Ferry Landing Concert: BlueFrog Band
2024-07-21 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Add some free live music to your weekend with the Ferry Landing Weekend Concert Series, held on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5 pm. Enjoy shopping, dining and dancing, all in one place at the Coronado Ferry Landing.
Editor’s note: This article previously incorrectly listed the band name.

John Abrams' Magic Show
2024-07-24 12:00 | Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, United States
Moms, dads, children, and grandparents, this is your ticket to not just great FREE entertainment this summer at the Coronado Community Center, but also to unforgettable family moments. Look for Wednesday entertainment at noon at the Coronado Community Center.
On Wednesday, July 24, you will be wowed by John Abrams’ magic show. John’s combination of comedy, magic, music, audience participation, and live exotic pets will amaze all who attend.

This free Animal Magic Show is a nonstop, action-packed, high-energy 45-minute magic show with all live, exotic pets. It is designed to not just entertain, but to leave a lasting and positive impression on adults and children. This is not just a reptile show where the animals are simply shown. The spectators of this show will be involved in a multi-media, audience-participation magic show “experience” with live animals ranging from chinchillas to silkie chickens, doves to tarantulas, tortoises to bunnies, flying squirrels, snakes, and others.

Ferry Landing Concert: Baywolf
2024-07-27 14:00 - 17:00 | Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Add some free live music to your weekend with the Ferry Landing Weekend Concert Series, held on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5 pm. Enjoy shopping, dining and dancing, all in one place at the Coronado Ferry Landing.

Ferry Landing Concert: The Suenamis
2024-07-28 14:00 - 17:00 | Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States

Mad Science Demonstrations of "Fire and Ice"
2024-07-31 12:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Moms, dads, children, and grandparents, find great FREE entertainment and unforgettable family moments this summer on Wednesdays at noon at the Coronado Community Center.

On July 31, Mad Science comes to Coronado with fascinating science demonstrations, including their Foggy Dry Ice Storms and Fire and Bubbly Showers in “The Fire and Ice Show.”
Learn more:
Free Community Entertainment Series: Mad Science Presents Fire and Ice

Dynamite Dave: Music, Games, Magic
2024-08-07 12:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Moms, dads, children, and grandparents, find great FREE entertainment this summer at the Coronado Community Center, and make unforgettable family moments. Look for Wednesday entertainment at noon at the Coronado Community Center.
Join Dynamite Dave on Wednesday, August 7, as he takes the audience on a magical adventure with tons of interactive participation—lots of music, games, fun, and silly magic with his Total Kids Magic Show.

National S'mores Day at The Del
2024-08-10 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Tuck your toes in the sand and roast some delicious s’mores during your own private beach bonfire under the stars at the Hotel del Coronado to celebrate National S’mores Day! Fire pits can be reserved for a one-hour experience which includes unlimited s’mores and water.
Beach bonfire and s’mores. Photo: Hotel del Coronado
Set on one of America’s most iconic beaches, the legendary Hotel del Coronado has been welcoming families for over 135 years to experience the very best of Southern California’s coastal lifestyle. A living seaside legend, this historic property is perfect for families looking for that classic, old-meets-new beach vacation, accommodations that feel like a home-away-from-home and a laundry-list of kid-friendly activities to partake in.

Imperial Beach’s Sun & Sea Festival
2024-08-17 09:00 - 16:00 | Portwood Pier Plaza, 900-914 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA, 91932, United States
A Gigantic Monument Castle, Street Fair, Kids-n-Kastles Competition and Live Entertainment
One of San Diego County’s most beloved traditions and the largest local festival held annually on the sand at Portwood Pier Plaza is back this year – with a few changes. The most notable will be the gigantic “Sandcastle City”-style monument castle without the typical sandcastle competition, though there will be a Kids-n-Kastles competition, according to co-chair Shirley Nakawatase. “We all loved the master’s competition, but since the pandemic, it’s been a challenge getting business sponsorships and new volunteers to help produce this large-scale event,” she said.
This year’s Kids-n-Kastles competition will feature 15 teams and is sponsored by the Imperial Beach/South Bay Kiwanis. This year’s Sandcastle Ball is free and open to the public at Mike Hess Brewing Company on Seacoast Boulevard. Donations are requested for Rad Swag Bags (supplies are limited).
Event Co-Chair Sandi Crosby is part of the new wave of younger volunteer members. “Bringing new energy onto the committee is exciting,” said Crosby. “I am looking forward to seeing the type of impact that they will make.”
FRIDAY, August 16

The Sandcastle Ball will be held from 6 pm to midnight at Mike Hess Brewing 805 Ocean Ln, Imperial Beach. Free admission, all ages welcome. Donations are appreciated.

