BONITA
Festival celebrates Bonita
The 54th Annual BonitaFest features a Twilight Parade and Arts Fest at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12, starting at the Sunnyside Arena in Rohr Park and ending at 6:30 p.m. at the Bonita SunnySide Library, where the Arts festival will be. The headliners include the Bonita Vista High School Music Machine and Sound Unlimited show choirs. Visit bvhsvocalmusic.org/choirs.
CARDIFF
Annual Cardiff Greek Festival
The 46th annual Cardiff Greek Festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave. The event features folk dance shows, live Greek music, dancing, authentic Greek food and pastries along with Greek wine tastings and a marketplace. There will be a Kids Zone and tours of the church. Chance tickets are $20 each for a chance to win $10,000 or $5,000. Admission is $4; free for children under age 12 and first responders, veterans and active military with ID. Visit cardiffgreekfestival.com.
CARLSBAD
Sea turtles topic of lagoon talk
Batiquitos Lagoon will host a presentation on Sea Turtles at 10 a.m. on Sept. 12. Guest speaker Sabrina Mashburn, founder and director of SoCal Sea Turtles, will discuss their biology and habitat, and provide tips for helping to protect them. July through September is the best time to spot green sea turtles at the lagoon. This free family event is open to ages 12 and older. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.
Fall Art & Wine Walk
The Forum Carlsbad will host its annual Fall Art & Wine Walk from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 12, featuring art, wine and live music. Artwork will be displayed in participating shops and restaurants and there will be wine tastings at the Wine Garden. Donations will be accepted at the Wine Garden to benefit Shelter to Soldier, a local nonprofit that trains shelter dogs to become service dogs for post-9/11 veterans with PTSD and related injuries.
CHULA VISTA
“Salsa Under the Stars” concert
The Salsa Under the Stars concert will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Otay Ranch Town Center during the mall’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. The concert will feature the Manny Cepeda Orchestra quartet and Latin music and dancing for all ages. Highlights include Folklorico dance performances, crafts and face painting for kids and treats. The event is during the center’s weekly Farmers Market. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/44677.
Three-day library book sale
The Friends of the Chula Vista Library will hold a three-day book sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 11-12 and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Sept 13 at the Chula Vista Public Library, 365 “F” St. Gently used books as well as other items will be sold. Children’s books are 10 cents. Proceeds go to the Chula Vista Library and its programs. Visit chulavistaca.gov/departments/library.
DEL MAR
Thoroughbred Club topic at luncheon
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church hosts its monthly Community Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 15 in the Parish Hall, 334 14th St. The catered lunch will be followed by a presentation on “The History of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club,” led by local historian Larry Brooks. Suggested donation is $20. Reserve at 858-755-1616 or office@stpetersdelmar.net.
CORONADO
Community bridge class
An eight-week course on Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding, starts from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 at the John D. Spreckels Center. Students will learn about bidding when both sides are competing for the contract, including preemptive opening bids, overcalls, and take-out doubles. The course includes a copy of Audrey Grant’s Bridge Basics 2: Competitive Bidding textbook. Costs vary based on eligibility for senior and resident discounts. Register by Sept. 9 at coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343.
ESCONDIDO
Cruisin Grand community car event
Cruisin Grand is running Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 25 along Grand Ave. The event features pre-1974 and earlier American-made classics, customs, vintage, muscle, and hot rods cruising Grand Ave. Admission is free.
LA JOLLA
Junior surf contest open for youth
The nonprofit Windansea Surf Club is accepting registration for its annual junior surf contest, The Menehune, slated for Oct. 3 at the La Jolla Shores. Long board and short board divisions are offered for boys and girls 16 years of age and under, including the Super Menehunes for 7-year-olds and under. The event attracts young competitive surfers and their families from throughout the western states, Hawaii and Baja California. The club plans to award $250 educational scholarships to the top eight age group divisions for Boys and Girls. Registration deadline is Sept. 25. Visit windanseasurfclub.org.
