Things to do include concerts, classes, theater, lectures and more – San Diego Union-Tribune

The Hutchins Consort to perform Bach and Rock concert in Encinitas

On the third concert of the season, the Hutchins Consort will perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto 3, a musical offering and rock and roll favorites, on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew´s Episcopal Church, 890 Balour Dr., Encinitas.Tickets: $40 adults, $25 seniors/students, $10 17 & under, $70 family package (two adults and two children).To purchase tickets go to hutchinsconsort.org or purchase tickets at the door.

2026 Music by the Sea special debut performance

The 2026 Music by the Sea Season continues with its third concert, featuring the artistry of Dr. Vanessa Fountain, an award-winning harpist, composer, and educator celebrated for her versatility across classical, jazz, pop, rock, and Celtic traditions. This concert marks her debut with Music by the Sea, according to a news release. The concert will be held on Friday, March 20, at 7 p.m. at the Encinitas Library. For tickets, go to: shorturl.at/cQBeO

The Flower Fields open

The Flower Fields is now open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily March 1 through Mother’s Day, May 10, at 5704 Paseo Del Norte. An estimated 80 million giant tecolote ranunculuses in 13 shades of color are expected to bloom this season across 55 acres. Attractions range from a Butterfly Encounter, Artist’s Garden and Sweet Pea Maze to tractor wagon rides, concerts and wine-tasting events. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance online and are $27, $25 for seniors and military personnel and $17 for children age 3-10. Season passes are $65, $60 for seniors 60 and older, $40 for children 3-10. Visit theflowerfields.com.

Concert features Romantic Reflections

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra will perform Romantic Reflections at 2 p.m. March 8 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas. The program includes Howard Hanson’s Romantic Symphony and Brahms’ Tragic Overture. Soprano Tasha Koontz will perform pieces by Samuel Barber and Jordan Kuspa. Admission is $18; $15 for seniors, students and military; free for children 18 and younger. Visit northcoastsymphony.com.

Baha’i community meet and greet

The Baha’i community of Encinitas holds a Naw-Ruz Spring celebration and community meet and greet at 3 p.m. March 21 at the Encinitas Library auditorium, 540 Cornish Drive. Admission is free. RSVP by March 17 at sholehflame@sbcglobal.net.

‘Farm Kitchen: A Hands-On Cooking Class’ at Coastal Roots Farm

Join Coastal Roots Farm for Farm Kitchen: A Hands-On Cooking Class. Together participants will harvest ingredients, cook three unique pesto pasta recipes, and enjoy a meal under the stars in the Coastal Kitchen. Full menu includes pesto pasta, warm challah bread, and a fresh salad. Charcuterie snacks and beverages also included.The class will be held on Thursday, March 19, from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Coastal Roots Farm, 441 Saxony Rd., Encinitas. Tickets are $75 per person. Accommodations for gluten and dairy free possible.For tickets go to: https://coastalrootsfarm.givevirtuous.org/Event/farm-kitchen-a-hands-on-cooking-class/TicketsAny questions can be directed to Kim@coastalrootsfarm.org

Speaker to discuss “Adventures on Horseback” at Batiquitos Lagoon presentation

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a presentation on March 14 at 10 a.m. titled, “Adventures on Horseback” given by Lisa Wood, author of The Land of Fire and Rain. She will share tales from her 5,000 miles on the trail with only a tent, sleeping bag and her mustang. This free, family event is good for all ages 5 and over. Space is limited and is first come, first served. Events take place outside, so please dress accordingly. In case of rain, events will be cancelled. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information, visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

7th Annual Blue Water Film Festival

The 7th Annual Blue Water Film Festival will be held from March 19-22 in a variety of San Diego County locations.The Blue Water Film Festival is an annual event that brings together filmmakers, ocean enthusiasts, and conservationists to celebrate the beauty and importance of oceans. The festival features screenings of thought-provoking films, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, according to a news release. This year’s festival will also include a special exhibit featuring 2026 Featured Artist Joelle C.Tickets are on sale now, with all proceeds going towards the Blue Water Institute’s conservation efforts. For more information about the festival and to stay updated on ticket sales, visit the Blue Water Institute’s website at www.bluewaterfilmfestival.org

Coastal Communities Concert Band 43rd Anniversary Concert

The Coastal Communities Concert Band (CCCBand), an award-winning symphonic band of more than 75 musicians from throughout San Diego County will present their 43rd Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 7 at 4 p.m. at the Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church, 17010 Pomerado Road, San Diego, 92128. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students are admitted free. Tickets (cash only) are available at the door, online at www.cccband.com or by calling 858-761- 8421.

