CARLSBAD
Summer Pop Concert
The Coastal Communities Concert Band, an award-winning symphonic band of more than 75 musicians from throughout San Diego County, will give its Summer Pops Concert at 2 p.m. Aug.16 at the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. The concert will be conducted by Mitchell Fennell and newly named associate conductor Bruce Mansfield. The program will feature music from Broadway and the movies, including selections from “Wicked,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Cowboys” and “West Side Story” along with some blues, marches and big band favorites. Admission is $20; $15 for seniors and free for students at the door. Visit www.cccband.com or 858-761-8421.
Docent-led nature walk at lagoon
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will host a nature walk at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 on, “Savoring the Season.” The 90-minute, docent-led walk will explore the plants and wildlife native to the lagoon and look for changes in the wetland as summer progresses to fall. This free, family walk is open to all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
Friday summer concert in the park
Carlsbad continues its summer TGIF Concerts in the Parks through Aug. 22, featuring a range of music from country, rock, pop and funk to R&B, Cumbia, Americana and doo-wop. The concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and gates open at 4 p.m. The last two concerts are at Alga Norte Community Park: Aug. 15, Wayward Sons (power chord rock nostalgia); and Aug. 22, Euphoria Brass Band (modern New Orleans-style jazz). There will be a security check. Free shuttle starts at 3 p.m. from Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane, and ends at 9 p.m. Visit carlsbadca.gov.
Relay for Life includes Luminaria Walk
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of North County starts at noon Aug. 16 and runs through 9 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Army and Navy Academy, 2605 Carlsbad Blvd., uniting the community and cancer survivors. This year’s pirate-themed relay will include kids zone, live bands, family movie night, activities with the Carlsbad Fire and Police departments, themed walks and the Luminaria Walk to honor those touched by cancer. The goal is to raise $200,000 for the American Cancer Society’s programs, including free lodging for cancer patients traveling to treatment, rides to treatment from volunteer drivers, peer support for breast cancer patients and 24/7 Cancer Helpline. Admission is free. To register, or donate, visit relayforlife.org/northcountysandiegoca.
Genealogy buffs discuss disease and ancestry
The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Aug.12 at Carlsbad City Faraday Center. 1635 Faraday Ave. Dr. Stephen Baird will give a presentation, “Infectious Diseases Influenced Who Became Our Ancestors.” Free. Attendees who wish to access the lecture virtually can obtain the Zoom link at nsdcgs.org.
DNA expert to give talk
The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by North San Diego County Genealogical Society, will meet 1 p.m. Aug. 16, at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive, for a free, in-person presentation by renowned DNA expert Kathleen Fernandes on “DNA Results: a How-to Guide.” No registration is necessary if attending in person. To attend via Zoom, get the link at nsdcgs.org. For questions contact dig@nsdcgs.org.
CHULA VISTA
Lemon Festival
The 28th annual Lemon Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug.16 in downtown Chula Vista, which was once known as the “Lemon Capital of the World.” The annual event features lemon-themed bites and drinks, arts and crafts vendors, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. New this year is a Lemon Pie Eating Contest slated for 2 p.m. at the Zesty Stage and the Best Dressed of the Lemon Fest Contest at 3:30 p.m. at the Juicy Stage. Both contests require online applications. There will be live entertainment on two stages, and a new dance performance stage on F Street sponsored by Seven Mile Casino. Interactive activities for kids will be at the Little Lemons area in Memorial Park. Tarty the Lemon will be back for meet-and-greets. Visit https://downtownchulavista.com/
Salsa Under the Stars
The free series, “Salsa Under the Stars” featuring Latin music will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays through Sept. 30 at Otay Ranch Town Center. The series will feature the Manny Cepeda Orchestra quartet and offer music and dancing for all ages. Scheduled concerts continue Aug. 12, Aug. 26, Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 (special hours 4 to 7 p.m. for the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration). Visit https://www.otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/15666/
DEL MAR
Twilight Concert overlooking ocean
A free Del Mar Summer Twilight Concert is at 6 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Powerhouse Park. The Coral Del Mar Opening Act is Taryn Donath Trio. The featured act starts at 7 p.m. with Billy Nation and the Billy Joel Tribute. Visit https://www.delmarfoundation.org/programs/twilight/
ENCINITAS
ENCINITAS: Volunteers send hundreds of Comfort Cubs to Texas flood victims…
Volunteers from Encinitas-based nonprofit, The Comfort Cub, gathered at a home in Carlsbad, with members of the National Charity League Surf Cities Chapter to pack 500 therapeutic, weighted teddy bears ‘Comfort Cubs’ in boxes to send to Central Texas flood victims. The nonprofit Comfort Cub, was founded 25 years ago to provide therapeutic teddy bears to help heal Broken Heart Syndrome for folks suffering a significant loss or trauma. The nonprofit was started by Marcella Johnson, who lost her infant son and began donating Comfort Cubs to hospitals and grieving parents who lost their children.
