What's On in South Orange County This Weekend (Oct. 10 to 12)
The free Laguna Beach plein air festival on Sunday is the weekend's clearest open invite. Saturday covers Dana Point paddling and a Mission Viejo heritage fair.
6 Oct 2026
If you only pick one public stop this weekend, make it Sunday's free Laguna Plein Air Art Festival. Saturday is busier on the water in Dana Point and indoors in Mission Viejo.
Laguna Beach: free plein air festival closes a nine-day invitational
The 28th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational is organized by the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA). It runs October 3 to 11, 2026. Thirty invited painters work outdoors across Laguna's cliffs, canyons, and coves. The public climax is this Sunday.
Sunday, Oct. 11: Laguna Plein Air Art Festival (free)
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Why go: Meet artists, watch live demonstrations, and see original works, including pieces added Sunday morning. The "Sunday Best" small-works award ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Source: OutdoorPainter coverage of the 2026 Invitational · LPAPA invitational events
Saturday, Oct. 10: Collectors Art Party (ticketed, 21+)
When: Gates open 6 p.m. (VIP early access 5 p.m. for sponsors)
Where: Festival of Arts grounds, Laguna Beach
Why go: First look at more than 250 original paintings from the week's work, with live awards and food by Chef Lindsay of Nirvana. There is also a craft mocktail bar.
Cost: $250 general / $225 LPAPA members. Online sales were scheduled to close at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. Confirm availability with LPAPA before assuming walk-up tickets.
Notes: Cocktail attire suggested. The evening is outdoors, so bring a wrap. Guests must be 21+.
Contact: (949) 376-3635 · info@lpapa.org
Still on the calendar Tuesday, Oct. 6: LPAPA's free "Just Plein Happy Nocturne Paint-Out" downtown begins around 5 p.m. for a midweek look at artists working after dark.
Dana Point: Harbor Hoot at Baby Beach
The 7th Annual Infinity SUP Dana Point Harbor Hoot, presented by Board & Brew, returns to Baby Beach at Dana Point Harbor on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
This is a community paddling day. Divisions include recreational, race, adaptive, multi-person, and SUP & Pup. A free stroke clinic and on-water demos are part of the program.
Saturday schedule (official)
8:00 a.m.: Participant check-in
8:30 a.m.: Super Soryn Stroke Spectacular
9:00 a.m.: Opening ceremony and briefing
9:30 a.m.: 3K Channel Scoot
11:00 a.m.: Harbor Hustle
11:30 a.m.: Lunch
12:00 p.m.: Baby Beach Bolt Relay
1:00 p.m.: Awards
Registration: $50 (includes entry into all events, competitor raffle, event towel, and lunch)
Official site: danapointharborhoot.com · Schedule
Spectators can expect a busy harbor morning even without racing. Paddlers should register through the official site rather than assuming same-day capacity.
Mission Viejo: Scandinavian Heritage Fair and Saturday farmers market
Scandinavian Heritage Fair (Saturday, Oct. 10)
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo
Organizer: Daughters of Norway, Turid Jespersen Lodge #44
Cost: Free; no ticket required
Why go: Scandinavian foods and desserts (organizers note food sells out early), plus vendors and craft demonstrations
Source: Eventbrite listing
Farmers Market and Crafts (Saturday, Oct. 10)
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine)
Where: North Paseo at LOS OSOS, 25282 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo
Why go: Local produce and prepared foods before or after the fair, with crafts vendors on site
Source: Envision Mission Viejo events · City of Mission Viejo events
Nearby: Rancho Family Fest (Rancho Santa Margarita)
Rancho Family Fest 2026 sits just outside the core South OC towns and draws many inland families. It runs October 10 to 11 at Central Park, 30842 La Miranda, Rancho Santa Margarita. The RSM Chamber of Commerce presents it with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, SAMLARC, and partners. Tickets and lineup are on the official festival site. Volunteer for one shift and admission for the festival is free, per the organizers.
Quick planner
WhenWhatTownCostSat 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Harbor Hoot paddlingDana Point$50 to race; free to watchSat 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Farmers Market and CraftsMission ViejoFreeSat 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Scandinavian Heritage FairMission ViejoFreeSat 6 p.m.Collectors Art Party (21+)Laguna BeachTicketedSat to SunRancho Family FestRancho Santa MargaritaTickets / volunteerSun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Laguna Plein Air Art FestivalLaguna BeachFree
Sources worth bookmarking
Details can change. Check the organizer pages above before you drive, especially for Harbor Hoot registration and Collectors Art Party ticket status.