Hi, neighbors!
This is one of those weekends when Vista and San Marcos make it difficult to stay home.
Cyclovia Vista is opening downtown streets to bikes and pedestrians, while the Double Peak Challenge sends runners climbing toward one of North County’s best-known summits.
There is plenty beyond the two headliners, too: reggae at CoLab, an intimate night of Willie Nelson songs in San Marcos, and a look ahead to the big San Marcos Harvest Fest at North City.
We are also catching up on the latest local stories, Friday-night football, a local NFL viewing guide, a sweet farmers-market find and two senior dogs hoping for a new home.
Grab your coffee and start planning—there is a lot to fit into the week ahead.
Enjoy this week’s Flare! 🔥
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💡 Tip of the Day |
Going to Cyclovia? Give every bicycle a quick ABC check before you leave: Air in the tires, Brakes working, and Chain moving smoothly. A two-minute check can save a long walk home. |
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The NFL is back, the remotes are busy and your living room is suddenly competing with cold beer, hot wings and televisions the size of small buildings.
Whether you want every out-of-market matchup, a Patriots crowd, a family-friendly table or an old-school neighborhood bar, Vista and San Marcos offer more Sunday football choices than you might think.
North Valley Flare contacted the locations below to confirm what they show and when they open. Read More... |
Vista’s skateboarding history has checked out of City Hall.
Its next stop has beer taps.
The Skate Vista photography exhibition is moving from the Vista Civic Center to Booze Brothers Brewing Co., where it opens Friday, September 25, 2026. Booze Brothers lists the free event from 7 to 11 p.m. at its Vista taproom, 2545 Progress Street.
The official title does not bother with mystery: “History of Vista Skateboarding — Art Show/Live Music.”
Read More... |
Bradley Bike Park is open again.
The mystery is not.
San Marcos Parks & Recreation says the park unexpectedly closed for repairs after damage caused by “improper use.” City crews finished the work, and riders can return.
Excellent.
Now for the question rolling downhill faster than an unattended bicycle:
What happened? Read More... |
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Not every Friday night gives you a victory to celebrate.
Sometimes the story is about how close you came, who stepped up and what you carry into the next one.
That was the case for Vista-area football this week, with Rancho Buena Vista providing the night’s closest contest in a 34-28 battle with Fullerton.
The Longhorns didn’t get the final result they wanted, but they did give fans plenty to cheer about — including four offensive touchdowns and a pair of standout individual performances. Read More... |
Friday night was a good night to play football in San Marcos.
Mission Hills bounced back from its first varsity loss of the season with a commanding 49-8 victory over Ramona, while San Marcos High rolled past San Pasqual 41-14.
And the varsity teams weren't the only ones celebrating.
Mission Hills freshman and JV football each defeated Ramona by the exact same score, 43-6, completing a three-level sweep for the Grizzlies. Read More... |
There was plenty to celebrate around Vista sports this week — and this time, volleyball brought some good news with it.
Rancho Buena Vista returned from Escondido with wins at multiple levels, the Longhorns girls tennis team celebrated its first varsity league victory, Tri-City Christian continued an impressive volleyball run, and a Vista High baseball player took an important step toward playing at the next level.
Here's what caught our attention. Read More... |
San Marcos athletes gave us plenty to talk about this week.
Both local flag-football programs delivered shutout victories, San Marcos volleyball knocked off The Bishop's School, and Knights field hockey kept Cathedral Catholic off the scoreboard.
Several local flag-football players are also continuing to make their mark among San Diego's statistical leaders.
That's a pretty full Thursday Sports Roundup. Read More... |
🏈⚽🚩⛳🏊🏐🎾🏃♀️🏃🤽♂️
We can’t fit every great play into one newsletter! Catch the highlights here, then follow our Local Sports section for even more local sports stories, photos, videos, and game coverage. |
📸 FROM THE SIDELINESOur sideline crew came through again! 📸 Eduardo Javier Aguilar captured the action with Vista High, while Vanessa Bulcao gave us another look at Mission Hills football. Week after week, we're grateful for the local contributors helping us bring more of our hometown teams to North Valley Flare. 🏈❤️
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If you have a photo or video from the sidelines that you want to share please submit it to hello@flarepublications.com. |
THROUGH YOUR LENS 📸
Recognize This Street?
