From fashion show, free concerts to night fishing: Community events across San Diego County (2023)

BONITA

Car buffs gather at doughnut shop

Bonita Cars And Coffee happens from 7 to 9 a.m. Aug. 19 for “cool cars and their owners” to gather at Bonita Donuts, 4414 Bonita Road. The meetup typically happens each Saturday.

CARDIFF

Library holds half-price book sale Aug. 19

The Friends of the Cardiff by-the-Sea Library will hold an end of summer half-price book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at the library’s Book Nook bookstore, 2081 Newcastle Ave. Members of the Friends group can enter the sale at 9 a.m. Membership is $10. Proceeds support the library and its programs. Visit friendscardifflibrary.org.

CARMEL VALLEY

Free summer concert at One Paseo

A free concert featuring Sara Petite is from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place. The event is on the lawn behind Harland Brewing. Visit onepaseo.com/events/summer-concert-series.

CARLSBAD

Community band gives Summer Pops Concert

The Coastal Communities Concert Band will give its Summer Pops Concert at 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. The program includes tunes from “Grease” and “My Fair Lady” along with American jazz favorites and the music of John Williams. Vocalist Michael Ruhl will give a musical tribute to the late Tony Bennett. Admission is $20; $15 for seniors and free for students at the door or at cccband.com or (760) 727-3741.

Sing! Sing! Sing! theme of Community Music Day

A Community Music Day themed Sing! Sing! Sing! takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Drive. The event is pay-what-you-wish and museum admission is $10-$15. RSVP at museumofmakingmusic.org/events/cmd-8-2023.

Genealogy group gathers Aug. 19

The DNA Interest Group, sponsored by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society, will host a virtual presentation by Drew Smith on “Using Ancestry DNA Today” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. Admission is free. To attend virtually, visit nsdcgs.org.

Learning, recreation programs for all ages

The city of Carlsbad offers community activities ranging from sports to arts for all ages along with after-school and preschool programs. Registration for fall programs opens Aug. 16. Take a look at the Fall Community Services Guide. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation.

Wine & Vine Uncorked fundraiser Aug. 19

The Rotary Club of Carlsbad puts on its annual Wine & Vine Uncorked Carlsbad fundraiser to benefit local charities from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Viasat East Campus, 2436 Town Garden Road. The theme is Grapes for Good and highlights include wine sampling from more than 20 wineries in San Diego County, Paso Robles, Temecula, Santa Ynez and the Sierra Foothills. Tickets, which include food and drink, are $85 in advance and $95 at the door. Tickets for non-drinking designated drivers are $35. Tickets are at bit.ly/3QHlXES.

Nonprofit’s leader to speak at GOP meeting

CORONADO

Promenade Concert features The Zippers

Coronado Promenade Concerts presents The Zippers at 5 p.m. Aug. 20 at Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave. The program highlights various eras and styles of music. The Zippers started out as favorites on the national TV show “Star Search.” The free concert series runs Sundays through Sept. 3. Visit coronadoconcert.com.

DEL MAR

Grants given to empower women

The Del Mar-Leucadia branch of American Association of University Women announces that AAUW is accepting applications for 2024-25 fellowships and grants for women to pursue academic work or lead community projects that empower women. Applications are due Nov. 15. Visit aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants.

ENCINITAS

Cruise Nights feature classic, vintage cars

Encinitas Cruise Nights continue from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug 17, hosted by Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association with classic and vintage cars and live music. Three half-street closures will be on F, G and H streets for car clubs and music along South Coast Highway 101. Admission is free. The final event of the series will be held Sept. 21. Visit encinitas101.com or call (760) 943-1950.

