‘Garden Like a Pro’

Master gardener to give talk, ‘Garden Like a Pro’ St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will host a community lunch from 11:30 to 2 p.m. Nov. 19 featuring a presentation by master gardener Mary Friestedt on “Garden Like a Pro.” Friestedt, a docent at the San Diego Botanic Garden, will share her expertise working with native plants, eco-friendly pest control and growing herbs for cooking. Viewpoint Brewing Co. will provide a menu of food options. Cost is $15 for lunch. The church is at 1 Parish Lane, between 14th and 15th streets. To register, email office@stpetersdelmar.net or call 858-755-1616.

Breeders’ Cup events at Del Mar Racetrack: Beer & Cider Fest, Toys for Tots

Beer & Cider Fest: Nov. 23, 12 p.m. — 4 p.m. The Beer & Cider Fest is back at Del Mar, overflowing with food, music, and brews. Sample from over 50 brews, ciders and seltzers while enjoying live horse racing, all trackside. This event is open to all attendees, and you can purchase five beer tickets for $15.Toys for Tots: Nov. 24. Help put a smile on a child’s face by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or making a monetary donation. In return, you’ll receive free racetrack admission on Sunday. Make sure to look for the donation bins located outside the Admission Gates and spread some holiday cheer while enjoying a day at the track. Visit www.dmtc.com for more information.

Sandpipers Square Dance Club event

Sandpipers Square Dance Club will hold community dances on Nov. 23 from 6-7 p.m. at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave, Solana Beach. This monthly event introduces square dancing. Singles, couples and families welcome. Casual attire, refreshments. Partner and dance experience not needed. Donation $10; free for children. Supported by City of Solana Beach. Visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.

Encinitas Guitar Orchestra concert to feature music from famous western movies

On Friday, Nov, 22, at 7:30 p.m., the Encinitas Guitar Orchestra and its 35 members will present music from the famous spaghetti western movies that featured the “The Man with No Name” played by Clint Eastwood, directed by Sergio Leon and music composed by the celebrated film composer Ennio Morricone.The theme of this concert was inspired by the movie “Once Upon a Time in the West” and the music of the Dollar Trilogy: A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More and The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, according to a news release.The arrangements were created by Peter Pupping and members of the orchestra. The concert will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 925 Balour Dr., Encinitas. Suggested donation: $20. General seating, no reservations. Visit www.encinitasguitarorchestra.com for more information.

Reading program at animal shelter

The Rancho Coastal Humane Society offers Happy Tales for children 6 and older to read aloud to shelter animals, such as dogs, cats and rabbits awaiting adoption. Upcoming sessions include from 11 a.m. to noon and 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Nov. 17 and 11 a.m. to noon and 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Dec. 14. Sessions are limited to six children. Each child must be supervised by a parent. Readers can bring their own books or borrow a book from the shelter’s library. The cost is $10 per child. Preregistration is required at rchumanesociety.org/youth-programs/happy-tales. To hold a Happy Tales session for your own small group, email education@sdpets.org.

Art Night at gallery

Off Track Gallery’s free Art Night reception is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 16 featuring the annual Holiday Small Image Show and art awards and live music. Artist Dolores Renner will show her handcrafted jewelry adorned with Swarovski crystals and gemstones. The Off Track Gallery, run by the nonprofit San Dieguito Art Guild, is in the Lumberyard Shopping Center, 937 S. Coast Highway. There will be discounts on art at the event. Visit sandieguitoartguild.com.

One Paseo Tree Lighting Ceremony

Celebrate the season at One Paseo on Nov. 30 from 6 p.m.-9p.m. as they light up a 30-foot tree under firefly lights and snowy rooftops. With live music, Santa, and special guests, this festive evening brings holiday magic to the heart of San Diego. One Paseo is located at 3725 Paseo Pl, Carmel Valley.

