Things to do include Taste of New Orleans, Pacific Classic, symposiums, festivals and more – San Diego Union-Tribune

6th annual Taste of New Orleans

The 6th annual Taste of New Orleans Food & Music Festival starts from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug.15 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds racetrack. The festival features Cajun cuisine including gumbo, po’boys, red beans & rice, jambalaya and fried shrimp platters along with beignets for dessert. There will be live music starting at noon featuring the Euphoria Brass Band and Salty Papa band, along with artisan and craft vendors, the Rad Hatter, Stiltwalkers and Mardi Gras style processions. For tickets, visit taste-neworleans.com.

$1,000,000 Grade 1 Pacific Classic

As Del Mar’s richest and most prestigious race, the $1 million Grade 1 Pacific Classic showdown on Saturday, Aug. 22 (first race 2 p.m.), brings together top horses to compete for a guaranteed berth into the 2026 Breeders’ Cup. This year’s edition marks a historic milestone with the debut of the first Japanese racehorse, known as ‘Finger’, to compete in the Pacific Classic – further solidifying Del Mar’s growing reputation as an international leader in racing, having hosted the Breeders’ Cup four times with horses from around the world, a news release stated. For more information, visit www.dmtc.com/calendar/detail/pacific-classic

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

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.

San Onofre Symposium: Nuclear Waste to Clean Energy

On Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Samuel Lawrence Foundation will host the San Onofre Symposium: Nuclear Waste to Clean Energy at Scripps Seaside Forum.The symposium will examine one of California’s most pressing environmental challenges—the long-term storage of 3.6 million pounds of spent nuclear fuel at the former San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station—while exploring solutions toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future, a news release stated.Hear from Representatives Mike Levin and Scott Peters, along with nationally recognized scientists, energy experts, public health researchers, and business leaders.Register now at www.samuellawrencefoundation.org/san-onofre-symposium. Email Heather Freitag at heather@samuellawrencefoundation.org with any questions.Scripps Seaside Forum is located at 8610 Kennel Way (formerly Discovery Way)La Jolla, 92037.

Solana Beach Mature Adult Center’s Annual Open House

The Solana Beach Mature Adult Center’s Annual Open House will be held Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Debin Hall at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church (120 Stevens Avenue, Solana Beach).The event is free and open to all. Enjoy a wide variety of vendors, live music by Janet Hammer and the Beach Girls, free lunch, and door prizes. No reservations needed.Questions? Call Mature Adult Center at 858-509-2587.

New Sandpipers Square Dance Club Class

Sandpipers Square Dance lessons begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach. These weekly classes teach basic square dancing. No experience needed and a partner not required. Both singles and couples welcome. The first class is free, then a $10 donation per session. Fun exercise and meet new, friendly people. Refreshments provided. For more information visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.

Crafts Group to create wares for SB Historical Society Holiday Boutique

The Solana Beach Civic & Historical Society will hold an event on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. where its Crafts Group will create a variety of wares for its Holiday Boutique held every year in the holiday season. All are welcome to attend. The event will be held at La Colonia Community Center in Solana Beach (715 Valley Ave., Solana Beach).

Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

The Del Mar Wine & Food Festival (DMWFF), benefiting Feeding San Diego, returns Sept. 30–Oct. 4 with a packed lineup of celebrity chefs, acclaimed winemakers, professional athletes and new events that showcase why DMWFF has quickly become one of Southern California’s most dynamic food and cultural weekends.Co-founded by sports icons Alex Morgan, Drew Brees and Rob Machado with Food Network host Troy Johnson, DMWFF was built around San Diego’s unique collision of food, drink and active culture. The festival spans eight events—from Brees’ celebrity pickleball tournament to an exclusive celebration with Château Montelena marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, a powerhouse Baja chefs dinner, a late-night after-party with Food Network stars, and two massive days of eating, drinking and playing on the professional soccer fields of Surf Sports Park—where hometown soccer clubs San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC will also join the celebration with Matchday Experiences at the Grand Tasting, a news release stated.For the full schedule, tickets and more information, go to: delmar.wine

Surfer’s Point LIVE Pop-Up Concert Series

CBF Productions recently announced the launch of Surfer’s Point LIVE at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, bringing a pop-up outdoor concert series to San Diego County this fall with three major live music events featuring nationally recognized artists, according to a news release.Each event is designed as a limited-time destination where fans can enjoy world-class live music, great local food and drinks, and the unmistakable energy of the California lifestyle, the news release stated.The inaugural Del Mar series kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 24, with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends Lynyrd Skynyrd joined by special guests Loverboy.The series continues on Friday, Oct. 2, as the award-winning Boots & Brews Country Music Festival makes its Del Mar debut featuring Billy Currington and Dylan Scott.A third headline concert will be announced in the coming weeks, completing the inaugural Surfer’s Point LIVE season at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.All concerts will take place in the Del Mar Arena.For tickets and additional information, visit www.surferspointlive.com.

