Pizza Paseo and Gelato in RSF to hold Grand Opening Party

A Grand Opening event will be held for Pizza Paseo and Gelato in Rancho Santa Fe on Friday, Sept. 25 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 26 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. The Friday event will feature pizza, gelato and drinks, and the Saturday event will include a carnival for kids, with face painting, a balloon artist, games, pizza and gelato.

Pizza Paseo and Gelato is located at 6024, Paseo Delicias, Unit D in Rancho Santa Fe. RSVP to paseopizzarsf.com/rsvp

Taste of Rancho Santa Fe

The 12th annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe is from 4 to 7 p.m. (with after-party at 7 p.m.) Sept. 27 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. The event features tastings from more than 75 restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and specialty food purveyors and is presented by the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary in partnership with title sponsors Hoehn Motors, the Morrison Foerster Foundation, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and Ranch & Coast Magazine. The event is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Foundation and net proceeds support charitable programs benefiting veterans, children, seniors, and those facing hardship throughout the community. Tickets are $175 at tasteofrsf.org.

Judgment of Paris wine event

On Oct. 1, The Del Mar Wine & Food Festival and Grand Del Mar will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, when a Napa Valley chardonnay from Chateau Montelena winery beat out France’s top wines in a blind international taste test in 1976. Hosted by Ernie Hahn and the Hahn family, the multicourse dinner prepared by Fairmont Grand Del Mar Executive Chef Bryn McArthur and James Beard Award-winning chef Mawa McQueen of Aspen, Colo., will feature wine parings from Chateau Montelena. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 1. $638.75. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego. delmar.wine/events

RSF Book Cellar Half-Off Sale

The Book Cellar at the Rancho Santa Fe Library is holding its Half-Off Sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Please note: Book Sellers’ shopping hours are Friday and Saturday, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

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 are on sale now (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.

‘Art and Wine in the Garden’

Rancho Santa Fe residents will be among those participating in the “Art and Wine in the Garden” event on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1230 Birmingham Dr. in Encinitas. The event will feature 14 San Diego artists, live music, food and wine. It is free and open to the public. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Oceanside Museum of Art’s Youth Arts Education Programming.

Worship at the Beach with the Village Church

Come join the Village Church for a beautiful afternoon of worship, fellowship, and community at the beach on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.

The event will be held at Cardiff State Beach, near the lifeguard tower and Pacific Coast Grill. Parking is available on-site or on the street.

Bring your own picnic lunch, a beach chair or blanket, and a heart ready to worship. Attendees will gather together by the shore, enjoy some good food and fellowship, and lift their voices in praise, a news release stated. Invite a friend, everyone is welcome!

For more information visit barbarah@villagechurch.org

The Village Church to host new member luncheon

Everyone is welcome to join pastors and leaders from The Village Church for lunch and conversation on what it means to become a member of the church. The gathering is set for Sunday, Oct. 11 from 11:45 a.m. until 1:45 a.m. in the church parlor at 6225 Paseo Delicias in Rancho Santa Fe.

Participants will learn about the church’s vision, mission and values while discovering the benefits of membership. Opportunities to join will be available, but everyone is welcome to just come and explore being part of a congregation that follows Jesus for life, a news release stated.

For more information, contact davidh@villagechurch.org

RSVP required for lunch: https://villagechurch.org/new-members-class

North Coast Rep to present benefit reading

North Coast Repertory Theatre will hold a special benefit reading of King of the Wild Frontier on Monday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Emmy Award-winning actor Joe Spano (“NCIS”, “Hill Street Blues”) and acclaimed screenwriter, television writer, playwright, and producer John Romano (“The Lincoln Lawyer”) bring this one-night-only reading to the NC Rep stage, directed by Jenny Sullivan and set against the backdrop of a 1960s New Jersey country club, exploring faith, family, and power.

Stay after the reading for a conversation with Joe Spano, Jenny Sullivan, and John Romano, followed by a reception with light refreshments.

All proceeds benefit the artists of North Coast Repertory Theatre. For tickets go to shorturl.at/roMM1

All welcome to attend DreamKeepers Project Inc. event

DreamKeepers Project Inc. recently announced that their 21st annual Membership Appreciation Event “A Morning of Coffee, Food & Friends” will take place on Monday, Oct. 19 from 10 am to noon at La Valle Coastal Club (formerly Morgan Run) in Rancho Santa Fe. The event’s special guest Chef from Paseo RSF will present a creative bistro-style cooking demonstration.

