A plant market debut, Japanese Obon festival and bingo nights: Things to do in San Diego July 23-29
This week, in addition to Comic-Con, San Diegans can shop at a plant market, watch Japanese cultural demonstrations and play bingo.
Written by Jenna Ramiscal, Edited by Kate Morrissey
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
This week community members can shop for plants at San Diego’s first ever Hella Plants Market or watch Japanese cultural demonstrations at the Vista Buddhist Temple.
Oasis Patio Bar, Misfits & Matcha and San Diego Gay Rodeo will also be hosting community bingo games throughout the week.
Looking for Comic-Con events that you don't need a badge for? Check out our roundup.
For food distribution events and other no-cost grocery options, use our online map to find one near you.
Do you know an event we missed? To submit an event for consideration to be added to this list and our community calendar, send us the details in our online form.
July 23
ICE Out of San Diego: A coalition of local organizations is hosting a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity every Thursday in front of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, which holds the San Diego ICE Field Office. RSVP online. 10 a.m., 880 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
2026 Indigi-Con: Presented by the Indigenous Faculty Initiative at UC San Diego in collaboration with Eyaayahuun, Indigi-Con returns during Comic-Con week with panels and a meet-and-greet. 3 - 9 p.m., UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Cosplay After Hours: AKA is hosting a late-night Comic-Con celebration. Groups of four or more dining in costume 5 - 9 p.m. receive a complimentary appetizer for the table, and costumed guests can get $5 Comic-Con cocktails after 9 p.m. DJs are performing Friday and Saturday nights. July 23-26, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m., AKA, 611 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Paper Mates: Tender Hooligan is hosting a weekly art night with open turntables organized by DJ Mane One. A sign-up sheet will be available for open tables with slots expected to fill quickly. The bar will have Tribal Lager beer specials. 6 - 10 p.m., every Thursday, 221 Third Ave. Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
HeART Night: New Path Narcan Project and The Brown Building host their weekly HeART Nights series, offering a free arts and crafts activity as part of their harm reduction programming. 6 - 8:30 p.m., weekly on Thursdays, The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
Bar 1924 Listening Sessions: Bar 1924's weekly vinyl listening series spotlights Poncho Sanchez's "Cambios," featuring the late trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, played start to finish on vinyl. 6 p.m., Bar 1924, 2820 Lytton St., San Diego, CA 92110
Guantanamo Baywatch, Sands, J Mau & the Kissoff Concert: Soda Bar hosting a live show featuring swampy fusion of surf and garage rock from Guantanamo Baywatch, Sands, J Mau & the Kissoff. Tickets are available online for $18.54. 7:30 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
July 24
Lesbian Cafe: The LGBT Center in San Diego invites queer folks to gather for a welcoming, inclusive and light-hearted discussion group tailored for women of all ages. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Sextou Brasil: Aniversário do Pablo Costa: A Casa do Urso is hosting its weekly Brazilian happy hour with an open samba circle and a birthday celebration for Pablo Costa. Musicians are invited to bring instruments and join the acoustic samba jam. 5 - 10 p.m., The Mixer, 2750 Dewey Road #193, San Diego, CA 92106
Sun, Fun & a Second Income: The Block Club is hosting a workshop on turning a passion for travel into a side hustle. Free to attend with reservations available online. 5 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio hosts a gentle community yoga session at The Brown Building every Friday. Reserve space online on a pay-what-you-can basis. 6 - 7 p.m., The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
Bingo Night: Oasis Patio Bar is throwing a bingo night with host Brad. Guests must purchase a one-drink minimum to play. There are prizes for each round, and leashed dogs are welcome. 6:30 p.m., Oasis Patio Bar, 671 Turquoise St., San Diego, CA 92109
LLERMO!: Camino23 Collective is hosting "LLERMO! or My Big Fat Mexican Apotheosis, with Sincerest Gratitude to Lorca," a queer riff on Lorca's "Yerma" written by Jesús I. Valles and directed by Danniel Ureña and Daniel Jáquez. Tickets are available online starting at $10 with walk-ins paying what they can., July 24 at 7 p.m.; July 25 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Diversionary Theatre's Black Box, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
Slow Joy, the High Curbs and Glom Concert: Soda Bar is hosting a live show featuring Slow Joy, The High Curbs and Glom. Tickets are available online for $22.66. 7 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Marcos Valle Concert: Belly Up is hosting a live show featuring Marcos Valle along with DJs Ozbot & Flying Disc. Tickets available online starting at $35. 8:30 p.m., 143 S. Cedros Ave., Suite T, Solana Beach, CA 92075
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Crazed Imaginations hosts a screening and shadowcast performance of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas on the second, fourth and fifth Fridays of each month, and every Friday throughout October.
