Oolong Gallery to host opening reception for exhibition Opening reception for a duo exhibition between Nick Aguayo and Dan Levenson in “A to L and back again” will be held at Oolong Gallery in Rancho Santa Fe from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. The art party follows from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at The Brown Studio architecture firm showroom in Leucadia where larger scale work of these abstract painters will be on view and DJ team Doodem will spin music to refreshments, according to a news release.Oolong Gallery in Rancho Santa Fe is located at 6030 La Flecha, Rancho Santa Fe. Phone: 858-229-2788. Visit www.oolongallery.com for more information. Bestselling author to speak at Library Guild of RSF fundraiser The Library Guild of RSF, in partnership with Warwick’s, is hosting author Sarah Penner at a fundraising luncheon at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club on Thursday, May 1. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m., seating begins at noon. Proceeds benefit the RSF Library.Enjoy a delicious lunch, fabulous raffle and listen to New York TImes bestselling author Sarah Penner discuss her new book The Amalfi Curse.Visit www.libraryguildrsf.org or call 858-756-4780 to register. The RSF Golf Club is located at 5827 Via de la Cumbre, Rancho Santa Fe. Tequila & Taco Music Festival The Tequila & Taco Music Festival will take place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 26, from 1 p.m.-9 p.m. The festival will be headlined by legendary artists Timbaland and B.o.B, and will feature tequila tastings, local taco eateries and more. For additional information go tohttps://www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com/ North Coast Symphony presents ‘Voices of Spring’ The North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents Voices of Spring, a program of operatic favorites, on Saturday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdelena, Encinitas. The performance features Katherine Polit (soprano), Sarah-Nicole Ruddy-Carter (mezzo soprano), Aaron Humble (tenor), and Michael Sokol (baritone), and includes selections from operas by Delibes, Saint-Saens, Donizetti, Verdi, Offenbach, and Wagner. The orchestra will also premiere the orchestrated version of “A Long Trip,” a 17-minute opera by its conductor Jordan Kuspa. Admission: $18 general, $15 seniors/students/military, free for children 18 and under. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com. Breeders’ Cup World Championships tickets Breeders’ Cup World Championships tickets are now on sale.Taking place at the Del Mar racetrack from Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, the Breeders’ Cup will feature top-notch hospitality, world-class racing and more. There will be a variety of experiences available. For more information and tickets, visit BreedersCup.com/Tickets. New in 2025, those purchasing tickets must have a SeatGeek account, which can be created at SeatGeek.com/#register Concours d’Elegance car show The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance runs April 25-27 featuring culinary creations from 20 of San Diego’s top restaurants and a display of more than 120 classic cars. Friday’s VIP Opening Soirée, “Beyond the Barn: A Gilded Journey to Restoration,” is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 25 on the Concours lawn at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd. The La Jolla Concours Tour d’Elegance from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Porsches & Power on Prospect event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 26 are free for spectators. Sunday’s grand event at The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $119; VIP are $429 (and increase on April 20). Visit lajollaconcours.com. Family Festival Days at animal center Spring Tails Family Festival Days feature hands-on animal encounters, crafts and games from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27 at Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo Road. The event is recommended for families with toddlers and children in grade school. Visit animalcenter.org. 13th Annual Regale in the Ranch benefit event The Beach & Country Guild and United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego will hold their 13th Annual Regale in the Ranch benefit event, “Red, White & Bling,” on Thursday, May 8, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Secret Garden at Rancho Santa Fe (17025 Avenida De Acacias, RSF). Wear your best “Red, White & Bling” and attend the event to help support United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego. The event features libations and delicious bites from local vendors and restaurants, live music, opportunity drawing and live auction. Limited open seating is available on a first come first basis for general admission. For tickets and more information go to shorturl.at/Fm61n The County Friends Annual Spring Luncheon The Country Friends nonprofit will hold its Annual Spring Luncheon on Wednesday, April 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. Celebrate the season by wearing bright spring colors, inviting friends, and exploring fantastic shopping options for Mother’s Day, a news release stated. Event co-chairs are Maggie Bobileff and Sage Billick. For tickets, go to shorturl.at/hulFd The Country Friends nonprofit supports human care agencies, with special emphasis on services to women, children, the elderly, military families, and persons with disabilities. Visit thecountryfriends.org. San Diego Opera presents Verdi’s ‘La traviata’ San Diego Opera will close its 2025 season April 25-27 with Giuseppe Verdi’s classical operatic tragedy. Recognized as the most produced opera in the world, “La traviata” (an Italian phrase for “the fallen woman”) is based on Alexandre Dumas’ play and novel “La Dame aux Camélias.” It’s the story of Violetta, a Parisian courtesan who finds true love with a young man, Alfredo. But when Violetta’s reputation spoils Alfredo’s sister’s chance for a respectable marriage, Violetta sacrifices her happiness and her health. Canadian soprano Andriana Chuchman (Micaëla in 2017’s “The Tragedy of Carmen”) will star as Violetta. Making their company debuts are tenor Zach Borichevsky as Alfredo and bass-baritone Hunter Enoch as Alfredo’s father, Germont. 