Coronado Times

Coronado CARES Casino Night
2026-04-19 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Feast & Fareway, 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado CARES invites the community to an exciting evening of games, food, and fun at its upcoming Casino Night fundraiser. It’s a great chance to gather with friends, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and support programs that help animals and pet owners in our community.

Guests will be able to try their luck at a variety of casino-style games while enjoying great food, drinks, and a festive atmosphere. The evening will also include a silent auction, giving attendees another fun way to support Coronado CARES and the work we do to assist animals and pet owners in Coronado and Imperial Beach.
Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased in advance through the Events page or from a Coronado CARES board member.
Tickets will also be available for purchase the night of the event at the door, so feel free to invite friends and neighbors to join you.

The Science Guys of San Diego: Frostbite Frenzy
2026-04-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Tinker Tuesday presents: The Science Guys of San Diego! Come explore pressure and states of matter, with dry ice as the star of the show. Kids will go crazy for the insane cup popper and dry ice bubbles. Learn about sublimation and increasing pressure, ending with silly explosions.
Tinker Tuesdays is a hands-on educational program that allows children to explore, create, design, and problem solve focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) concepts.

Armchair Travel - On Two Feet & Three Wheels: Travel Adventures Overcoming Age & Disability
2026-04-21 18:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Courtesy image (Spreckels Center)
The John D. Spreckels Center invites the community to its monthly Armchair Travel program on April 21, featuring an inspiring presentation: On Two Feet & Three Wheels: Travel Adventures Overcoming Age & Disability. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Local author Cary Lowe, joined by his wife Trish Butler, will share stories from their remarkable journeys across the United States and abroad. Traveling by planes, trains, ships, buses, and cars, the pair have embraced adventure while navigating age and physical challenges — proving that limitations don’t have to stop exploration.
Cary’s talk offers encouragement and insight for older adults and individuals with disabilities who may feel hesitant about travel, delivering a powerful message: it’s never too late to keep moving forward.
Snacks will be provided. Admission is $7 for resident seniors and $9 general admission. To register, visit www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the Spreckels Center at 1019 Seventh Street.

Image by Julita from Pixabay

Musical Fun with Nightingale Music
2026-04-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy a special musical hour Nightingale Music. We’ll play with lollipop drums, rainbow scarves, tambourines, maracas and more. Marvin the Monkey will come by and teach us the major scale and we’ll learn to stomp and dance like the elephants in the jungle. We’ll pop bubbles to the beat and have a guitar time sing-a-long.
Nightingale Music classes bring out your child’s natural ability for music and creates a relaxed, playful environment for learning, so don’t miss the fun Thursday, April 23 at 11 am.

Spring Fling Opera Concert
2026-04-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Opera À la Carte San Diego presents Spring Fling, a joyful concert celebrating the beauty, renewal, and romance of the spring season. This lively program features a delightful mix of opera arias, art songs, musical theatre selections, and sparkling duets and ensembles inspired by springtime, flowers, and composers born in April.
From lyrical melodies to playful and passionate moments, Spring Fling captures the spirit of the season in music that is fresh, colorful, and full of life.
Featuring an outstanding roster of artists including:
Abla Lynn Hamza, soprano
Chelsea Seener Gornall, soprano
Danielle Perrault, mezzo-soprano
Lily Prado, soprano
Christopher Walters, baritone
Michele Scanlon, piano
Join Opera À la Carte San Diego for an uplifting evening of music that celebrates spring in full bloom.

Opera À la Carte San Diego is a women-run nonprofit opera company dedicated to making opera accessible, engaging, and affordable for the San Diego community. Featuring professional local artists, the company presents lively concert programs and fully staged productions that bring together opera, art song, and musical theatre in welcoming community venues throughout the region.

Movies on the Beach: "Mean Girls" (2004)
2026-04-24 20:00 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Snuggle up on Del Beach for favorite family movies and cult classics in a theater under the stars. Guests can cuddle up around a private bonfire with s’mores and relax in a beach daybed or enjoy seating in Del Beach sand chairs.

