37th Annual Taste of Encinitas
The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association’s 37th Annual Taste of Encinitas, presented by RPG, will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25 from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., along Coast Hwy 101 in downtown Encinitas. For a $60 ticket, participants can enjoy tastes from 30 restaurants, sample wine, beer, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks with over 35 Sip Stops to choose from, and enjoy live music at a total of four locations throughout downtown Encinitas, including The Lumberyard Courtyard, Charlie’s Electric Studio, Concept Board Shop, and Hansen Surfboards. The music begins at 5:30 p.m. and will last the entirety of the event.Visit https://www.encinitas101.com/store/p/taste-of-encinitas-ticket for more information and to purchase tickets online. The $60 per person price includes all food and 10 drink samples, as well as all the entertainment as described above.
Cardiff Greek Festival
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church welcomes the greater San Diego community to experience the Food, Fun & Opa! at the 46th Annual Cardiff Greek Festival on Sept. 12-13. Attendees will enjoy Hellenic cuisine, entertainment, and hospitality as the church grounds are transformed into a Greek island village with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Greece.Cardiff Greek Festival is Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 13from 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the grounds of Saints Constantine and Helen, 3459 Manchester Avenue, a half mile east of I-5 at the Manchester exit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Free parking is available at adjacent Mira Costa College. Admission $4 (children under 12, active military, police, and firefighters with ID are free). No pets. ADA certified service dogs only.For more information, visit www.cardiffgreekfest.com.
20th Annual LeucadiART Walk
Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association will present the 20th Annual LeucadiART Walk on Sunday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at various locations along Highway 101 in Leucadia.The event will feature fine-artists, sculptors, potters, photographers, printmakers and handmade crafters, as well as children’s art activities, live music, 21+ beverage garden and more.Free to the public. For more information, visit leucadia101.com
Moonlight Beach concert
The season’s last Moonlight Beach concert is from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 at Moonlight Beach, 400 B St. The concert features Sabrosas Latin Orchestra, San Diego’s first all-female salsa band. San Diego rock band Steal Euphoria will open the show. Bring beach chairs. Admission is free. Visit encinitasca.gov.
Call for artists to exhibit
The city of Encinitas is putting out a call for San Diego County artists to exhibit their artwork. There are no fees to apply and no commissions on any artwork sales. Exhibition applications are due by Aug. 23. Exhibitions will be on view for about four months in 2027 and are slated to include an artist reception during Art Night Encinitas. Visit www.encinitasca.gov.
Rancho Coastal Humane Society to hold ‘Celebration of Second Chances’ event
Rancho Coastal Humane Society invites the community to buy tickets now for the 2026 “Celebration of Second Chances: The Next Chapter,” which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. at the Del Mar Country Club at 6001 Clubhouse Drive in Rancho Santa Fe.
At the Celebration of Second Chances, guests will be treated to elevated food stations, cocktails, inspiring stories, exciting auction items, and more. A special tribute will also be held to Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s longtime friends and animal advocates Jerry and Pam Cesak.
“This is one of our signature events of the year and with every ticket purchased you are providing rescue, comfort and care to abandoned companion animals, and supporting the many programs designed to keep pets healthy, happy and together with their families,” said Judi Sanzo, president and CEO of Rancho Coastal Humane Society, in the news release.
Tickets are available now at SDPets.org/Gala2026 or call 760-519-8721.
Batiquitos Lagoon Annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup Event
The nonprofit Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation (BLF) recently announced the 20th Annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup Event on Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4. This event allows the public to enjoy kayaking waters normally closed to boating, while simultaneously aiding in preserving the lagoon habitat by removing trash. The cost is $160 per two-person tandem kayak and is a tax-deductible donation to BLF. Tickets are now on sale.There will be four launches on Saturday and three on Sunday. This two-hour experience includes check-in, personal flotation device (PFD) provisioning, water safety instructions and approximately 90 minutes kayaking the pristine waters of the ecological reserve.Children as young as six years old are welcome to participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Water safety guides will accompany each group to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit www.batiquitoslagoon.org. Proceeds from the event will benefit BLF’s ongoing habitat restoration and other projects.
Encinitas Historical Society monthly walking tours
The Encinitas Historical Society offers monthly walking tours of downtown Encinitas on the third Saturday of every month in 2026. The tours start at 10 a.m. leaving from the 1883 One-Room Schoolhouse located at 390 West “F” Street. There is plenty of free parking nearby. On Sept. 19, the tour will cover the south end of Coastal Encinitas from 2nd and 3rd Streets to “K.”The tour includes a nominal charge of $10 per person. Minor children and dogs are always free. The Encinitas Historical Society is an all volunteer organization with tax exempt status and it accepts all forms of payment. You may contact the Historical Society at 760-942-9066 or info@encinitashistoricalsociety.org with any questions.
Encinitas Oktoberfest & Artisan Faire sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities open
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce has announced that the 30th Annual Encinitas Oktoberfest will return from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, bringing a full day of Bavarian-inspired fun, live entertainment, artisan shopping, German food, beer gardens and family-friendly festivities to North County San Diego.
The Chamber is now accepting sponsorships and exhibitor applications for the free regional festival, which is expected to draw more than 15,000 attendees from throughout San Diego County and Southern California, a news release stated.
For information or to apply, go to www.encinitasoktoberfest.com
Summer horse racing features Pacific Classic
The summer horse racing season features the Pacific Classic race Aug. 22 at the Del Mar Racetrack. The 89th season, hosted by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, continues through Sept. 7. Pop-Up Sundays continue at Plaza de Mexico with a rotating lineup of restaurants serving throughout the afternoon. Taste of the Turf Club runs Sundays featuring brunch with racetrack views. Turf Club Fridays feature happy hour with views of the track. The first post is daily at 2 p.m., including on Fridays, except Sept. 5 when first post moves to 1:30 p.m. Visit www.dmtc.com.
