Summer Arts & Culture in Coronado

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Coronado despite the May gray, that is especially gray this year. The number and variety of arts offerings this summer (and year-round) are sure to keep residents and visitors busy and entertained. The Coronado Cultural Arts Commission established a Program Area to support local Arts Partners, the nonprofit organizations that create much of the arts programming in town. Commissioner Brenda Jones is the new Arts Partners Program Chair.

Coronado Cultural Arts Commission’s Art Partners are actively involved in the creation of opportunities for all to participate in and experience the arts. They contribute to our quality of life and have a positive community impact, including attracting new business and tourism. Tourists who come to town before an arts or culture event often eat in our restaurants, shop in our downtown and even spend the night at our hotels.

Coronado has a free Public Art Walking Tour App available for download on your phone's app store. The app features information on over 75+ pieces of public art in the City's Public Art Collection Explore the collection this summer The app includes images of the artwork, artist information and history of the piece

Since the founding of the Cultural Arts Commission in 2011, the Arts Partners have met regularly and developed collaborative relationships with the community, other Arts Partner organizations, as well as the Cultural Arts Commission.

The Commission offers the Art Partners promotion of their art programming through community-wide marketing activities including Coronado Arts Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and a weekly commission e-mail “Five on Friday.” All promotion is aimed at developing new as well as loyal audiences and patrons for the arts in Coronado.

Currently the Cultural Arts Commission is collaborating with the Coronado Chamber of Commerce to launch a new online community calendar, CoronadoCalendar.com. The calendar will be the site for all arts and culture events in Coronado as well as other events It will not only help residents and visitors plan their calendars, but it will assist Coronado arts organizations to be mindful in their scheduling of events to maximize attendance How many times has there been multiple event on the same day and time that you would like to attend? It is hoped this will assist in

The Coronado Public Library has a gallery in the Spreckels Reading Room and is currently hosting an exhibition of Coronado Contemporary Art through July 9 There will be a free Artist Reception on June 11 at 2 PM

The C3 Gallery in the Coronado Community Center has a new exhibition of portraits "Heads Up! " will be up all summer and is free and open to the public during the Community Center hours The exhibition features 25 artists and 46 pieces of artwork with many for sale.

thoughtful and informed decisions when organizations plan events and enable more to attend events rather than have to choose.

Additionally, the Commission sponsors professional development for the Arts Partners including networking opportunities, assistance in identifying and securing grant funding for programs and sponsoring grant writing workshops. The goal is to strengthen Coronado’s nonprofit arts community and to continue to grow the offerings and quality of programs available for residents and visitors.

Looking at the summer ahead below are some highlights of events scheduled for the Cultural Arts Commission and their Arts Partners. For more ideas visit CoronadoARTS.com, and sign-up for “Five on Friday" highlighting five events happening in the upcoming week and watch for the launch of CoronadoCalendar.com later this month!

Coronado Promenade Concerts has been a tradition in Coronado for 53 years. Spreckels Park in the center of town fills up starting around 4:00 PM. Concerts are every Sunday and are free and open to all! Check out their website for a listing of upcoming bands The 2023 series features 16 concerts across five months sponsored by individuals and business patrons It truly is a happening spot to spend your Sunday evening with friends and family listening to a variety of musical performances coronadoconcert com

The Suenamis will perform July 2 at the Promenade Concert in Spreckels Park! Concert begins at 6 PM

The Coronado Historical Association was established in 1969 by a group of concerned citizens with an eye toward saving the intriguing history of a unique community. The Association created the Museum of History & Art which opened to the public in October 2000 and houses the Museum’s galleries, a research library, a state-of-the-art Archives, a Museum Store, Tent City restaurant and an information desk. Their current exhibit is not to be missed, "Open Doors" Vietnam POW - 50 Years of Freedom. coronadohistory.org

Coronado Playhouse is the longest continuous running community theatre in San Diego County, and, according to the LA Times, is the longest continuous running playhouse on the West Coast. If you haven't been to a performance treat yourself to an evening this summer. The next three shows are musicals. "Underground" premieres July 7 and runs through July 23. "Nunsense" opens August 26 and ends September 10. And the 2023 Season concludes with "Xanadu" opening October 20. coronadoplayhouse.org

Coronado Public Library is a jewel in Coronado's crown A true cultural center for the community and the Summer Festival is the perfect destination for people of all ages, but aimed at adults, who seek a delightful and enriching experience this summer Immerse yourself in a world of literary wonders, engaging workshops, vibrant performances, and captivating storytelling sessions that will ignite your imagination and leave you inspired Discover a treasure trove of tea, explore the magic of shadow puppetry, and indulge in the joy of connecting with fellow library patrons Whether you're seeking adventure, entertainment, or a chance to relax with a good book under the warm sun, the Coronado Public Library Summer Festival is the place to be Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and get ready for an unforgettable celebration that will make this summer one to remember! All events are FREE thanks to the sponsorship of the Hotel Del Coronado and the Friends of the Coronado Public Library coronadolibrary org

Lamb's Players Theatre is coming off two remarkable music productions with "Million Dollar Quartet" and "RESPECT" both enjoying extended shows. Next up is "Cotton Patch Gospel" the off-Broadway sensation of the Gospel of Matthew in the American South. This production incluses a live band of amazing blues and bluegrass musicians! Not to be missed it opens June 17 through August 20th. lambsplayers.org

The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) welcomes makers and lovers of film from all over the world to Coronado to celebrate the magical art of visual storytelling. Launched in 2016, and celebrating their 8th year in 2023 CIFF is known as a unique, walkable, destination film festival.

Don't miss the 2023 Classic Film Series this summer with "Father of the Bride" in June, "Grease" in July and "Vertigo" in August all screening at the Coronado Village Theatre! Tickets are available online or at the door. Doors open at 5:00 PM and program starts at 5:30 PM.

The 2023 Festival is scheduled for November 8 through 12. Festival passes are available online. coronadofilmfest.com

Photo credit Kel Casey

The Coronado Fourth of July Committee organizes and funds the Coronado Independence Day festivities every year. This year marks the 74th Annual Parade, Fireworks and other day of event activities. The Committee is an all-volunteer group and is seeking volunteers and sponsors for this year's festivities. No need to mark your calendar for this one - everyone is familiar with Coronado's Fourth of July!