LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The final weekend of September brings live music on the coast in Laguna Beach and Dana Point, amateur surfers taking to the waves in Newport Beach, theater in Lake Forest, a Route 66 celebration in Mission Viejo and a major food-and-wine fundraiser in Seal Beach. Plus, that Farmers Market in Rancho Santa Margarita is a not-to-be-missed South OC event.
But anyone heading to the beach should keep an eye on the ocean.
The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Orange County coastal areas through 4 p.m. Wednesday, with a high risk of dangerous rip currents. Surf is expected to reach 3 to 5 feet, with sets up to 6 feet through Saturday, followed by 3- to 5-foot surf Sunday. Forecasters said life-threatening rip currents are likely. National Weather Service
Beachgoers should stay near staffed lifeguard towers, avoid swimming alone and check conditions before entering the water.
Start the weekend with a free oceanfront concert Friday evening when Pacific Symphony's Symphony on the Go mobile stage rolls into Laguna Beach.
Musicians will perform an outdoor chamber music concert beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Heisler Park Amphitheater near Cliff Drive and Jasmine Street.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. The performance is weather permitting. Pacific Symphony
Surfers will take advantage of a building swell this weekend during the 2026 Newport Beach Surf Championships, scheduled Saturday and Sunday near 54th or 56th streets.
The amateur competition includes elementary, middle school, high school, open men's, masters, legends, hall of fame and open girls divisions. Competition begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, with semifinals and finals Sunday. The exact location will depend on conditions. Newport Beach
Spectators should stay mindful of the NWS Beach Hazards Statement, which calls for a high rip-current risk and surf reaching 3 to 5 feet, with occasional 6-foot sets through Saturday. National Weather Service
The Roosters Foundation's annual Chefs Experience returns Sunday at Old Ranch Country Club with a five-course dinner prepared tableside by Orange County chefs, wine pairings, auctions and an after-party.
The fundraiser benefits organizations serving children and families in Orange County. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Old Ranch Country Club, 3901 Lampson Ave. Organizers' ticketing page listed the event as sold out as of Friday. Rooster Foundation
Percy Jackson fans can catch a live production of "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical" Sunday at the Lake Forest Performing Arts Center.
The Bravo Players Foundation benefit performance follows Percy Jackson's discovery that he is the son of Poseidon and his journey to recover Zeus' missing lightning bolt.
The show begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at 100 Civic Center Drive. Tickets were listed from $35 to $100, with proceeds supporting the foundation's youth theater programs. Explore South Orange County
Mission Viejo will mark the centennial of Route 66 with an artist talk featuring Joan Gladstone Saturday afternoon.
Gladstone will take visitors on a visual "road trip" along the historic highway through photographs and stories during the free program from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Mission Viejo City Hall Council Chamber. City of Mission Viejo
La Dolce Vita on the Green comes to Crown Valley Park Saturday night with an Italian dinner, live jazz, performance art and a candlelit outdoor setting.
The fundraiser supports Velaere Wellness Center's arts-based community programs.
The event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway. Patch
One of Orange County's biggest music weekends is underway in Dana Point.
The 10th anniversary Ohana Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Doheny State Beach, with more than 35 performances scheduled across three stages.
Saturday's lineup includes Tyler Childers, Alabama Shakes and Jon Batiste, while Pearl Jam is scheduled to headline Sunday. Festival gates open at noon each day. Ohana Festival Support
Limited tickets remained available Friday, according to festival organizers. Dana Point and San Clemente trolley service will also run extended hours during the festival weekend. Ohana Festival Support
With Doheny directly on the coast, festival visitors should also be aware of the Beach Hazards Statement and high rip-current risk this weekend. National Weather Service
For a quieter weekend outing, the RSM Certified Farmers Market returns Saturday morning at Rancho Santa Margarita Lake.
The market runs from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in the north-side parking lot near the lake amphitheater.
Visitors can browse produce and other market offerings before taking a walk around the lake. City of Rancho Santa Margarita
Heading out this weekend? Event times, tickets and weather conditions can change, so check with organizers before making the drive. Coastal visitors should also check the latest National Weather Service and lifeguard updates before entering the water.
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