Coastal Communities Concert Band presents “All You Need Is Love”

The Coastal Communities Concert Band (CCCBand), an award-winning symphonic band of more than 70 musicians from throughout San Diego County, will present a concert titled “All You Need Is Love” on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. at the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding Street, Carlsbad, 92008. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors. Students and active-duty military are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door (cash only), online at www.cccband.com or by calling 858-761-8421.The concert celebrates love in all its forms with a variety of popular tunes such as the music of John Denver, Whitney Houston and the Beatles.

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.

37th Annual Taste of Encinitas

The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association’s 37th Annual Taste of Encinitas, presented by RPG, will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., along Coast Hwy 101 in downtown Encinitas. For a $60 ticket, participants can enjoy tastes from 30 restaurants, sample wine, beer, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks with over 35 Sip Stops to choose from, and enjoy live music at a total of four locations throughout downtown Encinitas, including The Lumberyard Courtyard, Charlie’s Electric Studio, Concept Board Shop, and Hansen Surfboards. The music begins at 5:30 p.m. and will last the entirety of the event.Visit https://www.encinitas101.com/store/p/taste-of-encinitas-ticket for more information and to purchase tickets online. The $60 per person price includes all food and 10 drink samples, as well as all the entertainment as described above.

Cardiff Greek Festival

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church welcomes the greater San Diego community to experience the Food, Fun & Opa! at the 46th Annual Cardiff Greek Festival on Sept. 12-13. Attendees will enjoy Hellenic cuisine, entertainment, and hospitality as the church grounds are transformed into a Greek island village with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Greece.Cardiff Greek Festival is Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 13from 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the grounds of Saints Constantine and Helen, 3459 Manchester Avenue,a half mile east of I-5 at the Manchester exit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Free parking is available atadjacent Mira Costa College. Admission $4 (children under 12, active military, police, and firefighterswith ID are free). No pets. ADA certified service dogs only.For more information, visit www.cardiffgreekfest.com.

20th Annual LeucadiART Walk

Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association will present the 20th Annual LeucadiART Walk on Sunday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at various locations along Highway 101 in Leucadia.The event will feature fine-artists, sculptors, potters, photographers, printmakers and handmade crafters, as well as children’s art activities, live music, 21+ beverage garden and more.Free to the public. For more information, visit leucadia101.com

Batiquitos Lagoon Annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup Event

The nonprofit Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) recently announced the 20th Annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup Event on Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4. This event allows the public to enjoy kayaking waters normally closed to boating, while simultaneously aiding in preserving the lagoon habitat by removing trash. The cost is $160 per two-person tandem kayak and is a tax-deductible donation to BLF. Tickets are now on sale.There will be four launches on Saturday and three on Sunday. This two-hour experience includes check-in, personal flotation device (PFD) provisioning, water safety instructions and approximately 90 minutes kayaking the pristine waters of the ecological reserve.Children as young as six years old are welcome to participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Water safety guides will accompany each group to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.batiquitoslagoon.org. Proceeds from the event will benefit BLF’s ongoing habitat restoration and other projects.

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 support Boys & 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.

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.

Legends of Science and Surfing

The Moores Cancer Center Legends of Science and Surfing returns Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15, bringing together internationally recognized oncology experts, legendary surfers, cancer survivors and community leaders to advance the future of cancer prevention, detection and treatment.On Friday, Aug. 14, the Legends of Science Industry and Academia Oncology Symposium will convene leading experts from academia, biotechnology and industry to discuss breakthroughs in cancer prevention, early detection, precision oncology, artificial intelligence and drug discovery.Then, on Saturday, Aug. 15, the 33rd Annual Legends of Surfing Invitational returns to Scripps Pier, where legendary surfers will join cancer survivors, physicians, scientists and community members for a one-of-a-kind beachside fundraiser benefiting cancer research. Free and open to spectators, the surfing competition pairs teams of Moores Cancer Center supporters with surfing legends in support of lifesaving cancer research.Since its inception, Legends has raised more than $13 million to support groundbreaking cancer research at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego. Proceeds from the event help advance the center’s mission to transform cancer prevention, detection and care, a news release stated.For more information, visit mcclegends.ucsd.edu

Encinitas Historical Society monthly walking tours

The Encinitas Historical Society offers monthly walking tours of downtown Encinitas on the third Saturday of every month in 2026. The tours start at 10 a.m. leaving from the 1883 One-Room Schoolhouse located at 390 West “F” Street. There is plenty of free parking nearby. On Aug. 15, the tour will concentrate on the north end of historic Coast Highway from “F” to Encinitas Blvd. On Sept. 19, the tour will cover the south end of Coastal Encinitas from 2nd and 3rd Streets to “K.” This alternating of the route ensures that participants can cover the distance in a slower, leisurely, more personal fashion.The tour includes a nominal charge of $10 per person. Minor children and dogs are always free. The Encinitas Historical Society is an all volunteer organization with tax exempt status and it accepts all forms of payment. You may contact the Historical Society at 760-942-9066 or info@encinitashistoricalsociety.org with any questions.

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.

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

Spreckels Summer Organ Festival

Spreckels Organ Society continues its Summer Organ Festival. 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. 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/.

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

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.

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