North Coast Rep Variety Nights presents Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1
Experience an unforgettable evening at North Coast Repertory Theatre with Elijah Rock as he brings his newly acclaimed album Memories Unleashed – Impulse 1 to life on stage. Inspired by his father’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, the album is both a celebration of timeless music and a deeply personal reflection on memory, love, and legacy, according to a news release.Having spent weeks in the Top 40 on the national jazz charts, Memories Unleashed is a soulful journey through The Great American Songbook, blending the elegance of classic jazz with intimate storytelling rooted in lived experience.Backed by a stunning roster of world-class musicians who have performed with legends including Ray Charles, Al Jarreau, Nancy Wilson, and Natalie Cole, Memories Unleashed captures the sophistication and soul of a golden era, brought vividly into the present through arrangements critics have called “timeless, swinging, and deeply human.”Memories Unleashed runs June 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive Solana Beach. Call (858) 481-1055 or visit www.northcoastrep.org, to purchase tickets. Tickets are $50.
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
Community presentation on ‘Practical Tips for Fall Prevention’
Join Solana Beach Community Connections (SBCC) for an informative and engaging community presentation focused on helping you or your loved ones stay safe and independent at home. The program will be on Tuesday, May 12, at La Colonia Community Center at 6 p.m. La Colonia is located at 715 Valley Avenue in Solana Beach.This event’s panel of speakers consists of Yvonne Dostal, a registered physical RPT with Wesley Palms, Jan Grossnickle, an RN, PHN with Community Christian Service Organization, and Ellen Rodarte, MD who works as an independent contractor for Primary Physician Education.The talk is free and open to the public and is especially valuable for older adults, caregivers, and family members. Come and learn how small changes can make a big difference in staying safe at home. If you’re a senior requiring transportation, call the SBCC phone number at 858-284-6619.
Keynote speaker at Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women Club event
The Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women Club will host keynote speaker Vice Admiral Charles W. Martoglio, Defense Dept. strategist, U.S. Navy (ret.), on May 20 at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Vice Admiral Martoglio is a preeminent military policy expert, still actively contributing to America’s national security, strategic planning, and global military affairs. With 40 years of Naval service, earning numerous military awards, he also currently teaches at UC San Diego.Register via www.delmarseacoastclub.com by May 15. Members: $40, Non-members: $45.
19th Annual San Diego Dragon Boat Festival
The San Diego Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs) invites the community to attend the 19th Annual San Diego Dragon Boat Festival, taking place on Saturday, May 16, in the Mission Bay.On the water, more than 30 dragon boat teams will compete in thrilling races, paddling in sync to the powerful beat of drums. On land, attendees can enjoy more than 10 dynamic Pan-Asian cultural performances, showcasing traditions from across Asia and the Pacific Islands, family-friendly activities, and vendor food.The festival is free and open to the public. For more information, visithttps://sdalliance.weebly.com/19th-sddbf.html
Orchids in the Wild
The annual display of Orchids in the Wild has returned to San Diego Botanic Garden for a month-long flower showcase. The exhibit takes place in the Botanic Garden’s 8,000 square-foot Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. Guests will learn about the different types of orchids and their history. The orchid exhibition also contains plants on loan from San Diego County Orchid Society and Palomar Orchid Society members. Plus, there will be workshops and an orchid marketplace on weekends. Saturday, May 2, through June 1. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $7-$20.760-436-3036, sdbg.org
North County Republican Women meeting to feature guest speakers
The North County Republican Women (NCRW) will meet for a breakfast meeting Wednesday, May 20, 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 for members and $30 for non-members. The featured speakers this month will be Danielle Roybel and Rebecca Jones. Roybel is a child advocate who strives to protect vulnerable children. She is an advocate for transparency in public education, and believes every child deserves an education in accordance with Federal and State law. She is also affiliated with the Republican National Hispanic Assembly.Jones is running for a seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, replacing Jim Desmond. Jones has nearly 20 years of public service and currently serves as Mayor of San Marcos. As County Supervisor she will focus on keeping communities safe, lowering costs for working families, and preserving the high quality of life that makes San Diego County a special place to live, according to a news release.RSVP at www.ncrwsd.org by Friday, May 15, if you plan to attend.
Hot Rods carnival and show
The annual carnival and classic car show, Hot Rods & Cool Treats, is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 at the Pine Avenue Community Park, 3333 Harding St., Carlsbad. The old fashioned-style carnival includes games for all ages ranging from ring toss to frog hopper. There will be live music, crafts, face painting and a fun zone along with food and drinks for purchase. Attendees can build their own sundae at the ice cream bar. Carnival tickets are at the event. Car entries are due by May 7. Admission is free. Visit carlsbadca.gov.
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
‘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
“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.
Sisterhood of Service celebration
Shelter to Soldier, in partnership with the Foundation for Women Warriors, will host the fourth annual Sisterhood of Service event from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11 at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, 1 Ponto Road. The event honors female veterans and active-duty service members and features yoga, networking, resources, a catered lunch and an inspirational speaker, along with a goal-setting workshop designed to support women who have served. The event is presented by Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach with Women of Service sponsor, The Boeing Co. Admission is free for female veterans and active-duty military with RSVP required at bit.ly/SisterhoodOfService.
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.
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. 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
Beatles vs. Stones Tribute Show returns to Belly Up
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
La Jolla events:
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library hosts the art history lecture series “The Age of Baroque” with Linda Blair at 7:30 p.m. on four Thursdays beginning May 21 at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The schedule is: May 21, ” Bernini in Roma”; May 28, “Rubens in the North”; June 4, “Caravaggio”; June 11, “Velazquez in Spain.” $60 for the series for Athenaeum members, $80 for non-members. ljathenaeum.org/events/blair-26-series
• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego presents “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys,” an exhibition consisting of more than 130 works of art and set to the soundtrack of Marvin Gaye, through Sunday, Aug. 9, at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. mcasd.org/exhibitions/giants
• UC San Diego music professor Steven Schick has organized a series of public concerts on campus highlighting what he considers the most important threads of his tenure at the La Jolla university. The remaining schedule is: The Arcades Festival, Sunday, May 17, Conrad Prebys Music Center; “Sonic Explorations,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, Conrad Prebys Music Center Experimental Theater. music-web.ucsd.edu/concerts
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
Spring Women’s Luncheon at Village Church
The annual Spring Women’s Luncheon at The Village Church is at 11:30 a.m. May 13 in the Fellowship Center, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The guest speaker is Gena Wilson and the program, which includes a catered lunch, is themed “What Would I Do Without My Jesus?” Tickets are $20, and RSVP is required by May 8. Attendees can support the church’s mission partner, Care House, by bringing a $10 gift card for Walmart, McDonald’s or Starbucks. Visit https://villagechurch.org/womens-spring-luncheon.
Mama’s Kitchen fundraiser
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.