Community events in San Diego County: From Escondido Street Fair to Poway Band Festival

Guided nature walk at lagoon
Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will host a free nature walk for all ages at 10 a.m. May 17 starting at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Docent Deb Mossa will lead the 90-minute walk and will highlight the wetlands, wildlife and history of the lagoon. Bring binoculars or borrow from the Nature Center. Visit .
Woman’s club meets
The Woman’s Club of Carlsbad meets at 6:30 p.m. May 14 at its clubhouse, 3320 Monroe St. The group is celebrating its 100-year anniversary as one of the oldest philanthropic social groups in Carlsbad. Social time is 6 p.m. Prospective new members welcome. Visit .
Family History Library topic of Genealogy talk
The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 13 at the City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Society members will give a free presentation on “What We Learned at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. “ Free; registration not required if attending in person. To attend via Zoom, visit .
DNA genealogists discuss Ancestry Dots
The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by North San Diego Genealogical Society, will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. May 17 at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. Kelli Bergheimer will give a presentation remotely on “Ancestry Dots, Thrulines, and an Organized Plan.” Free, registration not required. To attend remotely, visit A Genealogy Open House will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Library to learn about the Genealogical Society.
CARMEL VALLEY
Democratic Club will host speakers
The Carmel Valley Chapter Democratic Club meets from 6 to 7:15 p.m. May 19 at the Pacific Highlights Ranch branch library, 12911 Pacific Place. Will Moore from Circulate SD and Laura Keenan from Families for Safe Streets will be the main presenters. The agenda will also include voting for officer positions and an overview of the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund bill (SB684). Visit .
CHULA VISTA
Bingo Fundraiser
The Chula Vista Salvation Army Woman’s Auxiliary will hold a Bingo Fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. May 17 at the Chula Vista Salvation Army, 648 3rd Ave. There will be bingo games, opportunity drawings, prizes and refreshments. The cost is $15 per person. The proceeds will benefit the Chula Vista Salvation Army youth summer camps and holiday gift giving and families. All community members are welcome. RSVP by May 15 at 619-370-4494.
Cuyamaca Art Club Show
The annual art exhibition featuring the Cuyamaca Art Club runs through June 17 and will have an opening reception from 4 to 5 p.m. on May 17 at the Heritage of the Americas Museum, 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West. This year’s theme will be folklore and mythology. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays – Fridays and noon to 3 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Museum members receive free admission. Visit .
German May festival with food, entertainment
The San Diego German American Societies will put on a Maifest from noon to 7 p.m. May 17 at 1017 Mollison. The family-friendly festival features more than 20 vendor booths with handmade crafts, a Kids Zone, two live bands and dancing performances throughout the day. German food will be sold ranging from Bratwurst, Schnitzel, pretzels and sauerkraut to Black Forest Cherry Cake. Entry is $5. Visit .
Snake Talk at museum
The Heritage of the Americas Museum will host a Snake Talk from noon to 3 p.m. May 17 at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive. The presentation will highlight several snake species and their traits. Museum hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays – Fridays and noon to 3 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Museum members receive free admission. Visit .
North Coast Symphony Presents “Voices of Spring”
The North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents Voices of Spring, a program of operatic favorites at 2:30 p.m. May 17 at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdelena. The performance features Katherine Polit (soprano), Sarah-Nicole Ruddy-Carter (mezzo soprano), Aaron Humble (tenor), and Michael Sokol (baritone) and includes selections from operas by Delibes, Saint-Saens, Donizetti, Verdi, Offenbach, and Wagner. The orchestra will also premiere the orchestrated version of “A Long Trip,” a 17-minute opera by its conductor Jordan Kuspa. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and younger. Visit .
Community Pet Food Bank open Saturdays
The Community Pet Food Bank at Rancho Coastal Humane Society is open from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays at 389 Requeza St. The Pet Food Bank provides food and other supplies for the pets of senior citizens, low-income families, people with disabilities or terminal illnesses, veterans, and members of the homeless community. The community is asked to donate pet food, other supplies, or money. Visit .
High school plans reunion
The San Dieguito High School class of 1975 will have its 50-year class reunion from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch – Barn, 5704 Paseo del Norte. For more information on the Golden Reunion, and to order tickets, T-shirts and tank tops, visit .
