CARLSBAD
Lagoon talk focuses on bird behavior
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation holds a presentation at 10 a.m. May 23 on “Avian Behavior” led by Hillary Hankey of Avian Behavior Conservancy. Hankey will show some birds of prey and discuss their characteristics and adaptions. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Rain cancels the event. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.
Candidates to speak at meeting
The Carlsbad Republican Women Federated club hosts three candidates running for county and local office at its May 26 luncheon meeting. Speakers are Melanie Burkholder, candidate for Carlsbad City Council; Nicole D’Ambrogi, candidate for San Diego Superior Court judge; and John Franklin, candidate for San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The program begins at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Road. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $49; $44 for club members. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. May 21 at carlsbadrepublicans.com.
CARMEL VALLEY
Orchestral Soundtracks concert
Orchestral Soundtracks, a community videogame and anime orchestra, will hold a free Orchestral Soundtracks Spring Concert with Scarlet Moon at 7 p.m. May 23 at Canyon Crest Academy, 5951 Village Center Loop Road. The program includes music from Xenoblade Chronicles, Genshin Impact, Haruhi Suzumiya, Homestuck and Beastars. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are at givebutter.com/orchestral-soundtracks-2026-spring-concert.
CHULA VISTA
Concert at amphitheater
A concert featuring Kesha: The Freedom Tour is at 7 p.m. May 23 at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 2050 Entertainment Circle. For a list of shows and tickets, visit northislandcreditunionamp.com/shows.
CORONADO
Nonprofits gather to support homeless kids
The Coronado-based nonprofit Friends of Children United Society, aka FOCUS, which was founded in 1982, will hold a free informational event from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. May 27 in the Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Ave. FOCUS is bringing together several of its nonprofit partners that support homeless children and teens and will share information. Attendees can hear their stories and ask questions. Visit focus-sdkids.org.
Community bridge class
The John D. Spreckels Center runs an eight-week Beginning Bridge class from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3 to July 22, at 1019 Seventh St. Each session includes guided instruction along with opportunities to play sample hands with fellow students. Fees vary. Register early at coronado.ca.us/civicrec or 619-522-7343.
ENCINITAS
Eco-Performance Fest
Coastal Roots Farm, a regenerative farm and educational center, will put on a REGENERATE! Eco‑Performance Fest from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 17 at 441 Saxony Road. The open‑air festival at the farm includes Jewish and ecological performances, music, food, educational opportunities and community celebration as the sun sets over the fields. The event is co‑produced by JFEST: San Diego, featuring four performances created by artists from the Jewish Climate Artists for California Incubator. Tickets are $36-$58. Visit coastalrootsfarm.org/event/regenerate-an-eco-performance-fest.
Art tour during Cyclovia
Cyclovia, hosted by the city of Encinitas, will transform downtown Encinitas from D to I streets into a car-free community celebration of “movement, wellness and local culture” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17. As part of the event, Visit Encinitas and the Encinitas Historical Society will host an Encinitas Public Art Walking Tour featuring free guided walking tours led by local historian and Encinitas Historical Society archivist Hillel Schwartz and longtime resident Mark O’Connor, both cycling enthusiasts. Tours will depart throughout the day from the Visit Encinitas and Historical Society booths located between D and E streets on Coast Highway 101, where participants can also park their bikes and sign up. The short walking tour (30-40 minutes) is at 10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. The extended tours (one hour) are at 10:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. A self-guided public art tour along Coast Highway 101 is also offered. Visit encinitasca.gov.
FALLBROOK
Fallbrook’s Got Talent show
The Fallbrook Woman’s Club presents its third Fallbrook’s Got Talent show at 3 p.m. May 17 at the Fallbrook Mission Theater, 231 N. Main St. The show features local talent performing song, dance, music and comedy. Doors open at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 online and $40 at door; $15 online for kids age 6-12 and $25 at door. VIP presale preferred seating is $65, including a $15 concessions voucher and parking space. Visit fallbrookmissiontheater.com.
