Community events in San Diego County: From Hidden City Film Festival to Taste of College Area

CARLSBAD

Fall harmony concert

Pacific Coast Harmony will present “Fall Into Harmony,” a show of modern four-part a cappella harmony music, at 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Carlsbad City Library’s Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane. The program covers the Great American Songbook, Broadway theater and film along with popular songs. There will be a special appearance by the OC Sound, an award-winning Sweet Adelines chorus from Orange County. Tickets are $25 in advance by emailing treasurer@pacificcoastharmony.org or $30 at the door.

Older & Bolder Expo at community center

The annual Older & Bolder Expo is from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Pine Avenue Community Center, 3209 Harding St. The expo, put on by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and the city, helps seniors and their families find out about San Diego-area resources for seniors and caregivers. The event will feature 40 vendor booths with information about services ranging from health care and finances to housing and insurance for seniors. Workshops will be presented hourly starting at 10 a.m. Topics include aging care costs; healthy aging, including mental and physical health and wellness; and elder scam and fraud. Visit web.carlsbad.org/atlas/events/older-bolder-expo-4353/details.

Lagoon kayaking fundraiser

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation holds its 19th annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup from Oct. 11-12. Participants can kayak in waters typically closed to boating and help preserve the lagoon habitat by removing trash. The cost is $160 per two-person tandem kayak. Each two-hour session includes check-in, a personal flotation device, water safety instructions and about 90 minutes kayaking in the ecological reserve. Check-in times for Oct. 11 are 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., noon and 2:15 p.m. Check-in times for Oct. 12 are 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.

Genealogy buffs meet

The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will meet from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 23 at the City of Carlsbad Faraday Center, 1635 Faraday Ave. Allyson Maughan will virtually present “Solving Your Picture (Photo) Problems.” Admission is free. Registration is necessary only for virtual attendees. Find the Zoom link at nsdcgs.org.

CHULA VISTA

Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

The Otay Ranch Town Center will mark Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual community Celebration and Family Festival from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 with live music and cultural performances at 2015 Birch Road. The event will feature musical and dance performances, meet and greet opportunities with themed characters, a Loteria game with prizes, a fun photo booth, face painting and kids’ giveaways tied to Hispanic Heritage Month. Admission is free. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/24177.

‘Salsa Under the Stars’

The free series “Salsa Under the Stars” with Latin music will feature the Manny Cepeda Orchestra quartet and offer music and dancing for all ages from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Otay Ranch Town Center, 2015 Birch Road, as part of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/15666.

EL CAJON

German American group hosts Oktoberfest

The nonprofit German American Societies of San Diego will host Oktoberfest in El Cajon on Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5 at 1017 S. Mollison Ave. An opening day parade with keg tap and crowning of the Oktoberfest Queen is at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Highlights include authentic German food and beers on tap along with oompah music by the Guggenbach-Buam band from Germany. There will be traditional folk dancing along with games and contests. Other attractions include shopping booths and a kids’ zone. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. Entry fees are $15 for adults on Fridays and Saturdays, $5 on Sundays and free for those younger than 21, club members with a current membership and active-duty military. Visit oktoberfestelcajon.com.

ENCINITAS

Chamber puts on Oktoberfest

The annual Encinitas Oktoberfest, hosted by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas, is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 28 along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road. The family festival and artisan faire celebrates German culture with live entertainment including Bavarian music and dance troupes, German food, international refreshments, two beer gardens and a marketplace with 125 local artisan vendors. A ceremonial parade is slated for noon with local officials. There will be a German-themed dog costume contest with pups parade and kids play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course, games and a rock-climbing wall. Admission is free. A free shuttle will run from Flora Vista Elementary School, 1690 Wandering Road, from 10:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Visit encinitasoktoberfest.com.

Free Pet Vaccination Clinic

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society holds a free vaccine clinic for dogs and cats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank on the RCHS North campus, 389 Requeza St. The clinic includes vaccinations for dogs and cats, rabies vaccinations, licensing, microchips, pet food and other supplies. The Tell Tail Moonlight Veterinary Center will provide veterinary support. The San Diego Humane Society will be on-site to assist with licensing needs. All dogs must be on leash or in carriers. All cats must be in carriers. Registration is required at sdpets.org/vaccineclinic.

Community Dance Party with Wild West theme

The Sandpipers Square Dance Club hosts its monthly community dance party from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena St. Participants can learn square dancing basics and there will be a Wild West theme. Singles, couples and families are all welcome. Casual attire is recommended. A partner and dance experience are not needed. Snacks will be served. Admission is a $10 donation and free for children. Visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org.