General Admission:
Enjoy the movie from a comfortable Del Beach sand chair.
Roast Family Movie Package:
Including sand chairs, a beach bonfire, s’mores, and tickets for up to six people.
Roast Bonfire Package with Beach Daybed:
Including a Del Beach daybed, sand chairs, a beach bonfire, unlimited s’mores, and tickets for up to six people.
Upcoming Schedule:
Friday, April 24 – 8:00PM
Mean Girls (2004)
Saturday, April 25 – 8:00PM
Clueless (1995)
Friday, May 1 – 8:00PM
Forrest Gump (1994)

Movies on the Beach: "Clueless" (1995)
2026-04-25 20:00 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Snuggle up on Del Beach for favorite family movies and cult classics in a theater under the stars. Guests can cuddle up around a private bonfire with s’mores and relax in a beach daybed or enjoy seating in Del Beach sand chairs.

General Admission:
Enjoy the movie from a comfortable Del Beach sand chair.
Roast Family Movie Package:
Including sand chairs, a beach bonfire, s’mores, and tickets for up to six people.
Roast Bonfire Package with Beach Daybed:
Including a Del Beach daybed, sand chairs, a beach bonfire, unlimited s’mores, and tickets for up to six people.
Upcoming Schedule:
Saturday, April 25 – 8:00PM
Clueless (1995)
Friday, May 1 – 8:00PM
Forrest Gump (1994)

CIFF Educational Classic Film: "Double Indemnity" (1944)
2026-04-26 13:30 - 16:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Island Film Festival presents Paramount’s 1944 Best Picture Oscar Nominated Feature Double Indemnity for its next Educational Classic Film on Sunday, April 26 from 1:30 to 4 pm in the Library’s Winn Room.
This screening is FREE and open to the public of all ages – adults, teens, seniors, grandkids.

Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity – No Happy Endings
In the mid-1940s, a new genre of Hollywood crime film appeared; these films, mingling crime, violence, lust and greed, later came to be labeled film noir. All are characterized by an emotionally disturbing atmospheric darkness, or as critic Roger Ebert once observed: “A film noir film is a movie which, at no time, misleads you into thinking that there is going to be a happy ending.”
Double Indemnity is recognized today by many film historians as the premier exemplar of the genre. It remains a “must-see” for everyone interested in film history and cinematic technique. Billy Wilder’s direction and screenplay, with dialogue penned by legendary “hard-boiled” pulp fiction crime writer Raymond Chandler, combine with cinematographer John F. Seitz’s masterful use of low-key lighting and Miklós Rózsa’s score, to make Double Indemnity a haunting cinematic experience audiences will not soon forget.
The film’s all-star cast features Fred MacMurray, here cast against type, as ill-fated insurance salesman Walter Neff; a tragic soul utterly defenseless against the siren song of arguably the definitive cinematic femme fatale, Phyllis Dietrichson, chillingly portrayed by Barbara Stanwyck. Edward G. Robinson rounds out the superb cast as Barton Keyes, Walter’s colleague and only friend, the implacable insurance investigator who cannot shake his gut instinct that the accidental death of Phyllis Dietrichson’s well-insured husband was no accident at all.
All CIFF Educational Classic Film Program screenings are FREE and open the public. A cross generational experience is encouraged – many seniors would love to join and bring young people or grandkids – everyone is welcome. View the schedule at: coronadofilmfest.com/educational-classic-film-program/. Follow us on Instagram.
The 2026 “The Art of Adaptation” remaining line-up features all Best Pictures Oscar Nominees: A Tale of Two Cities (1937), and Les Miserables (1935).

