CARLSBAD
Community Aloha pool party
Carlsbad hosts its annual Aloha Plunge, an island-themed family event for the community, from 5 to 8 p.m. July 18 at Alga Norte Aquatic Center. Highlights include themed pool games and activities, giant inflatables and the splash pad. The evening caps off with a Polynesian dance performance where guests can learn the hula. Food will be sold during the event. Tickets are $15; free for children ages 3 and younger, but registration is still required. Attendees are encouraged to pick up wristbands in advance at Alga Norte Aquatic Center during business hours beginning July 11. Online presale ends at 5 p.m. July 17. Wristbands may also be purchased at the event if not sold out. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/aloha-plunge.
Lagoon talk on ‘Human Journey’
Batiquitos Lagoon will host a presentation on “Our Human Journey” at 10 a.m. July 11. The guest speaker is archaeologist Adam Niesley, who will discuss the story of 12,000 years of humanity in San Diego, about adaptations to changing climates, shifting coastlines, disappearing megafauna and new food resources. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Rain cancels event. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
Class on travel photography
A class on “Getting Great Travel Photos” is from 2 to 3:15 p.m. July 22 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave., and via Zoom. The instructor, Mike McMahon, will give tips on how to take travel photos and videos, using his photos as examples. Topics include equipment (such as smartphones), photo composition and photo organizing along with editing. Visit carlsbadca.gov/CarlsbadConnect.
Alchemy and light photo exhibit
The artists of True North Photo Society explore the “interplay of alchemy and light” in a new exhibit of photographic works, Alchemy + Light, on display through Aug. 23 at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery at the Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The exhibit shows innovative ways the artists “transformed moments into luminous visual experiences.” The artists will discuss their own work during a tour of the gallery from 11 a.m. to noon July 8 featuring artists Priscilla Monger and Susan Hill and from 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 5 with artists Brandy Sebastian, Judith Preston and Patricia Grabski. Also, from 1 to 2 p.m. July 11, Sebastian and Hill will lead a free portrait class at the Library Learning Center, 3368 Eureka Place. An open studios class for youths is from 11 a.m. to noon July 17 led by Beck and Monger at the Georgina Cole Library Community Room, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/cultural-arts/gallery-exhibitions.
Discovery Days at mall
Discovery Days with free family-friendly entertainment and activities are from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays throughout July at The Forum Carlsbad in the garden area near YETI. On July 9, the theme is Songs & Shells of the Sea featuring stories and songs led by a marine biologist. Participants can create an aquatic-themed wind chime. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Parents Night Out kid’s event
Las Flores Church will put on a free “Parents Night Out,” kids’ event from 6 to 8 p.m., July 10 , July 24, Aug. 7 and Aug. 21 at 1400 Las Flores Drive. The supervised Vacation Bible School-style program is open to infants (nursery care provided) and kids 12 and younger. There will be outdoor games, music, crafts, activities and snacks. Sign-ups are at www.lasfloreschurch.com.
CARMEL VALLEY
Free talk on advance care planning
A free presentation on dementia directives as part of advance care planning is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 9 at the Pacific Highlands Ranch Public Library, 12911 Pacific Place off Carmel Valley Road, hosted by nonprofit Compassion & Choices. Visit compassionandchoices.org.
CORONADO
Exhibit features bowling club history
A history exhibit on The Green of West Plaza: 90+ Years of Coronado Lawn Bowling Club, runs through Sept. 13 at the Coronado Historical Association, 1100 Orange Ave. The bilingual English/Spanish exhibit looks at the club’s history and contributions to the sport of lawn bowling and explains the game. Visit coronadohistory.org/exhibits/current-exhibits.
EL CAJON
Music on Main
Music on Main, a free concert series with live music and dancing, is from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays through August at Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon. Performances feature local and regional artists performing a range of music from rock, country and Latin to jazz. The July 10 concert features Whitney Shay. Visit downtownelcajon.com/events/music-on-main.
