Community events in San Diego County: From Taste of Oceanside to Party with a Purpose
ALPINE
Friends of Library marks 125th year
The nonprofit Alpine Library Friends Association is celebrating its 125th anniversary from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Alpine Library Resource Room. The nonprofit was formed in 1900 by a group of Alpine residents to establish a community library. In 2002 the Friends opened a bookstore to raise money for the Alpine Library. Books are donated and the store is staffed by community volunteers. Through its bookstore and other fundraising activities, the Friends group has continued to support the library. RSVP at info@alpinelibraryfriends.org.
CARLSBAD
Newcomers group meets
The Carlsbad Newcomers Club coffee meeting is at 9:45 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Carlsbad Senior Center. Socializing is from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m., followed by a performance by the New Sunset Strummers Ukulele “Ohana” Band at 10:15 a.m. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month and all are welcome. Visit www.carlsbadnewcomers.org.
Lagoon kayaking and cleanup
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation holds its 19th Annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup 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. This two-hour experience includes check-in, personal flotation device, water safety instructions and about 90 minutes kayaking in the ecological reserve. Check-in times for Saturday are 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., noon and 2:15 p.m. Check-in times for Sunday are 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Visit www.batiquitoslagoon.org.
CHULA VISTA
Salvation Army Woman’s Auxiliary puts on purse party
The Chula Vista Salvation Army Woman’s Auxiliary will put on a pirate-themed purse party fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Chula Vista Salvation Army, 648 Third Ave. There will be lunch, speakers, music and lots of purses in the silent auction. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best pirate costume. The cost is $20. Proceeds will benefit the Chula Vista Salvation Army holiday gift giving. All community members are welcome. RSVP by Oct. 11 at 619-370-4494.
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 as part of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Visit www.otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/15666.
Bonita Vista High School reunion
A 55-year Class Reunion Get-together for the Bonita Vista Class of 1970 is from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct 13 at The Gallery at the Marina, 550 Marina Parkway. Members of the Class of 1969 and 1971 are also welcome. There will be appetizers and no-host bar. RSVP by Oct. 1 at bvhs1970@gmail.com.
BonitaFest Melodrama
The 48th annual Bonitafest Melodrama “Here Comes The Sun” is at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-27 at the Southwestern College Performing Arts Center. The musical revolves around local journalism students who fought a college president who ordered them to stop publishing the college newspaper and is based on the story of the 2010 attempt by Southwestern College administrators to prevent students from breaking news about what became known as the South Bay Corruption Scandal. Tickets are at the door or 619-850-7126.
CORONADO
Oktoberfest hosted by veterans
The Coronado Veterans of Foreign Wars group hosts an Oktoberfest with German food, music and beer from 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 11 at VFW Post 2422 at 557 Orange Ave. Highlights include live music by The Beer Mugs, a stein-holding competition, potato salad contest (drop off by 3 p.m.) and best dressed contest. Food includes pork Jagerschnitzel, grilled bratwurst, sauerkraut, mashed potato souffle and butter cookies with cinnamon apple chutney. Entry donation is $10; food plate is $20 and beer is $5. The VFW bar will be open. Tickets will be sold at the door. Proceeds benefit the Coronado Marine Corps League Detachment. Visit vfwpost2422.org.
EL CAJON
Hispanic Heritage Month celebration
As part of a series of programs for Hispanic Heritage Month, the Heritage of the Americas Museum hosts a celebration from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 27 at 12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West. Highlights include Peruvian storytellers from the House of Peru, Folklórico dancers, art display and Latin American Zumba demonstration. There will be a piñata and crafting, including Lele dolls, carnival masks and pipe cleaner chameleons. The Heritage of the Americas Museum is open each Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Admission is free. Visit https://www.heritageoftheamericasmuseum.com/
Laurel and Hardy Club shows movies
Saps at Sea, the San Diego Laurel and Hardy club, presents a pre-Halloween Spooktacular event from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 South Lincoln Ave. Films include “Habeas Corpus,” “The Laurel-Hardy Murder Case,” “A Haunting We Will Go,” and more. Donation is $10 per person and includes dessert. Free for children 12 and younger. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., program starts at 5 p.m. Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/111118255744315.