SATURDAY, August 17

The “Mega” Castle will be crafted from 80 cubic yards of sand. Watch our progress at Pier Plaza from Thursday through Saturday. The best viewing days will be Friday and Saturday.
Music and Entertainment: Pier Plaza Stage – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Performers TBD
Kids-n-Kastles Competition: 9 a.m. arrival. Fifteen teams compete from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the sand just north of the Pier. Those interested can sign up at www.sunandseafestival.com.

Photo: Trina Frederiksen for The Coronado Times
The City of Imperial Beach is famous for sandcastles, starting with the U.S. Open Sandcastle competition held on July 25, 1981. The annual competition lasted for 31 years and ended in 2011. In 2012, The San Diego Port District produced IB Kids Fest at Pier Plaza in June. This reignited the tradition of the original Imperial Beach celebration with a new Sun & Sea Festival in 2013 featuring a professional sand sculpture display and the children’s Kids ‘N Kastles competition. The festival format, adopted by a large group of local volunteers, stayed the same until the 2020 pandemic. In 2021, organizers, in partnership with the City of Imperial Beach and the San Diego Port District, were able to continue the town’s love of sandcastles without the street festival. The event, billed as Sandcastle City, presented the largest sandcastle ever built on Imperial Beach’s Pier Plaza along with several smaller sand sculpture displays at local businesses for several weeks. The ninth annual Sun & Sea Festival held in July 2022 returned to the original festival format with a smaller sandcastle competition and a scaled-back street festival. The event took a one-year hiatus in 2023.
2024 Sun & Sea Festival Seeks Sponsors
The festival committee is seeking sponsorship funding from regional and local businesses to uphold our tradition of hosting a free public event. “Imperial Beach is the home of the original sandcastle competition, and it is part of our culture,” said Mariko Nakawatase, sponsorship chair. We are deeply grateful to our longtime sponsors, many of whom continue to support us in 2024. Those who have signed up to date are: The Port of San Diego, the City of Imperial Beach, and EDCO. “We are thrilled to include local businesses who we are looking forward to working with, they are Imperial Beach Community Clinic, Dwayne Snyder Stucco , WyYerd Fiber, Ashley Ortega- Mortgage Lender, Raising Cane’s, Southbay Urgent Care, and Pacific Realty Sales and Management. “We are always thankful for the support and look forward to collaborating with any business interested in joining us,” adds Nakawatase. If you would like to participate as a sponsor, please contact Mariko Nakawatase at marikonakawatase@gmail.com.

Liberty Station Military Heroes Festival
2024-08-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Liberty Station, 2642 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA, 92106, United States
Liberty Station is hosting their 6th annual Military Heroes Festival on August 17 in Ingram Plaza from 10am to 1pm in partnership with Rock Church. This is a free event for active military families, gold-star families, active-duty reservists, and veterans in need. There will be free clothing, groceries, backpacks, haircuts, entertainment, and prizes for the guests. With a Superhero theme in mind, some of the entertainment will include live music, a visit from the 501st Legion (Star Wars Stormtroopers), and a Batmobile appearance.
Registration is free at this link.

Aquatics Center Reopening Pool Party - Olympics Style!
2024-08-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Dive into a day of aquatic excitement and splashes of fun at the newly renovated Coronado Aquatics Center!
The City is celebrating the reopening of the Aquatics Center with a Free Grand Reopening Pool party. Join the Aquatics Team for an exciting day of aquatic competitions and splashes of fun at the newly renovated Aquatics Center on Saturday, August 17 from 10 am to 2 pm. All ages are welcome, and food and drinks will be available. Space is limited and pre-registration for general entry is required.
Space is limited, so be sure to pre-register for general entry. If you’re interested in attending additional classes and activities, don’t forget to sign up in advance as well.
Register at Coronado.Ca.Us/PoolParty or call 619-522-7342 for more information.
Thank you to the community for your patience during the construction renovations. Aquatics Center hours and programming information will be available soon.

New Family Ice Cream Social
2024-08-20 15:00 | Coronado Unified School District, 201 Sixth Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Families who are new to the Coronado Unified School District are invited to the New Family Ice Cream Social at the District Office on Tuesday, August 20 at 3 pm. This annual event is hosted by CUSD in conjunction with the Military School Liaison/ Naval Base Coronado partners.

