CARLSBAD
Garden club sells plants
The Carlsbad Garden Club will host its annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at La Costa Coffee Roasting Company, Plaza Paseo Real, 6995 El Camino Real. Proceeds support horticulture scholarships at MiraCosta College and fund garden programs in local elementary and middle schools.
Carlsbad Spirit Benefit Concert supports scholarships
The 14th annual Carlsbad Spirit Benefit Concert is from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 19 at the Discovery Center, 1580 Cannon Road, overlooking Agua Hedionda Lagoon. The event features live music, silent auction and raffles along with food and beverage trucks. The concert is sponsored by the Aron Gunner Memorial Scholarship Foundation and proceeds go to scholarships for Carlsbad High School seniors. Gunner was a Carlsbad High alumnus who died in an auto accident two months after graduating from San Diego State University. Donation is $10 at the door. Visit arongunner.org.
Youth concert features music competition winners
Rotary District 5340 will hold a celebration concert featuring Youth Instrumental Music Competition winners at 1 p.m. April 18 in the Schulman Auditorium at the Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The event will showcase eight outstanding student musicians who were first-place winners in categories including strings, wind, piano, percussion and jazz. Audience members help select recipients of two $1,000 top prizes. Admission is free.
Spring Bloom nature walk
Batiquitos Lagoon will have a free docent-led nature walk at 10 a.m. April 18 themed “The Spring Bloom” open to all ages. The 90-minute walk is along the north trail of the lagoon and will focus on what’s blooming. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Rain cancels the event. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.
Genealogy buffs discuss ‘Civil Registration’
Former genealogy librarian Mary Van Orsdol will discuss “Civil Registration“ from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 14 at the North San Diego County Genealogical Society’s free meeting at the City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. The speaker will present remotely. Registration is necessary only if attending virtually. For the Zoom link, visit nsdcgs.org.
DNA genealogists meet
The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by North San Diego County Genealogical Society, will host John Mitzi for a free presentation on “Parents of Mary and Sam Revealed by Using Banyan DNA” at 1 p.m. April 18 at the Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. The speaker will present remotely. Registration is necessary only if attending virtually. For the Zoom link, visit nsdcgs.org.
CHULA VISTA
‘Make Believe at the Mall’ day
The annual “Make Believe at the Mall” day is from 4 to 6 p.m. April 21 at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista. The free event, held during the weekly farmers market with fresh produce, street food and hand-crafted items, will include character appearances, face painting, superhero- and fairytale-themed make-and-take crafts, and music. Kids can have photos taken with a favorite character, ranging from Spider-Man and Hello Kitty to Super Mario. Admission is free. Visit www.otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/39369.
CORONADO
Coronado Flower Show
The 104th annual Coronado Flower Show, themed “Welcome to the Jungle,” is from 1 to 5 p.m. April 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19 at Spreckels Park, with some activities on April 17, such as a community movie night starting at 5:30 p.m. and Floral Oracle Reading at 6 p.m. The Best in Village self-guided walking tour is from 9 to 11 a.m. April 18. The 1922 Club Gala Velvet Jungle event is from 7 to 10 p.m. April 18. The show includes floral arranging competitions, horticulture displays, demonstrations and lectures along with entertainment, beer and wine garden and shopping along with a Homefront competition that recognizes outstanding gardens of local homes and businesses. For tickets, visit www.coronadoflowershow.com.
DEL MAR
Springtime Tea fundraiser for childhood blindness
The nonprofit Vision of Children will put on a Sip to See Springtime Tea, themed “VOC Through the Looking Glass,” from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 22 at the Del Mar Country Club, 6001 Clubhouse Drive. The event includes boutique shopping, freshly brewed teas, pastries, tea sandwiches, champagne, live music and informal modeling. Proceeds support Vision of Children’s mission to cure childhood hereditary blindness and improve quality of life for children and families. Tickets start at $195. Visit www.visionofchildren.org/spring-tea-2026.
EL CAJON
Golf tournament benefits Shelter to Soldier
Shelter to Soldier will host its 7th annual Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time Golf Tournament at noon April 24 at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan, 3007 Dehesa Road, presented by Frontwave Credit Union. The fundraiser supports the nonprofit’s work rescuing dogs from local shelters and training them as service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related injuries. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Visit www.sheltertosoldier.org/event/7th-annual-saving-lives-one-swing-at-a-time-golf-tournament.