Street festival downtown
The Escondido Street Festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 18 in the historic downtown area. The event will feature a range of retail, craft and art vendors selling handmade items, imports and international cuisine. This year’s fair will include live music, beer and wine garden, a community stage with local performers, kid’s zone and Art in the Garden, a juried show. Visit /escondido-street-festival.
High school hosts community event
Escondido High School will put on its 2nd annual Cougar Showcase for the community from 3:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 22 at 1535 N. Broadway. Highlights include Ag project showcase, farm tours, car show, student performances, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), children’s activities and sport activities. There will be free food for children under age 18 while supplies last. There will also be vendors. Admission is free.
Strolling Through Hidden Gardens Tour
The Fallbrook Garden Tour, themed “Strolling Through Our Hidden Gardens,” is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17. The self-guided tour features seven gardens, two of which are also part of a National Garden Tour. Debra Lee Baldwin, bestselling author of several books on succulents, will be a docent at one of the gardens that day. The tour starts at Christ the King Church, 1620 S. Stage Coach Lane. Plant seeds and garden art will be for sale. Advance tickets are $25 at Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce, Fallbrook Major Market, Bonsall Major Marketplace, or /ncp/payment/2FK4CUYA3582L. Day of event tickets are $30 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 at Christ the King Church. Visit .
Discover Fallbrook Expo
The Discover Fallbrook Community Expo is from 3 to 6 p.m. May 16 at The Vineyard at 1924, located at 1924 E. Mission Road. The event showcases many of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce’s business members and is open to the public. There will be live music by the Gin ‘NTonix quartet, no host bar and food truck along with opportunity drawing. Free admission. Visit .
Garden Tour benefits Historical Society
The Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla and Secret Garden Boutique, a fundraiser for the La Jolla Historical Society’s education and public programs, is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17. The tour includes some of La Jolla’s most beautiful secluded gardens and expert docents who share historical and botanical insights. There will be live music and art displays. Registration starts at 9 a.m. at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St. and gardens open at 10 a.m. The Secret Garden Boutique at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St., will be open free throughout the day, with gardening accessories, plants and gifts for sale. Advance tickets are $55, $45 for La Jolla Historical Society members; $65/$55 day of event. Visit /secret-garden-tour.
Organ recital with Grammy nominee
The La Jolla Music Society will present an organ recital at 7:30 p.m. May 16 at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St. The recital features Cameron Carpenter, a virtuoso who plays classical and baroque music with the La Jolla Music Society. Carpenter was nominated for a Grammy Award for his solo album and holds the 2012 Leonard Bernstein Award. Tickets are $57-$77 at .
WindanSea Surf Club holds fundraiser
The nonprofit WindanSea Surf Club will host its third annual fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. May 17 at Duke’s restaurant in La Jolla, where the upstairs patio and bar will be reserved for the event. Highlights include live and silent auction of trips, collectible surfboards, historic photos and presentations by the Y Strong Girls. Proceeds benefit the club’s outreach programs including The Copley Price Y Strong Girls program, Our Day at the Beach events for Father Joe’s Kids and Special Athletes and the La Jolla High School Scholarship Foundation. Visit .
NORTH COUNTY
Grammy nominee to perform on Giving Guitars Tour
Nashville-based, award-winning, modern country singer-songwriter Steven Cade will perform at several venues in North County as part of his Giving Guitars Tour. Cade, a Grammy nominee, is raising awareness of the importance of music as part of healing and is donating guitars and visiting shelters across the country. Cade’s performances include:
● May 15 – Del Mar Plaza, Del Mar at 5 p.m.● May 18 – Monserate Winery, Fallbrook at 1 p.m.● May 20 – North City, San Marcos at 3 p.m.● May 25 – American Heroes and Brew, Carlsbad at 3 p.m.
Cade is also slated to visit San Pasqual High School, 3300 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido 9:30 a.m. May 19 to donate a set of new guitars to support the school’s music program and to give a performance. Visit .
Women overcoming obstacles receive Live Your Dream awards from Soroptimist club
Soroptimist International of Oceanside-Carlsbad awarded Live Your Dream Education and Training Cash Awards to 13 local women overcoming obstacles to help them further their education, advance their employment prospects and improve their lives. Each woman received at least a $1,000 award. This Soroptimist club is among a number in the San Diego area that are offering this award.