Trio Aquarelle Concert
2026-05-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Be inspired by the flute, cello, and piano in concert as Trio Aquarelle performs at the Coronado Public Library on Friday, May 1 at 1 pm. Trio Aquarelle takes its name from Philippe Gaubert’s luminous Trois Aquarelles — sharing a performance inspired by watercolors in this classical chamber music concert. This event is free to attend thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library and City of Coronado.
Seating is first come, first seated and doors open at 12:45 pm. Learn more at cplevents.org.
Formed by three musicians whose roots span different corners of the world, Trio Aquarelle brings a richly layered perspective to the chamber music stage. Elena Yarritu, of Japanese and Mexican descent, holds advanced degrees from Yale University and Stony Brook University, has studied and concertized throughout Europe, and performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall — her recordings on MSR Classics have been hailed as “fearsome and adventurous” and “jubilantly virtuosic.” Daniel Grab brings a globe-spanning energy to the ensemble — at home as principal cellist in Southern California concert halls and each summer on faculty at the Burgos International Music Festival in Spain. When not on stage, he can be found exploring the Southern California coastline in search of uncrowded waves, occasionally with a cello student in tow. Cho-Hyun Park, a native of South Korea, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin and took first prize at the Bartók-Kabalevsky-Prokofiev International Piano Competition in Italy, a distinction that led to her Carnegie Hall debut in 2015. Together, they move fluidly across a wide expressive range, from high-spirited virtuosity to moments of the most sublime lyricism — and it is precisely this diversity of background, temperament, and training that gives the ensemble its distinctive spark.
Central to Trio Aquarelle’s mission is a commitment to music that tells a fuller story. The ensemble actively champions works by women composers across the ages, believing that great music has always existed in more voices than history has acknowledged. They are passionate about bringing newly discovered and rarely heard works to light, programming them alongside the beloved standards audiences know and love — creating concerts that feel both like a homecoming and an adventure.
Trio Aquarelle invites you into their world — one where music transcends the familiar, carries you somewhere unexpected, and stays with you long after the last note fades.

Double Served Tennis Tournament
2026-05-01 14:30 | Coronado Tennis Center, 1501 Glorietta Boulevard, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Junior Woman’s Club’s (CJWC) fifth annual “Double Served” Tennis Tournament will be held on May 1 (doors open at 2:30) at the Coronado Tennis Center.
The event draws both competitive and casual players, local food lovers, and supporters of a worthy cause. This year’s tournament experience offers expanded play, local restaurant samplings, raffle prizes, and a high-energy atmosphere that brings the Coronado community together.
Players can expect exciting tennis matches surrounded by creative team names and some of the most entertaining on-court outfits around. Spectators join in the fun with food from local restaurants, drinks, music, raffles, and a silent auction — all included with a $53.74 ticket.
“We’ve seen this event grow every year, and we’re expecting our biggest turnout yet,” said Lyle Anderson, Chair of the Double Served Tournament. “Whether you’re competing, cheering, or just coming for the food and fun, it’s a great way to support Coronado and give back.”
Ticket Information
Team Registration (2 players): $184.74
Spectator Tickets: $53.74 – Includes access to all the food, drinks, and festivities
Proceeds benefit Safe Harbor Coronado, a nonprofit supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of local youth and families, as well as ongoing philanthropic work of CJWC, a 501(c)(3) organization serving Coronado since 1960.
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out.
LEARN MORE HERE
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Movies on the Beach: "Forrest Gump" (1994)
2026-05-01 20:00 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Snuggle up on Del Beach for favorite family movies and cult classics in a theater under the stars. Guests can cuddle up around a private bonfire with s’mores and relax in a beach daybed or enjoy seating in Del Beach sand chairs.

General Admission:
Enjoy the movie from a comfortable Del Beach sand chair.
Roast Family Movie Package:
Including sand chairs, a beach bonfire, s’mores, and tickets for up to six people.
Roast Bonfire Package with Beach Daybed:
Including a Del Beach daybed, sand chairs, a beach bonfire, unlimited s’mores, and tickets for up to six people.
Upcoming Schedule:
Friday, May 1 – 8:00PM
Forrest Gump (1994)

Chili Cook-off
2026-05-02 12:00 - 15:00 | VFW Post 2422, 557 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Safe Harbor, in partnership with the Optimist Coronado Club, and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Coronado, presents a Chili Cook-off.
All skill levels welcome to enter this friendly competition. Sign up today to showcase your skills and bring a batch of your chili to this fun afternoon.

