BONITA
Garden club runs Spring Bazaar
The Bonita Valley Garden Club will have its annual Spring Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10 on the patio of the Bonita-Sunnyside Museum, 4355 Bonita Road. The bazaar will include jewelry, vintage clothing, holiday items including decor, shoes, purses and garden items. The nonprofit club provides scholarships for Cuyamaca and Southwestern colleges.
CARDIFF
Wildlife tour at lagoon
The Nature Collective will put on a free Wildlife Tour from 9 to 11 a.m. May 10 at the San Elijo Lagoon, 2710 Manchester Ave. The tour includes plants around the lagoon and any wildlife that might be out. Event is weather permitting. Registration is required at naturecollective.org/event/wildlife-tour-may-10-2025.
CARLSBAD
Bats topic of talk at lagoon
The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will hold a free presentation at 10 a.m. May 10 titled “The Fascinating World of Bats” led by Cynthia Myers of Project Wildlife and a wildlife outreach volunteer. The lagoon is a habitat for a number of species of bats rarely seen by visitors. Attendees will learn about bats and see a live bat “ambassador.” The family event is open to adults and kids age 10 and older. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.
Last week to visit The Flower Fields
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch with its acres of giant tecolote ranunculus blooms is slated to close for the season on May 11. This year’s theme at The Flower Fields is “Where Color Takes Flight,” inspired by several dozen glass and steel sculptures of butterflies and insects in the fields and accompanying gardens. The display is part of a traveling exhibit, “Glass in Flight,” by artist Alex Heveri. Along with the ranunculus, visitors can see a number of themed gardens and other attractions, including tractor wagon rides, a sweet pea maze and Santa’s Playground. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and are $27; $25 for seniors, $17 for children 3-10 and free for kids younger than 3. Visit theflowerfields.com.
Lego Festival kicks off May 3
The Lego Festival will run on weekends from May 3 through June 9 at Legoland California Resort, One Legoland Drive. Highlights of the event include five hands-on zones focused on music, creativity, dance, gaming and chill time. Visitors receive festival lanyards and can pose with a Lego “I Heart Play” model unique to California. Day es typically start at $89. Visit legoland.com/california.
CHULA VISTA
Wildfire preparedness workshop
The Chula Vista Fire Department continues its series of Wildfire Preparedness and Hazard Awareness Workshops from 5 to 7 p.m. May 7 at Fire Station 8, 1180 Woods Drive. The interactive presentation and breakout sessions will provide education on wildfire hazards and risks.
CORONADO
Chess tournament with grandmaster
The annual San Diego-Baku Youth Chess Tournament will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 3 at the Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave. The tournament will include a series of exhibition matches between an international chess grandmaster and three selected American youth players in the library’s Winn Room along with a chess clinic. A special guest will be Grandmaster Vasif Durarbayli. The tournament is free and open to players ages 8 to 18. A catered lunch from Panera Bread will be provided to ed players. The tournament is limited to 40 competitors from San Diego County. at coronado.librarycalendar.com/event/open-youth-chess-tournament-34435.
ENCINITAS
Art guild puts on garden tours
The Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour hosted by the nonprofit San Dieguito Art Guild will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10-11 at eight North County homes featuring more than 30 exhibits by local artists. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are valid for both days and homes may be revisited. Tickets are $35 at Off Track Gallery, 937 S. Coast Highway 101, or offtrackgallery.com, or day of event sites. Tickets are free for children ages 17 and younger.
‘World of Orchids’ at botanic garden
The San Diego Botanic Garden hosts its annual spring orchids show, “World of Orchids,” from May 4-June 1 in the glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The show includes plants on loan from the San Diego County Orchid Society and the Palomar Orchid Society, along with local businesses. There will be classes and vendors on select weekends. Garden hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). Reservations are recommended. Show entry is included with $18 garden ission; $15 for military, student, adults 60-plus; $10 for ages 3 to 17 and free for younger than 3 and for garden . Visit sdbg.org/world-of-orchids.
Animal shelter seeks teen foster volunteers
The Teen Foster Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society gives teenagers 15 and older a chance to work hands-on with 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 parent approval are required. For more information, call 760-753-6413 or visit sdpets.org.
