Growing Together
Making La Jolla a Family Arts and Culture Destination
a free festival for the whole family!
La Jolla is famous for its beaches, but it’s also home to some of San Diego’s most vibrant cultural institutions.
Growing Together is an initiative that brings family and youth programs from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, the Murals of La Jolla presented by the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla to build on the strengths of these existing family and youth events while enhancing visibility and accessibility.
Each event features hands-on art-making, music, performances, and opportunities to engage with artists, historians, community partners, and educators, creating a festival-like experience for families of all ages.
We invite you to join us in celebrating creativity and community—bring your family, explore these unique experiences, and connect with the vibrant cultural life of La Jolla and beyond. See below for more information on upcoming collaborations and how to get involved.
This program is made possible through the generous support of the M&I Pfister Foundation.
For more information, please email mclifford@mhclajolla.org.
Photos by Pablo Mason (2026)
November 8 event with Murals of La Jolla
Our next Growing Together event is just around the corner! Join us on Sunday November 8, for an art-filled, musical, magical and memorable day filled with creativity, connection, and play.
This event will feature:
Art making guided by local educator, muralist, and storyteller Chikle
Guided Murals tour at 12:15 and 1:15 PM - Reserve your spot below!
Music by DJ Qúi Qúi
Henry the Magician from Ding Dong Magic
Cookies, art, bubbles and more!
Interested in a one-of-a-kind Murals tour?
Murals of La Jolla will be offering a special, one-day-only walking tour as part of the next installment of Growing Together! Explore five nearby Murals of La Jolla public artworks while enjoying the family-friendly activities and creative community spirit of Growing Together. These guided walks offer a unique opportunity to discover the stories behind La Jolla’s public art and the place it holds in our community.
Walking Tours begin at Museum of History and Culture La Jolla, 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla
If you can’t make the guided murals tour, we will be offering a self-guided map as well.
Art workshop with Chikle:
Come explore the art of Traditional Tattoos, where every image tells a story! We’ll draw, talk, and trade stories as you create your own original commemorative design, guided by local educator, muralist, and storyteller Chikle!
Never picked up a pencil? No worries! We’ll have plenty of coloring sheets, tattoo flash, and inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Come ready to make something, share a story, and have a good time!
We can’t wait to see you at our next Growing Together event!
A special thanks to our partners and sponsor:
Henry D magician
Sunday, November 8, 12:00-2:00 pm
Our upcoming collaboration with Murals of La Jolla will consist of a mural tours and artist-guided workshop. Stay tuned for more!
Sunday, December 13, 11:00AM-2:00 pm
Stay tuned for more details about our final Growing Together collaboration of 2026 with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego featuring Animal Cracker Conspiracy and more!
Thank you to our sponsor
Past Events
Growing Together: A Joyful Kickoff Celebration
Our Growing Together kickoff event on Sunday March 8, was a vibrant and memorable day filled with creativity, connection, and play. In partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, we welcomed families and community members to come together and experience the power of art in bringing people closer.
The event featured a lively resource fair with incredible local partners, including:
Each brought unique opportunities for learning, creativity, and engagement, helping to make the day truly special.
A highlight of the event was our collaborative art-making experience led by talented artists Emily Grenader and Astrid Alvarado Leon. Together, participants contributed to a shared creative process that reflected the spirit of community and connection at the heart of Growing Together.
Guests also enjoyed delicious tacos available for purchase from El Guero 2: Taquizas & More, adding another festive and flavorful element to the day.
We are so grateful to all of our partners for their energy, collaboration, and dedication. Be sure to check out their amazing work and support the important contributions they make to our community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was truly a beautiful day. We can’t wait to see you at our next Growing Together event!
Sunday, May 3
Our past collaboration with Murals of La Jolla consisted of a mini murals tour featuring live musicians performing at some stops to enhance the festive atmosphere. Guests also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on, artist-guided workshop, led by Kaori Fukuyama, creating their own folded art pieces while connecting more deeply with the art around them in the Space Maker exhibition.
Friday, June 5
We’re pleased to share our collaboration with the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library as part of their well-loved Free Teen Art Nights series. This event featured Plein Air Drawing and watercolor painting with Lori Mitchell and urchin stamping with Coastal Defenders. Together, we’ve built on this already successful program by bringing in new interactive elements, creative experiences, and opportunities for community connection that celebrate art and community.