ENCINITAS

Exhibit features basket and gourd art
The Misti Washington Gourd and Basket Guild hosts an art show, “Nature’s Bounty,” through Nov. 2 at the Encinitas Community Center, 140 Oakcrest Park Drive. The 32 basket and gourd artworks by 14 artists are made from nature, out of materials ranging from willow, grasses and yucca to rushes. Some art is for sale; the exhibit opened in early September. Visitors can view the exhibit during the Community Center’s operating hours, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 760-943-2260.
Mini-documentary features several local sustainable businesses
A screening of “Threads Between Us,” a mini documentary, is from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at Coastal Roots Farm. The documentary is about how Goodwill Industries of San Diego County, Dr. Bronner’s and Jimbo’s are changing their industries through sustainable practices. The event, which is part of San Diego Climate Week, includes the film premiere, live music and networking with sustainable businesses. Free. Register at thethreadsbetweenus.com. The farm is at 441 Saxony Road.
Free jazz concert
The Friends of the Encinitas Library presents a free community concert with the Allison Adams Tucker Retro Quintet from 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at 540 Cornish Drive. A multi-lingual jazz vocalist, composer and recording artist, Tucker celebrates her latest album, “RETRO Trilogy,” with Danny Green on piano/keys, Justin Grinnell, bass; Duncan Moore, drums; and Peter Sprague, guitars. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Visit www.encinitaslibfriends.org.
Congregation hosts Yom Kippur Holiday services
Congregation B’nai Tikvah continues its holiday services Oct. 1-2 on the campus of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 925 Balour Drive. The services include Kol Nidre on Oct. 1 and Yom Kippur services and the Break the Fast on Oct. 2. For tickets, visit bnaitikvahsd.org and click “High Holy Days” or call 760-650-2262.
ESCONDIDO
Mobile home group meets
The general meeting of the Escondido Mobile Manufactured Home Action Committee is at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at the Imperial Mobilehome Estates, 2300 East Valley Parkway. The featured speaker will be June Rady, president of the Escondido Historical Center, who will discuss the area’s history.
FALLBROOK
Scarecrow Days begin
The annual Fallbrook Scarecrow Days will be held Oct. 1-31. Scarecrows will be displayed at businesses and residences throughout Fallbrook. A Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt is Oct. 8-31. The volunteer ScareCREW group provides hands-on scarecrow building workshops Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11. A Scarecrow Kids Corner is at the Fallbrook Farmers Market with fall crafts, games and an art contest for kids from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Visit www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
JULIAN
Harvest Moon Dinner
The Ilan-Lael Foundation hosts its annual Harvest Moon Dinner from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at Ilan-Lael, 930 Orchard Lane. The event will celebrate the foundation’s mission and mark the debut of the eight 2025 Visiting Artist Fellows, and will feature a live performance by the San Diego Youth Symphony. Artworks on display will range from plein air painting, ceramics, woodworking, mixed-media and stained glass to photography. The artworks will be sold during the silent auction. The work will travel for exhibition at the Sparks Gallery in San Diego from Nov. 9 through Dec. 31. Tickets are $175 and there are sponsorship opportunities. To buy tickets, call the Ilan-Lael Foundation office at 760-765-3427.
Guided tours of Hubbell’s artist compound
The Ilan-Lael Foundation hosts public tours led by docents of James Hubbell’s artist compound at 10 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through the end of December. The 90-minute tours take small groups through gardens, sculptures and architectural landmarks, giving a glimpse into Hubbell’s creative process. Each tour concludes at the on-site gallery and gift shop featuring Hubbell art, books and artisan goods. The artist compound is set on 10 acres of oak woodlands near Julian. Tour is $90 per person; registration is at ilanlaelfoundation.org.
Volunteers sought to clear trails
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park’s trails maintenance volunteer unit is looking for volunteers to help with trail maintenance in Cuyamaca. The group clears trails of brush and fallen tree branches and works on grading on over 80 miles of park trails. Work party days are four hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Contact the volunteer coordinator at cmcurtis@pacbell.net or 858-278-3280.
LA MESA
Model Train Club Seeks New Members
The San Diego S-Gaugers Model Railroad club in Grossmont Center is recruiting new members. The club has operated since 2008 and is open to anyone interested in model railroading, both vintage American Flyer trains and newer digital control technologies in S scale (1:64). The club is open to the public, with model trains running on Tuesdays and Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. in Suite 304 in Grossmont Center. For questions, email sandsgaugers@gmail.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 looking for senior dancers
The Toe Tappers of North County San Diego are looking for tap dancers over age 50 to join the group, which started more than 35 years ago as a basic tap class. The group puts on shows mostly in retirement communities in North County. Dancers rehearse twice a week and create shows for the summer and Christmas seasons. The idea is to “bring joy and inspiration to audiences.” Email Hannahjax123@yahoo.com.
Widows and Widowers Club events
The North County Widows and Widowers Club hosts a variety of social events, including:
Oct. 4: Lunch and theater event at Round Table Pizza and Mira Costa College Theater for “The Play that Goes Wrong.” Noon to 4 p.m. RSVP to 760-944-6567 by Sept. 27.
Oct. 8: Happy hour at Oceanside Broiler.
Oct. 9 and Oct. 23: Dance lessons at Palomar Estates East.
Oct. 10: Dinner/dance at Vista Elks Lodge.
Oct. 22: Happy hour at The Mining Co., San Marcos.
Oct. 24: Dinner/dance at Oceanside Elks Lodge.
To RSVP and get details, call 760-716-9000.
OCEANSIDE
Taste of Oceanside
Taste of Oceanside is from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 in downtown Oceanside. Attendees can stroll downtown or hop on the free “Taste Trolley” and sample signature bites, sips and sweets from more than 50 local restaurants, breweries and wineries. This year’s new addition of “Taste Hubs” will highlight South O, Inland and Harbor businesses. Taste of Oceanside VIP Experience is from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 3 at Pacific Garden at Mission Pacific Beach Resort. Adult tickets are $50 to $175; kid tickets for food are $20-$30. Visit www.mainstreetoceanside.com/taste-of-oceanside.
Fabulous Fiber exhibit at art museum
Oceanside Museum of Art features a collaborative exhibit, Fabulous Fiber, which explores innovation in textile artistry. The exhibit of works by Southern California artists is curated by Los Angeles-based Kate Stern and features contemporary pieces crafted through traditional methods such as quilting, tufting, felting, embroidery, weaving, beading, crochet and basketry. The exhibition runs through Nov. 2. Visit www.oma-online.org.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Camarada Ensemble performs at library
The Camarada Ensemble will perform at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Rancho Bernardo Library’s second-floor community room. The quartet of flute, cello, harp and piano will perform a program titled “A World of Sound,” which includes American Blues, Spanish, Latin American and Slavic music. This concert is part of the Friends of the RB Library’s 26th annual Chamber Concert series. Free; donations appreciated. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.
Parkinson’s Support Group meets
The Inland North County Parkinson’s Support Group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 6 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive, in the Parish Hall. The featured speaker is Michael Winkelman, who will talk about “Medicare Update for 2026.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call 760-749-8234.
Art workshop at Oasis Center
The North County Society of Fine Arts hosts guest artist Robin Sanford Roberts for a community art workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Oasis Center, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive. Attendees learn contour drawing and collage and drawing with creativity. Cost is $50; $40 for NCSFA members. Register in advance at ncsfa.org.
Drive-thru food collection
Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church sponsors a drive-thru food collection for Escondido-based Interfaith Community Services from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at 17010 Pomerado Road. Non-perishable items are needed, ranging from canned meals, fruits, vegetables and pasta sauces to soups, cereals, pasta and peanut butter. Monetary donations accepted.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Party with a Purpose benefits Pathways to Citizenship
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, steel drum band, tropical food and drinks and stories from clients. Tickets are $120. Visit https://pathwayssd.org.
SAN DIEGO
Dreams for Change holds 15th anniversary celebration
The nonprofit Dreams for Change will hold a 15 Years of Service Celebration for the community from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Dreams for Change Safe Parking Program’s Imperial Avenue site, 5605 Imperial Ave. The event will feature a live performance from Fern Street Circus, food prepared by Dreams’ Cuisine food truck, family activities, partner resource tables and a “Stories for 15 Years” exhibit showcasing the journeys of clients and volunteers. Free admission. Presented by Cal Coast Credit Union. RSVP at www.dreamsforchange.org.
Game Night helps domestic violence victims
The nonprofit Confronting Domestic Violence Inc. will hold a Game Night fundraiser from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Spacebar Cafe & Wine Bistro, 7454 University Ave., La Mesa. The nonprofit provides domestic violence victims and their families with resources, public safety and privacy so they can rebuild their lives. Admission is $60, including two drink tickets, appetizers, music, painting canvas and raffle ticket. Sponsorships offered. Visit confrontingdomesticviolence.org/2025gamenight.
Widows, widowers group accepting new members
The San Diego Widows and Widowers group, aka WOW, is accepting new members. The group offers widow and widower social and educational activities such as weekly cribbage and euchre, monthly Mexican Train games along with walks at Mission Bay or Lake Murray followed by breakfast weekly.There are also monthly lunch and dinners at restaurants, potluck picnics and dinner/dance parties with live music. Email support@wowsd.fun for information and an application. Visit wowsd.fun.
Group holds fundraiser fashion show
The Republican Women of California Navajo Canyon Club will host its Big Beautiful Fashion Show from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct.14 at the Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island. The outdoor event will feature fashions from MJ’s of Coronado and Pretty Please Collective. Proceeds will benefit the Navajo Canyon Club and Saved in America. The club offers a range of volunteer opportunities. Reservations are $60, due by Oct. 1 at www.RWCNavajoCanyon.org.
SAN MARCOS
Arc of San Diego holds open house
The Arc of San Diego, a nonprofit serving community members with developmental disabilities, will hold an open house from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the North County Center, 1336 Rancheros Drive. Attendees can learn about the various services that Arc provides in San Diego County, as well as see what the Arc clients do at the center. There will also be an art exhibit featuring artwork by Arc clients, available for cash purchase. Arc services include day programs, employment services, community living services, early intervention services and residential services. Visit www.arc-sd.com/about/arc-north-county.
Model A car club meets
The Palomar Model A Club, the North San Diego Chapter of the Model A Ford Club of America, meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Palomar Estates East Clubhouse, 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road, to discuss upcoming tours and car tips. Doors open at 6 p.m. Refreshments and socializing follow the program. All Model A owners and enthusiasts are welcome; moderns also welcome. Visit palomarmodelaclub.org.
SANTEE
Sheriff’s volunteers sought for Santee/Lakeside
The Santee and Lakeside sheriff’s stations are recruiting men and woman age 50 and older to join their Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol. Duties include patrolling residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, business parks, schools and local parks, assisting with traffic control, home vacation and elderly welfare checks, and monitoring disabled parking violations and assisting at public events requiring traffic and/or pedestrian management. After completing the 10-day academy, volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one six-hour patrol shift each week and attend a one-hour monthly meeting. Uniforms are supplied; there are no out-of-pocket expenses. For information and eligibility requirements, visit sdsheriff.gov and click on “Recruiting,” then “Volunteer Sheriff’s Patrol,” or call the Santee/Lakeside Volunteer Patrol administrator at 619-972-6846.
Open house at fire station
The Santee Fire Department will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at Santee Fire Station 4 at 8950 Cottonwood Ave. The free, family-friendly event includes a chance to meet local firefighters, watch live demonstrations, tour the station and get fire safety tips. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov.
Bluegrass concert at church
The “StayTuned” band will give a bluegrass concert at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The band includes long-time musicians Michael Williams (guitar and vocals), Peter Sharpe (mandolin and vocals), Lenny Bole (banjo and dobro), and Given Harrison (bass and vocals). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There is a $20 suggested donation. Tickets are at the door or online at summituuf.org/giving-overview/donate, choose the “give to concert series” option.
VALLEY CENTER
Exhibits honor Hispanic Heritage Month
The Valley Center History Museum will observe National Hispanic Heritage Month with special exhibits. The exhibits spotlight two governors of California when it was part of Mexico, Manuel Micheltorena and Pio Pico, and will feature three historic ranchos in Valley Center and Pauma Valley that were part of Mexican land grants from 1842 to 1845. The land grants were named Rancho Pauma, Rancho Guejito and Rancho Cuca. The museum, at 29200 Cole Grade Road, is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Call 760-759-2993 or visit vchistory.org.
VISTA
Garden club hosts speaker
The Vista Garden Club hosts a presentation by Jim Mumford, founder of Good Earth Plant Company, at 1:45 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Azalea Room at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Mumford is known for his expertise in creating living walls, green roofs and moss wall installations. Fingertip lunch is at noon followed by a business meeting at 12:30 p.m., and program at 1:45 p.m. Visit www.californiagardenclubs.com/vistagardenclub or email Vistagardenclub@gmail.com.
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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