Community events in San Diego County: From Gator by the Bay Fest to Fiesta at the Rancho
CARLSBAD
Hot Rods carnival and show
The annual carnival and classic car show, Hot Rods & Cool Treats, is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 at the Pine Avenue Community Park, 3333 Harding St. The old fashioned-style carnival includes games for all ages ranging from ring toss to frog hopper. There will be live music, crafts, face painting and a fun zone along with food and drinks for purchase. Attendees can build their own sundae at the ice cream bar. Carnival tickets are at the event. Car entries are due by May 7. Admission is free. Visit carlsbadca.gov.
Fiesta at the Rancho
The annual Fiesta at the Rancho is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 9 at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane. There will be live entertainment, a silent auction, a hosted bar and dinner set outdoors, presented by the Friends of Carrillo Ranch. Tickets are $150. Proceeds support the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park California History and Art Program. Visit carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/fiesta-at-the-rancho.
Newcomers discuss emergency preparedness
The Carlsbad Newcomers Club hosts a community coffee meeting at 10:15 a.m. May 6 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. The speaker is Mike McMahon, who will discuss emergency preparedness, especially regarding wildfires. Social time is at 9:45 a.m. Visit carlsbadnewcomers.wildapricot.org.
‘Dark Skies’ presentation at lagoon
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will host a free presentation at 10 a.m. May 9 on "Dark Skies," led by Cathy Handzel of DarkSky San Diego County, which advocates for a night sky free of light pollution. Handzel will discuss how night lights affect wildlife, human health and star viewing, and how the community can "Light Wisely." Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Rain cancels the event. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.
Sisterhood of Service celebration
Shelter to Soldier, in partnership with the Foundation for Women Warriors, will host the fourth annual Sisterhood of Service event from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11 at Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, 1 Ponto Road. The event honors female veterans and active-duty service members and features yoga, networking, resources, a catered lunch and an inspirational speaker, along with a goal-setting workshop designed to support women who have served. The event is presented by Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach with Women of Service sponsor, The Boeing Co. Admission is free for female veterans and active-duty military with RSVP required at bit.ly/SisterhoodOfService.
EL CAJON
Mariachi tribute
A Mariachi concert, “Tribute to Three Greats,” is at 6 p.m. May 9 at at The Magnolia, 210 E Main St. The concert pays tribute to three of Mexico's musical legends, Vicente Fernández, Juan Gabriel and Rocío Dúrcal, and will be performed by Mariachi Champaña Nevin, a world-renowned ensemble led by composer and trumpeter Jeff Nevin. Tickets start at $52.50. Visit eventticketscenter.com/mariachi-champana-nevin-tributo-a-tres-grandes-el-cajon-05-09-2026/7732980/t.
Cajon Cruise on Wednesdays
The Cajon Cruise, formerly called the Cajon Classic Cruise, returns from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday from May through August on Main Street. The car show features vintage classics to sleek modern builds along with live music and food. Admission is free.
ENCINITAS
Garden club sells plants
The nonprofit San Dieguito Garden Club holds its annual plant sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 at the 1883 Schoolhouse, 390 W. F St. There will be indoor and outdoor plants, container gardens, cuttings and garden-related items. Proceeds go to charitable endeavors.
ESCONDIDO
Interfaith gathering at City Hall patio
Escondido Together, a coalition of Escondido interfaith leaders, is sponsoring the annual Interfaith National Day of Prayer event at 5 p.m. May 7 at the Escondido City Hall patio, 201 N. Broadway. Representatives from various religions, including Baha’i, Christian, Jewish, Islamic and Essene faiths, will be offering music and prayers. The community event is an opportunity for neighbors to gather and then “leave feeling hopeful and uplifted.”
‘Rhythm and Rides’ car show
The "Rhythm and Rides" car show fundraiser is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9 at Escondido High School, 1535 N. Broadway, sponsored by the Escondido High School Music Boosters to benefit the school's music programs and districtwide 78th Regiment Marching Band. Car enthusiasts with classic cars, custom builds and unique rides can enter. Car check-in begins at 9 a.m. at the student parking lot on Broadway. There will be music and food trucks. The show is free for spectators. Register cars at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScB2Hfah2onhAjlpVdtnG4kjzHSeSI6AIMQnFNjPSfJznad6A/viewform?pli=1.
