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.

RSF Library Guild to host ‘Robert Frost: Up Close and Personal’ with Frost Society Scholars

Two scholars of the beloved poet Robert Frost will share an intimate look at the four- time Pulitzer Prize winner’s personal life in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Rancho Santa Fe Library. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with complimentary light refreshments followed by the program at 6 p.m.

The evening will feature Robert Bernard Hass, noted international Frost authority and executive director of The Robert Frost Society, and Rancho Santa Fe poet and Frost scholar Jim Hurley, associate director of the Frost Society. According to a news release, the two will share an informal discussion on Frost’s personality traits, “his life’s satisfactions and multiple family sorrows, and the sometimes mercurial friendships in his literary life.”

Guests are urged to register early for limited seating at the library. For more information, contact RSF Library Branch Manager Christina Patterson at christina.patterson@sd-county.ca.gov. The library is located at 17040 Avenida De Acacias.

Youth of the Year event supports Boys & Girls Clubs Northwest San Diego programs

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego will host its annual Youth of the Year Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Del Mar Racetrack. This year’s inspiring event, themed “The Future Is Bright, Wear White,” invites guests to celebrate in all-white attire as “a symbol of hope, possibility, and the bright futures of the extraordinary young people being honored.”

The trackside evening will feature dinner, music, live and silent auctions, and the announcement of the 2026 Youth of the Year. Funds raised during the Youth of the Year Celebration directly supportBoys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego programs.

Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, honoring teens who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, service, and character. Through a competitive application and interview process, one outstanding club member is selected each year to represent the organization at the regional and state levels.

Community members are invited to attend, sponsor the event, or support the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit bgcgreatertogether.org or contact Julia Brown-Farley at jbrownfarley@bgcgreatertogether.org or (858) 755-9371.

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

Award-winning documentary screening and panel discussion featuring pollinator experts

The Solana Beach Eco Rotary Club is one of the presenters of a special film screening of an award-winning documentary on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 2 p.m. at Schulman Auditorium in the Carlsbad Dove Library. (Auditorium opens at 1:30 p.m.)The documentary, titled “The Little Things That Run The World”, is about how bugs are at the heart of all of the planet’s ecosystems and the potential for catastrophic decline in insect population in the near future, a news release stated. After the movie, a panel discussion with a group of pollinator experts will be held, who will also answer questions.The event will include environmental groups there who have supported the film screening as well as a live hive from the BeeKeepers Society.All proceeds go to local environmental groups working to halt the decline of insect populations.The Carlsbad Dove Library is located at 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, 92011.For more information, schedule and tickets, go to: tinyurl.com/littlethingstheworld

August Games Day to be held in Solana Beach

Solana Beach Community Connections (SBCC), the City of Solana Beach Parks and Recreation, and Let’s Play a Game Foundation invite all to their monthly Games Day on Thursday, Aug. 13 from 12 p.m. noon to 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. This free event will take place at La Colonia Community Center located at 715 Valley Avenue,Solana Beach.Learn new games, make new friends, laugh and have fun. Come once or every month, there’s no commitment. Lots of games to choose from such as Mexican Train, American Mahjongg or learn how to play chess. Let’s Play a Game Foundation will be there to introduce you to a variety of new games such as “Just One”, a word game where everyone works together togive the perfect set of clues, “Play Nine”, an easy card game about creating pairs and getting the lowest score, or “Flip 7”, a game like blackjack where pushing your luck can score you more points or reset you to zero.Organizers can accommodate someone who would benefit from memory games. If you’re a senior Solana Beach resident in need of transportation, call 858-923-1344 on or before Aug. 8.Solana Beach Community Connections (SBCC) is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization providing information, services and resources to Solana Beach seniors assisting them to age independently in place.

Former First Lady ‘Eleanor’ returning to North Coast Rep

North Coast Repertory Theatre shines spotlight on former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in “Eleanor”, which will return for two weeks only Aug. 27-Sept. 6.

Directed by David Ellenstein and written by Mark. St. Germain.

While sitting on a park bench in Washington, D.C., contemplating the death of her husband, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt candidly reveals the many facets of her storied life in a riveting one-woman play. Award-winning actor Kandis Chappell deftly illuminates the witty, feisty, vulnerable woman who was considered the heart of FDR’s presidency. Exploring both the public and private persona of this remarkable woman, writer Mark St. Germain (Dancing Lessons, Becoming Dr. Ruth, Freud’s Last Session) captures the essence of the woman who left an indelible mark on American history, a news release stated, adding that “for those who love honest, pull-no-punches drama, this is one you cannot miss!”

