Happy Thursday, South County. The weekend is almost here — and so is Mother's Day. Laguna's First Thursdays Art Walk is tonight, the Mission is handing out free birthday cupcakes on Sunday, and we've got a new bath-and-body shop opening in San Clemente just in time for last-minute gifts. Here's your preview of what matters through next Sunday.
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Weekend Board
Three curated picks for your calendar — chosen because they're timely, local, and genuinely worth your time.
First Thursdays Art Walk — Laguna Beach
Thursday, May 7 | 6:30–9:00 PM | Downtown Laguna Beach
The monthly art walk is back. Galleries stay open late, artists are in the studios, and it's free. If you haven't been since last fall, the spring light makes the canyon views worth the walk alone. Parking fills fast on Forest Ave — arrive early or use the free Laguna Beach trolley. Source: Laguna Beach Chamber
Free Birthday Cupcakes at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Sunday, May 10 | 12:00–3:00 PM | Mission SJC
The Mission is celebrating its 250th anniversary with free birthday cupcakes, courtesy of Costco SJC #429. Limited to the first 1,000 guests. If you're taking mom out for Mother's Day, this is a sweet (and free) stop before or after brunch. Source: Mission SJC
Modern Makers Mart — Mother's Day Edition
Saturday, May 9 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Bump Out Park, Dana Point Harbor (24354 Dana Point Harbor Dr)
Shop harborside at this annual maker's market with a Mother's Day twist. 50+ local artisans, live music, berry-themed treats, photo ops, and a kids' craft station. Free entry — biking or walking in is highly recommended, parking gets tight on harbor weekends. Source: Dana Point Chamber
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New + Notable
A new opening, a closing worth knowing about, or something that changes the local landscape.
Grand Opening — Birdbath, San Clemente
Tuesday, May 5 (doors open) | Grand Opening Weekend: May 9–10 | 11:00 AM–7:00 PM daily
207 S El Camino Real, Unit D, San Clemente, CA 92672
New bath and body skin care shop from a family-owned, small-batch brand. Everything's handmade, vegan, Leaping Bunny certified, and free of phthalates and parabens.
The grand opening weekend (May 9–10) includes pop-ups and a flower bar. They're also running monthly creative workshops at the studio if you want to book something hands-on. Worth keeping in mind for Mother's Day gifts — or just treating yourself. Source: birdbathbodytreats.com
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Civic Minute
The government and community updates you need without the agenda packet.
Dana Point City Council
Tuesday, May 5 | Time TBD | City Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern
First council meeting of May. Agendas typically post 72 hours ahead at the city website. Source: City of Dana Point
San Juan Capistrano City Council
Tuesday, May 5 | Time TBD | SJC Community Center
New meeting location noted on the chamber calendar — worth remembering if you attend regularly. Source: SJC Chamber
Coffee with the City Manager — San Clemente
Wednesday, May 13 | Time TBD | Location TBD
"Andy in Action" series continues. Registration required through the chamber. Good opportunity to ask about the summer beach shuttle or parking changes. Source: San Clemente Chamber
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Community Pulse
The people, places, and moments that make South County feel like home.
Homefront America Field of Honor — Mission SJC
May 19–24 | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily | Mission Courtyard
400+ American flags on 7-foot poles fill the courtyard. It's a quiet, moving installation — and it's free to walk through. Memorial Day is May 25; the display comes down that afternoon. Source: Mission SJC
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The Brief
Arts, culture, outdoors, and everything else — fast.
Laguna Playhouse Gala — "Midnight at the Playhouse"
Friday, May 8 | 5:30–9:30 PM | Laguna Playhouse
Annual fundraiser. Black-tie optional. If you're a supporter of local theater, this is the big night of the spring. Source: Visit Laguna Beach
Living with Wildfire in Orange County
Tuesday, May 26 | Time TBD | Susi Q Center, Laguna Beach
Laguna Canyon Foundation talk on wildfire preparedness. Given last year's fire season, this is worth marking on the calendar even if it's a few weeks out. Source: Laguna Beach Chamber
Water Quality Advisories (Active)
Three runoff-related advisories remain active in South County:
- Salt Creek at Salt Creek County Beach (updated 4/3)
- San Juan Creek at Doheny State Beach (updated 4/9)
- Poche Creek at Poche County Beach (updated 3/4)
Standard guidance: avoid swimming within 75 feet of creek/outlet mouths. Full map at OC Beachinfo. Source: OC Beachinfo
Weekly Farmers Markets
- Dana Point: Saturdays, 9:00 AM, La Plaza Park (34111 La Plaza)
- San Clemente: Sundays, 9:00 AM, Avenida Del Mar (249–229 Avenida Del Mar)
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Quick Bites
- Teacher Appreciation Day at Mission SJC — Saturday, May 9. Free entry for teachers with valid ID. Source
- VA Disability Claims Clinic — Dana Point Community Center, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays monthly. Walk-in, no appointment. Source
- Dana Point Farmers Market — Saturdays at La Plaza Park, 9:00 AM. 33+ dates scheduled through the season. Source
- Beach Clean Up — Treasure Island — Saturday, May 16. Registration via Laguna Beach Chamber. Source
- San Clemente Networking Mixer — Tuesday, May 5 at San Clemente Villas. Source
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Closing
That's your week, South County. If we missed something good, reply and let us know. See you next Thursday.
— The Beach Brief Team
Beach Brief is a local newsletter for Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano. Local news with salt in its veins.
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