The La Jolla Light presents this continuing listing of local in-person events and online activities.
Lectures & learning
• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the San Diego Museum of Art present the 25th annual Axline Lecture with multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at MCASD’s Jacobs Hall, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. mcasd.org/events/derrick-adams
• ArtPower presents “Up Close: A Conversation with Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive. La Jolla. Bird and Giacchino’s discussion will offer a peek behind the curtain on the creative partnership between a filmmaker and a composer. $35-$80. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/up-close-brad-bird-michael-giacchino
• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and ArtLeadHer present “Creating with Care: Women Artists on Art Making and Personal Wellness” from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, at MCASD’s Jacobs Hall, 650 S. Coast Blvd., La Jolla. Free, though registration is required. mcasd.org/events/creating-with-care
Health & Fitness
• The La Jolla Newcomers Club presents Saturday Morning Walkers at 9:30 a.m. July 11, starting at the front lawn of the La Jolla Recreation Center at 615 Prospect St. and continuing through the residential area of Virginia Way and High Street. A coffee meet-up will follow. lajollanewcomersclub.org
Art & film
• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s Summer Camp runs Mondays through Fridays through July 24 at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Campers will have the opportunity to create art projects based on the “Giants” exhibition and other collections at MCASD. The remaining schedule is: July 13-17, “Utopia: Imagining a Perfect World,” composed of community-building and creative projects; and July 20-24. “Mighty Makers and Menders,” featuring painting, patching and lessons. $400 for museum members, $450 for non-members. Register two people together and receive 25% off with the code “SUMMERPAIR.” Additional weeks are 25% off with the code “MORECAMP.” mcasd.org/events/summer-camp-2026
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents a Murals of La Jolla guided tour beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Free, though registration is required. ljathenaeum.org/events/murals-0715
• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego hosts a “Focused Narratives” public tour from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, beginning in the Browar Lobby at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Museum workers will guide guests through its permanent collection and special exhibitions and shed light on the artworks’ themes. Free. mcasd.org/events/focused-narratives-7-16
• The La Jolla/Riford Library displays photos from the San Diego Underwater Photographic Society through Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the Community Room at 7555 Draper Ave. A reception for the display is set for 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 18. sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=326164
• Quint Gallery presents “Stars and Stripes,” an exhibition by artist Nancy Blum, through Saturday, July 25, at 7722 Girard Ave., La Jolla. quintgallery.com/exhibitions/268-nancy-blum
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its 2026 art exhibitions at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The remaining schedule is: “Within the Context of Time,” featuring artists Coralys Carter and May-ling Martinez, through Saturday, July 25; 34th annual Juried Exhibition, opening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31, and continuing through Saturday, Oct. 10; and Sylvia Fernandez, opening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and continuing through Saturday, Jan. 2. ljathenaeum.org/upcoming-exhibitions
• 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
• Joseph Bellows Gallery in La Jolla presents the online exhibition “David Freund: Gas Stop,” featuring prints from Freund’s black-and-white gas station photographs shot in 47 states from 1978 to 1981. josephbellows.com/exhibitions/david-freund-gas-stop2
• The San Diego Art Directory presents “In Situ: La Jolla,” a curated installation placing original works by local artists inside Unscripted Spaces, a luxury interior design showroom at 7730 Girard Ave. The show runs through September. Free. (619) 361-1055
• Summers Salon in La Jolla commemorated the 100th birthday June 1 of late film legend Marilyn Monroe by decorating the walls with photos of her. The exhibit will be on display through the end of the year at 7946 Ivanhoe Ave. facebook.com/asummerssalon
Music & dance
• ArtPower hosts Barcelona-based female sextet Maruja Límon at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive., La Jolla. $35-$40. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/maruja-limon
• The San Diego Gay Men’s Choir presents “Smooth Sailing,” a concert of soft rock and nu yacht rock, at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $35-$82. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/smooth_sailing
• The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla presents the 2026 Concerts by the Sea series from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays, July 12 through Aug. 2, at Scripps Park, 1160 Coast Blvd. The lineup is: July 12, Detroit Underground (Motown music); July 19, Abbey Road (Beatles tribute); July 26, The Springsteen Experience (Bruce Springsteen tribute); and Aug. 2, Jumping Jack Flash (Rolling Stones tribute). Free. kiwanisclublajolla.org/event/concerts-by-the-sea
File
Gustavo Romero performs in July for the Summer Festival at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla. (File)
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its 27th annual Summer Festival featuring pianist Gustavo Romero playing music by Franz Liszt. Remaining shows are at 4 p.m. Sundays, July 12, 19 and 26, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Dinner will be offered after the last show. $55-$60 for individual concerts, $210 for individual shows with dinner. ljathenaeum.org
• Opera Neo presents the annual Aria Gala at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. The event will feature young singers performing signature arias, followed by a reception including hors d’oeuvres, wine and dessert. $65-$95. operaneo.com
• The La Jolla Woman’s Club hosts “A Night at the Museum,” a celebration of the San Diego Museum of Art’s centennial and Opera Neo’s 15th anniversary, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at 7791 Draper Ave. The musical “exhibition” will feature songs curated to explore and complement some of the works in the Museum of Art’s galleries and will be accompanied by immersive projections. $10-$55. operaneo.com
