Local and regional things to do include galas, concerts, tours and more – San Diego Union-Tribune

North Coast Rep Spotlight Gala: An Evening of Laughter with Rita Rudner

All are invited to attend the celebration of North Coast Repertory Theatre’s 44th Anniversary Season on May 16, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. The evening will begin in the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. Attendees will then transition to their grand ballroom for a seated dinner, live auction items, Artists Advocacy/Paddle Raise and a hilarious performance by Rita Rudner. At the 2026 Spotlight Gala KPBS will be recognized as San Diego’s Champion for the Arts.For tickets and more information, visit shorturl.at/t6YYv

Mainly Mozart’s “Savor Every Note” music series concert at Fairbanks Ranch

Two of the New York Philharmonic’s leading principal players take the stage for an extraordinary weekend of chamber music Saturday, April 11 (4 p.m.), and Sunday, April 12 (4 p.m.) at Mainly Mozart’s “Savor Every Note” music series to be held at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.Concertmaster Frank Huang and Principal Violist Cynthia Phelps bring their remarkable artistry to Fairbanks Ranch for an intimate and electrifying program. A “Sparkling Wine Welcome” is held at 4 p.m. and the event begins at 4:30 p.m. both days. For tickets and more information, go to www.mainlymozart.org

Del Mar Community Garden Tour

The Del Mar Garden Club will offer a tour of three unique community gardens on May 9. Docents will share the history of the gardens, talk about the plantings and answer questions. Maps will be available at Del Mar City Hall at 10 a.m., where visitors can check out the on-site Pollinator Garden and then begin the tour of the Del Mar Library Drought Tolerant Garden, the nearby Del Mar Community Building Succulent Garden, and then the Del Mar Post Office Shade Garden.Hours: 10 a.m. to noon. Admission: free. Info: delmargardenclub.org

Once Upon A Frame Gallery to hold artist event

Once Upon A Frame art gallery in Solana Beach will hold an event showcasing artist Paul Kauffman’s work on Saturday, April 18, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. with a live painting demonstration from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. “In the Presence of Color: Recent works by Paul Kauffman” will be held at OUAF Gallery at Once Upon A Frame, 132 E. Cliff St., Solana Beach.Kauffman’s paintings are built through layers of color, texture, and intuitive mark-making. The work invites viewers to slow down and experience color as mood, movement, and presence.Visit www.onceuponaframe.com for more information on OUAF.

The Del Mar Historical Society presents ‘Life’s a Beach’

The Del Mar Historical Society will hold an event titled “Life’s a Beach” featuring retired Del Mar lifeguards Jack Ross and Brett Mattei who will share stories about the history of Del Mar’s service.The event will be held on Thursday, April 16, 6 p.m. at Del Mar Town Hall. Free for Del Mar Historical Society members. $25 donation recommended for non-members (one year membership). Reservations required.To make reservations, go to www.delmarhistoricalsociety.org

Classes on ‘Cybersecurity Awareness and Avoiding Scams’

Solana Beach Community Connections continues its partnership with Senior Tech Connect sponsoring further instruction about using smart phones and other technologies at no cost to participants, according to a news release.The next set of classes will be held on Thursday, April 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon in the classroom at La Colonia Community Center. The center is located at 715 Valley Avenue in Solana Beach. The workshop will cover four themes in cybersecurity, addressing one topic each week. Dylan Willis from Senior Tech Connect will be the instructor. Willis is a San Diego Market president at Senior Tech Connect. He is a Marine Corps veteran with a background in cybersecurity and network administration.Space is limited and registration is required. Participants must register in advance for the four workshops and attend at least three of them. Registration is limited to 20 participants per course. To register, call or text the SBCC phone number at 858-284-6619. Please indicate that you’re signing up for the April Cybersecurity Workshops clearly stating your name, phone number and email address. You will receive an email or text confirming your registration.If you are a senior requiring transportation, call the SBCC phone number at 858-284-6619.

Del Mar Community Connections to host Resource Fair

Del Mar Community Connections (DMCC) will host the first-ever Del Mar Senior Fair on Saturday, April 18, from noon until 4 p.m. in the upper plaza of the Del Mar Civic Center (1050 Camino Del Mar). The event will be held in partnership with the Del Mar Farmers Market, which will be operating the regular weekly market simultaneously in the lower plaza. Older adults are invited to attend the Senior Fair and bring friends and loved ones. The free event features representatives from more than 30 nonprofit and government organizations offering resources and benefits to local seniors.In addition to learning about great community resources, current and new DMCC participants and volunteers will have the opportunity to get interactive by participating in activity demonstrations, get creative by visiting the Connection Station, enter an opportunity drawing, and pick up a free slice of traditional Del Mar Lemon Cake.To learn the latest event news, see the list of exhibitors, sign up to volunteer for the event, or download a flyer or social media graphic to help spread the word, visit www.dmcc.cc/seniorfair.

The Country Friends to hold Annual Spring Luncheon ‘Palm Royale’

The Country Friends presents “Palm Royale” its Annual Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, April 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club in Solana Beach.The event features an afternoon of sparkling champagne, elegant dining, curated boutique shopping and opportunity drawings, all benefiting The Country Friends which, since it was founded in 1954, has provided more than $15 million to San Diego County-based charities with special emphasis on women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities. Visit www.thecountryfriends.org for tickets and more information.

