45th annual Cardiff Greek Festival
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church will hold the 45th annual Cardiff Greek Festival from Sept. 6-7. Highlights include a variety of authentic Greek food and drinks, a traditional Greek marketplace, music by the Southern California Greek band The Olympians and folk dance performances featuring traditional costumes along with guided dance instruction and a kids zone. The Rev. Michael Sitaras will host tours of the church throughout the weekend.
The marketplace includes Greek imports, fine jewelry, artwork and a Greek deli. A chance to win a $20,000 cash drawing or four home plate Padres tickets including food, beverages and parking (up to $2,600 value) will be offered; opportunity tickets are $20 at the festival or by request at cardiffgreekfestival@gmail.com. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 6 and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at 3459 Manchester Ave. Admission is $4; free for children younger than 12, and active military, police and firefighters with ID. Free parking is at the adjacent MiraCosta College. No pets are allowed; ADA-certified service dogs only. Visit cardiffgreekfest.com.
Free concert at library
The Friends of the Encinitas Library hosts saxophonist Kahlil Childs for a free concert from 2 to 3 p.m. Sept. 7 at 540 Cornish Drive as part of the First Sunday series. Childs was recently chosen as a member of the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra that will perform at the 68th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival. The concert will feature a set of original compositions by Childs. Joining Childs will be Quincy Reyes (piano), Luke Little (bass), Zollie Wariner (drums), with special guest Jordan Davidson (cello). Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Visit encinitaslibfriends.org.
Del Mar Wine + Food Festival
The third annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival will be held Sept. 10-14, with a lineup of events that include a sports-themed opening party, four celebrity chef wine dinners, a pickleball tournament, after-party and a two-day outdoor grand tasting event. Founded two years ago by a group of San Diego business, sports and media leaders, the festival’s goal was to celebrate not just San Diego’s culinary scene but also its sports offerings, scenery and lifestyle. It also supports the community, having raised more than $75,000 so far for Feeding San Diego, a San Diego Union-Tribune story states. For more information and tickets go to delmar.wine
Plein Air Festival to draw artists from across the country
The Oceanside Plein Air Festival hosted by Oceanside Museum of Art will be from Sept. 6-13. More than 200 artists from across the country will take their easels outdoors to paint the city ‘en plein air.’ There will be “paint outs” Sept. 6-10 at landmarks such as Oceanside Harbor (from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8), Roberts Cottages (from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 6), Ivey Ranch (from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 10), and Mission San Luis Rey (Quick Paint Challenge from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 9).
There will be a Big Teeny Tiny Friday Drop-In Workshop at the Oceanside Museum of Art from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 12. A Big Public Easel Sale featuring original works of plein air art in various media created during the festival is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 13 across from the museum.
The Awards Celebration is from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 13; VIP pre-sale starts at 10 a.m. Juried Exhibition will be Sept. 13 to Jan. 11, featuring 60 artworks from the festival at Oceanside Museum of Art in the 2025 Plein Air Festival Exhibition. Free for spectators; participating artists must register to join in the paint-outs and to submit artwork. Artists of all levels can sign up through Sept. 5 at oma-online.org/pleinair.
Animal shelter holds Second Chances fundraiser
Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s annual Celebration of Second Chances starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 13 at the Del Mar Country Club, 6001 Clubhouse Drive. The event includes cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres, dinner and program. The hosts will be Jeff Zevely of KFMB’s The Zevely Zone and his wife, Heather Zevely, a former KFMB reporter and now a registered nurse.
Funds raised during the Celebration support Rancho Coastal Humane Society’s programs for people and animals including Friends of County Animal Shelters (FOCAS), Pet Adoption, Humane Education, the Animal Safehouse Program, Pet Assisted Therapy, and the Community Pet Food Bank. Tickets are $250. Visit rchumanesociety.org/gva_event/celebration2025.
Village Church Bible study kicks off
The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe kicks off a new, year-long season of Bible studies for the community Sept. 9-10 with 15 sessions on the Old Testament and 15 on the New Testament. Groups will delve into the message of the Bible with a study based on the resource book, Kerygma: Discovering the Bible — A New Generation. The study will be led by Village Church pastors, the Rev. Dr. Jack Baca and the Rev. Janice Cook.
Three weekly study groups are offered: La Costa Glen Bible Study, starting 10 a.m. Sept. 9; Women’s Bible Study starting 9 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Village Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias; and Men’s Bible Study starting 6:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club. For more information, email David Herman, director of adult spiritual formation at davidh@villagechurch.org.
Batiquitos Lagoon to present “ Snakes…Continued”
Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a presentation on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. titled “ Snakes…Continued.”Welcome back “snake wranglers” Bruce Ireland and Alan Chornack, with a gang of volunteers who relocate snakes from residences to more appropriate habitat. Meet some of their favorite venomous and non-venomous snakes, including recent rescues from the local reptile community.
