Community events in San Diego County: From Poway Spring Festival to Paws in the Park
ALPINE
Animal sanctuary holds fundraiser gala
Lions Tigers & Bears holds a fundraising gala themed, Wild in the Country, from 1 to 6 p.m. May 30 at its 142-acre sanctuary, 24402 Martin Way. The annual event supports the rescue, rehabilitation and care of abused and neglected exotic animals and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sanctuary. There will be live entertainment, dining, casino-style games, photo booths and up-close animal encounters along with auctions. Tickets start at $165 at lionstigersandbears.org/happenings/wild-in-the-country.
CARLSBAD
Legal immigration topic of talk
The Democratic Club of Carlsbad and Oceanside, aka DEMCCO, hosts Sonya Williams from the nonprofit Pathways to Citizenship for a presentation on “Legal Immigration: Pursuing Access and Justice in a Time of Chaos and Fear” at the club’s meeting from 10 a.m. to noon May 30 at the Harding Community Center, Recreation Hall, 3060 Harding St. Pathways to Citizenship has provided legal representation for qualified immigrants in citizenship, adjustment of status, DACA, TPS and asylum cases since 2016. RSVP at pres.demcco@gmail.com. Visit demcco.org.
Genealogy buffs gather
A presentation on "Got Mail: Using Postcards and Letters to Unlock Your Family History" will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 26 led by Michelle Spencer and hosted by the North San Diego County Genealogical Society at City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Admission is free. To attend virtually, get the Zoom link at nsdcgs.org.
CHULA VISTA
Renaissance Singers
The La Jolla Renaissance Singers will perform at 3 p.m. May 30 at St. Mark Church, 580 Hilltop Drive, as part of The Seasons series. The program features favorite pieces from the Renaissance period. There will be a freewill offering. Visit ljrs.org/looking-forward-to-our-spring-2024-concerts.
Summer Splash events at Sesame Place
Sesame Place San Diego kicks of its Summer Splash water rides and attractions. Special summer events include Tango's Gotcha Celebration from July 10-12, Waterpark Challenge on July 28, Best Friends Weekend from Aug. 1-2 and B is for Bubbles Weekend from Aug. 7-9. Sesame Place San Diego is at 2052 Entertainment Circle. For tickets, visit sesameplace.com.
EL CAJON
Grossmont High School inducts staff, alumni to its Hall of Honor
Laurel and Hardy Club shows movies
Saps at Sea, the San Diego Laurel and Hardy group, will screen several movies from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 30 at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S. Lincoln Ave. Films include “The Finishing Touch,” “The Midnight Patrol” and an Oliver Hardy tribute. Local musician Russ Peck will play music for “The Lucky Dog.” Donation is $10 per person and includes dessert; free for children 12 and younger. The program starts at 5 p.m. Saps at Sea will also host the international Laurel & Hardy convention in San Diego from June 21-25. Visit sonsfestsd2026.com.
ENCINITAS
Harvest for Heroes event benefits veterans
A community-driven fundraising event, Harvest for Heroes, hosted by local nonprofit Shelter to Soldier with Fox Point Farms and Dija Mara, is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 31 at Fox Point Farms, 1200 Fox Point Farms Lane. The event will feature a curated selection of bites from Dija Mara, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, along with fresh, seasonal food from Fox Point Farms. A variety of local vendors will be there, each contributing a portion of proceeds to the nonprofit to provide trained service dogs for post-9/11 veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other service-related injuries. Admission is free. Visit sheltertosoldier.org/event/harvest-for-heroes.
Impact Coastal Alliance holds fashion fundraiser
The nonprofit, volunteer-run Impact Coastal Alliance (formerly Assistance League Rancho San Dieguito) will host a fundraiser with Cozzena Fashions featuring its new spring and summer collection from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 30 at 1540 Encinitas Blvd. A portion of sales benefit the nonprofit’s programs to support the community, including local students and victims of abuse. For questions, email hello@impactcoastalalliance.org. Visit impactcoastalalliance.org.
Animal shelter runs summer camp
The Summer Animal Camp at Rancho Coastal Humane Society is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15 to Aug. 14 with hands-on animal activities, games, crafts and “furry fun.” Cost is $245 per child for campers ages 6 to 10 and $250 for ages 11 to 14. (The camp is ideal for ages 6-11.) Scholarships are available. Register at sdpets.org. For questions, email education@sdpets.org.
