{"id":397990,"date":"2026-07-14T15:16:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:16:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/397990\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T15:16:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:16:17","slug":"things-to-do-include-summer-racing-season-theater-concerts-festivals-and-more-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/397990\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do include summer racing season, theater, concerts, festivals and more \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Opening Day at the races<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s sixth-floor Skyroom. Special events include the Tacos &amp; 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018The Western Unscripted\u2019 at North Coast Rep<\/p>\n<p>North Coast Rep Variety Nights will present \u201cThe Western Unscripted\u201d Aug. 3 and Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m.It\u2019s a full-length comedy play in the style of the great film westerns of John Ford and Howard Hawks. And here\u2019s 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\u2019s suggestions, Impro Theatre\u2019s 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\u2019s eyes. Cattle barons, sheriffs, saloon girls, desperadoes, and no-account sidewinders appear out of thin air, ready to manifest destiny \u2013 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<\/p>\n<p>A Pair of Aces Book Tour to be held in Solana Beach<\/p>\n<p>Friends of Solana Beach Library partners with Camino Books to present a \u201cA Pair of Aces Book Tour with Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray\u201d on Tuesday, July 21 at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The two authors previously joined forces on their highly acclaimed bestseller \u201cThe Personal Librarian.\u201dSupport your local book store and pre-purchase a signed copy available through the Camino Books website at www.caminobks.com<\/p>\n<p>A limited number of copies will be available for purchase at the event. For more information visit friendsofsolanabeachlibrary.org\/events<\/p>\n<p>North Coast Repertory Theatre will present comedy \u2018Scapin\u2019<\/p>\n<p>North Coast Rep will present Scapin July 22-Aug. 16. This high-energy comedy follows Scapin, the world\u2019s 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 Moli\u00e8re\u2019s beloved farce is packed with mischief, surprises, and nonstop laughs, North Coast Rep\u2019s website states. Adapted by Bill Irwin and Mark O\u2019Donnell, directed by Christopher Williams<\/p>\n<p>For tickets and more information, visit www.northcoastrep.org\/production\/scapin\/<\/p>\n<p>Concerts at the Cove<\/p>\n<p>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&amp;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.<\/p>\n<p>2026 Summer Twilight Concerts in Del Mar<\/p>\n<p>The Del Mar Foundation\u2019s 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\/<\/p>\n<p>Coffee in the Courtyard<\/p>\n<p>Calvary Lutheran Church hosts Coffee in the Courtyard at 11 a.m. Sundays in the church\u2019s courtyard, 424 Via de la Valle. The community is invited to come for hot coffee, fresh pastries and camaraderie. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org.<\/p>\n<p>Cardiff Dog Days of Summer returns for its 21st anniversary<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s Market Row. The event will also feature live music, dog contests, children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>18th Annual Operation Game On Golf Classic<\/p>\n<p>The 18th Annual Operation Game On Golf Classic will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.<\/p>\n<p>The Golf Classic is Operation Game On\u2019s premier fundraising event, and every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps the organization continue providing life-changing programs and opportunities for veterans.<\/p>\n<p>Registration begins at 10 a.m. Shotgun start begins at 11:15 a.m. The event\u2019s Awards Banquet and Live Auction will start at approximately 4:30 p.m.To register, become a sponsor, or donate, visit www.OperationGameOn.org<\/p>\n<p>Tramonto Music Festival<\/p>\n<p>The City of Encinitas invites all to experience the return of the Tramonto Music Festival, July 17\u201319, at the Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas).<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>For tickets and more schedule information, visit shorturl.at\/sPJAo, phone: 760-633-2746, at the door subject to availability.<\/p>\n<p>Harry Potter in concert<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019 score of \u201cHarry Potter and the Sorcerer\u2019s Stone\u201d 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<\/p>\n<p>Summer Nights in the garden concerts<\/p>\n<p>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 \u201980s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Comic-Con<\/p>\n<p>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<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNorth by Northwest\u201d premiere<\/p>\n<p>The Old Globe is hosting the North American premiere of \u201cNorth by Northwest.\u201d The play is English director Emma Rice\u2019s interpretation of Alfred Hitchcock\u2019s film \u201cNorth by Northwest.\u201d 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\u2019s 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<\/p>\n<p>Shark Summer at aquarium<\/p>\n<p>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&amp;cid=1270.<\/p>\n<p>LITVAKdance presents Dancing Outdoors: Take 4<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Save the date: Beach &amp; Country Guild 57th Dia Del Sol<\/p>\n<p>The Beach &amp; Country Guild will present the 57th Dia Del Sol, \u201cWicked for Good\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n<p>Science Night at children\u2019s museum<\/p>\n<p>The Children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Spreckels Summer Organ Festival<\/p>\n<p>Spreckels Organ Society continues its Summer Organ Festival featuring Isabelle Demers playing Holst\u2019s Jupiter, Mendelssohn\u2019s 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 Ra\u00fal Prieto Ram\u00edrez, Spreckels Organ Society\u2019s artistic director and San Diego\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Nighttime Zoo<\/p>\n<p>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 &amp; Roar rock and pop band concerts, Zoolamoves dancing and The Chameleons brass ensemble along with Whimsical Wildlife Characters, Dr. Harry &amp; Friends and Jambo Dunia. Visit\u00a0 zoo.sandiegozoo.org\/nighttimezoo.<\/p>\n<p>Carnivorous Plant Show<\/p>\n<p>A Carnivorous Plant Show &amp; 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Opening Day at the races The summer horse racing season starts July 17 at the Del Mar Racetrack&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":397991,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[310,4774,4602,9246,6837,7542,74,76,75],"class_list":["post-397990","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-del-mar-times","tag-del-mar-times-things-to-do","tag-encinitas-advocate","tag-encinitas-advocate-things-to-do","tag-rancho-santa-fe-review","tag-rancho-santa-fe-review-things-to-do","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397990","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=397990"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/397990\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/397991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=397990"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=397990"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=397990"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}