Lifelong Learning group meets
The Learning Is For Everyone (LIFE) group meets at 1 p.m. May 16 at the MiraCosta College, Oceanside Campus, in the Board Room, of the Administration Building (Building 1000) and online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., Deanna Mackey, general manager, KPBS, will give a presentation on The Future of San Diego’s Public Media Station. At 2:30 p.m. Christine Whitcraft will talk about Monitoring Wetlands in a Time of Change. To join a Zoom meeting, LIFE needs your email address to send the invite link. Meetings will start at 12:45 p.m. Visit /life.
Resale shop pop-up sale benefits Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s resale store, Discovery Shop, is hosting a Pop Up Sale with deeply discounted fall clothing May 14 at 2570 Vista Way. The shop is staffed by volunteers selling upscale items such as clothing, accessories, jewelry, furniture, artwork, antiques, collectibles and household items. Donations are accepted. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Writing group meets
A free nonfiction writers feedback group meets from 9 to 11 a.m. May 15 at Front Porch Gallery, 2903 Carlsbad Blvd. The group, led by Andrea Susan Glass, nonfiction book coach, author, and UCSD instructor, gives constructive feedback on nonfiction writing. The group typically meets every third Thursday. RSVP at andrea@ or .
Retired teachers group meets
California Retired Teachers Association Division 45 is having a general meeting at 10:30 a.m. May 19 at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 2434 Vista Way. The speaker is Carol Sanborn, founder of The Seasoned Organizer, which offers in-person and virtual home organizing. Reservations are due by May 15 at calrtalunchreserve@ or 760-729-6185.
Veterans gather to write
The Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17 at the Veterans Association of North County resource center, 1617 Mission Ave. The group helps veterans express themselves through writing and provides a place to share experiences and meet other service members. The zoom link is /vwgsdzoom. Visit .
PACIFIC BEACH
Movie and discussion at library
A presentation and discussion on “Remembering Rightly: Reintegration After Loss” will be at 6 p.m. May 13 at the Pacific Beach Public Library Meeting Room, 4275 Cass St. The free event is part of the Character and Characters in Movies series and will focus on how people deal with loss. The event features a movie (Kramer vs. Kramer), a scene (from Adolescence), a story (Sally Goodrich & 9-11) and a song (“Tears in Heaven”). The group will discuss characters and their transformation. Facilitators are psychologist Paul Kelly, PhD. and artist Cliff McReynolds.
Band Festival in park
The Community Band Festival is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 17 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 18 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. The event features performances by musical groups ranging from blue grass ensembles and jazz bands to full concert bands. Visit .
RANCHO BERNARDO
History group meets
The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Speakers Series hosts Elizabeth Salmon, for a presentation on “The Field of Art Conservation and the Work of the Balboa Art Conservation Center” at 11 a.m. May 17 at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery. Admission is free. Visit .
Spring Garden Tour and sale
The Rancho Bernardo Seven Oaks Garden Club will host its annual Spring Garden Tour with plant and craft sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 17. The self-guided tour will feature six gardens in the Rancho Bernardo neighborhood. Plants can be purchased in front of the community center along with unique crafts. This year’s event will include large plumeria cuttings along with fig trees and other plants and arrangements. Tickets are $20; $15 for club members, which will be sold the day of the event, in front of the community center at 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Visit /42sddp44.
World Affairs discussion group meets
The World Affairs Council, North County Chapter, hosts Frieder Dengler for a presentation on Competing Visions of the International Order Between China and the West at 10 a.m. to May 15 at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. Dengler, an international relations scholar, will review the history of China’s early diplomatic encounters with Europe to understand international politics today. Visit .
Free art demonstration at library
The North County Society of Fine Arts holds a free art demonstration by guest artist Drew Bandish from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 13 at the Rancho Bernardo library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Bandish is well known for his drawing skills and will demonstrate the Stabilo Aquarellable pencil and water brush on watercolor paper.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Veterinarian Camp for kids
The Helen Woodward Animal Center runs a You Can Be A Veterinarian Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 at 6461 El Apajo Road. The hands-on camp for kids ages 9-16 allows kids to practice veterinary skills while connecting with animals. Activities include practicing suturing techniques (on a banana), listening to the heartbeat of a mini horse, viewing bacteria under a microscope, drawing blood and learning vaccination techniques. Register at .