LA JOLLA
Heart & Soul Gala raises $2 million for community programs
SAN DIEGO: Heart & Soul Gala raises 2 million for community programs…
The nonprofit Jewish Family Service of San Diego raised more than $2 million at its recent Heart & Soul Gala to support the nonprofit’s community programs, ranging from nutritious meal delivery and support for Holocaust survivors to immigration legal support and a variety of older adult programs and resources. The nonprofit was established in 1918 and typically serves more than 70,000 people each year in San Diego County and the Coachella Valley. The gala drew 500 guests to the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. Honorary gala chairs for the evening were Ernest and Evelyn Rady, who served with honorees, including (left to right) Tammy and Louis Vener, Gala Chairs Dr. Bob Rubenstein and Marie Raftery and Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs. Photo courtesy of Jewish Family Service of San Diego.
NATIONAL CITY
Seedling Soirée
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, a National City-based nonprofit that provides hands-on garden and nutrition programs for area youths and families, will put on its annual Seedling Soirée from 5 to 9 p.m. May 30 in Olivewood’s spring garden, 2525 N Ave. Highlights include farm-to-table bites crafted by chefs from across San Diego County along with garden-inspired cocktails, live music and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit’s programs. Tickets are $250, with a sliding scale to ensure accessibility, at olivewoodgardens.org/seedling-soiree.
OCEANSIDE
Memorial Day ceremony
The local chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sgt. William Pittenger Camp 21, will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 1 p.m. May 23 at the Oceanview Cemetery, 512 Godfrey St. Visit https://suvpac.org/camp21.
Fundraiser benefits sex trafficking survivors
GenerateHope, a San Diego-based nonprofit serving survivors of sex trafficking, is partnering with Freedom Challenge to host a 45-mile, three-day coastal walk June 12-14 from Oceanside Harbor to Coronado. The route goes through about eight towns, ending at GenerateHope’s safe haven, Carole’s Cottage. Participants can join as a three-day or one-day challenger, with fundraising going to Freedom Challenge’s local and global work. Fee is $100; $400 for three-day challenge. Visit generatehope.org/walk-for-hope.
Marine Corps major general to speak
The Veterans Association of North County hosts a Memorial Day ceremony from 10 a.m. to noon May 25 in the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The keynote speaker is retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Anthony Jackson, former commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West and former director of California State Parks. Free lunch will be served after the program. RSVP is required at vanc.me/memorial-day-ceremony.
Downtown Ambassador Program seeks volunteers
The Downtown Ambassador Program run by MainStreet Oceanside kicks off May 26 with expanded training focused on visitor assistance, tourism support, digital guides, downtown mapping, parking resources and community engagement. Volunteers of all ages are sought. For questions, email claire@mainstreetoceanside.com or visit mainstreetoceanside.com/volunteer.
PACIFIC BEACH
Nonprofit offers music camp
The Music Company, a Pacific Beach-based nonprofit music studio and incubator, and the Pacific Beach Arts Center kick off SoundLab, a series of weeklong hands-on youth camps for ages 12-18 to teach fundamental skills in music production, audio engineering and live performance. SoundLab will run from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays at The Music Company in three weeklong sessions, June 15-19, July 13-17 and Aug. 3-7. Cost is $350 per session. Register at pbartscenter.org/events/summer-camps.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Kids perform ‘Jungle Book’
The RB Community Theater MusicalKIDS (grades 1-5) will perform “Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS” at 6 p.m. May 19 at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road. The show is the culmination of 13 weeks of preparation by the young cast. Tickets are at the door for $5; $20 per family of five. Cash or check is preferred; credit cards are accepted with a $1 fee. Visit rbcommunity.org.
World Affairs discussion group meets
The North County chapter of the San Diego World Affairs Council will host professor Jeffrey McIllwain of San Diego State University at 10 a.m. May 21 for a presentation on “Cognitive Warfare and the Modern Security Environment” at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and friendships. Visit northcountyworldaffairs.org.
