Things to do include Taste of Cardiff, band shows, tours, theater and more – San Diego Union-Tribune

16th Annual Taste of Cardiff

The 16th Annual Taste of Cardiff will be held Thursday, May 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.The event will be held at restaurants and retailers in downtown Cardiff-by-the-Sea and Restaurant Row along S. Coast Hwy. 101Presented by Cardiff 101 Main Street, the event will feature 20+ beveridges, 10+ Sip Stops, 20+ Tastes, 10+ live bands and photos with friends in the vintage Camera Camper.For more information and to buy your tickets, visit: www.cardiff101.com/events

‘Beau Jest’ at North Coast Rep

“Beau Jest”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents James Sherman’s 1989 comedy about an unmarried Jewish woman trying to please her pushy parents by hiring an actor to pose as her fiance. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8  p.m. Fridays; 2  and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays. Through May 24. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $53.50-$68.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org

‘The Cher Show’

“The Cher Show”: Moonlight Stage Productions presents the San Diego premiere of this Broadway musical about music artist and actor Cher, starring “American Idol” and Broadway star Constantine Maroulis as Gregg Allman. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Opened April 29 and runs through May 16. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $49-$67. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com

Sorelle San Diego’s Spring Concert

Women’s chamber chorus, Sorelle San Diego, will present Heartstrings, a spring concert on Sunday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m. in Encinitas. Directed by Michelle Risling and accompanied by Anna Juliar, Sorelle will perform compelling choral works that examine the idea of the sacred and secular elements that commingle with every human soul. Concert repertoire will address spirit, music, technology, nature, community and more. Location: San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. Visit www.SorelleSanDiego.comSuggested donation $20 general / students free with ID

Battle of the Bands

The Amplified Impact Festival featuring Battle of the Bands is from 3 to 7 p.m. May 9 with live music and food at Junior Seau Amphitheatre at the foot of the Oceanside Pier, 301 The Strand N. There will be local makers, bands and cultural performances from around the world. Proceeds benefit North County charities including Interfaith Community Services. Visit https://www.amplifiedimpact.band/

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 2026

The 33rd Annual Interfaith Community Gathering, “Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast”, will be held Thursday, May 7 from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. at Encinitas Senior and Community Center (1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas).The event will be hosted by Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers and will feature faith-based groups, community providers, city officials and first responders sharing their “prayers” through meaningful community contributions, a news release stated.RSVP by end of the day Monday, April 20. $25 per person. Purchase via link at endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=96870301 or at: shorturl.at/vAFTL

San Dieguito Art Guild Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour

Eight North County properties will be open for the 29th annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour to be held May 9-10. Each home offers a blend of art, architecture and distinctive gardens. Tour properties include dramatic subtropical and desert landscaping, a front yard devoted entirely to succulents, kinetic metal and mosaic art, resident goats and a stop with 17 fruit trees alongside proteas and exotic succulents. More than 30 Guild artists will exhibit and sell their work at the properties. Artwork includes paintings, ceramics, glass, gourd art, fiber arts, photography and jewelry. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Tickets: $40 per person, starting early April; children 17 and under free. Tickets are available at Off Track Gallery (937 South Coast Highway 101, Suite C-103, Encinitas), or online. Info: sandieguitoartguild.com

North Coast Rep Spotlight Gala

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. For tickets and more information, visit shorturl.at/t6YYv

Carlsbad Village Street Faire

The family-friendly Carlsbad Village Street Faire is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3 at 2695 State St. There will be hundreds of arts and crafts booths, antiques, an international food court, children’s rides and an entertainment stage along with a beer garden. A free shuttle goes from The Shoppes at Carlsbad. Visit carlsbad.org/carlsbad-village-street-faire.

The Flower Fields open until Mother’s Day

The Flower Fields is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through May 10 at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. 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 ages 3-10. Season passes are $65, $60 for seniors 60 and older and $40 for children 3-10. Visit theflowerfields.com.

