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In this 3-hour spoon carving workshop, learn about carving tools and basic wood carving techniques. Guided by master wood carver Ahmad Khalid Raoufi, explore the initial stages of the process and receive materials and tools to complete the project at home. Admission to this workshop includes light bites and refreshments. Ahmad Khalid Rauofi is a skilled woodcarver who honed his craft in Kabul, Afghanistan. He spent three years in an intensive post-high school woodworking program, where he mastered the traditional techniques of Afghan woodcarving. Ahmad's work reflects the rich cultural heritage of his homeland, blending ancient methods with his artistic vision. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Mingei International Museum on Facebook / Instagram

A free 20 minute breakfast lecture series for our creative community. Join us for coffee, donuts, and inspiration every last Friday of the month. Kendrick Dial, artistically known as Mr. Lyrical Groove is a multidisciplinary artist, spoken word poet, and front man of the award-winning band The Lyrical Groove, known for blending soul, hip-hop, and thought-provoking lyricism. With experience as a Navy veteran, creative & executive coach and leadership trainer, he brings a unique blend of structure and soul to his work. Under the umbrella of his own consulting brand Creative Engagement, he fuses professional development and creativity to allow learners & professionals to explore personal narratives with cultural commentary, using music, poetry, and performance as tools for healing and social change. He recently released a musical project entitled "Clean Pain" and is expanding that project amongst other creative landscapes as we speak. Kenrick Dial on Instagram

Join us on August 9 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Mike Hess Brewing at HessFest! This exciting event is packed with music, fun, and family-friendly activities, featuring craft beer from Mike Hess Brewing, delicious food, and local vendors. We’re proud to support two incredible charities: Oncology and Kids (OAK) and Zero8Hundred. Both organizations uplift communities facing profound challenges—whether veterans who’ve served in conflict or families battling pediatric cancer. These heroes endure PTSD, physical hardships, survivor’s guilt, and tragically high suicide rates. Supporting them fuels our mission to champion kids and vets. OAK dedicates itself to transforming the lives of children and families affected by cancer. Zero8Hundred empowers transitioning veterans by pairing them 1:1 with a military-connected counselor (veteran or military spouse) to identify their unique needs and connect them to vital resources across San Diego, Riverside, Imperial, or Orange counties. Come raise a glass to making a difference! The MHB Purpose: Bringing People Together Over Great Beer Around Great Causes Buy your tickets TODAY, then grab your shades, blanket, and lawn chairs, scoop up the kids and your friendly pooch, and head beachside to Pier Plaza Park along Seacoast, just south of the Imperial Beach Fishing Pier for this super-fun, summertime event. An awesome way to enjoy summer with your friends and family! (Please no oversized umbrellas, personal sized umbrellas that affix to your chair are acceptable. We want to make sure everyone can see.) This year, enjoy an IBAC-run no-entry-fee cornhole tournament for prizes; food from FOUR food vendors plus one popcorn vendor including City Tacos, Doggos Gus, Full Belly BBQ, Bread and Cheese, and Party Pop. In addition, we will have plenty of beverages (Mike Hess Brewing beers, house-made root beer and more), and the main event: a concert featuring Jimmy's Buffet, sullvn, PHT & The Honky Tonk Nights and Morgan Leigh Band! As this event is for charity, we want to do everything we possibly can to ensure it's success. Part of this effort is comprised of having stellar digital photo and video marketing materials. By purchasing your Hessfest XV ticket through eventbrite.com you consent to being on camera and the use of such materials however we see fit. (Social media, print media, TV appearances.) Thank you! Mike Hess Brewing on Facebook / Instagram

Join improviser and freestyle rapper Maria Sweeney for a 2.5 hour workshop that dives into the world of freestyle hip-hop improv at OTC's Studio 219 (219 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA)! Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from Maria, who performs with the San Diego-based freestyle hip-hop improv group, Optimus Rhyme, and LA-based group, Chrome XX. The workshop fee is $35, and registration is limited. Contact Chris Shurland at cshurland@oceansidetheatre.org to register.

