May 11: Local and regional events-- Fiesta del Sol and more

42nd annual Fiesta del Sol

The 42nd annual Fiesta del Sol music festival will be held May 20-21 at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The free festival runs from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, May 20, and 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. Sunday, May 21.

Presented by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce and Belly Up, the event features a variety of musical performances, great food, activities and more. For the full schedule and additional information, visit fiestadelsol.net.

The Good Earth/Great Chefs Series returns to The Chino Farm

The Good Earth/Great Chefs Series will present San Diego native Natasha Pickowicz, author of “More Than Cake: 100 Baking Recipes Built for Pleasure and Community”, on Sunday, May 14, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Chino Farm, 6123 Calzada del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe, 92091.

The event will include booksigning, drinks, small treats. For more details contact adele@goodearthgreatchefs.com

Rotary Club of Del Mar presents Chili & Quackers Challenge

The Del Mar Rotary Chili & Quackers Challenge will be held Saturday, May 13, from 12 p.m.-3 p.m.at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. The event will feature a Duck Derby race and chili dogs with the club’s past president (and District Governor Elect) Don Fipps’ award-winning “IPA Special Chili” provided by Viewpoint Brewery.

Fun games and activities will be provided for both kids and adults and a balloon twister will fascinate all. The festivities will include music provided by the Dano Steel Band. At approximately 3 p.m., lifeguards will demonstrate a mock drowning victim rescue followed by the release of the ducks to the surf as attendees cheer on the winners.

Racing ducks can be adopted at www.ChiliAndQuackers.org. for a chance to win cash prizes. First place will win $500. Help Rotary Club of Del Mar support local organizations that serve Del Mar and surrounding communities, including the Del Mar Lifeguard Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, and St. Leo’s Dental Clinic.

Visit www.ChiliAndQuackers.org for complete details. Powerhouse Park is located at 1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar.

Next Del Mar Toastmasters meeting theme is ‘Creativity’

Practice writing speeches and presenting in a group setting. Del Mar Toastmasters invites you to an in-person meeting with the “Creativity” theme on Friday, May 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at St. Peters Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 334 14th St., Del Mar. For details, go to DelMarToastmasters.com or contact kaarenhk@aol.com.

An evening of music at Solana Beach Library to be held May 16

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Friends of the Solana Beach Library on May 16 at 6 p.m. at the Solana Beach Library.

Join the Friends of the Solana Beach Library as they host an evening of mariachi music by three of the Mariachi players of “Mariachi Serenata San Diego” and dancers from the “Jaliscience Folkloric Group”. The Mariachis will be performing traditional mariachi music, as well as some American favorites. They will also talk about the mariachi and the impact it has had on our lives, as well as mariachi education in public schools. The dancers will perform favorite dances to go along with the music. Come one and all to enjoy this delightful evening.

Cinco de Mayo is the annual celebration of the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It has long evoked a popular celebration of Mexican-American culture. Celebrations began in California, where they have been observed annually since 1863.

There is no charge for this event. The Solana Beach Library is located at 157 Stevens Avenue.

Free parking is below the Earl Warren Middle School.

Author to discuss and sign ‘What It Takes to Save a Life: A Veterinarian’s Quest for Healing and Hope’

Join “Diesel, A Bookstore Del Mar” at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center on Tuesday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. as it hosts Dr. Kwane Stewart to discuss and sign

“What It Takes to Save a Life: A Veterinarian’s Quest for Healing and Hope.” “In What It Takes to Save a Life,” Kwane shows how our four-legged, feathered, scaled, and swimming family members—these dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other animals that live side by side with us—provide more than companionship. They offer essential love, hope, and a sense of security.

Address: 12843 E Camino Real Suite 104, San Diego, 92130. This event is free to attend. Free seating is limited. To reserve a seat, purchase one copy of a book for one seat.

Dean King to discuss and sign ‘Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship That Saved Yosemite’

Join “Diesel, A Bookstore Del Mar” at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center on Wednesday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m. as it hosts Dean King to discuss and sign “Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship That Saved Yosemite.”

The book is a dramatic and uplifting story of legendary outdoorsman and conservationist John Muir’s journey to become the man who saved Yosemite—from the author of the bestselling Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival.

