A thriving community of Native Americans populated Pauwai long before the Spanish arrived. The evidence of their lives and work can be seen today at the Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center, founded by a partnership with the Friends of the Kumeyaay, the San Pasqual Band of Indians, and the City of Poway.
The Poway Center for the Performing Arts hosts professional performances ranging from major plays and concerts to appearances by individual artists of national acclaim.