Coronado Times

Teen "Lord of the Rings" cosplay watch party
2025-12-30 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Watch The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (rated pg-13) on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Come cozy or dressed as your favorite LOTR or fantasy character. Snacks provided. Costumes are encouraged, but no masks that completely cover your face, or weapons, fake or otherwise. Adults are welcome, only if accompanied by a teen.
For students entering or finishing 6th-12th grade.

Noon Year
2025-12-31 11:00 - 12:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
It’s time to say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026, but midnight is way too late! Celebrate the new year with a 2026 headband, streamers, and a balloon drop at noon sharp.

Holiday Bowl Parade & Game Day 5K Run/Walk
2026-01-02 10:00 | CA
Port of San Diego welcomes you to enjoy the annual Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade and Game Day 5K
Photo courtesy of David Frerker for Sports San Diego.
The Port of San Diego welcomes visitors to the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente on Friday, January 2 at 10 a.m. along the San Diego Bay waterfront.
“The parade is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and mark the start of a new year with marching bands, colorful balloons, festive floats, and more,” said Chair Danielle Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Whether you’re in town for the game or a local resident, this family-fun and free event welcomes visitors near and far to experience and enjoy our beautiful San Diego Bay waterfront.”
This year’s parade is expected to draw more than 100,000 street-side spectators and a nationwide television audience. The parade is free to attend and watch, and the public can also choose to buy Grandstand Seating Tickets. In addition to enjoying a procession of giant balloons and local performers, parade spectators will be greeted by special guests including Port of San Diego Board Commissioner Sid Voorakkara.
The parade will be live streamed on CBS 8, and it can be viewed at holidaybowl.com. The website also has more information on the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade, including parking, parade route, grandstand tickets, volunteering, and all Holiday Bowl events.
Before the parade, thousands will also participate in the annual Game Day 5K Run/Walk taking place along the waterfront. The Port is title sponsor of the Holiday Bowl Parade and Game Day 5K Run/Walk through its Tidelands Activation Programs (TAP). TAP is an annual grant program through which the Port supports events of all sizes that engage and inspire visitors to enjoy San Diego Bay.

Learning to relax through mindfulness
2026-01-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This winter series taught by UCSD’s Jamie Pineda will provide insights into relaxation and how to experience the mind freer from emotional reactivity. It will offer information on what mindfulness is and how to develop it to live a stress free, happier, and healthier life.
Perfect for beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Sessions begin weekly on Sundays starting Jan. 4. Attend one class or all four.

Class 1: Learning to Relax
We will explore what creates an unbalanced mind and why learning to relax is important. Most of us believe that getting rid of thoughts is the way to a calm and peaceful mind. The key is in how to do it. By allowing the mind to rest as it is, we can turn down the volume of thinking so it no longer bothers us. We call this way of attending “mindfulness.”

Jaime Pineda is professor of neuroscience, cognitive science, and psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. He is the author of several books, the latest being Controlling Mental Chaos: Harnessing the Power of the Creative Mind (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023). He is a long-time contemplative practitioner and a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher (MMTCP, 2025). He now dedicates his time sharing the insights he’s learned as a neuroscientist and mindfulness student.

Vision board workshop: Positive intentions for the New Year
2026-01-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Start the year with inspiration. Set your intentions, explore your aspirations, and create a vision that reflects your hopes for the year ahead—all while connecting with others and fostering new friendships.
Vision boards are collections of images, drawings, and other visuals arranged together to represent your goals and ambitions. They serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to help you focus on your aspirations.

Ginger Lou is a mixed media artist, teacher, and creative guide who inspires others to explore their own artistic vision. She leads engaging workshops and classes, helping students unlock creativity through hands-on projects and expressive practices. In addition to teaching, Ginger Lou has created Moments of Light, a mantra, writing, and art journal that encourages daily reflection and creative expression.

A passionate explorer of California’s natural beauty, she also designs a line of one-of-a-kind jewelry featuring ancient abalone and pressed flowers, as well as a boutique clothing line inspired by her photography and collage art. Her work blends history, nature, and personal expression into pieces that are as meaningful as they are visually captivating.

Discover more of her work and creative offerings at linktr.ee/gingerlouart.

Poetry for the People
2026-01-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This year’s course will feature poems by state poets laureate. The responsibility of a State Poet Laureate is essentially the same as the U.S Poets Laureate, “…to make public appearances at poetry readings or literary events and to promote awareness of poetry.” 46 states and the District of Columbia have a State Poet Laureate, most appointed for a one or two-year term.
Those participating in Poetry For The People XXlll will read selections from these State Poet Laureates and, most importantly, are encouraged to bring to the discussions their own insights, observations and perceptions. Class members’ contributions are a vital part of the class experience.

Chuck Kamar received his bachelor’s from Boston State and his master’s from Boston University. He taught for 34 years in the Newton Public Schools, the last 20 of which were at Newton North High School. In 1998 he won the Paul E. Elicker Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Register to receive reminder emails for this series. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

FILM FORUM CORONADO: "East of Eden" (1955)
2026-01-07 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 6:00 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.
January 7: East of Eden (1955, PG, 115min)
James Dean’s electrifying screen debut highlights this feverishly poetic retelling of Cain and Abel. A rebellious son (Dean), along with his competitive brother, vie for the affection of their stern father (Raymond Massey). Co-starring Burl Ives, Julie Harris and Jo Van Fleet.