Space Day at Air & Space Museum
The annual Space Day at the San Diego Air & Space Museum is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17. The event includes family friendly activities such as Stomp Rockets, talking to space experts, coloring James Webb telescope images, building and flying straw rockets, designing your own space patch and creating UFOs. The event is included with the price of admission to the Museum. Youth groups and chaperones of 10 or more that preregister at education@ may have free admission. Email bgould@ or call 619-234-8291 Ext. 132.
Midway Museum holds teacher appreciation
The USS Midway Museum offers free single-day admission to active and certified K-12 San Diego County credentialed classroom teachers as part of teacher appreciation through May 31. The free ticket is available at the Midway ticket booth only with a teacher credential ID. Visit /visit/special-offers.
Female Maker Market in Little Italy
A marketplace bringing together women-owned businesses, local artisans is May 16 at Piazza della Famiglia. The marketplace features merchant booths with handmade goods, fashions, wellness products and gifts along with live entertainment and bites from local eateries. Visit .
Hats and Bow-ties Brunch benefits youths
The 4th Annual Hats and Bow-ties Brunch is from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 24 at The Brick in Liberty Station, hosted by nonprofit Our KINGS, aka Kind, Intelligent, Noble, Gifted Sons of Queens. The event will celebrate youths and their families who have participated in the nonprofit’s programs to uplift, young Black boys so they may reach their full potential through mentorship, leadership and brotherhood. Visit .
Kid’s aerospace career festivals at libraries
The San Diego Air & Space Museum, in partnership with NASA, is sponsoring STEM Space Career Festivals on May 13 and May 20 at two libraries where students in Grades 4 through 8 can Discover Your Place in Space through hands-on activities about NASA jobs. Activities include rocket building, making pigs fly, robotics, 3D pens and simple circuits. The STEM Space Career Festivals will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 13 at the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Branch Library, 5148 Market St., and May 20 at the San Ysidro Public Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd. Email bgould@ or call 619-234-8291 Ext. 132.
San Diego Floral Association Garden Tour
The San Diego Floral Association runs its annual garden tour, “Urban Havens,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 31. The tour features historic homes in the Bird Park area of North Park and the Burlingame Neighborhood near Balboa Park. The event is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit San Diego Floral Association, which is based in the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. Tickets are $30 May 11-30 at /event-6122946; $35 day-of event; free for children 12 or younger. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit San Diego Floral Association.
Miracles of Recovery Luncheon
The McAlister Institute, a nonprofit supporting addiction recovery in San Diego County, holds its 8th Annual Miracles of Recovery Luncheon at 11:15 a.m. May 20 at Coasterra on Harbor Island. The fundraising event supports McAlister Institute’s mission to break the stigma surrounding alcoholism and drug addiction, while providing resources to individuals in recovery. Cost is $250. Visit .
Annual Diversity Breakfast
The 17th Annual San Diego County Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast is from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. May 16 at the Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North. The event will recognize trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community and will highlight individuals and groups that fight for equality and justice. Doors open at 7 a.m. Tickets are at .
Celebration of Science
The Fleet Science Center will put on a Celebration of Science from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10 at the Fleet in Balboa Park. The event will feature community partners, hands-on activities, over 100 interactive exhibits, and multiple screenings of the documentary film Flight of the Butterflies in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. For tickets, visit .
Police & Fire Championships
The 58th Annual US Police & Fire Championships is from May 31 to June 7 at San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive. The California Police Athletic Federation hosts the multi-sport Olympics-style competition with athletes from across the country representing law enforcement, firefighters, and officers from Corrections, Probation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. There will be more than 35 events, ranging from team sports such as basketball and soccer to individual competitions like track and field, swimming, and CrossFit. The event fosters camaraderie, physical fitness, and community spirit among first responders from a wide variety of fields. Team fee is $80 through May 30 and $100 May 31 to June 7. Visit /uspfc.
