Things to do: Upcoming events include benefit concerts, art & wine festivals, and more

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 […]

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.

11th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club will hold the 11th Annual Taste of Rancho Santa Fe event on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. An After-Party will be held at 7 p.m.

The Taste of Rancho Santa Fe features “varied tastes of scrumptious bites from some of San Diego’s finest restaurants as well as award-winning wines poured by vintners adorning the California Coast from Temecula and Santa Barbara to Sonoma and Napa, and other leading beverage producers,” according to RSF Rotary’s website.

Proceeds from this all-volunteer event support the fundraising efforts of the Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Foundation, formed in 1959, whose mission is to serve various San Diego area causes, including ending hunger and human trafficking, and helping the less fortunate, this country’s brave soldiers present and past, and many others needing a helping hand.For tickets and more information, visit www.tasteofrsf.org

56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit event

Beach and Country Guild will present the 56th annual Dia del Sol 2025 benefit event titled “Ethereal Elegance, A Shimmering Celebration” on Friday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. The annual champagne reception, gourmet luncheon, live and silent auction, and fashion show event raises funds to support United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of San Diego. This year’s children’s fashion show features The Sasha Project LA (www.thesashaprojectla.org).

The guest speaker at the event will be R.J. Mitte, best known for his portrayal of Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning dramatic thriller “Breaking Bad.”Visit www.beachandcountry.org for tickets, up-to-date information on Dia del Sol or email reservations@beachandcountry.org with questions regarding the event.

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 JanuaryPropelled 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.

“The Pleated Saeculum” at Oolong Gallery opens Sept. 27

Oolong Gallery in Rancho Santa Fe will feature “The Pleated Saeculum” with artist Erin Morrison, on display starting Sept. 27. The gallery will host an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 6-8 p.m. An artist talk with Jennifer S. Li will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28.“The Pleated Saeculum” will feature a collection of Morrison’s relief paintings, which use distemper, copper leaf and copper wire on a canvas embedded in gypsum. Pieces on display include works done during her time in a Hong Kong studio from 2020-2023 that haven’t been previously shown in the United States.The artist recently completed a residency at Officina Stamperia del Notaio in Tusa, Sicily, which further enriched her printmaking practice.Oolong Gallery is located at 6030 La Flecha, Rancho Santa Fe.

Ryan Campbell Garrett Art Advisory hosts new exhibition

The Ryan Campbell Garrett Art Advisory will host “The Presence in Paint”, a new exhibition held at a private residence in La Jolla on Saturday, Sept. 27. An artist talk and reception will be held on Oct. 11.This will be the advisory’s second presentation, following up last year’s pop-up art exhibition“This is Now” in the Rancho Santa Fe village. The advisory now has offices on La Granada in Rancho Santa Fe.“The Presence in Paint” will feature 16 contemporary artists. “The exhibition emphasizes a cumulative focus on light, texture, and spatial exploration, illustrating how painting can reflect and reveal both internal states and external worlds,” according to a press release.To learn more, visit rcgartadvisory.com

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

DreamKeepers Membership Appreciation Event, all welcome to attend

DreamKeepers Project Inc will hold their 20th annual Membership Appreciation Event “A Morning of Coffee, Food & Friends”, which will take place on Monday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon at La Valle Coastal Club (formerly Morgan Run) in Rancho Santa Fe.The event’s special guest chef from Buona Forchetta will present a delicious Italian cooking demonstration.

There will also be exciting shopping with merchandise from favorite vendors featuring jewelry and artful items for the home. And, of course, the Famous Opportunity Drawing for fabulous gift baskets will conclude the morning of fun, according to a news release.DreamKeepers Project Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Family Recovery Center in Oceanside, which assists women in breaking the cycle of substance abuse. Visit www.dreamkeepersproject.org for more information.

All are welcome to attend so come and bring a friend. RSVP by Monday, Sept. 29 to: contact@dreamkeepersproject.org or 858-756-6993 for details.There is no charge for this event – please consider bringing a donation for the babies and toddlers at FRC or Target or Walmart gift cards in $25 denominations.

Pathways to Citizenship puts on Party with a Purpose

Pathways to Citizenship, a nonprofit immigration law center serving immigrant families in San Diego County, holds its annual fundraiser, Party with a Purpose, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the La Valle Coastal Club, 5690 Cancha de Golf. The event raises money for immigration legal services for local families. Highlights include a silent auction, a steel drum band, tropical food and drinks, and stories from clients. Tickets are $120. To donate to the silent auction or become a sponsor, email sonya@pathwayssd.org. Visit pathwayssd.org.

North Coast Rep Variety Nights presents Robert Dubac’s comedy OMG!

North Coast Rep Variety Nights will feature OMG! starring Robert Dubac on Monday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. In Dubac’s hilarious new show OMG! our lord and savior returns but this time he’s no carpenter — he’s a stand-up comedian! Join him as he channels what God created on the eighth day. Comedy.

North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. Tickets are $49 with discounts for students, military, and educators. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets.