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 26; 2 p.m. April 27. San Diego Civic Theatre Tickets at sdopera.org –Pam Kragen, Union-Tribune Annual Taste of Cardiff The 15th annual Taste of Cardiff is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 1 at restaurants and retailers in downtown Cardiff on San Elijo Avenue between Birmingham Drive and Chesterfield Drive and Restaurant Row along South Coast Highway 101. The event, hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street, features tastes of local culinary creations and handcrafted beverages. Sip Stops will offer samples of local beer, wine, hard kombucha and cocktails in a can, among other drinks. Each Sip Stop will be hosted by a local business. The Rooftop Libation Lounge at the Cardiff Lodge will host dancing to live music. Tickets are $55 for taste & sip; $50 for taste only. Visit cardiff101.com. Del Mar Rady Auxiliary Unit to host ‘Pirates and Pearls’ fundraiser On Saturday, May 10, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m., the Del Mar Unit of Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary will host “Pirates and Pearls” featuring panoramic ocean views at the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. Guests will enjoy live music, gourmet food and bid on fun experiences and auction items, while making a difference in the lives of children. Net proceeds benefit plastic surgery – craniofacial services at Rady Children’s Hospital.Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way La Jolla. Purchase tickets at http://www.rchadelmar.org/Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary is committed to supporting programs that depend heavily on philanthropic support. Children’s Book Party The 41st annual communitywide Children’s Book Party is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. April 26 at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The free event, hosted by read4thefuture was started by Roosevelt Brown in 1984 and features free new books for children through 12th grade, along with entertainment and refreshments. The emcee is Jamarr Brown. The goal is to foster a love of reading and help children build their own home library. For questions, call 619 266-4188. North Coast Rep to feature world premiere comic mystery ‘Peril in the Alps’ North Coast Repertory Theatre will present world premiere comic mystery “Peril in the Alps” from April 16 to May 11 (with a possible extension to May 18). The twin sister of Captain Hastings wife, Dulcie, has been kidnapped – and Hercule Poirot rightly expects not only extortion to follow, but murder. Using elements of Agatha Christie’s “Poirot Investigates,” Steven Dietz creates a sequel to his wildly popular Murder on the Links, taking the audience on a thrilling and dangerous trip to the snow-capped Alps, where the famed Belgian detective may finally meet his match. Six actors bring to life dozens of eccentric characters and clever suspects in this diabolically funny comic mystery, according to a news release. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.For tickets and more information, call 858-481-1055, or visit ww.northcoastrep.org. ‘Celebrate the Craft’ food festival The Lodge at Torrey Pines will present “Celebrate the Craft” food festival on Sunday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The event showcases some of Southern California’s finest chefs, food artisans, produce, wine and craft beer.Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy sipping and savoring on The Lodge’s beautiful outdoor terrace to benefit The Ecology Center.Space is limited; general admission tickets will be granted on a first-come, first served basis.To buy tickets go to: www.lodgetorreypines.com/celebrate-the-craftThe Lodge at Torrey Pines is located at 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. Flower Fields The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are in peak bloom with 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculuses. There are a number of attractions including an exhibit by artist Alex Heveri, “Glass in Flight.” The exhibit includes more than three dozen glass and steel sculptures of butterflies, dragonflies and insects. The exhibit inspired this year’s theme at The Flower Fields, “Where Color Takes Flight.” 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. Earth Day cleanup A Lake Hodges community cleanup is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 27. Meet at Lake Hodges Visitor Center Parking Lot, 20102 Lake Drive. Join volunteers cleaning up litter and debris around the lake, hiking trails and public areas, and participate in discussions on sustainability and protecting the environment. Reusable gloves, trash bags, grabber tools, hand sanitizer, sunscreen and water will be provided. Visit secure.givelively.org/event/friends-of-lake-hodges/earth-day-with-friends-of-lake-hodges. Donut Run benefits Down syndrome community GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego, a Down syndrome achievement center, will host its annual Donut Run 5K from 8 a.m. to noon April 27 at Crown Point Shores North, 700 Corona Oriente Road. The event helps GiGi’s Playhouse continue its mission of providing free educational, therapeutic and career programs for community members with Down syndrome of all ages. Cost is $55; $45 for children ages 2-17; free for kids age 2 and younger; $21 for anyone with Down syndrome. Register at gigisplayhouse.org/sandiego/san-diego-donut-run. VAPA Foundation to hold annual spotlight benefit “Beyond Brilliance” The VAPA Foundation, dedicated to enhancing access to arts education for San Diego students in grades K through 12, recently announced its annual Beyond Brilliance Gala. This event will be held on Saturday, May 10, at the Epstein Family Amphitheater at the University of California, San Diego (9500 Gilman Drive).Beyond Brilliance is an extraordinary celebration that highlights the exceptional talents of young, gifted performing artists. Now in its sixth year, the event will take place at a stunning new venue, the state-of-the-art Epstein Family Amphitheater. This venue will provide the perfect setting for a captivating showcase of performances across a variety of artistic mediums, including dance, musical theater, mariachi, and a full award-winning student orchestra, according to a news release.The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an exclusive VIP Champagne Reception, featuring a Broadway-style musical performance. At 6 p.m., all guests will join a welcome reception with delicious bites, cocktails, and a range of captivating musical performances.Beyond Brilliance is not only a showcase of the incredible artistic talents of student artists but also a vital fundraiser that supports the programs that make these creative opportunities possible. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, visit shorturl.at/OyF21 ‘Toast for the Roses’ Kentucky Derby celebration and watch party benefit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be hosting its first-ever “Toast for the Roses,” a Kentucky Derby celebration and watch party. It will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Guild Hotel (500 W Broadway, San Diego, 92101).The live watch party will include handcrafted cocktails, delectables bites, live music, photo opportunities and more.Guests are encouraged to don their biggest hats and brightest bow ties for a complete Derby Day look. Those who are dressed to the nines have a chance to win fashion contests.The event will raise funds for Sophie’s Organic Garden and the Aquatic Center at SMSC. Tickets can be bought at shorturl.at/x6N2YFor more information about the event and SMSC, visit STMSC.org Encinitas Spring Street Fair The 40th Annual Encinitas Spring Street Fair returns to downtown Encinitas on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Coast Hwy 101 will be closed from D Street to J Street, from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m., to make room for more than 450 vendors, plus a beer garden, three stages, and kids’ rides, along this award-winning main street.The beer garden will be open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Stop by to try beer, wine, hard kombucha, and more from local breweries and wineries. The beer garden is family and pet friendly, and will feature the event’s main entertainment stage where several bands will be performing throughout the day.There will also be a free bike valet service at each end of the festival, so cyclists arriving at D Street or J Street can leave their ride in a secure spot while enjoying the festival.For those arriving by car, parking will be available at Moonlight Beach, City Hall, and Parking Lot B (SW corner of Vulcan and E St).For more information, visit www.encinitas101.com.USS Midway Museum Familiarization Tour Are you curious about volunteering at this landmark museum?A free USS Midway Museum Presentation and Tour will be held May 3 at 10:30 a.m. Hosted by the Volunteer Department.This is an opportunity to get a sneak peak, plus museum admission, including docent and/or self-guided audio tour.Location address: 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101.Note, charge for ACE parking: Up to 2 hours: $5 per hour or up to 6 hours $20Reservation is required (adults only, please). Register at: shorturl.at/SqR4r 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. Visit speakupnow.org. 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. Visit speakupnow.org. Bike Anywhere Day returns May 15 In celebration of National Bike Month, SANDAG invites the San Diego region to participate in Bike Anywhere Day from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 15. SANDAG has hosted the annual biking event in the region for more than 30 years. Bike Anywhere Day aims to alleviate traffic and reduce air pollution while promoting biking as a fun, sustainable, and healthy transportation choice, according to a news release. Bike Anywhere Day is a free event open to everyone. It encourages participants to bike to work, school, or anywhere. Participants can pedal to one of 100 pit stops across the region to pick up a free commemorative Bike Anywhere Day 2025 t-shirt, while supplies last. This year, eligible registrants will be automatically entered into the Bike Anywhere Day Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three e-bikes, powered by Rad Power Bikes. To register to participate in Bike Anywhere Day or to apply to host a pit stop, visit SANDAG.org/bikeday. Midway Museum holds Vietnam War commemoration The USS Midway Museum will hold a commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind and the Fall of Saigon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at the USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Drive. The event will be a tribute honoring the courage of those involved in this historic Vietnam mission. The livestream of the event will be on the USS Midway Museum’s Facebook page. Visit midway.org. Bonsai show in Balboa Park The 60th annual Fall Bonsai Show and Sale of the San Diego Bonsai Club will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 in Room 101 of Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado Building. The free event features more than 50 unique bonsai of various sizes and species along with bonsai demonstrations. There will be a table sale featuring hundreds of trees, pots and other bonsai items. Visit sandiegobonsaiclub.com. Arc of San Diego Gala supports people with disabilities The Arc of San Diego Gala kicks off at 5:30 p.m. May 3 at Coasterra, 880 Harbor Island Drive. This year’s gala, themed “The Greatest Place on Earth,” includes a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m., live entertainment and dancing. Live music will be provided by Wayne Foster Entertainment. The Master of Ceremonies is KUSI News meteorologist Mark Mathis. Attendees are encouraged to dress in white-tie optional, circus-inspired attire. Proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities. Tickets are $300 at arc-sd.com/gala. Annual Creek to Bay Cleanup The annual Creek to Bay Cleanup is from 9 a.m. to noon April 26 at beaches, parks and other locations across San Diego County. The effort is expected to include over 5,000 volunteers at more than 100 sites from Julian to the coast as part of the county’s Earth Week cleanup. Volunteers help remove litter from their communities. Register at cleansd.org/environmental-action/countywide-cleanups/creek-to-bay.