Fishing enthusiasts gather
The Senior Anglers of Escondido will meet at 9:30 a.m. May 8 at American Legion Hall, 230 E. Park Ave. The speaker is Christine Grasinski from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Senior Anglers group enjoys freshwater and saltwater fishing, camping, boating and environmental conservation. New members are welcome. Visit senioranglersofescondido.net.
High School Arts Expo
The Escondido Union High School District holds its free second Arts Expo from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 6 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. The event features a student art gallery and live performances. The art exhibit will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays through May 18.
FALLBROOK
Democratic Club meets
The Fallbrook Democratic Club meets at 7 p.m. May 7 at the Fallbrook Public Utility District Community Room, 900 E. Mission Road. A social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting also can be attended virtually via Zoom by registering at fallbrookdemocrats.org/zoom.
LA MESA
May Mixed Media Show
The Foothills Fine Art Gallery will put on its annual May Mixed Media Show from May 8 to June 4 at 4910 Memorial Drive, with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. May 8. The featured artist is Cindy Cotner, who presents her exhibit, “The Space Between Words, Image and Brushstrokes,” an exploration of embedded calligraphy text, painting and artist books. Visit foothillsartassociation.com.
NORTH COUNTY
Widows, singles group hosts meetups
The Catholic Widows, Widowers and Singles of North County, a group that fosters friendships through social activities, will hold these events. Reservations are required at 818-665-8150.
- May 5: Lunch, Cocina del Charro, San Marcos.
- May 13: Walk, Robertson Ranch Park, then BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Carlsbad.
- May 20: Walk, Oceanside Harbor, then Dominic's Italian Restaurant.
- May 24: Mass, San Rafael Catholic Church, Rancho Bernardo, then Chicken Charlie's, Rancho Bernardo.
- May 28: Happy Hour, Brigantine, Escondido.
Visit cwwnc.com.
Dinner dances, social events for widows, widowers
The North County Widows and Widowers Club’s May social events include a dinner dance at the Vista Elks Lodge and lunch at the Mining Co. in San Marcos, both on May 8; a dinner dance at the Oceanside Elks Lodge on May 22; and happy hours on May 13 and May 27. To RSVP or get information, call 760-716-9000.
OCEANSIDE
Battle of the Bands
The Amplified Impact Festival featuring Battle of the Bands is from 3 to 7 p.m. May 9 with live music and food at Junior Seau Amphitheatre at the foot of the Oceanside Municipal Pier, 301 The Strand N. There will be bands and cultural performances from around the world. Proceeds benefit North County charities, including Interfaith Community Services. Visit amplifiedimpact.band.
Quilt and Nature Art Sale
The Buena Vista Audubon Society will host a Quilt and Nature Art Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3 at the BVAS Nature Center, 2022 S. Coast Highway. The sale features quilts by local conservationist Diane Nygaard and artwork in many mediums by a dozen other artists. Studio Ace will provide a free all-ages Make 'n Take workshop. Admission is free. Quilt sales help fund the conservation efforts of Preserve Calavera and Buena Vista Audubon. Visit bvaudubon.org.
Free Concerts in the Parks series
A free concert series will run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. continues May 2 and May 9 at John Landes and Joe Balderrama parks. There will also be free activities for kids and food trucks. The lineup includes Kogee Soul Reprise and Sambrosas Latin Orchestra. Visit oceansidemusicseries.com.
Fundraiser for children’s shelter
The San Diego-based nonprofit ETHOS Baja Foundation will host a fundraising gala and auction from 6 to 9 p.m. May 16 at Municipal, 1722 S. Coast Highway, to help build a new culinary training school on the campus of Rancho de los Niños in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California. For more than 55 years, Rancho de los Niños has provided shelter, love and stability to vulnerable children. Up to 90 children at a time call it home. This new initiative is focused on helping give these young people a future through culinary training, mentorship and pathways to long-term employment. A benefactor will match the amount raised at the auction.
