Best Bets: A quick guide to La Jolla entertainment and experiences

The La Jolla Light presents this continuing listing of local in-person events and online activities.

Lectures & learning

• The AlphaCore Wealth Summit, presented by La Jolla-based AlphaCore Wealth Advisory, is set for 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. The event will include breakfast, keynote speakers, seminars, lunch, a cocktail reception and an evening performance by Beatles tribute band The Fab Four. alphacore.com/alphacore-wealth-summit-2024

• Susan Alefi presents “Refresh Your Financial Plan: An Educational Course for Ages 55+” at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. Free. Register via email at deborah@ljcommunitycenter.org.

• The La Jolla Community Center hosts “Lunch & Learn: Assessing Your Options for Senior Care” at noon Thursday, Sept. 26, at  6811 La Jolla Blvd. Lunch will be followed by a discussion beginning at 12:30 p.m. Free for Community Center members, $15 for non-members. ljcommunitycenter.org/specialevents

• Craig Lotzof & Associates, in partnership with Hoffman & Forde, presents a trust and estate planning seminar at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, at The Living Room Coffeehouse, 1205 Prospect St., La Jolla. Continental breakfast will be provided. Free, though registration is required. (858) 243-4071.

• The Peer Learning Collaborative presents “Why International Law Matters” at 3 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. The discussions led by Bill Kardaras will be followed by drinks and appetizers. $15 for the four-week course for Community Center members, $35 for non-members. ljcommunitycenter.org/plc

• Molly McClain and Alan Hess present “The Birth of Modernism” at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at The Bishop’s School, 7607 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. The lecture will discuss architect Irving Gill’s collaboration with La Jolla philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps. A tour will follow of Gill’s works on The Bishop’s School campus. $15 for La Jolla Historical Society members, $25 for non-members. tinyurl.com/244phcja

Health & fitness

• “Flexible Body, Peaceful Mind” is presented at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Sept. 24 at the La Jolla Cove Bridge Club, 1160 Coast Blvd. $20 per class. Email solyoga@yahoo.com.

• “Sunset Yoga” is offered at 4:40 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 25 at the La Jolla Cove Bridge Club, 1160 Coast Blvd. $20 per class. Email solyoga@yahoo.com.

Arts & culture

• The La Jolla Library Poetry Group meets at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/la-jolla-library-poetry-group-27

• The History Matters Book Club for children in fourth through eighth grades meets at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The group will meet the third Thursday of each month. The September book is “Ground Zero” by Alan Gratz. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/middle-grade-book-club-404249

• The sixth edition of The Lot’s Cinema Circle program in La Jolla runs Thursdays through Oct. 3 with international movies touching on various themes and situations. Each showing will start at 6:30 p.m. at 7611 Fay Ave. The remaining films are: Sept. 19, “Wicked Little Letters”; Sept. 26, “Between the Temples”; and Oct. 3, “Didi.” thelotent.com/movie-theater/lajolla/events

• Ben Folds plays at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $46-96, with limited free tickets for UCSD students. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/ben-folds

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents “Golden Age of Dutch Art” at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 19 and 26 and Oct. 3 at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Art history teacher Linda Blair will discuss 17th-century Dutch art. $16-$21 for individual lectures. ljathenaeum.org/events/blair-24-dutch-series

• The La Jolla Historical Society presents “Urban Ecologies” as part of “Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work” from Thursday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Jan. 19, at 780 Prospect St. The exhibition, curated by Tatiana Sizonenko, is part of the Getty Foundation series “PST Art: Art & Science Collide.” lajollahistory.org/helen-and-newton-harrison-california-work

• The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego hosts “For Dear Life: Art, Medicine and Disability” from Thursday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Feb. 2, at 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. The exhibition will depict illness and impairment from the 1960s to the COVID-19 era. It is part of the Getty Foundation series “PST Art: Art & Science Collide.” mcasd.org/exhibitions/for-dear-life-art-medicine-and-disability

• RaSa by RaGa, a concert presented by Eppo Music, comes to the Baker-Baum Concert Hall at 6:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. The performance will include Indian classical music. $34-$92. theconrad.org/events/24-25-bkrs_llc

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its Acoustic Evenings music series at 7:30 p.m. every Friday in September. Remaining performers are: Sept. 20, Walt Richards, Aaron Bowen and Stephen Bulman; Sept. 27, Lisa Sanders and Brown Sugar, Fred Benedetti and Sandé Lollis. (858) 454-5872. ljathenaeum.org/events/acoustics-24-fall-series

• Bodhi Tree Concerts presents “Kurt Weill Cabaret” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. $40-$60; $25 for students and military. bodhitreeconcerts.org/kurt-weill-cabaret

• La Jolla-based Vantage Theatre presents “Best Laid Plans,” a new play by theater co-founder Robert Salerno inspired by the story of blind architect Chris Downey, through Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 10th Ave., San Diego. $30-$35. theatrevantage.ticketspice.com/best-laid-plans

• Warwick’s bookstore presents actor Edward Burns, known for “The Brothers McMullen” and “Saving Private Ryan,” discussing his first novel, “A Kid from Marlboro Road,” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $27.95 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/burns-2024

• La Jolla Playhouse presents “Primary Trust” from Tuesday, Sept. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive. The play, written by Eboni Booth and directed by Knud Adams, follows the life and work of a New York bookstore employee. $30-$104.  lajollaplayhouse.org/show/primary-trust

• Author Caroline Woods discusses her book “The Mesmerist” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, via Zoom in an event presented by Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla. Free. warwicks.com/event/woods-2024

• Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla presents author Eli Greenbaum discussing his book “Hell, No, We Didn’t Go! Firsthand Accounts of Vietnam War Protest and Resistance” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7812 Girard Ave. Free, or $34.99 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/greenbaum-2024

