BONITA
Concert series starts at library
The Bonita-Sunnyside Friends of the LIbrary will start the inaugural season of the Friends of the Library Concert Series featuring chamber and vocal music at 2 p.m. Sept. 5 at the Bonita-Sunnyside Library Community room, 4375 Bonita Road. The opening performance features Musica Vitale performing international choral music, directed by Elena Vizuet. Free admission. Advance reservations are recommended. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. Visit https://bonitasunnysidefol.org/concerts/program/musica-vitale/
CARLSBAD
Garden club hosts show & tell
The Carlsbad Garden Club meets from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 4 at the Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The group will host a “Members’ Share” session, similar to show and tell, but focused on gardening tools, tips, ideas, successes and challenges. Visit carlsbadgardenclub.org/
Newcomers club holds coffee meeting
The Carlsbad Newcomers Club holds a Coffee Meeting at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 2 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Socializing will be followed by the program at 10:15 a.m. A presentation on the services and programs that the Camp Pendleton Armed Forces YMCA offers to military members and their families will be led by Berenice Dorantes Trinidad, director of community outreach at Camp Pendleton Armed Forces YMCA. Visit carlsbadnewcomers.wildapricot.org
CORONADO
Beginner’s quilting class opens
A community beginner class on quilting and machine piecing is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Sept. 4 to Oct. 23, at the Coronado John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh St. Several instructors will be available throughout the class to provide guidance and answer questions. Students must bring their own sewing machine and supplies. Fee is $60-$83. Register at www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec or 619-522-7343.
DEL MAR
Family Fun Day at horse races
A Family Fun Day is from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 during the summer horse racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack. There will be activities for all ages, including kid-friendly attractions such as inflatable obstacle courses, face painting and bungee trampolines. Free admission for kids under age 17. Visit https://www.dmtc.com/calendar/detail/family-fun-day.
EL CAJON
Ukrainian festival
The House of Ukraine festival will be at 5 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the Babylon Palace Banquet Hall, 456 Magnolia Ave. The Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre from Calgary in Alberta, Canada, will perform as well as the local group CaroLyra Aerial Arts. The event will feature a seated dinner, hosted bar, live auction and dancing. Tickets are at www.houseofukraine.org.
ENCINITAS
Free movie screening on whales
Two free community screenings of “The Right Whale: Tales of Resilience and Hope,” which includes underwater footage of right whales taken across four continents, will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 5 at La Paloma Theater. The film has won several awards including the Audience Choice Award at the Big Blue Film Festival. The screenings are hosted by Spindrift Images, a nonprofit that inspires ocean and wildlife conservation through its films. The filmmakers, Nick and Cheryl Dean, will be at the screenings to answer questions and discuss how the film was created and ways to help the North Atlantic right whales survive. Visit https://therightwhale.eventive.org/welcome
ESCONDIDO
Grape Day Festival
The annual Grape Day Festival, a longtime tradition celebrating the area’s agricutural heritage, is from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 5 in Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway. The event features live entertainment ranging from musical performances to Folklorico dancers. There will be artisan booths, beer and wine garden, food vendors and kids activities. Admission is free. Visit https://www.grapedayfest.org/
Mayor to unveil William Sharer painting gifted to city
An unveiling ceremony of a new William Sharer painting, “Passageway to the Sun,” gifted by the artist and his wife to the City of Escondido Art Collection will be at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, hosted by the Escondido Art Association, in the California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Sharer’s work has been exhibited at galleries throughout the Western United States. After serving in the Marines during the Korean War, Sharer returned home and finished his art training at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. His work is in the collections of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City; Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis; Museum of New Mexico, Santa Fe, and in many private collections and galleries along with local galleries such as the the Esco Arts galleries. For more information, email info@escoarts.com.
Cruisin Grand classic car event
Cruisin Grand is running Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 25 along Grand Ave. The event features pre-1974 and earlier American-made classics, customs, vintage, muscle, and hot rods cruising Grand Ave. Admission is free.
FALLBROOK
Democratic Club meets
The Fallbrook Democratic Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 at the Fallbrook Public Utility District Community Room, 900 E. Mission Road. A social time begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. The meeting also can be attended virtually via Zoom by registering at FallbrookDemocrats.org/Zoom.
LA JOLLA
Plant with Purpose puts on annual gala
Local nonprofit Plant with Purpose will hold its Planting Hope Gala at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Hyatt Regency LaJolla Aventine, 3777 La Jolla Village Drive. The event will highlight the nonprofit’s global community development and ecosystem restoration programs in countries around the world. Its mission is to “reverse rural poverty, restore watersheds and renew hope, rooted in faith.” The international work is locally led, with global offices running both as independent agencies within their country and alliance partners with Plant With Purpose U.S., which supports their work. Tickets are $195. Reservation deadline is Sept. 5. Visit https://plantwithpurpose.org/planting-hope-gala/.
