North County Events from Sept. 16-22
North County San Diego is a diverse and dynamic community, offering an array of cultural, recreational, and educational events for all ages and interests.
If you, or someone you know, would like to promote an event, shoot us an email at 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 Sept. 16-22:
CARLSBAD
Sept. 16
Candidate forum! Join the Carlsbad, Encinitas and Solana Beach chamber of commerce’s and The Coast News for a candidate forum from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Carlsbad Windmill Food Hall, 890 Palomar Airport Road. The forum features incumbent Terra Lawson-Remer and former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer as they run for the District 3 seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
Sept. 19
Open to the public! The Columbia Sportswear Company employee store will be open to the public from Sept. 19-22. Shoppers can save up to 50% off retail prices on the family of brands (prAna, Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear). There will be daily prizes.
Sept. 21
Bocce! Take part in one of the premier events at the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad’s annual Beach Bocce Ball tournament. Join the club at Mariner’s Point in Mission Bay. There are four electrifying divisions: Mens Intermediate, Mens Open, Womens, and Mixed; along with contests, food and drinks. Register here.
Artistry! Join Artwalk San Diego for its fourth annual Artwalk Carlsbad. The free event is Sept. 21-22 on Armada Drive above the Flower Fields. The event runs from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sept. 21 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sept. 22. The artwalk showcases more than 200 visual and performing artists, food vendors and more.
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Oktoberfest! Join the Carlsbad Rotary clubs for the 42nd annual Oktoberfest from noon-8 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the Strawberry Fields, 1050 Cannon Rd. Indulge in authentic German cuisine from Nava Sausages along with pretzels and strudel, partake in activities for both kids and adults, immerse yourself in live German music, and, of course, relish our vibrant Bier Garten!
Big drive! Join Carlsbad-based The Mitchell Thorp Foundation for its inaugural Par For A Purpose golf tournament, on Oct. 21 at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying golf for the first time, all are invited to join the fun in this scramble format. After the tournament, there will be a banquet and awards ceremony where attendees and their guests will enjoy dinner, live entertainment and live and silent auctions. Register here.
DEL MAR
Sept. 20
Kids clothes! Check out San Diego’s largest children’s and maternity consignment sale at the So Just Between Friends community marketplace at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from Sept. 20-22. Find brand name items such as clothes, toys, shoes, books and more, from 50%-90% off retail price.
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Celebrate! Check out the 39th annual River Valley Fest by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy’s largest fundraiser of the year from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13 at Hilton San Diego Del Mar, 15575 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar. This year’s theme, “A Flourishing Legacy,” honors nearly four decades of dedication to nurturing lands that sustain wildlife and people alike. The program includes a performance by the Rolf Olsen Jazz Quartet, a silent auction and small-plate buffet of gourmet bites to savor throughout the night.
ENCINITAS
Sept. 18
Free concert! Enjoy the music of Dave Dersham, a performing songwriter based in western Massachusetts. His compositions are influenced by Greg Brown, Paul Simon, Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell. He plays acoustic guitar, harmonica and ukulele to accompany his singing. The show is from noon-1 p.m. at the Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Dr.
Sept. 21
Bike safe! Join the city of Encinitas and San Diego Bicycle Coalition for a bike and e-bike safety and skill classes from 9 a.m.-noon on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr. Participants will learn the rules of the road, essential riding skills, best practices and more. The three-hour session features a lecture, skills drills and a guided road ride. The class is for ages 10 and older and registration opens today.
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Play time! Check out Kids Day on Sept. 28 at the Cardiff Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. filled with creative learning opportunities for children and their families. The event will feature activities for all ages, including the Little Buds Nature Club, face painting, arts & crafts, and a workshop with Girls Empowerment Movement and Support (GEMS).
Oktoberfest! Check out the 28th annual Encinitas Oktoberfest from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sept. 29 on Mountain Vista Drive. This free and festive community event has a longstanding tradition of celebrating the German roots of our Encinitas area along with showcasing local artisan products, an authentic German beer garden with stage entertainment to include Bavarian music and dance troupes, German refreshments as well as an international food court, carnival ride attractions and a recently added local craft beer garden.
ESCONDIDO
Sept. 21
Concert! Check out the award-winning Coastal Communities Concert Band in its premier performance at the Kit Carson Park Amphitheater, 333 Bear Valley Parkway, on Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. The program will consist of toe-tapping hit songs of yesteryear, including Broadway and movie favorites and a couple patriotic numbers. Admission is $10 per adult age 18 and over with free admission for those 17 and under.
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Wedding season! Join Where 2 Or More Gather’s Flower Boutique and Café for its upcoming fall wedding market, a unique wedding planning and shopping experience. The event runs from 2-6 p.m. at 1538 Quail Ridge Rd. Engage with talented local artists and top wedding industry professionals. Explore their exquisite products and services, and see them in action as you plan your dream.
Network! My San Diego North County presents the ninth annual North County Business Expo and Mega Mixer at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 25. Come and network with North County business professionals from Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Fallbrook, Valley Center, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain, Rancho Penasquitos, Ramona and every community in between. We are excited for the event and come visit the Escondido Chamber table and 40 other vendor tables at the expo.
OCEANSIDE
Sept. 16
Golden opening! Frontwave Arena, North County's new multi-purpose venue and home to the San Diego Sockers and San Diego Clippers, opens with the “Gold Over America Tour” featuring Simone Biles, marking the start of a diverse lineup of events and top-tier entertainment.
