2025 San Diego County Fair

The Humane Society and Del Mar Fairgrounds partnered for a “Summer Pet-tacular”-themed county fair this year, which continues to run through July 6, 11 am. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. The fair features a wide variety of activities and events, including rides, entertainment, exhibits, food and more. Call 858-755-1161 or visit sdfair.com for more information.

Fireworks at San Diego County Fair

A patriotic celebration will be held all day on July 4 topped off with fireworks at 9 p.m., which can be viewed throughout the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. On-site general parking is $16, if purchased in advance online; $20 at gate. There will be free parking at Canyon Crest Academy and $10 parking at Del Mar Horsepark, with free shuttles. Admission is $13-$25 for ages 6 and older. Visit sdfair.com.

Concerts at the Cove

The city of Solana Beach and the Belly Up host the Summer Concerts at the Cove series, which brings local musicians to the Fletcher Cove Park stage from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 7 for audiences of all ages. The Destroyers. The July 3 concert features Harmonica Blues, Billy Watson and the July 10 concert features Jackstraws. Bring low-back beach chairs, blankets and picnics. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org/en/events/concerts-cove-10

Del Mar Summer Twilight Concerts

The Del Mar Foundation will host the Del Mar Summer Twilight Concert series on four dates this summer. 6 p.m. opening act, 7 p.m. headliner. Remaining three concerts: July 8, July 29 and Aug. 12. Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar. Visit delmarfoundation.org/programs/twilight

Del Mar Foundation invites all to celebrate America’s birthday at July 4 parade

The Del Mar Foundation invites all in the community to join them at Powerhouse Park on the morning of July 4 to celebrate America’s birthday.

The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cub Scouts Pack 734 and the National Anthem performed by Del Mar Community Connections’ Singing Together.

Del Mar’s Junior Lifeguards, Uncle Sam, and city leaders, followed by a Del Mar Fire Department fire truck, will then lead a parade down Coast Blvd. and back to Powerhouse Park. After the parade, lemonade donated by Jake’s Del Mar as well as cookies will be served. Coast Blvd. at 15th Street, north along the parade route, will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Rancho Santa Fe to hold 44th Annual Fourth of July Parade and Picnic

America will be celebrated in Rancho Santa Fe at the 44th Annual Fourth of July Parade and Picnic on Friday, July 4.

The parade will kick off at 1 p.m. through the village streets, featuring vintage cars, equestrians, fire trucks, parade princesses, floats, Harmony Grove Band, decorated bikes and scooters, Color Guard, golf carts, and more.

The parade will be preceded by a picnic lunch at 11 a.m. by the RSF Golf Club on the village green. Hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, chips and ice cream from The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will be for sale with proceeds benefiting the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center.

Those interested in being a part of the festive parade are encouraged to line up in the R. Roger Rowe School parking lot at 12:15 p.m. Children must stay in the area with their parents while the parade is forming and wear helmets if on a bike or scooter. Please keep dogs on a leash.

The parade is sponsored by the Rancho Santa Fe Association, the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, the RSF Polo Club and the RSF Community Center.

Mac McBride to share stories about his Del Mar horse racing industry experiences

On Tuesday, July 15, Mac McBride is returning to La Colonia Community Center in Solana Beach as a guest speaker of Solana Beach Community Connections (SBCC). McBride’s presentation begins at 6 p.m. La Colonia Community Center is located at  715 Valley Avenue. The event is open to the public, and there is no charge for admission.

McBride has been associated with the horse racing industry for over 50 years. During this time, McBride has gathered innumerable stories and plenty of insight. He’s been a member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club media staff for almost 45 years. Last year McBride accepted an invitation from SBCC and shared anecdotes about his experiences and observations, according to a news release.

Del Mar horse racing opening day

Horse racing fans and those who like to wear over-the-top hats and stylish blazers can show off their expertise and fashion sense at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s opening day on Friday, July 18. This event has everything from a hat contest, signature drinks and food to an after-party and horse racing. For those who cannot make it to opening day, the summer racing season goes until Sept. 7.  Opening day: 11:30 a.m. July 18. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Visit dmtc.com/racing

North Coast Symphony Fairy Tales Pops Concert

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents Fairy Tales Pops Concert, a program of enchanting music, on Saturday, July 12 at 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. From Tchaikovsky’s elegant Waltz from Sleeping Beauty to the iconic themes of Harry Potter, Beauty and the Beast, The Hobbit, Hook, and Frozen, the concert presents a journey through some of the most enchanting stories ever told. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

“Top Gun” and San Diego Symphony Orchestra

Feel the need for speed at The Rady Shell this summer at a special “Top Gun: Maverick” concert. Fans of Maverick, Goose, Rooster and other “Top Gun: Maverick” characters can see the film with a live production of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. They will perform the scores and songs from the film that were originally composed by musicians such as Lady Gaga, Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer and Lorne Balfe. 7:30 p.m. July 11. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org