Kelly shared this 1970s photo with us and believes it shows downtown Vista. We think so, too, after some comparisons. |
Have a great Vista or San Marcos photo of your own?
We would love to see the community through your lens—sunrises, local landmarks, wildlife, neighborhood moments and those unexpected scenes that make you reach for your camera are all welcome.
Send your favorites to hello@flarepublications.com. Your photo could be featured in an upcoming edition. |
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Downtown Vista is giving the streets back to bikes, scooters and pedestrians for the city’s third annual Cyclovia. The car-free route turns Vista Village into a family-friendly playground with organized rides, a bike rodeo, vendors, live music and a scavenger hunt.
Bring your wheels, walking shoes and a little curiosity. It is an easy way to explore downtown at a slower pace while enjoying one of the weekend’s biggest community gatherings. |
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San Marcos runners are heading uphill for the Double Peak Challenge, a community race built around one of the area’s most demanding climbs. Participants can choose the 10K, 5K or Kids Trot before gathering for the post-race expo.
Whether you are chasing a finish time or cheering from the course, expect an early start, serious elevation and big views. Registration details and race-day information are available from the official event pages. |
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Reggae Fam Jam brings a laid-back Saturday night of live reggae, DJs, local vendors and food to CoLab Public House in Vista. The free gathering is designed as an easygoing community hangout with music carrying the evening.
Stop in for the full set or make it one part of a night out. With music, food and makers in one place, this is a lively alternative to the bigger daytime festivals. |
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San Marcos Harvest Fest is taking over North City with more than 200 artisans and crafters, an international mix of food, live entertainment across three stages, and family activities throughout the day.
Come ready to browse, snack and stay awhile. Beer, wine and cider will be available for adults, while the children’s area adds hands-on activities, music, animals and other family-friendly fun. |
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ZB Savoy and band bring the songs of Willie Nelson to The Bornemann for an intimate Friday-night concert in San Marcos. Expect a warm, rootsy evening built around familiar country songwriting and live musicianship.
This is a seated, ticketed performance and a good fit for anyone who wants a classic-country night without the scale of an arena show. Check the venue page for current ticket availability. |
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📅 Other Events Worth a Look
🛍️Rancho Vallecitos Annual Craft Fair — Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Shop 30+ vendors offering handmade goods and unique finds at the Main Clubhouse, 3535 Linda Vista Dr., San Marcos.
🩸 Vista Blood Drive — Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Check the City of Vista calendar for the appointment and location details.
🍽️ Plates for 8 Networking Lunch — Wednesday, Sept. 23, noon–1:30 p.m. at The Mining Company, 579 Grand Ave. in San Marcos. Chamber members only; RSVP required and diners pay for their own meal.
🎶 Happy Hour & Live Music at Twin Oaks — Wednesday, Sept. 23, 4–6 p.m. at Twin Oaks Golf Course, 1425 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. in San Marcos.
🌳 Bobier Neighborhood Park Plan Review — Thursday, Sept. 24, 6–7:30 p.m. at the Morris B. Vance Community Room, 200 Civic Center Dr. in Vista. See the next concept-plan update and community feedback.
🏈 Friday Night Lights — Friday, Sept. 25. Vista hosts Valley Center at 7 p.m.; San Marcos hosts Lincoln at 7:15 p.m.; Rancho Buena Vista visits Canyon Hills at 7 p.m. Check MaxPreps before kickoff for changes.
🥕 San Marcos Farmers Market — Friday, Sept. 25, 4–8 p.m. at 251 North City Dr. Shop produce, baked goods, flowers, local foods and artisan goods.