Miss Oceanside Pageant
The Miss Oceanside and Miss Teen Oceanside Scholarship Pageant will be held at 6 p.m. May 9 at the Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway. The annual pageant is sponsored by the Oceanside Sea Lions, which is part of Lions International. Presale tickets are $25; $10 for kids 10 and younger; $30 for adults at door. Visit oceansidesealionsclub.com.
Two free lectures at MiraCosta
LIFE, MiraCosta College’s Learning Is For Everyone group, hosts two free lectures May 8 at MiraCosta’s Oceanside Campus in the Board Room of Administration Building 1000, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., there will be a talk on “Stories of San Diego's Food Community,” and at 2:30 p.m., a presentation on “The U.S. Roots of Central American Migration.” Visit miracosta.edu/life.
POWAY
Fine arts show
The nonprofit North County Society of Fine Arts will put on an art exhibit from May 6-30 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road. More than 60 paintings will be displayed on the walls of the orchestra and balcony levels. An art reception is from 2 to 4 p.m. May 24 with light refreshments. Viewing hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free. Parking is free in the lot behind the theater; a parking pass must be picked up at the main office in the lobby. Hand-painted tiles with easels are $25 as part of the nonprofit’s scholarship fundraiser. Visit ncsfa.org.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Spring Makers Market
The Spring Makers Market features local artisans selling handmade goods from jewelry to home decor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 8 at San Diego Oasis in the courtyard and banquet hall, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive. Visit san-diego.oasisnet.org.
Family therapists to give talk
The Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church hosts a luncheon presentation, "Out on a Limb in the Family Tree," about family connections at 11:30 a.m. May 8 in the church Fellowship Center, 17010 Pomerado Road. Becky and Hannah Branch, mother-and-daughter licensed marriage and family therapists, will share strategies and insights. Cost is $15 for lunch, payable online. Visit rbcommunity.org.
World Affairs discussion group meets
The North County Chapter of the San Diego World Affairs Council will host Robert Ning at 10 a.m. May 7 for a talk on "Fossil Fuel Powered Desalination Plants Providing Ample Water Supply" at the Remington Club retirement community, 16916 Hierba Drive. The mission of the World Affairs Council is to foster global understanding and friendships in the local community and around the world. Visit northcountyworldaffairs.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
‘Bagels, Books, & Braille’
The Library Guild of Rancho Santa Fe and the Vision of Children Foundation host "Bagels, Books, & Braille," a free community event celebrating Healthy Vision Month, on May 6 at the Rancho Santa Fe Library, 17040 Avenida de Acacias. Families can drop in from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for bagels and cream cheese donated by PopUp Bagels, with a children's story time led by Vision of Children advisory board member MJ Wittman starting at 10:30 a.m.
Spring Women's Luncheon
The annual Spring Women's Luncheon at the Village Church is at 11:30 a.m. May 13 in the Fellowship Center, 6225 Paseo Delicias. The guest speaker is Gena Wilson, and the program, which includes a catered lunch, is themed "What Would I Do Without My Jesus?" Tickets are $20, and RSVP is required by May 8. Attendees can support the church's mission partner, Care House, by bringing a $10 gift card for Walmart, McDonald's or Starbucks. Visit villagechurch.org/womens-spring-luncheon.
SAN DIEGO
Gala supports programs for people with disabilities
The Arc of San Diego will put on its annual gala, themed "Joie de Vivre," at 5:30 p.m. May 16 at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W. Harbor Drive. Highlights include live music, dinner, dancing and entertainment along with an auction led by Clint Bell. Proceeds benefit the Arc of San Diego’s programs, including day training, employment and residential living services for adults and children with disabilities. Guests are invited to dress in black-tie attire. Tickets are $300 at arc-sd.com/gala.
Community salute for graduates
The nonprofit Our Community Salutes – USA will host a recognition ceremony celebrating local military-bound high school graduates at 6:30 p.m. May 8 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza, in Balboa Park. Registration is free at ocsusa.org/san-diego.
Gala benefits Women in Aviation
The nonprofit Women in Aviation San Diego hosts a fundraising gala from 6 to 9 p.m. May 15 at the Thursday Club, 1224 Santa Barbara St., to support education, mentoring and scholarships for women seeking careers in aviation and aerospace. Martha King, co-founder of King Schools and a pioneer in aviation education, will be the guest. Cost is $120 donation. Visit waisandiego.org/wai-gala.
