Mark Montijo Concert
2026-05-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

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.

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.

"Honoring America" with the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra
2026-05-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra invites audiences to an inspiring evening of music and patriotism with its upcoming concert, Honoring America, on May 23 at 7 p.m. A pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m., offering guests deeper insight into the program. The performance will take place at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, located at 650 D Avenue in Coronado.

Under the direction of Maestro Osvaldo Mendoza, the orchestra presents a thoughtfully curated program that celebrates the spirit and legacy of the United States in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary. While often referred to informally as a sesquicentennial, this milestone is more accurately a semiquincentennial — marking 250 years since the founding of the country. This concert serves as a musical tribute to that historic occasion, blending beloved patriotic works with evocative American compositions.

The evening includes the iconic The Star-Spangled Banner, immediately setting a tone of reverence and unity. From there, audiences will be treated to the sweeping grandeur of a fanfare by John Williams, whose music has come to define modern American cinematic sound. The program continues with The Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa, a rousing march that remains one of the most recognizable symbols of American musical pride.
A highlight of the evening is Quiet City by Aaron Copland, featuring guest soloist Ken Fitzgerald on trumpet. This introspective and haunting work captures the emotional landscape of urban life, offering a contrast to the more celebratory pieces on the program. Fitzgerald’s performance is expected to bring both technical brilliance and expressive depth to the stage.
The concert also includes Trumpet Concerto by William Perry, further showcasing Fitzgerald’s artistry and expanding the evening’s exploration of American musical voices. In addition, audiences will experience Lincoln Portrait, a powerful work that combines narration with orchestral music to honor President Abraham Lincoln and the enduring ideals he represents.
Rounding out the program is An American in Paris by George Gershwin, a vibrant and jazzy depiction of an American traveler’s experiences abroad. Its lively rhythms and colorful orchestration provide an energetic and joyful conclusion to the evening.
With its blend of patriotic favorites and masterful compositions, Honoring America promises to be both a celebration and a reflection — honoring the past while looking toward the future. For more information and tickets, visit Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra online at coronadophilharmonia.org.

NASCAR race weekend at Naval Base Coronado
2026-06-19 - 2026-06-21 | CA
NASCAR San Diego Weekend will be a three-day racing event headlined by the stars of the Cup Series on Sunday, along with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, and the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series on Friday
Friday, June 19, 4 pm – NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Saturday, June 20, 2 pm – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Sunday, June 21, 1 pm – NASCAR Cup Series (Anduril 250)
Access to a federal military base requires a government-issued ID for U.S. citizens and a passport for foreign nationals for any guest 18 and older. Please ensure you have this with you to access NASCAR San Diego weekend.
LEARN MORE

CIFF screening of "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby"
2026-06-19 19:30 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This June, as the checkered flag goes down on the inaugural NASCAR San Diego Weekend, the Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) will celebrate with a special screening of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (PG-13).
The screening will take place at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue. Doors open at 7 pm and the film begins at 7:45 pm. General admission is $10 and a limited number of “Pit Crew” VIP Sponsor Packages are available for $200.

TICKETS ON SALE HERE

Coronado Island Film Festival presents Movie on the Beach: "Dirty Dancing"
2026-06-26 19:00 | Hotel Del Beach
The Coronado Island Film Festival invites guests to step into the summer of 1963 on Friday, June 26, for its annual Movie on the Beach fundraiser — this year featuring the classic Dirty Dancing, presented under the stars on the Coronado shoreline.

With the Hotel del Coronado as the backdrop, the evening will transform the beach into a nostalgic coastal homage to Kellerman’s Mountain House in the Catskills. As the sun sets over the Pacific, guests will be welcomed by glowing bonfires, ocean breezes, and the nostalgic soundtrack that will have you “Swayzing” as DJ Trisha Lynn and Marilyn Klisser of Club Coronado bring some heat to the sand.
Beach chairs will be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets or jackets as the night may get chilly when the evening breeze rolls in. With a themed cocktail in hand and feet in the sand, attendees can settle in for a unique cinematic experience.
For those seeking an elevated experience, a limited number of exclusive fire pit lounges are available. Each includes a private fire pit, seating for up to six guests, a double-wide chaise lounge, and a bespoke gift, offering an intimate way to experience the evening.
Movie on the Beach serves as a critical fundraiser supporting CIFF’s mission, year-round outreach, and cultural programming.
“Year after year, our movie on the beach — made possible by the Hotel del Coronado — grows into something more spectacular than the last,” said Merridee Book, CEO & Artistic Director, Coronado Island Film Festival. “And yet the heart of this gathering has never been about the spectacle. It is about what happens when a community comes together around something it loves — and chooses to invest in it. The funds raised sustain our five-day festival and the free educational programming that reaches students, emerging filmmakers, and film lovers throughout the year. This is cinematic magic with real, lasting impact.”
TICKETS
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. Contact Jon Book at sponsorship@coronadofilm.com.

CSF Gala at The Del
2026-09-12 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