Blood donors get tickets to SeaWorld Halloween attraction

Donors who give blood at a San Diego Blood Bank donation center or mobile blood drive during September will receive a ticket to SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream, which includes five haunted houses, new scare zones, performances and speakeasys, running on select nights Sept.12 to Nov. 1. Visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org/SeaWorld. Walk-ins are welcome.

Taste of Carlsbad Village

Taste of Carlsbad Village, featuring more than 25 local restaurants, and a dozen craft breweries, wineries, and specialty beverage makers is from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 in downtown Carlsbad. Local musicians will perform live entertainment. Early ticket purchase recommended; limited to 1,000 tickets. Visit https://www.carlsbad-village.com/

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is set for 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/$80 through Oct. 10 and $65/$85 Oct. 11-12. Visit ljawf.com.

Pacific Coast Harmony concert

Pacific Coast Harmony will present “Fall Into Harmony,” a show of modern four-part a cappella harmony music, at 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Carlsbad City Library’s Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane. The program covers the Great American Songbook, Broadway theater and film along with popular songs. There will be a special appearance by the OC Sound, an award-winning Sweet Adelines chorus from Orange County. Tickets are $25 in advance by emailing treasurer@pacificcoastharmony.org or $30 at the door.

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.

Lagoon kayaking fundraiser

The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation holds its 19th annual Kayak Fundraiser & Cleanup from 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. Each two-hour session includes check-in, a personal flotation device, water safety instructions and about 90 minutes kayaking in the ecological reserve. Check-in times for Oct. 11 are 7:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., noon and 2:15 p.m. Check-in times for Oct. 12 are 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Visit batiquitoslagoon.org.

Chamber puts on Oktoberfest

The annual Encinitas Oktoberfest, hosted by the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visit Encinitas, is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 28 along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road. The family festival and artisan faire celebrates German culture with live entertainment including Bavarian music and dance troupes, German food, international refreshments, two beer gardens and a marketplace with 125 local artisan vendors. A ceremonial parade is slated for noon with local officials. There will be a German-themed dog costume contest with pups parade and kids play zone with inflatable slides, an obstacle course, games and a rock-climbing wall. Admission is free. A free shuttle will run from Flora Vista Elementary School, 1690 Wandering Road, from 10:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Visit encinitasoktoberfest.com.

Community Dance Party with Wild West theme

The Sandpipers Square Dance Club hosts its monthly community dance party from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena St. Participants can learn square dancing basics and there will be a Wild West theme. Singles, couples and families are all welcome. Casual attire is recommended. A partner and dance experience are not needed. Snacks will be served. Admission is a $10 donation and free for children. Visit sandpiperssquaredanceclub.org.

Music & dance in La Jolla

• The La Jolla Music Society opens its 2025-26 season with two concerts by Grammy Award-winning pianist Daniil Trifonov concluding at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave. $63.50-$110. theconrad.org/the-2025-2026-season

• ArtPower presents La Lom, an instrumental trio, at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $30-$63. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/la-lom

• The La Jolla Community Center presents its 2025 Fourth Friday Jazz Series at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Upcoming performances, beginning at 8 p.m., are: Sept. 26, Gilbert Castellanos, “Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz Celebration,” and Oct. 24, Holly Hofmann, “Some of My Best Friends are Guitar Players.” $25 per concert for Community Center members and $30 for non-members in advance; $35 at the door. ljcommunitycenter.org/ffjs

• Ballet Collective San Diego presents “Idioma,” a dance performance, at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $51-$85. theconrad.org/events/25-26-ballet-collective

• The La Jolla Music Society presents jazz ensemble Endea Owens & the Cookout at 5:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at The JAI at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. $55-$62. theconrad.org/events/endea-owens

• La Jolla Presbyterian Church launches its 67th season of concerts with African music by Peter Mawanga & the Amaravi Movement at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at 7715 Draper Ave. Free. ljpres.org

• Turtle Rock Ridge Wine Bar presents San Diego musician Christian Del Priore at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at 1261 Prospect St., La Jolla. Free. 760-789-5555

• The La Jolla Music Society presents “State of The Conrad” at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. The event will include a presentation about the organization, performances by Mariachi Juvenil and 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition silver medalist Vitaly Starikov, and a reception with sparkling wine. Free. theconrad.org/events/2025-state-of-the-conrad

• The 25th annual Toy Piano Festival is set for noon Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Seuss Room of UC San Diego’s Geisel Library, 9701 Hopkins Drive, La Jolla. Performers will include Scott Paulson, Kenneth Herman, Christian Hertzog, Barbara Scheidker and Sue Palmer, known as “The Queen of Boogie-Woogie.” Free. calendar.ucsd.edu/event/25th-annual-toy-piano-festival