‘Ask An Audiologist’ class
A free “Ask An Audiologist” class will be offered by Sharp Grossmont Hospital Community Resource Center from 11 a.m. to noon on Sept. 8 at Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001 Wakarusa St. The class will discuss the effects of hearing loss, tinnitus and other hearing-related issues and over-the-counter hearing aids and implantable aids. A raffle prize will be given at the end of the class. Free onsite parking. Register at (800) 827-4277 or visit www.sharp.com/classes.
NORTH COUNTY
Republican women’s group hosts speaker
The North County Republican Women will hold a breakfast meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 16 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf in Rancho Santa Fe. Alicia Shuman from Educational Excellence will speak about the upcoming School Board election. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Cost is $30; $25 for members. RSVP by Sept. 11 at www.ncrwsd.org.
Catholic group holds events
The Catholic Widows, Widowers & Singles of North County holds various activities in September:
Sept. 10: Walk at Tamarack State Beach at 10 a.m.. Meet at the Carlsbad Village Train Station. Meal at Daily News Cafe.
Sept. 13: CWWSNC Annual Potluck Picnic at 2 p.m. at Aviara Park, Carlsbad.
Sept. 16: Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at Olive Garden, Carlsbad.
Sept. 24: Dinner at 5 p.m. at Fox Point Farms, Encinitas.
Sept. 29: Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at Mendocino Farms, Bressi Ranch, Carlsbad.
For information and to rsvp, visit cwwnc.com.
OCEANSIDE
The Village Veterans group at the Ocean Hills Country Club community recently held a diaper drive for Camp Pendleton families and collected thousands of diapers and wipes as part of what they called Operation Dry Shield. Ocean Hills community members donated more than 50,000 diapers, worth an estimated $18,000 along with baby wipes over a 10-day period. The “collection hub” was the home of Patty and Greg Coffey, who is a Vietnam War Veteran and member of the Village Vets. Diapers and baby wipes piled up in nearly every room of the Coffey’s home. Donations broke previous records. “A day after the diaper donation was picked up by members of the Camp Pendleton’s Armed Services YMCA, we heard they were ‘flying off the shelves,’” said Christi O’Connor, board member of the OHCC Village Veterans. Pictured from left are some of the participants in Operation Dry Shield: Greg Coffey, Patty Coffey, Steve Brendel, Cathy Brendel, CeCe Quinn, Donna Ryan, Bob Ryan and Robert Smith. Photo by Christi O’Connor.
Thrift shop benefits American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s thrift boutique, Discovery Shop, at 2570 Vista Way, will hold a Fall Collection celebration Sept. 11-12. The shop is staffed by volunteers and features upscale clothing, accessories, designer handbags, jewelry, furniture, artwork, antiques, collectibles, cookbooks and household items. Donations are appreciated. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Call 760-364-5507.
POWAY
Church hosts community concert
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church hosts a concert, “Deep Resonance,” featuring sacred and secular music for men’s voices at 4 p.m. on Sept. 13 at 16275 Pomerado Road. The program includes music spanning a variety of styles and themes, from spiritual reflection to the shared experiences of human life. Tickets are $10 at stbartsmusic.org, or at the door (if not sold out).
RAMONA
Kiwanis Club’s annual dog show
The Ramona Kiwanis Club puts on its 18th BowWow PowWow Dog Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Ramona Fairgrounds, 421 Aqua Lane. Contests begin at 11 a.m. and categories include Best Costume, Most Beautiful/Handsome, Dog and Owner Look-alike, Most Talented, Best Tail Wagger, Cutest Little Dog and Best Kisser. Amateur dog handlers compete to be the Best in Show. There will be food, silent auction, opportunity drawing baskets and vendors. Registration for dog and one handler is $20 for up to five categories. General admission is $5; free for children 12 and younger. Proceeds benefit Ramona Community Services. Visit k05182.site.kiwanis.org/bow-wow-pow-wow.