Former First Lady ‘Eleanor’ returning to North Coast Rep
North Coast Repertory Theatre shines spotlight on former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in “Eleanor”, which will return for two weeks only Aug. 27-Sept. 6.
Directed by David Ellenstein and written by Mark. St. Germain.
While sitting on a park bench in Washington, D.C., contemplating the death of her husband, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt candidly reveals the many facets of her storied life in a riveting one-woman play. Award-winning actor Kandis Chappell deftly illuminates the witty, feisty, vulnerable woman who was considered the heart of FDR’s presidency.
North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Call 858-481-1055, visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.
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—from Brees’ celebrity pickleball tournament to an exclusive celebration with Château Montelena marking the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, a powerhouse Baja chefs dinner, a late-night after-party with Food Network stars, and two massive days of eating, drinking and playing on the professional soccer fields of Surf Sports Park—where hometown soccer clubs San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC will also join the celebration with Matchday Experiences at the Grand Tasting, a news release stated.For the full schedule, tickets and more information, go to: delmar.wine
Surfer’s Point LIVE Pop-Up Concert Series
CBF Productions recently announced the launch of Surfer’s Point LIVE at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, bringing a pop-up outdoor concert series to San Diego County this fall with three major live music events featuring nationally recognized artists, according to a news release.Each event is designed as a limited-time destination where fans can enjoy world-class live music, great local food and drinks, and the unmistakable energy of the California lifestyle, the news release stated.The inaugural Del Mar series kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 24, with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends Lynyrd Skynyrd joined by special guests Loverboy.The series continues on Friday, Oct. 2, as the award-winning Boots & Brews Country Music Festival makes its Del Mar debut featuring Billy Currington and Dylan Scott.A third headline concert will be announced in the coming weeks, completing the inaugural Surfer’s Point LIVE season at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.All concerts will take place in the Del Mar Arena.For tickets and additional information, visit www.surferspointlive.com.
18th Annual Operation Game On Golf Classic
The 18th Annual Operation Game On Golf Classic will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club.
The Golf Classic is Operation Game On’s premier fundraising event, and every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps the organization continue providing life-changing programs and opportunities for veterans.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. Shotgun start begins at 11:15 a.m. The event’s Awards Banquet and Live Auction will start at approximately 4:30 p.m.To register, become a sponsor, or donate, visit www.OperationGameOn.org
Super Girl Surf Festival
The Super Girl Surf Festival is Aug. 21-23 featuring women competing in 10 sports at the Oceanside Pier, 300 The Strand N. The competitions range from surfing and skateboarding to beach volleyball, soccer and football. Participating athletes include world-class pros and rising stars. There will be free concerts and a vendor village. Competitions are free to watch and open to the public. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 22 and 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21 and Aug. 23. For schedule, visit supergirlsurfpro.com.
La Jolla Music Society SummerFest 2026
La Jolla Music Society presents SummerFest 2026 Friday, July 31 to Saturday, Aug. 29, primarily at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall and starting at 7 p.m. The series as a whole is composed of 21 concerts, with only one show outside of La Jolla. SummerFest ticket subscriptions for all concerts in the Baker-Baum Concert Hall range from $1,387 to $1,675, depending on seat location. Concerts in The JAI are added to packages. Tickets for individual concerts range from $45 to $145. theconrad.org/Summerfest
Brother Benno’s holds golf fundraiser
The Brother Benno Foundation will hold its eighth annual charity golf tournament fundraiser at 11 a.m. Sept. 24 with ocean views at Goat Hill Park, 2323 Goat Hill Drive. The event includes lunch, dinner, live and silent auctions and a chance to meet World Surf League champion Kelly Slater. Registration begins at 9 a.m., when silent auction bids open. The tournament starts with an 11 a.m. tournament photo and shotgun start. Entry fees are $250. Guests can sponsor an active-duty military golfer for $250. Dinner and entertainment without golf is $100 starting at 5 p.m. and includes the live and silent auctions. A VIP pre-tournament event with live music, food, drinks and shopping is from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Outerknown, 1923 Calle Barcelona in Carlsbad, with a portion of sales benefiting Brother Benno’s. Tournament proceeds support Brother Benno’s mission of serving the area’s homeless and working poor, providing meals, addressing basic needs, fostering community outreach and helping with addiction recovery. Registration is required by Aug. 31. Register at brotherbenno.org/golf.
Book festival
The communitywide KPBS San Diego Book Festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22 at the University of San Diego, 5998 Alcalá Park. The annual event for book lovers of all ages will feature panel discussions with more than 50 award-winning authors and live entertainment. There will be exhibitors, including more than 100 local authors and independent booksellers, a youth reading stage and exploration area. Visit kpbs.org/sdbookfestival.
Youth of the Year event supports Boys & Girls Clubs Northwest San Diego programs
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego will host its annual Youth of the Year Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Del Mar Racetrack. This year’s inspiring event, themed “The Future Is Bright, Wear White,” invites guests to celebrate in all-white attire as “a symbol of hope, possibility, and the bright futures of the extraordinary young people being honored.”
The trackside evening will feature dinner, music, live and silent auctions, and the announcement of the 2026 Youth of the Year. Funds raised during the Youth of the Year Celebration directly support Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego programs.
Youth of the Year is the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, honoring teens who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, service, and character. Through a competitive application and interview process, one outstanding club member is selected each year to represent the organization at the regional and state levels.
Community members are invited to attend, sponsor the event, or support the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit bgcgreatertogether.org or contact Julia Brown-Farley at jbrownfarley@bgcgreatertogether.org or (858) 755-9371.
