September is a month where the hints of fall blend with the remnants of summer. This year has been no exception here in North San Diego County, perhaps even more so, given the recent warm, humid weeks followed by a jump into gray, drizzly skies.
Just as September started off with a variety of weather (with a lead-in by a tropical storm in late August), North County has an eclectic mix of events, including an early start to Oktoberfest with Encinitas’ annual event slated for the end of the month.
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.
Encinitas
Sept. 20: Concert: Justine Dawn Tiu — A native of Southern California, harpist Justine Dawn Tiu performs with orchestras in California, Florida and Georgia. In 2021 she was appointed Visiting Principal Harp for the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra’s 2021-22 season. She holds a bachelor’s degree from California Baptist University and graduated with a master’s in harp performance from Northwestern University, Bienen School of Music in 2021.
Sept. 24: Oktoberfest and Artisan Faire — The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce’s 27th annual Oktoberfest takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24. The free family-oriented and pet-friendly regional festival and artisan faire will include Bavarian music and dance troupes, German food, international refreshments, two beer gardens and a broad selection of local artisan products. A ceremonial parade is slated for noon. The event runs along Mountain Vista Drive off El Camino Real between Wandering Road and Rambling Road.
Sept. 27: Concert: Jerry Michelsen — An Encinitas resident since 1996, Jerry Michelsen brings his jazz and blues artistry to the stage as a solo pianist. Before relocating to Encinitas, The Jerry Michelsen Jazz Trio performed mainly in Latin America for 17 years. Michelsen studied piano performance, theory and composition at the Cornish School of Arts in Seattle and The Banff Centre of Fine Arts in Alberta, Canada.
Oct. 4: Concert: Darius Degher — Longtime Encinitas resident Darius Degher is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and poet. For this month’s concert, the San Diego Music Award nominee performs on guitar and will likely read some of his poetry.
Carlsbad
Sept. 23: Solutions for Change gala — The nonprofit Solutions for Change, which works to solve the root causes of homelessness in San Diego County, hosts its annual gala, “An Evening to Remember” on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa with keynote speaker, professional athlete and philanthropist Tim Tebow. More information is available at Solutions for Change’s website.
Oct. 1: Super Hero Obstacle Race — Dress up like your favorite superhero for Carlsbad’s Super Hero Obstacle Race at Alga Norte Community Park from 8 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. Parents and children team up to conquer obstacle challenges such as inflatable mazes, slides, wrecking balls and tight ropes. Teams will defeat villains as they make their way across 20 obstacles around the park. Participants must be 4 years and older. Groups will be launched every 10 minutes. The race takes about an hour to complete. Registration is available through the city’s event website.
Oceanside
Sept. 22-24: Super Girl Surf Pro — The Nissan Super Girl Pro Series returns to Oceanside the weekend of Sept. 22-24. The only large-scale all-women’s action sports, esports and lifestyle series of its kind, the weekend will include a world-class surfing competition and a festival village with female-inspired vendors, activities and entertainment. Attendance is free to the public. The event also seeks volunteers. Full information can be found at the event’s website.
Sept. 23: Veteran and Family Annual Muster — The San Diego Veterans Coalition and county Supervisor Jim Desmond host the kickoff of a program for transitioning military and recently separated veterans to help them navigate the many services available to them. Members of the military preparing for their return to civilian life will be paired with sponsors who will help guide them on the journey. The family-friendly event runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Veterans Association of North County, 1617 Mission Ave. in Oceanside. Visit county Supervisor Jim Desmond’s website for registration information.
Oct. 7: Art for the People: WPA-Era Paintings from the Dijkstra Collection — Join the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, in a discussion that looks at art created within the sociopolitical conditions of the 1930s, and to consider how these works offer relevance today. The creative voices rising during the current era of crisis, political divisions and strife offer parallels to the artists working during the Works Progress Administration era, initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935. The event runs from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. Admission is $15 for the public and $10 for OMA members. More information is available at OMA’s event website.
Vista
Now through Sept. 30: “Saturday Night Fever: The Musical” at Moonlight Stage Productions — The 42nd summer season for Moonlight Stage Productions wraps up with the San Diego premiere “Saturday Night Fever: The Musical.” The 1998 jukebox musical is based on the 1977 film, “Saturday Night Fever.” The musical was adapted for the stage by Robert Stigwood in collaboration with Bill Oaks and features songs by The Bee Gees and several other artists. For more information and tickets call 760-724-2110 or go to moonlightstage.com. The show runs until Sept. 30 with performances on Wednesdays through Sundays each week at the Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista.
Submit events for publication to the North Coast Current and OsideNews at currentevents[at]northcoastcurrent.com.