Things to do include concerts, fair, benefit events, racing season and more – San Diego Union-Tribune

Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of USA to be held at Del Mar Town Hall

The Del Mar Foundation and Del Mar Historical Society will present a “Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America” on Thursday, July 2 at Del Mar Town Hall (1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar). This will be a free program on patriotic and Great American Songbook music featuring the Society Boys Quintet, according to a news release.The event will start at 6:30 p.m. (refreshments) followed by music (7 p.m.)Reservations are required and can be made atlp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/NC0R7Iu/JULY2 or shorturl.at/mLUjh

Run for Rare 5K benefit event to be held in Del Mar

Run for Rare 5K will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 8 a.m. at Coast to Crest Trail in Del Mar. The event includes a 5K flat, scenic timed race for runners and walkers of all levels, and a kids 1K dash for 4-12 year olds.The event will raise funds to benefit iHope, a program of Genetic Alliance. iHope’s mission is “to expand access to genetic testing and follow-up care for children and families affected by rare diseases, regardless of social status, income, or geographic location.” The address for the race location is San Andreas Staging Lot, 15551 San Andres Dr., Del Mar.For more information on the event and to register go to: shorturl.at/cArLvFor more information on iHope visit ihopegenetichealth.org

Summer Solstice event

Summer Solstice, hosted by the Del Mar Village Association, is from 5 to 8 p.m. June 18 at Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd., featuring an expanded venue, music, live art and award-winning tastes and sips. Net proceeds support Del Mar’s small businesses and sustainability programs, among others. Tickets are $145 at visitdelmarvillage.com/summersolstice.

‘Concerts at the Cove’ series

The “Concerts at the Cove” series, hosted by the city of Solana Beach and the Belly Up, features local musicians performing every Thursday night throughout the summer to Aug. 6, from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. for all ages at the Fletcher Cove Park stage, 111 S. Sierra Ave. The June 18 concert features High Tide Society/Yacht Rock. The June 25 concert features Slack Key Ohana/Hawaiian.The public is encouraged to bring low-back beach chairs, ground cover and picnics. No alcohol, tobacco, pets or personal barbecues are allowed during concerts. Admission is free. Visit cityofsolanabeach.org.

2026 Summer Twilight Concerts in Del Mar

The Del Mar Foundation’s 2026 Summer Twilight Concerts will take place June 23, July 14, July 28 and Aug. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. with the Coral Del Mar Opening Act, followed at 7 p.m. with the main attraction.The concerts give families and friends the opportunity to enjoy music, dance and picnics in a beautiful setting.The June 23 event will present Wish as the Opening Act and The Mighty Untouchables at the Featured Act.All concerts will be held at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar (1658 Coast Blvd.)and are free to attend.For more information go to: www.delmarfoundation.org/programs/twilight/

Opera4Kids performs ‘The Enchanted Tail’

The nonprofit Resounding Joy will present “The Enchanted Tail,” with live music and storytelling, performed by Opera4Kids from 5 to 6 p.m. June 20 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via De La Valle. The event, which includes a reception after the performance with light bites, nonalcoholic beverages and a no-host bar with beer and wine, concludes at 7 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s Sounds of Healing Program. Tickets are $50; $15 for youths 12 and younger; $75 for VIP, including wine/beer. The first 25 kids to get tickets receive a princess crown or fox ears. Attendees can get a photo with the princess and the fox. Visit resoundingjoyinc.org.

San Diego County Fair

This year’s San Diego County Fair opened June 10 and runs through July 5 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar.

The 2026 fair features popular favorites such as imaginative new foods, concerts, carnival rides, games, shopping, competitive exhibits, motor sports and livestock shows. There are also some new attractions, as well.

This year’s fair has a new theme, “Once Upon a Fair,” which is featured in a walk-through exhibit near the fairgrounds entrance that celebrates stories and characters from beloved books.

Tickets vary in price by day of the week, age bracket and if they’re purchased in advance. General admission prices for adults start at $17, if purchased in advance. Children 5 and under are free, children 6-12 are free on Fridays. For tickets and other information, visit sdfair.com.

Author to discuss new book at Rancho Santa Fe event

Nationally recognized interventionist, author and trauma recovery expert Dr. Louise Stanger will appear at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Thursday, June 18, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. to celebrate the release of her new graphic book, Trauma Is Your Superpower. Drawing from more than four decades helping families navigate addiction, grief, loss and mental health challenges, including her own experiences with profound personal tragedy, Stanger discusses in her new book how adversity, grief and loss can become catalysts for healing, resilience and personal transformation.Stanger is the author of five books, with her latest release Trauma Is Your Superpower available on Barnes & Noble, Amazon Books & Kindle, according to a news release.The June 18 event of “celebration, connection and community” will be held at the Library Room at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe).