RANCHO BERNARDO
The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Speakers Series presents “Wyatt Earp in San Diego: Life After Tombstone,” a talk by historian Garner Palenske, at 11 a.m. on Sept. 12 at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery. Admission is free. Visit rbhistory.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Community celebration for church turning 70
The Village Community Presbyterian Church, which opened its doors in Rancho Santa Fe in 1956, will mark its 70th anniversary with a community celebration on Sept. 13. The celebration begins with a special worship service at 10 a.m. featuring new music commissioned for the anniversary, followed by a celebratory luncheon in the Fellowship Center. The day will include a few surprises as the church honors its past and looks forward to its future. Visit villagechurch.org/70th-celebration.
SAN DIEGO
25th Anniversary Memorial of 9/11
A 25th Anniversary Memorial of 9/11 will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 on the flight deck aboard the USS Midway Museum. There will be free museum entry from 1:45 to 3 p.m. to attend the memorial ceremony of the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in 2001. The FDNY Retirees of San Diego, along with the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, National City Fire Department, San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society, and The Wounded Warrior Project will “pay tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11 and keep the promise to ‘Never Forget.’” The event includes presentation of colors by honor guards, pipes and drums, Singing of the National Anthem, reading of first responder names and tolling of the bells along with a SDFD emergency helicopter flyover, 21-gun salute, taps and Harbor Police fire boat water display. Visit midway.org/event/25th-anniversary-memorial-of-september-11-2026.
Ringling Bros. circus is back
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will put on “The Greatest Show On Earth” Sept. 11-13 at Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd. The two-hour live talent show features stunts including performances by the high-speed bicycle troupe and acrobats from high-flying trapeze acts to gravity-defying acrobatics to Latin dance blending salsa-style movement with acrobatics. The show is set to a soundtrack with more than 10 genres of music and brought to life with vibrant visuals and dynamic lighting. Highlights include fan-favorite characters like Bailey the Robo Pup for younger fans and an interactive pre-show, where the Ringling Hype Crew brings the arena to life. The circus show kicks off at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11 and is at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sept. 12 and noon and 4 p.m. on Sept. 13. Tickets are at ringling.com/special-offers.
Taste of Old Town
The annual Taste of Old Town is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 10 throughout Historic Old Town San Diego. The culinary event offers a self-guided tasting adventure featuring savory bites and signature drinks from Old Town’s restaurants and eateries. General admission is $40 for sample bites from all participating restaurants, VIP is $55 for food tastings plus a specially crafted cocktail or tequila tasting at participating locations. Children’s admission for ages 12 and younger is $15, including food tastings. At check-in, participants will receive a tasting map. Tickets are at oldtownsandiego.org/taste.
San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
A 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb starts at 8 a.m. Sept. 5 at Hilton Bayfront to honor the memory of more than 400 firefighters, police and other first responders who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and to recognize the sacrifices made by firefighters everywhere. Funds raised will benefit the nonprofit FirefighterAid, which provides charitable assistance to Firefighters and their families in crisis and promotes awareness of firefighter health and safety issues. Registration fees are $50-$110 and increase on event week. Visit sandiegostairclimb.com.
Sails & Ales Beer Fest
The Sails & Ales Beer Fest is from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Kona Kai San Diego. The afternoon will feature tastings from more than 30 local breweries and wineries, along with chef-curated bites. There will be on-site food trucks, live DJ entertainment, and beachfront mini golf, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Surfrider Foundation San Diego. Tickets are $75, plus fees. Visit eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-sails-and-ales-beer-fest-tickets-1993030866974?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Remembering 9/11 Globe & Anchor Salute
The Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum Foundation will put on the Globe and Anchor Salute Gala, “Honoring 25 years of Resilience and Remembrance,” on Sept. 12 at the MCRD San Diego Command Museum. The evening event marks the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and honors the “lives lost while also highlighting the resilience, courage, and commitment that rose in its wake.” Tickets are $275. For details, visit mcrdmuseumfoundation.org/honor9/11ga2026.