This free, family event is good for adults and kids age 5 and older. Space is limited and is first come, first served. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to secure a seat. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information , visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit event
Beach and Country Guild will present the 56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit event titled “Ethereal Elegance, A Shimmering Celebration” on Friday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. The annual champagne reception, gourmet luncheon, live and silent auction, and fashion show event raises funds to support United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego. This year’s children’s fashion show features The Sasha Project LA (www.thesashaprojectla.org).The guest speaker at the event will be R.J. Mitte, best known for his portrayal of Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning dramatic thriller “Breaking Bad.”Mitte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 3 and throughout the years, Mitte has been an inspiration to his peers around the world by championing his cerebral palsy in hopes of removing the stigma associated with disabilities, a news release stated last year.Tickets are now on sale. Visit www.beachandcountry.org for tickets, up-to-date information on Dia del Sol or email reservations@beachandcountry.org with questions regarding the event.
RSF Tea3 Foundation to host Gold Project Golf Tournament benefit event
The Rancho Santa Fe Tea3 Foundation will hold its annual Gold Project fundraising event, a charity golf tournament taking place Monday, Sept. 15 at the exclusive Crosby Club in Rancho Santa Fe known for its scenic design and one of the finest layouts in Southern California, according to a news release.This year’s tournament benefits The Honor Foundation, a nationally respected nonprofit that helps U.S. Special Operations Forces transition from military service to meaningful careers in the private sector.Players will enjoy a full day of activities including Hole-in-One and Closest to the Pin contests, a chance to win a car, fun sponsor experiences, lunch and refreshments, a gift from Callaway Golf and a lively awards dinner and multiple Opportunity Drawings.Sponsorships and player spots are still available. To register or get involved visit www.tea3foundation.org/get-involved or call (760) 214-4209.
Fall Art & Wine Walk Carlsbad
The Forum Carlsbad will host its annual Fall Art & Wine Walk from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad. The event includes art installations and wine tastings along with live acoustic music in the open-air shopping mall. Guests 21 and older are invited to the Wine Garden near Yeti for a free tasting presented by Jimbo’s. Donations will be accepted at the Wine Garden in support of Shelter to Soldier, a local nonprofit that adopts shelter dogs and trains them as service dogs for post-9/11 veterans. Admission is free. Visit theforumcarlsbad.com.
Nature Collective to hold Discovery Tour and Wildlife Tour
Nature Collective is hosting two free events in September, including a Discovery Tour on Saturday, Sept. 6, and a Wildlife Tour on Saturday, Sept. 13. Nature Collective is a local conservation and science education nonprofit organization. They work to restore habitats, provide healthier waters, and increase wildlife diversity. They are dedicated to conserving the land and providing experiences for people to fall in love with nature, according to a news release.
• Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Discovery Tour: Ages 9+ — registration required San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea) RSVP: https://naturecollective.org/event/discovery-tour-september-6/This guided tour will inspire all to watch and listen for various birds that rest in — and fly across — the salt marsh and mudflats. No matter the season, participants can enjoy, photograph, and identify a host of native plants. The Nature Center Loop Trail is accessible, providing fun for all.
• Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wildlife Tour: Ages 15+ (registration required) San Elijo Lagoon (meet-up location will be emailed to registered participants) RSVP: https://naturecollective.org/event/wildlife-tour-september-13/
As summer days shorten, the earliest winter birds arrive. Keen observers may witness small flocks of Phalaropes swimming in dizzy circles in the quiet ponds. The event is weather permitting, and wildlife is unpredictable; there is no guarantee of what participants will see.
Encinitas Cruise Nights
The summer Encinitas Cruise Nights with classic and vintage cars and local bands wraps up this year’s season from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 along Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas. Cars can park in spaces along Coast Highway or cruise down the street. Visit encinitas101.com/encinitas-cruise-nights.
Batiquitos Lagoon to hold nature walk “Life and Death at the Lagoon”
Bariquitos Lagoon will hold a docent- led nature walk on Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. titled “Life and Death at the Lagoon.” Coastal estuaries are the scene of intense daily dramas of survival, featuring a cast of hundreds of species, and much of it is microscopic and underwater. This free, family 90-minute walk is good for all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information , visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
Animal shelter seeks teen foster volunteers
The Teen Foster Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society gives teenagers 15 and older a chance to work hands-on with homeless animals while they earn service hours for their school or other organization. The average length of stay in foster care is four to six weeks. Training and parent approval are required. For more information, call 760-753-6413 or visit sdpets.org.
Junior surf contest
Entries are being accepted for the nonprofit Windansea Surf Club’s annual junior surf contest, The Menehune, slated for Oct. 4 at La Jolla Shores. Long board and short board divisions for all age groups are offered for boys and girls age 16 and younger, including the Super Menehunes for age 7 and younger. The club will award $250 educational scholarships to the top eight age group divisions for boys and girls. The deadline for applications is Sept. 26. Visit windanseasurfclub.org.
Book and author luncheon
The Rancho Bernardo Chapter of the Brandeis National Committee will put on its annual Book and Author Luncheon at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Broken Yolk Cafe, 11630 Carmel Mountain Road. Featured authors include Juan Medina, author of “Border Crossing,” Jennifer Coburn, author of “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory,” and Lauren Marie Fleming, author of “Because Fat Girl.” Zoe Ghahremani, author of “Memory Garden,” will serve as moderator. Cost is $43, including a choice of brunch or lunch. Reserve by Sept. 1 at 858-487-8041.