Piazza Carmel to hold free Christmas Celebration

Piazza Carmel invites the public to the free Christmas Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. — 7 p.m. Children will enjoy cookie decorating and a holiday craft activity. ALL attendees get complimentary hot chocolate. Bring smart phones or cameras for the professional photographer to take keepsake photos with Santa Claus, who will listen to children’s Christmas wishes. The two-hour Christmas Celebration will be held in the Food Court at Piazza Carmel, located just north of Highway 56 and east of I-5 at 3810 Valley Centre Drive in Carmel Valley. Become a friend on the Piazza Carmel Facebook page, @piazzacarmel, to learn about the free community activities and merchant specials.

RSF Republican Women Federated to hold November meeting, including guest speaker

The Rancho Santa Fe Republican Women Federated (RSFRWF) will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at the LaValle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe, 5690 Cancha de Golf, RSF, 92091. Doors open for the breakfast meeting at 9:15 a.m. Members: $20, Guests: $25. RSVP to www.rsfrwf.org by Monday, Nov. 18. The speaker for the event is June Cutter, a political and fundraising associate with Highland-Illuminate, a well-known fundraising and marketing company in San Diego. Cutter has been very active in San Diego and California state politics for many years, including her own run for the California State Assembly in 2022, and, more recently, political consultant for the Bill Wells for Congress campaign. She will be giving attendees her perspective and analysis of the 2024 election results. In addition, RSFWF will be voting for next year’s officers.

North Coast Rep Theatre Reading Series to present ‘Inherit the Wind’

The North Coast Repertory Theatre Reading Series will present “Inherit the Wind” on Monday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The event will take place at North Coast Repertory Theatre (987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at northcoastrep.org/readings-at-the-rep/ or at the Box Office (858) 481-1055.Inherit the Wind, by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee, is a gripping courtroom drama that brings history to life with a powerful clash of ideas. Based on the famous Scopes “Monkey” Trial, this play pits science against faith in a battle over the teaching of evolution in schools. Visit www.northcoastrep.org for more information.

Fleet Feet San Diego’s free Turkey Trot

Before all the food and football, Fleet Feet in the Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch will host its 7th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K and Fun Run on Thursday, Nov. 28. The fun and informal 5K starts at 8 a.m. Participants are welcome to stick around after the run for morning refreshments and early access to Black Friday shopping deals.The event is free . While the event is free, Fleet Feet is asking for canned food donations to benefit the San Diego Food Bank.This year, Fleet Feet will also be supporting employee Kevin Hopp’s RunGiving adventure, running 350 miles over Thanksgiving week to raise funds for the Molly’s Angels Foundation, Monarch Schools for homeless youth and Vista Hill, which provides crucial mental health, education and social services. Runners are welcome to join in on his efforts by logging into the RunGiving Supporting Molly’s Angels Foundation Strava group—each mile run earns $1 donated with a goal of reaching $25,000. The Strava group is at https://www.strava.com/clubs/rungiving. Donations can also be made directly through HoppCantstopp.com To register for the Thanksgiving 5K and Fun Run, visit fleetfeet.com.

Encinitas Ballet Nutcracker

City of Encinitas presents Nutcracker in partnership with Encinitas Ballet on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. at San Dieguito Academy Performing Arts Center, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas.Encinitas Ballet will present this joyful event for all ages to enjoy. Audiences can expect an uplifting and magical performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker complete with a dazzling holiday party, giant mice doing battle with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, a Nutcracker that transforms into a handsome prince, and exotic dances from around the world. For tickets go to shorturl.at/0TwWo or call 760-633-2746.

San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights returns on Dec. 8 and 15 for its 54th running.San Diego Bay Parade of Lights announces the theme for the 2024 holiday boat parade, ‘Peace on Earth.’ This year marks the 54th annual Parade of Lights, a free event and long-established holiday tradition in the San Diego Bay. This year’s parade will be taking place on Dec. 8 and 15. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the parade will take approximately one hour and a half following the route. Visit Visit sdparadeoflights.org for more information.