Pet adoption fees reduced
Rancho Coastal Humane Society at 389 Requeza St. is among the animal shelters participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters event through May 15. Adoption fees for adult dogs and cats will be $70 through May 15. Visit bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters.
Criminalist to speak at AAUW meeting
The Del Mar-Leucadia Branch of American Association of University Women will host Monica McCall, a criminalist at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, for a presentation, “Forensics: The Science of Solving Crimes,” from 2 to 4 p.m. May 10 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. McCall will talk about her job as a forensic scientist. The event will also honor 15 seventh-grade girls from San Dieguito Union High School District chosen by the branch to attend Tech Trek virtual STEM camp or weeklong residential camp at the University of San Diego this summer. There will be social time at 2 p.m. followed by the program at 2:30. Visit delmarleucadia-ca.aauw.net.
52nd Anniversary Dance Celebration
The Sandpipers Square Dance Club will begin its 52nd anniversary celebration with an Introduction to Square Dance Basics from 6 to 7 p.m. May 3 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena St. Singles, couples and families are welcome. Casual attire is recommended. Arrive early at 5:15 p.m. for a potluck meal. Cost is $10 donation; free for children. Visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org.
ESCONDIDO
Children’s Discovery Museum opens water exhibit
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum opens its new interactive, educational exhibit called “Water Ways” on May 6 in the outdoor Trudy Bronner Discovery Garden, 320 N. Broadway. Visitors can learn about the flow of water through hands-on exploration. Kids can turn water valves on and off, launch balls into a water vortex and experiment with dams. The new water table will also include Escondido landmarks such as Lake Hodges and the Escondido Water Treatment Plant to see how drinking water comes from lakes and rivers and flows into cities. Visit sdcdm.org.
Free concert at arts center
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation will put on Hidden City Sounds, a free concert series for the community, from 8 to 9:15 p.m. May 9. The concert features the Mercedes Moore Band and a pre-show swing dance class from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Moore received the 2024 San Diego Music Award for Best Jazz Artist and is an eight-time SDMA nominee for Best Blues Artist. Visit artcenter.org.
LA MESA
‘Walk with A Doc’ event
The Sharp Community Resource Center is hosting “Walk with A Doc” from 9 to 10 a.m. May 8 at Grossmont Healthcare District Health and Wellness Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. Attendees can walk with a Sharp-d doctor and learn about diet, exercise and staying healthy. Registration is not required. Free on-site parking is available.
Widows and widowers club offers weekly games
The San Diego Widows and Widowers group offers cribbage and euchre every week at the food court in Grossmont Center, 5500 Grossmont Center Drive. The cribbage group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, and the euchre group meets at 1 p.m. Wednesdays. Sign up at @wowsd.fun.
NATIONAL CITY
Women’s chorus gives Spring Sing concert
The California Note Catchers, a nonprofit women’s a cappella chorus that sings four-part harmony, will perform a Spring Sing concert at 3 p.m. May 18 at Liberty Hall Theatre in Paradise Village, 2700 E. Fourth St. Donations are accepted at the door. Visit californianotecatchers.com.
OCEANSIDE
Art Walk and fest
Oceanside Museum of Art is teaming with Oceanside Art Walk to start Street Level x Art Walk. The three-event series kicks off from 5 to 8 p.m. May 2 at Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, with free museum ission, live entertainment, and creative vendors along the Art Walk tour in downtown Oceanside. The inaugural event spotlights the neurodivergent community with a live performance by Jungle Poppins – a band featuring who are on the autism spectrum. There will also be an event, The Art of Autism: A Different Lens, OMA’s exhibition celebrating neurodivergent artists. A docent-led tour of the exhibition will be at 6 p.m. May 2, and the event will also feature local artists selling handmade goods on the terrace and in the museum store. Drink tickets will be sold for ages 21 and older. Visit oma-online.org.
Learning Is For Everyone group holds free lectures
LIFE, MiraCosta College’s Learning Is For Everyone group, meets at 1 p.m. May 9 at the Oceanside Campus, in the Board Room of the istration Building (Building 1000) and online via Zoom. At 1 p.m., the Rev. Sterling Davenport will discuss Buddhism’s fundamental origins and give an overview of its historical development and practices and belief of the modern Jodo Shinshu tradition of the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. At 2:30 p.m., Beth Urech will give a presentation on “Jeanette Rankin, The First Woman Elected to Congress.” Visit miracosta.edu/life.
