Covey Gardens throws a party to mark its second year in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach’s latest small business milestone isn’t just about cutting a ribbon—it’s a chance for locals to see what all the buzz is about. Covey Gardens, now two years into its run at 1590 S. Coast Highway, is hosting a public open house on April 16 at 5 p. m. The event packs in more than just a ceremonial scissors moment.Between handshakes with city leaders and browsing the Chamber of Commerce booths, visitors get a free gift bag, fresh-cut blooms, and light snacks with a bubbly drink. The setup feels more like a neighborhood block party than a stuffy ribbon-cutting. Still, the real question is whether such events actually strengthen local ties or just give businesses a quick PR boost. Past openings in similar coastal towns show that while these gatherings draw curious residents, lasting community bonds depend on more than one afternoon of free champagne. The freebies are nice, but do they make people return during quieter weeks? That’s the gap most small businesses struggle to bridge.