SAN DIEGO
Puppy Prom
Helen Woodward Animal Center holds its 12th annual Puppy Prom from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 at McGregor’s Bar & Grill, 10475 San Diego Mission Road. Dogs of all ages can participate in three different contest categories and compete for the title of “Best Dressed Prom King and Queen,” which will be voted on by attendees. Highlights include snacks for both pups and people, Make-Your-Own-Mimosa Bar (for people only), and Wheel of “Furtune.” Pet entry fee is $20; a portion of proceeds go to the nonprofit center. Free spectator tickets are at /animalcenter.org/puppyprom.
Annual Bouquet Ride
The annual Bouquet Ride set for May 23 will honor heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. More than 200 cyclists are expected to join the Fallen Hero Honor Ride, which starts at 9 a.m. from California Bicycle Inc., 7462 La Jolla Blvd., and heads to Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma. Kevin, Jill and Jason Millard, owners of California Bicycle Inc., are among the Gold Star Families that will be recognized at the event. There will be a laying of wreaths and flowers for all of the fallen, followed by brief comments. The ride time to the site is about one hour. Refreshments will be provided. On May 25, all are invited to the national Memorial Day honor ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Visit fortrosecransmemorialday.com.
SeaWorld summer concert series
SeaWorld kicks off its Summer Spectacular concert series May 22, along with new attractions ranging from the Ocean of Dreams Drone Show, Dolphin Adventures and Wonders of North American Wildlife to the Deep Sea Disco and Nighttime Animal Experiences. Beginning June 12, there will be three new nighttime animal presentations: the Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night, Dolphins: Touch the Sky and Sea Lions Tonite. The Summer Concert Series is at 6 p.m. Saturdays, June 6 to Aug. 29 (except July 4). Concerts are included with park admission. Reserved seating can be purchased at seaworld.com/san-diego/events/concert-series.
Free Valley Vibes concerts are back
Mission Valley Mall’s free Valley Vibes summer concert series kicks off from noon to 3 p.m. May 23 featuring a luau, hula performances and live music. The event also marks the debut of the Valley Vibes Farmers Market, which will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Saturday through Sept. 5. The free concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 7. Visit mission-valley.com/event/38454-valley-vibes-summer-concert-series.
Elder fraud workshop, resource fair
The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation hosts a free Elder Fraud Workshop and Financial Stability Resource Fair from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 19 at Fourth District Resource Center, 570 S. 65th St., and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 22 at Cathy Hopper Clairemont Friendship Center, 4425 Bannock Ave. The event features elder fraud prevention education, including artificial-intelligence-powered scam awareness, along with on-site financial resources and Medicare and Medi-Cal navigation assistance. The event is open to seniors, caregivers and families. Preregister at sdscf.org/elder-fraud or email elderfraud@sdscf.org.
Songs of Hope concert
Songs of Hope, a free concert featuring Requiem by Gabriel Faure and Spirituals from the African-American Tradition, will be performed by the PacificAires and Cedar Center Chorus at 2 p.m. May 23 at First Presbyterian Church of San Diego, 320 Date St., as part of the church’s concert series. The concert director is Edwin Basilio; accompanist is Cho-Hyun Park and organist is Rodney Girvin. Free parking is available in church lots on Elm Street and Third Avenue. Visit fpcsd.org.
Operation Flags for Vets seeks volunteers
The third annual Operation Flags for Vets is at noon May 23 at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, sponsored by the Military Coordinating Committee of Rotary District 5340. Volunteers will be placing 23,000 American flags on the gravesites of military veterans for Memorial Day. Volunteers are also needed at 3 p.m. May 26 to pick up the flags. Visit bit.ly/4tszGjk.
Tribute to Service and Sacrifice
The 15th annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 1 p.m. May 24 at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, will be held in the newly dedicated Memorial Amphitheater. The theme is America 250: A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice. The keynote speaker is retired Navy Capt. Steven “Shep” Shepard. Music will be performed by the Westwind Brass Band. There will also be a bugler and bagpiper to pay tribute to fallen service members. Visit miramarcemetery.org
Police and Fire Championships
The California Police Athletic Federation, a nonprofit supporting sports and physical fitness among first responders, holds the U.S. Police and Fire Championships from June 13-20 at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive. The event celebrates camaraderie, sportsmanship and community pride. The games include 40 Olympic-style events and will run in conjunction with the Firefighter Challenge Championships Series. FCCS will host its West/Southwest Regional Championships from June 18-20. Visit cpaf.org.