Address: 12843 E Camino Real Suite 104, San Diego, 92130. This event is free to attend. Free seating is limited. To reserve a seat, purchase one copy of a book for one seat.

The Old Globe hosts three local community groups for three weeks of readings and performances

The Old Globe announced the full schedule for its upcoming partnership with three local community organizations: the San Diego Black Artist Collective (BAC) presenting The Black Arts Festival, an event that celebrates Black actors, playwrights, musicians, visual artists, and more; Tijuana Hace Teatro and New Feet Productions presenting The Frontera Project, an interactive theatre performance that explores the varied experiences of people on both sides of the border; and The Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival presents The Whole Megillah, filled with a rich selection of arts and cultural events reflecting Jewish experiences.

These limited engagements will play for three weeks from May 25 through June 11 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in Balboa Park. Single tickets for select dates are on sale now at www.TheOldGlobe.org.

Events at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

A variety of events are being held this month at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. For more information, visit delmarfairgrounds.com/events-calendar/

San Diego Botanic Garden holding spring classes

San Diego Botanic Garden is offering a variety of classes and activities this spring. Visit sdbg.org for more information.

Batiquitos Lagoon to hold children’s event

On Saturday, May 20, the Batiquitos Lagoon will host a children’s event from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. for children ages 8-11. They will learn about the watershed and engage in a fun activity. They will also have an opportunity to silkscreen a t-shirt to take home as well as use QR codes to learn about their environment. Classes are free and open to the general public. Registration is required and will be limited to the first 15 kids.

Register at www.batiquitoslagoon.org , click Earth Explorers science club.

North Coast Symphony Orchestra to present concert of all women composers

The North Coast Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of all women composers on Saturday, May 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdelena, Encinitas. The performance includes the Gaelic Symphony by Amy Beach, D’Un Matin du Printemps by Lili Boulanger, Callirhoë by Cécile Chaminade, and features Chaminade’s Concertino for Flute and Orchestra with flute soloist Valerie McElroy.

Founded in 1947, the orchestra is conducted by Daniel Swem. Admission: $12 general, $10 seniors/students/military, $30/family max. For more information, visit www.northcoastsymphony.com.

Folias Duo concert at Encinitas Library

Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon Wednesday, May 17, at noon, with Folias Duo, an incredible flute and guitar ensemble hailing from Michigan’s freshwater coast, as they perform music from their new album, Heartdance. The concert will be held at the Encinitas Library (540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas).

Presented by the City of Encinitas. This is a free concert, no advance tickets are available. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for first come, first to-be-seated availability. Seating after the concert begins is at the discretion of City staff. Once room capacity is reached, no further admittance will be allowed.

Drawing is Seeing with Sue Britt

Join the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and Sue Britt for part one of a two-part session. May 16 (part 1 of 2) and May 23 (part 2 of 2), 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy’s Drawing is Seeing program is a free and immersive experience that takes participants on a journey of discovery through the art of drawing. Led by renowned artist Sue Britt, the program teaches participants how to truly focus on their surroundings and use drawing as a tool for seeing. Through a series of engaging and interactive lessons, participants will learn skills to capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world around them. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, the Drawing is Seeing program is the perfect way to deepen your connection with nature and unlock your inner creativity. No art skill is necessary.

Space is limited to 10 participants, sign up at sdrvc.org/events. Questions? Email Community Engagement Manager Kim Rogers at Kim@sdrvc.org.

Birdwing Open Air Classroom—San Dieguito Lagoon Staging Area: 2801 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, 92014.

North Coast Rep: Comic mystery ‘Murder on the Links’

North Coast Repertory Theatre will feature the comic mystery “Murder on the Links” April 19-May 21. Something’s afoul on the private golf course at Merlinville-SurMer – namely the body of Hercule Poirot’s newest client. Acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz brings the famed Belgian detective to life to solve one of Agatha Christie’s most intricate whodunits. Of course, there are the host of usual – and – unusual suspects.

A cast of six versatile actors embody myriad characters as they navigate the twists and turns of this lively and fun new adaptation.

There will be a talkback with the artistic director and cast on Friday, April 28. Call 858-481-1055, or visit www.northcoastrep.org to purchase tickets and for more information.

