EcoFest hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego

An EcoFest will be held from noon to 4 p.m. June 28 at Encinitas Community Park, 425 Santa Fe Drive, hosted by the city of Encinitas and I Love A Clean San Diego. The sustainability celebration brings together residents, environmental groups, green businesses and civic leaders for workshops, educational exhibits and family-friendly environmental activities, including a community clothing swap, live music and plant-based food. Visit ecofestencinitas.org.

Coastal Communities Concert Band presents: “250 Years of American Spirit”

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 “250 Years of American Spirit” on Saturday, June 27, at 2 p.m. at the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding Street, Carlsbad. 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 U.S. history with patriotic classics and favorites. The music follows the birth of the United States through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to World Wars I and II, adding spirited and moving melodies along the way. Highlights will include music from the movies, “Gettysburg”, “Saving Private Ryan” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, an Abraham Lincoln presenter and Carmen Dragon’s iconic arrangement of “America, the Beautiful”, according to a news release.

The concert will be directed by Associate Conductor Bruce Mansfield. Mansfield is director of bands, associate dean of music, and professor of music at Point Loma Nazarene University, where he leads the concert and jazz bands and coordinates the university’s Music Education program.

CCCBand, under the auspices of MiraCosta College, is supported and operated by the Coastal Communities Concert Band Foundation, a nonprofit 501c3 organization. More information is available at www.cccband.com.

Teen foster volunteer program at animal shelter

The Teen Foster Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society gives teenagers 15 and older an opportunity to work hands-on with homeless animals while they earn service hours for their school or other organization. The average length of stay in foster care is four to six weeks. Training and parental approval are required. Call 760-753-6413 or visit sdpets.org.

North Coast Symphony presents A Journey Through America

Take a musical journey through America at the North Coast Symphony Pops concert on Saturday, July 11, at 2:30 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. This entertaining program features beloved music that celebrates America’s people, places, and spirit. Highlights include Gershwin’s O Land of Mine and Swanee, Copland’s inspiring Variations on a Shaker Melody, and favorites from Broadway hits Oklahoma! and Chicago. The concert continues through New Orleans jazz, New York City, and the American West. Admission is $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, and free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

Art in the Village fest

The annual Art in the Village fest, an open-air celebration of fine art hosted by the Carlsbad Village Association, is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 28 in downtown Carlsbad Village. The outdoor art gallery will cover four blocks, featuring 160 local and regional artists and their original works, including paintings, photography, sculpture and glasswork. Attendees can meet artists and there will be art demonstrations in sculpting, glassblowing and printmaking, a chalk art zone, live music and a hands-on pop-up art booth for all ages. Visit carlsbad-village.com/events/art-in-the-village.

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 June 25 to 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.

Firefighter Demolition Derby at the fair

The 34th Annual Firefighter Demolition Derby will be held Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at theDel Mar Arena (Fairgrounds).Spectators will be on the edge of their seats as firefighters compete in custom cars. Firefighters volunteer their time to build the cars and fundraise. The event kicks off with a parade of fire engines and apparatus trucks. Throughout the day, there will be fire and safety demonstrations.Funds raised from the event support the Burn Institute’s fire and burn prevention and burn survivor support programs. Free entry to the arena with a fair pass.

Cardiff Dog Days of Summer returns for its 21st anniversary

Cardiff 101 Main Street will hold the 21st Annual Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, presented by Kahoots, on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Encinitas Community Park.

Now in its 21st year, Dog Days of Summer has become one of North County San Diego’s most anticipated pet-friendly community events, drawing thousands of attendees annually. The free event celebrates dogs, local businesses, and the unique spirit of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, according to a news release.

Visitors can explore more than 100 vendors offering dog-related products and services, meet local rescue organizations and adoption agencies in Rescue Row, and shop handmade goods from regional artisans in Maker’s Market Row. The event will also feature live music, dog contests, children’s activities, food vendors, and a Libation Lounge serving adult beverages.The event is free and open to the public. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. For more information about the event, the VIP Experience, becoming a vendor, or donating to the opportunity drawing, visit www.cardiff101.com or follow @cardiff101mainstreet on Instagram for ongoing updates.

Forum Carlsbad Celebrates Summer with Discovery Days

Discovery Days return to The Forum Carlsbad this July, offering complimentary family-friendly experiences every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the garden area near YETI. Featuring live entertainment, special guests and interactive activities, the summer series is designed to inspire imagination and encourage exploration.Each week introduces a different theme, from superheroes and marine life to dinosaurs and outer space, giving children something new to experience throughout July.For more information, visit theforumcarlsbad.com or follow on social @theforumcarlsbad.

