This weekend in San Marcos, CA

● Listings verifiedWednesday, September 23 · every listing checked against its source by our San Marcos editors

Saturday & Sunday, Sep 26–27

27 events, 3 free. All of this week's events →

Saturday, September 26 18 events
  • 7:30am

    2026 Double Peak Challenge 10k / 5k / Trail Trot

    San Elijo Hills Park, 1103 Elfin Forest Rd E, San Marcos
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    Trail runners and walkers head to San Elijo Hills Park for a community celebration of outdoor recreation that climbs to the highest peak in North County, rewarding participants with sweeping views along the way. The lineup includes a timed 10K challenge, an untimed 5K run or walk, and a kids trail trot. A pre race cardio warm up and stretch sets the tone, aid stations keep participants supported on course, and professional photography captures the experience. All finishers receive custom medals, with overall and age group awards also presented. After crossing the finish line, the race expo offers a beer garden featuring Michi Brewing, a San Marcos brewery. Event proceeds benefit the San Marcos community through Friends of San Marcos and the Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos.

    Event website ↗
  • 9am

    Wellness in the Watershed

    Swenerton Education Center, Escondido · verified Sep 18
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    Adults 55 and older can take part in mindfulness, meditation, and gentle movement at Mountain Meadow Preserve. The Escondido Creek Conservancy presents Wellness in the Watershed, a new four-part series at the Swenerton Education Center, an outdoor classroom and event space set amid the sights and sounds of nature. Each session lasts two hours and features guided practices led by skilled instructors. Sessions cover yoga with a sound bath with Sara Ferrer, land-based somatic practices with Mandy McGaugh, breathwork with Susan Tuttle, and qigong with Martha Blane. Attendance is free, and advance registration through Eventbrite is required because space is limited. Support is provided by the Prebys Foundation.

    Event website ↗
  • 9am

    Rancho Vallecitos Craft Fair

    Rancho Vallecitos Mobile Estates, 3535 Linda Vista Dr, San Marcos
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    The Rancho Vallecitos Annual Craft Fair brings together 33 vendors selling hand-crafted products. Shoppers will find new and distinctive gifts for everyday use and for the holiday season. The fair is held in the Game Room at Rancho Vallecitos Mobile Home Estates. Payment options include cash, check, and Venmo.

    Event website ↗
  • 9am

    You Can Be a Veterinarian Camp

    Education at Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe · verified Sep 18
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    Animal lovers in San Diego can step into a veterinarian's role through a hands-on camp designed for ages 9 to 16. Participants practice basic suturing on a banana, listen to the heartbeat of a mini horse, use a microscope to spot bacteria, and explore core clinical skills like drawing blood and giving vaccinations. The experience blends real-world techniques with time alongside animals and the tools of the trade, helping young learners build confidence and practical know-how. Half-day and full-day options are available, and capacity is limited.

    Event website ↗
  • 9am

    Chapter Meeting and Ride

    Charlie's Family Restaurant, 210 N Ivy St, Escondido
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    This chapter gathering at Charlie's Family Restaurant welcomes guests. Everyone can order breakfast from the menu and pay individually, followed by a short business meeting and a brief time of devotion. After the meeting, the group sets off on a group ride focused on fellowship. The route typically spans 100 to 200 miles at a mutually agreed, safety-minded pace. All riders and all bikes are welcome, and guests traveling in cages can take part too.

    Event website ↗
  • 9:30am

    Beach Yoga - South Ponto Beach

    South Ponto Beach, Carlsbad
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    Settle into an oceanfront yoga session at South Ponto Beach, where the sound of the waves sets a calming pace. Move through a practice designed to increase strength, balance, and confidence while grounding your feet in the sand and breathing in the restorative sea air. This class welcomes all levels and offers a one of a kind coastal experience that leaves you feeling refreshed in body and mind. A pink yoga flag marks the location. Bring a yoga mat, an extra large towel to layer under your mat to keep sand at bay, any props you like to use, a water bottle, and sunscreen. Pricing is $20 for a single visit or $150 for a 10-class punch card.

    Event website ↗
  • 10am

    Trading Card Fest x World Rhino Day Event!