MotorCars on MainStreet
2026-05-03 10:00 - 15:00 | CA
The 37th Annual MotorCars on MainStreet will be held on Sunday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – rain or shine.
Coronado MainStreet proudly presents this extraordinary celebration of classic and custom automobiles. This year’s event will feature 1975 and older restored antiques, classics, rods, and custom cars, trucks, and lowriders — showcasing the craftsmanship, passion, and history that make these vehicles so iconic.
MotorCars on MainStreet isn’t just a car show, it’s an experience. Set in the heart of downtown Coronado, just steps from the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the event draws car enthusiasts and families alike to enjoy an unforgettable day of automotive excellence. With over 300 meticulously maintained and jaw-dropping vehicles lining Isabella Avenue and Star Park, there’s sure to be something to captivate every kind of car lover. The restaurants and shopping that add to Coronado’s distinctive character are just around the corner, so be sure to plan time for exploration.​
This annual tradition has become one of the premier automotive events in Southern California, combining a vibrant atmosphere with the charm of Coronado. Whether you’re a gearhead, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the timeless beauty of vintage cars, you’ll find plenty to love at MotorCars on MainStreet.​
Thanks to the generous support of the City of Coronado, this event continues to be a highlight of the year. Thousands of spectators from near and far flock to the show to admire these rolling works of art, enjoy live music, and participate in prize drawings throughout the day.
Best of all, admission for spectators is completely free.

CIFF Educational Classic Film: "A Tale of Two Cities" (1937)
2026-05-03 13:30 - 16:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Island Film Festival presents MGM’S 1937 Best Picture Oscar Nominated Feature A Tale of Two Cities on Sunday, May 3 at 1:30 pm in the Winn Room of the Coronado Public Library.

The screening is free and open to the public of all ages and is part of this year’s Educational Classic Film Series – “The Art of Adaptation.”
A Tale of Two Cities – Dickens’ Epic Tale of Love and Revolution
Directed by Jack Conway, A Tale of Two Cities was the last film Selznick produced before leaving MGM to found Selznick International Pictures. This 1935 MGM adaptation is viewed by most critics as the definitive movie version of Dickens’ heart-wrenching tale of self-sacrificial love in the wake of the French Revolution, the horrors of mob rule, and death by guillotine that followed the overthrow of Louis XVI.
At its core is a performance for the ages by Ronald Colman as alcoholic barrister Sydney Carton, a role he felt compelled to play. “In a sense, I selected my favorite role quite a few years ago when I was a schoolboy in England. At that time, I read and reread Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and was intrigued by the part of Sydney Carton … To me, this is fiction’s outstanding example of regeneration through sacrifice. There are times when every actor should play one of the great classic roles of drama and literature… [doing so] represented the fulfillment of a long-cherished desire.”
All CIFF Educational Classic Film Program screenings are FREE and open the public.

"May the Fourth be with You" - Star Wars Day
2026-05-04 15:30 - 17:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Star Wars fans of all ages will want to mark their calendars for our May the Fourth event on, you guessed it, May 4th! Stormtroopers, bounty hunters, Sith Lords and more from the 501st Legion’s Imperial Sands Garrison will be at the Library in full regalia starting at 3:30 pm. We encourage everyone to come dressed in their favorite Star Wars attire to truly immerse yourself in the galaxy far, far away. Whether you’re a Padawan or a Jedi Master, this all-ages intergalactic gathering will be full of fun.
Visit cplevents.org for more information. This program is free to attend thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.
Image courtesy of Coronado Public Library

FILM FORUM CORONADO: "Outsourced" (2006)
2026-05-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Public Library, in partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival, presents FILM FORUM CORONADO, taking place the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 pm in the library’s Winn Room. Film expert Ralph DeLauro provides a brief introduction to each film and leads a discussion afterwards, often including pointers about how lighting or camera angles contribute to a scene’s mood or propel the story.

May 6: Outsourced (2006, PG-13, 103 min)
Bursting with charm, this crowd-pleasing sleeper offers a witty and good-spirited jab at the global economy. A Seattle sales manager (Josh Hamilton) finds himself a stranger in a strange land when he is sent to India to train their call center recently outsourced by his company. Co-starring Ayesha Dharker.