Batiquitos Lagoon nature walk

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a nature walk on Saturday, July 12 at 10 a.m. Join the event for a 90-minute, docent-led walk and enjoy “Summertime in the Wetlands.” As changes in ecosystems play out across the season, subtle changes are happening in the lagoon too. This free, family walk is good for all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information, visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

Renowned doctor to speak on redefining retirement with purpose and passion

Dr. Harry Agress Jr., a physician and author, will speak on how to redefine retirement, based on his new book “Next Years Best Years” during a free workshop at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 at San Diego Oasis, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive in Rancho Bernardo. Registration is required at SanDiegoOasis.org for Class #3091. For details, call 858-240-2880.

Comic-Con

Fanatics of comics, superheroes, Japanese animation, vintage toys and cosplay will gather in the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter for the 2025 Comic-Con International. The schedule for this yearly celebration of pop culture and comics includes panel discussions, movie and television showings, outdoor activations, exhibitions, a masquerade ball and more. July 23-27. San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego. comic-con.org

“The Janeiad”

The Old Globe presents the world premiere of Anna Ziegler’s contemporary twist on Homer’s Odyssey, where a Brooklyn housewife must decide whether to move after her husband disappeared on his way to work 20 years before. 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through July 13. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. $44-$218. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

San Diego Seals open search for new PA announcer

The San Diego Seals are in search of their next arena PA announcer for Pechanga Arena, aka “The Electric Factory” and sports fans and lacrosse fans from far-and-wide are encouraged to let their voices be heard.Long-time Seals announcer Steven Woods announced in April that he would be laying down his mic at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season so the box and mic are now open for the 2025-26 season and beyond. The team is accepting applications and audition tapes athttps://shorturl.at/IfwA9Interested candidates are being asked to submit a one-minute audition video with 30 seconds meant to explain while they believe they’re the ideal candidate and 30 seconds of a game announcing sample (ie: player introduction and goal scoring call).More information is available at https://www.teamworkonline.com/other-sports-jobs/nll/san-diego-seals-jobs/pa-announcer-2124974.

Braver Angels San Diego social gathering

Join Braver Angels San Diego Alliance for a relaxed, informal social on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. – noon. Instead of the group’s regular monthly meeting, it is gathering to simply connect and build community. The group will meet at the Carmel Valley Recreation Center at 3777 Townsgate Dr., Carmel Valley (92130). RSVP to Ksimmons@braverangels.org. Participants will be by the picnic tables. Bring an extra chair if you like, or a favorite snack, lunch or beverage. Drinks and bagels will be provided. Come ready to enjoy good conversation with fellow Braver Angels. All are welcome. Visit www.braverangels.org for more information.

Seacrest Summer Soirée benefits seniors

The Seacrest Summer Soirée, hosted by the Seacrest Foundation’s Women’s Auxiliary, is at 6 p.m. July 26 in La Jolla. Highlights include dinner, dancing and live entertainment by Bonnie Foster Productions, along with a live auction. Proceeds will go to the foundation’s Resident Assistance Fund, which provides charitable care to senior residents in need at Seacrest Village retirement community. Tickets are $500; $180 for Rising Leaders (young professionals under 40). Sponsorships are available. Location details will be given during registration. Visit seacrestfoundation.org/gala2025.

Tramonto Music Festival

July 18-20 at Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive. Friday, 7 p.m., Tramonto: Liquid Harmonies; Saturday, 7 p.m., Tramonto: Echoes of the South; Sunday, 2 p.m., Tramonto: Eternal Classics.The Tramonto Music Festival was established by the City of Encinitas to offer audiences access to exceptional classical music experiences. Tramonto is produced by Jacopo Giacopuzzi and features an ensemble of notable and award-winning international musicians.For tickets and more information go to www.encinitasca.gov/community/cultural-arts/concerts/tramonto

Balboa Park Twilight Concerts

The Balboa Park Twilight Concert series is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 28 at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The Marine Band San Diego will perform June 24, 8 Track Highway on June 25 and Lady J and the Soulful Knights on June 26. For the schedule, visit balboapark.org/twilight-concerts.

America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K

The 48th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is returning to San Diego on Aug. 17, where over 1,500 runners are expected to complete the 2025 San Diego Foundation SoCal Triple Crown race series. Those who accomplish the challenge will have completed any distance offered in three of In Motion Events’ keystone races within the same calendar year. The series kicks off with the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K in January, then the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K in March and concludes with the America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K. Registration for America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is currently open.For more information about In Motion Events, visit www.inmotionevents.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

–San Diego Union-Tribune contributed to this report