    United Methodist Church , 490 S Melrose Dr, Vista · verified Sep 18
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    A family-friendly World Rhino Day celebration and rhino conservation fundraiser hosted by Global Conservation Force brings together wildlife supporters, families, advocates, businesses, and local community members for a full day of trading card excitement, learning, and community impact. Card and collectible sales include vendor booths, donated trading cards, and special items, with proceeds directed to conservation programs. A mini golf competition adds friendly rivalry with prizes on the line, and a silent auction features wildlife-themed items, experiences, artwork, gift baskets, collectibles, and travel opportunities. Each admission includes one raffle entry, with additional raffle tickets available throughout the day. Food, snacks, beverages, and treats are available, including shave ice, and guests can shop official GCF merchandise and educational materials. Wildlife education is woven throughout the event with videos highlighting the work of wildlife rangers, conservation K9 teams, anti-poaching operations, rehabilitation efforts, and education programs around the world. Conservation booths share information about rhinos, elephants, pangolins, giraffes, snow leopards, and other species supported by GCF initiatives. Door prizes and interactive activities for all ages create a welcoming atmosphere, and additional games, vendors, exhibits, and conservation experiences will be announced leading up to the event. Participants can also fundraise in advance by forming a team, receiving a personal fundraising page and link, sharing it with friends and family, and encouraging donations that are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Fundraising teams compete for prizes and recognition, with top fundraisers acknowledged during the celebration. Every contribution helps sustain wildlife rangers, conservation K9 teams, anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation education, and rhino conservation projects around the globe. Support generated through admissions, raffles, the silent auction, merchandise, food and collectible sales, sponsorships, and participant fundraising benefits Global Conservation Force’s conservation programs operating in Africa, Asia, Central America, and beyond. Attendance helps protect endangered wildlife while supporting the people on the frontlines of conservation.

    Event website ↗
  • 10am

    Weekend Farm Tours

    Fox Point Farms, Encinitas
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    Explore Fox Point Farms on a guided weekend tour led by farm ambassadors. Ride the tractor train around the property, spend time with the animals, and see how regenerative methods bring food from seed to harvest. Hear about what is growing now and the care that goes into each crop, then help cut down on waste by offering overripe vegetables to the animals. Along the way, discover the many hands and hooves behind the farm’s micro-economy, including growing, brewing, coffee roasting and making, cooking and baking, herbalism, and community events with live music. The experience mirrors weekday tours, with the addition of the tractor ride, and runs throughout the day on Saturdays and Sundays. No advance booking is needed, and tickets are sold on site.

    Event website ↗
  • 10am

    Sand n’ Straw Farm Tour: Gardens, Medicinal Herbs, and 600+ Fruit Trees

    Sand n' Straw Community Farm, 629 Mar Vista Dr, Vista
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    A guided walk through a regenerative farm offers a close look at how food is grown for the community. The tour visits three productive gardens, many types of medicinal herbs, and an orchard with over 650 fruit trees. Farmer Rich shares how regenerative and permaculture methods build healthy soil, grow nutrient rich food, and support a healthy farm ecosystem. Guests can gather practical ideas to use in their own gardens. It is a chance to experience a working regenerative farm, ask questions, and enjoy a beautiful morning outdoors.

    Event website ↗
  • 11am

    ENCINITAS Adoption Event

    Petco (Encinitas), 455 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas
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    Meet adoptable dogs at Petco in Encinitas and help match them with loving homes. The event highlights several ways to support: adopt to provide a forever home, foster to help a dog get adopted faster, stop by to give the pups attention, or lend a hand as a volunteer. Friends and families are welcome, and every bit of support helps these dogs on their way to a brighter future.

    Event website ↗
  • 11am

    OCEANSIDE Adoption Event

    Petco, 2130 Vista Way, Oceanside
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    At Petco in Oceanside, adoptable rescue dogs and puppies will be available for meet and greets. Guests can spend time with the animals, offer them attention, and get to know their personalities while exploring adoption. There are other ways to help as well, including fostering to provide short term care that speeds a dog’s path to a permanent home, or volunteering at the events to support the adoption effort. Friends and families are welcome to come along and help more dogs find the loving homes they deserve.

    Event website ↗
  • 3:30pm

    Weiss Schwarz

    Knowhere Games & Comics, 125 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos · verified Sep 18
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    Enjoy an event centered on Weiss Schwarz with a $6 entry fee.

    Event website ↗
  • 5pm

    Bonneville 7

    Pour House , Oceanside · verified Sep 18
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    Bonneville 7 appears inside Pour House Oceanside for an evening built around happy hour and dancing. Pool tables are available, the kitchen is serving, and the bar is fully stocked with a team ready to pour.

    Event website ↗
  • 5pm

    Straight Jazz No Chaser

    TERI Common Grounds Café & Coffee Bar, 555 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos · verified Sep 18
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    Led by vocalist Kasey Coe, Straight Jazz No Chaser delivers a smooth and sophisticated sound to San Diego County’s jazz scene. Settle in for an al fresco dinner as the band blends timeless selections from the American Songbook with folk and roots favorites.

    Event website ↗
  • 5:30pm

    Godzilla Card Game

    Knowhere Games & Comics, 125 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos · verified Sep 18
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    Knowhere hosts the Godzilla Card Game. The entry fee is $6.

    Event website ↗
  • 6pm

    Concert of Hope

    California Center for the Arts, 318 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido · verified Sep 20
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    Doors of Change marks 25 years of supporting youth and young adults experiencing homelessness with a celebration of music and community at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. The Pettybreakers perform a Tom Petty tribute, billed as the ultimate tribute, in support of the organization’s work. Tickets start at $29, and thanks to corporate sponsors, all ticket purchases directly benefit the mission.

