What we’re about
Unplug. Unwind. Connect.
Rediscover the joy of real connection through shared experiences and authentic friendships.
So Cal Explorers Meetup is the antidote to a hyper-digital, disconnected world. We gather for fun, relaxed outings to explore the most iconic, historic, quirky, and lesser-known corners of Southern California—together. Whether it's a walking tour, hike, museum visit, or movie night, our adventures are all about learning, exploring, and enjoying each other's company.
We're not a dating group. We're not a networking group. We're simply a welcoming space for adults to connect, laugh, and build friendships—without pressure, expectations, or hidden agendas.
Our crew is mostly progressive, slightly irreverent 40- to 60-somethings with a love for counter-culture and curiosity. But all open-minded adults (18+) are welcome!
Join us for hiking, historic tours, movies, museum visits, kayaking, presentations, live music, good food, great conversation, and spontaneous fun.
So Cal Explorers is where awkward small talk turns into epic friendships. Come along—we’re saving you a seat.
Upcoming events
14
HILBERT MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA ART AT CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
Hilbert Museum, 167 N. Atchison St, Orange, CA, USLet's visit the Hilbert Museum!
Free advanced reservations have been arranged for the So Cal Explorers to visit this fabulous museum.
The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University opened in 2016 and is the home of one of the world’s largest collections of California narrative art. Founded through the ongoing generosity of art patrons and philanthropists Mark and Janet Hilbert, it represents the only museum in the world committed to tracing the rich, iconic history of the Golden State from the late 19th century to the present day through works by leading California Scene artists and Hollywood studio artists and animators.
“This will be the first museum anywhere that is totally dedicated to the display of California Scene and California representational art,” said Mark Hilbert. “The intent will be to cast a spotlight on this style of painting and these amazing artists, and to make this art known around the world. California has its own style, its own light, its own distinct landscape. California Scene paintings are distinguished from the earlier style of California Impressionism because these works show people and the works of humans: towns, cities, harbors, houses, ranches, cars, trains – people going about their everyday lives. These paintings show the changes taking place across our state as it grew, starting around 1920 – changes that are still happening and reflected in today’s representational art.”
The Hilbert Collection encompasses more than 5,000 pieces, including oils, watercolors and drawings of urban and industrial scenes, coastal views, and landscapes of everyday life in California, one of the largest private collections of Disney art, and works by Norman Rockwell and other 20th Century illustrators acquired by the Hilberts since 1992. Among the museum’s most celebrated works are those by luminaries Millard Sheets, Emil Kosa Jr., Mary Blair, Phil Dike, Milford Zornes, and Rex Brandt. A portion of the Hilbert collection will be displayed in the Museum’s permanent collection along with rotating temporary exhibits will be scheduled.
If you would like to know more details about the Hilbert Museum and the current exhibitions we will be seeing, go to:
https://hilbertmuseum.org/
Although the museum does not provide docent-led tours, there will be docents stationed throughout the galleries that will be happy to share insights and information on the artworks and exhibitions.
Lunch TBD afterwards for anyone who wants to join.20 attendees
Köln 75: Presented By Newport Beach Film Festival
The Frida Cinema, 305 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA, USCross-posted with LA & OC Weirdo Music & Art Forum
Date: Monday, December 8, 7:45 pm
Venue: Frida Cinema
305 E 4th St #100, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 285-9422
Dinner 6:15 TBD
Tickets: $13.00 https://thefridacinema.org/movies/koln-75/
Rotten Tomatoes gives it an 86% positive rating
Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CrFdGMj4cM
Director: Ido Fluk Run Time: 116 min. Release Year: 2025
Starring: Mala Emde, John Magaro, Michael Chernus, Jördis Triebel, Alexander Scheer
Winner of the Audience Award at the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival, director Ido Fluk’s new film Köln 75 is coming to The Frida Cinema!
The story tells the tale of the best-selling jazz records of all time, Keith Jarrett’s 1975 Köln Concert, how it almost didn’t happen, and how one formidable German teenager, Vera Brandes, breaks every boundary to set the conditions for the creation of a masterpiece. Vera, still in high school when she started producing and promoting music concerts in Cologne, puts everything on the line to put on this show. But Vera believes in the power of music, and she’s never seen anyone play like Keith Jarrett before.
Joining us for introduction before the film will be Ivan Williams, who served as an Co-Executive Producer on Köln 75! Don’t miss your chance to see this award-winning crowd pleaser on the big screen!
Listen to part of the Keith Jarrett concert here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_IW1wLZhzE3 attendees
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