POWAY
Flower Show and Plant Sale in park
The Poway Valley Garden Club runs its 46th annual Flower Show and Plant Sale, themed “Reimagining Nature’s Symphony,” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 10 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. The theme for this year’s Horticulture Specialty Show is “Reimagining Nature’s Symphony.” The plant sale will be in the gazebo with items such as spring planting supplies, garden art and gifts, including succulent dish gardens and hand-crafted birdhouses. There will be representatives from the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center and Blue Sky Ecological Reserve along with master gardeners. ission is free. For the schedule and information on submitting entries, visit powayvalleygardenclub.org/flower-show.
RANCHO BERNARDO
Pups & Pints at Oasis
A Pups & Pints event is from 1 to 4 p.m. May 10 at the San Diego Oasis, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive. The Frosted Faces Foundation hosts the pet adoption event that features senior dogs ready to be adopted. There will be free craft beer. Visit san-diego.oasisnet.org or frostedfacesfoundation.org.
Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair
The 48th annual Spring Arts and Crafts Fair with handcrafted goods sold by artists and crafters is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10-11 at Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte. The event includes 125 vendors from across Southern California, with a range of crafted items from handmade jewelry, soaps, paintings and sculpture to local honey, clothing and pottery along with art for home and garden. There will be outside wine bars throughout the winery grounds and Italian fare from the Kitchen restaurant in the courtyard along with a food court. The permanent winery village shops will also be open during the fair. No pets are allowed on winery grounds. (Some vendors only accept cash.) Visit bernardowinery.com.
Parkinson’s group meets
The Inland North County Parkinson’s Group for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners meets from 10 a.m. to noon May 5 at San Rafael Church, 17252 Bernardo Center Drive. The featured speaker is Mickey Burke, owner of Cerebral Motion, who will present “Healthy Exercise for the Young at Heart.” Discussion sessions will follow the presentation. Call 760-749-8234.
‘Joy of Piano’ concert
“The Joy of Piano Rediscovered” concert is from 3 to 4 p.m. May 10 at the Rancho Bernardo Branch Library in the second-floor Community Room, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The free concert features Helena Wei and her students from the Emeritus Piano Program at San Diego College of Continuing Education. Visit friendsoftherblibrary.org.
Republican women’s group meets
The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women group holds a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. May 16 at The Heights Country Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway. Cost is $35. The speakers are Jim Dougherty, Poway Unified School District Board member, and Rachelle Bubler, entrepreneur and advocate for transparency and parental rights. Bubler is co-founder of the PUSD Community Watch group. RSVP by 6 p.m. May 9 at rbrepublicanwomen.org.
RANCHO SANTA FE
Rescue Mission VP to speak at luncheon
The Village Church will host guest speaker Michelle Le Beau, senior vice president of San Diego Rescue Mission, at the annual Spring Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. May 14 in the church’s Fellowship Hall, 6225 Paseo Delicias. Le Beau will speak on “Shining a Light on the Overlooked.” Attendees are asked to the church’s mission partner, Care House, by bringing $10 gift cards for McDonald’s, Subway or Starbucks. Tickets are $20 and seating is limited. RSVPs are required at villagechurch.org/womens-spring-luncheon.
SAN DIEGO
Junior League puts on ‘Party for a Purpose’
The Junior League of San Diego will put on its annual spring fundraiser, “Party for a Purpose: Dancing in the Moonlight,” from 5:30 to 10 p.m. May 10 at the Polynesian-themed Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island. The event will feature live music, dinner, dancing, signature cocktails, a silent auction and raffle prizes. Proceeds the nonprofit’s efforts to fight food insecurity in the community. Tickets are $100 and include dinner and a “Starlight Spritz;” VIP tickets are $150. Visit jlsd.org.
Balboa Park Pow Wow
The 37th annual Balboa Park Pow Wow celebrating Native American heritage is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 10-11 in Balboa Park at the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way. The family-friendly community event, hosted by San Diego American Indian Health Center, features Native American music, dance and art. Highlights include Native American singers, drummers and dancers in traditional regalia from throughout the Southwest sharing traditions such as Kumeyaay Bird Singing, gourd dancing, inter-tribal dancing, and honoring of community leaders. There will be dozens of local vendors and food booths serving fry bread and other Native American dishes. Native American artists will sell handcrafted goods, such as jewelry, clothing, blankets and art. ission is free. Visit sdaihc.org/powwow.