Veteran support topic of community conversation
A veteran-centered event, hosted by the nonprofit Resurrecting Lives Foundation, is from 10 to 11 a.m. May 20 at the Liberty Station Command Center (Front Steps), 2640 Historic Decatur Road, to bring together veteran advocates, community members and veterans to discuss issues such as veteran suicide prevention and long-term support after service. The public event will focus on raising awareness, sharing resources and calling for continued action to better support veterans as they transition from deployment to civilian life. The program will include remarks from organizers and advocates, along with the unveiling of new programs. Visit resurrectinglives.org.
Life after widowhood
The Widows and Widowers of San Diego, a social club, will present a program on life after widowhood at 10 a.m. May 20 at San Diego OASIS in Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. Attendance is free, but registration in advance is required at 619-881-6262.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Blood drive
A community-wide blood drive hosted by the U.S. Police and Fire Championships and San Diego Blood Bank will be held throughout May at all San Diego Blood Bank locations. Donors can support a specific first responder agency by mentioning “USPFC” and their chosen department. Donations are tracked on a public board, encouraging community participation and a bit of competition. Donors receive a Padres Summer Blood Drive T-shirt, and first responders receive agency-specific keychains. Visit uspfc.org.
SAN MARCOS
Patriotic ceremony for Memorial Day
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3795, San Marcos, will have a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. May 25 with patriotic music, presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and speakers at the San Marcos Cemetery, 1021 Mulberry Drive. A barbecue follows at Post 3795. There will also be a San Diego Blood Bank drive. For questions, email post3795@att.net. Visit vfw3795.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp.
SOLANA BEACH
Cha-cha lessons at community dance
The Sandpipers Dance Club hosts its monthly Dance Party from 6 to 7 p.m. May 23 at Saint James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave. There will be Cha-cha lessons followed by square and round dancing until 9 p.m. Singles, couples and families are welcome. Wear casual attire. Dance experience is not required. Refreshments will be served after the Dance Party. Cost is $10 donation; free for children. Visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org.
Update on city projects
The Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society hosts Solana Beach City Manager Alyssa Muto at 5 p.m. May 21 at Cove Community Center, 133 Pacific Ave., for an update on the city’s recent projects and ongoing initiatives, including plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the city’s incorporation. Admission is free.
VISTA
Strawberry Festival
The Vista Strawberry Festival is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 24 on Main Street and surrounding streets in downtown Vista with live music and entertainment on various stages, contests, a beer garden and a carnival zone for all ages along with several hundred vendors, hosted by the Vista Chamber of Commerce. Competitions are planned ranging from a strawberry costume contest to pie eating and beer stein-holding. There will also be a Strawberry Film Festival and Strawberry Run 5K. Admission is free; there are fees for activities such as the carnival and 5K run. Visit vistastrawberryfest.com.
E-bike safety training classes
The city of Vista offers in-person e-bike educational training sessions and rebates in partnership with the San Diego County Bike Coalition. One-hour classroom-style sessions cover essential safety guidelines and practical training sessions provide hands-on training. Upcoming training sessions are from 5 to 6 p.m. May 21 at Vista Academy of Visual & Performing Arts, 600 N. Santa Fe Ave., and from 5 to 6 p.m. May 28 at Rancho Buena Vista High School, 1601 Longhorn Drive. For more class times and to register, visit vista.gov/residents/e-bike-safety-training-rebate-program.
Military, Fire and Law Appreciation Day
A Memorial Day Military, Fire and Law Appreciation Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 25 at The Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Drive. Admission is free for active or retired military, fire or law enforcement officers on Memorial Day as a thank you for their service. A valid active-duty or retired ID must be shown at the ticket booth to receive one free admission for each ID, and up to six additional tickets may be purchased for $12 each with each valid ID. Dependent IDs are valid for discounted admission, not free admission. Visit thewavewaterpark.com.
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