Exhibit features carnivorous plants

The San Diego Botanic Garden hosts the traveling exhibition Savage Gardens: “The Real and Imaginary World of Carnivorous Plants” through Oct. 29 at 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The exhibit features hundreds of live carnivorous plants, along with bigger-than-life re-creations of several species, so visitors can learn about the plants up close from a bugs-eye perspective. The three large artistic installations will be in the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory along with live plants that eat insects. Admission is $10-$18; free for garden members. Entrance to the exhibition includes access to the rest of the garden. Reservations are required at sdbg.org/exhibitions-public-programs/savage-gardens.

ESCONDIDO

Vietnam veterans meet Aug. 16

Vietnam Veterans of America Dick Nash Chapter 1147 meets at 4 p.m. Aug. 16 at the American Legion Post, 230 E. Park Ave. Vietnam-era veterans are invited to attend. After the meeting, the group will assist interested attendees in getting a life membership for $50, which includes a subscription to The VVA Veteran magazine. If you are already a VVA member, transfer forms are available at the chapter meeting. For questions, email jggonzo0327@gmail.com or jmfurler@yahoo.com.

NATIONAL CITY

Library runs science program for children

The National City Public Library runs a science, technology, engineering, art and math program, aka STEAM, event at 2 p.m. Aug. 19 and the first and third Saturdays of the month in the Children’s Meeting Room of the library, 1401 National City Blvd. Participants can explore motion and gravity by creating a pendulum. Visit nationalcitylibrary.org or call (619) 470-5810.

OCEANSIDE

Mission San Luis Rey puts on Heritage Ball

The Franciscan Friars of Mission San Luis Rey and the Heritage Ball Committee once again hold their celebration under the stars known as The Heritage Ball, starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Mission San Luis Rey, 4050 Mission Ave. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 225 Years,” and highlights include dancing under the stars, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Rose Garden, gourmet dinner on the Heritage Lawn, an opportunity drawing and a live auction. Black tie optional. To have seating preference, buy tickets by Aug. 14. Tickets start at $225. Visit events.sanluisrey.org/heritage-ball. Call (760) 757-3651, ext. 256.

Parish holds fundraiser for damaged church

A “Concert for a Cause” is from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 19 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, 609 Pier View Way. The concert features the The Jeduthun Singing Boholano Priests who are helping in the restoration of the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral Church building in Talibon, Bohol, Philippines, which was damaged by Super Typhoon Odette. Along with religious music, there will be songs such as “‘Till There Was You” and “Your Man.” Tickets are $30; VIP, $75 for first seven rows. Visit stmarystars.org.

Last week to vote for California Surf Museum

The California Surf Museum is one of 20 nominees for “Best Attraction for Sports Fans,” selected by a panel of industry experts and editors at USA Today as part of its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting is open to the public through Aug. 21. To participate, go to 10best.com/awards/travel/best-attraction-for-sports-fans-2023/california-surf-museum-oceanside-california.

Veterans’ Writing Group meets Aug. 19

The Veterans’ Writing Group of San Diego County will host its monthly meeting Aug. 19 at the Veterans Association of North County (VANC) 1617 Mission Ave. Veterans, dependents and active-duty military members are welcome to this free event. The women’s group meets from 10 to 11 a.m., live and on Zoom. All writers meet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. live and on Zoom. Visit veteranswritinggroup.org.

POWAY

Night fishing offered Fridays and Saturdays

Night fishing is from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Road. Boats can stay out until 11 p.m.. Catfish will be stocked. The event is offered through Sept. 2. Cost is $7, adults 55 and older, $3; military with ID, $4; youths 8-15, $3; and free for children 7 and younger with paid permit. Visit poway.org/calendar.aspx?EID=2177.