Generations Connect: Ice Cream Sundae Bar & Craft
2024-09-04 14:30 - 15:30 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The City of Coronado and Safe Harbor Coronado are thrilled to present Generations Connect: Ice Cream Sundae Bar & Craft, a heartwarming intergenerational event that brings together adults 50+ and children for a delightful afternoon of creativity and treats.
Join us on September 4 from 2:30 to 3:30 PM at the John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street. This event offers a unique opportunity to bond over an engaging craft activity and enjoy a delectable ice cream sundae bar.
Designed to foster creativity and connection, this event encourages participants of all ages to share meaningful experiences and create lasting memories.
Reserve your spot by registering online at www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, calling (619) 522-7343, or visiting the front desk at 1019 Seventh Street.

Cub Scout Pack 122 Information Night
2024-09-18 18:30 | Granzer Hall, CMS, 550 F Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
All youth in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to come check out Coronado’s Cub Scout Pack 122 at their annual information night on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6:30pm. The meeting will be in Granzer Hall at Coronado Middle School (550 F Avenue). Pack 122 has been supporting Coronado’s youth since 1970, focusing on both character building and fun. Annual activities include monthly den and pack meetings, campouts, and the Pinewood Derby, where Scouts (and their families) build and race cars on a special track. For more information, you can visit coronadopack122.org or email coronadocubpack122@gmail.com.
Coronado Cub Scout Pack 122. Submitted photo.

Pubtoberfest
2024-09-28 14:00 - 19:00 | The Laundry Pub, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Enjoy family fun at Pubtoberfest, the ultimate fall celebration featuring seasonal food and drinks, live music from local artists, unique crafts from local vendors, and fun kids’ activities. Coronado’s own Emerald Spear Tequila and “boots” of Karl Strauss’ seasonal brews will be featured at this festive event.
Featuring Live Performances by:
Box Chevy: Relive the golden age of music with classic sounds of the 60s and 70s.
Shane Hall: Get your groove on with a funky blend of blues and jazz.
Burritos at Midnight: Enjoy timeless covers of your favorite classics.
Free entry for all. No reservations are required.

Public Safety Open House
2024-10-06 11:00 - 14:00 | CA
The community is invited to join the Coronado Fire and Police Departments on Sunday, October 6 at the City’s Public Safety Open House. The event kicks off National Fire Prevention Week and takes place between 11 am and 2 pm around the main Fire Station (6th Street) and the Police Department (7th Street) on D Avenue.
Children at the Coronado Fire Station, 2007. (The Coronado Times file photo)
Meet the Coronado firefighters, beach lifeguards, and police officers and take part in activities for the whole family, including station tours and safety demonstrations.
Public Safety Open House 2006. (The Coronado Times file photo)

Movie in the Park: "Wreck-It Ralph"
2024-10-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Free Movie Night at Spreckels Park!
Gather your family and friends for a delightful evening of cinematic fun at our second annual “Movies in the Park” event! On October 12, we invite you to enjoy a family-friendly film in the iconic Spreckels Park, starting at 7 p.m.

This year’s movie night features the heartwarming and adventurous film “Wreck-It Ralph” (PG), the perfect film for all ages! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and popcorn to create the ultimate movie-watching experience.
Important Reminders:

Bring Your Own Seating: Feel free to bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfortable seating.
Pets: Spreckels Park does not allow pets leashed or unleashed.

This community event is made possible by the City of Coronado’s Recreation & Golf Services. For more information about the event, please contact Coronado Parks and Beaches at 619-964-6646 or email pbc@coronado.ca.us.
Come make memories with your loved ones under the stars and enjoy a night of movie magic in the great outdoors. We can’t wait to see you there!

Harvest Hoedown 2024
2024-10-18 16:00 - 19:00 | Village Elementary School, 600 6th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado Village Elementary PTO and Ashlee Hayden Photography is fixin’ to resurrect our fall fundraiser and community event, the Harvest Hoedown on October 18, 2024 at Village Elementary School, 4-7pm.