(Courtesy of The Comfort Cub.)
Visit https://www.thecomfortcub.org/
Pet adoption fees waived this month
Rancho Coastal Humane Society will waive adoption fees on adult pets 6 months and older through Aug. 31 a part of the annual Clear The Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign led by NBC and Telemundo stations, which features an extended fundraising campaign through Sept. 15. Visit SDPets.org
Input sought on senior services
The city of Encinitas is developing the Age-Friendly Encinitas Plan to build a more inclusive, supportive community for people of all ages and abilities and is conducting a community survey to find out the needs of older adults, individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers. The survey is online or printed copies are at City Hall and the Encinitas Community & Senior Center. Input due by Aug. 15. Visit www.EncinitasCa.gov/AgeFriendlyEncinitas.
ESCONDIDO
Free concert at arts center
The Hidden City Sound Series features the Back Pocket Whiskey Fellas with opening performance by the ChickenHawk from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Lyric Court at the California Center for the Performing Arts, Escondido. The Fellas, an eight piece acoustic band, is known for a range of music from Irish traditional, classic country and bluegrass to classic rock. The ChickenHawk is “a cosmic country” band based out of Southern San Diego. Free tickets. Reserved seating at bistro tables is $20 per person. Visit https://artcenter.org/event/hidden-city-sound-series-back-pocket-whiskey-fellas/
Tech tutoring for seniors
The Senior Service Council Escondido is accepting reservations for smart phone (Android and iPhone) and computer tutoring at 728 N Broadway. The tutoring is one-on-one and costs $5 per one hour meeting. For an appointment, call 760-480-0611.
Reception volunteers needed
The Senior Service Council Escondido needs reception volunteers. Responsibilities include handling phone and email inquiries, appointment scheduling, and greeting and directing visitors. Shifts are from 9 a.m. to noon Monday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call 760-480-0611 or email info@sscescondido.org or visit https://escondido-senior-services.org/volunteer
LA MESA
Seminar on choosing fiduciaries
A free class on How to Choose the Right Advisors and Trustees will be offered by Sharp Grossmont Hospital Community Resource Center from 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St. Attendees learn how to identify the professional advisors, fiduciaries or trustees who are the right fit for their personal situation. Free onsite parking. Register at 800-827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com/classes.
NORTH COUNTY
Senior Readers Theater group recruiting volunteers
The Senior Readers Theater group is recruiting volunteers to perform at schools in Oceanside and Carlsbad. The group of retired residents formed the Senior Readers Theater group about 10 years ago to perform children’s stories to school groups and encourage young children to read. Stories are presented using scripts and some props. A performance consists of reading three stories. Rehearsals begin Sept. 8 for the 2025-2026 school year performances. If you are interested in joining the group, email calrtaevent@gmail.com.