Dine Out. Give Back. Fuel Creativity. Support students and the arts with one simple (and delicious) choice, dine at Upper East on August 3, and 15% of your bill will benefit the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation and its Artful Start: Back-to-School event. So relax, dinner is made for you and your meal helps provide local K–12 students in need with the resources, inspiration, and support they deserve to start the school year strong. Why It Matters Your support helps fund Artful Start, a free back-to-school celebration designed to uplift and empower local students through creativity and community. Hosted by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation as part of our Arts for All programming, this event provides: - Art-filled backpacks with high-quality supplies, art books, and planners - Complimentary haircuts so students head back feeling fresh and confident - Hands-on art projects and a free annual museum pass for every student - Access to local resources through a family-focused community fair How You Can Help It’s easy: Dine at Upper East anytime on Sunday, August 3, and 15% of your total bill will be donated back to the Foundation. Don’t forget to mention you are there for the fundraiser. Show up hungry and ready to support a great cause. Spread the Word Can’t make it? Share the event with friends, post on social, or make a direct donation to help us reach even more students this school year. California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation on Facebook / Instagram

Join us for the first of three Healing Wave Wellness Series! Healing Wave Aquatics is hosting an in-person mindfulness and breathing workshop titled "Breathwork by The Bay: Building Your Window of Tolerance," led by our Behavioral Health Specialist, Kim Zimmer. This focused 45-minute presentation will introduce participants to nervous system regulation concepts and provide practical breathing techniques for immediate stress relief and emotional balance. Join us at Mission Bay Park with your yoga mat or blanket to sit on. A suggested donation of $15 is appreciated! Healing Wave Aquatics on Facebook / Instagram

Mark your calendars, cultural enthusiasts! On August 16, 2025, the House of Chamorros invites you to join us at Balboa Park for the Håfa Adai Festival, a vibrant celebration of Chamorro heritage and traditions. Hosted annually, the Håfa Adai Festival brings people together to honor and preserve the rich culture of the Chamorro community. This year’s event promises an unforgettable day filled with traditional dance performances, the soulful rhythms of live music, hands-on activities perfect for families and kids, and local vendors showcasing handmade crafts and goods. Savor the flavors of Guam with authentic Chamorro cuisine prepared by talented chefs and restaurants. Whether you’re part of the Chamorro community, a local family, or simply someone with a deep appreciation for culture and tradition, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Where: House of Chamorros, Balboa Park When: Saturday, August 16th, 2025 Come hungry, curious, and ready to celebrate! Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the date. Save the date and share the joy! We can’t wait to see you there. House of Chamorros on Facebook / Instagram

LIFE at MiraCosta is a lifelong learning group. LIFE meets every Friday on the Oceanside campus of MiraCosta College. Please join us for FREE, Interesting, Entertaining, and Engaging Talks! At 1 p.m. "The Bountiful Benefits of Bats" presented by Cindy Myers, Volunteer, SD Humane Society Bats are important to ecosystems worldwide, including here in southern California but most people know little about these tiny, winged wonders. Learn about our 22 native bat species and their habitats. At 2:30 p.m. "San Diego Scam Jam: Protect Yourself from Fraud" presented by Tiffany Zhang, MPH, Community Engagement and Outreach Manager, AARP Knowledge is Power in the fight against fraud! Join us and learn how to avoid scams before they happen with the AARP Fraud Watch Network! Learn about the top scams in San Diego, identifying red flags. Visit: https://www.miracosta.edu/community/life.html

The House of Ireland and House of Scotland will be hosting an evening of stories and music from Ireland and Scotland on Friday, August 1 from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Hall of Nations in Balboa Park (in the cottage area). Tickets are $20 for general admission or $15 for members of the HPR cottages (cash at door). Light refreshments will also be available. Please RSVP to shanti.hofshi@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Matsu invites guests to a rare evening celebrating the elegance of Japanese winemaking with a six-course pairing dinner by Chef William Eick. This one-night-only experience spotlights wines from Yamanashi Prefecture—Japan’s first official wine region and the birthplace of its winemaking tradition. Often overlooked in favor of Old World regions, Yamanashi is quietly crafting wines of remarkable depth, elegance and clarity. At the heart of this story is Koshu (甲州)—Japan’s only indigenous grape, cultivated for over a thousand years. With its delicate minerality, gentle restraint and natural harmony with food, Koshu reflects the same core values that define Matsu: balance, seasonality and a deep respect for craftsmanship. For one special evening, Matsu will pour five wines exclusively sourced from some of Yamanashi’s most storied producers—Kai Winery, Maruki Winery, Mitsuki Winery and Grace Winery. Matsu is honored to be the only restaurant in the country with a direct allocation from Grace, a quiet testament to the strength of its program and its dedication to thoughtful curation. From crystalline Koshu to a rare Japanese Bordeaux-style red, each pairing has been chosen to take guests on a journey through the region’s terroir and tradition. The evening concludes with a dessert course paired with Japanese whisky—a warm, elegant finish to a night dedicated to reverence, rarity and refined storytelling. Matsu on Facebook / Instagram