North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Call 858-481-1055, visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

Batiquitos Lagoon nature walk: ‘Underwater Creatures of the Lagoon’

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a docent-led nature walk on Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. titled “Underwater Creatures of the Lagoon.” Join the walk for an introduction to a handful of the hundreds of species living in the waters of the lagoon. Learn about the hugely important microscopic plankton, the sand-dwelling brittle sea stars, and the fish that stalk them. This free, easy 90-minute walk free family is free and good for all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. In case of rain, events will be canceled and rescheduled. For more information, visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

Ramona Country Fair

The Ramona Country Fair will run Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2.

Presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, visitors to the free fair can enjoy everything from carnival rides to cotton candy, cornhole, a car show, vendors, equestrian events and music performances.

The fair is open from 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday, with rides open from 5 p.m. to closing.

Saturday and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with rides open from 1 p.m. to closing.

The Ramona Country Fair is held at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane. For more information, visit: https://ramonachamber.com/ramona-country-fair/ or call: 760-789-1311.

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.

La Jolla Music Society SummerFest 2026

La Jolla Music Society presents SummerFest 2026 Friday, July 31 to Saturday, Aug. 29, primarily at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall and starting at 7 p.m. The series as a whole is composed of 21 concerts, with only one show outside of La Jolla. Upcoming shows include: “Vienna 1900” on Saturday, Aug. 1; “What If?” on Sunday, Aug. 2; “Reshaping the Past” on Wednesday, Aug. 5; “Eastern Visions” on Friday, Aug. 7; “Roots” on Saturday, Aug. 8; “Lost and Found” on Sunday, Aug. 9; “American Legacy” on Wednesday, Aug. 12; and “Out of the Shadows” on Friday, Aug. 14. SummerFest ticket subscriptions for all concerts in the Baker-Baum Concert Hall range from $1,387 to $1,675, depending on seat location. Concerts in The JAI are added to packages. Tickets for individual concerts range from $45 to $145. theconrad.org/Summerfest

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 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 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

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.

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.

Waves of Harmony concert

Pacific Coast Harmony will present a concert, “Waves of Harmony,” featuring four-part a cappella harmony from the Great American Songbook, Broadway theater and film at 2 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Schulman Auditorium at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. A highlight of the show will be a special appearance by the San Diego Chorus, an International award-winning treble chorus. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased by emailing treasurer@PacificCoastHarmony.org.

Survivor Tree Ceremony

The San Diego Botanic Garden will host the annual Survivor Tree Ceremony at 4 p.m. Aug. 6 honoring “resilience through a living legacy that connects the Garden to a global story of peace.” The event celebrates a ginkgo tree that is descended from a mother tree which survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima more than 80 years ago. The ginkgo was planted at the Garden in 2023. The event is during the garden’s final Summer Nights of the season. Visit sdbg.org.

Shelter to Soldier puts on Be the Light Gala

Local nonprofit Shelter to Soldier, which trains shelter dogs to be service dogs for post 9/11 veterans with PTSD and other service related injuries, will host its 14th Annual ‘Be the Light’ Charity Gala from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m August 14 on the flight deck at The USS Midway Museum, 910 N Harbor Dr. Highlights include three-course dinner, live music and silent and live auction emceed by Clint Bell along with firsthand stories told by veterans the nonprofit has helped. Tickets are $500 at bit.ly/STSGala14. Visit sheltersoldier.org.

Haute with Heart Fashion Show

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, a nonprofit that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host the 48th Annual Haute with Heart Fashion Show  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in Downtown, 1 Park Blvd. The event themed, “Hidden Diamonds,” honors the nonprofit’s 60-year and includes pre-luncheon reception with live music, boutique shopping, silent auction and champagne along with gourmet luncheon, entertainment, live auction and  runway show, which will also highlight  the nonprofit’s students. Proceeds go to the nonprofit’s programs. Tickets start at $250. Visit www.hautewithheart.org.

Summergrass San Diego bluegrass fest

The Summergrass San Diego, a three-day celebration of bluegrass music is from Aug. 14-16 at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N Santa Fe Ave., Vista. The 23rd annual festival features nationally and regionally recognized bluegrass bands, ranging from John Moore and Friends and John Jorgenson to Special Consensus and Po’ Ramblin Boys. Highlights include jam sessions, music workshops, and food along with music and craft vendors, dry camping and kid’s camp. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Aug. 14; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 15 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 16. Tickets are $35-$45 in advance and $40-$50 at the gate; three-day pass is $110-$125.  free for children 3 and younger with adult admission. Parking is $5 at gate. For camping fees, visit summergrass.net