LA JOLLA
Luncheon raises awareness about trafficking
The fourth annual Sparkles Foundation Children’s Benefit Fashion Show Luncheon is from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 27 with boutique shopping and silent auction and continues from noon to 2:30 p.m. with lunch and fashion show. The event supports SD Sparkles Foundation Inc.’s mission to help children and fight human trafficking. The event is at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines and brings together elected officials and advocates to raise awareness about child trafficking. The guest speaker is San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 27 and are $150, $50 for children age 12 and younger. Visit https://www.sdsparklesfoundation.org/events/
LAKESIDE
Rhythm ‘N’ Brews concert
The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce and El Capitan Stadium Association will put on the third annual Lakeside Arena Rhythm ‘N’ Brews concert at 5 p.m. Aug.16 at the Lakeside Arena on the Stadium Association’s rodeo grounds. Featuring rhythm, live music, and craft brews. The concert lineup will include Big Sky Moon, Skynyrd Reloaded and headliner Cash’d Out. Doors open at 4 p.m. with shopping and dinner and activities for all ages. Tickets are $25; free for children 10 and younger. VIP tickets will be sold. Visit https://lakesidechamber.org/lakeside-arena-rhythm-n-brews
OCEANSIDE
Lifetime Learning group hosts lectures
The Lifetime Learning group at MiraCosta College hosts two free lectures starting at 1 p.m. Aug. 15 at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus in the Board Room of the Administration Building, Bldg. 1000, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m. Elsa Sevilla, author and TV host at KPBS/PBS will give a presentation on “From Hardship to the Spotlight.” At 2:30 p.m. Gary Lillian, SD Bird Alliance, will discuss “If You Love Birds, You Gotta Love Bugs.” Visit www.miracosta.edu/life
Veterans’ writing group meets
The Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Veterans Association of North County resource center, 1617 Mission Ave. The meeting can also be attended virtually at bit.ly/vwgsdzoom
OCEAN BEACH
Sunset Cliffs Auto Show seeks entries
The Sunset Cliffs Auto Show is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 6, along Point Loma Avenue where it intersects with Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Highlights include live music and entertainment, kid zone featuring hot wheels derby and power wheels race, food trucks, merchandise vendors and community booths along with raffles and Ocean Beach after parties. The Information Booth will be located in the Saint Peter’s Church parking lot. To register for the 3-Point Competition, call 619-222-7901. Spots are limited. Car entry fee is $30, if the car is accepted. Deadline to enter is Aug. 31. Free for spectators. Visit https://oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/annual-events/sunset-cliffs-auto-show
PACIFIC BEACH
Photography exhibit opens at library
A photography exhibit titled “Reflecting/Revisiting,” featuring works by Major Morris (1921-2016) will open Aug. 16 and run through Oct. 23 at the Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St. The exhibit shows work selected by Major Morris’s wife, Anne-Grethe, and represents a “homecoming” to Pacific Beach, where the library hosted one of his first San Diego exhibits in 1997. That exhibition included 39 black and white photographs depicting inner-city life, primarily from the northeastern U.S. This exhibition is divided into three groups: Children’s curiosity and yearning for exploration and learning; Social injustice as documented at the 1968 Poor People’s March on Washington, and Interactions with well-known and aspiring jazz musicians around Boston. A reception is from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 16 at the library, with refreshments. Visit www.pblibraryfriends.org
RANCHO BERNARDO
Back-to-School clothing drive at church
The Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church will hold a Back-to-School Drive-Thru Clothing drive from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 16 at 17010 Pomerado Road. Community members are encouraged to donate a new pair of shorts or jeans and a T-shirt, sizes 5-10 for children in kindergarten through 5th grade or shorts/jeans for boys sizes 10-18 for older students. Plain colored shirts are recommended. Donations will be given to children and youths served by the Poway Unified School District Youth in Transition, Enlisted Project, Solutions for Change, New Day Urban Ministries and San Diego Rescue Mission. Visit rbcommunity.org
RANCHO PENASQUITOS
Free Food Hacks workshop
Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, a local nonprofit, will present a free “Food Hacks That Prevent Waste” workshop from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Aug. 16 at the Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library, 13330 Salmon River Road. This event is sponsored by the city of San Diego. Attendees must pre-register at https://www.solanacenter.org/events/food-hacks-that-prevent-waste-workshop-0825
SAN DIEGO
