The six-event series held across 2026 is spearheaded by the La Jolla Historical Society to emphasize four organizations as family-oriented spaces.
Four cultural institutions in La Jolla will come together over the next several months to create meaningful, family-centered experiences that promote La Jolla as an all-ages destination beyond the beach.
“Growing Together,” a series of six free events spearheaded by the La Jolla Historical Society and developed in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library and the Murals of La Jolla program, will showcase a shared vision and amplify awareness of these organizations throughout the broader region, according to LJHS executive director Lauren Lockhart.
The inaugural “Growing Together” event will be held from 11 am to 2 pm Sunday, March 8, expanding LJHS’s already-established Family Day and MCASD’s Play Day with activities at both sites.
“We wanted to not reinvent the wheel, but lift up great work that we’re already doing,” Lockhart said.
Image by Pablo Mason
Families will participate March 8 in collaborative, hands-on art making with artist and educator Emily Grenader, who focuses on interaction to transform viewers into active collaborators.
Fern Street Circus, a community-based circus organization based in City Heights, will also join the celebration, using circus arts to build confidence, connection and community. In addition, there will be community partner booths, a taco truck and free lawn games.
The remaining “Growing Together” events will feature the Historical Society with one of the other La Jolla cultural organizations (two LJHS activations with each), engaging attendees in art making, music, performances, opportunities to engage directly with artists, historians and educators and more
The elements are planned to create a festival-like atmosphere designed to attract both local and visiting families.
Image by Pablo Mason
“La Jolla is such an incredible destination for visitors of all ages,” Lockhart said, “but I think often families come here primarily for the beautiful beaches and nature experiences [and] might not realize that there are really great, low cost or free cultural experiences that are available to them.”
The impetus for “Growing Together” and the convergence of La Jolla’s cultural institutions was La Jolla Historical Society’s recognition and belief that as a small organization, “we can expand our reach or impact when we collaborate with others,” Lockhart said.
Image by Pablo Mason
“We’re all doing work that we’re proud of,” she said, work that serves young people and families.
Lockhart thanks the “generous support” of the M & I Pfister Foundation and hopes the initiative will extend beyond its pilot year, she said.
Looking for more La Jolla events? Head to our Events page for the best goings-on.