The Harvest Hoedown was put out to pasture during Covid but it is high time we bring back this town favorite for the 28th year with a big YEE-HAW! Join us for an afternoon filled with carnival games, prizes, line dancing, crafts, specialty booths, a pumpkin patch, photo booth, petting zoo, cake walk, tasty food, refreshing drinks and so much more!
This event is open to not only our Village students and families, but to the ENTIRE Coronado community. With the support of our amazing sponsors and both student and parent volunteers, we have created a fun, safe and cost considerate opportunity for you and your family to experience the magic of this community.
Get your tickets early as Early Bird pricing runs through Oct. 15 with Family Packages (admission for ENTIRE family and 30 game tickets) starting at $30 dollars. More information and a link to purchase tickets online is available at VillagePTO.org. Proceeds from this event benefit Village PTO.
So saddle up and mosey on over to Village Elementary School on Friday, October 18 from 4 to 7 pm. Western attire is encouraged. See y’all there or be square!

Halloween Happening 2024
2024-10-25 15:30 - 17:30 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Get ready for some family-friendly fun at the City of Coronado Recreation and Golf Services annual “Halloween Happening” on Friday, October 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. “Ghouls,” “Boos” and their families are encouraged to dress in costume and head over to Spreckels Park to enjoy music, enchanting entertainment, trick-or-treating, “Spooktacular” games, jumpees, crafts, prizes, candy and activities including a Life-size Candyland game at no cost. Food and beverages will be available for purchase as well.
The fun continues across the street with a Halloween Scavenger Hunt through the Coronado Public Library at 6 p.m.
Call 619-522-7342 for details.

MainStreet Goes Ghostly
2024-10-31 15:00 - 17:30 | CA
It’s time for the annual spooktacular celebration as “MainStreet Goes Ghostly” this Halloween!
Get ready for an afternoon of frightful fun, trick-or-treating, and raffle drawings Bring your little ghouls and boys for a family-friendly evening filled with thrills and chills as Coronado merchants welcome trick-or-treaters.
Don’t forget to tag Coronado MainStreet in your best costume photos and use #MainStreetGoesGhostly for a chance to be featured.

Children's Library Decorating Day
2024-12-03 15:30 - 17:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Children’s Holiday Ornament and Library Decorating Day is an annual Coronado Library tradition. Each year, kids make two ornaments – one for the Children’s Area tree and one to take home. This year’s ornament is a surfboard!
Kids and families can enjoy cookies, juice and holiday stories read by staff all while making their ornaments and other holiday crafts. This year we will be making Cards for Hospitalized Kids. Please join us for a special Coronado Coastal Holiday!

CoSA Preview Night
2024-12-03 18:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), San Diego County’s premier public school arts conservatory, welcomes prospective CoSA students and families to CoSA Preview Night. The event takes place on Tuesday, December 3 at 6 pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center at 650 D Avenue. The preview night is open to all San Diego students who will be in grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 school year. In addition, students can begin the audition process by visiting CoSASanDiego.com.

LEARN MORE
Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Welcomes Prospective New Students and Families at CoSA Preview Night, Tuesday, December 3

Hotel del Coronado Holiday Festival
2024-12-04 14:30 - 22:00 | Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Image Courtesy of Hotel del Coronado
The Del is kicking off the holiday season at its annual Holiday Festival with the local community. In a magnificent spectacle, Santa will skydive in to join the festivities. This community event also includes performances by Coronado school children, Skating by the Sea®, and a fireworks show.
Learn more about The Del’s holiday events here.
Schedule of Events
Coronado school performances
Crown Room | 2:30-4 pm
Join Coronado schools as they sing holiday favorites and spread holiday cheer.
Sacred Heart School Performances, 2:30-3:15 pm. Coronado School Performances 3:15-4 pm.
Skating by the Sea
Windsor Lawn | 4-10 pm
Take an ice skating adventure on San Diego’s only beachfront ice rink.
Skydiving Santa
Del Beach | 4:30pm
Surprise and delight your little ones as Santa skydives onto Del Beach to join them for the Holiday Festival.
Photos with Santa
Southpointe Lawn | 5-8pm
Santa Express Passes will be distributed to minimize lines and allow families to enjoy the holiday activities. No online reservations for this date.
“All that Jazz” Lightshow Spectacular
Founders Lawn | 5-9 pm
Experience the magic as The Del’s historic pine trees are draped in a spectacular light show with festive holiday jazz music and snow flurries. Show takes place every 30 minutes.
Fireworks Show
Del Beach | 6:45 pm
Look to the skies over Del Beach for a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate the season.
Holiday Festival event times are weather permitting and may be subject to change.

