36th Annual Taste of Encinitas

The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association will hold the 36th Annual Taste of Encinitas on Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., along Coast Hwy 101 in downtown Encinitas. With the purchase of a ticket, participants will be able to enjoy tastes from a number of local restaurants, sample wine and beer at Sip Stops, and enjoy a variety of live music. Tickets are now on sale for $60. In addition to the Sip Stops, the Taste will feature locations serving non-alcoholic beverages, such as non-alcoholic beer, mocktails, kombucha and coffee. Reusable cups will be sponsored by C3 Bank. Tickets can now be purchased online at https://www.encinitas101.com/events/taste-of-encinitas-2025. The event sells out every year so it is recommended to buy tickets early, a news release stated.

19th Annual LeucadiART Walk

Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association will present the 19th Annual LeucadiART Walk on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. The event features 12 Artist Plazas along the one mile stretch from The Brown Studio at 1144 N. Coast Hwy 101 to Leucadia Glass 396 N. Coast Hwy 101. With more than 100 participating fine-artists, sculptors, potters, photographers, printmakers and handmade crafters, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The event also includes a Children’s Artwalk filled with art projects, family fun, live music, food, beverages and entertainment, according to a news release. For more information, visit www.leucadia101.com

New York Times bestselling author speaks at library

Caitlin Rother, New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist, will visit her hometown branch library, the La Jolla/Riford Library, at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 30 to “talk true crime.” In conversation with Justin Brooks, the founding director of the California Innocence Project, Rother will discuss her book “Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice.” Visit sandiego.gov/public-library.

Taste of New Orleans at Del Mar Fairgrounds

The fifth annual Taste of New Orleans Food & Music Festival is from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. The festival features Cajun cuisine ranging from gumbo, po’boys and jambalaya to fried shrimp platters and beignets. Several local restaurants and vendors will be participating. There will be live music from noon to 6 p.m. including the Euphoria Brass Band and Chunky Hustle Brass Band. Highlights include artisan and craft vendors, the Rad Hatter, stilt-walkers and Mardi Gras-style Second Line processions. The family-friendly event is open to all ages, with free admission for children 10 and younger. For advance tickets, visit taste-neworleans.com.

Del Mar racetrack summer season continues

The Del Mar racetrack’s 86th summer season runs through Sept. 7. Here are some of the upcoming events:• Sat., Aug. 30 – $1,000,000 Pacific Classic – Known as Del Mar’s richest and most prestigious race, the Pacific Classic is where the country’s top horses compete and the event carries a $1 million purse. Pacific Classic is also a Breeders’ Cup win-and-you’re-in race, with the winner able to return to Del Mar and participate when the track hosts horse racing world championships on Oct. 31 + Nov. 2.• Sun., Aug. 31 – Family Fun Day, 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Family Fun Day returns with a full lineup of activities for all ages, along with guest appearances from the SDSU Aztecs Men’s Basketball team. Guests can enjoy free, kid-friendly attractions such as inflatable obstacle courses, face painting, bungee trampolines, a pony boy meet-and-greet, and more. Kids under 17 get free admission.For more information on events and tickets, go to dmtc.com.

45th annual Greek Festival

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church will hold the 45th annual Cardiff Greek Festival from Sept. 6-7. Highlights include a variety of authentic Greek food and drinks, a traditional Greek marketplace, music by the Southern California Greek band The Olympians and folk dance performances featuring traditional costumes along with guided dance instruction and a kids zone. The Rev. Michael Sitaras will host tours of the church throughout the weekend.The marketplace includes Greek imports, fine jewelry, artwork and a Greek deli. A chance to win a $20,000 cash drawing or four home plate Padres tickets including food, beverages and parking (up to $2,600 value) will be offered. Tickets are $20 at the festival or by request at cardiffgreekfestival@gmail.com. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 6 and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at 3459 Manchester Ave. Admission is $4; free for children younger than 12, and active military, police and firefighters with ID. Free parking is at the adjacent MiraCosta College. No pets are allowed; ADA-certified service dogs only. Visit cardiffgreekfest.com.

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

The third annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival will be held Sept. 10-14, with a lineup of events that include a sports-themed opening party, four celebrity chef wine dinners, a pickleball tournament, after-party and a two-day outdoor grand tasting event. Founded two years ago by a group of San Diego business, sports and media leaders, the festival’s goal was to celebrate not just San Diego’s culinary scene but also its sports offerings, scenery and lifestyle. It also supports the community, having raised more than $75,000 so far for Feeding San Diego, a San Diego Union-Tribune story states. For more information and tickets go to delmar.wine

Shelter to Soldier holds gala

Shelter to Soldier, a nonprofit that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become service dogs for post-9/11 veterans, will host its 13th annual ‘‘Be the Light’’ fundraising gala presented by SDBotox from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 at L’Auberge Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar. There will be musical entertainment, drinks and bites, and silent and live auctions followed by a three-course dinner with views of the ocean and testimonials from veteran recipients. Visit bit.ly/STSGala13.

Emilio Nares Foundation to host 22nd annual Harvest for Hope

The San Diego-based nonprofit Emilio Nares Foundation, which provides assistance to families with children who are experiencing life-threatening conditions, is hosting its 22nd annual Harvest for Hope at Julep Venue on Sept. 4 from 6-9 p.m. According to the nonprofit’s website, the event will include tastings from local chefs and vintners, live and silent auctions, and “the opportunity to ring the bell of hope for a child’s journey. ”Tickets to Harvest for Hope are $250 per guest. Julep Venue is located at 1735 Hancock St. For tickets and more information, visit ENFHope.org. Emilio, the San Diego nonprofit’s namesake, died from leukemia before turning 6, about three years after he was diagnosed. In 2025, he would have celebrated his 30th birthday. Richard and Diane Nares, his mother and father, launched the nonprofit about 20 years ago.