Moments Suspended - CoSA Dance
2026-05-08 19:00, 2026-05-09 19:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Conservatory of Classical and Contemporary Dance invites audiences to Moments Suspended, a collection of original dance works that observes and honors the present moment, and celebrates the artistic achievements of this year’s graduating seniors. The concert takes the stage May 8 and 9 at 7 pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center at 650 D Avenue. Tickets are available here and at CoSASanDiego.com.
This uniquely diverse concert features 16 original dance works, choreographed by both faculty and student artists. Each piece briefly suspends the moments that have brought us all to this present experience, connecting us to the many moments that have contributed to each life’s story; inspiring us to rest within the present moment, whether it be joyous or adverse, more often.
Celebrating human resilience through dance

Coronado Art & Wine Festival
2026-05-09 | CA
The Coronado Art & Wine Festival is a collaboration between the Coronado Schools Foundation and the Coronado Chamber of Commerce, two nonprofits bringing together vital areas of our community: the schools, the arts, and local businessses.
A family-friendly joyful celebration and showcase of art, wine, food, music, and community to benefit K-12 STEM classes
An afternoon dedicated to highlighting the finest artists from Southern California and beyond. Enjoy a captivating display of diverse art styles and mediums.
Multiple options to purchase tickets for wine tasting.
Volunteers are needed! Sign up HERE.
The best of Coronado will be on display at the fifth Coronado Art & Wine Festival

Musica Vitale and Friends
2026-05-09 19:00 | St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 700 D Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Musica Vitale closes its anniversary season with the birthday bash, celebrating 20 years of music making, friendships and collaborations.
On stage: Musica Vitale, Octet Vox Humana, The Ghukasyan String Orchestra and Crown City Chorale.
The program consists of choral and instrumental compositions by Schnittke, Briggs, Tchaikovsky, Khachaturyan, Poulenc and others.
Artistic Directors: Elena Vizuet, nonna Aladhverdova
TICKETS

Westwind Brass
2026-05-12 14:00 - 15:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy an afternoon of lively entertainment as Westwind Brass brings their dynamic sound to the John D. Spreckels Center on Tuesday, May 12, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Known for their engaging performances and passion for brass music, the ensemble will present a program featuring a mix of American favorites. Audiences can expect a spirited selection of patriotic songs along with other upbeat selections, creating an energetic and enjoyable experience for all.
Admission is free; however, registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the front desk at 1019 Seventh Street.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the vibrant sounds of Westwind Brass and celebrate an afternoon of music and community.

An Evening of Summer Stories featuring three bestselling authors
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
If your ideal summer read involves friendship, second chances, family secrets, and a touch of seaside charm, you won’t want to miss a special Summer Reads author event at the Coronado Public Library on Tuesday, April 12 at 7 pm. The event brings together New York Times bestselling author Kristy Woodson Harvey, USA Today bestselling novelist Meg Donohue, and special guest Kate Luckinbill, offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from the voices behind some of this season’s most talked-about titles.
The three authors will explore their latest works: Harvey’s Summer State of Mind, Donohue’s The Memory Gardener, and A Book by Desi Arnaz, newly expanded with contributions from Luckinbill, granddaughter of the legendary entertainer. Together, the three will share the inspiration behind their work, the themes that shape their storytelling, and the creative journeys that brought these books to life.
For readers who gravitate toward uplifting yet layered fiction, Harvey’s newest novel promises a perfect escape. Known for her “elevated beach reads,” she weaves stories of love, community, and rediscovery—often set against warm, inviting backdrops. Donohue, beloved for her emotionally resonant and often cozy storytelling, brings a different but complementary tone, exploring memory, healing, and the quiet magic found in everyday life. Meanwhile, Luckinbill offers a deeply personal perspective, sharing family history and new insights into the life of Desi Arnaz.
A book signing will follow this talk.
Registration
The event is free and open to the public, with limited preferred seating available through pre-order from Adventures by the Book.
For readers who prefer a little peace of mind and want to show their early support of the authors, a VIP option includes guaranteed event admission and reserved seating with the pre-order of Summer State of Mind, A Book by Desi Arnaz, or The Memory Gardener.
And since we’re officially in a summer state of mind, we’re delighted to offer a discounted three-book bundle—the perfect pairing to kick off your summer reading season.