Punches in the Piazza
Little Italy will put on Punches in the Piazza at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 to celebrate the legacy of one of the city’s influential boxing figures Bobby DePhilippis, who is in the Boxing Hall of Fame. The event includes USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur bouts, 9/11 remembrance, silent auctions, raffle prizes and VIP experiences. Proceeds benefit the Washington Elementary School Foundation and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Visit bobbyde.org.
9/11 Heroes Run
The 9/11 Heroes Run takes off at 9 a.m. on Sept. 13 at NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2670 Cushing Road, hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation. The 5K run welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and honor the “heroes who stepped up to serve that day and in the wars that followed.” Visit travismanion.org/events/911-heroes-run/2026-san-diego-911-heroes-run.
Cars & Coffee gathering
Gillie’s Auto Lounge, a private automotive club, is hosting a series of Cars & Coffee gatherings for car buffs to meet at 3341 Hancock San Diego. The BMW Club Cars & Coffee is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sept. 13 featuring a panel discussion and Q&A on BMW collecting trends, vehicle valuations and tips for buying and selling led by auction expert Kennan Rolsen. Free admission. Visit gilliesautolounge.com.
Community Service Day
Sports4Kids hosts its Back2School Day of Service from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 12 at Perkins Elementary School, 1770 Main St. as part of the National 9/11 Day of Service. Volunteers will assemble 750 backpacks filled with school supplies for students at Perkins Elementary and neighboring Title I schools for kids in need. To sign up, visit sports4.org/volunteer.
Advance care planning topic of talk
A free presentation on Advance Care Planning and Dementia Directives will be from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the Mission Valley Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway. The talk is hosted by Compassion & Choices, which works to improve patient autonomy and individual choice at the end of life. Visit compassionandchoices.org.
Valley Vibes summer concert
Mission Valley Mall’s free Valley Vibes summer concert series continues from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 7. Visit mission-valley.com/event/38454-valley-vibes-summer-concert-series.
9/11 Day of Remembrance and Service
HandsOn San Diego, a nonprofit, volunteer center, hosts various community service opportunities as a tribute to the 9/11 victims, as well as first responders and military personnel who rose in service in response to the attacks. For a list of ways to participate, visit handsonsandiego.org/911day.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Teacher grant program accepting applications
North Island Credit Union Foundation is accepting applications for its fall Teacher Grant program through Sept. 12. The grant program supports innovative classroom projects that enhance student learning. Ten grants of $500 each will be awarded to teachers to help fund creative, impactful educational initiatives. The grant program is open to full-time teachers in San Diego and Riverside counties, as well as active teachers who are North Island Credit Union members. Visit ccu.com/foundation.
SOLANA BEACH
Surf music and art festival
Sessions Surf Festival runs Sept. 12–19, with a week-long celebration of surf culture through music, surf films and art exhibits. The Opening Day: Music Sessions at Seaside Reef is from noon to 10 p.m. on Sept. 12 at Seaside Reef, 2504 S. Coast Highway 101. Tickets start at $85. Visit sessionssurffestival.com/encinitas/overview.
VALLEY CENTER
Memorial Stair Climb for 25th anniversary of 9/11
A 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 12, hosted by Harrah’s Resort Southern California and the Rincon Fire Department on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001. Participants can join Rincon firefighters and other first responders in climbing 110 flights of stairs of Harrah’s south tower, representing the height of the World Trade Center towers, in memory of firefighters who gave their lives during 9/11. Registration is at the event at 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way. Visit rincon-nsn.gov/news-events.
VISTA
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Vista will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at 9 a.m. Sept. 11 at Vista Civic Center Parking Lot, 200 Civic Center. The ceremony will be led by Vista Fire Rescue with guest speakers and will remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, while honoring the courage and sacrifice of local first responders. Visit vista.gov.
Free Movie in the Park
The free Movies in the Park series continues with the screening of Disney’s Zootopia on Sept. 12 at Brengle Terrace Park softball fields, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. The movie begins at dusk, but folks can come earlier. No tickets required. Visit vista.gov/residents/movies-in-the-park.
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