Moonlight Cinema at One Paseo

One Paseo’s summer movie series Moonlight Cinema will continue on Saturday, June 20 with “Lilo and Stitch”from 5-8 p.m. The free outdoor screening under the stars will include “live roaming entertainment” before the movie, and snacks and treats are available for purchase nearby. Guests should bring their own low chairs or blankets to settle in on the lawn. Address: 3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley. Visit www.onepaseo.com/events/ for more information.

Del Mar opening day

Horse racing, over-the-top hats and stylish blazers are all the buzz at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s opening day festivities. Besides the horse racing, there is a hat contest, signature drinks and an after-party. For those who cannot make it to opening day, the summer racing season goes until Labor Day. 11:30 a.m. July 17. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com/racing

Comic-Con

Comics, superheroes, Japanese animation, vintage toys and cosplay fans will assemble in the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter for the 2026 Comic-Con International. The yearly convention includes panel discussions, movie and television showings, an exhibitor hall, outdoor activations, a masquerade ball and more. July 22-26. San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego. comic-con.org

Balboa Park twilight concert series

The public can watch over 30 free concerts this summer at Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. This year’s Twilight in the Park outdoor concert series will feature musical performances by the American Flyboys Band, the San Diego Jazz Orchestra, a Carlos Santana tribute band, Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko, the Bayou Brothers and more. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. June 16 through Aug. 27. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American East Road, San Diego. Free. balboapark.org/twilight-concerts

NASCAR San Diego weekend

Stock car auto racing enthusiasts can witness history at the inaugural NASCAR San Diego race on Naval Base Coronado. The 3.4-mile, 16-turn circuit will be NASCAR’s first competition on an active military base. There will also be other events such as a truck series race, autograph sessions and question and answer sessions with drivers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 19-21. 300 Alameda Blvd., Coronado. Prices vary. nascarsandiego.com/events/nascar-cup-series

“North by Northwest” premiere

The Old Globe is hosting the North American premiere of “North by Northwest.” The play is English director Emma Rice’s interpretation of Alfred Hitchcock’s film “North by Northwest.” The story takes place in the 1950s and is about Roger Thornhill, who works in the advertising industry, and is mistaken for a Cold War spy. Rice’s version is a funnier, high-speed theatrical thriller with 1950s swing music and is shown via the Mount Rushmore backdrop, according to The Old Globe. July 3 through Aug. 2. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

“Hell’s Kitchen”

The music of Alicia Keys comes alive in the musical “Hell’s Kitchen,” performing for one week at the San Diego Civic Center. The musical follows the 17-year-old Ali, who has a passion for music but feels lost in the world. She starts to find herself when her neighbor and new mentor introduces Ali to the piano. The coming-of-age story is set in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen, and the musical introduces new songs written by Keys. The performers also sing some of the biggest hits. “Hell’s Kitchen” is directed by Michael Grief and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, both by Tony Award nominees. Aug. 11-16. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego, 619-615-4000, sandiegotheatres.org

Harry Potter in concert

The first Harry Potter movie will be shown during a special concert event at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The audience will have two chances to see and hear the San Diego Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams’ score of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” while the film is playing. 7 p.m. Aug. 21 and 22. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. $51-$173. theshell.org

Taste of Encinitas

Sample some of what Encinitas has to offer in the food and beverage industry at the Taste of Encinitas. In previous years, there have been meet-and-greets with chefs and restaurateurs, along with tastings from over 40 restaurants and bars. 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26. encinitas101.com/events/taste-of-encinitas-2025

Batiquitos Lagoon docent-led nature walk

Batiquitos Lagoon will hold a docent-led nature walk on June 20 at 10 a.m. titled “Summertime in the Wetlands”. Join the event and discover dramatic changes in bird populations. Now that most of the migrators from the north have left, this walk will focus on the year-round residents and a few migrants up from the south. This 90-minute walk is free and good for all ages. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. In case of rain, events will be canceled and rescheduled. For more information , visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

North Coast Symphony presents A Journey Through America

Take a musical journey through America at the North Coast Symphony Pops concert on Saturday, July 11, at 2:30 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas. This entertaining program features beloved music that celebrates America’s people, places, and spirit. Highlights include Gershwin’s O Land of Mine and Swanee, Copland’s inspiring Variations on a Shaker Melody, and favorites from Broadway hits Oklahoma! and Chicago. The concert continues through New Orleans jazz, New York City, and the American West. Admission is $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, and free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

Vision for America: Live in Concert

The Vision of Children Foundation will present Vision for America: Live in Concert, a benefit concert celebrating America’s spirit, the power of community, and award-winning country music, on Wednesday, July 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Paseo Rancho Santa Fe, located at 6024 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe.The goal for Vision for America is to fund research to cure hereditary blindness and children’s vision disorders.The evening will feature a live performance by Steven Cade, an award-winning country music artist, singer, and songwriter known for his powerful storytelling and crowd-captivating performances. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, this special benefit concert unites community and music in support of a cause that has been changing young lives for over 30 years.Ticket update: Due to an enthusiastic response — with the initial allotment selling out within 72 hours — the foundation has opened side patio seating for those who still wish to attend and support this important cause. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at visionofchildren.org or by calling (858) 314-7916.

