Good morning, Escondido.

The Escondido Street Festival will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Grand Avenue and nearby side streets.

The Downtown Business Association expects 60,000 visitors and 400 vendors—offering live music, a community stage, local dancers and plenty of food—after Grand Avenue’s recent update.

Concerned neighbors in Candlelight Hills formed the Escondido Fire Safe Council to boost wildfire safety after learning new prevention strategies from local agencies—officially accredited in August.

The council is expanding its efforts citywide and will host an educational event on Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Candlelight Glen to share wildfire prevention tips and home hardening techniques.

Escondido’s historic downtown will host the 25th annual Cruisin’ Grand on June 13 at 4 p.m.—the event will close streets on Grand, Kalmia, Broadway and Maple as street work is expected to finish.

Organizer Steve Waldron said classic cars, theme nights and live music will feature, and parking rules will change from last year—details that promise a refreshed celebration.

The Senior Anglers of Escondido will meet on Friday May 9 at American Legion Post 149, 230 E Park Ave — guest speaker Chad Gierlich from Hookup Baits, Inc. will share his fishing tips and bait recommendations.

Raj Mutti announced that his new restaurant Firangi will open mid-May at 201 E Grand Ave. in Escondido—serving modern Indian gastropub cuisine in the old Vinz location.

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens will host a Mother’s Day brunch on May 11 at Escondido Gardens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—with an outdoor buffet, welcome drinks, and an optional champagne add-on for adults.

Hector Davila, a Navy veteran, opened Perfect Pizza in Escondido in October and now offers a deal of one large cheese and one large pepperoni pizza with a two liter drink for under $25.

The quick-service shop is open Monday—Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday—Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.—it also serves vegan, keto and gluten free pizzas.

Calvin Christian School students unveiled the 10-foot by 20-foot Community Unity mural on Saturday, April 26 in the alley between Broadway and Maple Street and 2nd Avenue and Grand.

Mayor Dane White declared Community Unity Day at the event—celebrating Escondido’s unity—and thanked the Public Art Commission and local sponsors.

Carmen by City Ballet of San Diego

2:00 – 3:30 PM — The Centre — Tickets $46.80 – $142.80 — Experience the dramatic storytelling of Carmen through stunning ballet performances.

Old Escondido Mother's Day Home Tour

6-11 p.m. — 329 E 7th Ave, Escondido — $30 pre-purchase, $35 at door — Explore five historic homes and enjoy refreshments in a charming Mother’s Day tradition.

Lawrence Welk's Villas on the Greens Stay

May 23-30 — Villas on the Greens, Escondido, CA — From $2,900 — Enjoy a luxurious one-bedroom stay at a resort with golf, theater, and family-friendly activities.

Escondido Choral Arts Concert

3-6 p.m. — California Center for the Arts, Escondido — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a captivating performance featuring Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living and full orchestra.