There will also be exciting shopping with merchandise from favorite vendors featuring jewelry and artful items for the home. And, of course, the Famous Opportunity Drawing for fabulous gift baskets will conclude the morning of fun, a news release stated.

DreamKeepers Project Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Family Recovery Center in Oceanside, which assists women in breaking the cycle of substance abuse. The FRC treats the needs of families through residential and outpatient treatment and continuing care. Their goals are to improve the well being of children while promoting family unification, and to assist families to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.

All are welcome to attend, come and bring a friend. RSVP by Monday, Oct. 12 to:contact@dreamkeepersproject.org or 858-756-6993 for details.

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.For the full schedule, tickets and more information, go to: delmar.wine

Mariachi Honor Band seeks applicants

La Jolla Music Society invites student musicians from across San Diego County to apply to its inaugural Mariachi Honor Band. Musicians selected for the Honor Band will learn from leading mariachi artists and educators, including guest artists from across San Diego and Los Angeles; perform alongside talented peers from across San Diego County; and perform in a concert at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla with Latin GRAMMY-nominated artist Javier Rodriguez and special guests. The high school honor band is open to students in grades 9–12; university band, ages 17 to 25. Rehearsals will be Oct. 22, and 29, from 5 to to 6:45 p.m. (high school) and 7 to 8:45 p.m. (university) at Logan Memorial Educational Campus. The performance will be at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 at  The Conrad in La Jolla. Applications are by midnight Sept. 20. Visit theconrad.org/mariachi-honor-band.

San Diego international Film Festival

Celebrating 25 years in 2026, the San Diego International Film Festival celebrates filmmaking from around the world. It kicks off with an opening night film and premiere party on Oct. 14. To celebrate the big anniversary, Belly Up will host a 25 Years After Dark party. Throughout the event, more than 100 films will be presented. Oct. 13-18. AMC 14 at Westfield UTC and other venues. Single screening or festival tickets available. sdfilmfest.com

River Valley Fest 2026 celebrates Conservancy’s 40th anniversary

River Valley Fest 2026, an extra-special event to recognize San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy’s 40th anniversary, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe. The evening includes a silent auction, seated dinner, program and live auction. Attendees will raise glasses to celebrate four decades’ worth of conservation, education and recreation. For tickets, go to www.sdrvc.org

Pumpkin Station

Locals can walk through this pumpkin patch for free or purchase one to take home. Giant slides, an antique carousel, a petting zoo and other carnival rides are available for entertainment. Sept. 25-Oct. 31. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $5 per ride and activity. pumpkinstation.com/del-mar-pumpkin-station/

San Diego Spirits Festival

With an ocean view, the San Diego Spirits Festival is a celebration of cocktails. Back for the 17th time, this year’s event will offer unlimited drinks from over 65 brands. It also features a spirits competition and musical entertainment. Sept. 26-27. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. $65-85.  sandiegospiritsfestival.com

Haunted Corn Maze

The Carlsbad Strawberry Company will be the scene of a terrifying corn maze. The spooky experience is recommended for teens and adults only. Fridays and Saturdays in October. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $25-45. aguahedionda.org/haunted-corn-maze

Kids Free in October

For the 15th time, San Diego County museums, attractions and cultural institutions are joining together to provide free admission for kids with an accompanying paying adult. There are more than 60 participants this year, including Living Coast Discovery Center, WorldBeat Cultural Center, USS Midway Museum, Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, Oceanside Museum of Art and Birch Aquarium at Scripps. See the San Diego Museum Council’s online guide for details. Oct. 1-31. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree

Encinitas historic bus tour to include the Bumann Ranch

The Encinitas Preservation Association (EPA) will once again host the historical bus tour on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The tour includes over 60 historical points of interest and scheduled stops at Olivenhain Town Hall, San Dieguito Heritage Museum and a drive through the old Ecke Poinsettia Farm. The highlight of the tour will be a rare opportunity to tour the historic Bumann Ranch which was homesteaded in 1886. This ranch has been carefully preserved and represents rural life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This is an extraordinary opportunity to see a working ranch with many historic buildings. Three generations of the Bumann family have called this home for the past 125 years. The buildings and contents are totally original and unchanged. Of the many Encinitas homestead ranches that once dotted the back country, this is the only one to survive into the 21st century.