Braver Angels group offers cross-partisan discussion
The San Diego Alliance of Braver Angels will hold a discussion from 10 a.m. to noon May 10 on the First Amendment and the Separation of Church and State at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Community Library, 9005 Aero Drive. For more information or to RSVP, email [email protected].
Nowruz Festival
The Azizi Foundation presents the Nowruz Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 10 at the Naval Training Center Park, 2455 Cushing Road. Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian, marks the Persian New Year. The festival celebrates the start of spring. General ission tickets are $25 at attan.com or $30 at the door. ission is free for kids age 6 and younger.
Fundraiser benefits foster kids
Walden Family Services hosts a fundraiser themed “Welcome to the Moulin Rouge” to help foster children and youths from 6 to 10 p.m. May 9 at The Abbey on Fifth in Bankers Hill. Highlights include dinner, live entertainment with a Parisian cabaret theme, performances and dancing. The event recognizes Chris Shaw and Doug Snyder of Urban Mo’s, Gossip Grill, Baja Betty’s, Hillcrest Brewing Co. and InsideOUT for creating safe spaces in the community. Funds raised will the nonprofit’s mental health services, educational resources, transitional housing, and foster care placements for foster children and youths across Southern California. Visit waldenfamily.org/moulin-rouge.
Cinco de Mayo celebration in Old Town
The Old Town San Diego Cinco de Mayo celebration is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 3 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 4 featuring folklorico dancing, cultural performances, Street Mercado with artisan vendors, handmade goods and treats along with a children’s carnival starting at noon on Harney Street with games and tattoo station. ission is free; game tickets can be purchased on-site. Visit oldtownsandiego.org.
Mission Hills Garden Walk
The Mission Hills Garden Club holds its 27th annual Mission Hills Garden Walk, themed “A Garden Walk Through Time,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10. The walks include a number of gardens, including the Grant TK-8 School organic Gecko Garden. The event will include local musicians and artists in the gardens, and there will also be a garden-oriented bazaar and food demonstrations. Tickets are $40; free for children under age 10. Visit missionhillsgardenclub.org/garden-walk.
Women’s Club puts on fundraiser for Safe House
The nonprofit Mission Beach Women’s Club will hold a fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. May 9 at 840 Santa Clara Place to benefit the Safe House at Center for Community Solutions, which s survivors and prevents assault, providing free shelter, therapy and legal assistance, among other services. The keynote speakers are District Attorney Summer Stephan and Cori Austin, CEO of Center for Community Solutions. The event includes a catered dinner, opportunity drawings and an auction with Mark Mathis emceeing. Visit mbwc.org.
Guild to hold art glass show
The Art Glass Guild’s Spring Show and Patio Sale is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10-11 at the Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place. The show features art glass ranging from blown, fused, torched and stained to cast, etched and mosaic art glass, created by San Diego-area glass artists. Highlights include art demonstrations, including torch-work, a giant kaleidoscope and an area for children and adults to create a mosaic art piece to take home. ission is free. Visit artglassguild.com/mevents/art-glass-guild-annual-fall-show-and-sale.
Orchid cacti show at Balboa Park
The San Diego Epiphyllum Society holds a Mother’s Day weekend sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 and a sale and show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. The event will display the latest epiphyllum, also known as orchid cacti, hybrids and many other species. The sale includes plants and clippings. ission is free. Visit sdepis.org.
Church holds music event
The Rock Church along with several other local churches and groups are hosting the Just1 San Diego music event from 6 to 9 p.m. May 10 at San Diego State University’s Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive. The event features live musical performances by Grammy-winning artist Chandler Moore and Circuit Rider Music along with worship and message by Pastor Miles Mherson. Gates and doors open at 4:30 p.m. ission is free. at reachjust1.com/sandiego.