ESCONDIDO

Hidden City Film Festival

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation will host the Hidden City Film Festival from Sept. 26-28 at Regal Cinema, 350 W. Valley Parkway, celebrating independent film, storytelling and community and spotlighting “boundary-pushing filmmakers and underrepresented voices.” The festival will include a “Feature of the Day” screening, curated short film showcases, filmmaker Q&As, and an awards ceremony honoring standout short films in categories such as Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Pocket Cinema and Stories of Belonging. Visit filmfreeway.com/hiddencityfilmfestival.

Elks to hold rummage sale

The local Elks Lodge holds a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2430 S. Escondido Blvd. People can sell items there or volunteer their time or simply go shopping. There will be food and drinks. Community members can also donate to the silent auction. Proceeds support the Elks Lodge and local community programs. To reserve a vendor spot or ask questions, email scdsandiego@hotmail.com.

LA JOLLA

Surf contest for youths

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. Longboard and shortboard divisions for all age groups are offered for boys and girls 16 and younger, including the Super Menehunes for 7-year-olds 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.

LA MESA

Oktoberfest with food, beer, entertainment

The annual La Mesa Oktoberfest will feature German-themed festivities for all ages from 4 to 10 p.m. Oct. 3; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 4; and noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 in the La Mesa Village with German food, including schnitzel and giant pretzels, polka bands and dancing, along with “Bark-toberfest” Dachshund races, “Glücklich” Games and a fashion show. Highlights include an Artisan Alley craft fair with handmade items ranging from candles and soap to jewelry, a pumpkin patch and a children’s carnival and Ferris wheel along with Palm Avenue Pub & Grub. Wear your German lederhosen or dirndls. Festival admission is free. Biergarten admission is $5. VIP Biergarten passes are $15-$50; $10-$25 for under 21 VIP pass. Visit lamesaoktoberfest.org.

Parkinson’s support group meets

The San Diego East County Parkinson’s Support Group meets from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave. The event is aimed at people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners, friends and family. There will be educational information and fun activities. For questions, email altamura13@myyhoo.com.

History center seeks volunteers

The La Mesa History Center seeks volunteer docents for its 19th annual La Mesa History Center Home Tour slated for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8. Visit lamesahistory.com.

NORTH COUNTY

Toe Tappers troupe seeks senior dancers

The Toe Tappers of San Diego, a senior dance troupe, is looking for tap dancers older than 55 who are interested in performing at retirement communities throughout North County. Dancers must be available to rehearse Monday mornings in Vista and Thursday afternoons in Escondido. Visit the group’s Facebook page. Call 760-212-6030 or email hannahjax123@yahoo.com.

OCEAN BEACH

Oktoberfest at pier next month

The Ocean Beach Oktoberfest is set for Oct. 10-11 at the Ocean Beach Municipal Pier parking lot, 5099 Newport Ave. The two-day event will feature Oktoberfest-themed contests and games, a Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest competition, a traditional stein-holding contest, a pretzel toss, brat eating and live music on two stages. The beer garden will feature traditional German brews, local beer, wine and spirits. There will be two-for-one beers until 5:30 p.m. Oct. 10 and until 1 p.m. Oct. 11. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, The Peninsula Alliance and The Warrior Foundation Freedom Station. Hours are 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 10 and noon to 11:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Tickets are $15 at the door. VIP tickets are $64-$69 in advance. Visit oboktoberfest.com.

OCEANSIDE

Golf tournament benefits veterans

The Veterans Association of North County will hold its annual Golf Tournament and Online Auction on Sept. 26 at the Camp Pendleton Marine Memorial Golf Course. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. including free breakfast featuring Tam’s Donuts & Burritos, and the driving range and putting green will be open. ‍The opening ceremony will be at 9:30 a.m. followed by a shotgun start. After golf there will be final bids on auction items and opportunity drawing Items. There will be free food on the patio along with awards and prizes. Golf registration is for teams of four and the cost is $700. Online auction bidding is underway. Visit vanc.me/golf.

Western Hoedown at Equestrian Center

The 15th annual Western Hoedown is from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Ivey Ranch Equestrian Center, 110 Rancho Del Oro Drive, benefiting the nonprofit Ivey Ranch Park Association, which formed 40 years ago. The nonprofit has helped community members of all ages and abilities through programs that emphasize self-reliance, community and respect. Each week, more than 300 people, many with moderate to severe disabilities, benefit from services such as the Adult Day Program, School-Age Program, equestrian therapy, in-home respite care and vocational training. Event highlights include horse-riding demonstrations, hayrides, music entertainment, a steakhouse barbecue, raffles, a silent auction, a Kids Corral and ROTC Color Guard flag ceremony. Advance tickets are $85; $65 for kids; VIP $135; $20 additional at the door. Proceeds support the equine therapy programs. Event volunteers can sign up by emailing volunteer@iveyranch.com. Visit iveyranch.com.