ENCINITAS
Free Family Concert
The North Coast Symphony will put on a free concert, Dancing Around the World, featuring a musical journey across the globe, at 2:30 p.m. April 18 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church. The program includes “Dance in the Hall of the Mountain King” by Grieg and the waltz from “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky, “Aragonaise” from Carmen Suite No. 1 by Bizet, and Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms. Visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.
Community fest at animal shelter
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society will put on a Community Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at 389 Requeza St. Highlights include pet-related vendor booths, market, a beer garden, food, live music and kids’ zone. Visit rchumanesociety.org.
Art Night
Art Night Encinitas is from 6 to 8 p.m. April 18 at City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library and Pacific View Arts Center along with participating galleries. The free community event includes artist talks and meet-and-greets, art workshops and demonstrations along with art exhibits. There will be a free shuttle between sites. Visit EncinitasCA.gov/ArtNight.
Gallery reception for Earth Day
Off Track Gallery hosts a reception, “Celebrating Mother Earth,” during Art Night Encinitas from 5 to 8 p.m. April 18 featuring fine art and handcrafted jewelry by local artists along with live music by The Bud Brothers, free refreshments and seed cards that attract essential pollinators to your garden. Discount on artwork. Visit sandieguitoartguild.com/off-track-gallery.
Book signing event for Grauer School founder
Stuart Grauer, founder and head of school emeritus of The Grauer School, an independent school in Encinitas, published a new book, “The Way to Pancho’s Kitchen: A Trail Guide for Small School Leaders,” and will give a presentation and hold a Q&A along with a book signing from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 14 in Meyer Hall at The Grauer School. RSVP at www.grauerschool.com/book-launch-event.
ESCONDIDO
Bead & Design Show
The Escondido Bead & Design Show is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17 to April 19 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N Escondido Blvd. The marketplace features the work of jewelry artists, beadmakers, gemstone specialists, vintage dealers, textile designers and creative suppliers, live demonstrations and workshops. Tickets are $8 in advance online; $10 at the door. Free parking. Visit beadanddesign.com.
Wings of Hope gathering at hospice
The Elizabeth Hospice will host its free annual “Wings of Hope” community event from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 3 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. The free community gathering honors the lives of loved ones who have died and includes a butterfly release, live music and brief messages on hope and healing. RSVP is required by April 20 at elizabethhospice.org/wings or 760-294-5826.
ESCO Alley Art unveils six murals
ESCO Alley Art, a volunteer group that creates public outdoor art galleries, is holding a community Creek Trail Mural Unveiling at 3:30 p.m. April 18 to celebrate its move from urban alleyways to the Escondido Creek Trail. Six new murals will be unveiled and will be permanently displayed on the Neighborhood Healthcare building, 460 N. Elm St., facing the Escondido Creek Trail. There will be live music, food, drinks, art activities for kids and a chance to meet the artists. Special guests include Escondido Mayor Dane White, among other leaders. Visit escoalleyart.com.
Interactive theatrical experience
An immersive and interactive theatrical experience, “Your Unconscious Mind,” will run at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays April 9 to 19 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Studio 1. Characters representing surrealist artists Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dali and their psychiatrist Sigmund Freud will guide audiences to create surrealist works of art. Tickets are $20. Visit artcenter.org.
FALLBROOK
Avocado Festival
The Fallbrook Avocado Festival is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19 on Main Avenue. The avocado-themed event includes craft vendors, food, wine and beer garden, entertainment, artisan walk and contests. For kids, there’s a race, fun zone and best-dressed avocado contest. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/avocado-festival.
LA MESA
Soroptimists hold Wine Tasting
The nonprofit Soroptimist International of La Mesa will host a Sip & Snack Wine Tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. April 19 at San Pasqual Tasting Room, 8364 La Mesa Blvd. The event will include one tasting wine flight with each registration, silent auction, raffle prizes and light snacks. The La Mesa group formed in 1951. Visit silamesa.org.
Health Care Decisions Day
A free workshop for National Health Care Decisions Day is from 1 to 3 p.m. April 17 offered by Sharp Community Resource Center at Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St. The workshop discusses how to specify health care preferences before an urgent medical situation arises. Free parking. Register at 800-827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com/classes.
LEMON GROVE
Swing concert
The Lemon Grove Forward Club and Lemon Grove Art Collective host a concert, “Sanctified in Swing,” at 7 p.m. April 17 at the Neighborhood event venue, 7963 Broadway. Tickets are $20; proceeds benefit Lemon Grove Art Collective.
