The La Jolla Light presents this continuing listing of local in-person events and online activities.
Lectures & learning
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library hosts an artist talk with Lizzie Zelter about her career, artistic process and her La Jolla mural, “Southeast Exchange” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. A reception starts at 6 p.m. Free. ljathenaeum.org/events/zelter-1022
• The Republican Women of California — La Jolla meets at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at a location given upon RSVP. The event will include remarks from Cooper Elle Rodenburg, touted as one of the youngest CEOs in American history. $50 including lunch. Email skipandtoby@yahoo.com for more information.
• Birch Aquarium’s Aquarium Explorers Club for children ages 6-7 returns at 1 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 15 at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The sessions are as follows: “Sensational Sea Turtles” on Oct. 25; “Playful Penguins” on Nov. 1; “Marvelous Marine Mammals” on Nov. 8; and “Amazing Amphibians” on Nov. 15. $25 per session. aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/marine-science-club-aquarium-explorers-club-ages-6-7
• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center presents an artist talk with Yossi Vassa at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The program will be presented in its entirety in Hebrew. Free for members, $18 for non-members. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx
• Birch Aquarium presents the final installment of the 2026 Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science lecture series. The series coincided with the 25th anniversary of the founding of Scripps Institution of Oceanography’s Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation and looks at the center’s history and future vision. The final lecture topic is “Vision for a Thriving Ocean,” at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. Free for Birch Aquarium members or $12 for non-members. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Health & Fitness
• The La Jolla Newcomers Club presents Saturday Morning Walkers at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, starting at the La Jolla Shores Hotel at 8110 Camino Del Oro and proceeding along the water and throughout the surrounding neighborhood. A coffee meet-up will follow the walk. lajollanewcomersclub.org
Ongoing exhibitions and events
• La Jolla Presbyterian Church’s art gallery presents “Pilgrimage,” by painter Lori Mills, on view 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 8 at 7715 Draper Ave. with the access point on Eads Ave. The exhibition predominantly paintings inspired by the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
• La Jolla/Riford Library presents “Gems of San Diego,” a juried exhibition consisting of 30 art pieces, on view through Jan. 31 at 7555 Draper Ave. Each piece showcases the artists’ favorite spots in San Diego. A reception will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its 2026 art exhibitions at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The final exhibition consists of works by Sylvia Fernandez, running through Saturday, Jan. 2. ljathenaeum.org/upcoming-exhibitions
• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego presents “Visiones Nocturnas: Queer Nightlife in Contemporary Art,” through Jan. 10 at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. mcasd.org/exhibitions/visiones-nocturnas
• The Museum of History and Culture La Jolla (formerly the La Jolla Historical Society) presents “The Scientific Art of Historic Preservation,” through Sunday, Jan. 31 at 780 Prospect St. This new exhibition gives visitors a look at the process behind saving historic places. mhclajolla.org/events-calendar
Art & film
• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center presents “Fork in the Road” as part of The Joyce Short Film Series at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the center’s David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The series features documentary, narrative and animated shorts that explore Jewish life, history and culture. $12.50 in advance and $15 on the day of for non-members, free for members. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx
• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center presents a San Diego International Jewish Film Festival midseason screening of “The Great Showman,” a film following television presenter and Holocaust survivor Hans Rosenthal, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the center’s David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. $25 in advance and $27.50 on the day of for non-members. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx
• La Valencia Hotel presents the final film of its poolside movie screenings series, “Twilight,” at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1132 Prospect St. $35. lavalencia.com/fall-experiences
• The San Diego District of The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and La Jolla Community Center present a screening of documentary film “The Audition” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Free, with light refreshments available.