Oktoberfest celebration

Tipping Pint Brewing Co. will put on an Oktoberfest celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 in its outdoor wine and beer garden at Carruth Cellar’s HANGAR76 at 3229 Roymar Road. Highlights include a new beer release, German-style food, music by two bands and a costume contest. Dress in your best Oktoberfest outfits. Visit carruthcellars.com/events/oktoberfest.

Free lifelong learning lectures

LIFE, MiraCosta College’s Learning Is For Everyone group, hosts two free lectures starting at 1 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Oceanside Campus in the Board Room of Administration Building 1000, or online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., a presentation on “Little Italy” will be led by Tom Cesarini. At 2:30 p.m., a talk on “Emergency Preparedness at MCC” will be led by MiraCosta Police Chief Val Warner-Saadat. Visit miracosta.edu/life.

POWAY

Clinic holds golf tournament fundraiser

CAPS Pregnancy + Medical Clinics will hold its 19th annual Charity Golf Tournament on Sept. 29 at  Maderas Golf Club, 17750 Old Coach Road. The event will raise money for the nonprofit clinic, which has five locations in San Diego and offers a number of free pregnancy services. The event will feature an 18-hole golf scramble, with check-in and registration beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony and boxed lunch at 11:45 a.m. Tee time is noon. A buffet dinner will be served at 5 p.m. with awards and raffles. Cost is $275 per person, foursomes $1,000, with carts provided. For registration or sponsorship information email janelle@capsonline.org or visit capsgolf.com.

RANCHO BERNARDO

Rancho BEERnardo Festival next month

The annual Rancho BEERnardo Festival for ages 21 and older is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at Webb Park, 16826 Bernardo Center Drive, hosted by the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club. VIP admission is from 1 to 5 p.m. Highlights include live music by two bands and more than 35 breweries, wineries and distilleries along with food vendors, specialty mocktails, photo booths and games. Tickets are $65 to $90 (VIP); $10 for designated driver; $10 for food ticket. Proceeds go to the Rotary’s charity programs. Visit ranchobeernardofestival.com.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Pathways to Citizenship puts on Party with a Purpose

Pathways to Citizenship, a nonprofit immigration law center serving immigrant families in San Diego County, holds its annual fundraiser, Party with a Purpose, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the La Valle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf. The event raises money for immigration legal services for local families. Highlights include a silent auction, a steel drum band, tropical food and drinks, and stories from clients. Tickets are $120. To donate to the silent auction or become a sponsor, email sonya@pathwayssd.org. Visit pathwayssd.org.

SAN MARCOS

Music Festival at TERI

The Dragonfly Music Festival is from 12:30 p.m. to dusk Oct. 4 at the TERI Campus of Life in San Marcos featuring seven San Diego groups performing music and dance. The outdoor festival for all ages is presented by Six String Society and The Bornemann Theatre. There will be food, craft beverages and vendors. Gates open at noon. Tickets are $50; VIP $135. Visit dragonflymusicfestival.com.

SAN DIEGO

Taste of College Area

The College Area Business District will put on the second Taste of College Area from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28. The self-guided tasting tour features tastes from the diverse culinary scene of the College Area. There will be Old Town Trolley rides to each stop from El Cajon Boulevard and 54th Street to 73rd Street and the San Diego State University campus. Tickets are $40 in advance (plus service fee) or $45 on the day of the event. VIP tickets for guests 21 and older are $50 (plus a service fee). Visit collegeareasd.com/taste-of-college-area.

Fall Bonsai Show and Sale

The 60th annual Fall Bonsai Show and Sale of the San Diego Bonsai Club will be held in Room 101 of Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado Building from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28. The free event is open to the public. More than 50 unique bonsai of various sizes and species will be on display during the two-day event. Activities will include bonsai demonstrations, along with a table sale featuring hundreds of trees, pots and other bonsai items. Visit sandiegobonsaiclub.com.

Soirée benefits free dental care

Cura Smiles will put on its Sips & Smiles Soirée from from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the BoujieMana Estate, 3545 Aero Court, to raise money for expanding access to free dental care in San Diego. Highlights include a Champagne welcome, curated wine and beer, gourmet bites, and a silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences. Proceeds support Cura Smiles’ mission to provide free, comprehensive dental care to underserved communities across the region. Tickets are $175 at curasmiles.org/get-involved.

