North County Events from Dec. 23-29
Merry Christmas!
Events are light this week, but I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you for supporting and reading this year. I will be taking a day or two off to enjoy this week, but will be back on Friday and then on Sunday with a year-end recap of the biggest stories of the year.
I hope you and your family have a safe and fantastic Christmas!
North County Pipeline is now on Instagram, so you can follow me there. And as always, if you, or someone you know, would like to promote an event, send an email to ncpipeline760@gmail.com (subject line: The Grapevine) at least two weeks in advance. Please include time, date, address, link and keep it short and sweet!
Here are the latest events for the week of Dec. 23-29:
CARLSBAD
Etc.
New Year’s Eve party! Join the city of Carlsbad for a family-friendly exploration of New Year's traditions around the world, dancing, crafts, and of course a traditional New Year's Eve countdown to 12 ... noon! No need to stay up past your bedtime. Children of all ages are welcome; crafts and activities will be geared for 4- to 10-year olds. The event runs from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Bike class! Join the Carlsbad Police Department for its first bike and e-bike safety class of 2025. There will be two sessions on Jan. 11 — one at 9 a.m. and the other at 10:30 a.m. — at the Dove Library. The classes will discuss tips, rules of the road and city-specific e-bike laws. Space is limited and reserved for students who live in Carlsbad or attend a Carlsbad school. Register here.
Running! Check out the Carlsbad Marathon, half marathon and 5K on Jan. 19. The marathon starts at 6:15 a.m. followed by the 5K at 6:45 a.m. and half marathon at 7:45 a.m. The races start at The Shoppes at Carlsbad and weave through the Village and down Coast Highway. Sign up here.
DEL MAR
Etc.
Gem Faire! The Gem Faire is renowned for fine jewelry, crystals, gemstones, beads, minerals, fossils, and more. Buy directly from importers and wholesalers, and explore a wide range from loose gemstones to finished jewelry, all in one spot. Enjoy on-the-spot services like jewelry repair, cleaning, and ring sizing while you shop. The Gem Faire will be open from noon-6 p.m. on Jan. 10 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Jan. 11-12 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
ENCINITAS
Etc.
Free concert! Enjoy the music of the VillaMusica Flute Ensemble, comprised of amateur, retired and professional flutists in the San Diego community. Directed by Valerie McElroy, the ensemble performs repertoire in a variety of styles, including classical, jazz, contemporary, blues and Broadway. The show is from noon-1 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr.
ESCONDIDO
Dec. 26
Roller rink! Check out the last two days of the “return” of Ups-n-Downs roller rink on Grand Avenue and Juniper Street. The temporary roller rink is for all ages and brings smiles to all. The final two days run from Dec. 26-27 from 4-8 p.m.
OCEANSIDE
Etc.
Bike safety! Join the Oceanside Police Department for a bike safety class from 9-11 a.m. on Jan. 25 at police headquarters, 3855 Mission Ave. Attendees will learn about the rules of the road, traffic laws, e-bike safety, helmets and more. For more information or to RSVP, contact Officer Matthew Parenteau mjparenteau@oceansideca.org.
SAN MARCOS
Etc.
Hiking! Join the city of San Marcos for its Watershed Hike Series from 9 a.m.-noon on Jan. 4. Hikers will start from the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead and enjoy a scenic 6.4-mile hike on the Mule Hill Historical Trail towards Raptor Ridge. There is little to no elevation gain. Meet at the San Dieguito River Park parking lot, 12655 Sunset Dr. in Escondido.
SOLANA BEACH
Dec. 23
Attention music lovers. Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of Nancarrow, Brawley, Buzz Campbell and the Heartaches (today), Jimmy’s Buffet (Dec. 26), Atomic Groove (Dec. 27), Donavon Frankenreiter (Dec. 27), Easy Wind (Dec. 28) and The Steely Damned (Dec. 29).
VISTA
Etc.
Community state! Join the city of Vista for its annual State of the Community from 11 a.m.1:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 at 200 Civic Center Dr. The keynote speaker will be Mayor John Franklin.
Farmer’s Markets
The Grand Farmers Market runs from 2:30-7 p.m. every Tuesday on Juniper Street between Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway at Heritage Park. The market has a great selection of produce and meats with a variety of vendors.
The open-air San Marcos Farmer’s Market is year-round and is held every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. at 251 N. City Dr. off Twin Oaks Valley Road and across from Cal-State San Marcos.
The State Street Farmer’s Market in Carlsbad is every Wednesday from 2:30-6 p.m. on State Street between Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue. This lively market features amazing produce, organic eats, locally prepared food, live entertainment and an all-around good vibe.
*Note: The State Street Farmer’s Market spring/summer hours are 2:30-7 p.m. from March 10 through Nov. 3.
The Oceanside Farmer’s Market is held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Sunset Market every Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at the corner of Pier View Way and Coast Highway. The popular market provides a delicious display of local produce, meats, flowers and nursery items!
The Vista Farmer’s Market is the county’s longest running market and is every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon, rain or shine at the San Diego County Courthouse, 345 S. Melrose Dr.
The Cardiff Farmer’s Market at Mira Costa College, 3333 Manchester Ave., runs every Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and features numerous international food vendors, food and plant vendors plus much more!
The Del Mar Farmer's Market is the second oldest in the region and is every Saturday from noon–4 p.m. on the lower outdoor parking lot at the Del Mar Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar. This certified, non-profit market brings to the community a variety of fresh local produce, seafood, fresh coffee, locally prepared international specialty foods to enjoy on-site or to take home, artisan creations, and live music.
The Leucadia Farmer’s Market is every Sunday (except Easter) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Paul Ecke Central School, 185 Union St. in Encinitas. The market has a great collection of more than 30 certified growers, 10 certified organic and more than 70 total vendors.
The Bonsall Farmer’s Market and Open Air Faire runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Sunday at Bonsall Elementary School, 31555 Old River Rd. The market highlights fresh garden-to-table locally grown fruits, veggies, hormone-free meat, local artisan cheese and much more.
The Solana Beach Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday from noon-4 p.m. (except on Easter, July 4, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) The market features organic farmers with nature's finest produce to skilled artisans crafting one-of-a-kind creations, our vendor lineup is a celebration of local talent and creativity.
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