Free events in Vista, CA

This free seminar explores growth, picky eating, and ways to keep mealtimes from becoming a power struggle while nurturing healthy eating habits in children ages 1–5. Dr. Aguilera Rice, a licensed child psychologist, and Dr. McCammack, a pediatrician, discuss everyday parenting challenges from both a child’s physical and emotional perspectives. Children are welcome. Optional childcare is available for an additional fee, and participants receive a $10 credit at The Lullabar’s café. The seminar is educational and is not therapy or medical care.

Take a lunch break to talk in person with other moms about setting boundaries during the holidays and enjoying time with the people you love. The gathering is free to attend, with lunch purchased individually. Children are welcome, but you can also come without them. The group meets on the second Monday of each month at the same time and place.

This free self-defense class is for teen girls ages 11 to 18. Participants will learn to recognize unsafe situations early, trust their instincts, respond with confidence, and use practical skills to defend themselves. The class is led by Play it Safe, Defense Strategies for Women and Children. Youth do not need to be registered members of BGC to participate. Space is limited.

A Taekwondo program for ages 5 and up, focused on developing respect, self-control, strength, speed, coordination, endurance, and confidence. Participants learn kicks, blocks, punches, and self-defense skills. A white Taekwondo uniform is required and may be purchased from the instructor for $45. The first class is free, and a liability waiver is required.

Enjoy line and partner dancing on a farm by the coast.

Enjoy a free community dance party featuring Kathryn the Grape, with engaging, educational music and movement for young children. The program is sponsored by The Shoppes at Carlsbad in support of family-friendly entertainment.

Enjoy casual open play and connect with others in the gaming community. Bring Magic, Lorcana, One Piece, Union Arena, or another game you would like to play and share. Open play is free.

Test your knowledge during a lively trivia night featuring questions about pop culture, music, random facts, and throwbacks. Play for free with any purchase, enjoy some friendly competition, and compete for prizes and bragging rights.

The Vista City Council invites the community to come together for a public ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans. Residents can pay tribute and express gratitude to those who have served in uniform. Brigadier General Nick I. Brown, Commanding General of Marine Corps West at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, will deliver the keynote address. This is a free community event.

The community is invited to gather at Veterans Memorial Park for a public ceremony honoring the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans. The gathering offers residents an opportunity to come together in recognition of their service.

Enjoy a free community dance party featuring engaging, educational music and movement for young children. The program is sponsored by Mershops North County in support of family-friendly entertainment.

Create a Christmas-themed Hello Kitty plushie in this two-day intermediate crochet class.

Enjoy a trivia night that takes place on the second Wednesday of each month.

Travel Agents return to Aztec Brewing Company for an evening of tasty brews and dance grooves. There is no cover charge.

Ringer’s Cocktail Lounge offers a friendly setting with live music every Friday night and on select Saturdays. Sundays during NFL football feature complimentary barbecue alongside Bloody Marys. The lounge highlights a one of a kind identity that sets it apart.

Country Strong is a free weekend workout program for active duty military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. Sponsored by the Daniel Ferguson Memorial Foundation, the program offers Saturday sessions hosted by Wholly You Fitness and Sunday sessions hosted by Reins Therapeutic Horsemanship, both in Fallbrook. Veteran coaches from different service branches design the workouts to build functional fitness, camaraderie, and motivation. All experience levels are welcome, with no prior workout experience required. Participants can build strength and connect with others, and family and friends are welcome to take part.

Open rain or shine, this long-running San Diego County farmers market has been operating since 1981 and features more than 50 farmers selling what they grow.

A free, women-only grappling seminar led by professional MMA fighter Gabi McComb, an undefeated 5–0 competitor with five wins by finish, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, and two-time IBJJF world champion. All levels are welcome, and no prior experience, partner, or gi is needed. Wear a T-shirt and leggings or shorts, and bring water. Participants aged 16 and older may attend with a parent. The seminar is free, with an optional donation at the door to support Gabi’s fight camp.

This outdoor market is free to attend and welcomes all ages. Set on the driving range at Emerald Isle Golf Course in Oceanside, California, it brings together more than twenty local vendors. Browse lifestyle goods, apparel, and food, explore club fittings, and discover more in a relaxed open-air setting.

Bring extra plant propagations or pots to exchange with others at this free swap. It’s a chance to trade small pots for medium or large ones, or vice versa, pass along unwanted items, and possibly find a plant you’ve been looking for. Selling is not allowed.

Browse handmade wares from artists at Fire and Mud Studios and get a head start on Christmas shopping. Children can take photos with Santa and enjoy a new game, while Mrs. Claus shares stories about the garden’s magical residents. There is no charge to visit. New, unwrapped toys for local children are welcome as donations to a local domestic violence organization. Toy weapons are not accepted.

Celebrate the harvest with a horse show and country-style fundraiser featuring barbecue, live music, and dancing. The free horse show highlights participants in TERI’s therapeutic equestrian program and the partnership between horses and humans. The dinner fundraiser includes a barbecue meal, two drink tickets, live music, dancing, and auction items. Ticket proceeds support TERI’s Therapeutic Equestrian Program and the individuals with special needs it serves.

Country Strong offers free weekend workouts for active duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Sponsored by the Daniel Ferguson Memorial Foundation, the program features Saturday sessions hosted by Wholly You Fitness and Sunday sessions hosted by Reins Therapeutic Horsemanship. Veteran coaches from different service branches design the workouts to focus on functional fitness, camaraderie, and motivation. No experience is required, and participants of all fitness levels are welcome. Families and friends are welcome to take part.

Enjoy a free live music experience for children and families, featuring an engaging, interactive performance with singing, dancing, and connection. Kathryn the Grape performs alongside rotating special characters. After the show, the characters stay for activities, photos, and meet-and-greets.

The San Diego Book Swap Society hosts a chance to pass along books and exchange them for new-to-you reads to take home.

Founded in San Diego, the Left Coast Quintet features five musicians who share a love of music and performing for their community. Their programs pair classical favorites with selections from Broadway, film, jazz, folk traditions, and more. Through engaging performances and stories behind the music, the ensemble creates a welcoming experience for longtime concertgoers and first-time listeners alike.