r/vista_california

This Weekend in North County…

Let us know what you’re up to this weekend in the comments!

🗓️ Upcoming Events in North County:

Thursday 5/21:

🍓 Pure Project Strawberry Fest beers | Carlsbad Village | Through Sat, May 24
Pure Project is going full Strawberry Fest mode, and the taps are officially flowing with two limited-release strawberry beers made with organic berries from JR Organics. Carlsbad is also one of the spots pouring the new Fresa Freeze strawberry lemonade slushie, so it’s a good week to swing by for something fruity and festive.

🐟 Firefighter Aid Giveback Day | Encinitas Fish Shop | Thu, May 21, 11am–9:30pm
Grab a bite for a good cause. Mention “Firefighter Aid” when you order and 10% of your check will be donated to support firefighters and their families. Fish Shop is also giving back all month with proceeds from their Elote Taco going to the cause.

Friday 5/22:

🏄 Memorial Weekend Tent Sale | Hansen Surfboards (Encinitas) | Fri–Mon
Hansen Surfboards is hosting their annual Memorial Weekend Tent Sale with four days of solid deals up to 50% off select swimwear, sportswear, footwear, and more. In-store only, so swing by and browse. Note: closes early on Memorial Day at 5pm.

🤠 Valley Center Stampede Rodeo & Memorial Festival | Valley Center, CA | May 22–23
Memorial Day weekend kicks off with broncs, bulls, barrel racing, live music, and a free Memorial Festival honoring fallen service members at Star Valley Park. Festival admission is free, while rodeo tickets are online only.

🥯 PopUp Bagels Oceanside Grand Opening | Fri, May 22 | Oceanside is getting its own outpost of the much-talked-about PopUp Bagels, and the grand opening kicks off Friday morning at 7am. Expect hot bagels, epic schmears, drinks from Natalie's and Saint James, and a few opening-day surprises they're not fully tipping their hand on. Get there early if you want first dibs.

☕ Ascend After Dark | Ascend Coffee Roasters in Vista | Fri, May 22, 4–8pm
Weekly night market in downtown Vista with coffee, shopping, and a laid-back evening hang. A relating time for anyone looking to stroll, sip, and check out local vendors at The Commons.

Saturday 5/23:

🎟️ ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Encinitas x Pilates Republic | Encinitas, CA | Sat, May 23, 8–10am
Start your Saturday right with a mat Pilates session led by Alaina Henderson from Pilates Republic, then stick around for shopping and refreshments at Vuori Encinitas. RSVP is required and you'll want to bring your own mat.

🕯️ Mystic Soul Spiritual Faire | Mystic Soul Ritual Shop in Oceanside | Sat, May 23, 12–6pm
Mystic Soul Ritual Shop is hosting a full-day spiritual faire featuring crystals, handmade goods, tarot and intuitive readings, ritual tools, and metaphysical vendors. Free entry and open to all at Artist Alley in downtown Oceanside.

🖤 Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy: Chapter Two | Three Sixteen Studio @ Carlsbad Shoppes | Sat, May 23
This immersive 21+ night pairs four new Poe-inspired tales with four themed cocktails inside Three Sixteen Studio and Events. It’s a dark, theatrical experience with mocktails available, and tickets are $55.

🎶 Front Row Saturday: New Sunset Strummers | Carlsbad, CA | Sat, May 23, 5pm
A free ukulele concert at Schulman Auditorium featuring the New Sunset Strummers and their breezy, island-inspired sound. Doors open at 4:30pm, show starts at 5pm.

💃 Salsa and Bachata in Del Mar | Del Mar, CA | Sat, May 23, 5–9pm
Head to the Hilton Del Mar for a summer night of salsa and bachata with a beginner lesson at 5pm, DJ Mo Lyon, and dancing in the outdoor courtyard by the pool.

🧱 Bricks & Minifigs Escondido Buy Day | Escondido, CA | Sat, May 23, 11am–4pm
Have retired LEGO sets, prebuilts, clean bulk bricks, or minifigures sitting around? Bricks & Minifigs Escondido is buying on Saturday as they count down to their grand opening. More buy days are posted on their site if this weekend doesn't work.

Sunday 5/24:

🍓 2026 Vista Strawberry Festival | Downtown Vista, CA | Sun, May 24, 8am–6pm
One of North County's sweetest annual traditions returns for a full day of strawberry treats, local vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun spread across downtown Vista. If you've never been, this is the year to finally check it off the list.

reddit.com
u/CarlsbadScoop — 2 days ago

Side quests?

What kinda side quests do yall usually do around here? Not looking for anything crazy just something to do, anything really

reddit.com
u/mubinj — 3 days ago

Bistro Sandwich Review

Hamburguesa Cubana - Beef patty, sausage, ham, bacon, mayo, lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickled jalapeños, house dressing, all on a custom toasted bun.

This was a really filling burger!!
The flavors were a great blend and with each bite I'd get hit with the salty ham, crunchy bacon, creamy avocado, some twang from the jalapeño!

The toasted bun was a nice touch and next time I'd add some grilled onions.

The inside is spacious and staff are very friendly.
There's a small tv in the corner, which seems like it's more for customers who are waiting for their TO-GO orders.
The ambiance is casual and relaxing.

Their menu is very diverse and ranges from
breakfast items like: omelets, chilaquiles, breakfast burritos & croissant sandwiches.

Lunch items such as chicken wings, salads, tacos, burritos, burgers & sandwiches (like their Philly Cheesesteak).

Dinner items include: pastas, Alfredos, lemon salmon, Parmesan chicken, and their popular 12oz Ribeye steak plate.

Overall, I like this diverse Mexican Bistro and the family that runs it are nice and I want to come to try their breakfast burritos next.

u/eatingoceanside — 6 days ago
▲ 17 r/vista_california+2 crossposts

Free Show at Smittys Downtown

Come be a part of Vista history, as this hardcore/thrash lineup is coming to play within one of Vistas finest establishments.

u/Guandu96 — 9 days ago
▲ 20 r/vista_california+11 crossposts

UCSD MRI + Computer Treatment Study!

Hello UCSD! 

The Neurocognition of Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Recovery Lab led by Dr. Jessica Bomyea is conducting a new research study at UCSD. The purpose of this study is to learn whether an experimental computer-based program designed to improve thinking skills can help with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. 

Please see flyer for more details!    

If you are interested in participating, please call 858-822-1470 or email UCSDanxietylab@health.ucsd.edu, leaving us your name and phone number.  

You can also fill out this quick survey that can help determine your eligibility - if the link does not automatically work please give it a second to load: https://my.ctri.ucsd.edu/surveys/?s=EP3WMECAWX9YHKPA

u/UCSD_SNLab — 8 days ago

Carriage Hills HOA

I’m house hunting with my family and wanted to know if anyone has input on Carriage Hills HOA off Melrose. We live in San Marcos now without an HOA and I know the horror stories of owning in one. Looking for the good the bad and the ugly intel.
We are a family with a kid under one and looking for family friendly neighborhoods.
Does this neighborhood have young kids?
Is the HOA reasonable, in terms of vibes/laws?
Anyone live there or has lived there that has insight?

reddit.com
u/Eveftw — 13 days ago