Laguna Beach Daily: Safety Checks and Weekend Events

Weekend snapshot

Laguna Beach heads into the first full weekend of February with a mix of safety enforcement, global sports on the big screen, and a busy events calendar around town.

Police launch DUI checkpoint for Friday night

The Laguna Beach Police Department scheduled a driving under the influence checkpoint for Friday night, February 6, running from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city. Officials say checkpoint locations are chosen based on past impaired-driving crashes, with the goal of getting unsafe drivers off local roads before a busy sports weekend.

Police are reminding drivers that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as cannabis, can also affect driving. A first-time DUI can bring thousands of dollars in fines and fees along with a suspended license, so residents and visitors are urged to line up a sober ride before going out.

Winter Games opening ceremony lights up downtown

On Friday afternoon, fans gathered at the Rivian South Coast Theater for a free community screening of the 2026 Winter Games opening ceremony. Check-in opened at 10:30 a.m., with the broadcast running from late morning into early afternoon on the big screen.

A nearby sandwich shop offered a discount tied to the event, giving locals another reason to linger downtown before the evening commute and Friday night traffic picked up.

Tonight and Sunday: live music and football

Saturday night, February 7, Mozambique is hosting the Shawn Jones Big Band Project, bringing blues, rock and Americana to its upstairs stage starting at 8:30 p.m. The show adds to a steady run of live music in town as residents ease into the second month of the year.

On Sunday afternoon, the same venue is leaning into football with a Super Bowl viewing party, while other bars and restaurants around town are also promoting game-day viewing and extended happy hours. Expect heavier traffic near Coast Highway gathering spots before kickoff and as fans head home after the final whistle.

Getting around without the car

To help manage weekend congestion, the city’s free trolley system continues on its non-summer schedule, with coastal service along Coast Highway and a park-and-ride link from the Act V lot in Laguna Canyon on Saturdays and Sundays. An on-demand Laguna Local neighborhood ride also operates daily, connecting residential areas to key destinations like downtown, the beach and shopping districts.

Both services are free, though riders should plan for waits of 15 to 30 minutes during busy periods. Transit staff recommend using the city’s transit app or calling dispatch for real-time information before heading out.

Sources

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