EcoFest hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego

An EcoFest will be held from noon to 4 p.m. June 28 at Encinitas Community Park, 425 Santa Fe Drive, hosted by the city of Encinitas and I Love A Clean San Diego. The sustainability celebration brings together residents, environmental groups, green businesses and civic leaders for workshops, educational exhibits and family-friendly environmental activities, including a community clothing swap, live music and plant-based food. Visit ecofestencinitas.org.

Teen foster volunteer program at animal shelter

The Teen Foster Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society gives teenagers 15 and older an opportunity 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 parental approval are required. Call 760-753-6413 or visit sdpets.org.

La Jolla events

• The Sierra Club Seal Society of San Diego presents a talk about sea lions and a walk to view them at La Jolla Cove beginning at 2 p.m. Saturdays, June 20 and 27, at Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery, 7916 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 551-9553

• The La Jolla/Riford Library and Friends of the La Jolla Library present “La Jolla Noir: Exposing Crime Fiction” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, at 7555 Draper Ave. A panel of crime fiction authors will include Caitlin Rother, Matt Coyle and Marc Carlos. Free. sandiego.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=339327

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla presents its Jazz Summer Series with performances at the library’s Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, 1008 Wall St. The remaining schedule is: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 21, Emilio Solla and Antonio Lizana; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, Sean Jones, Billy Childs and Ben Williams. ljathenaeum.org/events/jazz-26-farrell-series

• The 38th annual Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival takes place through June 27, with the first five events at La Jolla’s Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center and the final one at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater. The remaining schedule is: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20, “Mozart & Beethoven: Heroic Visions”; 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21, “Dances & Sunlight”; 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, “Lully & Strauss: A Tale Retold”; 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, “Reflection & Radiance”; 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27, Beethoven’s Fifth. Ticket packages are available at mainlymozart.org/2026-fest-sales or by phone at (619) 239-0100. Tickets for single shows are $68-$155 at The Conrad and $25-$250 for the amphitheater concert. theconrad.org/events/mainly-Mozart

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its 27th annual Summer Festival featuring pianist Gustavo Romero playing music by Franz Liszt at 4 p.m. Sundays, July 5, 12, 19 and 26, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Dinner will be offered after the first and last shows. $55-$60 for individual concerts, $205-$225 for the series; $210 for individual shows with dinner, $475 for all four concerts and two dinners. ljathenaeum.org

• Author Bob Spitz and San Diego Union-Tribune music staff writer George Varga discuss Spitz’s newest book, “The Rolling Stones: The Biography,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Warwick’s Bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $38 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/2026-06-25/bob-spitz-george-varga-rolling-stones

• Author Barbara McQuade discusses her book “The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government” in conversation with former U.S. Attorney and Superior Court Judge Carol Lam at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $35 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/2026-06-29/barbara-mcquade-carol-lam-fix• “The Monsters” runs through Sunday, June 28, at La Jolla Playhouse’s Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The show, about a mixed martial arts fighter and his sister, is written by UC San Diego graduate Ngozi Anyanwu and directed by Tamilla Woodard. $30-$74. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/the-monsters

• Shark Summer returns to Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography in July at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. This year’s activities will include shark exploration stations, shark feedings, themed dive presentations, “Sharks and Rays 101” talks and more. Activities are included with aquarium admission, except for “Oceans at Night: Sharks” events. aquarium.ucsd.edu

• UC San Diego’s “Decoding DaVinci,” an interactive theatrical venture from the makers of “Clue: A Walking Mystery,” runs Thursdays through Sundays through July 12 at 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. “Decoding DaVinci” takes players on an espionage-fueled caper across the campus in which they must solve puzzles, interact with clandestine operatives and untangle a centuries-old mystery. $30-$40. artpower.ucsd.edu/decoding-davinci

Charity golf tournament

The Frontwave Foundation will host its Charity Golf Tournament at 11 a.m. June 26 at Emerald Isle Golf Course, 660 S. El Camino Real. Highlights include contests, raffle opportunities and a post-tournament gathering along with a silent auction. Proceeds support the Frontwave Foundation’s Summer Backpack Drive, which will provide school backpacks and supplies to local foster children. Registration will open at 9 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Participants can register as individuals or foursomes. Register frontwavefoundation.com/golf.

Women’s History Tour

A Balboa Park Women’s History Tour is from 10 to 11 a.m. June 20 starting at the Bea Evenson Fountain, 1875 El Prado, in Balboa Park. The tour was developed with the Center for Women’s History at the San Diego History Center, and highlights the historical and contemporary women whose vision, leadership and creativity helped shape Balboa Park into a cultural destination. Admission is free; suggested $5 donation. Email [email protected] or call 619-239-0512, ext. 8.