Toastmasters group to discuss earthquakes
The Voyagers Toastmaster Club in Hillcrest hosts a meeting from 7 to 8:30 a.m. May 8 at Cowork + Connect, 1223 Cleveland Ave., Suite 200. The topic of discussion will be “Earthquakes – What do you need to know if you live in San Diego.” There will be free coffee and networking at 6:45 a.m. ission is free. The Toastmasters work at improving public speaking and communication skills. To reserve a seat or for more information, email [email protected].
Walk for Wildlife
A 5K Walk for Wildlife is from 7 to 10 a.m. May 10 at Riverwalk Golf Club, 1150 Fashion Valley Road, to raise money for wildlife conservation research in the San Diego River Watershed. There will be a 1K and 5K walk along with live music, refreshments, giveaways and educational activities. Registration is $25-$40 for the 5K at raceroster.com/events/2025/103316/river-days-walk-for-wildlife.
Air & Space Museum offers May discounts
The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park is offering discounts throughout May, including Kids Free May where up to two children age 12 and younger get in free with one full-price paid adult and buy-one-get-one simulator rides, new Military Family Fun Card beginning May 6 and Golden Ticket raffle for a behind-the-scenes Tour for Ten along with special discounts at the Flight Path Grill and Gift Shop for museum and Balboa Park Explorer Holders and the annual Space Day on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit sandiegoairandspace.com/madness or call 619-234-8291.
Biton club holds tournament
San Diego Bton Club will be holding the 67th Dave Freeman Classic Open May 2-4 at the Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd. Free for spectators. For schedule and details, visit https://scba.tournamentsoftware.com/tournament/334BADB7-2DA0-44BE-AD1F-FAD614636A79?
SANTEE
Bike Anywhere Day
For Bike Anywhere Day on May 15 there will be a pit stop on the corner of Mast Boulevard and Carlton Hills Boulevard from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. ed bikers can stop by to receive a free T-shirt, snacks and other goodies while supplies last. Participants can enter for the chance to win one of three e-bikes powered by Rad Power Bikes. Bikers can at the Bike Anywhere Day webpage on SANDAG’s website.
Friday Nights Live
Santee hosts the free Friday Nights Live series from 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 16, 23 and May 30 at Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road. The event includes live performances from local groups along with a variety of family-friendly activities such as face painting, caricature artists, a rock-climbing wall, and arts and crafts. Attendees can grab a bite at local eateries. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov/our-community/city-special-events.
Teen Center Splash Bash
The Santee Teen Center Splash Bash for Santee teens in grades 5-12, under age 17, is from 1 to 3 p.m. May 31 to swim for free at the Santee Aquatics Center at Cameron Family YMCA, 10123 Riverwalk Drive. SD Nights will provide 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 as on-site registration will be limited. Santee Teen Center hip or proof of residency is required. Visit cityofsanteeca.gov/our-community/city-special-events.
SPRING VALLEY
Thrift sale benefits food pantry
Santa Sophia St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry will hold a thrift sale to benefit the pantry from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 in the hall behind Santa Sophia church, 9800 San Juan St. There will be new and used items for sale, including clothing, home goods, linens, glassware, jewelry, toys, knick-knacks and furniture. Clothing in the main hall will be $1. There will also be a vintage/collectibles section and a boutique along with a room full of record albums and more than 1,000 CD/DVDs. Visit santasophia.org/st-vincent-de-paul-pantry.
VISTA
Operation Hope to put on fundraiser gala
Operation Hope will put on its Hope Illuminated Gala at 5 p.m. June 14 at The Hidden Barn, 762 Taylor St. The event raises money for the Vista-based nonprofit’s mission to help homeless community by offering a safe, ive place to rebuild their lives and regain independence. The event includes guest speakers, live entertainment, dinner and stories of transformation. Tickets are $180–$250; (purchase by May 15 and receive gift). Visit operationhopeshelter.org.
Clinic marks Alcohol Awareness Month
In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, Vista Community Clinic is raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol misuse and encouraging prevention efforts along with ing struggling community . The clinic offers a Medication Assisted Treatment program for substance abuse and provides induction and injection options for medications that treat alcohol and opioid addiction. The clinic provides services to people of all ages, regardless of insurance or income status. Call 844-308-5003, ext. 2127, or visit vcc.org.
If your nonprofit would like to submit an event listing or photos of events that have happened recently, please email [email protected]. Include the name of the group, date and time of event, address, cost and 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.
