Family day at racetrack

A Family Fun Day is from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. July 26 during the summer horse racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack. There will be activities for all ages, including kid-friendly attractions, such as inflatable obstacle courses, face painting and bungee trampolines. Free admission for kids under age 17. The next Family Fun Day is slated for Sept. 6. Visit dmtc.com/calendar/detail/family-fun-day-july.

Community square dance party

Sandpipers Dance Club hosts a community dance party with square dance lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. July 25 at the St. James Catholic Church parish hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave. After the lessons, there will be round and square dancing until 9 p.m. Singles, couples and families are welcome. Refreshments served after the dance lessons. Donation $10; free for children. Visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.

Scam prevention experts to discuss how to avoid being victims

Don’t let fraudsters outsmart you—learn how to fight back with confidence at the 2026 Scam Jam Tour. On Tuesday, July 28, at 10 a.m., Del Mar Community Connections (DMCC) will host its second-annual interactive fraud-prevention session at Del Mar Town Hall (1050 Camino Del Mar).

This vital event features leading fraud experts Tiffany Zhang from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, and Jonathan Tague from the San Diego County Scam Prevention and Education Team. Rather than just listing common red flags, Zhang and Tague will expose the sophisticated psychological tricks and manipulation tactics criminals use to exploit older adults, equipping attendees with the exact tools needed to spot and halt scams in their tracks. Anyone interested in attending this essential lecture can register online at www.dmcc.cc/programregistration, a news release stated.

Those who have questions about the event may call DMCC during business hours at (858) 792-7565, email dmcc@dmcc.cc or visit the website at www.dmcc.cc.

Music society puts on SummerFest

The La Jolla Music Society will offer 50 free Learning and Engagement activities during SummerFest 2026 at The Conrad in La Jolla, from July 31 to Aug. 29, including open rehearsals, new listening lounges, coaching workshops and musical preludes that are open to the public.  Visit TheConrad.org.

Call for artists to exhibit

The City of Encinitas is putting out a call for San Diego County artists to exhibit their artwork. There are no fees to apply and no commissions on any artwork sales. Exhibition applications are due by Aug. 23, Exhibitions will be on view for about four months in 2027 and are slated to include an artist reception during Art Night Encinitas. Visit https://www.encinitasca.gov/.

‘The Western Unscripted’ at North Coast Rep

North Coast Rep Variety Nights will present “The Western Unscripted” Aug. 3 and Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m.It’s a full-length comedy play in the style of the great film westerns of John Ford and Howard Hawks. And here’s the twist: not a single word is written in advance, according to a news release. No script. No rehearsal. No two shows alike.Using nothing but their wits and the audience’s suggestions, Impro Theatre’s ensemble saddles up and rides headlong into the high chaparral (places like Tombstone and Deadwood) to spin a brand-new play right before the audience’s eyes. Cattle barons, sheriffs, saloon girls, desperadoes, and no-account sidewinders appear out of thin air, ready to manifest destiny – every single night, the news release stated.What happens on stage? Only the audience and the cast will know.For tickets and more information, go to northcoastrep.org

For tickets and more information, visit www.northcoastrep.org/production/scapin/

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. Upcoming concerts include: July 23: Piki Moreno / Classics; July 30: Barbwire / Country; Aug. 6: Coronado Big Band / Swing Orchestra.Admission is free. The public is encouraged to bring low-back beach chairs, ground cover and picnics. No alcohol, tobacco, pets or personal barbecues are allowed during concerts. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org.

2026 Summer Twilight Concerts in Del Mar

The Del Mar Foundation’s remaining 2026 Summer Twilight Concerts will be held July 28 and Aug. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. with the Coral Del Mar Opening Act, followed at 7 p.m. with the main attraction.The concerts give families and friends the opportunity to enjoy music, dance and picnics in a beautiful setting. All concerts will be held at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar (1658 Coast Blvd.)and are free to attend.For more information go to: www.delmarfoundation.org/programs/twilight/

Coffee in the Courtyard

Calvary Lutheran Church hosts Coffee in the Courtyard at 11 a.m. Sundays in the church’s courtyard, 424 Via de la Valle. The community is invited to come for hot coffee, fresh pastries and camaraderie. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org.