• San Diego Baroque presents its 2025-26 Bach’s Lunch Concert Series at 12:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month, except January, from Oct. 1 to May 6 at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. Upcoming performances are: Oct. 1, Viola+Cello; Nov. 5, Mozart string quintet; Dec. 3, Vivaldi Gloria; Feb. 4, Handel and Scarlatti vocal works; March 4, French baroque; April 1, Vivaldi Stabat Mater; May 6, works based on Shakespeare and Cervantes. Free. sdbaroque.com

• ArtPower presents folk music trio I’m With Her at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $31-$66. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/im-with-her

• ArtPower presents musician and comedian Reggie Watts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $30-$55. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/reggie-watts

• Max Haymer presents a tribute to Jewish jazz legends at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, in the Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. $22-$24. my.lfjcc.org/15538/15539

• A concert and lecture featuring pianist Daniel Beliavsky begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. $12-$45. ljathenaeum.org/music-lectures

• The La Jolla Music Society presents the Bill Charlap Trio performing jazz at 5:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at The JAI at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave. $75-$81. theconrad.org/events/bill-charlap-trio

• Le Salon de Musiques opens its 2025-26 chamber music season at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave. The concert will feature music by Beethoven, Felix Mendelssohn and Foote, along with an introduction by musicologist Adam Gilbert and paintings by Rivoire, Mendjisky and D’Espagnat provided by K. Nathan Gallery of La Jolla. The concert will be followed by a Q&A, French champagne and a high tea buffet. $69-$120. 310-498-0257, lesalondemusiques.com

Free Pet Vaccination Clinic

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society holds a free vaccine clinic for dogs and cats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27 at Brock’s Community Pet Food Bank on the RCHS North campus, 389 Requeza St. The clinic includes vaccinations for dogs and cats, rabies vaccinations, licensing, microchips, pet food and other supplies. The Tell Tail Moonlight Veterinary Center will provide veterinary support. The San Diego Humane Society will be on-site to assist with licensing needs. All dogs must be on leash or in carriers. All cats must be in carriers. Registration is required at sdpets.org/vaccineclinic.

Surf contest for youths

Entries are being accepted for the nonprofit Windansea Surf Club’s annual junior surf contest, The Menehune, slated for Oct. 4 at La Jolla Shores. Longboard and shortboard divisions for all age groups are offered for boys and girls 16 and younger, including the Super Menehunes for 7-year-olds and younger. The club will award $250 educational scholarships to the top eight age group divisions for boys and girls. The deadline for applications is Sept. 26. Visit windanseasurfclub.org.

Oceanside Western Hoedown at Equestrian Center

The 15th annual Western Hoedown is from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Ivey Ranch Equestrian Center, 110 Rancho Del Oro Drive, benefiting the nonprofit Ivey Ranch Park Association, which formed 40 years ago. The nonprofit has helped community members of all ages and abilities through programs that emphasize self-reliance, community and respect. Each week, more than 300 people, many with moderate to severe disabilities, benefit from services such as the Adult Day Program, School-Age Program, equestrian therapy, in-home respite care and vocational training. Event highlights include horse-riding demonstrations, hayrides, music entertainment, a steakhouse barbecue, raffles, a silent auction, a Kids Corral and ROTC Color Guard flag ceremony. Advance tickets are $85; $65 for kids; VIP $135; $20 additional at the door. Proceeds support the equine therapy programs. Event volunteers can sign up by emailing volunteer@iveyranch.com. Visit iveyranch.com.

Automotive Museum puts on Party in the Park

The San Diego Automotive Museum hosts “Party in the Park… Ignite” from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at the San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan America Plaza. The event includes live music from Liquid Blue, entertainment, new car exhibits and a live auction along with a three-course dinner, fine wines and a hosted bar. The event will honor Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler, and the Titan Philanthropy Award will be presented to Paula Abdul and Ray Brock. Proceeds benefit the IGNITE program for high school students. Tickets are $700. Visit sdautomuseum.org.

Surf-a-thon benefits Boys to Men Mentoring

The 16th annual 100 Wave Challenge, a surf-a-thon benefiting Boys to Men Mentoring, will be held Sept. 27 at Mission Beach. The event invites participants of all ages and skill levels to catch 100 waves in one day while raising funds to support Boys to Men’s in-school group mentoring programs throughout San Diego County. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Visit boystomen.org.

Senior Gleaners seeks volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help Senior Gleaners of San Diego County, a volunteer group that harvests surplus fruit and vegetables from gardens and fields to donate to local nonprofits helping people in need. The mission of the group is to reduce food waste and feed needy community members. The gleaning crews needs more volunteers age 55 and older. The group also needs more residents with fruit trees to donate excess fruit that they cannot use. Visit seniorgleanerssdco.org/volunteer.

Hosted by Selena Jong of Moving Through – Death Doula (www.movingthrough.org)At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to have refreshments and discuss death. The objective is to increase awareness of death helping people make the most of their lives.

The goal is to create an inviting, safe space to share the heartfelt experience of diving into a taboo topic which unites all. Free admission. Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., reoccurring every fourth Saturday of the month. (www.deathcafe.com)Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive Encinitas.Please RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com