LAKESIDE
Barona Powwow
The Barona Band of Mission Indians will hold the 54th annual Barona Powwow Sept. 4-6 at the Barona Sports Complex on the Barona Indian Reservation, about a mile north of Barona Resort & Casino on Wildcat Canyon Road. The three-day festival features Native American dance, food and crafts. Hundreds of Native American dancers from around the country will compete and show their traditional and contemporary dances, ranging from the Fancy Shawl Dance to the Grass Dance. Highlights include hand drum contests, singing, drumming and favorites like Indian fry bread tacos. Local and traveling vendors will sell a variety of arts, crafts, and handmade jewelry. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Sept. 4 with gourd dancing, followed by a grand entry of dancers in full regalia at 8 p.m. The event continues from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. A 5k Fun Run is at 7 a.m. on Sept. 5. Admission and parking are free. Visit facebook.com/BaronaPowwow.
NORTH COUNTY
NORTH COUNTY: Fine arts group puts on art demonstrations at library…
The North County Society of Fine Arts will put on art demonstrations on the second Tuesday of the month at the Rancho Bernardo Library, starting Sept. 8. The nonprofit group fosters the art of painting and offers a range of workshops, covering acrylic, watercolor, oil and collage. The group holds member exhibits and offers scholarships. The nonprofit is recruiting new members. Pictured are some of the North County Society of Fine Arts’ board members: Ahna Street, publicity; Reva Sandmeyer, recording secretary; Susan Berkowitz, membership; Janet Keto, exhibitions; Lynn Rehr, scholarships; and Barbara Kokaska, president. Visit ncsfa.org. Courtesy of North County Society of Fine Arts.
Widows and Widowers club hosts events
The North County Widows and Widowers Club hosts various social gatherings in September:
- Sept. 2 Book Club
- Sept. 7 Lunch Bunch at The Mining Co.
- Sept. 9 Happy Hour at Oceanside Broiler.
- Sept. 11 Dinner/Dance at Vista Elks Lodge.
- Sept. 17 We Will Rock You – a musical presentation.
- Sept. 23 Happy Hour at Sets Kitchen & Bar.
- Sept. 25 Dinner/Dance at Oceanside Elks Lodge.
- Sept. 26 Saturday Brunch at The Mining Co.
To RSVP or get more information, call 760-716-9000.
OCEANSIDE
Brother Benno’s holds annual golf fundraiser
The Brother Benno Foundation will hold its eighth annual charity golf tournament fundraiser at 11 a.m. on Sept. 24 with ocean views at Goat Hill Park, 2323 Goat Hill Drive. The event includes lunch, dinner, live and silent auctions and a chance to meet World Surf League champion Kelly Slater. Registration begins at 9 a.m., when silent auction bids open. The tournament starts with an 11 a.m. tournament photo and shotgun start. Entry fees are $250. Guests can sponsor an active duty military golfer for $250. Dinner and entertainment without golf is $100 starting at 5 p.m. and includes the live and silent auctions. A VIP pre-tournament event with live music, food, drinks and shopping is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 at Outerknown, 1923 Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad, with a portion of sales benefiting Brother Benno’s. Tournament proceeds support Brother Benno’s mission of serving the area’s homeless and working poor, providing meals, addressing basic needs, fostering community outreach and helping with addiction recovery. Registration is required by Aug. 31. Register at brotherbenno.org/golf.
New exhibit opens at Oceanside Museum of Art
The Oceanside Museum of Art opens its annual exhibition of the San Diego Art Prize on Sept. 5, featuring the work of this year’s prize recipients, Danielle Dean, Ingrid Hernández and Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio. The exhibit, Soft Power: On Color, Time, and Resistance, invites viewers to look at forces that shape our daily lives. The exhibit “points to the quiet power in images, materials, and systems that shape how we understand identity, place, and value.” An opening celebration is from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 19 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way. The exhibit runs through Feb. 7. Visit https://oma-online.org/2026-art-prize/.
PACIFIC BEACH
Arts Center Groundbreaking
A celebration of the groundbreaking for the Pacific Beach Arts Center is at 4 p.m. on Sept. 2 at the Pacific Beach Arts Center Commons, 4606 Ingraham St. Highlights include music and light refreshments along with hard-hat tours and remarks by community leaders and officials. The event marks the start of the upcoming renovation of the community landmark, that once was home to the Pacific Beach Library, into a new center of the arts. Visit https://www.pbartscenter.org/
RANCHO BERNARDO
Parkinson’s support group hosts speaker
The Inland North County Parkinson’s Support Group for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 1 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall. The featured speaker is Steve Steinberg, from the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego, who will give a presentation, “Hospital Safety Guide.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call 760-415-0637.
Book and Author Luncheon
The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee hosts its annual Book and Author Luncheon at 11 a.m. on Sept. 8 at the Broken Yolk Café, 11630 Carmel Mountain Rd. This year’s featured authors include Caitlin Rother, author of such books as “Down to the Bone” and “Death on Ocean Boulevard;” Matt Coyle, author of the Rick Cahill series of books such as “Wrong Light” and “Blood Truth,” and Brandon C. Gandy, author of “Surviving Life as a Miracle Child.” Zoe Ghahremani, author of “Memory Garden,” will serve as moderator. The cost is $45, including a choice of brunch/lunch. Reservations are required by Sept. 1 at 858-487-8041.
