Mission Viejo approves two-year contract for barbecue/music festival after resident concerns

The Mission Viejo City Council voted Oct. 28 to approve a two‑year contract with the promoter of the Oso Viejo barbecue and music festival, which the city piloted this year as a three‑day, family‑oriented event. Staff reported the festival drew just under 10,000 attendees and generated roughly $140,000 in gross receipts; the promoter paid the city approximately 10 percent of event revenues and the city’s direct non‑staff expenses were minimal, with staff cost estimated at under $500.

Tom Moore, a nearby resident, asked the council to restrict similar multi‑day events for at least two years to allow adjacent homeowners to reflect and absorb impacts; he said the three‑day event was louder and longer than other city events. Staff said nonprofit partners working VIP parking raised about $7,000 and that sponsorships and parking revenue contributed to the roughly $25,000 figure referenced in the staff report. Staff recommended a two‑year contract to allow the promoter time to recoup initial investments and to assess the event’s viability.

Council members discussed attendee demographics and local economic benefits. Mayor Pro Tem Bucknam and Council Members Kelly and others noted the event drew Mission Viejo families and visitors who spent money locally; the council said proceeds helped local nonprofit groups and sports tourism efforts. The council voted to move forward with the two‑year agreement and asked staff to continue monitoring resident impacts, revenue breakdowns and nonprofit participation.