Free events in Poway, CA

Kathryn the Grape hosts a lively dance party at North County Mall in the Center Court on level one. Kids can move to live music, meet new friends, and burn off extra energy. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages.

Warwick's hosts an in-store conversation and signing with Elizabeth Letts as she shares her new book, Fallen for France. Letts, the number one New York Times bestselling author of The Eighty-Dollar Champion and The Perfect Horse, will speak with Melanie Benjamin, a New York Times bestselling author of California Golden and The Children's Blizzard. This free event offers a chance to hear their discussion and have books signed.

The Sunshine Club grand finale features complimentary hollyhock seeds that complete a four-part collection. Hollyhocks grow to about 3 to 8 feet tall, with each stalk bearing many flowers. They have a classic, dramatic look and are considered easy to cultivate. For best results, place two or three seeds together with two to three feet between each group, sowing in early spring or about two months before the first frost. Cover lightly, keep the soil consistently moist, and fertilize twice during the season. Plant near a fence or other support to help the tall stems stay upright. This final packet follows sweet peas for winter, marigolds for spring, and gaillardia for summer, and participants who bring all four seed packets can receive a prize for completing the collection.

Donate blood at the American Red Cross drive taking place at Mershops North County Mall. Check in at the Community Room on Level 2 near the Dining Court entrance. Appointments are encouraged and the Sponsor Code NCM can be used when scheduling. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Donations support patients who need blood for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatment, and other serious conditions. There is no replacement for human blood, and your contribution can help someone in the local community.

First Fridays at San Diego Craft Collective feature a free, family friendly craft activity alongside an open studio. Each month introduces a new themed project that supports STEAM learning through fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, spatial awareness, and early math planning, while nurturing patience, focus, and creativity. Projects are suitable for kids of all ages, and younger children may need assistance from an accompanying adult. Expect studio tours and a peek at the organic garden, and enjoy the lively Arts District at Liberty Station with food, drinks, shopping, waterfront walks, and community fun. RSVP is requested so there are enough supplies for everyone, and a waitlist is available if capacity is reached.

Knowhere Games & Comics hosts MTG Commander, giving players a chance to test their strategies in the Commander format of Magic the Gathering. Entry is free.

At Dharma Bum Temple, a half-day silent retreat offers a calm setting to deepen meditation through consecutive periods of focused attention, reflection, and quiet settling. Held on the first Saturday of each month, it is free and open to everyone. No registration is required, and participants may simply arrive. Those who choose to take part are asked to remain for the full session unless there is an emergency. Over the course of the retreat, participants alternate among seated meditation, walking meditation, and mindful temple cleaning, all maintained in silence. Entry and departure are also quiet, supporting a smooth return to the rest of the day. Please arrive with enough time to be seated before the start, wear loose and comfortable clothing, and keep phones and other electronics off and put away except in urgent situations.

San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival presents a dynamic lineup across indoor and outdoor stages. Free outdoor performances feature Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko as well as Lucia and the Familia Gutierrez. Indoor concerts include Danilo Pérez with the SDSU Jazz Ensembles, Mingus Dynasty, and Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band.

Zzymzzy Quartet brings a live set of acoustic swing to the sheltered outdoor patio at Nates Garden Grill. Enjoy lively tunes alongside tasty biscuits. Admission is free.

A free kids live music performance featuring Kathryn the Grape offers an upbeat, interactive experience for children and their families at North County Mall. Located at Center Court on Level 1, it provides a fun setting to make memories together.

Salsa and Bachata take center stage in a welcoming class series designed to build confidence and joy through movement. Held at Infinity Dancesport Center, each session features a Salsa class followed by a Bachata class, with options for beginners and Level 2 dancers. No partner is required. Classes are free for veterans, service members, and their families, and the cost for others is $10 per week or $50 for six weeks.

Curious about Zen meditation? This free introductory class from OG Zen Collective is geared toward beginners and anyone interested in learning to meditate. It offers a clear overview of Zen practice and teachings, along with guidance on etiquette in the meditation space. Participants receive instruction in seated meditation, techniques to relax the body and calm the mind, ways to sharpen focus, and tips for proper posture. The session also introduces several Buddhist meditation methods and sets aside time for questions. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and donations are appreciated.

Ascension Lutheran Church in Allied Gardens hosts a drive-thru food pantry where individuals and families experiencing food insecurity can receive groceries. The distribution supports neighbors in the Allied Gardens community.

Kathryn the Grape brings a spirited community dance event to The Shoppes at Carlsbad in Carlsbad, CA, featuring interactive, educational music and movement for young children. Admission is free, and the event is sponsored by The Shoppes at Carlsbad to support family friendly entertainment.

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance, also known as Tai Ji Quan, offers gentle, structured movements that support stability and mobility. The program is designed to help improve balance and reduce the likelihood of falls. Participants can take part seated or standing, and all abilities are welcome. This is a free, public class with no preregistration required.

Sharp Mesa Vista offers a free educational group focused on cognitive behavioral therapy, a practical approach for addressing concerns like anger, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and more. Meetings are scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month, except on holidays. Attend virtually or take part in person in the executive conference room at Sharp Mesa Vista.