San Clemente’s events come from three places: the downtown merchants, the city’s recreation team, and the harbor next door in Dana Point. Sorting by host makes it easier to see what is on and where to look for updates.
Downtown, from the Downtown Business Association
The SCDBA calendar lists these dates for the rest of 2026:
- Treat Street on Avenida Del Mar: Saturday, October 24, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Village Art Faire: the first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the lawns around the library and Community Center (next up: November 7 and December 5).
- Shop Small Saturday: Saturday, November 28, with participating merchants.
- Puttin’ on the Glitz at Santa’s Village by the Sea: Saturday, December 5, 4 to 9 p.m., on Avenida Del Mar.
The city presents Puttin’ on the Glitz with the Downtown Business Association. Details for this year will be on the city calendar; last year’s edition had Santa, a tree lighting, a gingerbread contest, games and a snow hill.
Citywide, from the Recreation Division
Pumpkin Splash
When: Saturday, October 17, 12 to 4 p.m. · Where: San Clemente Aquatics Center, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa
A pumpkin-themed event at the aquatics center. City calendar.
Monster Dash and Creepy Crawl Fun Run
When: Saturday, October 24, 7:30 to 11 a.m. · Where: Community Center, 100 N. Calle Sevilla
A morning run and walk with a Halloween theme. City calendar.
Red Ribbon Walk and Rally
When: Tuesday, October 27, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. · Where: Linda Lane Park, 400 Linda Lane
A community walk and rally on the city calendar. City calendar.
Next door, in Dana Point
51st Annual Boat Parade of Lights
When: December 11 to 13, nightly at 6:30 p.m. · Where: Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern
Watch from the boardwalk and parkscapes, or take a charter. Dana Point Harbor.
How we would pick
If you can only do one: Treat Street is the easiest Halloween outing, and Puttin’ on the Glitz is the downtown holiday kickoff. Both are on Avenida Del Mar, so you can walk between the shops and dinner.
Thinking about making San Clemente home? Rudy would be glad to talk it through. The four-question Home Strategy Quiz takes about a minute, and he will follow up personally.
Dates and times were checked on the organizers’ and cities’ own pages on October 3, 2026. Events can change or sell out, so open the linked page before you head out. This site is not affiliated with any event listed here.
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