Free events in Dana Point, CA

The County of Orange and OC Parks present the returning OC Parks Sunset Cinema series, offering 12 free film nights at Carbon Canyon, Craig, Mason, Yorba, Laguna Niguel and Irvine regional parks, plus Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. The series welcomes all ages. This screening features 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13, 1999) at Laguna Niguel Regional Park in Laguna Niguel. Before the movie begins at sunset, attendees can enjoy character appearances, DJ hosted games and photo ops. Admission and parking are free, and food and beverages are available for purchase from on site food trucks and concessions. Wild Fork sponsors the evening and serves items such as Angus beef sliders, veggie burgers, chicken tenders and loaded pulled pork tots from its food truck.

A friendly farmers market and craft fair offers locally grown produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan baked goods, ready-to-eat specialties, and handcrafted goods. Vendors include Bee Ladies Honey, Castellanos Farm, Berumen Farms, Golden Farms, Happy Hens Eggs, Microgreens Tiny Farm, Tea Lucky, and The Tamale Fiesta. The lineup also features Lucy’s Sourdough Bakery, Chaupain Bakery, and Sandy’s Kitchen with granola, along with many other sellers.

South OC Cars & Coffee is a weekly morning meet-up for car lovers, with hundreds of enthusiasts gathering to enjoy a wide variety of vehicles. It takes place on the upper level of the parking garage at the Outlets at San Clemente, giving everyone a fun, ocean-view setting while cruisers show off their cars. It runs every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Headliner The Great North Special leads the lineup at the annual San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival. Attendees can spend the day enjoying live music, food, and vendors by the beach. The band performs on the Seville stage. Admission is free and open to all ages.

The Great North Special brings dance ready boogie to the downtown streets during the San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival. The band performs on the Seville Stage, and the show is free and open to all ages.

Mike Ward Community Park Woodbridge turns into an open-air stage for Irvine Summer in the City Concerts, showcasing a mix of musical styles. Bring picnic favorites or pick up bites from local food trucks. Admission is free with no tickets or preregistration needed, and seating is available on a first come basis. Pack low-back chairs and blankets, and dress in layers as temperatures can change into the evening. Additional parking is available at Woodbridge High School and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The season features the music of Jimmy Buffett and The Beatles, Top 40 hits, and Symphony in the Cities.

The San Clemente Fiesta wraps up, and Tropical Drip is keeping the energy going with a full reggae set live at Gibroni's Pizza. Expect great food and drinks, including cold beer and Detroit-style pizza, plus a crowd that’s ready to party after spending the day downtown. Tables can fill up quickly on Fiesta night, so arriving early is a good idea. This is the official San Clemente Fiesta after party and there is no cover charge.

Strolling Magic is back every Sunday at Stowaway Tiki from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring the Enchanted Escape Show team. Expect a mix of live magic entertainment, plus food and drink from the menu. There is no admission fee, and reservations are recommended.

Join The Sea Monks for a laid-back evening of country and blues as part of a warm summer music series. The concert runs from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and you can reserve seating in the VIP “Nightclub” reserved section, with reservations required to be made before 3:30 PM on the day of the performance. Limited free seating is also available for each concert.

Part of the Newport Beach Concerts on the Green series, this free outdoor performance on the Newport Beach Civic Center Green features Pacific Symphony. Presented by the Newport Beach Arts Commission, attendees can relax on low chairs or blankets. Bring a picnic or pick up food from food trucks on site. Alcohol is not permitted. Admission and parking are free and available on a first come, first served basis. The summer series presents concerts at both the Civic Center Green and Marina Park.

Part of UCI’s 4M’s of Healthy Aging Series, this second session focuses on mind and memory to help build confidence in understanding dementia. It highlights how to recognize cognitive changes and become familiar with the various forms of dementia. Attendees will gain practical, easy to use approaches for strengthening memory, improving communication, promoting safety, and supporting overall quality of life. Free to attend.

Gaming should be fun, welcoming, and accessible for everyone. This free trial session is hosted at Valhallan Esports Training and offers a sensory-friendly environment for players 17 and under to learn, create, and play at a comfortable pace. Coaches provide a supportive, positive setting focused on confidence, friendships, and skill development. Drop in for the two-hour session and register to get started.

Head to Lamppost Pizza Lake Forest for a fun trivia night hosted with DJ trivia. Teams will go up against each other in a friendly competition, and it’s free to join (just consider grabbing drinks or food). Trivia kicks off a bit after the doors open, so arrive ready with your best random facts, and please be mindful not to blurt out answers.

Miles with Mamas is a friendly group workout for moms and women of all fitness levels. You can run, jog, or walk at your own pace while building strength and connecting with other participants. It’s a free outdoor session with a no-refunds cancellation policy.

Stop by the children’s department at Barnes & Noble for a weekly storytime. This is a free event for all ages.

Teen Girls Book Club is a free book club for teens ages 13 to 17. Participants will read “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” and have a chance to build new friendships. The group encourages open expression and emotional growth in a supportive, confidential space.

Tricia Freeman & Friends present a mix of rock classics, country, and blues at Campus JAX. Groups of eight or more receive free admission, and a call in advance is required to arrange this. A live stream will be available for those who prefer to watch remotely.

Catch the Tom Dante Quartet featuring special guest vocalist Lia Booth for a live jazz set at Knolls Restaurant. There is no cover charge, so feel free to bring a friend. Reservations are recommended since tables book up quickly.

Visit the Certified Costa Mesa Farmers Market at the OC Fair. Enjoy free admission and parking while you browse local farmers and vendors. The market takes place in Lot D.

Part of the San Clemente Summer Concerts series, this free community show at the San Clemente Pier features Common Sense. The series has been a local tradition for more than 20 years and often attracts over a thousand attendees. Expect live music, food, and a relaxed open-air atmosphere. Many people bring beach chairs and blankets for comfortable seating. Admission is free and no registration is required.