Art & Wine Festival La Jolla
The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is set for Oct. 11-12 on Girard Avenue and will spotlight Gregg “Viz” Visintainer as its 2025 featured artist. Admission is free, but there is a ticketed wine and beer garden. Tickets are $55; $75 for VIP through Aug. 31; $60/$80 Sept. 1-Oct. 10 and $65/$85 Oct. 11-12. Visit ljawf.com
Luncheon raises awareness about trafficking
The fourth annual Sparkles Foundation Children’s Benefit Fashion Show Luncheon runs from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 27 with boutique shopping and a silent auction and continues from noon to 2:30 p.m. with lunch and a fashion show. The event supports SD Sparkles Foundation Inc.’s mission to help children and fight human trafficking.
The event is at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10950 N Torrey Pines Road, and brings together elected officials and advocates to raise awareness about child trafficking. The guest speaker is San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 27 and are $150; $50 for children age 12 and younger. Visit sdsparklesfoundation.org/events.
Gala benefits foster kids
Promises2Kids, a nonprofit helping foster children in San Diego, is holding an evening of dinner and music to benefit current and former foster children. The 16th annual Dream On Concert Gala is presented by Kevin and Raegan Prior and will be hosted by Joan Waitt at her La Jolla estate Sept.15. The outdoor event will begin with a sunset cocktail reception, followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by executive chef Jeffrey Strauss and Pamplemousse Grille. There will be silent and live auctions and a concert. Tickets are at promises2kids.org/dream-on-2025.
Pacific Coast harmony to hold “Fall Into Harmony” concert
Pacific Coast Harmony (PCH) will present “Fall Into Harmony,” a show of modern four-part a cappella harmony music on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Schulman Auditorium at Carlsbad Library (1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, 92011).
The music spans the Great American Songbook, Broadway theater and film, popular songs, and beyond. A highlight of the show will be a special appearance by OC Sound, an award- winning Sweet Adelines chorus from Orange County. They will be competing at the Sweet Adelines International Competition in October.Several PCH members’ quartets will also perform.Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and can be purchased by emailing treasurer@PacificCoastHarmony.org.
Pacific Coast Harmony is an a cappella ensemble based in La Jolla, under the direction of Bonnie McKibben, an award-winning director, quartet champion, and recording artist. The chorus will be competing at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Far Western District competition in October 2025, after having won the District’s Southeast Division competition in March.For more information, visit PacificCoastHarmony.org.
Historic downtown Encinitas Walking Tour
The Encinitas Historical Society offers a fun educational walking tour of downtown Encinitas on the third Saturday of every month. The tours begin at 10 a.m., starting at the 1883 One-Room Schoolhouse, located at 390 West F Street. There is plenty of free parking available. On Sept. 20, the tour will cover the south end of the Coast Highway.The Encinitas Historical Society has implemented a suggested donation of $10 per person. The Encinitas Historical Society is an all-volunteer organization with tax exempt status, and they accept cash, checks, or credit/debit cards. Children and dogs are always free. You may contact the Encinitas Historical Society at (760) 942-9066 or info@encinitashistoricalsociety.org with any questions.
Voices for Children seeks volunteers
The San Diego nonprofit Voices for Children is looking for volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and stand up for foster children in need. Volunteers are trained and supported by the nonprofit to speak up for children in foster care in court, school and medical settings to make sure their needs are met. CASA volunteers often become an important adult for a child in foster care as they face court hearings, social workers, attorneys and new homes. Visit speakupnow.org.
San Diego Gives fundraiser for local nonprofits
The San Diego Gives fundraising campaign organized by North County Philanthropy Council runs through Sept. 9 and includes 104 participating nonprofits from across San Diego County, ranging from arts education to veterinary services for unhoused pets. San Diego Gives and the North County Philanthropy Council host workshops and webinars led by philanthropic experts on topics ranging from budgeting advice to crowdfunding campaign tips. Visit ncphilanthropy.org/programs/san-diego-gives.
Poway Symphony Orchestra announces concerts, new subscription option
The Poway Symphony Orchestra (PSO) recently announced its 2025–2026 concert season and, for the first time, the launch of a season ticket subscription program. All three concerts in PSO’s 22nd season will be performed at 4 p.m. on Sundays at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.”Our patrons have been asking for season subscriptions, and we’re thrilled to now make this a reality,” said James Reid, president of the Poway Symphony Orchestra Foundation, in a news release. “Subscribers will not only enjoy savings and the best available seats, but also the convenience of keeping those seats for every concert in our season.”Season subscription sales begin on Sept. 5, followed by individual concert ticket sales on Oct. 3. Subscriptions will be available through Nov. 15. All tickets can be purchased online through the Poway Center for the Performing Arts box office at powaycenter.com or by calling 858‑748‑0505. Seat selections are on a first-come, first-served basis, so patrons are encouraged to reserve seats early.
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