Grant Park open house
A tour of the construction site of the new River Studio at Grant Park, hosted by the San Diego River Park Foundation, is from 10 a.m. to noon May 17 at Grant Park, 2310 Camino Del Rio North in Mission Valley. The River Studio at Grant Park will provide free, hands-on STEM learning experiences to kids as part of STEM education. Free admission. Visit /activity/wine-walk-mingle-at-the-river-center-at-grant-park.
Workshop on preventing food waste
Encinitas-based nonprofit, Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, will hold a free “Food Hacks to Prevent Waste” workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 14 at the Mountain View Community Center, 641 S Boundary St., sponsored by the City of San Diego. Attendees must pre-register at /inspire_events/food-hacks-that-prevent-waste-san-diego/.
Republican women’s group hosts speakers
Navajo Canyon Club of the Republican Women of California meets from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 13, at The Legacy Hotel, 875 Hotel Circle South. The morning speaker is Mariko Renee Nakawatase, the president and chairwoman of the Diego Young Republicans. The afternoon speaker is District Attorney Summer Stephan, who is also the chairperson of the County of San Diego Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Advisory Council. Register by May 8 at .
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Foodies 4 Foster Kids
Locally based nonprofit Promises2Kids, which helps foster children, has partnered with more than 40 area restaurants to raise funds at the 7th annual Foodies 4 Foster Kids. Throughout May, each restaurant will designate a menu item which will support the Foodies 4 Foster Kids campaign. Money raised will benefit foster children by reuniting siblings living apart in foster care, supporting foster youths in reaching educational and career goals and providing mentors and resources to prevent homelessness. A list of restaurants is at /foodies2025.
Credit union offers summer internships
Applications for North Island Credit Union’s Summer Internship Program for college students are due by June 1. The program offers paid internships June 16 to Aug. 15 to provide students with professional work experience and mentoring in multiple areas at the credit union’s San Diego headquarters. Visit /summer-internship-program.
Veterans group hosts flag placement event
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3795 will host a flag placement event at veteran gravesites from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 in honor of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday at the San Marcos Cemetery, 1021 Mulberry Drive. Volunteers are sought to assist.
Friday Nights Live
Santee hosts the free Friday Nights Live series from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 16, 23 and May 30 at Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road. The event includes live performances from local groups along with a variety of family-friendly activities such as face painting, caricature artists, rock-climbing wall and arts and crafts. Folks can grab a bite a local eateries. Visit /our-community/city-special-events.
SOLANA BEACH
Fiesta del Sol coming end of month
The 44th annual Fiesta del Sol celebration is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 31 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 1 at Fletcher Cove Beach Park. The event will feature live music, entertainment, food, drinks and family-friendly activities. This year’s free beachside festival includes a lineup of artists such as Z-Trip, The White Buffalo, Missing Persons, and Through the Roots, along with other performers. Free admission. Visit .
Soroptimists put on Bunco fundraiser
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland is hosting a family-friendly Bunco fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. May 17 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Tickets are $35 and include a light lunch, raffle and prizes. Tickets are at /3Y8xfFm.
Friends and Newcomers group meets
Vista Friends and Newcomers group hosts a variety of activities, from from book club, bunco, mahjong, lunch groups, movies, theater and game day to wine tasting and afternoon tea & conversation. The group also takes field trips. The membership meeting is the second Thursday of each month at the Broken Yolk restaurant in Oceanside. Visit .
Annual Vista Duck Race at waterpark
The 24th Annual Vista Duck Race is May 18 at the Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Drive. Visitors can enjoy the water park from 1 to 4 p.m. for an admission fee of $5, which includes one “racing duck” to compete for more than $10,000 in cash, prizes and Wave Waterpark attractions. The Duck Race at 2:30 p.m. features thousands of rubber ducks racing down the Wave’s Ripetide Slide and floating to a finish along the Lazy River. Additional duck race entries can be earned by buying Vista Bucks, (the city’s digital gift card) or making a purchase (one duck entry awarded for every $10 spent up to four per receipt.) from a Downtown Vista business May 9-18 and uploading a picture of the receipt to .
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email @. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance. Photos should be sent as JPEGs. Include the names of those in the photos from left to right along with the photo credit and permission from the photographer to use the photo in The San Diego Union-Tribune.