The Hive of 5: Historical fiction author event
2026-01-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
One incredible night, five New York Times bestselling historical fiction authors.

Kate Quinn (The Astral Library), Stephanie Dray (Becoming Madam Secretary), Kristina McMorris (The Girls of Good Fortune), Allison Pataki (It Girl), and Madeline Martin (The Secret Book Society) will come together to share the research, revelations, and hidden histories that bring their novels to life, offering readers a rare glimpse into the past through their collective expertise. After their discussion, a Q&A and book signing will follow.
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served, subject to availability. Limited preferred seating is available with purchase of the newest release of one of the authors through Adventures by the Book. Please visit https://adventuresbythebook.com/calendar-event/history-hive-1-8-26/ for more information.

Kate Quinn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction whose work spans ancient Rome, the Italian Renaissance, and most recently the 20th century with hits like The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, The Diamond Eye, and The Briar Club. A native of Southern California with degrees in Classical Voice from Boston University, she now lives in Maryland with her husband and rescue dogs. Her upcoming novel, The Astral Library (February 2026), offers a fantastical adventure inviting readers into a world where books become portals to new lives and limitless possibilities.

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author known for richly researched historical novels such as The Women of Chateau Lafayette, My Dear Hamilton, and America’s First Daughter. Her award-winning work on the often-overlooked Founding Mothers has been translated into eight languages. Based in Maryland with her husband, cats, and a home full of history books, she recently released Becoming Madam Secretary, about trailblazing labor secretary Frances Perkins, and will soon publish A Founding Mother, an intimate portrait of Abigail Adams timed to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Kristina McMorris is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of ten historical works, including the million-copy bestseller Sold on a Monday and the international bestseller The Ways We Hide, a top Target pick of 2022. A recipient of more than twenty national awards and a former television host who began her career at age nine, she now divides her time between San Diego and Oregon, where she’s raising two collegiate sons. Her latest novel, The Girls of Good Fortune, explores family, identity, and buried histories tied to Portland’s mysterious Shanghai Tunnels.

Allison Pataki is a New York Times bestselling author of numerous historical novels—including Finding Margaret Fuller, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, and The Queen’s Fortune—as well as a memoir and children’s books, with her work translated into more than 24 languages. A former news writer and producer, she has contributed to major media outlets and appeared on national television programs. A Yale graduate and certified yoga instructor, she lives in New York with her family. Her forthcoming novel, It Girl (March 2026), chronicles the dramatic rise of America’s original “It Girl.”

Madeline Martin is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and romance, including The Booklover’s Library, The Keeper of Hidden Books, and The Librarian Spy, with her novels translated into more than 25 languages. Living in Florida with her family and two spoiled cats, she credits her love of history to her upbringing as an Army brat in Germany. Her newest release, The Secret Book Society, a USA Today bestseller, transports readers to Victorian London for a tale of a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and brave women defying convention.

Emerald Keepers beach cleanup
2026-01-10 08:00 - 10:00 | Il Fornaio, 1333 1st Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Join Emerald Keepers volunteers Saturday, Jan. 10 from 8 to 10 am at Tidelands Park along the bay. Look for the Emerald Keepers flag by the Il Fornaio parking lot.
Bring gloves, pickers and buckets if you have them. Supplies will be available on site.

Sharp Coronado Hospital emergency readiness presentation
2026-01-15 14:00 - 15:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
Take part in a lifesaving First Aid, CPR, and AED training presentation hosted by Sharp Coronado Hospital. This important seminar equips participants with essential skills to confidently respond to emergencies—because knowing what to do can make all the difference.
Please note that this presentation does not provide First Aid, CPR, or AED certification. The presentation will take place on Thursday, Jan. 15, from 2 to 3 pm, and is open and free to the public.
The presentation will be held at the John D. Spreckels Center, which continues its partnership with Sharp Coronado Hospital to bring quality health and medical related presentations to the community. Sharp Coronado Hospital presentations are taught by experienced medical professionals, with topics selected based on community feedback.
For more information or to register call 619-522-7343, sign up online at coronado.ca.us/civicrec or stop by the center.
Community members are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn practical emergency response skills from trusted medical professionals.

Relax, Restore, and Rebalance: Discover the Health Benefits of a Sound Bath
2026-01-23 12:00 - 13:00 | John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street, Coronado, CA, 92118, United States
This fall and winter, the John D. Spreckels Center invites the community to experience the restorative power of Sound Bath classes — an evidence-based relaxation practice shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
Sound therapy uses harmonic vibrations from crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other resonant instruments to calm the nervous system and promote a meditative state. Research suggests these soothing sounds can decrease cortisol levels and activate the body’s natural relaxation response, helping participants feel centered and refreshed.
Each session provides a peaceful environment to release tension and restore balance. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, blanket, and pillow for comfort. Chairs will also be available. Doors close promptly at 12 p.m., so early arrival is recommended.
Date:
• Friday, January 23
Time:
• 12-1 p.m.
Cost:
• $23 for Coronado residents
• $29 for nonresidents
Classes take place at the John D. Spreckels Center, 1019 Seventh Street in Coronado.
Spaces are limited — register early to secure your spot. Visit www.coronado.ca.us/civicrec, call 619-522-7343, or stop by the Spreckels Center for details.