“Flourish” fundraiser - an evening benefitting women and girls
2026-05-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Feast & Fareway, 2000 Visalia Row, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Soroptimist of Coronado’s first in-person fundraising event since 2019 will be an evening at Feast & Fareway showcasing an all-female musical performance by members of Lamb’s Players. For over 75 years, the Coronado Soroptimist chapter has worked to foster opportunities for women and girls to achieve educational advancement and financial independence. The Lamb’s performers are generously sharing their talents with the community in support of this mission. The event will take place on May 14, beginning at 5:30 pm.
Guests will be treated to songs originated by legendary female artists of the 1960s and 1970s, including “Beautiful” by Carole King, “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin, and “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone.
Photo, L to R: Sydney Joyner, Natasha Reese, Joy Yandell-Hall, Angela Chatelain Avila. Courtesy photo
Kerry Meads, the Associate Artistic Director of Lamb’s Players Theatre shared, “We are honored to partner with Soroptimist International of Coronado for this special evening. Celebrating the voices of iconic female artists — performed by an all-women cast — beautifully reflects Soroptimist’s mission. We hope to inspire the community to come together in support of women and girls.”
The Coronado Soroptimist club invites long-time supporters and all fellow community members for this festive and meaningful evening — an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and raise vital funds for scholarships, grants, and educational programs that help women and girls flourish. There will be food, drinks, and a silent auction.
To attend, make a donation, or learn more about Soroptimist, visit coronadosoroptimist.org.
TICKETS

Coronado Legends: Ghost Stories and Local Lore book launch
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
What secrets linger beneath Coronado’s sunny shores? Discover them at the launch of Coronado Legends, a captivating collection of local ghost stories and mysteries written by David J. Schmidt. From the haunting legend of Kate Morgan at the Hotel del Coronado to eerie tales of poltergeists, haunted hotels, and even our own haunted library, it shows a side of Coronado’s past not all might know!
The evening also includes live storytelling performances by members of Storytellers of San Diego, who will theatrically bring select tales to life, creating an immersive experience filled with intrigue, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.
Books will be available for sale at this free event. Seating is first come, first seated.

Mark Montijo Concert
2026-05-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
On Friday, May 15 at 1 p.m., San Diego Music Award nominee Mark Montijo will be at the Coronado Public Library sharing a performance inspired by the breadth of his experiences. He’ll be joined by multi-instrumentalist Lenny Bole, a longtime banjo player and skilled dobro and lap steel musician. As San Diego Troubadour writes, “Montijo’s voice breaks and falters unapologetically, delivering the weight of each moment with raw sincerity… lyrics… meticulously crafted — perfectly hewn… this feels like home.” This event is free to attend thanks to the support of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library and City of Coronado. Seating is first come, first served and doors open at 12:45 p.m. Learn more at cplevents.org.
After decades away from the spotlight, singer-songwriter Mark Montijo has returned with a quiet confidence that reflects both experience and restraint. First emerging in the 1960s club and festival scene, Montijo built his sound alongside a circle of musicians — some of whom would go on to national recognition — before stepping away from music entirely in the late 1970s to pursue business and political work. Encouraged by longtime friends and fans, Montijo recently reentered the studio, releasing a series of albums that have earned critical attention. His debut return, History, drew praise from American Songwriter, while subsequent releases have garnered songwriting awards and San Diego Music Award nominations. His latest work, Apricot Moon, continues that momentum with a nomination for Best Folk or Americana Song.
Joining him is multi-instrumentalist Lenny Bole, a seasoned banjo player whose talents extend to dobro, lap steel, and Weissenborn guitar. A former member of the touring band Montezuma’s Revenge, Bole spent years as a teacher before returning to music in retirement. Today, he performs regularly with local groups, including the bluegrass band Stay Tuned, and remains a sought-after collaborator.

Educational Classic Film Series The Art of Adaptation presents "Les Miserables" (1935)
2026-05-17 13:30 - 16:00 | Winn Room, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This film series is open to the public of all ages and is free.
Les Miserables is the final feature in The 2026 “The Art of Adaptation” Educational Classic Film Series.
Les Miserables, legendary 20th Century Pictures producer Darryl Zanuck’s 1935 epic retelling of Victor Hugo’s most celebrated novel, screens FREE on Sunday afternoon, May 17 from 1:30 to 4 pm in the Library’s Winn Room.
Les Miserables – Victor Hugo’s epic tale of grace and redemption
Directed by Richard Boleslawski, the remarkable achievement of this 1935 adaptation is how perfectly W.P. Lipscomb’s taut 108-minute screenplay confidently captures the core of one of the greatest novels of the 19th century in what one critic called “a miracle of concision.” Hugo’s broad themes of love, grace and justice are set against the epic struggle between the story’s antagonists. Yet what sets this retelling apart is how deftly the screenplay reveals the internal thoughts, emotions, and experiences of Jean Valjean and Javert that shaped both the characters and, ultimately, the shared destinies of these two men.
The lead performance by Frederick March as paroled convict Jean Valjean is among the most memorable of his 40-year cinematic career. And rarely, if ever, has any film actor matched Charles Laughton’s portrayal of a man possessed by a disturbing psychological menace he is helpless to either understand or overcome, Inspector Javert.
All CIFF Educational Classic Film Program screenings are FREE and open the public.