The second Friday performance is lingerie night, and fifth Friday shows have a special mashup theme. Tickets can be reserved online and prop bags can be purchased at the theater for $5. 10:30 p.m., La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
July 25
Community Work Day: People can help cultivate a new garden space east of the Mt. Hope Community Garden by creating new planting areas, pulling weeds and moving mulch. No experience level or equipment are necessary. 9 - 11 a.m., 4835 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
July Pug Meetup: The Grumble Bunch San Diego is hosting its monthly pug meetup for dogs and owners to socialize. Parking available at 12988 Bowron Road. 9 - 11 a.m., 13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway, CA 92064
Water and Kindness Free Store: Every Saturday, Water and Kindness hosts a free store at Popup Winona where visitors can donate items or get needed supplies. The group is seeking donations of baby formula, bags, blankets, diapers, first aid items, harm reduction supplies, hats, gloves, hygiene products, mobility aids, rolling carts or wagons, shoes, sleeping bags, socks, tarps, tents, undergarments and water. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, California, 92115
Peace Vigil for Palestine: CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals and other local activism groups host a weekly peace vigil to advocate for peace in Gaza and beyond every Saturday in Ocean Beach. The group invites attendees to wear pink and bring peace-themed posters. For more information, email sandiego@codepink.org. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. and W. Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
Writing Letters in Resistance: Detention Resistance and Free Them All San Diego are hosting a letter-writing event in solidarity with detainees at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. RSVP online for location details. 10 a.m. - noon
San Diego Hella Plants Market: Hella Plants Market is making its San Diego debut, bringing together plant shops, artists, food vendors and handmade goods. Reserve tickets online starting at $7.18. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., 2995 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113
Mixtapes + Meriendas: Asian Pacific Islander Community Actions and Friends of Friends are hosting a mental health and community care event for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth ages 15-24, inviting them to share songs that uplift and support them through hard times. The event features snacks and time with mental health therapists and educators. Submit a song by July 25 online. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Friends of Friends, 127 E. Eighth St., National City, CA 91950
Day Function: Illfunction is hosting a free San Diego day party at Soulside Vinyl with food, art, music and dance, curated by DAPHNE! and Waterpark Jones, featuring a New Style Hustle San Diego demonstration. Entry is free. Noon - 5 p.m., Soulside Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Something Out of Nothing Art Camp: The group Something Out of Nothing is hosting a kids community. RSVP online. Noon - 4 p.m.
Plant Bingo at San Diego Hella Plants Market: Misfits & Matcha is hosting two rounds of plant bingo at the Hella Plants Market, and San Diego Paint and Stain is sponsoring free pot painting. Sessions run 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.; Tickets for the market available online starting at $7.18. The Soap Factory, 2995 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113
Vista Buddhist Temple Obon Festival 2026: The temple is hosting its annual Obon Festival with homestyle Japanese food, cultural demonstrations, local produce and crafts. 2 - 8 p.m., Vista Buddhist Temple, 150 Cedar Road, Vista, CA 92084
Community Day: We Resist, We Remain: Palestinian Youth Movement San Diego is hosting a day of art and cultural activities and community remembrance. Activities will include tatreez embroidery, crafting and food. 2 - 6 p.m., De Anza Cove, 3000 N. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Bike Ride & Games for Bicycle Film Festival Tickets: Bikes del Pueblo and the San Diego Bike Coalition are hosting a group bike ride event, featuring games of footdown and piñata, for a chance to win tickets to the Bicycle Film Festival at the Museum of Photographic Arts. 2:30 p.m., Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Cowboys and Crooners Bingo Night: The San Diego Gay Rodeo Chapter and San Diego Gay Men's Chorus are hosting a bingo night featuring Mr. San Diego Gay Rodeo Chapter 2026 and Luxe Ver$ace with prizes and proceeds benefiting both organizations. RSVP online. 6 - 8 p.m., Pecs Bar, 2045 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
I Set My Friends on Fire, Strawberry Girls and Current Comfort Concert: SOMA is hosting a live show featuring I Set My Friends on Fire, Strawberry Girls and Current Comfort. Tickets available online starting at $34.31. Doors open at 6 p.m., 3350 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
Star Wars Night — San Diego FC vs. FC Dallas: San Diego FC is hosting Star Wars Night for its match against FC Dallas. The ticket package includes a match ticket and an SDFC-branded Grogu bobblehead. Tickets are available online. 6:30 p.m., Snapdragon Stadium, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