18th Annual Operation Game On Golf Classic

The 18th Annual Operation Game On Golf Classic will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.

The Golf Classic is Operation Game On’s premier fundraising event, and every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps the organization continue providing life-changing programs and opportunities for veterans.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. Shotgun start begins at 11:15 a.m. The event’s Awards Banquet and Live Auction will start at approximately 4:30 p.m.To register, become a sponsor, or donate, visit www.OperationGameOn.org

Rancho Santa Fe Toastmasters to hold summer party

All are invited to join Rancho Santa Fe Toastmasters for a summer party to be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, 5:30 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Library, 17040 Avenida de Acacias, 92067. The event will include snacks, refreshments, games and prizes. All are welcome. The group offers an opportunity to improve speaking skills and support growth in leadership, meeting every first and third Tuesdays of each month.

Christmas in July at Village Church: Clothing, household items collected

A Christmas in July clothing drive to benefit refugee families from Afghanistan and South Africa will be from 9 a.m. to noon July 26 at the Village Church in the parking lot, 6225 Paseo Delicias. Clothing, shoes, toys, furniture and kitchen wares are among the items needed to support the ongoing work of the nonprofit Alliance for African Assistance and its Safari Seconds Thrift Store in San Diego. The group helps refugees adapt to new homes, jobs and communities. Financial donations are also welcome. Visit villagechurch.org/christmas-in-july.

Cardiff Dog Days of Summer festival

The 21st Annual Cardiff Dog Days of Summer is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 2 at Encinitas Community Park, 425 Santa Fe Dr. The dog-centered event, presented by Kahoots, features more than 100 vendors with dog-related products and services, local rescue and pet adoption groups and handmade goods by regional artisans. Highlights include live music, dog contests, children’s activities, food vendors and a Libation Lounge serving beverages for adults. New this year is Dog Yoga and Corgi & Dachshund Runs. Visit https://www.cardiff101.com/events-calendar/dogdays26

Military Heroes Festival

Rock Church and Chick-fil-A will put on the 8th annual Military Heroes Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 25 at Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station, 2751 Dewey Road. The free community event is aimed at active-duty military families, Gold Star families, reservists and veterans in need and is a way of recognizing their service. Highlights include live entertainment, kids’ zone, sports activities, face painting, crafts and prizes along with food provided by Chick-fil-A and appearances by the 501st Legion. There will be free groceries, diapers and backpacks, while supplies last, along with free haircuts. Free for service members. Register at sdrock.com/heroes.

Batiquitos Lagoon presentation: ‘Fleeting Water, Hidden Worlds’

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a presentation on Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. titled “Fleeting Water, Hidden Worlds.” Guest speaker Scott McMillan, Habitat Restoration ecologist at Dudek, will discuss the vital role vernal pools play in California’s larger ecosystem. He’ll also talk about a much-needed restoration project in Carlsbad that will begin in the fall. This free family event is good for ages 15 and older. Events take place outside, so please dress accordingly. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information, visit Batiquitoslagoon.org. In case of rain, events will be cancelled and rescheduled.

Ted Neeley’s “Farewell Tour” coming to Encinitas

Ted Neeley, the iconic Golden Globe-nominated star of Norman Jewison’s 1973 film masterpiece Jesus Christ Superstar, is bringing his official national “Farewell Tour” to Encinitas.Neeley will be hosting a one-night-only screening, VIP storytelling session, and fan meet-and-greet at the historic ⁠La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m.This screening marks his final Southern California tour stop, celebrating over 50 years of an anachronistic rock opera that defined a generation and radically challenged Hollywood’s traditional biblical epic formula, according to a news release.At 82 years old, Neeley continues to captivate “Ted Heads” across the globe. This final coastal screening provides a beautiful visual and cultural intersection: a legendary Hollywood star saying his ultimate goodbye to Southern California fans inside Encinitas’ beloved, 98-year-old historic theater space, the news release stated.For tickets and more information, go to: www.lapalomatheatre.com/showtimes

Urban Pickleball tournaments downtown

The Gaslamp Quarter Association hosts its summer Urban Pickleball tournaments on 13 courts along five blocks of downtown on Fifth Avenue between Island Avenue and K Street on Thursdays from July 30 to Sept. 3. Highlights include a Zero-Proof Garden with a social lounge serving non-alcoholic beverages and a Sports Market. Cost is $45 per new player and $40 per returning player. Registration is at gaslampurbanpickleball.com.

