North County Events from Jan. 6-12

We’re off into the new year!

Events are light this week, but I would like to extend my gratitude to all of you for supporting and reading this year. Be safe and have a great start to the New Year!

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 Jan. 6-12:

CARLSBAD

Jan. 11

Bike class! Join the Carlsbad Police Department for its first bike and e-bike safety class of 2025. There will be two sessions — 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.

Etc.

Voices! Join the Carlsbad Village Association for its Village Voices from 8-9:30 a.m. on Jan. 14 at the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center, 2787 State Street. Connect with fellow business owners, managers, staff, and residents in a welcoming environment. Stay informed about upcoming community events, city affairs, and business opportunities while collaborating to help Carlsbad Village thrive. Other dates for Village Voices are March 11, May 13, Sept. 9 and Nov. 11.

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

Jan. 10

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.

Etc.

Dinosaurs! Jurassic Quest is roaring into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The world’s largest, most popular dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family. Observe a herd of life-size animatronic dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, T-Rex and an incredible 50-foot long Megalodon. Interact with our trainers, baby dinos, and watch a live Raptor show. Explore dinosaur rides, giant fossil dig, inflatables, fossil science exhibit, “Triceratots” soft play area, and more. Get tickets here.

ENCINITAS

Jan. 8

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.

Etc.

Expo! Join the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce for its 2025 Community Resource Expo on Feb. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr., to celebrate and showcase the best of what our local businesses have to offer.

ESCONDIDO

Etc.

Art! Check out the opening reception of the 14th annual Art-a-thon on Jan. 11 by Distinction Gallery and ArtHatch at 317 E. Grand Ave. This group exhibition will feature paintings, drawings, and mixed media works. There will be live music, artists in attendance and drinks available for purchase from Last Spot by Tortari (21 ). The reception will mark the official start of the Art-a-thon auction. Proceeds benefit our free teen art program.

Dinosaurs! Take a trip back in time and discover the age of the dinosaurs and the amazing creatures who lived with them with Dino Train! Join KPBS and the San Diego Children’s Museum at 320 N. Broadway on Jan. 17 from 10 a.m.–noon for storytime, crafts, and a costume character photo opportunity. This event is free with Museum Admission.

Chocolate! Join the Escondido Downtown Business Association with your sweetheart or just your “sweet tooth” to enjoy “For The Love of Chocolate” Escondido Chocolate Festival from noon-5 p.m. on Feb. 15. Stroll in and out of nearly 20 designated restaurants, shops and spa tasting locations while sampling chocolate paired with local fine wines & craft beers. Plus, Escondido Arts & Culture, Esco Alley Art and Chocolate Truffle Making Classes are offered as a separate purchase. This ticketed event is capped at 350 attendees and sells out every year. Get tickets here.

OCEANSIDE

Jan. 7

Tap it! Join the Oceanside Theatre for its Adult Tap Workshop where you will work on the fundamentals of tap dance in the feet and body. Each week, students will build on the skills learned the previous week as we broaden our step vocabulary. Students will also learn about major figures and influences in tap dance history. Students will hone their tap skills with an emphasis on musicality, technique, and playfulness as they learn a dance to showcase at the end of the course. The workshop is every Tuesday from Jan. 7-Feb. 11 from 9:30-11 a.m. Register here.

LOL! Join the Oceanside Theatre for its Improv Comedy for Kids. This is a fun, six-week class designed for ages 11-16, where students dive into the creative world of improv. Through engaging games, character work, and scene-building taught by Jason Russo, students will build confidence, stretch their imaginations, and learn to think on their feet. Classes are every Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. from Jan. 7-Feb. 11.

Etc.

Clean up! Join I Love A Clean San Diego and Green Oceanside for a litter cleanup from 9-11 a.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 4500 Mesa Dr. We will divert litter from our street, storm drains and watersheds to keep it from traveling to the Pacific Ocean. Staff will have check-in ready for you on site. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes, some form of sun protection (sunscreen or a hat) and bring a water bottle or two! Staff will be providing everything else you will need. Register here.

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.

Stars! Join the city of San Marcos for its Star Walk on from 5:30-7 p.m. on Jan. 19 at 900 Double Peak Dr. Attendees will learn basic astronomy, celestial events and locate and identify common constellations. Bring an LED flashlight, binoculars, warm clothes and a blanket.

SOLANA BEACH

Jan. 6

Attention music lovers. Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of Peach Cooler (Jan. 8), Robert Jon & The Wreck (Jan. 9), Atomic Groove (Jan. 10), Frogs in a Pile (Jan. 10) and Tommy Castro & The Painkillers (Jan. 11).

VISTA

Jan. 11

Garden! Check out the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens’ Kids in the Garden class from 10 a.m.-noon. Kids will learn about nature photography. The class is free for members or $5 for non-members. Register here.

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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