Annual Military Heroes Festival
The seventh annual Military Heroes Festival with a superhero theme is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 16 in Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station, formerly the Naval Training Center, 2751 Dewey Road. The event, hosted by the Rock Church, is a thank you to active-duty military families, Gold-Star families and active-duty reservists. Highlights include free services and giveaways of groceries, diapers, backpacks, clothing, haircuts and more. Entertainment includes live music, kids zone, sports zone, face painting, crafts, prizes and special appearances by Star Wars Stormtroopers (501st Legion). Free for active-duty military families, gold-star families, active-duty reservists and veterans in need. Register at https://brushfire.com/sdrock/events/603945/details
America’s Finest City Half Marathon
The 48th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is Aug. 17 and volunteers are needed to help out. The scenic half marathon is from the Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma, along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to a finish in historic Balboa Park. Visit https://inmotionevents.com/event/afc-half/
Cultural celebration on Peru at museum
The Heritage of the Americas Museum hosts Balboa Park’s House of Peru for a special cultural celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 16. There will be a vibrant showcase of ancient Peruvian textiles, pottery, music, song, and dance performances. This event is a prelude to the museum’s month-long Hispanic Heritage celebration in September, which will feature a variety of community partners, programs and a visit of live alpacas. Visit https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/museums/heritage-of-the-americas-museum/
Interfaith Awareness weeks starts Aug. 10
The annual Interfaith Awareness Week is Aug. 10-16, hosted by the Poway Interfaith Team. Speakers from a number of faith traditions, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Baha’i and New Thought, will give presentations about their faith via Zoom. There will be 40 presentation on topics ranging from “The Soul of Interfaith,” “Caring For The Earth, An Islamic Perspective” and “Building Heaven on Earth” to “Sacred Scriptures: More Than Just Words” and “Forgiveness —The Key to Interfaith Collaboration.” This year’s theme is “Celebrate and Connect.” Admission is free. Visit https://world-interfaith.com
Free ‘Valley Vibes’ concerts
The free “Valley Vibes” summer concert series is from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 1 in the AMC Theatres Court, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, in Mission Valley. The music ranges from rock, pop, blues and contemporary to jazz. Visit bit.ly/4jFAKeB.
Free class on water-wise gardening
The City Farmers Nursery will hold a free hands-on class on Water Wise Gardening from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at 3110 Euclid Ave. Attendees will learn creative ways to grow plants in gardens, patios, balconies and tiny yards, despite hot weather. Visit https://www.cityfarmersnursery.com/events
Sailor Days at Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum of San Diego holds summertime Sailor Days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 27 at Star of India Wharf, 1492 North Harbor Drive. Visitors can see traditional sailor activities including furling sail, ropemaking, knot-tying and hauling lines aboard the historic Star of India. Kids can join a scavenger hunt throughout the Maritime Museum collection and earn a prize. There will be extra treats. Admission tickets are $28 (18-61), $20 for seniors (62+) and military, $15 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children 5 and younger. For those who want to go out on the water, the Museum offers a 45-minute narrated historic 1914 Pilot boat bay tour as an add-on for $10 with general admission ticket purchase. Visit www.sdmaritime.org.
Monarch School fundraiser benefits unhoused kids
The Monarch School Project, a local nonprofit that helps thousands of unhoused youths and their families, will hold a fundraiser, Raise Up for Monarch 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Monarch School, 1625 Newton Ave, San Diego. The annual event opens the doors of its campus to the public and includes student-led tours, live performances and food. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s transformative programs for San Diego area unhoused youths. Tickets start at $150. Visit monarchschools.org/togetherwethrive
Hemlock Society hosts panel
The Hemlock Society of San Diego will host a Chinese lunch and an Ask the Experts panel on from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 17 at the restaurant, Ma’s House, 5537 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Experts will be there to answer questions about the California law permitting medical aid in dying, about documents needed, DNR orders, getting help in Switzerland, the role of hospice, body disposal options and more. There is a $35 charge for lunch. Donations are welcome. Space is limited. Reservations required at 619 233-4418.
