Even with the “gloom” of the summer marine layer, June offers a vibrant selection of events in coastal North San Diego County.
The iconic San Diego County Fair opens its gates this month, offering a mix of agricultural displays, carnival rides and family-friendly entertainment with a retro flair. Encinitas gears up for a celebration of surf, music and community with the Switchfoot Bro-Am. The San Diego Scottish Highland Games return to Vista. Meanwhile, Oceanside is the site for the Para Surf League Open, where the athleticism of adaptive surfers takes center stage.
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.
San Diego County Fair — The San Diego County Fair returns to the Del Mar Fairgrounds with a trip down memory lane, themed “Let’s Go Retro,” from June 12 to July 7. “Let’s Go Retro” celebrates the vibrant pop culture of the 1950s through the 1990s.
Fairgoers can expect a journey through time with a concert series featuring artists from different eras, contests that pay homage to classic pastimes, and exhibits showcasing the evolution of fashion, music and technology.
The fair also boasts a variety of special events, including the Charity Fair Horse Show, a Children’s Garden Scavenger Hunt, the Paul Ecke Garden and Flower Shows, Student Showcase, art and photography, and the Design in Wood Show. Grandstand concerts include Smokey Robinson, Little Big Town and TLC.
Go to sdfair.com/events for a full event calendar and sdfair.com/p/what-to-do/grandstand for a full list of concerts. For general information, including tickets, visit sdfair.com.
Switchfoot Bro-Am — The 20th annual Switchfoot Bro-Am returns to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15.
This staple event in the San Diego community is a fun and energetic day at the beach, featuring a professional surfing competition, live music, a surf expo village, art vendors, a silent auction and food options. All proceeds from the event benefit the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports youth development programs in San Diego County.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Switchfoot Bro-Am, visit the Bro-Am website at broam.org.
San Diego Scottish Highland Games — Whether you have Scottish roots or simply want to experience a unique cultural celebration, the San Diego Scottish Highland Games offers an active weekend for the whole family June 22 and 23 at Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista.
Attendees can enjoy watching traditional Scottish athletic feats such as caber tossing, hammer throws and sheaf tossing. There will also be pipe and drum bands performing throughout the weekend, along with highland dancing exhibitions. Those looking for a more hands-on experience can participate in the sheepdog trials or cheer on the athletes in the various competitions. With food vendors, cultural demonstrations, and a kids’ zone, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The Highland Games is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Scottish heritage through athletic competitions, music and dance. Visit sdhighlandgames.org for more information.
Encinitas
June 6: Free Comedy Show at Captain Keno’s — For a dose of laughter, head to the Free Comedy Show at Captain Keno’s at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 6. Join local residents and performers as Captain Keno’s restaurant wraps up its final month before closing at the end of June. Tickets and more information are available at the event website.
June 8: New Moon Ceremony at Tiny Farms in Cardiff — Unleash your creative spirit at the Plant Seeds of Change: New Moon Ceremony on Tiny Farms from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 8, in Cardiff. The free event combines a new moon ceremony with the opportunity to learn about sustainable and regenerative farming practices from local experts. It’s also a chance to connect with nature, support local agriculture and cultivate a deeper understanding of food systems. The event will be held at the Cardiff Tiny Farm, 1475 Summit Ave. More information, including reservations, is available on the event website.
June 20: Encinitas Cruise Night — Gear up for a classic car showcase at the Encinitas Cruise Night from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20. 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.
June 22: Sustainable Solutions Fair — All things eco-friendly take center stage at the Sustainable Solutions Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, held at the Encinitas Union School District’s Farm Lab. The event, hosted by I Love A Clean San Diego in partnership with the city of Encinitas, showcases local businesses and organizations committed to creating a more sustainable future. Learn about eco-friendly products and services, explore green living strategies and connect with those passionate about protecting the planet. The Encinitas Farm Lab is located 441 Quail Gardens Drive. More information is available at the event website.
Carlsbad
June 21-23: Summer Solstice Arts & Wellness Festival — Art enthusiasts can embark on a journey of creativity at the Summer Solstice Arts & Wellness Festival happening from 7 to 8 p.m. June 21 and 23 in Carlsbad Village. This three-day event by Soultry Sisters offers a three-day festival highlighting BIPOC, women and queer artists and wellness practitioners based in San Diego. Local artists will showcase their paintings, sculptures and handcrafted goods. Alongside the artistic displays, attendees can participate in yoga sessions, meditation workshops and sound baths, creating a holistic experience for mind, body and soul. More information is available at soultrysisters.com/ssfestival.
June 28-29: 2024 California Wine Festival — Wine lovers can celebrate the state’s bounty of at the 2024 California Wine Festival on June 28 and 29 at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad. Sample a selection of award-winning wines from noted California vineyards, accompanied by food selections and live music. Information, including ticket reservations is available at californiawinefestival.com/carlsbad.
Oceanside
June 8: Kids and Parents Wellness Festival — Buddy Todd Park transforms into a haven for health-conscious families from 10 a.m. to noon June 8. Kids and Parents Wellness Festival features interactive activities focusing on physical and mental well-being for both children and adults. Expect yoga demonstrations, healthy food vendors and workshops promoting healthy living habits. Buddy Todd Park is located at 2800 Mesa Drive. More information is available at the event website.
June 10-12: USA Surfing Championships & Para Surf League Open — Witness world-class surfing talent converge on Oceanside’s shores for prestigious competition. Cheer on professional surfers and athletes with disabilities as they battle it out on the waves. The competition brings together the best surfers in the country, including para surfers who demonstrate incredible athleticism and resilience. More information is available at the event website. Find out more about the nonprofit AmpSurf/Para Surf League/VetSurf at ampsurf.org.
June 15-29: Ooh, Baby! group art exhibition — Immerse yourself in a vibrant showcase of local talent at the Ooh, Baby! group art exhibition opening on June 15 at the Covet Art Gallery, 1922 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside. This diverse showcase features a variety of artistic styles and media, including paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works. More information is available at the event website.
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.