RAMONA

Watershed Warriors Cleanup on Aug. 19

A Watershed Warriors Cleanup is from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 19 at Santa Maria Creek, 434 Aqua Lane, hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego and the County of San Diego. Participants help clean up litter from the San Dieguito Watershed and keep it from going in the ocean. A check-in table and cleanup supplies will be outside the Ramona Senior Center. Visit cleansd.org/event/watershed-warriors-ramona-cleanup-8-19-23. For other area cleanups, visit cleansd.org/events.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Tremble Clefs to hold free event

The Tremble Clefs, a therapeutic singing program for people with Parkinson’s disease, holds its annual Friends, Family and Community event, “Get 2 Know Us,” from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at San Rafael Catholic Church Parish Hall. The free event will highlight the therapeutic benefits that Tremble Clefs offers and will include a live performance with singers. There will be light refreshments and a Fabulous Flea Market with items, including handmade art, by Parkinson’s group members. Proceeds go to the Tremble Clefs. RSVP at trembleclefs.com.

Church collecting shoes for kids in need

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church holds a drive-thru to collect back-to-school shoes and socks for children in need from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 19 at 17010 Pomerado Road. Donations will be given to children served through Solutions for Change, Poway Unified School District Youth in Transition and Door of Hope. Visit rbcommunity.org.

SAN DIEGO

Pacific Beach Car Show takes place Aug. 19

The Pacific Beach Car show is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at Garnet Avenue between Dawes Street and Mission Boulevard. The show features low riders, muscle cars, air cooled, classics and imports. Sign up before the deadline for a commemorative coin and join in the fun with appearances by Magicar, Music Box Burlesque and more. Car registration is $20-$35; free for spectators. Visit bit.ly/446qaW3.

Majorette Expo at SDSU

A free Majorette Expo will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive. The conference and exhibit includes workshops and dance time on the floor with feedback, and teaches all things majorette, especially for dancers and instructors. Visit bit.ly/449siMy. Call (619) 594-5200.

Free karate class offered

A free karate class to introduce the community to the martial arts, as part of “Karate in the Park,” is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 19 at Pioneer Park, 1521 Washington Place, in Mission Hills. Call (619) 627-1555.

Special needs access to Fleet Science Center

Early access to the Fleet Science Center for community members who need a low-sensory experience is at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 as part of Accessibility Mornings offered the third Saturday of the month at the center, 1875 El Prado, in Balboa Park. Visitors can view galleries in a quieter setting, an hour before the museum opens to the public, and a special documentary screening with lights on and lower volume is at 10 a.m. Admission is free for one guest and one chaperone. Visit fleetscience.org; call (619) 685-5743.

Guided trail walk offered Aug. 19

A Mission Trails Regional Park guide will lead a free nature walk starting at the Visitor Center, One Father Junipero Serra Trail, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Aug. 19 with information on the plants, animals, geology, history and ecology of the park. Hikers can see the park’s Oak Grove Loop and visit the Riverside Grinding Rocks featuring one of the archaeological sites in the park. Walks typically start from the Visitor Center on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. Visit mtrp.org/events.

Hawk encounter at Balboa Park

Meet Huxley the Harris’s Hawk and his handler, volunteer Bob Gordon, from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 19 at the San Diego History Museum, 1549 El Prado, in Balboa Park. Learn about regional birds of prey and the art of falconry. Cost is free with museum admission. Visit sdnhm.org or call (619) 232-3821.

Festival of Books takes place Aug. 19

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s seventh annual Festival of Books is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 at the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcalá Park. Highlights of the free event for book lovers of all ages include workshops, live entertainment, photo booths and discussions with award-winning authors. General admission is free. Registration is strongly encouraged. Tickets and suggested donations are required for the panel sessions. Selected panels will have a small fee. Parking on the USD campus is free for the festival. Join in person or virtually. Visit bit.ly/455aJhU.

Volunteers needed to fill backpacks for kids

The locally based nonprofit Sports4Kids is looking for volunteers for its Back2School backpack assembly event at 10 a.m. Aug. 19 at Perkins Elementary School, 1770 Main St. The event, which is part of Operation Back2School, involves volunteers filling 550 backpacks with school supplies, toys, snacks and hygiene supplies for students attending Perkins Elementary. Sign up at bit.ly/3qpMQCD.