30th Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest to return, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities now open

The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 30th Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest will return from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, bringing a full day of Bavarian-inspired fun, live entertainment, artisan shopping, German food, beer gardens and family-friendly festivities to North County San Diego.

The Chamber is now accepting sponsorships and exhibitor applications for the free regional festival, which is expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees from throughout San Diego County and Southern California, a news release stated.

Businesses interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities may call (760) 753-6041, email community@encinitaschamber.com or visit Encinitas Oktoberfest for information and applications.

Run for Rare 5K benefit event to be held in Del Mar

Run for Rare 5K will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 8 a.m. at Coast to Crest Trail in Del Mar. The event includes a 5K flat, scenic timed race for runners and walkers of all levels, and a kids 1K dash for 4-12 year olds.The event will raise funds to benefit iHope, a program of Genetic Alliance. iHope’s mission is “to expand access to genetic testing and follow-up care for children and families affected by rare diseases, regardless of social status, income, or geographic location.” The address for the race location is San Andreas Staging Lot, 15551 San Andres Dr., Del Mar.For more information on the event and to register go to: shorturl.at/cArLvFor more information on iHope visit ihopegenetichealth.org

San Diego County Fair

This year’s San Diego County Fair opened June 10 and runs through July 5 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar.

The 2026 fair features popular favorites such as imaginative new foods, concerts, carnival rides, games, shopping, competitive exhibits, motor sports and livestock shows. There are also some new attractions, as well.

This year’s fair has a new theme, “Once Upon a Fair,” which is featured in a walk-through exhibit near the fairgrounds entrance that celebrates stories and characters from beloved books.

Tickets vary in price by day of the week, age bracket and if they’re purchased in advance. General admission prices for adults start at $17, if purchased in advance. Children 5 and under are free, children 6-12 are free on Fridays. For tickets and other information, visit sdfair.com.

Del Mar opening day

Horse racing, over-the-top hats and stylish blazers are all the buzz at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s opening day festivities. Besides the horse racing, there is a hat contest, signature drinks and an after-party. For those who cannot make it to opening day, the summer racing season goes until Labor Day. 11:30 a.m. July 17. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com/racing

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

Nominations sought for Real Heroes Awards

The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties seeks nominees for its 24th Annual Real Heroes Awards. The organization is looking for community members who “step up in extraordinary ways to help others, save lives or strengthen their communities from bold, lifesaving acts to quiet moments of courage.” Honorees will be recognized in eight categories: Animal Welfare Hero, Corporate Hero, Disaster Services Hero, First Responder Hero, Gift of Life Hero, Good Samaritan Hero, Service, Armed Forces Hero and Youth Hero. Nominations are due by July 24. Visit redcross.org/sandiego/realheroes.

Charity Golf Tournament at Emerald Isle

The Frontwave Foundation will put on a Charity Golf Tournament at 11 a.m. June 26 at Emerald Isle Golf Course, 660 S. El Camino Real. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The event includes on-course contests, raffle opportunities and a post-tournament gathering along with a silent auction. Proceeds support the foundation’s Summer Backpack Drive, which will provide school backpacks and essential supplies to foster children. Visit frontwavefoundation.com/golf.

La Jolla events

• Shark Summer returns to Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography in July at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. This year’s activities will 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” events. 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

Balboa Park plant tour

A Balboa Park Five Flavors Tour is at 10 a.m. July 3 at the Trees for Health Garden Kiosk at the corner of Quince and Balboa Drive. Attendees stop at different plants and learn about their flavors. Guides will use the plants as a teaching tool and offer optional tasting samples at each stop. Admission is free and tours are the first Friday of the month. For questions, email tours@balboapark.org.

Ice Cream Festival

The eighth annual Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival, by Hollandia Dairy, returns to North Park at 30th Street and North Park Way from noon to 4 p.m. June 28 with more than 30 local ice cream, gelato, paleta and frozen treat makers for an afternoon of sampling and family-friendly activities, interactive activations and music. Admission is $45; First Scoop Experience, $90. Proceeds benefit Feeding San Diego. Visit scoopsandiego.org.

Fleet Science Center grand reopening

The newly renovated Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, in Balboa Park, will hold its grand reopening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27-28, featuring two new exhibits. San Diego residents will get 50% off general admission on-site tickets that weekend to celebrate the reopening. Visit fleetscience.org.