Freedom for Ukraine: A Night of Light fundraising gala
2026-05-17 16:30 - 20:00 | Nautilus Room, Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Shield of Freedom will host its third annual fundraising gala, Freedom for Ukraine: A Night of Light, on Sunday, May 17, from 4:30 to 8 pm in the Nautilus Room at the Coronado Community Center.

This evening will bring together a compassionate community of supporters, advocates, and friends united in purpose — to honor resilience, celebrate hope, and raise critical funds for life-saving humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
As the war in Ukraine continues to impact millions, A Night of Light aims to shine a spotlight on the strength and courage of those affected, while mobilizing meaningful support. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Shield of Freedom’s medical evacuation vehicle campaign, helping deliver urgent assistance to those in need.
Guests will experience a thoughtfully curated program featuring inspiring stories, opportunities for connection, and moments designed to uplift and engage. The evening will also include live music, dinner, and Ukrainian beer and wine.
“We are honored to bring our community together once again in support of Ukraine,” said organizers at Shield of Freedom. “This event is not only about raising funds — it’s about standing in solidarity and reminding those impacted that they are not alone.”
For those unable to attend, there are still meaningful ways to contribute. Supporters can make a tax-deductible donation through Shield of Freedom’s website shieldoffreedom.org or sponsor a guest from our volunteer community to attend the event.
Shield of Freedom extends its gratitude to all supporters for their continued commitment to Ukraine. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to donate, please visit shieldoffreedom.org/freedom-for-ukraine.

Latin American Music for Cello and Flute
2026-05-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join flutist, Julia Barnett, and cellist, Kathleen Long, for a mix of flute and cello duos and solos by Latin American composers. Enjoy exciting works by Efrain Amaya, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Miguel Del Aguila, and more.

FILM FORUM CORONADO: "Local Hero" (1983)
2026-05-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Coronado Public Library, in partnership with the Coronado Island Film Festival, presents FILM FORUM CORONADO, taking place the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the library’s Winn Room. Film expert Ralph DeLauro provides a brief introduction to each film and leads a discussion afterwards, often including pointers about how lighting or camera angles contribute to a scene’s mood or propel the story.
May 20: Local Hero (1983, PG, 111 min)
Packed with puckish humor, droll one liners, and eccentric characters, Bill Forsyth’s magical culture clash comedy put Scottish cinema on the map. A whizz-kid junior oil exec (Peter Riegert) is sent by his star-gazing boss (Burt Lancaster) to persuade a Scottish fishing village to sell up and make way for an oil refinery.

Celebrating 90 years of lawn bowling in Coronado documentary screening
2026-05-21 18:00 - 21:00 | John D. Spreckels Center and Bowling Green, 1019 7th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Lawn Bowling Club (CLBC) invites the community to a special evening on May 21 celebrating the rich history, spirit, and legacy of lawn bowling in Coronado, at the premiere of the short documentary “Celebrating 90 Years of Lawn Bowling in Coronado.”
Produced for CLBC by One on One Productions, the film weaves together player interviews, archival and contemporary photography, and video footage to tell the story of the local club and its place in the tapestry of this globally played sport.
Twenty-nine-time Emmy Award–winning writer, producer, and narrator Jane Mitchell — a Coronado native — brings a personal and engaging perspective to this story of recreation, community connection, and achievement.
This free community event will be held on May 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at John D. Spreckels Center & Bowling Green, 1019 7th St. The evening will feature two screenings of the 22-minute film, along with live demonstrations of lawn bowling and opportunities for attendees to try the sport themselves. A taco bar will be provided for refreshments.
Walk-ins are welcome; however, space and refreshments are limited. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Guests may reserve their spot at:
CoronadoLawnBowlingEvent.eventbrite.com.