🥬 Vista Farmers Market — Saturday, Sept. 26, 8 a.m.–noon at 345 S. Melrose Dr. Browse farm-fresh produce and specialty foods from regional vendors. |
🎥 VIDEO OF THE WEEK
San Marcos’ 2026 State of the City feature offers a concise look at the projects, partnerships and community priorities shaping the city. Produced by the City of San Marcos, the 19-minute presentation gives residents a useful visual overview of where the city has been—and where it is headed next. 🏙️ |
✨ QUOTE OF THE DAY |
“The best way out is always through.” — Robert Frost |
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Wynston's Ice Cream Co. in San Marcos is a true neighborhood gem, proudly family-run and brimming with the kind of warmth and care you hope for in a scoop shop. Their menu is a blend of nostalgic classics and creative, rotating flavors, many inspired by customer memories and seasonal cravings. Dairy-free guests will feel just as welcome, thanks to inventive 'Hold the Cow' flavors that stand proudly on the main menu. From late-night scoops after campus events to weekend family outings, Wynston's offers a joyful, inviting experience for all ages. Real ingredients, smiles, and a genuine passion for the craft make this shop a can't-miss stop in North County. |
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🧐 LOCAL FACT
Double Peak is the highest point in San Marcos, rising roughly 1,645 feet above sea level. |
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The festival makes one extremely confident promise:
The best Balkan food in California.
Can that title be independently verified?
No.
Can San Marcos investigate it one plate at a time?
That seems like responsible local journalism.
The 2026 San Marcos Serb Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, from noon to 10 p.m. at St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church, 1854 Knob Hill Road. Read More... |
Vista, prepare your stein arm.
Pure Project is kicking off its Oktoberfest & Stein Release on Friday, September 18, and the Vista Brewery & Taproom is in the mix.
That means limited-edition steins, discounted fills, German-style beer and, for one day only in Vista, a brat that appears to have taken the long scenic route through Greece and California before landing at Oktoberfest.
Which is extremely North County, honestly.
Read More... |
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FARMERS MARKET FIND Purely Sauce
Purely Sauce is bringing plant-based flavor to the San Marcos Farmers Market with handcrafted sauces made for drizzling, dipping and turning an everyday snack into something a little more fun.
The market’s vendor page lists the company among its current lineup, and the display includes sweet options such as chocolate, cashew caramel and chocolate-nut sauces.
Try one over fruit, waffles or a favorite baked treat, then keep an eye out for the savory varieties that can brighten up meals at home.
Find the booth during the Friday evening market at North City. 🍫🥄 |
🐶 DOG-GONED INTERESTING
Senior dogs can still be playful learners—consistent routines, gentle exercise and short training sessions can help them settle into a new home. |
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🐾 LOOKING FOR A NEW BEST FRIEND?
Every week, we introduce you to local dogs hoping for something pretty simple — a safe home, a little love and a family of their own.
The pups above are just a couple of the many dogs currently waiting to be adopted. If neither one is your perfect match, there are plenty more wagging tails waiting to meet you. |
 Layla Blue (#176054) — 11-year-old female American Pit Bull Terrier mix. Friendly with people and children, potty- and crate-trained, and looking to be the only dog in the home. Oceanside Campus. |
 Zeus (#263280) — 10-year-old male German Shepherd mix and long-term resident. A loyal, playful companion who needs an only-dog home and a family prepared to work with a veterinarian on his seizure history. Oceanside Campus. |
🔥 PUT YOUR ROVING BUSINESS ON THE MAP
Got a business without a permanent address?
Food trucks, pop-ups, live music, classes, markets, and other locations can change fast.
That’s exactly what Hot Spots is built for.
If you own or manage a North County business that fits one of our Hot Spot categories, add your business for FREE and keep your information current so locals know what’s happening and when.
Not a business owner? Know a local business, food truck, instructor, musician or other operator that belongs on Hot Spots? Tell them about it!
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😄 JOKE OF THE DAY |
Why did the bicycle refuse to take a nap?
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