Hosted by the San Clemente Garden Club, Gardenfest is the city's annual celebratory event welcoming the Spring season. The event features a treasure trove of horticultural activities, from educational gardening presentations for kids, such as on butterflies, and an on-site Master Gardener who can answer questions to a garden-themed flea market. The event will also feature a garden and flower art show as well as a variety of design competitions. The event is generally held at the San Clemente Community Center.
Another event welcoming the season of Spring to San Clemente is the city-hosted "Springtacular," a free morning to early afternoon event that includes a variety of activities that conclude with a Springtime-themed parade in the city. Beginning the event is a pancake breakfast, hosted by the local Kiwanis club, followed by a huge Easter egg hunt for children. The event also features an exhibit of exotic wildlife as well as a variety of kid-oriented crafts and games. The annual "Springtacular" is typically held at the San Gorgonio Park in San Clemente. The park also has tennis courts, ballfields and basketball courts.
Every year, San Clemente hosts a Cinco de Mayo celebration. In fact, the 2011 event is the event's 21st staging. Typically, the event is staged at the city's Max Berg Plaza Park. A showcase of Latin American culture, the event features live music and authentic Spanish-Mexican cuisine. Performers at the 2011 event included the Aztec Dancers and Ballet Folkloric, which performs traditional Mexican dances and music in costume. The event also features a section dedicated to children's games, as well as art contests and exhibits.
The local Rotary Club hosts a USO Canteen Swing Night at the San Clemente Community Center, located in downtown San Clemente, annually. In fact, 2011 marked the 19th staging of the event, with Pete Jacobs and his Wartime Radio Revue, a 15-piece band that plays big band and swing music for the Southern California region, on the schedule. The event is co-hosted by the City of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department. Those in attendance are welcome to wear 1940s-style clothing and attire. The community center itself is an historic building, featuring Spanish colonial-style architecture.
