43rd Annual

Dads' Night Out

September 25-27, 2026 • Laguna Mountain Lodge • Mt. Laguna, California

"That which does not kill us makes us stronger."

RSVP Now: Text Christian Get the Details
When
Sept 25-27, 2026Check in Fri 4 PM, out Sun 10 AM
Where
Laguna Mountain Lodge10678 Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA
Damage
$250 per manLodging not included. Book your own.
RSVP
ASAPVenmo @Christan-Johnson-3

Forty-Three Years Strong

The Mostest-Bestest Weekend of the Year

Dads and Sons, it is on. The Johnson-O'Brien-Sandell-Wilson team is kicking off another Mostest-Bestest DNO, and this year we take the high ground: 6,000 feet up in the Cleveland National Forest, one hour east of downtown San Diego.

Laguna Mountain Lodge is the kind of place a man goes to get away from it all. Cabins and motel units with fireplaces, cooking setups, barbecues, satellite TV, Wi-Fi and full baths. Peace, quiet, pines and mountain air. The perfect backdrop to honor our Dads.

The objective is simple: deliver the Quintessential DNO. Memorable stories, a tasty menu, assorted beverages, laugh and scratch, Kangaroo court in full session, and the fun and games this brotherhood has kept alive for 42 years running.

The DNO Code

As a DNO Son, I am faithful to all of you and our cause to honor our Dads.

As Grand Poohbah, I am respectful of our beliefs, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support.

I will spearhead the planning and coordination of this year's epic event. My Co-Poohbahs are my brothers Michael Johnson and Rockne O'Brien, and Brothers-in-Law Ken Sandell and Chris Wilson.

If it turns out to be a great DNO, I take full credit. If not, it is all my brothers' fault.

Very Respectfully Submitted
Christian Johnson, Grand Poohbah, DNO43

The Deal: $250 Per Man

Pay the man, get the goods

Your $250 Covers

  • Friday and Saturday night carefully prepared, mouthwatering dinners
  • Saturday and Sunday "Bitchin' Breakfast Burritos" with premium coffee and OJ
  • Craft beer, ice, spring water, sodas and other non-alcohol drinks
  • DNO Central with tables and chairs, behind the Meeting Room
  • The Meeting Room: 350 sq ft with three fridges and a stove/oven to run the operation
  • Superior quality DNO embroidered camp shirt

Not Covered. Handle It.

  • Lodging. Book your own room or cabin, first come, first served.
  • Saturday activities, tours, wine tasting and lunch
  • Hard liquor, wine and heavy snacks. Bar munchies will be out on the tables.
  • Optional Saturday lunch at the American Legion in Julian: $20 for a cheeseburger and fries

How to Pay

  • Venmo $250 to @Christan-Johnson-3 (that is correct, no "I" after the "T")
  • Apple Pay or another option? Let Christian know first.
  • RSVP ASAP either way, in or out, and send your cabin numbers once booked
  • Review the contact list and send Christian any missing people or info

The Battle Plan

Subject to change. Complaints go to the Co-Poohbahs.

Friday September 25

4:00 PM
Check in. Muster at the designated cabin, location TBD.
5:00 PM
Chili night: 20 oz portion, cornbread muffins, chili fixings, slaw and a two-cookie dessert. Settle in and get the stories going.

Saturday September 26

7-9 AM
Breakfast: coffee and juice bar plus egg, bacon, cheese and potato burritos with salsa. Individually wrapped.
9 AM-4 PM
Free time with Dads and Sons. Day events TBD. Lunch on your own, or hit the American Legion in Julian for the $20 cheeseburger and fries.
4-5 PM
ALL Sons report for dinner prep and cleanup of ALL DNO Central areas. No exceptions, no excuses.
5-6 PM
Pulled pork dinner with slaw, mac and cheese, Hawaiian rolls and a two-cookie dessert.
6-10 PM
Group photo, traditional DNO games, then the main event: the conclave of Dads and Sons. Stories, laugh and scratch, Kangaroo court, fun and games.
10 PM
Camp curfew for outside noisy activities. Take it indoors, gentlemen.

Sunday September 27

7-9 AM
Breakfast round two: coffee and juice bar, breakfast burritos with salsa.
9-10 AM
One last hit of fresh mountain air before heading home.
10:00 AM
Check out. Until next year.

Lodging: Book It Now

Your bunk is your responsibility

Laguna Mountain Lodge & Store

  • 10678 Sunrise Hwy, Mt. Laguna, CA 91948
  • (619) 473-8533 or (619) 473-8630
  • lagunamountain.com
  • Across the street from the Outpost VFM Mountain Restaurant and Bar
  • Navigate by searching the lodge name, not the street address
  • 12 motel units and 17 cabins on the property
  • Motel rooms have one queen bed, except rooms 22 and 27 which have two twins
  • One and two bedroom cabins have queen beds plus a twin day bed in the living room. Cabin 5 has two twins instead of a queen.
  • Camping options are nearby, not on site
Heads up: Julian apple picking season will be in full swing in September. Rooms will go fast. Lock in your lodging now, then send Christian your cabin number.
Laguna Mountain Lodge property map showing cabins, motel rooms, meeting room and general store
The lay of the land. DNO Central sits behind the Meeting Room.

Chain of Command

Questions, RSVPs and confessions

Grand Poohbah

Complaint Department

  • All complaints, gripes, rants and constructive feedback go directly to the Co-Poohbahs: Michael, Rockne, Ken and Chris.
  • No GPS and no Thomas Guide? Call Christian and he will talk you up the mountain.

This Website

  • Dadsnightout.us is the new DNO home base and it is just getting started.
  • Coming soon: member directory, the Family Tree and more from the archives.
  • Got content or want to volunteer? Send it through the form below.

Send a Message

Questions, RSVPs, photos to share, or a name for the wall. Fire away and it lands with Christian.