Jazz vocalist Roberta Gambarini will sing at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla on Saturday, July 18. (Athenaeum Music & Arts Library)
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents jazz vocalist Roberta Gambarini and pianist Tamir Hendelman in concert at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. $53 for Athenaeum members, $58 for non-members. ljathenaeum.org/events/jazz-26-0718
• ArtPower presents “Shredding the Multiverse” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Composers Mick Giacchino, Zach Robinson and Leo Birenberg will present music of movie hits. $30-$45. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/shredding-the-multiverse
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla concludes its Jazz Summer Series with Sean Jones, Billy Childs and Ben Williams at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at the library’s Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, 1008 Wall St. ljathenaeum.org/events/jazz-26-farrell-series
Books
• Trinity Theater Company presents an interactive story time for “The Little Red Hen” as part of the city of San Diego’s 2026 Summer Reading Program from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 10, at the La Jolla/Riford Library’s Community Room, 7555 Draper Ave. Free. sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=326563
• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Robinne Lee as she discusses her new book, “Crash Into Me,” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. She will be joined by Jeniffer Thompson, an author, branding coach, marketing strategist, publishing consultant and co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival. Free, or $30 for a book copy and reserved seat. warwicks.com/event/2026-07-13/robinne-lee-crash-me-jeniffer-thompson
• Hannah Corbin holds a meet-and-greet for her book “Did You Stretch Tho: 52 Stretches to Increase Flexibility, Balance and Performance” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. One ticket admits two guests to the book signing and photo line. Tickets also include one copy of the book. $35. warwicks.com/event/corbin-2026
• Author Michelle Huneven discusses and signs a new paperback edition of her book “Bug Hollow” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $20 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/huneven-2026
• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Dan Werb as he discusses his new book, “Our Wild Familiars: How Animals Are Adapting to Cities and Reshaping the Natural World,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $30 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/2026-07-16/dan-werb-our-wild-familiars
• Author and podcast host Jo Piazza discusses her book “The Parisian Heist” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 20, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $30 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/2026-07-20/jo-piazza-parisian-heist
Author Alicia Upano will discuss her debut novel, “Everything to the Sea,” on Thursday, July 23, at Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla. (Mar Mizunaka)
• Author Alicia Upano discusses her debut novel, “Everything to the Sea,” in conversation with author Andrew Kelly Stewart at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $30 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/upano-2026
Theater
• The La Jolla Theater Ensemble and the San Diego Shakespeare Society present Rob Crisell’s one-man show, “Red, White and Bard!” at 6 p.m. Monday, July 13, at the La Jolla/Riford Library’s Community Room, 7555 Draper Ave. The show, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary, features humor, audience participation, slides and props. Free. sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=331362
• “The Family Album” comes to La Jolla Playhouse from Friday, July 17, to Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theater, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The show is described as “a humorous and poignant original musical about a singer-songwriter finding her voice and using it for change.” $30-$109. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/the-family-album
Galas & events
• Shark Summer continues through July at Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. This year’s activities include shark exploration stations, shark feedings, themed dive presentations, “Sharks and Rays 101” talks and more.
Activities are included with aquarium admission, except for “Oceans at Night: Sharks” from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9. The after-hours event for guests 21 and older will feature shark experts; scuba divers feeding eels, sharks and more in the Living Seas exhibition; a DJ and more. $54 for aquarium members, $60 for non-members. Reservations are recommended. aquarium.ucsd.edu
• UC San Diego’s “Decoding DaVinci,” an interactive theatrical venture from the makers of “Clue: A Walking Mystery,” runs Thursdays through Sundays through July 12 at 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. “Decoding DaVinci” takes players on an espionage-fueled caper across the campus in which they must solve puzzles, interact with clandestine operatives and untangle a centuries-old mystery. $30-$40. artpower.ucsd.edu/decoding-davinci
• The La Jolla/Riford Library hosts a second week of debate camp for middle-schoolers from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 13-17, at 7555 Draper Ave. Free, though registration is required. sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=321098
• The La Jolla Historical Society presents its Young Architects Summer Program for middle and high school students Mondays through Fridays, July 13-17 and 20-24, at 780 Prospect St. $850 for Week 1 and $900 for Week 2. lajollahistory.org/young-architects-summer-program
• The Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa invites guests to its Tea in the Garden series from noon to 3 p.m. one Sunday a month through Oct. 18 at 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road. The remaining events are: July 19, “Mediterranean Daydream”; Aug. 23, “A Gilded Garden Tea”; Sept. 27, “Harvest & Herb Tea”; Oct. 18, “A Curious Mad Hatter Tea Party.” $75 per person per event. eventbrite.com/e/tea-in-the-garden-series-tickets-1982386840404?aff=erellivmlt
• La Jolla-based nonprofit Operation for Hope presents its ninth annual Caring, Sharing & Champagning fundraiser from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, starting at the Target store at 17170 Camino del Sur, San Diego, and continuing at a private residence in Rancho Santa Fe. The address for the latter will be available upon registration. operationforhope.org
Do you have an event — online or in person — that you’d like to see here? Email your leads to Noah Lyons at noah.lyons@lajollalight.com by noon Friday for publication in the following week’s edition. ♦