Concert benefits clinic in Tijuana

Spring Jam, a benefit concert supporting the International Health Collective at UC San Diego, is from 1 to 4:30 p.m. May 2 at Del Mar Social, 3444 Tripp Court. The event features performances by six student groups. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of a blood analyzer for IHC’s Tijuana clinic, which will allow blood work to be done for free for patients who cannot afford it. Suggested donation is $10, including lunch. Doors open at 12:45 p.m. Visit internationalhealthcollective.org/spring-jam.

Battle of Biotech Bands

Battle of the Biotech Bands West is at 6 p.m. May 7 at the Belly Up Tavern, featuring live performances from bands made up of biotech and life sciences professionals competing to raise funds and awareness for local causes. Tickets are $60 at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/battle-of-the-biotech-bands-west

“Dark Skies” presentation at lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will host a free presentation at 10 a.m. May 9 on “Dark Skies,” led by Cathy Handzel of DarkSky San Diego County, advocates for a night sky free of light pollution.  Handzel will discuss how night lights affect wildlife, human health, and our view of the stars, and how the community can “Light Wisely.”  Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Rain cancels event. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

North Coast Symphony concert: Russian Reveries

Join the North Coast Symphony for Russian Reveries, a concert of romantic Russian classics, on Saturday, May 16, 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. From the enchanting ballet scenes of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite, to the passion and lyrical beauty of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with soloist Peter Walsh, this concert celebrates some of the most beloved music ever written. Rounding out the program is Elegy XII by Polina Nazaykinskaya, a hauntingly beautiful work. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

Carlsbad Village Street Faire

The family-friendly Carlsbad Village Street Faire is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3 at 2695 State St. There will be hundreds of arts and crafts booths, antiques, an international food court, children’s rides and an entertainment stage along with a beer garden. A free shuttle goes from The Shoppes at Carlsbad. Visit carlsbad.org/carlsbad-village-street-faire.

Beatles vs. Stones Tribute Show returns to Belly

Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown returns to the Belly Up Tavern on Friday, June 5 at 9 p.m., delivering an unforgettable evening of music, nostalgia, and good-natured debate.This critically acclaimed production pits two of the world’s top tribute bands—Abbey Road (representing The Beatles) and Jumping Jack Flash (representing The Rolling Stones)—in a high-energy, head-to-head battle for rock supremacy.Tickets are $23 – $41 and may be purchased online at www.bellyup.com, by phone at 858-481-8140 or at the venue box office. The Belly Up is located at 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075. The show is 21+.

La Jolla Secret Garden Tour

For the 27th year, the La Jolla Historical Society will offer a glimpse behind the walls of some of La Jolla’s most beautiful, secluded gardens at its Secret Garden Tour on May 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Each garden will have live music and artwork on display, and docents will offer information on the plants and history of the properties. As the name implies, the gardens will be kept secret until tour day, which also includes the Secret Garden Boutique at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St. The popular boutique, which sells gift items and plants, is free and open to the public.Tour tickets: $65 general admission, $55 for La Jolla Historical Society members until May 8; $75/$65 from May 9-16. Cost for a bonus garden is $25 until May 8; $35 thereafter.Info: lajollahistory.org/secret-garden-tour

Village Church Tour Choir concert

The community is invited to Echoes of España: A Tour Homecoming Concert on Sunday, May 17 at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary at 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, celebrating the return of The Village Church Tour Choir from their recent journey to Spain.After their international tour, the choir is eager to share the music and stories that made their trip so memorable. This vibrant, free afternoon concert will feature a rich selection of beloved American choral favorites, including rousing gospel selections, powerful spirituals, and timeless classics that resonate across generations, a news release stated.For more information email jacosta@villagechurch.org or visit:www.villagechurch.org/echoes-of-espana

Carlsbad Village Street Faire

The family-friendly Carlsbad Village Street Faire is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 3 at 2695 State St. There will be hundreds of arts and crafts booths, antiques, an international food court, children’s rides and an entertainment stage along with a beer garden. A free shuttle goes from The Shoppes at Carlsbad. Visit carlsbad.org/carlsbad-village-street-faire.

