Opening Day at the races

The summer horse racing season starts July 17 at the Del Mar Racetrack with the Opening Day Hats Contest and The Party, a trackside celebration. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will run its 87th summer racing season through Sept. 7. This year, the Seabiscuit Society VIP Party will debut in the Grandstand’s sixth-floor Skyroom. Special events include the Tacos & Tequila Festival on July 18; Taste of the Turf Club Sundays starting July 19; Pop-Up Sundays starting July 19; Turf Club Fridays starting July 24 and Family Fun Day July 26 with free admission for children 17 and younger along with kids’ games, face painting, inflatable attractions and activities. This year the first post is daily at 2 p.m., including on Fridays, except Sept. 5, when the first post moves to 1:30 p.m. Visit www.dmtc.com.

‘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

A Pair of Aces Book Tour to be held in Solana Beach

Friends of Solana Beach Library partners with Camino Books to present a “A Pair of Aces Book Tour with Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray” on Tuesday, July 21 at 6 p.m.

The event will be held in the Earl Warren Middle School Multipurpose Room located at 155 Stevens St., Solana Beach, adjacent to the Solana Beach County Library. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available at the Solana Beach Library lower lot and at Earl Warren Middle School.

The two authors previously joined forces on their highly acclaimed bestseller “The Personal Librarian.”Support your local book store and pre-purchase a signed copy available through the Camino Books website at www.caminobks.com

A limited number of copies will be available for purchase at the event. For more information visit friendsofsolanabeachlibrary.org/events

North Coast Repertory Theatre will present comedy ‘Scapin’

North Coast Rep will present Scapin July 22-Aug. 16. This high-energy comedy follows Scapin, the world’s greatest con artist, as he manipulates, schemes, and straight-up lies his way through an impossible situation, always one step ahead and turning every problem into a hilarious new opportunity. When two young lovers find themselves up against stubborn, money-minded fathers, Scapin jumps into action with outrageous tricks, bold lies, and comic chaos at every turn. A fresh, modern take on Molière’s beloved farce is packed with mischief, surprises, and nonstop laughs, North Coast Rep’s website states. Adapted by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell, directed by Christopher Williams

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 16: Salty Papa / R&B-Blues; 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.

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.

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, a news release stated.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.

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

Tramonto Music Festival

The City of Encinitas invites all to experience the return of the Tramonto Music Festival, July 17–19, at the Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas).

Under the artistic direction of internationally-acclaimed pianist Jacopo Giacopuzzi, Tramonto brings together award-winning musicians from around the world for three unforgettable performances celebrating classical music, artistry, and the beauty of the Southern California coast, according to a news release.

The 2026 festival will feature internationally acclaimed musicians and award-winning artists, including pianists Jacopo Giacopuzzi and Alvise Pascucci, flutist Tommaso Benciolini, violinist Jessica Guideri, cellist Allan Hon, bassist Angelica Gasperetti, and drummer/composer Liam Wallace.

For tickets and more schedule information, visit shorturl.at/sPJAo, phone: 760-633-2746, at the door subject to availability.

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.

Science Night at children’s museum

The Children’s Museum of Discovery will put on its annual Science and Engineering Night for ages 4-10 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. July 18 at 320 N. Broadway. The event includes 10 interactive STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math) activities. Kids can experiment with robotics and coding and learn about the mechanics of a car, optical illusions and other topics. Visitors can meet scientists at the event. For tickets, visit visitcmod.org.

Spreckels Summer Organ Festival

Spreckels Organ Society continues its Summer Organ Festival featuring Isabelle Demers playing Holst’s Jupiter, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, Bach and Mozart from 7:30 to 9 p.m. July 20 at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Road in Balboa Park. The summerlong 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-admission concerts are performed by acclaimed international artists each Monday at 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 7. Visit www.spreckelsorgan.org/summer-organ-festival.

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.