The fireworks of the Fourth of July might be over, but North San Diego County has plenty of events this month to add some pop to your summer, from Dog Days in Cardiff and music by the sea to evenings at the movies and family pool time.
Click the links embedded in this story’s text for more information about the events covered. Information for this month’s Spotlight is provided by organizations and individuals in the communities covered by the North Coast Current and OsideNews.
Oceanside
July 12: Dive into summer fun — Beat the heat with a free community swim night from 7:30 to 9 p.m., held as Oceanside’s Parks and Recreation Month. Take a refreshing dip in the pool and enjoy an evening of aquatic fun for the whole family. Free Swim Night is held at Brooks Street Swim Center, 130 Brooks St.
July 15: Fire Station 1 dedication — Celebrate the opening of Oceanside’s new Fire Station 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 401 N. Freeman St. The event will feature a dedication ceremony, tours of the facility, and an opportunity to meet the firefighters who keep the community safe.
July 15: Free Pickleball Night — Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, join a free evening session 5:30-8:30 p.m. for some friendly competition and exercise. It’s an opportunity to meet fellow pickleball lovers and enjoy the camaraderie of the sport. The event, part of Oceanside’s Parks and Recreation Month, is held at the Junior Seau Beach Community Center, 300 North Strand.
July 24: Marine Corps band concert — Experience the pageantry of the United States Marine Corps Band from 5 to 6 p.m. as part of Oceanside’s Parks and Recreation Month. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical excellence under the summer California sky. The concert takes place at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, 301 The Strand N.
Carlsbad
Fridays all month: Discovery Days at The Forum — Every Friday throughout July, The Forum Carlsbad takes center stage for the Discovery Days series. The free family-oriented program features a different theme each week. Dive into the world of dinosaurs on July 12, explore the wonders of the ocean on July 19, and more. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon of learning and laughter. The Forum is located at 1905 Calle Barcelona.
Fridays all month: TGIF Concerts in the Parks — Head to a different Carlsbad park each Friday evening for the TGIF Concert Series. Enjoy live music performances by local bands now through Aug. 16. A full concert list and updates can be found at the city of Carlsbad’s event page.
All month: U-Pick Strawberry Season — The family-run Carlsbad Strawberry Co. fields has opened its fields for U-Pick Strawberry Season, where visitors can pick their own berries. Customers must pay first, and then they can pick buckets of strawberries provided that they are not overfilled. More information and rules are available at the fields’ website. The Carlsbad Strawberry Co. is located at 1050 Cannon Road in Carlsbad.
July 15: The Test Kitchen Series: Summer Cookout — Take your culinary skills to the next level with a hands-on cooking class from 6 to 8 p.m. at Omni La Costa Resort. Learn how to prepare a full summer cookout menu from expert chefs. The Test Kitchen Series event is held in collaboration with The Wise Ox Butcher & Eatery. More information is available at the event webpage. Omni La Costa Resort is located at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road in Carlsbad.
Encinitas
July 13: Healing Roots Second Anniversary Celebration — Celebrate holistic wellness from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Healing Roots Second Anniversary Celebration. Enjoy workshops, demonstrations, product tastings and special offers, all centered around natural healing practices. Healing Roots is located at 317 N. El Camino Real, Suite 206, in Encinitas. More information is available at the event webpage.
July 18: Encinitas Cruise Night — Gear up for a classic car showcase at the Encinitas Cruise Night from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18. Head to downtown Encinitas and admire a collection of vintage automobiles displayed by local car enthusiasts. Relive automotive history and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of this annual summer event. More information is available at the Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association website.
July 20: Nature Unplugged Community Hike — Lace up your hiking boots and breathe in the fresh air at this month’s Nature Unplugged Community Hike. Explore the scenic Wildflower Trail and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts while enjoying the area’s native landscape. Nature Unplugged is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote preventative mental health solutions and inspire wellness in the digital age. More information about the organization and its events can be found at natureunplugged.com.
July 21: Cardiff Dog Days of Summer — Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and the city of Encinitas, returns to downtown Cardiff this season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event is sponsored by Kahoots and open to the public and features dog-related vendors, rescue groups and pet adoption agencies. Activities include dog contests, live music, a libation lounge and food trucks. Find out more at Cardiff 101 Main Street’s event page.
Elsewhere in North County
Solana Beach: July 14, 21 and 28: Concerts at the Cove — Sway to the rhythm of live music under the starry sky at the Concerts at the Cove series. Held on Thursdays this summer at Fletcher Cove Park, these free concerts showcase local and regional bands. Pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket and settle in for an evening filled with music and ocean breezes. Go to the city of Solana Beach’s concerts page for a full lineup of scheduled bands.
Solana Beach: All month: Belly Up Tavern — The Belly Up Tavern continues its 50th Anniversary celebration with a diverse range of artists, catering to all musical tastes. Notable performers this month include WAR, Donavon Frankenreiter and John Craigie, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Ozomatli, Don McLean and Atomic Groove. Check the Belly Up’s website for schedules and venues.
Vista: July 13: Movie Night Under the Stars at Brengle Terrace Park — Gather your family and friends for a free movie night under the stars at Brengle Terrace Park at 8 p.m. This month’s installment of the series is Disney’s “Wish.” Don’t forget to bring your blankets, snacks and movie night essentials. Brengle Terrace Park is located at 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. Find a full lineup of summer movies at the city of Vista’s event page.
Vista: All month: Visit the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum — Take a trip back in time at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. Explore a collection of antique engines, tractors and other historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into the past and the evolution of technology. The museum is located at 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave. Check out the museum’s website for events happening through the summer.
Escondido: Every Friday: Cruisin’ Grand — Step back in time and admire classic automobiles at Cruisin’ Grand, happening Friday evenings this summer on Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido. The event features a display of vintage cars and live music, and a festive atmosphere. Stroll down the street, admire the polished chrome and vibrant colors and relive the golden age of motoring. Visit the event’s website for a list of Cruisin’ Grand events.
Submit events for publication to the North Coast Current and OsideNews at currentevents[at]northcoastcurrent.com.
Some elements of this calendar have been generated using artificial intelligence, vetted and edited by the North Coast Current.