‘Espionage Unscripted’ at North Coast Rep

Variety Nights at North Coast Rep in Solana Beach will present a spy-movie-inspired-comedy ‘Espionage Unscripted’ on March 9 and March 10 at 7:30 p.m.A completely improvised show that takes the audience behind the scenes of the officials, operatives, spies, shadowy (and sometimes ridiculous) characters who you don’t see in the news. This is the high-stakes intrigue of alliances, diplomacy, secrets, backstabbing, love, lies and drama that keep the world running and sometimes threaten to stop it. Based on your suggestions and created before your eyes, according to a news release. Box office: 858-481-1055.For tickets and more information go to https://northcoastrep.org/variety/espionage-unscripted/

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation to host 3rd Annual Zero Waste Textile Expo

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, an award-winning Encinitas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pioneered the first comprehensive curbside recycling program in Southern California, recently announced its third-annual textile waste educational event, the 2026 Zero Waste Textile Expo. This event takes place at Encinitas Community and Senior Center on Sunday, March 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr, Encinitas.

The Zero Waste Textile Expo is a free, family-friendly event designed to highlight the environmental impact of consuming fast fashion and soft consumer goods while providing education about sustainable solutions and zero waste options anyone can participate in.

This event also hosts local brands and makers who will showcase and sell their sustainable products. Local designers will present an expert presentation on the slow fashion movement that addresses the urgent need to move towards more sustainable models in the fashion and retail industries.This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required to attend. Learn more at: https://www.solanacenter.org/events/2026-zero-waste-textile-expo

Ocean of Poetry event at Encinitas Library

All are invited to attend the March installment of Ocean of Poetry on Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m. -3 p.m., in the Encinitas Library’s Community Room. Ocean of Poetry, a free event, is presented by the City of Encinitas and supported by Encinitas Friends of the Arts.The event will include the venerable George Yachisin as the featured reader. Yachism is a Santa Barbara Poet Laureate, 2025-2027, and author of the collections Feast Days and The First Night We Thought the World Would End. He is co-editor of the anthology Rare Feathers: Poems on Birds & Art, and his poetry appears in anthologies including Reel Verse: Poems About the Movies.As usual, there will be an open reading for the second half of the event. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. for seating and open reading sign-up. All poets and aspiring poets are welcome.

Death Cafe event in Encinitas

Talking about death doesn’t have to be scary, morbid or sad. Talking about death can be educational, empowering and inspiring. Come gather in community as this group share snacks and tea and breaks the stigma that death is a taboo topic. Free admission. Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., reoccurring every fourth Saturday of the month. (www.deathcafe.com)The event is held at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive Encinitas.Please RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com

“The Recipe” at La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse presents the world-premiere play “The Recipe” from Tuesday, Feb. 10, to Sunday, March 22, at the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The production, written by Claudia Shear, directed by Lisa Peterson and starring Christina Kirk and Norbert Leo Butz, follows the story of famed chef, author and TV personality Julia Child. $77-$124. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/the-recipe

“Hedda Gabler” at Old Globe

The Old Globe presents Katie Holmes in Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama, in a new version by playwright Erin Cressida Wilson. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through March 22. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $61 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Animal shelter recruiting foster volunteers for pets

Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza St., is recruiting temporary foster care volunteers, especially for the spring and summer when there are lots of kittens and puppies. The average length of stay in foster care is four to six weeks. Training is required. Call 760-753-6413 or visit sdpets.org.

Master of floral art to give demonstration

The Village Garden Club of La Jolla hosts Meet the Masters, a presentation, floral demonstration and luncheon led by Lewis Miller, a master of floral artistry, at 10 a.m. March 12 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Court. Miller, founder of New York-based Lewis Miller Design, creates floral events for Tiffany, Chanel and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others, and is known for Flower Flash pop-up floral installations.