Spreckels Summer Organ Festival

Spreckels Organ Society continues its Summer Organ Festival featuring Thomas Gaynor playing The Carnival of the Animals, music from “Indiana Jones” and “Aladdin,” as well as works by Wagner, Rachmaninoff, and more on the organ from 7:30 to 9 p.m. July 27 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 concerts are performed by acclaimed international artists each Monday through Sept. 7. Visit spreckelsorgan.org/summer-organ-festival.

Harry Potter in concert

The first Harry Potter movie will be shown during a special concert event at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The audience will have two chances to see and hear the San Diego Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams’ score of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” while the film is playing. 7 p.m. Aug. 21 and 22. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. $51-$173. theshell.org

Summer Nights in the garden concerts

Summer Nights is back at the San Diego Botanic Garden from 4 to 8 p.m. with extended garden hours through Aug. 6. The outdoor concert series features a variety of music and blooms on the Gazebo Lawn. Concerts range from Country Night and Honky Tonk to ’80s Cover Bands and Surf Rock, starting at 5:30 p.m., with live music continuing to 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $20; $10 for garden members at sdbg.org.

Comic-Con

Comics, superheroes, Japanese animation, vintage toys and cosplay fans will assemble in the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter for the 2026 Comic-Con International. The yearly convention includes panel discussions, movie and television showings, an exhibitor hall, outdoor activations, a masquerade ball and more. July 22-26. San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego. comic-con.org

“North by Northwest” premiere

The Old Globe is hosting the North American premiere of “North by Northwest.” The play is English director Emma Rice’s interpretation of Alfred Hitchcock’s film “North by Northwest.” The story takes place in the 1950s and is about Roger Thornhill, who works in the advertising industry, and is mistaken for a Cold War spy. Rice’s version is a funnier, high-speed theatrical thriller with 1950s swing music and is shown via the Mount Rushmore backdrop, according to The Old Globe. July 3 through Aug. 2. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

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.

LITVAKdance presents Dancing Outdoors: Take 4

LITVAKdance will hold its popular summer show, Dancing Outdoors: Take 4, in the beautiful gardens at ICA San Diego, North Campus in Encinitas. The show will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.Dancing Outdoors: Take 4 highlights some of the diverse dance companies and artists that reside in Encinitas. Enjoy a cocktail and watch seven styles of dance, listen to live music by Encinitas band Montalban Quintet, peruse the gorgeous natural spaces and check out ICA’s current exhibition, Unfold Projects.For tickets and more information, go to LITVAKdance.org/performsICA San Diego North is located at 1578 S El Camino Real, Encinitas.

Save the date: Beach & Country Guild 57th Dia Del Sol

The Beach & Country Guild will present the 57th Dia Del Sol, “Wicked for Good”, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad. Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 3.(early bird general admission is available until Sept. 12). For more information, visit www.beachandcountry.org for up-to-date information on Dia Del Sol or email reservations@beachandcountry.org with questions regarding the event.All proceeds from the event benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego.

Nighttime Zoo

Nighttime Zoo continues from 3:30 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 9 at the San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, with live music, entertainment and wildlife. Highlights include Rock & Roar rock and pop band concerts, Zoolamoves dancing and The Chameleons brass ensemble along with Whimsical Wildlife Characters, Dr. Harry & Friends and Jambo Dunia. Visit  zoo.sandiegozoo.org/nighttimezoo.

Carnivorous Plant Show

A Carnivorous Plant Show & Sale is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 1 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 2 at Casa Del Prado, Room 101, in Balboa Park, hosted by the nonprofit San Diego Carnivorous Plant Society. Admission is free. Visit www.sandiegocarnivorousplantsociety.com.