"A Very Special Christmas Tree" Performance
2024-12-05 19:00 | Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Thanks to wonderful and generous sponsors, a free performance of A Very Special Christmas Tree will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
This 50 minute performance based on the children’s picture book is expressly created for little ones and places an emphasis on kindness, sharing, and self-worth. Coronado High School Principal Ms. Karin Mellina will perform as narrator.
The show is a lovely reminder of the importance of giving during the holiday season.
Synopsis:
Deep in the forest where the fairies dwell, a little pine tree grows among her lush and lofty neighbors. Her branches droop, her needles are sparse, and every other tree towers above her. Her greatest wish is to grow taller and stronger, so she will be chosen to stand in a special place for the Christmas season.
After every other tree finds a glorious home for the holiday, the little tree is disappointed to find where she has been taken.
But with the help of a kind man and a wise angel, the little tree discovers the true spirit of Christmas, and that her greatest wish has come true.

"Taking Turns" Book Signing Before Holiday Parade
2024-12-06 15:00 - 16:30 | Fair Trade Decor, 828 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Come join the holiday fun at a book signing of “Taking Turns”
Author Marianne Blackstone Tabner will be outside of Fair Trade Decor (828 Orange Ave.) on Friday, Dec. 6 before the annual holiday parade. Stop by between 3 and 4:30 pm to grab a holiday treat and enter for a chance to win a free signed book of the children’s book “Taking Turns.” Books will also be available for purchase and are regularly carried at Fair Trade Decor.

Annual Gingerbread House Decorating Party
2024-12-06 17:30 - 19:30 | Qualcraft Construction, 1003 Isabella Ave Suite A, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Every year during the Holiday Parade, taking place December 6, Qualcraft Construction hosts a gingerbread house decorating event from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
All ages are welcome to come and enjoy hot cocoa as you decorate your gingerbread house with candies.
(Dani Schwartz / The Coronado Times)

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
2024-12-06 18:00 | CA
Family-friendly fun for everyone during the annual parade and tree and menorah lighting.
The parade starts at 6 pm and moves along Orange Avenue beginning at 7th Street and loops around at RH Dana & Adella. The tree and menorah lighting follows the parade, which is made possible through a community partnership between the City of Coronado and Discover Coronado.

Artisans Alley Craft Fair
2024-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 | Village Elementary School, 600 6th Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Donation suggested upon entry, which includes a raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets available for purchase.
The 51st annual Coronado Artisans Alley Craft Fair includes a wide selection of more than 150 vendors selling homemade crafts and unique holiday gifts, food vendors, and live performances by the Coronado Elementary, Middle and High School Bands and Choirs!
All proceeds from the fair support the Coronado Band & Choir Boosters!

Holland's 100 Year Anniversary Celebration
2024-12-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Holland’s Bicycles, 977 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Celebrate 100 years with Holland’s Bicycles on Dec. 7 from 4 to 6 pm at 977 Orange Ave.
Enjoy music, pizza, drinks, and enter into a FREE raffle to win an Electra Townie Go! 5i valued at $2,900 and more prizes!

RELATED:
Holland’s Bicycles Celebrates 100 Years in Coronado

Student Classic Film Series -"Christmas In Connecticut"
2024-12-08 13:00 - 15:30 | Coronado Library Winn Room, 640 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Movie lovers of all ages are invited to attend a special screening of Christmas in Connecticut, Warner Brothers delightful 1945 holiday screwball romantic comedy. This Christmas Classic features Barbara Stanwyck in one of her most beloved comedic roles starring opposite one of Warner Brothers stalwart romantic leading men, Dennis Morgan.
The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1 to 3:30 pm in the Winn Room of the Coronado Public Library. It is free and open to the public.
READ MORE:
Coronado Island Film Festival Kicks Off 2025 Student Classic Film Series With “Christmas In Connecticut”

Ride the Lights 2024
2024-12-08 16:45 | Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join your friends and neighbors for this annual family-friendly neighborhood bike ride. Decorate your bike and helmet and help to spread the holiday cheer!
Participants will meet at Spreckels Park at 4:45 pm for the 2.5-mile bike ride. After the event, participants can enjoy cookies, cocoa, and other holiday festivities. The event is hosted by the City of Coronado Mobility Commission and sponsored by the City of Coronado, Optimist Club of Coronado, and Coronado Rotary Club.
Rules:

Obey all traffic laws,
Use a front headlight and a rear reflector,
Wear a helmet if under the age of 18 (highly encouraged for all ages),
Children under 13 must be accompanied at all times by an adult, and
Be aware of your speed, all bikes and e-bikes are required to ride safely and follow the officer leading the group.

Riders will follow a designated route:
