Things to do: Upcoming events include new North Coast Rep production, festivals and more

North Coast Repertory Theatre presents “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”

North Coast Repertory Theater will present “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” from Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 16. (Previews start Oct. 22, opens Oct. 25. A talkback session with the director and cast is scheduled for Oct. 31.)Experience the intimate, gripping portrayal of America’s esteemed World War II General and 34th President, Dwight Eisenhower, as he grapples with the most consequential decisions of his remarkable life. Tony Award winner John Rubinstein transports audiences to Gettysburg’s hallowed ground, where an elderly Eisenhower reflects on his monumental military leadership and transformative presidency. The production is an uplifting evening of theatre that is both educational and humorous from beginning to end, according to a news release.North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.For tickets and more information, call 858-481-1055, or visit ww.northcoastrep.org.

Tis the season at Del Mar’s Pumpkin Station

Del Mar’s Pumpkin Station is now open for the season, through Oct. 26. There is no charge to walk the pumpkin patch where all pumpkins are individually priced based on size. Tickets can be purchased to ride Pumpkin Station’s mechanical rides, train jumper, play center, two giant slide, antique carousel or to visit the petting zoo. Open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and

Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 15555 Jimmy Durante Boulevard.

Boardroom surfboard show comes to fairgrounds Oct. 11-12

The Boardroom, the worlds largest surf hard goods marketplace, comes to the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Oct. 11-12.

The Boardroom showcases the latest in surfboard design and surf equipment, “a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts who are drawn by an authentic love for riding waves and the crafts that move us along those waves.” The event will include exhibits, panel discussions, live music, food and beer. Honoring Hawaiian shaping legend Eric Arakawa, eight shapers will face off in a foam shape-off competition in an attempt to replicate some of Arakawa’s classic designs. For more information visit boadroomshow.com

Fire Safety Fair in Pacific Highlands Ranch

San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava is hosting a Northern Division 1 Fire Safety Fair on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Pacific Highlands Ranch Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature representatives from San Diego Fire-Rescue and insurance experts sharing information on how to protect and prepare yourself, pets and property in the event of a wildfire. The fair will include a fire truck, arts and crafts and giveaways from Ace Hardware. PHR Library is located at 12911 Pacific Place, Carmel Valley, 92130.

11th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club will hold the 11th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe event on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. An After-Party will be held at 7 p.m.

The Taste of Rancho Santa Fe features “varied tastes of scrumptious bites from some of San Diego’s finest restaurants as well as award-winning wines poured by vintners adorning the California Coast from Temecula and Santa Barbara to Sonoma and Napa, and other leading beverage producers,” according to RSF Rotary’s website.

Proceeds from this all-volunteer event support the fundraising efforts of the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Foundation, formed in 1959, whose mission is to serve various San Diego area causes, including ending hunger and human trafficking, and helping the less fortunate, this country’s brave soldiers present and past, and many others needing a helping hand.For tickets and more information, visit www.tasteofrsf.org

North County Republican Women event to feature San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan

The North County Republican Women (NCRW) will host San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan at their October meeting that will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf, RSF. The evening meeting will be held from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and will include socializing as well as hearing from District Attorney Stephan. Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. The cost is $40/attendee.

Stephan has devoted her life to protecting children and families, providing justice to the most vulnerable, and is a national leader in the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, a news release stated, adding “Invite your family members, spouses and friends and don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our popular District Attorney Summer Stephan. ” RSVP to www.ncrwsd.org by Friday, Oct. 10 if you plan to attend.

Village Church Family Trunk-or-Treat

The Village Church hosts a free family-friendly Halloween event featuring trick-or-treating candy and snacks from decorated cars parked next to the church playground along with games and crafts and stories about the love of Jesus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. Church-friendly costumes are welcome. Visit VillageChurch.org/trunk-or-treat.

Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival

Helen Woodward Animal Center hosts its Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 11, 18, 25, and 26, featuring hands-on animal encounters, trick-or-treat stations, a free pumpkin patch, festive games, crafts, face painting, a photo booth, and more. Cost is $17.75 for kids participating and $8.90 for adults 18+. Visit https://animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/kid-events/ to reserve your spot.

Howl-O-Ween Harvest Adventures

For schools, scouts, playgroups, and other private groups, Helen Woodward Animal Center offers Howl-O-Ween Harvest Adventures by appointment, available from Oct. 1 through Nov. 10. These private programs include up-close animal encounters, festive fall crafts, STEM-aligned lessons, and seasonal fun tailored to your group. To book your adventure, call (858) 756-4117 x406 or email education@animalcenter.org.

