This is arguably the best season of the year in San Clemente – unbeatable beach weather and no summer crowds.
Fall is also loaded with community events, starting with a pair of blockbusters this weekend and next, the San Clemente Seafest and Carnival Colossal.
Mark up your October calendar and get ready to go for a spin:
Oct. 8-11
Carnival Colossal
When: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Oct. 10, noon-10 p.m Oct.11.
Where: Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
Cost: No admission charge, ride tickets, attractions vary
Information: friendsofsanclemente.org
Opening night on Thursday is rides only. Friday through Oct. 11 add live entertainment and food trucks. Carnival proceeds will help the Friends of San Clemente Foundation enhance the city’s recreation endeavors and provide scholarships for needy families.
Oct. 10
Fall Plant Sale
When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Community Center, Avenida Del Mar at Calle Seville, San Clemente
Cost: No admission fee
Information: sanclementegardenclub.com
Members of the garden club celebrate fall by selling things they’ve grown – herbs, vegetables, succulents, flowers, perennials, cactus, bulbs and more. Horticulture advice. Plant sales benefit the club’s local projects.
‘Make a Scarecrow’ workshop
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente
Cost: Free for ages 7-12.
Information: casaromantica.org or 949-498-2139
Learn to make a scarecrow. Space is limited, so call 949-498-2139.
Oct. 11
10th anniversary of Park Semper Fi
When: 2 p.m.
Where: 106 Alameda Lane, San Clemente
Cost: No admission charge, but a reception afterward at Casa Romantica is $45 (no charge for active-duty military in uniform, solo or with families). Reception reservations required by Oct. 7.
Information: marinemonument.com or 949-498-4958
Public ceremony will feature the 1st Marine Division Band Quintet, a Marine Color Guard and speakers led by Maj. Gen. Daniel J. O’Donohue.
Oct. 17
San Clemente
Readiness Fair
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: LDS Church, 310 Avenida Vista Montana, San Clemente
Cost: Free
Information: readinessfestival.org
In partnership with the city, the church offers free info on how to prepare to withstand an emergency with adequate food, water, medications, sanitation supplies, other personal needs. Indoor and outdoor displays, exhibitors, instruction, demos, emergency gear vendors. Food trucks and shaved ice available.
San Clemente Oktoberfest
When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Parking lot behind Elks Lodge, 1505 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente
Cost: $10 until Oct. 17, then $12 at the gate; a limited-quantity $25 package deal includes a souvenir 1-liter Das Boot cup and two 16-ounce beers
Information: scoktoberfest.weebly.com
Festival includes live bands, craft beers, a wiener dog costume event, beer pong, other contests.
Oct. 18
28th annual South County Hunger Walk
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Community Center, Avenida Del Mar at Calle Seville
Cost: Organize a team and raise funds for Family Assistance Ministries
Information: family-assistance.org or 949-492-8477
Proceeds from the downtown walk benefit South Orange County’s needy. Participants will sign in at 12:30 p.m., followed by warm-ups and entertainment. A finish-line party is set for 3 p.m. at Tequila’s Chophouse & Cantina, 215 S. El Camino Real.
Oct. 24
8th annual San Clemente Military Family Outreach Variety Show
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Community Center, Avenida Del Mar at Calle Seville
Cost: $25 open seating, $40 for reserved table seating
Information: militaryfamilyoutreach.com
Entertainment includes impressionists Danny Jacobson and Jill Jaxx presenting “From Vegas to Broadway,” comedian Don McMillan, guitarist Daniel Vera and young vocalists from Stars of Tomorrow. Proceeds benefit military families at Camp Pendleton.
Oct. 25
Woofstock
When: Noon-4 p.m.
Where: San Clemente State Beach campground, 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente
Cost: $20 per family in advance at sanonofreparksfoundation.org, or $25 at the door
Information: 949-366-8599
Bring your pet, meet pet vendors, rescue groups, try face-painting, a dog parade, dog and owner costume contests, demos, “ask the trainer,” live entertainment, food, prize drawings.
Oct. 30
25th annual Taste of San Clemente
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: Casino San Clemente ballroom, 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente
Cost: $95
Information: scchamber.com or 949-492-1131
Try dishes from some two dozen local restaurants plus wines, beers. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass or beer mug. Live music by World Tour Legends of Rock.
Contact the writer: fswegles@ocregister.com or 949-492-5127