Music & dance
• Common Read and ArtPower presents “Common Read: The Power of Poetry,” led by author Ada Limón and moderated by UCSD professor Brandon Som, at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Free, but RSVP required. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/ada-limon
• La Jolla Music Society presents the Rob Thorsen Quartet featuring special guest Gilbert Castellanos as part of its fall 2026 Wu Tsai QRT.yrd concert series at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. Free. theconrad.org/events/rob-thorsen-quartet
• ArtPower presents the Grammy-winning La Santa Cecilia as they perform songs from their latest album, “Los Años,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $27-57. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/la-santa-cecillia-los-anos
• La Jolla Music Society presents pianist Gabriela Montero at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall within the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. $40-123. theconrad.org/events/gabriela-montero
• ArtPower presents the Julian Lage Quartet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. The band features guitarist Lage, keyboardist John Medeski, bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Kenny Wollesen. $30-65. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/julian-lage-quartet
• La Jolla Symphony & Chorus presents “Confluence,” conducted by Sameer Patel, in matinee and evening shows the weekend of Oct. 24-25 at UC San Diego’s Mandeville Auditorium, 9390 Mandeville Lane. $22-51. ljsc.org/concerts/confluence
• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center presents “Beethoven, Schubert & the Voice of the Viola: A Jewish Community Symphony Performance” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx
• La Jolla Music Society presents Grammy-winning guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli as he performs his Tony Bennett tribute album, “Dear Mr. Bennett,” at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at The JAI within the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. $80-95. theconrad.org/events/john-pizzarelli-2
• La Jolla Music Society presents a performance from cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras and pianist Alexandre Tharaud at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall within the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. $65-95. theconrad.org/events/queyras-tharaud
The free fall 2026 Wu Tsai QRT.yrd concert series continues Tuesday, Nov. 3 with the David Morales Quartet. (La Jolla Music Society)
• La Jolla Music Society presents the David Morales Quartet as part of its fall 2026 Wu Tsai QRT.yrd concert series at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. Free. theconrad.org/events/david-morales-boroff
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its Jazz Fall 2026 Series at through Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Scripps Research Auditorium, 10620 John Jay Hopkins Drive or the Athenaeum at 1008 Wall St. The upcoming schedule is: the Joshua Redman Quartet on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Scripps Research Auditorium; David Sánchez on Sunday, Nov. 15 at Scripps Research Auditorium; and Gabrielle Cavassa on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Athenaeum. Each concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Series tickets are $185 for members and $200 for non-members. Individual tickets go for $65 for members and $70 for non-members. ljathenaeum.org/events/jazz-26-fall-series
• San Diego Baroque presents a free concert series select Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. through April 14 at St. James-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. The remaining schedule is: “Solo Sonatas” on Nov. 4; “J.S. Bach Magnificat” on Dec. 9; “Happy Birthday Mozart!” on Jan. 27; “Schutz: Die sieben Worte Jesu Christi am Kreuz” on March 24 and “Lost Prodigies” on April 14. sdbaroque.com
• La Jolla Music Society presents an Inaugural Mariachi Honor Band Concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall within the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. Celebrating mariachi students from high schools and universities in San Diego County. Free. theconrad.org/events/mariachi-honor-band-concert
Musician John Legend will come to UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater next month, performing hit songs such as “All of Me” and “Ordinary People.” (ArtPower)
• ArtPower presents 13-time Grammy Award-winning musician John Legend and his show, “An Evening of Songs & Stories” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. $77-257. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/john-legend
• The 2026-2027 season of Le Salon de Musiques runs 4 p.m. the second Sunday of the month through June at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. The lineup is as follows: music by Robert and Clara Schumann, and Woldemar Bargiel on Nov. 8; music by Mozart, Samuel Barber and Schubert on Dec. 6; music by Richard Wagner, Joachim Raff and Robert Schumann on Jan. 10; music by Edvard Grieg, Felix Mendelssohn and Henry Litolff on Feb. 7; music by Henri Duparc, Reynaldo Hahn, Camille Saint-Saens and Fernand de la Tombelle on March 7; music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Nikolai Myaskovsky and Juliusz Zarebeski on April 4; music by Johannes Brahms, Ottorino Respighi and Arthur Foote on May 2; and music by Robert Schumann, Louise Farrenc and Mendelssohn on June 6. $120 per concert ($69 for students); $432 for four-show package. lesalondemusiques.com
• Camarada presents its 32nd season of live performances, themed “Out of this World,” in matinee and evening shows through Tuesday, Feb. 23 at various locations including The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. The La Jolla shows are as follows: “Time Traveler” on Saturday, Nov. 14; “Charlie Brown Jingles & Jazz” the weekend of Dec. 19-20; “Where Beauty Persists” on Saturday, Jan. 23; “The Art of Tango III” on Wednesday, Feb. 27; and “The Wild Blue” on Sunday, April 25. Tickets range between $25-110. camarada.org
• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its 2026-2027 Barbara and William Karatz Chamber Concert Series on select Mondays at 7:30 p.m. through April 19 at the Athenaeum’s Joan & Irwin Jacobs music room at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The shows are as follows: Valencia Baryton Project on Nov. 16; Baumer Quartet with Kate Hatmaker and Alex Greenbaum on Jan. 10; Sophie Shao and John Blacklow on March 1; Owls on April 5; and Formosa Quartet on April 19. Individual tickets are $18 for students, $62 for members and $67 for non-members. Series tickets are $110 for students, $329 for members, $360 for non-members. ljathenaeum.org/events/chamber-series-2026-2027
Books
• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Sally J. Pla as she discusses and signs her new book, “Rowan and Gemma” alongside non-speaking autistic writer, actor and advocate Otto Lana at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $20 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/pla-2026
• Author Sabrina Zohar signs and discusses her new book, “Why Am I Like This?: Break Your Relationship Patterns and Create the Life You Want,” with nervous system coach Masha Kay at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $30 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/zohar-2026
• Authors Tristan Tales and Luke Pounder sign and discuss their new book, “The Cogworths,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $18 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/tales-and-pounder-2026
• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Payson R. Stevens as he discusses his new book, “The Wisdom of the Alzheimer’s Sage: A Son’s Journey Through Caregiving, Identity, and Spiritual Transformation” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $19 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/stevens-2026
• Author and TED Talks co-creator June Cohen signs and discusses her new book, “The Great Remembering: Powerful Ancient Practices — And the New Science Bringing Them Back” alongside writer Gary Isaac Wolf at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $30 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/cohen-2026
Theater
• La Jolla Playhouse presents the world-premiere musical, “Grim,” from Tuesday, Oct. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 6 at the Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Theatre at 2910 Theatre District Dr. at 2910 La Jolla Village Dr. $30-129. Several shows early in its run are already sold out or have limited availability. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/grim
Seasonal and special events
• Birch Aquarium presents Oceans at Night: Halloween for guests 21 and older at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The special “Oceans at Night” event offers adults the opportunity to explore the Halloween-themed aquarium at nighttime. $59.95. aquarium.ucsd.edu
• La Jolla Community Center hosts an Acrylic Pour Workshop at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Hosted by instructor Beverly Brock. $20 for members, including materials. Call (858) 459-0831 to register.
• Birch Aquarium presents Halloween Aglow, 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The annual Halloween celebration includes trick-or-treating, music, underwater pumpkin carving demonstrations, slime science demonstrations and more. $50 for children, $60 for adults, with a 20% off discount for members. aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/halloween-aglow
• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center presents “Roots & Recipes” at 3:30 p.m. Sundays from Oct. 25 to Dec. 13 at 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. Participants in the series prepare recipes, learn kitchen skills and share stories of their family heritage. The class requires a minimum enrollment number to proceed. Series tickets are $100 for members, $125 for non-members. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx
• La Jolla Community Center hosts several Halloween- and Día de Muertos-themed events from Friday, Oct. 26 to Monday, Nov. 2, all of which will take place at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. They are: Paper marigolds and papel picado workshop at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26; Día de Muertos sugar skull decorating at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27; Pumpkin decorating at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; “Coco” movie screening at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29; Spirits & Spirits: A Halloween happy hour at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30; and a Día de Muertos celebration and community ofrenda at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Learn more: ljcommunitycenter.org/specialevents
Connor, Mike, Hannah and Cameron and Jenn Brown, along with Christina Reeder (second from left), modeled their costumes off of “Inside Out 2″ at Creepy Candy Crawl’s 2025 edition. (Noah Lyons)
• Creepy Candy Crawl returns 3-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 in La Jolla’s Village. Trick-or-treaters can pick up a candy bag at the La Jolla Real Estate Broker’s Association building at 908 Kline St. and try their hand at their annual costume contest. Free. lajollabythesea.com/creepy-candy-crawl-2026
• La Valencia Hotel hosts a Halloween High Tea at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla. The afternoon event offers a selection of French teas, freshly-baked scones, savory bites, seasonal pastries and finger sandwiches — this time with a Halloween twist. $95 per person. lavalencia.com/events
Do you have an event — online or in person — that you’d like to see here? Email your leads to Noah Lyons at noah.lyons@lajollalight.com by noon Friday for publication in the following week’s edition.