ESCONDIDO
Melody Makers give concert
The nonprofit North County Melody Makers will perform classic hit songs from the 1950s to 1970s, including romantic ballads, rock ‘n’ roll, folk rock and dance songs, from 3 to 5 p.m. May 31 at the Grand-Ritz Theater, 301 E. Grand Ave. Tickets are $25 at northcountymelodymakers.com or at the show.
Mama Market supports maternal mental health
In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, Makers & Shakers holds “Here for Her: The Mama Market,” a free community event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31 supporting postpartum wellness and maternal mental health at Rancho Guejito Vineyard, 17224 San Pasqual Valley Road. Highlights include wellness experiences, workshops and community resources along with a free women’s clothing swap, crafting and a marketplace. Visit makersnshakersmarket.com.
Mobile home committee meets
The Escondido Mobilehome Positive Action Committee will meet at 11 a.m. May 30 at the Imperial Mobile Home Estates, 2300 E. Valley Parkway. The guest speaker is Vanessa Valenzuela, who is running for Escondido City Council.
New art at Kit Carson Park
A large-scale public art installation was recently unveiled by the Escondido Community Foundation at Kit Carson Park. The sculpture called “Threshold Five” was created by San Diego-based nonprofit collective ArtBuilds and is part of the Art Speaks initiative in partnership with the city of Escondido's Public Art Commission. The five-part metal sculpture features a series of nested, hexagonal forms and stands near Eagle Scout Lake at the intersection of Entrance Drive and Castaneda Drive.
Senior services group seeks volunteer
The nonprofit Senior Service Council Escondido at 728 N. Broadway is looking for a volunteer receptionist to work three hours per week answering phones, scheduling appointments and helping seniors. Since 1972, the council has provided various services, support groups and care counseling for seniors in the community. Call 760-480-0611, email info@sscescondido.org or visit escondido-senior-services.org.
FALLBROOK
Climate action group hosts speaker
The Fallbrook Climate Action Team will host an online informational meeting to learn about The Emerging Circular Economy, an industrial system that is restorative by design, led by Dan Noble at 6:30 p.m. May 26. Noble will talk about the transition from a linear-extractive economy to a circular-regenerative/ecological economy. Admission is free. Visit fallbrookclimateactionteam.org for the Zoom link.
LA JOLLA
Free Music 101 Lecture
The La Jolla Music Society continues its free Music 101 Lecture Series at The Conrad, Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., featuring Michael Gerdes, director of orchestras at San Diego State University and a longtime guest lecturer for the company. This month’s lecture, “Go Your Own Way: After Sonata Form,” is from 2 to 3 p.m. May 26. RSVPs are encouraged. Visit theconrad.org.
Community outdoor concert
The La Jolla Music Society’s free outdoor Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert series at The Conrad in La Jolla continues at 4:30 p.m. May 27 with singer-songwriter Rebecca Jade, who has performed with world-renowned artists such as Elton John at the Academy Awards and appeared on the Emmy-nominated "Let's Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince." RSVP at theconrad.org.
LEMON GROVE
Paws in the Park
Paws in the Park is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 30 at Treganza Park, 3200 Main St. Highlights include pet adoption and fostering opportunities, resources and shopping. Visit lemongrove.ca.gov/parks-events.
NATIONAL CITY
Elder Fraud Workshop and resource fair
The San Diego Seniors Community Foundation hosts a free Elder Fraud Workshop and Financial Stability Resource Fair from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 26 at Kimball Senior Center, 1221 D Ave. The event includes elder fraud prevention education, including AI-powered scam awareness, along with on-site financial resources and Medicare and Medi-Cal navigation. The event is open to seniors, caregivers and families. Preregister at sdscf.org/elder-fraud or email elderfraud@sdscf.org.
OCEANSIDE
Free lifelong learning lectures
The LIFE learning group at MiraCosta College hosts two free lectures May 29 at MiraCosta’s Oceanside Campus in the board room of Administration Building 1000, 1 Barnard Drive, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., there will be a presentation on “Vista’s Moonlight Theatre.” At 2:30 p.m., the talk is on “Meet MCC Distinguished Scholars.” Visit miracosta.edu/life.