Sept. 20
Surf pro! Check out the Super Girl Surf Pro on Sept. 20-22, one of the largest all-female surf competitions in the world. Designed to celebrate and empower women in areas where they are traditionally underrepresented, the Super Girl Pro Series features surfing, action sports and esports. The event spans the whole weekend featuring the surf competition in the day and large free concerts in the evenings. Parking lots 28, 29 and 30 will be closed.
Block party! With the end of summer in sight, Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) will host its fifth and final event in this year’s summer block party series, Street Level! The event runs from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Street Level Vol 2.5 brings together the community for an evening inspired by Oceanside’s muse — the Pacific Ocean — paying homage to OMA’s current PST Art exhibition Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean.
Freaky musical! Check out the Star Theatre’s production of the classic “Freaky Friday.” The show runs from Sept. 20-22. The musical is based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films.
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VIP party! Take part in the Taste of Oceanside VIP experience hosted by Mainstreet Oceanside from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Enjoy delicious bites, desserts, and drinks. Live entertainment will be provided. Additionally, the museum's first-floor gallery will be accessible for viewing and the museum gift shop will be open for early holiday shopping.
Taste Oside! Check out the 10th annual Taste of Oceanside from 1:30-5 p.m. on Oct. 5 in downtown Oceanside. foot or hop on the free ‘Taste Trolley’ to taste and sip their way through Oceanside’s exciting food and brew scene. For those 21 and older, the food and beverage combo ticket offers the chance to sample sips from the community’s vibrant craft breweries and wineries at participating stores and offices. Tickets are limited.
Seniors! Check out the Oceanside Senior Expo from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the William Wagner Aquatic Center, 3306 Senior Center Dr. This popular event will feature health-related businesses, non-profits and senior organizations. In addition, exhibitors have an opportunity to offer variety of free health-related screenings and demonstrations for the public. The event is free to the public. Tabletop exhibit space is available for businesses interested in promoting their products or services. Register here.
SAN MARCOS
Sept. 17
Help a life! Join the San Diego Blood Bank for a blood drive from 8-10:30 a.m. at Cerro de las Posas Park, 1387 W. Borden Rd. All participants who donate will receive a free pass to the pool. Be a hero to someone and help save up to three lives with your donation. Bring a friend as all blood types are greatly needed. Schedule your donation time slot by clicking here.
Sept. 21
Concert! Join the city of San Marcos for its Summer Concert Series finale featuring Savor. The show runs from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Wood House at Woodland Park, 1148 Rock Springs Road. Tickets are $8 pre-sale, $10 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. Click here for tickets.
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Hiking! Join the city of San Marcos for a moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from 8-11 a.m. on Oct. 5 starting at San Elijo Hills Park. Hikers will take in a circle tour of the south San Elijo Hills area. Trails to be explored will include the Copper Creek, Garden, Wild Canyon and Make-A-Wish trails. Expect 760 feet of elevation gain. Meet at the park at 7:30 a.m.
Fire trucks! Join the city of San Marcos and the San Marcos Fire Department’s 2024 Open House, located at San Marcos Fire Station 1, 180 W. Mission Rd. There will activities for the entire family, a barebcue, firetrucks, ambulances, sheriff’s cars and Sparky the Fire Dog.
SOLANA BEACH
Sept. 16
Attention music lovers. Check out the famous BellyUp. This week’s lineup consists of Kishi Bashi (Sept. 17), The Man in Black: Tribute to Johnny Cash (Sept. 18), comedian Kevin Nealon (Sept. 19), Atomic Groove and GoldFish (Sept. 20), The Reunion and Resurrection Jam and Mustache Harbor (Sept. 21) and Debbie Gibson (Sept. 22).
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Bike safety! Join the city of Solana Beach and San Diego Bicycle Coalition for a city cycling workshop from 9 a.m.-noon on Sept. 29 at City Hall, 635 S. Highway 101. The class will teach road rules, where to ride, general bike safety, emergency maneuvers, legal rights, responsibilities on the road and practicing everything through skills drills. Those skills will then be put into action through a guided road ride with the bike coalition. Save your spot here.
VISTA
Sept. 18
Musical! Check out the Moonlight Stage Productions presentation of “Tootsie” from Sept. 11-28 at the Moonlight Amphitheater. The show is a musical comedy based on the 1982 American film of the same name where the lead character, Michael, has a bright idea and decides to make one last-ditch effort at achieving theatrical success. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. and get tickets here.
Sept. 21
Vikings! Check out the 22nd annual Viking Festival at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., from Sept. 21-22. Re-enactors in Viking Villages provide historic context, battles, and a glimpse at Viking life. Live music from Local favorites Highland Way, Blindfold Monks, Silk Button Butchers and Damekor. Also, try your hand at archery, spears and axes and enjoy the tastes of food, beer and mead. Get tickets.
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Homeless help! Join the National Day of Service event on Sept. 28 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1545 S. Melrose Drive. Volunteers will be working on insulated vests for the unsheltered in conjunction with The Turtle Project as well as assembling hygiene kits. The event is open to volunteers of all ages 3 and up. Session 1 is from 9-11 a.m. with activities for all ages. Session 2 is from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with activities for ages 11 and older.
Gun safety! The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a gun safety event from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the North County Regional Center, 325 S. Melrose Dr. in Vista. Individuals can turn in unwanted firearms — $100 for handguns, rifles and shotguns and $200 assault weapons. Firearms must be in working order and placed in the trunk.
Cycleway! Join the city of Vista as it hosts the inaugural Cyclovia event in historic downtown Vista from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 29. This family-friendly event offers a unique way to explore downtown Vista via bike, foot, or other forms of self-powered transportation — completely free of cars. Additionally, the event celebrates Clean Air Day in Vista and provides education on sustainability across the city.
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.