Republican women’s club meets
The Navajo Canyon Club of the Republican Women of California will meet from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15, at The Legacy Hotel, 875 Hotel Circle South. Supervisor Joel Anderson will be the morning speaker. He will discuss his priorities and accomplishments and host a Q&A session. In the afternoon, Assemblyman Carl DeMaio will speak about voter ID, water bills and current issues in California. Registration required by noon Aug. 11 at www.rwcnavajocanyon.org.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Half off pet adoption fees this month
The nonprofit San Diego Humane Society is discounting adoption fees by 50% from Aug. 1–31 to encourage the community to adopt pets. On Aug. 23, all adoption fees will be waived during the “Clear the Shelters Day” adoption event. The promotions are part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign, led by NBCUniversal and Telemundo, at a time when shelters across the country, including San Diego Humane Society, are at or above capacity. San Diego Humane Society is open for walk-in adoptions at campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego. Adoption hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 10 a.m.to 7 p.m. Saturday to Sunday. Each adopted pet is spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Visit sdhumane.org/adopt
Pet adoption fees waived at two county shelters
County Animal Services is waiving pet adoption fees at the Bonita and Carlsbad animal shelters during August as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters program led by NBC and Telemundo. Pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and include a one-year license for dogs living in the department’s service area. The Bonita shelter is at 5821 Sweetwater Road and the Carlsbad shelter is at 2481 Palomar Airport Road. They are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Visit https://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/adopt.html
SANTEE
Final summer concert at park
The final Santee Summer Concert of the season will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Town Center Community Park East. The concert features Jimmy’s Buffet Tribute Band on its “Vacations & Libations” Tour 2025. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Visit https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/
SOLANA BEACH
Free art exhibit
A free art exhibit, titled “Spree” by North County artist Cletus, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Gallery at Once Upon A Frame, 132 E. Cliff St. The exhibit, with live music, features works by Cletus, a Banksy-inspired, self-taught stencil artist. His stencils on canvas, originally created for street art, include themes from pop culture, comic books, graphic novels, video games and science fiction.
VISTA
Operation HOPE fundraiser at theater
Vista-based nonprofit Operation HOPE-North County will hold a fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Moonlight Theatre in Brengle Terrace Park, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive. The evening will feature a performance of “Fiddler on the Roof,” with a portion of proceeds benefiting the nonprofit’s work supporting homeless families with children and single women. Reserved seating starts at $50, including dinner. Visit https://operationhopeshelter.org/
National Senior Citizens Day celebration
The Gloria McClellan Senior Center will host a celebration of senior citizens Aug. 21 at 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. There will be live music by John Lowery during lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (lunch served at noon). The Wood, Wire and Bluegrass band will perform during an afternoon ice cream sundae bar from 1 to 2 p.m. Ancora will play rock and roll favorites during dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. (Self-serve Baked Potato Bar will be open from 5:30 to 6 p.m.) A $4 contribution is suggested for guests age 60 and older and $8 fee for guests 59 and younger for lunch and dinner. Dinner proceeds will benefit the senior nutrition program. RSVP required by Aug. 14 for lunch and/or dinner at 760-643-5288.
Cat adoption center holds cuddle hour
A Cat Cuddle Hour at Love Your Feral Felines is from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the LYFF Adoption Center, 1929 W. Vista Way. The cage-free adoption center is open to the public on weekends for Cat Cuddle Hours. Visitors can cuddle and play with up to 30 cats and kittens for an hour. Cost is a $10 donation; $5 for children. Proceeds go to LYFF’s mission of rescuing cats and providing animal welfare education. Walk-ins are welcome, but weekends are busy, so reservations are recommended. Visit loveyourferalfelines.com/lyff-adoption-center.
Summer Cool Zones for residents
The city of Vista provides residents with local Cool Zones, air-conditioned public places for all ages to cool off in the summer. Cool Zones are open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays at McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave., except holidays. Visit vista.gov.
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Originally Published: August 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM PDT