• Author Laura Dave discusses her book “The Night We Lost Him” in conversation with Jason Blitman at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $28.99 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/dave-2024

• Author Aimie K. Runyan discusses her book “Mademoiselle Eiffel” at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, via Zoom in an event presented by Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla. Free. warwicks.com/event/runyan-2-2024

• “Banned Book Bingo: Celebrating the Freedom to Read!” is set for 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Free. bit.ly/4gljXwq

• Actor Henry Winkler, best known as Fonzie on “Happy Days,” speaks at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. $72 for JCC members, $80 for non-members, $150 for VIP experience. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx

• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Leigh McGowan discussing her book “A Return to Common Sense” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $29.99 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/mcgowan-2024

• The La Jolla Community Center presents its 2024 Fourth Friday Jazz Series with monthly concerts through October at 6811 La Jolla Blvd. All concerts begin at 8 p.m., with a pre-show reception at 7 p.m. Upcoming performers are flutist Holly Hofmann on Sept. 27 and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos on Oct. 25. $25-$35. ljcommunitycenter.org/ffjs

• The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center hosts “Don’t Panic, We’ve Been Here Before” Friday through Sunday, Sept. 27-29, at 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. The performance will celebrate the 1970s through 2000s. $65. lfjcc.org/about/upcoming_events.aspx

• The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 28-29, along Girard Avenue in The Village. A ticketed wine and beer garden will feature 35 international wineries and local craft breweries. Festival admission is free; wine and beer garden tickets are $55.86-$77.49. ljawf.com

• Ballet Collective San Diego performs at 5 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $45-$85. theconrad.org/events/24-25-ballet-collective-sd

• The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library presents its 32nd annual Juried Exhibition through Saturday, Sept. 28, at 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. ljathenaeum.org/events/exhibition-2024-juried

• The La Jolla Music Society presents the 2024 State of The Conrad presentation and a performance by pianist Joyce Yang at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, at 7600 Fay Ave. Free. Register at theconrad.org/events/2024-state-of-the-conrad.

• La Jolla painter Katherine Keeling presents her exhibition “The Taste of the Fun” through September at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, 5627 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. Hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Free.

• The La Jolla Art Association presents its summer exhibition through September at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd. The public exhibit features paintings and photography by members of the association. Free. lajollaartassociation.org

• Author Madeline Martin discusses her book “The Booklover’s Library” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, online via Zoom in an event presented by Warwick’s bookstore in La Jolla. Free. warwicks.com/event/martin-2024

• The La Jolla/Riford Library hosts a Filipino-American Heritage Month exhibit throughout October in the Foushee Patio Room, 7555 Draper Ave. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/filipino-american-heritage-month-exhibit-397068

• Warwick’s bookstore hosts author Ally Carter as she discusses her book “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $24.99 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/carter-2024

• Ligaya Malones and Deanna Sandoval discuss their book “San Diego Cooks” at 7:30 p.m.  Thursday, Oct. 3, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $24.99 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/san-diego-cooks-2024

• ArtPower at UC San Diego presents singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan with the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus and the San Diego Children’s Choir at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $20-$108. amphitheater.ucsd.edu/event/aoife-odonovan-america-come

• Warwick’s bookstore presents author Edith Eger discussing her book “The Ballerina of Auschwitz” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free, or $18.99 for a reserved seat and book copy. warwicks.com/event/eger-2024

• The 2024-25 Barbara and William Karatz Chamber Concert Series begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, and runs through Monday, May 12, at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. The opening concert will feature Ani Aznavoorian on cello and Marta Aznavoorian on piano. The series of six concerts costs $290 for Athenaeum members, $320 for non-members and $85 for students. Individual  concerts are $55 for members, $60 for non-members and $15 for students. ljathenaeum.org/chamber

• Found Studio presents the art exhibition “Bird Rock Renaissance” through Sunday, Oct. 13, at 5490 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. foundstudiosd.com

• Artist Roman de Salvo presents a show running through Saturday, Oct. 19, at Two Rooms gallery, 5560 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla. tworoomsgallery.com

• Gary Krueger’s photographic exhibition “Dogs in Cars” is presented online by the Joseph Bellows Gallery in La Jolla. The exhibit features scenes of dogs in cars across Los Angeles in the 1970s.  josephbellows.com/exhibitions/gary-krueger-dogs-in-cars

• The School of the Arts Book Club meets at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 22, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. Each session, led by Anna DiMartino, will discuss a different piece of literature. $10 per session for Athenaeum members, $15 per session for non-members. ljathenaeum.org/class/82

Galas & events

• San Diego Coastkeeper presents its annual fundraising gala, the Seaside Soirée, sponsored by the Stiefel Behner Charitable Fund, at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. The event will feature private access to the aquarium’s exhibits, live entertainment, dinner, a hosted bar and Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre as guest speaker. $195-$300. sdcoastkeeper.org/community/seaside-soiree

• The La Jolla/Riford Library hosts Family Board Game Afternoon from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7555 Draper Ave. The event is intended for children ages 2-17. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/family-board-game-program-399949

• The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla presents its 100th-anniversary dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the La Jolla Community Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd., to commemorate its founding in 1925. $45 per person. Email presidentlajollakiwanis@gmail.com.

• The Everything La Jolla Trivia Contest is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at The Living Room Coffeehouse, 1205 Prospect St., La Jolla. Free. Register via email at bbry@blackbirdv.com.

Do you have an event — online or in person — that you’d like to see here? Email your leads to Rob Vardon at robert.vardon@lajollalight.com by noon Friday for publication in the following week’s edition. ♦

Originally Published: September 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.