Each ticket supports the preservation of two of Encinitas’ most iconic historical buildings, the Boathouses. The EPA acquired the SS Moonlight and SS Encinitas in 2008 in order to maintain them and make sure they remain in place for future generations.

Tickets are available for $60 each. They may be purchased through www.eventbrite.com. The tour will depart from Pacific View Arts Center, 380 F St at 10 a.m. and return at 1 p.m. The 1883 School House will be open for viewing following the tour. Parking will be available at Pacific View.

Minions to swarm Pacific Highlands Ranch with Summer Movies in the Park series

Summer Movies in the Park, the largest free and family-friendly outdoor movie series in San Diego, will come to Pacific Highlands Ranch Community Park with a screening of “Despicable Me 4” on Saturday, Sept. 26. The film is an animated comedy about Gru, Lucy, their daughters, and the Minions as they face a new villain and adjust to a new family adventure filled with chaos, humor and teamwork. Snacks will be available for purchase. The movie will start will start 15 minutes after sunset at the park on 5977 Village Center Loop Road.

Heartsteps Foundation presents “The Call Forward,” a Women’s Retreat

Heartsteps Foundation will present The Call Forward: A Women’s Retreat for Self-Love, Purpose & Possibility on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the garden grounds of One Paseo Living in the Del Mar/Carmel Valley area.

Limited to just 50 participants, The Call Forward is a thoughtfully-built day designed to give women an opportunity to pause, reconnect, discover their individual gifts and talents, and consider what may be calling them toward greater purpose.

The retreat is organized by Kathleen McCabe, president. and Deanna Farrell, treasurer of Heartsteps Foundation, Inc.

One Paseo Living is located at 3200 Paseo Village Way, Carmel Valley.$195 per person. Limited to 50 participants.For more information and tickets go to heartstepsfoundation.org.

Boots & Brews

The Boots & Brews Country Music Festival makes its Del Mar debut Oct. 2 as part of Surfer’s Point LIVE, featuring country music by Billy Currington and Dylan Scott. The evening will include favorites such as Currington’s “People Are Crazy” and “Good Directions,” along with Scott’s “My Girl” and “Can’t Have Mine (Find You a Girl).”Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Del Mar Arena at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Tickets start at $44.99, plus fee. Visit https://www.surferspointlive.com/.

Oktoberfest with artisan fair

The 30th annual Encinitas Oktoberfest, hosted by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 27 along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road. The family festival and artisan faire celebrates German culture with live entertainment, including Bavarian music and dance troupes, German food, international food, two beer gardens and a marketplace with more than 130 local artisan vendors. A ceremonial parade is slated for noon with local officials. There will be a German-themed dog costume contest with a pups parade and a kids play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course, games and a rock-climbing wall. Admission is free. A free shuttle will run from Flora Vista Elementary School Visit encinitasoktoberfest.com.

Veterinary Care program for seniors

The “Veterinary Care Assistance Program for Seniors” at Rancho Coastal Humane Society offers financial assistance, resources and support to senior pet parents (60 years and older) with limited income for their pets’ veterinary care. Financial documentation and a written estimate and treatment plan from an accredited San Diego County veterinarian is required. For more information call 760-579-2426, visit www.sdpets.org or email Vetcareprogram@sdpets.org

Olivenhain Oktoberfest

Olivenhain Oktoberfest: The festival presented by the Olivenhain Town Council features local brews, German dishes and live music from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Olivenhain Meeting Hall Grounds, 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road. The band will play German melodies, European harvest anthems and American pop hits. Guests are encouraged to wear a dirndl or lederhosen and bring their lawn chairs. The menu includes bratwurst and red cabbage, hot dogs, potato salad, sauerkraut, soft pretzels and dessert. The beer and wine garden offers craft beer from local breweries and a variety of wines. The beer and wine garden features craft beer from local breweries and a variety of wines. Food and drink tickets are $25 to $50; $10 for children. Event volunteers receive $10 discount. Visit olivenhain.org/oktoberfest.