World Affairs dicussion group hosts presentation
The North County Chapter of the World Affairs Council will host retired Navy Vice Admiral Charles Martoglio at 10 a.m. on Sept. 3 for a presentation, “America and the World – an Era of Escalating Conflict and Confrontations” at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit www.northcountyworldaffairs.org
Food drive at church
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church sponsors a drive-thru nonperishable food collection for the volunteer-run 4 Community Care food pantry from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 5 at 17010 Pomerado Rd. The food pantry primarily serves families and seniors living in the Poway Unified School District. Items needed include canned meats, soups, fruit, vegetables and plastic jars of pasta sauces, jam and applesauce along with cereal, pasta and rice. Cash and check donations are also welcome.
SAN DIEGO
Walk for Sobriety
The 5k Walk for Sobriety, hosted by McAlister Institute, is from 8 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 5 at NTC Park in Liberty Station. The walk is open to the entire community to support “hope and second chances.” The event includes activities for all ages, ranging from a kids’ zone, games and raffle prizes to other family-friendly entertainment. The Walk for Sobriety also raises awareness about the ongoing need for accessible substance use treatment and recovery services while raising money to support McAlister Institute, a provider of substance use treatment programs. Visit https://give.mcalisterinc.org/event/mcalister-institutes-14th-annual-walk-for-sobriety-2026/e765397.
Balboa Park tour
A Five Flavors Tour is at 10 a.m. on Sept. 4 starting at the Trees for Health Garden Kiosk at the corner of Quince and Balboa Dr. Attendees stop at different plants and learn about their flavors. Guides will use the plants as a teaching tool and offer optional tasting samples at each stop. Admission is free. For questions, email tours@balboapark.org.
25th Anniversary Memorial of 9/11
A 25th Anniversary Memorial of 9/11 is at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 on the flight deck aboard the USS Midway Museum. There will be free museum entry from 1:45 to 3 p.m. to attend the ceremony. On this 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, the FDNY Retirees of San Diego, along with the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, National City Fire Department, San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society, and The Wounded Warrior Project will pay tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11 and keep the promise to “Never Forget.” The event includes presentation of colors by honor guards, pipes and drums, Singing of the National Anthem, reading of first responder names and tolling of the bells along with a SDFD emergency helicopter flyover, 21-gun salute, Taps and Harbor Police fire boat water display. Visit https://www.midway.org/event/25th-anniversary-memorial-of-september-11-2026
Free Valley Vibes concerts
Mission Valley Mall’s free Valley Vibes summer concert series continues from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 7. Visit https://www.mission-valley.com/event/38454-valley-vibes-summer-concert-series.
Wildlife tracking walk
The Mission Trails Regional Park Tracking Team will hold a wildlife tracking walk from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sept. 5 in the East Fortuna area of the park. Participants learn the art of discovering and identifying tracks and other signs left behind by the park’s seldom-seen wildlife. Walks start from the front of the Ranger Field Station at the East Fortuna Staging Area on the first Saturday of every month and are free. No reservations required. Walks are canceled if it rains. Visit https://mtrp.org/.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Blood donors receive SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream ticket
San Diego County Credit Union will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 1 at seven locations across San Diego County in response to a low inventory of blood. Donors will receive one free ticket to SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream event when donating, while supplies last. Participating locations are at 501 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas; 5500 Overland Ave., Kearny Mesa; 1664 Garnet Ave. Pacific Beach; 11965 Bernardo Plaza Drive, Rancho Bernardo; 286 Town Center Parkway, Santee; 6545 Sequence Drive, San Diego and 1475 W. Vista Way, Vista. Visit sandiegobloodbank.org.
Craft fair seeks crafters
Mt. Miguel High School Foundation’s Holiday Craft Fair seeks crafters to participate. The craft fair is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 14. Booth space costs $50. Register at 619-469-7350.
SAN MARCOS
Model A Ford Club meets
The Palomar Model A Ford Club will hold its monthly membership meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at the Palomar Estates East Clubhouse, 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. Refreshments and socializing will follow the program. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month except in December. For questions, visit the club’s Facebook page.
VISTA
Garden club hosts talk on camelias
“Growing and Caring for Camelias” will be the topic of a presentation at 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 4 in the Azalea Room at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. The speaker is Kathryn Blankinship, a master gardener and docent at the San Diego Botanic Garden. Fingertip lunch is at noon followed by a business meeting at 12:30 p.m., design time at 1 p.m., horticulture report at 1:15 p.m. and program at 1:45 p.m to 3 p.m. Visit https://www.californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub.
Solutions for Change puts on Boots & Bling Gala
Vista-based nonprofit Solutions for Change will put on its Boots & Bling Gala starting at 5 p.m. on Sept.19, at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd. Highlights include dinner, live music and line dancing, silent and live auctions along with stories of transformation from families in the program and updates. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to “crush the Churn of homelessness and dependency, empowering families to rebuild their lives for good.” Visit https://solutionsforchange.org/.
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