    Event website ↗
  • 6pm

    Hololive

    Knowhere Games & Comics, 125 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos · verified Sep 18
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    Hololive has a new home at Knowhere, where games are available for participants. Admission is $6.

    Event website ↗
  • 7pm

    Continental Cup

    Frontwave Arena , 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside · verified Sep 18
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    An indoor men's soccer showdown brings the USA and Mexico to Frontwave Arena for the Continental Cup. All ages are welcome.

    Event website ↗
Sunday, September 27 9 events
  • 9am

    Zookeeper Camp

    Education at Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe · verified Sep 18
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    Animal-loving kids ages 9 to 16 can experience what it is like to be a zookeeper through hands-on learning. Campers take part in interactive activities with mammals, reptiles, and birds, practice diet preparation, and create enrichment. Engaging projects and learning materials encourage curiosity while introducing the tools and responsibilities of daily animal care. Participants connect with animals and discover what goes into caring for them each day. Space is limited, and pricing and additional details are available at booking.

    Event website ↗
  • 10am

    Weekend Farm Tours

    Fox Point Farms, Encinitas
    See details

    Explore Fox Point Farms on a guided tour that highlights its regenerative growing practices and animal care. Meet the animals and see how food is brought to life. Tours include a ride on the tractor train, with a farm guide sharing what is being grown and how it is tended. Guests help reduce food waste by offering overripe vegetables to the animals. The experience also introduces a network of on-site enterprises that includes growing, brewing, coffee roasting and making, cooking and baking, herbalism, and live music and community events. No advance booking is required, and tickets are available for purchase at the farm.

    Event website ↗
  • 11am

    SoCal Terps Crab Feast

    San Dieguito County Park, Del Mar · verified Sep 18
    See details

    At San Dieguito County Park, the Southern California Terps Crab Feast brings University of Maryland alumni, families, friends, and supporters together for a laid-back celebration of a classic Chesapeake Bay tradition. Attendees crack crabs, share Maryland pride, and enjoy food, beverages, and activities for all ages in a scenic park setting. Terps from across the region, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections, and mark the close of summer amid school colors and Maryland flag flair.

    Event website ↗
  • 11am

    Magical Meet & Greets

    North County Mall, Escondido
    Free

    Meet beloved storybook characters during weekly meet and greets filled with photo opportunities and playful games. Each week brings a fresh theme with activities that could range from an upbeat sing along to a fun scavenger hunt. A Royalty Card rewards program lets visitors collect a stamp every Sunday, and filling the card with five stamps provides an entry to win a magical prize. Admission is free and open to the public.

    Event website ↗
  • 1pm

    September 2026 - Energy Fest

    Kelly Drive, 4842 Kelly Dr, Carlsbad · verified Sep 18
    Free

    This monthly community gathering focuses on connection, intuition, and shared purpose, highlighted by a semi-annual Energy Fest featuring contributions from community members. The experience begins with a networking circle where attendees can speak about their offerings, upcoming events, workshops, businesses, and creative projects, and bringing flyers and business cards is encouraged. A sign-up process will be available for those wishing to be featured during the Energy Fest. There is no cost to participate, with space for giving and receiving in equal measure. A plant-based potluck follows, and participants are asked to bring a dish to share. The gathering welcomes everyone.

    Event website ↗
  • 3pm

    Experience the Peace Within: Sahaja Yoga Meditation (always free)

    Carlsbad
    Free

    Experience a free Sahaja Yoga Meditation session at Calavera Hills Community Center in Meeting Room 101. The gathering begins with a guided practice to help settle into a calm, thought-free awareness and feel more present. A concise introduction to Sahaja Meditation follows, with time for questions, plus simple balancing techniques and guidance for building an at-home routine so participants can continue practicing and reinforce the benefits. Chairs are available, and attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes that slip off easily. Sahaja Yoga Meditation offers a distinctive approach rooted in Self-realization through the awakening of the Kundalini, cultivating deep inner silence and joy while easing unhelpful thoughts, anxieties, and worries. Established in 1970 by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Sahaja Yoga is a non-profit initiative that is offered free across the United States and in more than 100 countries.

    Event website ↗
  • 3:30pm

    Riftbound Nexus Nights

    Knowhere Games & Comics, 125 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos · verified Sep 18
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    Riftbound Nexus Nights have moved to Knowhere, featuring games played in a Best of 1 format. The entry fee is $6.

    Event website ↗
  • 3:30pm

    Riftbound - League of Legends

    Knowhere Games & Comics, 125 Vallecitos de Oro, San Marcos
    See details

    Knowhere now hosts sessions for the Riftbound card game. Players meet to play and connect with others who enjoy the game.

    Event website ↗
  • 6pm

    Paul and Brian

    O'Sullivan's Irish Pub & Restaurant , 118 E Grand Ave, Escondido · verified Sep 18
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    Paul and Brian appear at O'Sullivan's Irish Pub & Restaurant Escondido. The announcement notes that clocks have changed for the summer season.

    Event website ↗

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