Fall Art & Wine Walk at The Forum Carlsbad

The Forum Carlsbad will host its annual Fall Art & Wine Walk on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 3 to 6 p.m., inviting guests to explore a vibrant celebration of creativity, flavor and community connection. This complimentary event blends curated art installations with wine tastings and live acoustic music in the inviting open-air atmosphere The Forum Carlsbad. For more information, visit theforumcarlsbad.com. The Forum Carlsbad is located at 1905 Calle Barcelona, Suite 200, Carlsbad.

Nature Collective to hold Discovery Tour and Wildlife Tour

Nature Collective is hosting two free events in September, including a Discovery Tour on Saturday, Sept. 6, and a Wildlife Tour on Saturday, Sept. 13. Nature Collective is a local conservation and science education nonprofit organization. They work to restore habitats, provide healthier waters, and increase wildlife diversity. They are dedicated to conserving the land and providing experiences for people to fall in love with nature, according to a news release.• Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Discovery Tour: Ages 9+ — registration required San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea) RSVP: https://naturecollective.org/event/discovery-tour-september-6/ This guided tour will inspire all to watch and listen for various birds that rest in — and fly across — the salt marsh and mudflats. No matter the season, participants can enjoy, photograph, and identify a host of native plants. The Nature Center Loop Trail is accessible, providing fun for all.• Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wildlife Tour: Ages 15+ (registration required) San Elijo Lagoon (meet-up location will be emailed to registered participants) RSVP: https://naturecollective.org/event/wildlife-tour-september-13/ As summer days shorten, the earliest winter birds arrive. Keen observers may witness small flocks of Phalaropes swimming in dizzy circles in the quiet ponds. The event is weather permitting, and wildlife is unpredictable; there is no guarantee of what participants will see.

Encinitas Cruise Nights

The summer Encinitas Cruise Nights with classic and vintage cars and local bands continues from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 along Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas. Cars can park in spaces along Coast Highway or cruise down the street. The event is on the third Thursday of the month through Sept. 18. Visit encinitas101.com/encinitas-cruise-nights.

Pet adoption fees waived this month at animal shelter

Rancho Coastal Humane Society will waive adoption fees on adult pets 6 months and older through Aug. 31 as part of the annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign led by NBCUniversal and Telemundo stations, which features an extended fundraising campaign through Sept. 15. Visit sdpets.org.

Animal shelter seeks teen foster volunteers

The Teen Foster Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society gives teenagers 15 and older a chance to work hands-on with homeless animals while they earn service hours for their school or other organization. The average length of stay in foster care is four to six weeks. Training and parent approval are required. For more information, call 760-753-6413 or visit sdpets.org.

Death Cafe Hosted by Selena Jong of Moving Through — Death Doula

At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to have refreshments and discuss death. The group’s objective is to increase awareness of death helping people make the most of their lives. The goal is to create an inviting, safe space to share the heartfelt experience of diving into a taboo topic which unites everyone. Free admission. Saturday Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., reoccurring every fourth Saturday of the month. The event is held at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive, Encinitas. RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com (www.deathcafe.com)

Junior surf contest

Entries are being accepted for the nonprofit Windansea Surf Club’s annual junior surf contest, The Menehune, slated for Oct. 4 at La Jolla Shores. Long board and short board divisions for all age groups are offered for boys and girls age 16 and younger, including the Super Menehunes for age 7 and younger. The club will award $250 educational scholarships to the top eight age group divisions for boys and girls. The deadline for applications is Sept. 26. Visit windanseasurfclub.org.

Surf museum event honors skateboarders

The California Surf Museum will put on an event, “Rolling from the ’60s into the ’70s,” that highlights the people who made skateboarding a worldwide phenomenon, from 3 to 8 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. The event includes cocktails, a silent auction and dinner. Proceeds support the work of the California Surf Museum and the Skateboarding Hall of Fame Museum. The California Surf Museum will present the Silver Skater Award to eight skateboarders who have made significant contributions to the culture and evolution of skateboarding. Single tickets are $85. Visit surfmuseum.org.

Luncheon raises awareness about trafficking

The 4th 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/

La Jolla events

• ArtPower at UC San Diego presents Nathan Chester & the Old Souls Motown Revival at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at UCSD’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $15-$48. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/nathan-chester-oldsoulsmotown• The La Jolla Music Society presents its annual SummerFest series of classical music concerts through Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. In addition to the 20 ticketed concerts, 50 free events including open rehearsals, Artist Lounges, Encounters, coaching workshops and musical preludes will be offered throughout the festival. Full schedules and ticket information: theconrad.org/summerfest, theconrad.org/summerfest-learning-and-engagement• Warwick’s bookstore hosts author Kim Fay as she discusses her book “Kate & Frida: A Novel of Friendship, Food and Books” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $28 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/fay-2025• Stephanie Paige will have a launch event for her book “The Grateful Artist” from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery, 7946 Ivanhoe Ave., La Jolla. 858-551-2010• Warwick’s bookstore presents Dr. Julie Taylor discussing her book “The Hormone Manual” in conversation with Kristin Matthews at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $26 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/julie-taylor-2025• Author Sharon Kurtzman discusses her book “The Lost Baker of Vienna” at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, via Zoom in an event presented by Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla. Free. warwicks.com/event/kurtzman-2025

Originally Published: August 19, 2025 at 4:07 PM PDT