Gator by the Bay festival
The Gator by the Bay Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival is from May 7-10 at Spanish Landing Park – East, 3900 N. Harbor Drive. The event features four days of live music with more than 100 musical acts and performances on seven stages, dancing and southern food along with cooking demos. A Cajun Kickoff Party is from 5 to 9 p.m. May 7 at the Sheraton’s Lanai Lawn featuring Wilson Savoy of the Pine Leaf Boys. Visit gatorbythebay.com.
Miracles of Recovery Luncheon
The McAlister Institute is hosting the ninth annual Miracles of Recovery Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 19 at Coasterra, 880 B Harbor Island Drive. The luncheon includes speakers and celebrates the “everyday miracles of individuals reclaiming their lives, families rebuilding trust and communities growing stronger through recovery.” Proceeds support the nonprofit’s work to help community members through the cycle of addiction. Tickets start at $250. Register by May 4 at give.mcalisterinc.org/event/miracles-of-recovery-luncheon-2026/e764367.
Free choral concert
A free Spring Choral Concert is at 4 p.m. May 9 at First United Methodist Church of San Diego, 2111 Camino del Rio S., in Mission Valley. The concert will feature a performance of Rossini's Petite Messe Solennelle, a lesser-known Mass setting written with an operatic flair, sung by the church’s masterwork chorale, chancel choir and soloists. Free child care will be provided. Visit fumcsd.org.
Republican women host speakers
The Navajo Canyon Club of Republican Women of California meets from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 12 at The Legacy Hotel, 875 Hotel Circle S. The speakers are Amy Reichert, special investigator for California Department of Government Efficiency, who will discuss fraud in California, and Jacob Richards, executive director of the San Diego Republican Party, who will discuss the Lincoln-Reagan event. Registration is required by May 7 at rwcnavajocanyon.org.
SAN MARCOS
Scout troop holds Peak-A-Thon
Scouting America Troop 709, based in Vista, will participate in a Peak-A-Thon, similar to a jog-a-thon, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9 up Double Peak Trail in San Marcos. The Scouts will match the elevation of Mount Baden-Powell in the San Gabriel Mountains, named after the founder of the World Scouting Movement, Lord Robert Baden-Powell. To make a donation or sponsor the event, visit go.rallyup.com/troop709-pat2026.
Performance benefits special needs community
The TERI Players present “Alice in Wonderland” at the Bornemann Theater at 7 p.m. May 7-8 and May 14-15 on the TERI Campus of Life, 555 Deer Springs Road. The performance features an original score and more than 25 neurodiverse actors bringing the production to life. Tickets are $30. Snacks, beverages, craft beer and wine will be sold. On-site fast-casual dining will be offered at 4 p.m. before the show at TERI Commons Grounds Cafe. Proceeds support TERI's programs for people of all ages with autism and other developmental disabilities. Visit tericampusoflife.org.
SOLANA BEACH
Battle of the Biotech Bands
Battle of the Biotech Bands West is at 6 p.m. May 7 at the Belly Up Tavern, featuring live performances from bands made up of biotech and life sciences professionals competing to raise funds and awareness for local causes. Tickets are $60 at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/battle-of-the-biotech-bands-west.
Local bestselling authors give talk
The Poway/Peñasquitos branch of the American Association of University Women will hold its annual Cover to Cover authors' event at 10 a.m. May 16 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. The event features two bestselling local authors, Jennifer Coburn and Jill G. Hall, who will talk about their books, take questions and sign copies. Tickets are $75, including lunch. There will be a silent auction and a "brown bag surprise" wine sale. Proceeds go to the branch's Women's Reentry Scholarships and SpeechTrek, an annual public speaking competition for high school students. The registration deadline is May 6 at cburciaga@san.rr.com.
SPRING VALLEY
Food pantry holds thrift sale
Santa Sophia St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry holds its annual thrift sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 in the hall behind Santa Sophia church, 9800 San Juan St. The sale features clothing for $2 along with home goods, linens, glassware, jewelry, toys, books and vintage goods, collectibles and a boutique. Visit santasophia.org/st-vincent-de-paul-pantry.
VISTA
Boys & Girls Club opens new sports complex
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 10:57 PM.