NORTH COUNTY
Raise Lake Hodges topic of talk
The North County Republican Women hold a breakfast meeting at 10 a.m. April 15 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe. The featured speakers are Paul Bernstein and Robert Dudley, both recognized for their efforts with their organization, Raise Lake Hodges. The mission of their organization is to lower the risk of wildfires, increase water storage, expand habitats for wildlife and preserve ecological balance along with reducing water costs. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Cost is $30; $25 for members. RSVP by April 13 at www.ncrwsd.org.
OCEANSIDE
Veterans’ Writing Group meets
The nonprofit Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 at the Veterans Association of North County resource center, 1617 Mission Ave. The group helps veterans, active-duty service members and their families connect through writing. Participants can tell their stories, receive feedback, develop their writing and become published authors. Visit sites.google.com/view/veteranswritinggroup/home.
Surf museum’s 40th anniversary
The California Surf Museum will celebrate its 40th anniversary and hold a grand opening for a new exhibit, “Surfing: Hawaiian Royalty’s Gift to the World,” from 1 to 4 p.m. April 12 at 312 Pier View Way. There will be light appetizers, wine, beer and a display of 17-foot wooden boards. Docents will give a tour of the exhibits. Visit surfmuseum.org/current-exhibits/surfriding-hawaiian-royaltys-gift-to-the-world.
‘Art of Music’ fundraiser
Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation will hold its “Art of Music” fundraiser, a Painted Piano Party featuring the iconic Painted Pianos played by local artists, from 5 to 7 p.m. April 24 at the El Camino Country Club. Highlights include live musical entertainment on hand-painted pianos, cocktails, wine and mocktails, appetizers and desserts, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $85. Proceeds go to scholarships for local high school students pursuing the visual, performing and literary arts. Visit ocaf.info/a-painted-piano-party-support-the-arts-in-oceanside.
Free lifelong learning lectures
The LIFE learning group at MiraCosta College hosts two free lectures starting at 1 p.m. April 17 at the college’s Oceanside campus in the Board Room of the Administration Building, Bldg. 1000, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m. there will be a lecture on “How and Why I Became a Palestine Refugee” led by author Jamal Kanj. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a talk on San Diego Ballet by Javier Velasco, artistic director of the San Diego Ballet. Visit www.miracosta.edu/life.
POINT LOMA
Cowboy Jack concert
Cowboy Jack, aka Jack Johnson, will perform country music from 11 a.m. to noon April 14 at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in the Family Life Center, 2128 Chatsworth Blvd. Visit www.hankshow.com.
POWAY
Woman’s social club marks 53rd year…
POWAY: Woman’s social club marks 53rd year…
Wednesday Etc. a North County woman’s social club that formed in the early 1970’s marks its 53rd annniversary this year. The group of roughly 100 women, offers social activities and special interest groups ranging from travel to Bunco to book club. The group also supports a number of charitable organizations such as Toys for Tots, Military Outreach Mission, Gently Hugged, Valley Elementary School and ECOLIFE Conservation. The club holds a luncheon the second Wednesday of each month, which includes entertainment. Members typically come from Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Escondido and surrounding areas, but the club is open to all San Diego area women. Pictured are members of the club’s travel group having lunch at O’Sullivans in Escondido. Photo courtesy of Wednesday Etc. Photo by Kathy Jelsma
RANCHO BERNARDO
Free art demonstration
The North County Society of Fine Arts runs a free art demonstration from 12:30 to 2 p.m. April 14 at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The demo will be presented by award-winning artist Rose Irelan, who will demonstrate her palette, compositions, ocean waves and capturing light. Social hour with refreshments is from 11:30 a.m. to noon; the general meeting is from noon to 12:30 p.m. followed by the demonstration.
SAN DIEGO
Panda Fest features food, performances
The Panda Fest is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 25 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 26 at Waterfront Park featuring a food festival, cultural performances, art demonstrations and theatrical showcases. The festival highlights the diversity of Asian cultures with more than 200 dishes from over 80 food vendors, representing cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond, ranging from street food to fusion bites. A marketplace with include more than 30 vendors showcasing Asian-inspired crafts, apparel, accessories and specialty goods. Highlights include K-pop dance crews, Chinese lion dances, and Japanese sword/kendo and samurai demonstrations. Tickets are $15; VIP $35. Saturday tickets are priced $2 more. Visit www.pandafests.com.