ENCINITAS
ENCINITAS: Rotary club builds house for family with volunteers from San Diego and Tijuana…
The Encinitas Rotary Club, in a long-time partnership with Project Mercy, built a 20-by-20-foot home for a family in need in Tijuana as part of the House in a Day program. The humanitarian program helps families build a safe structure instead of a makeshift shelter made from discarded wooden palettes, cardboard and plastic tarps, which turns to mud during floods. The effort included a 30 person multi-generational workforce from both sides of the border, including nine youth volunteers from the Rotary Interact club who are students at San Dieguito Academy. Pictured are volunteers with the recipient family. Photo by Linda Grensted
Symphony Pops concert
A musical journey through America will be the theme of the North Coast Symphony Pops concert at 2:30 p.m. July 11 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church. The program features music that celebrates America’s people, places and spirit. Highlights include Gershwin’s “O Land of Mine,” Copland’s inspiring “Variations on a Shaker Melody,” and favorites from Broadway hits “Oklahoma!” and “Chicago.” The concert continues through New Orleans jazz, New York City and the American West. Admission is $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, and free for children 18 and under. Visit northcoastsymphony.com.
Concerts at Moonlight Beach
Community concerts for all ages are from 1 to 5 p.m. July 12, July 26, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23 at Moonlight Beach, 400 B St. Music ranges from Afrobeat grooves and island-inspired melodies to Americana storytelling and Latin rhythms. Bring beach chairs. The concert also features opening performances by local youth bands and winners from 91X Loudspeaker and the Leucadia Battle of the Bands. Free admission. Visit encinitasca.gov.
Free pet vaccination clinic
A free pet vaccination clinic is from 9 a.m. to noon July 11 at nonprofit Rancho Coastal Humane Society by the Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank on the North campus, 389 Requeza St. The clinic offers vaccinations for dogs and cats, rabies vaccinations, licensing, microchips, pet food and other supplies. The event is in partnership with Petco Love. Dogs must be on leash or in carriers and cats must be in carriers. Registration is required at sdpets.org/Vaccineclinic.
ESCONDIDO
Fishing enthusiasts gather
The Senior Anglers of Escondido meet at 9:30 a.m. July 10 at American Legion Hall, 230 E. Park Ave. The speaker is Scott Manson, a historian, author and fisherman. The group gets together for freshwater and saltwater fishing, camping, boating and environmental conservation. New members welcome. Visit senioranglersofescondido.net.
LA JOLLA
ArtPower performances kick off
ArtPower at UC San Diego hosts eight arts performances this summer at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Performances range from international Latin sensations to Hollywood composers. The summer lineup starts with global music from Spain featuring Barcelona-based band Maruja Limón, known for their performances blending flamenco, pop, and Latin rhythms at 7 p.m. July 10, at the amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35-$40. Visit artpower.ucsd.edu/event/maruja-limon.
Shark Summer at aquarium
A Shark Summer celebration runs through Aug. 2 at the Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way. Events and activities focus on the important role sharks play in the ecosystem and highlight conservation efforts and research. Activities range from fun talks and feedings to pop-up science and interactive stations. Activities are included with aquarium admission, except for Oceans at Night: Sharks. Admission is $29.95 to $39.95. Visit birchaquariumprograms.com/mainstore?vid=0&cid=1270.
NORTH COUNTY
TrueCare and Palomar Family Counseling Service to merge
TrueCare nonprofit community health centers and Escondido-based nonprofit Palomar Family Counseling Service plan to merge Sept. 1. Palomar’s services in Escondido, Vista and Fallbrook will continue without interruption under the merger along with its programs and care provided in more than 40 local schools. The new combined organization is expected to provide health care to 80,000 community members annually, offering primary care, and dental care to behavioral health and pediatric services. Visit truecare.org.
OCEANSIDE
OCEANSIDE: Newcomers & Friends group joins parade at Oceanside USA 250 Festival…
The Oceanside Newcomers & Friends group participated in the annual Oceanside Independence Parade held during the Oceanside USA 250 Festival on June 27.Oceanside USA 250 Festival on June 27. The parade celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the 138th anniversary of the City of Oceanside. The nonprofit Newcomers & Friends has been welcoming newcomers to Oceanside for more than 35 years and offers social dinners, coffee meetings, travel or theater groups, games and group walks. The Business and Coffee meeting is at 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. Visit www.oceansidenewcomers.org. Photo courtesy of Oceanside Newcomers & Friends.