Doggie Street Festival Adopt-A-Thon & Companion Animal Celebration

Doggie Street Festival Adopt-A-Thon & Companion Animal Celebration to be held Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at NTC Park at Liberty Station provides an excellent opportunity to foster or adopt dogs/cats from the 15 plus rescue groups in attendance. SD Humane, PAWS of Coronado, County of SD Animal Services among them.“Peeps” looking to spoil their adopted or current furry family members will find a dazzling range of cool pet products and services that enrich our pets’ lives. Alongside music, festival foods and auction prizes will be pet professionals and veterinarians to advise on issues of pet foods, services, health, nutrition, travel, lodging, training, spay/neuter, and veterinary care. Free to the public. Visit doggiestreetfestival.org for more information. Event address: 2455 Cushing Rd. San Diego, 92106.

North Coast Rep features “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help”

North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the San Diego premiere of “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” directed by Jenny Sullivan and written by Katie Forgette. The show runs Oct. 23-Nov. 24. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1970s, Katie Forgette’s charming comedy unfolds within the confines of a working-class home, according to a news release. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. To buy tickets and for more information, call 858-481-1055 or visit www.northcoastrep.org.

Creative Wednesday with the Fleet Science Center at One Paseo

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., at One Paseo in Carmel Valley, join a hands-on science activities event with the Fleet Science Center—a fun way for kids to explore STEM. As a bonus, participants can redeem a free custard with purchase at Shake Shake. Address: 3725 Paseo Place, Carmel Valley.

Old Globe presents Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Old Globe will hold its 27th annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The production runs from Nov. 6 to Dec. 31 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre. Tickets are now on sale at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623).

Encinitas Turkey Trot

Thursday, Nov. 28 will mark the 10th anniversary of a favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition, the Encinitas Turkey Trot. The event offers fun for the whole family with 5K and 10K race options, starting under the world-famous “Encinitas” sign on Coast Highway 101 with beautiful ocean views along the course. Creative costumes are always encouraged and prizes will be awarded for individual and group costumes.The 10K starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. Proceeds from race registration will support veterans through the nonprofit organization VANC. For over 17 years VANC actively supports service personnel and their families to help them navigate life during and after service. The race will also support Boy Scouts of America Troop 776. Register at encinitasturkeytrot.org.

Salute to Paws 5K and festival

Locally-based nonprofit Shelter to Soldier will put on its inaugural Salute to Paws 5K and Gratitude Festival for Dogs starting at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at Naval Training Center Park in Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road. Proceeds go to the nonprofit, which rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them to become service animals for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, among other injuries. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., followed by yoga flow at 8 a.m., the 5K at 9 a.m. and the Gratitude Festival for Dogs with live music, beer and mimosa garden, pet vendors and “Rescue Row” with pet adoptions. Tickets start at $50; $25 for children; $10 per dog; early bird discount through Oct. 15 is $10 off adult tickets, $5 off kids tickets and free for dogs. Sponsorships are sought. Visit bit.ly/SaluteToPaws.

North Coast Rep to present benefit concert celebrating American music

A celebration of American music to benefit North Coast Repertory Theatre will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at North Coast Repertory Theatre. Celebrate the holidays with acclaimed pianist Mackenzie Melemed and support North Coast Rep with music and stories from the 1800s to the present day.The event will feature music by George Gershwin, Edward MacDowell, Louis-Moreau Gottschalk, Florence Price and Amy Beach, as well as some of Broadway’s favorites, a news release stated. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.northcoastrep.org or at the Box Office (858) 481-1055. North Coast Rep is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach.

Joyce DiDonato and Kings Return with Craig Terry at The Conrad

Multi-Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato joins forces with the dynamic four-piece vocal group Kings Return, alongside the brilliant pianist Craig Terry on Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall in La Jolla. This special Christmas program promises a delightful blend of sacred and popular repertoire, transporting audiences to a world of joy and wonder. This unforgettable collaboration of world-class talent brings the true spirit of the season to life. For more information and tickets visit www.TheConrad.org.

Death Cafe

At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to eat snacks, drink tea and discuss death. The objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives. The group creates an inviting, safe space to share the heartfelt experience of diving into a taboo topic which unites everyone. Free admission. Saturday Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., held every fourth Saturday of the month at Seaside Center for Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive Encinitas. RSVP at Meetup: The Death Network or email selenajong@gmail.com (www.deathcafe.com).