Pickleball tournament benefits Feeding San Diego

The Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Tournament, hosted by Brees, an NFL legend who was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is returning to the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival to bring together athletes, chefs, and hunger-relief supporters for an afternoon of pickleball. The charity event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma. New this year, the public can register in intermediate and advanced tournaments, with the winning team in the intermediate division taking home a $2,000 purse and the advanced division, $3,000. The event is a fundraiser for Feeding San Diego. Tickets are $125-$600. A “Spotlight on Baja” dinner benefitting Feeding San Diego is from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at a residence in Rancho Santa Fe.  Visit https://delmar.wine/event/celebrity-pickleball-tournament-benefitting-feeding-san-diego/

Voices for Children seeks volunteers

Local nonprofit Voices for Children is looking for volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and stand up for foster children in need.  Volunteers are trained and supported by the nonprofit to speak up for children in foster care in court, school and medical settings to make sure their needs are met. CASA volunteers often become an important adult for a child in foster care as they face court hearings, social workers, attorneys and new homes. Visit speakupnow.org.

Cory Littleton Matador Golf Classic

The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation holds its 3rd Annual Cory Littleton Matador Golf Classic on Oct. 3 at Loma Santa Fe Executive Golf Course, 1580 Sun Valley Rd. Tee time is 11 a.m. The event supports the Mt. Miguel High School Foundation and its efforts to help Mt. Miguel students. Registration is $160. Visit https://mmhsfoundation.com/.

Jazz Festival

The St. Michael’s Jazz Fest is from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in Carlsbad Village. The festival features the Monette Marino Keita Euphoria Brass Band, The Matt Neu Jazz Trio with Teryn Ré, Mercedes Moore Swing, Jazz Evensong Quartet and more. Admission is free. Visit stmichaelsjazzfest.org.

Junior League collecting essential items

The Junior League of San Diego is hosting an essential needs donation drive throughout September to support its Period Pantry and Diaper Bank. Community members can support the effort by buying diapers, baby wipes, feminine products, toothpaste, toothbrushes and hygiene products at the nonprofit JLSD’s Amazon registry, or donations can be dropped off at JLSD Headquarters, 210 Maple St. Visit jlsd.org.

TERI Fest features music, food, art

TERI Campus of Life will host its inaugural TERI Fest to celebrate its 46th anniversary serving the special-needs community from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 26, featuring live music, food, interactive art and family activities at the TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road. Live entertainment includes Paradise Live, performing rock and dance hits from the 1970s to ‘90s, Music by Eras playing retro beach tunes, and the TERI Band playing a mix of classic pop tunes along with Back Pocket Whiskey Fellas, bringing foot-stomping pub-dance-rock music. Food and beverages will be sold at the TERI Common Grounds Café. Highlights include live culinary demonstrations by chefs and interns in TERI’s Vocational Program along with tastings, hands-on art activity led by TERI Art Professionals and artwork created by TERI Artists. TERI’s Central Park will feature family activities, community resource booths and a mini horse experience. There will be sensory rooms and quiet spaces. RSVP at go.tericampusoflife.org/Fest26.

Kayaking event

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will put on its 20th annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup event Oct. 3-4. The event allows the public to go kayaking in waters usually closed to boating, while helping preserve the lagoon habitat by removing trash. The cost is a $160 donation per two-person tandem kayak for two-hour event, including personal flotation device, water safety instructions and 90-minute kayaking. Visit www.batiquitoslagoon.org.

Accomplished rosarian Ruth Tiffany to speak at Del Mar Rose Society event

The Del Mar Rose Society will welcome acclaimed rosarian Ruth Tiffany for an upcoming meeting featuring an informative and entertaining presentation on the art and enjoyment of growing roses. The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m. at the Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center, 1658 Coast Blvd. The public is welcome. A reception will be followed by the meeting and presentation. For more information, call 760-809-6860 or visit http://delmarrosesociety.com.

Tiffany is a master rosarian, award-winning rose exhibitor, and accredited American Rose Society Horticultural judge. A member of the American Rose Society for nearly 30 years, Tiffany has become a passionate advocate and educator for the rose community throughout Southern California, a news release stated.