Veterans advisory group meets
The Veterans Advisory Committee of the Veterans Association of North County meets from noon to 1 p.m. July 6 at the Veterans Association of North County Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The speakers include Christina Ferrel, outreach director at the Cohen Clinic, which offers military-connected families mental health services; John Campbell, founder of Smorgborg, a platform that helps veterans build networks through customizable community calendars; and Rousell Viar from CA Employment Development Department (EDD) Veteran services, which offers veteran employment programs. Visit vanc.me.
Lunch for kids at library
Lunch at the Library is free for kids from infancy to age 18 weekdays through Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center Library, 330 N. Coast Highway, and at noon at the John Landes Community Center Library, 2855 Cedar Road, and Joe Balderrama Park, 709 San Diego St. Visit oceansidelibrary.org. Public libraries in other communities also offer free lunch for kids during the summer; visit sandiego.gov/public-library/summerlunch.
Dinosaurs among topics of LIFE lectures
The LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) lectures series at MiraCosta College features two speakers July 10 at the college’s Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive, Administration Building 1000. At 1 p.m. there will be a talk on Dinosaurs of New Mexico, led by Andrew McDonald, curator of the Western Science Center in Hemet. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a presentation on Equity, Equality and Opportunity led by Wendy Stewart, Mira Costa college faculty member. Visit miracosta.edu/life.
POWAY
Summer Movies in the Park
A free movie screening event featuring “Lilo & Stitch” (2025) is from 6:30 to 10 p.m. July 11 at the Poway Community Swim Center, 13094 Civic Center Drive, as part of the Summer Movies in the Park series. Bring your innertubes and rafts or borrow some and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars. Other movies are slated for July 25 featuring “Hoppers” in the Community Park, and Aug. 8 featuring “The Parent Trap” (1961) in Old Poway Park. Visit poway.org/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/959. For Summer Movies in the Park in other communities, visit summermoviesinthepark.com.
Free summer concerts
Poway’s free summer concerts are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sundays at Lake Poway or Old Poway Park. The Lookout at Lake Poway will be open for snacks, drinks and food; parking fees apply for nonresidents. The July concert features Shawn Rohlf at Old Poway Park. The lineup includes July 19: Britain’s Finest (Lake Poway); July 26: The Benedetti Trio (Old Poway Park); Aug. 2: Pop Vinyl (Lake Poway); Aug. 9: The Pomerado Community Band (Old Poway Park) and Aug. 16: Cheez Whiz (Lake Poway). Visit poway.org/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/959.
SAN DIEGO
Spreckels 38th Summer Organ Festival
Spreckels Organ Society will put on its 38th Summer Organ Festival with Alcee Chriss III from 7:30 to 9 p.m. July 13 at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Road in Balboa Park. The summer-long festival features the historic Spreckels Organ with 5,098 pipes of up to 32 feet long, and nine percussion instruments located throughout the building. The music fest is directed by Raúl Prieto Ramírez, Spreckels Organ Society’s artistic director and San Diego’s civic organist. These 90-minute, free admission concerts are performed by acclaimed international artists each Monday at 7:30 p.m. July 13 to Sept. 7. Visit spreckelsorgan.org/summer-organ-festival.
Free Valley Vibes concerts
Mission Valley Mall’s free Valley Vibes summer concert series continues from 5 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.
Jaguar Club Concours d’ Elegance
The nonprofit San Diego Jaguar Club celebrates all Jaguars during its 62nd annual Concours d’ Elegance from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 at the Spanish Landing West, 4200 N. Harbor Drive. Spectator viewing is free. Car entry fees are $30-$90. Visit sdjagclub.com/event-6519854.
Watercolor artists put on annual show
The San Diego Watercolor Society puts on its 10th annual Out ‘N About Plein Air Show through Aug. 1 at their gallery in The Arts District Liberty Station. A free opening reception is from 1 to 3 p.m. July 5 with more than 60 original paintings along with refreshments. The exhibit is juried by award-winning artist Ken Goldman. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Visit sdws.org.