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation ‘All About Worms’ workshop

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation will present an “All About Worms” free workshop May 24, 5:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m. Are you a gardener who wants Earth-friendly fertilizer or an apartment-dweller who wants to stop sending your food scraps to the landfill? Join the “All About Worms” workshop, sponsored by the City of Encinitas, to learn how to properly care for and compost with worms.

Please learn more and register in advance at bit.ly/3kTsE9g.

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation Webinar

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation will hold a “Vermicomposting Basics” free webinar May 31, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Want to compost with worms but don’t know where to start? Join Solana Center for this one-hour webinar on the benefits and basics of vermicomposting, including how to set up a worm bin, how to properly feed worms, and more.

This webinar is sponsored by the City of Encinitas. Learn more and register at bit.ly/3JKSfvp.

Dr. Kwane Stewart to discuss and sign ‘What It Takes to Save a Life: A Veterinarian’s Quest for Healing and Hope’ at Diesel bookstore

Join “Diesel, A Bookstore Del Mar” at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center on Tuesday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. as it hosts Dr. Kwane Stewart to discuss and sign

“What It Takes to Save a Life: A Veterinarian’s Quest for Healing and Hope.” “In What It Takes to Save a Life,” Kwane shows how our four-legged, feathered, scaled, and swimming family members—these dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and other animals that live side by side with us—provide more than companionship. They offer essential love, hope, and a sense of security.

Address: 12843 E Camino Real Suite 104, San Diego, 92130. This event is free to attend. Free seating is limited. To reserve a seat, purchase one copy of a book for one seat.

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra presents ‘The Spanish Guitar’

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra, directed by Peter Pupping, will perform a program titled “The Spanish Guitar” Friday, May 26, 7:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 925 Balour Dr., Encinitas. Suggested donation $20 at the door. There are no reservations. Seating is based on a first come first serve basis.

The Encinitas Guitar Orchestra includes 35 guitarists. The concert program features the music of Spain which will include music by composers Enrique Granados, Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, Luigi Boccherini , Ennio Morricone, Frédéric Chopin, Antonio Vivaldi and an arrangement of The Eagles “Hotel California”. For more information, including the upcoming May 26 concert, visit

www.encinitasguitarorchestra.com. and/or contact Peter Pupping at Guitar Sounds, (760) 815-5616 or peter@guitarsounds.com.

San Diego Symphony set to announce premium seating with round-trip transportation to concerts at The Rady Shell

Would you like to enjoy concerts at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park this summer, but don’t want to make the drive? This may be what you’re looking for.

Last year, the San Diego Symphony inaugurated a program offering premium seating and round-trip transportation from Rancho Santa Fe to concerts at The Shell. It was designed for residents who wanted to enjoy concerts there but would prefer not to (or can’t) drive.

Those who took advantage of it cited benefits such as:

• Convenience: Riders arrive at the main entrance; no parking worries;

• Cost: Busing charges compare favorably with round-trip Uber fares or parking fees;

• Camaraderie: Enjoy the concert experience with family and friends, and

• Cultivation: Symphony team members join the ride to talk about the Symphony and its programs – and to answer questions.

The Rady Shell is quickly earning an international reputation as a premier concert venue. On March 5, coincident with the announcement of the summer programs at The Rady Shell, George Varga wrote an article in the Union Tribune recapping the history of The Rady Shell (see article at bit.ly/42ecLuH) and citing some first impressions from a couple of last year’s headliners:

• “What a venue — oh my god!” (Bonnie Raitt)

• “This is my first time at The Shell and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.” (Alicia Keyes)

Riders from the Ranch made similar comments, praising the convenient access to The Rady Shell with its spectacular views, outstanding acoustics throughout the venue, and music programs featuring classical to country, and pop to rock. .

The Symphony recently announced its exciting line-up for this summer and its plans for premium seating and round-trip transportation to these concerts at The Rady Shell:

—Diana Ross: June 11

—John Legend: June 16

—Beach Boys: July 1

—Beethoven by the Bay: August 4

—Gipsy Kings featuring Nicholas Reyes with special guest Al Olendar: August 13

—Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle: August 19

—Michael Bolton: August 27

—Tchaikovsky Spectacular: September 1

There is limited seating and sell-outs are expected, so sign up for your favorites.

Visit TheShell.org for more information about the concerts and tickets.