‘Thomas’ train event at museum

A Thomas Family Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum,1649 El Prado, in Balboa Park. Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends from the Isle of Sodor will take over the museum for a day. The event is included in museum admission, which is free for kids 12 and younger; others, $9-$19.50. Visit sdmrm.org.

Museum of Us holds playtime

The Museum of Us holds FriPLAY Afternoons from noon to 2:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 25 in the California Plaza in front of the museum at Balboa Park with music, games and activities for kids of all ages and the young-at-heart. The free event is at 1350 El Prado. Call (619) 239-2001.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Upcoming blood drives; donors get T-shirts

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots:

Stumps Family Marketplace, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at 3770 Voltaire St., San Diego.
La Jolla Square, 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 at 4225 Executive Square, La Jolla.
WithumSmith+Brown, PC, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17 at 1925 Palomar Oaks Way, Suite 210, Carlsbad.
Bressi Ranch Community Association, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 at 6276 Arbor Rose Drive, Carlsbad.
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 at 200 Saxony Road, Encinitas.
St. Patrick Catholic Church, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at 3821 Adams St., Carlsbad.
Copley-Price YMCA, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at 4300 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego.
Westfield Mission Valley, noon to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at 1640 Camino del Rio North, lot near Nordstrom Rack, San Diego.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at 790 First Ave., Chula Vista.
SeaWorld San Diego, 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at 500 Sea World Drive, west security lot off Perez Cove Way, San Diego.

Donors receive a Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy T-shirt while supplies last. Donors must be 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in good health. Photo identification is required. To make an appointment or find more drives, call (800) 469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Volunteers sought to join crisis team

The Trauma Intervention Programs of San Diego, aka TIP, is looking for volunteers to join crisis teams and support trauma victims at emergency scenes. TIP is especially in need of volunteers in East County communities along with National City and Coronado. No experience is necessary; training provided. Training Academy and registration information are at tipsandiego.org or (855) TIPSD-HELP (847-7343).

SAN MARCOS

J Kreml Trio gives free jazz concert

The J Kreml Trio will present a free show of Great American Songbook Jazz from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Amalfi Enoteca Italiana in Lake San Marcos, 1556 Camino Del Arroyo. Call (760) 539-0075.

Free classes offered at boxing gym

LVLZ Boxing will hold a grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at the gym, 1342C E. Mission Road. The ribbon-cutting is at 12:15 p.m. A free trial class for children ages 5-12 will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m.; a trial class for teens ages 13-18 from 2:30 to 3 p.m.; and an adult trial class from 3 to 3:30 p.m. The LVLZ boxing team will spar from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Food will be available, and a raffle will be held. Visit lvlzboxing.com.

SANTEE

Swap Meet happens weekends

The Santee Swap Meet is open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 10990 N. Woodside Ave. Admission is $2. Super bargain hunters can get into the flea market with early bird entry starting at 5:05 a.m. for $5. Visit santeeswap.com.

Last concert in summer series Aug. 17

The Santee Summer Concerts series presents Country Nation from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17 at Town Center Community Park, 550 Park Center Drive. There will be dancing, food and dog adoptions hosted by Lionel’s Legacy along with free pet microchipping. The concert is the last in the series. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov.

VISTA

National Senior Citizens Day luau

A National Senior Citizens Day celebration starts at 11 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Gloria McClellan Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. The free event features musician John Lowery from 11 to 11:30 a.m., Kühai Hālau O ʻIlima Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko hula dancers from 11:30 to 11:45 a.m. and lunch served at noon. After lunch, the movie “80 for Brady” will be shown with refreshments. The program recognizes the contributions of older adults and their impact in society. Lunch reservations are required by Aug. 16 at (760) 643-5288. Visit gmacvista.com.

If your nonprofit would like to submit a listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email linda.mcintosh@sduniontribune.com. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and contact information for readers within the email text. 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.