POINT LOMA
Parkinson's support group meets
The Point Loma Parkinson's Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon May 29 at Point Loma Cafe, 4865 N. Harbor Drive. There will be a no-host brunch and a presentation on “Speech, Language & Swallowing in Parkinson's," led by speech and language pathologist Emory D'Andrea. Reservations are required at 619-560-1935 or doloresviolacohenour@gmail.com.
POWAY
Spring Festival
The Poway Spring Festival is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 31 on Midland Road, between Poway Road and Hilleary Place, featuring live music, a classic car show, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, local vendors and a kid-friendly zone. Admission is free. Visit poway.com/poway-spring-festival.
Concerts, music teacher retirement party
The Poway High School Instrumental Music Department and Music Boosters will host this year’s final concerts along with Awards Night from May 27-29 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road. The final orchestra concert is at 7 p.m. May 27. The concert band and wind ensemble concert at 7 p.m. May 28 will include 30 guest musicians - alumni, music educators and professional musicians. A special tribute will be held at Awards Night at 7:30 p.m. May 29 for Mike Cook, who is retiring this June after 35 years of teaching music at Poway High School. The guest speaker will be Megan Parry, meteorologist for ABC 10News, who is a Poway High School band alumna. That evening will also include a dessert social and “Mr. Cook Trivia Night” starting at 5:30 p.m. May 29. Concert admission is $15; $10 for seniors and military, and free for students.
Neil Diamond tribute
Performer Craig Connors will present a Tribute to Neil Diamond, “The Man and His Music,” at the Rancho Bernardo Woman’s Club Luncheon on June 4 at Maderas Golf Club, 17750 Old Coach Road. Social hour begins at 11 a.m.; lunch is at noon. Cost is $42, payable via check or cash at check-in. Guests are welcome. Reservations are required by 5 p.m. May 29 at 858-521-8790.
RAMONA
Kiwanis puts on Music Fest
Kiwanis Club of Ramona will put on its annual Music Fest from noon to 6 p.m. May 30 at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane. Highlights include a family fun zone, a raffle, prizes, a silent auction, beer and wine and soft drinks. This year’s lineup of bands includes Rewind, The Notorious DNR's, Barbwire and The Beatles Cover Band. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 in advance; $10 for youths ages 11-17 and free for age 10 and younger accompanied by an adult. Visit k05182.site.kiwanis.org.
Women’s fellowship hosts speaker
First Congregational Church of Ramona hosts its Women’s Fellowship Annual Conference from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 30 with registration and coffee from 8:30 to 9 a.m. The speaker and workshop organizer is Jenell Coker, co-lead minister at Oceanside Sanctuary. The theme is Blooming in the Desert, on ways to respond to challenges and change. Cost for lunch is $20. Advance registration is required by May 25 at 760-789-3348.
RANCHO BERNARDO
‘Harmony in Bloom’ concert
A free concert, "Harmony in Bloom," featuring Opera A La Carte San Diego, will be at 6 p.m. May 26 in the Rancho Bernardo Library’s second-floor community room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The concert celebrates spring and includes a mix of opera arias, art songs and musical theatre selections that are uplifting. This concert is part of the Friends of the Rancho Bernardo Library’s 26th annual Chamber Concert series. Donations are appreciated. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
‘Dark Knight’ trilogy screening
The Village Church of Rancho Santa Fe hosts a series of three screenings of Christopher Nolan's “Dark Knight” trilogy for the community at 7:15 p.m. Wednesdays, June 3-17, at Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas Del Mar, 12905 El Camino Real, San Diego. The series includes “Batman Begins” on June 3, “The Dark Knight,” June 10, and “The Dark Knight Rises,” June 17. Tickets are $5, food and drinks will be sold on-site. Before each showing, attendees are invited to a discussion over dinner that explores the trilogy's themes of fear, chaos, pain, justice, sacrifice and what ultimately personifies the good life. Advance ticket reservations are recommended at villagechurch.org/movie-nights. For questions, email davidh@villagechurch.org.
