mar. 25. For one day only, Mayfield becomes the fanciest dive bar you ever did see just in time for the Swallows Day Parade. The beers will be flowing, the cocktails will be shaking and the restaurant’s very own DJ Raw Hide will be spinning some disco and funk tracks. Limited food will be available. No seating. Open from 11 a.m. 21+ over. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. mayfieldoc.com
Family Style Mediterranean Cuisine
Now Available. SAJJ Mediterranean has launched new build-your-own family meals to meet consumer demand. These meals, available for $59.95, can be ordered online, through the SAJJ app, website, or in-store. They include proteins, grains, spreads, sides, and fan-favorite options such as falafel, chicken shawarma, steak shawarma, and pomegranate chicken. Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6636 Irvine Center Dr, Irvine. sajjstreeteats.com
Vacation Cocktails Launches.
Now Available. Born in Costa Mesa, Vacation Cocktails have just recently launched to the public. Ready-to-drink canned cocktails with real spirits and natural flavors, all contained in tasteful cans making them a perfect choice for easy consumption. Available now in select retail locations around Orange County. For more information, visit vacationcocktails.com
Arts + Culture
Like Water for Chocolate Premieres at Segerstrom
Starts March 29. Nothing could be sweeter than the North American premiere of Like Water for Chocolate at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, March 29 – April 2. The brilliant choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and the superstar dancers of American Ballet Theatre bring this tale of food, family, and forbidden passion to mouth-watering life! 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 scfta.org
Storytime Saturday
Mar. 25. Bring your little ones to Laguna Art Museum for an interactive Storytime and art-making experience unlike any other. A read-aloud will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects, or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others. This month’s session will feature Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg. Starts Saturday, at 11 a.m. 307 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach. lagunaartmuseum.org
“Best of Plein Air” Exhibition
Now Open. Laguna Plein Air Painters Association is proud to present the 19th Annual Best of Plein Air exhibition and sale as a unique virtual, and on-site gallery exhibition of works created “en plein aire”. The exhibition is running now through April 3rd. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and by appointment only. 414 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.376.3635. lpapa.org
Photo credits: LPAPA courtesy of artist Geoffery Allen. Mayfield courtesy of The Best Ceats. Rum Social courtesy of Outshine Public Relations. Laguna Art Museam courtesy of The ACE Agency. Family-style food,SAJJ Mediterranean. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.