Special needs resource fair
A Day of Play: Starry Cinema & Resource Fair is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 19 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone, 6845 University Ave., hosted by the Special Needs Resource Foundation. There will be an activity station, crafts, games, giveaways, a Spotlight on Reading station, as well as story time and a free book for each child and resources for the special needs community. Free admission. Visit specialneedsresourcefoundationofsandiego.com/program/all-inclusive-day-of-play-resource-fair.
Disco-themed bingo fundraiser
The Junior League of San Diego will host a disco-themed bingo fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. April 17 at its Bankers Hill headquarters, 210 Maple St., with bingo, light bites and beverages. Proceeds support the league’s work across San Diego. Tickets are $25. Visit www.jlsd.org.
‘Rhythm of the 90s’ event benefits Home Start
Home Start, a local nonprofit that works to prevent child abuse and strengthen families, will hold its annual Blue Ribbon Gala, themed “Rhythm of the 90s,” from 5:30 to 11 p.m. April 25 at the historic US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway. Highlights include a three-course dinner, live and silent auctions, live entertainment and dancing, along with firsthand stories from Home Start families. Tickets start at $400. Visit www.blueribbongala.com.
Earth & Engineering Day at mall
The Mission Valley Mall, in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers, hosts a free family-friendly Earth & Engineering Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18. Highlights include hands-on STEM exhibits, eco-focused vendors and interactive activities for kids. Visit www.mission-valley.com.
Women’s History Tour
A Balboa Park Women’s History Tour is from 10 to 11 a.m. April 18 starting at the Bea Evenson Fountain, 1875 El Prado, in Balboa Park. The tour was developed with the Center for Women’s History at the San Diego History Center and highlights the historical and contemporary women whose vision, leadership, and creativity helped shape Balboa Park into a cultural destination. Upcoming tours are the same time May 16 and June 20. Free; suggested $5 donation. Email visitor@balboapark.org or call 619-239-0512, ext. 8.
Architects put on ‘Gill to Gill’ talk
Friends of San Diego Architecture hosts a presentation on “Gill to Gill” led by architects Ricardo Rabines and Taal Safdie on the Oceanside Museum of Art expansion, at 10 a.m. April 18 at the San Diego History Center, Casa de Balboa, 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. Visit friendsofsdarch.com/oceanside-museum-art.
Challenge Center opens new office
The nonprofit Challenge Center opened a new facility at 9596 Chesapeake Drive, providing physical therapy, fitness and wellness programs for seniors and folks with physical disabilities, and launched a Senior Innovation Hub with ElderHelp and Meals on Wheels to offer mobility training, fall prevention, nutrition support and caregiver resources. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Visit challengecenter.org.
Orchids in Balboa Park
The San Diego County Orchid Society will put on its annual Orchids in the Park Show & Sale from noon to 6 p.m. April 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19 in Balboa Park. The “Orchids of the Earth” show includes indoor show at Casa del Prado. Orchid sales start at 10 a.m. April 18. Free admission. Visit sdorchids.com.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Growing Green Spaces grant program accepting applications
The San Diego Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofits and public entities through April 30 for its new Growing Green Spaces Grant Program, which funds community-led projects that expand trees, gardens and green areas in neighborhoods most affected by climate and environmental challenges. Grants of $15,000 to $40,000 will support efforts to cool overheated areas, improve air quality and increase access to nature across San Diego County. Visit SDFoundation.org/GrowingGreenSpaces.
SOLANA BEACH
Talk on fire-resilient Landscaping
The Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society hosts a free presentation on “Fire-resilient Landscaping with Native Plants” at 5 p.m. April 16 at Fletcher Cove Community Center, 133 Pacific Ave. There will be an overview of efforts to expand native pollinator habitat in Solana Beach and a presentation by fire-ecology expert Greg Ruben, owner of California’s Own Native Landscape Design. Visit solanabeachcivicandhistoricalsociety.org/news-and-events.
VISTA
Earth Day Festival at botanic garden
The annual Earth Day Festival at the 14-acre Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 in Brengle Terrace Park, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive, at the top of the hill. Highlights include children’s Earth Day activities, plant sale, live music, art and dance performances along with food and vendors. Free admission. Visit altavistabotanicalgardens.org.
Sorority celebrates Founder’s Day
The Hidden Valley Vista City Council of Beta Sigma Phi International will celebrate its 95th Founder’s Day, themed “Sisters are different flowers from the same garden,” at 10:30 a.m. April 25 at Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. Cost is $36.50 per person, including either classic Cobb salad and chicken Alfredo, or caprese sandwich with tomato basil bisque. Open to Beta Sigma Phi members, active, inactive or on leave. Reserve by April 16 at 760-889-3552.
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