La Jolla Light’s Best Bets for events: Aug. 30

Laugh It Up

Comedian Paula Poundstone, whose career spans decades and includes stand-up, podcasting, movies, voice work, writing and more, takes to the Jewish Community Center stage 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at 4126 Executive Drive. Tickets from $39 for members, $46 non-members. (858) 362-1348. sdcjc.org

In addition to his standup, comedian Jeff Garlin is known for his roles on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Daddy Day Care” and “The Goldbergs.” He’ll be on stage 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at the La Jolla Comedy Store, 916 Pearl St. Tickets: $25. thecomedystore.com/la-jolla/

Last Call

Del Mar Thoroughbred Race Club’s summer season presents concerts after the last race of the day every Friday and almost every Saturday night in the seaside concert area at the west end of the grandstand. See Mexico-based Café Tacvba Friday, Aug. 31 before the concert series concludes with rapper Ice Cube, Sunday, Sept. 2. Concerts are free with track admission. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. (858) 755-1141. delmarracing.com

Bayside Summer Nights concert series concludes 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31, Sept. 1-2 with The 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular, featuring The 1812 Overture with booming cannons and a grand fireworks display. Embarcadero Marina Park South, 200 Marina Park Way, downtown. sandiegosymphony.org

This week is your last chance to see “La Jolla Canyons: Place, Diversity, Connections” before it closes down Sept. 2. This exhibit examines issues of geography, geology, wildlife habitation, plant habitation, watershed, fire and social history as interrelated aspects of the canyons within the context of the urban environment. La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect St. Free. (858) 459-5335. lajollahistory.org

Encaustic Art

An exhibit featuring the surrealistic works of encaustic (beeswax) artist Tiffany Bociek, in a new solo exhibition, “The Depth of a Daydream,” opens with a reception 5 p.m. Friday Aug. 31 at La Playa Gallery, 2226 Avenida de la Playa. Exhibit on view through Sept. 28. (858) 454-6903. laplayagallery.com

Blithe Spirit

Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy “Blithe Spirit,” runs Sept. 5-30 at North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. A socialite novelist, an eccentric medium, an unforgiving ex-wife and a shrewish spouse create supernatural hijinks in this world-class comedy. Tickets from $42. (858) 481-1055. northcoastrep.org

Toy Piano Time

UC San Diego Library’s annual Toy Piano Festival, now in its 18th year, returns noon, Wednesday, Sept. 5 at UC San Diego at Geisel Library in the Seuss Room, 9500 Gilman Drive at Library Walk. Join festival director Scott Paulson and his toy piano colleagues for a performance that will amuse listeners of all ages. Both performances are free and open to the public. (858) 822-5758.

Ocean Talk

Ocean temperatures recently hit a record high of 78.6 F off Scripps Pier in La Jolla Shores. Citizen science lecture, “How future ocean conditions may affect local species,” is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4 at La Jolla Library, 7555 Draper Ave. Speaker is Garfield Kwan, Ph.D. candidate at UC San Diego. (858) 552-1657. lajollalibrary.org

A Night Out

One of the most popular events at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, the Night Owls member’s choice night is 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 at 1008 Wall St. Guests and members put their stamp on the Annual Juried Exhibition by voting for their favorite work of art from the popular exhibition featuring 75 works of art. Recommended for ages 21 to 40-something. Free for Night Owls, $10-$15. (858) 454-5872. ljathenaeum.org/the-night-owls