SAN DIEGO
Asian American cultural celebration
The Friends of the Oak Park Library will host a free Asian American Pacific Islander Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23 at the Oak Park Branch Library, 2802 54th St. The event will include children's activities, a book giveaway and cultural education with a finale performance by the Polynesian dance group Kaleo O Nalani. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/oak-park-library.
Anchored in Freedom Parade
Liberty Station’s free communitywide Independence Day parade and festival celebrating America's 250th birthday and the U.S. Navy's history at Liberty Station is slated for 1 to 5 p.m. July 3, presented in partnership with Love Thy Neighborhood, The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. along Cushing Road with themed floats from local businesses, community groups and nonprofits. Festivities continue at Ingram Plaza featuring live music from Navy Band Southwest and letter writing to active military troops, along with a wing-eating contest, a costume contest, and family-friendly activities for all ages. Admission and parking are free. Float registration is at lovethyneighborhood.world/freedom-parade.
Chorale gives Americana concerts
The San Diego Master Chorale closes its 65th anniversary season with Americana: From Appalachia to Laurel Canyon - the many voices of American music, a program that honors the nation’s 250th anniversary and explores the evolution of American music. Performances are at 4 p.m. May 30 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, in Encinitas, and 4 p.m. May 31 at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, 7715 Draper Ave. Tickets are $35; $30 for seniors older than 65 and active-duty military; and $20 for students age 18 and younger at sdmasterchorale.org.
Typhoon Sinlaku Relief Concert
Harland Brewing’s Scripps Ranch Outpost will host a “Marianas Strong” benefit concert with local organizations to provide relief to victims of Typhoon Sinlaku in Guam. The event will feature live performances by Tribal Theory, DJ Charles Rosé, Oston Saralu, Håle' and Jason J. along with an Ube Hazy brew. The brewery is at 10115 Carroll Canyon Road. Visit harlandbeer.com.
SAN MARCOS
Dancing in the Street series
The North City district in San Marcos continues its free community "Dancing in the Street" series from 6 to 8 p.m. May 29 at 250 North City Drive alongside the farmers market. Highlights include a live hip-hop performance, a guided hip-hop dance class, a DJ and open dancing. The series is on the last Friday of each month. Visit northcity.com/events/dancing.
SANTEE
Heroes Golf Classic Tournament
The Heroes Golf Classic Tournament is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 29 at Carlton Oaks Golf Course, 9200 Inwood Drive. Proceeds support Santee’s adopted military unit. Breakfast burritos are included in “morning chow.” Register at cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/2026-heroes-golf-classic-tournament/46171.
SOLANA BEACH
Piano duo to give jazz concert
The piano duo Stephanie Trick and Paolo Alderighi will perform a concert together on one piano at 6:30 p.m. May 29 as part of the Four Hands Piano – Classic Jazz to Broadway and Hollywood Concerts at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via De La Valle. The international duo will showcase their inventive arrangements for four hands, and will perform music from the early decades of jazz history, with tributes to Duke Ellington, "Fats" Waller and Benny Goodman, among others, and celebrate composers who contributed to the creation of the Great American Songbook, including Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and Irving Berlin. The performance will include historical facts and anecdotes about the music. Tickets are $25, sold at the door starting at 5:45 p.m. Mingle with the musicians in the courtyard after the concert; there will be free refreshments. Visit calvarylutheranchurch.org.
VISTA
Assistance League holds community meeting
The Assistance League North Coast holds an informational meeting about the nonprofit’s work in the community, which includes providing clothing, books and health kits to underserved children in Vista, Oceanside and Carlsbad, at 9 a.m. May 28 at Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. The speaker is Vanessa Bisson, a librarian at Foothill Oak Elementary School in Vista, who will talk about the Assistance League’s positive impact on students. Admission is free. For questions, email membership@alnc.org.
Free genealogy class
The Vista FamilySearch Center, 1310 Foothill Drive, will present a free class from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 28 on using FamilySearch hints. Visit google.com/view/vista-fhc/home.
For a guide to Memorial Day community events, visit sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/05/18/memorial-day-community-events-slated-across-san-diego-county-from-the-uss-midway-to-mt-soledad.
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event 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. Event listings should be submitted at least two weeks in advance. 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.
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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 10:11 PM.