Monarch School holds fundraiser

The Monarch School Project, a local nonprofit that helps thousands of unhoused youths and their families, will hold a fundraiser, Raise Up for Monarch 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 at Monarch School, 1625 Newton Ave. The annual event opens the doors of the campus to the public and includes student-led tours, live performances and food. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s programs for San Diego-area unhoused youths. Tickets start at $150. Visit monarchschools.org/togetherwethrive.

Automotive Museum puts on Party in the Park

The San Diego Automotive Museum hosts “Party in the Park… Ignite” from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at the San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan America Plaza. The event includes live music from Liquid Blue, entertainment, new car exhibits and a live auction along with a three-course dinner, fine wines and a hosted bar. The event will honor Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler, and the Titan Philanthropy Award will be presented to Paula Abdul and Ray Brock. Proceeds benefit the IGNITE program for high school students. Tickets are $700. Visit sdautomuseum.org.

Surf-a-thon benefits Boys to Men Mentoring

The 16th annual 100 Wave Challenge, a surf-a-thon benefiting Boys to Men Mentoring, will be held Sept. 27 at Mission Beach. The event invites participants of all ages and skill levels to catch 100 waves in one day while raising funds to support Boys to Men’s in-school group mentoring programs throughout San Diego County. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Visit boystomen.org.

5K Walk for Sobriety in Liberty Park

McAlister Institute holds its annual 5K Walk for Sobriety at 8 a.m. Sept. 27 at NTC Park in Liberty Station to support family members, friends and community members who are sober and celebrate people who are in recovery. Registration is $35 per adult and $5 per child (ages 12 and younger). Proceeds benefit McAlister Institute to help provide substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, life skills education and vocational training. Visit walkforsobriety.org.

Concert supports music therapy

Local nonprofit Resounding Joy hosts Living your Dreams, a fundraising concert, for its music therapy programs, starting at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot Street. The concert features the Sounds of Service band with veterans and active-duty service members sharing their songs and stories. There will be appetizers, dessert, drinks for purchase and an opportunity drawing, Proceeds go to the nonprofit’s Sounds of Service program, which provides group sessions and one-on-one music therapy for local active-duty military, veterans and first responders. Tickets start at $50. Visit resoundingjoyinc.org/living-your-dreams-2025.

Little Italy farmers market

The Little Italy Mercato (farmers market) is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays across six city blocks. The market includes farm-fresh produce, eggs, meats, nuts, plants and seafood, along with artisan-made breads, sauces and olive oil. On Wednesdays, local vendors surround the Piazza della Famiglia. Visit littleitalysd.com.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Senior Gleaners seeks volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help Senior Gleaners of San Diego County, a volunteer group that harvests surplus fruit and vegetables from gardens and fields to donate to local nonprofits helping people in need. The mission of the group is to reduce food waste and feed needy community members. The gleaning crews needs more volunteers age 55 and older. The group also needs more residents with fruit trees to donate excess fruit that they cannot use. Visit seniorgleanerssdco.org/volunteer.

SANTEE

Splash Bash at YMCA

The Santee Teen Center will hold a Splash Bash from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Santee Aquatics Center at Cameron Family YMCA, 10123 Riverwalk Drive. Santee Teen Center members and Santee teen residents grades 5-12 (younger than 17) can swim for free. SD Nights is providing on-site entertainment after the swim session from 3 to 5 p.m. All teens must be checked in by a legal guardian by 5 p.m. Santee staff supervision will be provided. Online registration is encouraged, and on-site registration will be limited. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov.

VISTA

Cyclovia event downtown

The city of Vista hosts Cyclovia from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 in historic downtown Vista. The free family-friendly event encourages folks to explore downtown Vista via bike, foot or other forms of self-powered transportation — without cars. All ages and abilities are welcome. Highlights include a bike rodeo and vendors with information on bike safety, local bike/cycling clubs, public health and sustainability. Visit vista.gov/city-services/climate-action-plan/cyclovia-vista.

Community clinic holds fundraiser

Vista Community Clinic holds its annual fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 18 at Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Drive, in Oceanside. This year’s theme is “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.” The event will include games, music and food. Proceeds benefit the clinic’s health services and the Karen Black Memorial Scholarship Fund, for clinic staff to advance their careers in healthcare. For tickets, sponsorships, or partnership opportunities, email betsy@vcc.org.

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.