San Diego Alliance of Braver Angels to hold October meeting

The San Diego Alliance of Braver Angels invites all to its October meeting, featuring “Skill Building: Beyond I’m Right, You’re Wrong.” Come to learn and practice skills “to depolarize ourselves and our community.” This free event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Mira Mesa Branch Library, 8405 New Salem Street, San Diego. For questions/RSVP, email: San-Diego@braverangels.org

The Country Friends annual Pickleball & Paddleball Tournament

The Country Friends will hold its annual Pickleball & Paddleball Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe (5690 Cancha de Golf, Rancho Santa Fe). Chaired by Maggie Bobileff. For tickets, visit shorturl.at/FhYFwFor more information, visit www.countryfriends.org. Since it was founded in 1954, The Country Friends has provided more than $15 million to San Diego County-based charities with special emphasis on women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities.

Vision of Children’s ‘A Night for Sight’ benefit concert

The Vision of Children Foundation (VOC) will host its flagship biennial benefit concert, A Night for Sight, on Saturday, Oct. 18, at The Sound in Del Mar. This year’s event features legendary rock band Jefferson Starship, offering guests a one-of-a-kind evening of music, fine dining, and philanthropy in support of groundbreaking research to cure childhood blindness, according to a news release.

The event will feature a cocktail reception, silent auctions, a high-end opportunity drawing, a hosted bar, a curated three-course dinner, and an eclectic live auction. The evening will culminate with guests enjoying Jefferson Starship’s greatest hits. Sponsorships and tickets are available now at www.visionofchildren.org.

56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit event

Beach and Country Guild will present the 56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit event titled “Ethereal Elegance, A Shimmering Celebration” on Friday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. The annual champagne reception, gourmet luncheon, live and silent auction, and fashion show event raises funds to support United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego. This year’s children’s fashion show features The Sasha Project LA (www.thesashaprojectla.org).

The guest speaker at the event will be R.J. Mitte, best known for his portrayal of Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning dramatic thriller “Breaking Bad.”Visit www.beachandcountry.org for tickets, up-to-date information on Dia del Sol or email reservations@beachandcountry.org with questions regarding the event.

Don Diego’s Line Dancing and BBQ Bash

The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club will welcome Don Diego Scholarship Foundation’s guests on Oct. 25 for a festive Hoedown from 5 p.m. -9 pm.Expected to sell out fast due to limited availability, tickets priced at just $150 can be purchased at www.dondiegoscholarship.org/hoedown/

Admission includes free valet parking, a delicious BBQ and drinks, live band, and line dancing lessons, according to a news release.

Hoedown proceeds will benefit the 2026 scholarship program, which kicks off in early January

Propelled by $93,500 in scholarships, the 25 Class of 2025 recipients are embarking on their exciting freshman year at iconic agricultural colleges and prestigious universities, including Caltech, Cornell, MIT, and Northwestern.

The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club is located at 5827 Via de la Cumbre, Rancho Santa Fe, 92067.Since its inception in 1986, the foundation has awarded $1,510,344 in scholarships to 434 students and in Plant*Grow*Eat agriculture education grants, which enable elementary students from San Diego area Title 1 schools to learn about agriculture and nutrition while enjoying a day at the Fairgrounds, a news release stated.

Voices for Children seeks volunteers

The San Diego nonprofit Voices for Children is looking for volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and stand up for foster children in need. Volunteers are trained and supported by the nonprofit to speak up for children in foster care in court, school and medical settings to make sure their needs are met. CASA volunteers often become an important adult for a child in foster care as they face court hearings, social workers, attorneys and new homes. Visit speakupnow.org

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.

North Coast Rep Variety Nights presents Robert Dubac’s comedy OMG!

North Coast Rep Variety Nights will feature OMG! starring Robert Dubac on Monday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. In Dubac’s hilarious new show OMG! our lord and savior returns but this time he’s no carpenter — he’s a stand-up comedian! Join him as he channels what God created on the eighth day. Comedy.

North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Tickets are $49 with discounts for students, military, and educators. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

Taste of Carlsbad Village

Taste of Carlsbad Village, featuring more than 25 local restaurants, and a dozen craft breweries, wineries, and specialty beverage makers is from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 in downtown Carlsbad. Local musicians will perform live entertainment. Early ticket purchase recommended; limited to 1,000 tickets. Visit https://www.carlsbad-village.com/

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is set for Oct. 11-12 on Girard Avenue and will spotlight Gregg “Viz” Visintainer as its 2025 featured artist. Admission is free but there is a ticketed Wine & Beer Garden. Tickets are $60/$80 through Oct. 10 and $65/$85 Oct. 11-12. Visit ljawf.com.

North Coast Symphony presents Echoes Through Time

Join the North Coast Symphony for Echoes Through Time, a concert of timeless classics and contemporary works, on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena, Encinitas.

The program includes Copland’s uplifting Fanfare for the Common Man, Mendelssohn’s dramatic Reformation Symphony. Gershwin’s beloved Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Phillip Dannels, and Jose Elizondo’s vibrant Estampas Mexicanas. The program also includes Ching-Shan Chang’s reflective piece In History, In Memory. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

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.

Oceanside 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.