Things to do: Upcoming festivals, movie nights, concerts and more

Professor to address ‘The Shifting Landscape of U.S. Education’ at event in Solana Beach

The landscape of education is constantly shifting as new priorities, policies, and programs are developed. What role does research play in this process? Understanding the connection between research and practice in education is of critical importance, according to a news release. All are invited to come hear a talk by Amanda Datnow, professor and Chancellor’s Associates Endowed Chair in the Department of Education Studies at the University of California, San Diego.

Her talk will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at the La Colonia Community Center and is presented by Solana Beach Community Connections. La Colonia is located at 715 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach.

In a discussion format with Peter Gourevich, Datnow will consider current research and trends in the field of education today. She will address what’s changing and what people might expect to see in the future. Check SBCC’s website at www.solanabeachcc.org for upcoming events and resources designed to assist the community.

Scripps to host free Breast Cancer Support Group Oct. 22

October is national breast cancer awareness month and Scripps Cancer Center will offer a free support group on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The virtual event will give participants a safe space to find emotional support, understanding, new coping skills and encouragement. The group is open to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (stages 0-3) and those going through or having completed breast cancer treatment.Group members will share experiences, knowledge, hopes, fears and strengths in a relaxed and confidential setting. Participants will meet virtually through Microsoft Teams and phone. Advance registration is required. To register for this support group, call 760-492-5899 or email vestevich.jeanne@scrippshealth.org.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is 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 general admission, $80 for VIP admission through Oct. 10 and $65 general admission, $85 VIP admission Oct. 11-12. Visit www.ljawf.com.

Camino Concert Series in Solana Beach to present classic pianist

The Camino Concert Series at St. James Parish Hall in Solana Beach will present classical pianist Dmitry Kirichenko live in concert on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. (doors open at 12:45 p.m.).This is a free, family-friendly community event. It will take place at: St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave., Solana Beach.Concessions will be available for purchase, and the entire community is invited to join the event for an inspiring afternoon of live music and connection.

Free concert presented by Concerts at Calvary in Solana Beach

Finest City Brass & Percussion, a symphonic brass ensemble of 25-30 musicians, will perform new music for brass instruments and orchestral music adapted for large brass ensembles. The program includes De Meij’s Symphony No. 1 inspired by The Lord of the Rings, and Respighi’s ode to the beauty of ancient Rome, The Pines of Rome.The concert will be held Saturday, Oct. 25. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Performance starts at 7 p.m. Location: Calvary Lutheran Church, 424 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach.After the concert: Mingle with the musicians and enjoy refreshments in the courtyard.

Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women’s October luncheon to feature guest speakers

Del Mar Seacoast Republican Women will feature the following two GOP leaders at its next luncheon: Rebecca Jones, mayor of San Marcos (delivering record-low crime and earning Fortune Magazine’s “Top 25 Places to Live” award), now running for County Supervisor, District 5, and Kristie Bruce-Lane, award-winning business leader and founder of nonprofit helping child victims of domestic violence, now running for California Senate, District 40 in 2026.The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. Members $38, non-members $45.RSVP to www.delmarseacoastclub.com by Oct. 18.

North County Republican Women’s group hosts district attorney

The North County Republican Women hosts San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan at its meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at LaValle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf in Rancho Santa Fe. Stephan, a national leader in the fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, will give a talk. There will be appetizers and a cash bar. The cost is $40. RSVP by Oct. 10 at www.ncrwsd.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

‘Hocus Pocus’ movie night at One Paseo

One Paseo will celebrate the spooky season with a Moonlight Cinema screening of “Hocus Pocus” on Saturday, Oct 18. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets and chairs to enjoy the Halloween classic under the stars on The Lawn at One Paseo, starting at 5 p.m. Snacks will be available to purchase on-sie. Past movie nights have included fun activities and photo-ops that follow the movie’s theme. Location address: 3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley.

San Dieguito Park’s Fall Festival

San Dieguito County Park will host a free Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by San Diego Parks and Recreation and supported by Nature Collective, the event is perfect for nature lovers and families alike with activities and hands-on crafts, environmental education booths and live animal encounters. At 11 a.m. there will be a Hawktober presentation followed by a costume contest and parade at 12:12 p.m. The festival will also include face painting and a bounce house.

Participants are encouraged to bring reusable bottles and cups to enjoy refreshments and help keep the event eco-friendly.Free street parking is available and parking in the park is $5. The park is located at 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Drive. For more information, call (858) 755-2386.

Diwali celebration at Carmel Valley Library

The Carmel Valley Library will host a Diwali celebration on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 4-5 p.m. The event held in honor of the Hindu festival of lights will include Bollywood style dancing, coloring pages and clay lantern (Diya) decorating. No registration required, open to all ages. The library is located 3919 Townsgate Drive, Carmel Valley.

Coastal Communities Concert Band presents ‘Showtime! From Hollywood to Broadway’

The Coastal Communities Concert Band (CCCBand), an award-winning symphonic band of more than 75 musicians from throughout San Diego County, will present “Showtime! From Hollywood to Broadway” on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. in Carlsbad. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and students are admitted free. Tickets (cash only) are available at the door, online at www.cccband.com or by calling 858-761-8421.The concert features tunes made famous in Broadway classics, such as the Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Chicago, and movie music which showcases superheroes, cowboys and space aliens.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Assistance League holds Comedy Night

The nonprofit, volunteer-run Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito hosts a comedy night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at the New Village Arts Theater. Comedians Jesse Egan and Brianne Bonner will perform. There will be appetizers provided by League members and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 through Oct. 10 at ALRSD’s Thrift Shop, 1542 Encinitas Blvd. After Oct. 15, tickets are $20 and may be bought at the door, if not sold out. Visit www.ALRSD.org.

Kayaking and cleanup at lagoon

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. The two-hour experience includes check-in, water safety instructions and about 90 minutes of 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.

Local author to hold book signing

Local author Leslie Johansen Nack will hold a book signing of her newest work, “Nineteen: A Daughter’s Memoir of Reckoning and Recovery,” about her road to healing after “her battle with addiction following a traumatic childhood,” at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Barnes & Noble, 1040 N El Camino Real, Encinitas. “Nineteen” concludes Nack’s story that chronicles her path to sobriety and a renewed sense of hope. Visit www.lesliejohansennack.com.

El Camino Quilters Guild to host guest speaker event and workshop

El Camino Quilters Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday Oct. 14, at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Dr. Oceanside, 92056. Guest fee $10.The guild’s October guest speaker is Kristie Naranjo. Her lecture is titled “Scrappy Applique”. Her workshop, “Scrappy Applique,” will be held Oct. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Quilt in a Day quilt shop in San Marcos. Workshop fee: $55.For more information visit elcaminoquilters.com or email info@elcaminoquilters.com.