Solana Beach Historical Society offers scholarships

The Solana Beach Civic & Historical Society offers two $3,500 scholarships for high school students or adult learners to help finance college, graduate school or technical school tuition. Applicants must be current residents with home addresses in Solana Beach and have a grade-point average of at least 2.5 on a four-point scale, or equivalent. Completed applications must be received by April 30. Application instructions are at sb-chs.org.

Del Mar Plaza to hold Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival

The Del Mar Plaza Easter Egg Hunt and Spring Festival will be held Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Del Mar Plaza.The event will include more than 500 eggs hidden around the Del Mar Plaza, a visit from the Easter Bunny, live music, face painting and a photo booth. All are welcome to attend the free community event the Del Mar Plaza states at delmarplaza.com/event/del-mar-plaza-easter-egg-hunt-spring-festival/Del Mar Plaza is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar.

Solana Beach Children’s Spring Festival & Egg Hunt

Children’s Spring Festival & Egg Hunt: Free event at 10:30 a.m. April 4 at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Ave. Children in third grade and younger can collect eggs filled with treats and prizes. There will be jumpers, crafts, games, photos with the Spring Bunny and piñatas. Refreshments include lemonade, coffee, popcorn and cookies. Bring a basket or bag. Visit ci.solana-beach.ca.us.

Easter Bunny visits PHR Village

The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch will host a spring holiday celebration with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event will include complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny, live music with Kathryn the Grape, face painting and temporary glitter tattoos. The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch is located at 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Parkway, Carmel Valley.

North County Republican Women breakfast meeting to feature guest speakers

The North County Republican Women (NCRW) will meet for a breakfast meeting Wednesday, April 15, at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. for a 10 a.m. meeting. The cost is $25/members and $30/non-members. The featured speakers will be Dr. Paul Bernstein and Robert Dudley, both recognized leaders for their efforts in leading public policy to ensure community well-being, according to a news release. The purpose of their organization, Raise Lake Hodges, is to lower the risk of wildfires, increase water storage, expand habitats for wildlife, and preserve ecological balance along with the economic benefit of reducing water costs.RSVP at www.ncrwsd.org by Monday, April, 13 if you plan to attend.

North Coast Symphony presents free family concert

Bring the family for a musical journey across the globe in Dancing Around the World, a free family concert by the North Coast Symphony, on Saturday, April 18, 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. Hear the thrilling “Dance in the Hall of the Mountain King” by Grieg, the elegant Waltz from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, the fiery “Aragonaise” from Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet, and the spirited Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms—plus more recognizable favorites. The concert is partially funded by a grant from the City of Encinitas. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

The Flower Fields

Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through May 10 at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. Millions of giant tecolote ranunculuses are expected to bloom this season across 55 acres. Attractions range from a Butterfly Encounter, Artist’s Garden and Sweet Pea Maze to tractor wagon rides, concerts and wine-tasting events. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance online and are $27, $25 for seniors and military personnel and $17 for children age 3-10. Season passes are $65, $60 for seniors 60 and older, $40 for children 3-10. Visit theflowerfields.com.

North Coast Rep to feature romantic comedy ‘Beau Jest’

Romantic comedy “Beau Jest” will be presented by the North Coast Repertory Theatre Wednesday, April 22 through Sunday, May 17.Beau Jest, by James Sherman, is a delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat, according to a news release. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self.A talkback with the director Omri Schein and cast is scheduled for Friday, May 1. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. For the complete performance schedule and ticket information, call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org.

Operation Game On to host 11th Annual “15 Inch Cup Challenge”

Operation Game On will hold its 11th Annual “15 Inch Cup Challenge” on Monday, April 13, from 1p.m.-4 p.m. at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club driving range. Check-in starts at 12:30 p.m. The event includes a fun day of golf, craft spirits, great food, live music and a silent auction. Proceeds raised from this event go directly to Operation Game On, which helps rebuild the lives of combat-injured troops and families through the game of golf.For more information and to register go to: www.operationgameon.org

Undy Sunday donation drive arrives at The Village Church

The Undy Sunday donation drive at The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe will collect new underwear and socks to aid the men, women, and children who rely on New Day Urban Ministry for essential services each month.Socks and underwear for all ages (men prefer boxers) can be brought to the church patio on Sunday, April 26 or delivered to the church office at 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, on weekdays until Friday, May 1. For financial gifts, simply mark your check “New Day Undy Sunday” in the memo section and mail to Village Church, Box 704, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. 92067. One-hundred percent of the donations will be given to New Day Urban Ministry.For more information, contact Mary Proctor at mbproctor53@gmail.com.