Tickets are $200. Floral arrangements made by Miller at the event will be auctioned off; proceeds benefit the garden club’s service projects, including Schoolyard Garden Grants and Bouquet of Thanks for Veterans. Visit vgclj.com.

SeaWorld puts on food festival

SeaWorld San Diego’s Seven Seas Food Festival runs Fridays through Sundays, from Feb. 27 to April 26, featuring more than 150 globally-inspired foods and beverages curated by Executive Chef Zuric Ramirez.

The festival includes six stages with cultural entertainment throughout the park along with live performances by chart-topping artists such as Fitz and the Tantrums, The Band Perry and Walker Hayes. The festival is included with park admission. Visit seaworld.com/san-diego/events/seven-seas-food-festival.

‘The Maltese Falcon’ at North Coast Rep

A world premiere adaptation by Matthew Salazar-Thompson of Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon” is being presented at the North Coast Repertory Theatre Wednesday, March 4 through Sunday, April 5.

Salazar-Thompson’s ingenious new version of Hammett’s noir masterpiece features five versatile performers transforming between roles to bring 1920s San Francisco’s underbelly to hilarious life.

Directed by Todd Nielsen. A talkback with the director and cast is scheduled for Friday, March 13. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. For a complete performance schedule and ticket information, call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org

14th Annual Regale in the Ranch ‘Studio 54″

The Beach & Country Guild will hold the 14th Annual Regale in the Ranch event titled “Studio 54” on Thursday, April 30, from 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at a private home in Rancho Santa Fe. Valet parking included.All proceeds from the event benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego.Put on your Studio 54 best and dance the night away with a live DJ. The event also features libations and delicious bites from local vendors and restaurants, and an opportunity drawing, a news release stated.For more information and tickets, go to shorturl.at/8kmVG

El Camino Quilters Guild meeting features speaker

El Camino Quilters Guild meets at 10 a.m. on Tuesday March 10, at the Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. Guest fee $10.The Quilter Guild’s March speaker is its own Tara Ritacco, who will speak on “Contemporary Textiles/Natural and Indigo Dyes”. Ritacco has a BA in textiles and clothing, patternmaking and design.Ritacco will do dyeing workshops on March 9 and again on March 11, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at her home in Carlsbad. Workshop fee: $55 cash or check, $57 credit card. Kit fee $20.For more information: elcaminoquilters.comEl Camino Quilters is a non-profit group that donates hundreds of quilts and other handmade items to a variety of groups including Rady Children’s Hospital, senior centers, hospitals, police and military groups.

Solana Beach Community Connections to hold March Games Day

Solana Beach Community Connections (SBCC), the City of Solana Beach Parks and Recreation, and Let’s Play a Game Foundation invite all to the monthly Games Day on Thursday, March 12 from  12 p.m. 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.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.Visit solanabeachcc.org for more information.

Professor to discuss ‘Understanding the Economics of Cybercrime’ at local event

Every day, millions of people use the internet for work, banking, communication, and entertainment. But with this convenience comes a hidden danger – cybercrime. All are invited to hear UCSD Professor Stefan Savage speak on “Cybercrimes” on Tuesday, March 10 at 6 p.m.The talk is sponsored by Solana Beach Community Connections and is free and open to the public. The talk will be held at La Colonia Community Center, 715 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach. Come early to obtain a parking space.Savage will discuss how to understand economics from a criminal standpoint, how interventions against that threat have been developed along with the evolution of threats and how you as a consumer can protect yourself.Savage is a professor of computer science and engineering at the University of California, San Diego. He currently serves as the co-director for UCSD’s Center for Network Systems (CNS).

Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club invites community to Prospective Member Luncheon

The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club recently announced its upcoming Prospective Member Luncheon, an opportunity for those interested in learning about the club’s events, workshop and philanthropic initiatives. RSF Garden Club membership is open to everyone. The luncheon will be held on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Secret Garden, 17025 Avenida De Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe.Guests will enjoy a complimentary lunch and learn to discover what makes the club truly unique. The event offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to meet current members, explore the club’s 2026 calendar of programs and events, and gain insight into the meaningful philanthropic work that is central to its mission, according to a news release.Pre-registration is required. All registrants will receive a confirmation email with additional event details. For more information and to register, visit www.rsfgardenclub.org