Research Day at history center
The San Diego History Center hosts a Member Research Day from 9 a.m. to noon July 14 at the center, 1649 El Prado. Community members can bring their research question or a topic that they would like to explore in the History Center’s Research Archives. This program is $25; free for SDHC Members. Pre-registration required at sandiegohistorycenter.ticketing.veevartapp.com/tickets/view/list/member-research-day.
Guided nature walk from Kumeyaay Lake
A guided nature walk is at 8:30 a.m. July 11 starting at Kumeyaay Lake Campground entry station, 2 Father Junipero Serra Trail. A Mission Trails Regional Park guide will lead the walk and discuss plants, animals, geology, history and ecology of the park. The hike includes the park’s east side on the Grasslands Trail, which leads to a Kumeyaay grinding rocks site and the scenic Old Mission Dam overlook. Free; no reservations required. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring water and hat. Rain cancels event. Visit mtrp.org.
Open house at temple
The San Diego Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 7474 Charmant Drive holds a public open house daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through July 11. Guests can tour the temple and grounds, which are smoke-free and vape-free zones. Admission is free. Limited parking is available on-site at the temple and in nearby walkable lots. Additional off-site parking is at 4655 Executive Drive. Tickets are at churchofjesuschrist.org/featured/san-diego-california-open-house?lang=eng.
Little Italy Rock & Roll Revival
A 1950s-themed Rock & Roll Revival hosted by Convivio, a nonprofit that celebrates Italian culture and intercultural experiences, is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 26 at AmiciBar, 250 W. Date St. in Little Italy. The fundraiser features music with disc jockey, dancing and 1950s-inspired food, cocktails, soda and old-fashioned root beer floats. Dress in your favorite 1950s attire, including poodle skirts, leather jackets, rolled-up jeans and loafers. Tickets are $50; proceeds support Convivio’s cultural programs. Reservations are required by July 16 at conviviosociety.org.
SAN MARCOS
Call for artists
TERI, a San Marcos-based nonprofit that offers programs for community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is putting out a call to artists to submit artwork for display for a three-month period on the 16-by-6-foot gallery wall inside TERI Common Grounds Café at the nonprofit’s Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis from artists working in a variety of mediums. Participating artists keep their sales revenue and manage transactions with buyers. There is no fee to exhibit, but artists are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to support TERI’s programs. For questions, email tania.cruz@teriinc.org or call 760-402-0061.
Chef pop-up with wine sampling
A Chef & Wine pop-up hosted by J. Brix Wines and FMI Wine Club will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. July 11 at J. Brix Wines tasting room, 250 North City Drive. Highlights include food from the Heights Street Tacos, natural wines from J. Brix and live DJ sets from Mikey Avila and Brayisme. The event is walk-in only with food and drink available for purchase. Visit jbrix.com.
SOLANA BEACH
Concerts at the Cove
The Concerts at the Cove series, hosted by the city of Solana Beach and the Belly Up, features local musicians performing from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 6 for all ages at the Fletcher Cove Park stage, 111 S. Sierra Ave. The July 9 concert features Buzz Campbell & The Heartaches. Free admission. The public is encouraged to bring low-back beach chairs, ground cover and picnics. No alcohol, tobacco, pets or personal BBQs allowed during concerts. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org.
VISTA
Adobe Days Summer Tours
The historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe from the 1800s offers guided tours with a glimpse into early California ranch life. The tour highlights how adobe homes were built, the architectural features and stories from the California Rancho Period. Tours are from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays during the summer. Cost is $15 per person. The adobe is at 640 Alta Vista Drive. Visit vista.gov.
Operation Hope fundraiser benefits homeless families
The nonprofit Operation HOPE–North County will continue its summer tradition, HOPE at Moonlight, a fundraiser featuring a preview performance of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” from 6 to 10 p.m. July 7 at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive. The event themed A Night Under the Stars: Dinner, Theatre & HOPE will benefit the Vista nonprofit’s programs to help homeless families achieve independence. Reserved seating and dinner is $56; $30 for children 12 and younger. Visit zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hope-at-moonlight–2026.
Free movie in Brengle Terrace Park
The free Movies in the Park series continues with the screening of “Goat” (2026) on July 11 at the Brengle Terrace Park softball field, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. The movie begins at dusk, but folks can come earlier. No tickets required. Visit vista.gov/residents/movies-in-the-park.
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.