Rady ‘Dinking for Dollars’ pickleball fundraiser

The La Jolla Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital invites all to attend the 4th Annual beWELL La Jolla “Dinking for Dollars” pickleball fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, at Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego.Enjoy round-robin play, beginner clinics, social matches, drawings, a silent auction, and great food and drinks. Whether you’re playing or cheering, every participant helps support children’s mental health. All proceeds benefit the Copley Psychiatric Emergency Department at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego.For tickets and more information, visit www.rchalajolla.com

Batiquitos Lagoon presentation to feature speaker on ‘Avian Behavior’

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a presentation on April 11 at 10 a.m. titled, “Avian Behavior” given by Hillary Hankey of Avian Behavior Conservancy. She will introduce some remarkable birds of prey, highlighting the power, intelligence, flight, agility, and unique adaptations that make each species a master of its environment. , This free, family event is good for ages 8 and over. Space is limited and is first come, first served. Events take place outside, so please dress accordingly. In case of rain, events will be cancelled. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information, visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

RSF Historical Society tour to feature Lilian Rice rowhouses

The Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society is hosting a rowhouse home tour on Saturday, April 11, a special event celebrating the beautiful, historic homes in the village and the release of a newly commissioned coffee table book on the architectural legacy of Lilian Rice.The new book, “100 Years of Enduring Elegance: the Rowhouses and Estates of Rancho Santa Fe,” was written by author Diane Welch, a Rice biographer, who also wrote “The Life and Times of Lilian J. Rice, Master Architect”. According to the historical society, the 120-page book full of photos and stories was underwritten by generous donors and took about two years to complete. A $50 ticket for the tour will include a copy of the book.Prior to the tour, a VIP book launch and cocktail party will be held on Friday, April 10 from 5-7 p.m. at a private Lilian Rice estate. The event will include book signing with the author, cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment. A VIP ticket for $250 includes one signed book by Diane Welch, access to the cocktail party, and one ticket to the rowhouses walking tour.The four rowhouses on Paseo Delicias were among the first residences in the village, each designed by Rice and holding its own unique history. As part of the tour, which will run from 3-5 p.m., plein air artists from the Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild will be in the courtyards painting. Art Guild painters have captured the homes in artwork featured on tour materials and will be featured in an upcoming art show.Sales of the new “Enduring Elegance” coffee table book directly support the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society.For tickets or more information, visit ranchosantafehistoricalsociety.org/events

14th Annual Regale in the Ranch ‘Studio 54’

The Beach & Country Guild will hold the 14th Annual Regale in the Ranch event titled “Studio 54” on Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at a private home in Rancho Santa Fe. Valet parking included.All proceeds from the event benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego.Put on your Studio 54 best and dance the night away with a live DJ. The event also features libations and delicious bites from local vendors and restaurants, and an opportunity drawing, a news release stated.For more information and tickets, go to shorturl.at/8kmVG

China Town Hall: The U.S.-China Relationship and Implications for Taiwan

The 2026 China Town Hall is a two-part program: a live national videocast on U.S.-China relations, followed by an in-person talk on Taiwan. The first segment will feature Stephen Biegun, former U.S. deputy secretary of state, and Sarah Beran, former senior director for China and Taiwan affairs at the White House National Security Council, as they discuss the present and future trajectory of the U.S.-China relationship.The live videocast will be followed by an in-person talk by Kharis Templeman, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, on the implications of U.S.-China relations for Taiwan. A light reception will follow the in-person talk.The event will be held Tuesday, April 7, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Hybrid lecture 3:30-5 p.m., In-person reception 5-5:30 p.m.) at UC San Diego Ida and Cecil Green Faculty Club, Atkinson Pavilion & Patio (Nearest parking: Scholars parking structure).Registration is required but the lecture is free to all. Register at: shorturl.at/K9yzCChina Town Hall is organized by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and 21st Century China Center (21CCC) at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy in collaboration with The Bishop’s School. For more information about this and other 21CCC events, visit china.ucsd.edu.For any questions, contact GPS Events Coordinator Susan Zau (jszau@ucsd.edu).

Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step Walk

The Parkinson’s Association of San Diego will hold its 24th annual Fighting Parkinson’s Step by Step Walk on April 11 at Liberty Station, 2640 Cushing Road, to fight Parkinson’s disease and support local caregivers and families of those in need. Participants can walk or run a 5K or 2.5K course. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m., the walk begins at 9 a.m. There will be more than 50 exhibitors with resources and information. Advance registration is open for individuals, teams and those who want to sponsors a walker at parkinsonsassociation.org.

Shelter to Soldier to host 7th Annual ‘Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time’ golf tournament

Shelter to Soldier will host its 7th Annual Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time Golf Tournament, presented by Frontwave Credit Union, on Friday, April 24, at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan, located at 3007 Dehesa Road in El Cajon. This annual fundraiser supports the nonprofit’s mission of rescuing dogs from local shelters and training them as service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, and other service-related injuries.Held on the scenic, championship Willow Glen Golf Course, golfers of all skill levels will enjoy a fun afternoon featuring games, competitions, and prizes. Registration opens at 10 a.m., followed by a 12 p.m. shotgun start. Participants will be treated to a boxed sandwich lunch, beverages and spirits sponsored by Mike Hess Brewing Co. and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, event swag bag, and a delicious dinner reception and awards ceremony following the tournament, according to a news release.For more information or to purchase tickets, visit shorturl.at/sSSoz