The Flower Fields open until Mother’s Day

The Flower Fields is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through May 10 at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. 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 ages 3-10. Season passes are $65, $60 for seniors 60 and older and $40 for children 3-10. Visit theflowerfields.com.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

A Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. May 1, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. May 2 and 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. May 5 in the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. The celebration kicks off at American Junkie, 628 Fifth Ave., featuring music, art and Mexican food from tacos and salsa to tequila. Visit gaslampevent.com/amo-team/2023-san-diego-cinco-de-mayo.

Taco Fest and music

SoCal Taco Fest is back in Mission Bay teaming up with SeaWorld San Diego’s Viva La Música from May 2-3. Viva La Música runs Fridays through Saturdays, May 1 through May 17, with live performances from top Latin artists. Visit seaworld.com/san-diego/events/viva-la-musica/viva-la-musica-concerts.

Walk for Animals

The San Diego Humane Society holds its 32nd annual Walk for Animals-San Diego on Saturday, May 2, starting with registration, a pancake breakfast and entertainment at 7 a.m., followed by the welcome and blessing of animals along with a group warmup. The walk begins at 9 a.m. and canine activities and the Vendor Village are until 11 a.m. Visit sdhumane.org.

Community art event

Growing Together, a free, family and youth-focused community event series, continues from noon to 2 p.m. May 3, in collaboration with Murals of La Jolla, at the La Jolla Historical Society, 780 Prospect St. Attendees can explore the outdoor gallery through a self-guided mini-murals tour featuring three to four murals. The event includes a scavenger hunt, music at some of the stops and interactive “passport stamps” for kids. There will be a workshop, community mural, live music and hands-on activities at the La Jolla Historical Society along with lawn games. Tacos will be sold. Admission is free. Visit lajollahistory.org.

‘Rockin’ for a Cause’ gala

The nonprofit Home of Guiding Hands, which helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host the “Legends Among Us: Rockin’ for a Cause” Gala at 5:30 p.m. May 2 at the Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave. The event includes hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner with wine service along with live music, dancing and casino-style entertainment. Tickets start at $350 at hghgala.org.

‘Party for a Purpose’ gala

The Junior League of San Diego will put on its “Party for a Purpose: Jewels of the Cosmos” from 6 to 10 p.m. May 2 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. The gala will transform the museum into a galaxy-themed evening of dining and dancing with a silent auction to support efforts to fight food insecurity across San Diego County. Visit sandiego.jl.org/events/register-party-for-a-purpose-jewels-of-the-cosmos.

Igniting Hope festival

Local nonprofit Just in Time for Foster Youth will host the Igniting Hope, Building CommUNITY Family & Friends Festival from noon to 3 p.m. May 2 at Liberty Station Central Promenade, 2641 Truxtun Road. The free community event features 40 organizations offering resources ranging from housing, education, job training, mental health support and financial literacy to health services that support local youths. There will be live entertainment and food trucks. Visit jitfosteryouth.org/hope-festival.

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

Mama’s Kitchen fundraiser set for May

The annual Mama’s Day event benefiting Mama’s Kitchen is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 16 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd. The event includes food, live music, pop-up booths, opportunity drawings and a photo booth. The event features restaurants, chefs and culinary artists from throughout San Diego helping raise money for Mama’s Kitchen’s medically tailored, home-delivered meal program. The nonprofit hopes to raise $158,000 to fund 31,600 meals. Cocktail reception for VIP ticket holders is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event is open for general admission, and food is served from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. For tickets, visit mamaskitchen.org.

The Athenaeum presents Annual Benefit Celebration

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library will host its annual benefit celebration, The Talk of the Town, on Saturday, May 9, in La Jolla. This year’s theme is “Diamonds, Jazz and Dreams.” 5:30 p.m. VIP bar reception, event at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla.Reservations for The Talk of the Town: Diamonds, Jazz and Dreams are required by April 25, 2026, at 12 midnight. Tickets can be purchases online: ljathenaeum.org/tott or by phone: (858) 454-5872.