Casket Cassette, Stare Away and Mercury Girl Concert: Soda Bar is hosting a live show featuring XYZ. Tickets available online starting at $18.54. 7:30 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Un Romance Boricua: DJ Ilana Feliu is spinning a salsa set featuring salsa romantica and brava vinyl at Brewjería Taproom & Kitchen. 8 - 11 p.m., Brewjería Taproom & Kitchen, 241 3rd Ave. C, Chula Vista, CA 91910
July 26
Exploring the Elements: Water Gardening: City Farmers Nursery is hosting a class on planning, installing and maintaining a water garden that will cover how to add water features and aquatic plants that support wildlife and bring movement to a landscape. Free to attend, no RSVP required. 9 - 10 a.m., City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Self-Defense Workshop with Sifu Victoria: Fit, Black & Educated is hosting a practical self-defense workshop. Tickets are available for purchase for $20 on Heylo app after joining the FBE community. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Lindbergh Park, 4141 Ashford St., San Diego, CA 92111
Summer Market: In Sheep's Clothing, Longplay Hi-Fi, Part Time Lover and We Share Records are hosting a summer market at Woo Studios featuring more than 40 vendors selling vinyl records, Japanese goods and food, along with all-vinyl DJ sets. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Woo Studios, 2212 Main St., San Diego, CA 92113
Poolside at the Lafayette Swim Club: The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows hosts a poolside vinyl DJ set. Noon - 4 p.m., Every Sunday and Monday in July, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Occupy Otay Demonstration: Demonstrators gather every Sunday on the sidewalk outside Otay Mesa Detention Center to protest the Trump administration's increase in arrests and detentions related to immigration enforcement. 2 - 4 p.m., 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA, 92154
Blanket Sounds: Blanket Sounds is hosting a free community event at Waterfront Park with live music from Diamante, a DJ set by Almond Eyez and art from Irlanda Navarro and Jennifer Swedell. 3 - 7 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
LGBTQ+ Young Adult Book Club: North County LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting its monthly book club focused on queer-centered literature. 3 p.m., North County LGBTQ Resource Center, 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054
San Diego Dance Convening #3: San Diego Dance Matters and Dancepaw Performing Arts Workshop are hosting the third San Diego Dance Convening featuring a panel on "The Hybrid Dance Leader: Leadership, Service and Community-Building in Today’s Dance Ecosystem.” Reserve space online. 3 - 5 p.m., Performing Arts Workshop, 1465 Encinitas Blvd. a102, Encinitas, CA 92024
JVP-SD Self Defense Workshop: Jewish Voice for Peace San Diego is hosting a hands-on self-defense workshop with a professional martial arts instructor, open to all ages, genders and skill levels. RSVP online for free. 4 - 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall, Mid-City Church of the Nazarene, 4101 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
A Vinyl Listening of Hiatus Kaiyote + Influences: The Thief That Stole My Sundays and Sound by the Sea are hosting a vinyl listening session spinning Hiatus Kaiyote records and their influences, with RIVA joining to spin and talk records. 7 - 10 p.m., 325 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Tony Hannah, the Lonesome Lowdowns and Ypsitucky Concert: Soda Bar is hosting a live show featuring Tony Hannah, the Lonesome Lowdowns and Ypsitucky. Tickets available online starting at $15. 7 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
July 27
Poolside at the Lafayette Swim Club: The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows hosts a poolside vinyl DJ set. Noon - 4 p.m., Every Sunday and Monday in July, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Muévelo Monday: Local dancer Valerie Moreno is hosting a free weekly dance social. 6 p.m., 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Kush Yoga at The Hyangle: Kush Yoga is hosting a cannabis-infused yoga session at The Hyangle focused on community, tranquility and spiritual cleansing, followed by essential oils and meditation. Tickets are available online for $12.51. Doors open at 7 p.m., yoga starts at 7:30 p.m. 7 - 9 p.m., The Hyangle, 710 13th St., San Diego, CA 92101
The Body, Big Brave and Cinder Well Concert: Soda Bar is hosting a live show featuring The Body, Big Brave and Cinder Well. Tickets available online starting at $24.72. 7 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
July 28
Open Tables: DJ Loki and Tacos El Villasana are hosting a weekly open-format DJ night welcoming vinyl and digital sets at Mason Ale Works. Aspiring DJs can contact Loki to get on the list to play. 5 - 9 p.m., Mason Ale Works, 2179 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Isela LeClair & Vieux Carré Swing Night: Queen Bee's Art and Cultural Center is hosting its weekly Tuesday swing night with a lesson from Mercedes Moore followed by a social dance with Isela LeClair and Vieux Carré Swing. 6:30 - 10 p.m., 3925 Ohio St., San Diego, CA 92104
The Slashes, Doom Well and D Wrex Concert: Soda Bar is hosting a live show featuring The Slashes, Doom Well and D Wrex. Tickets available online starting at $12.88. 7 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
July 29
Adam Faucett with TK & the Deadlist Concert: Soda Bar is hosting a live show featuring Adam Faucett and TK & the Deadlist. Tickets available online starting at $12.88. 7:30 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Open Vinyl Night: DJ Loki is hosting a weekly open-format vinyl night at Jaguar Paw. Contact Loki to get on the DJ list. 6 - 11 p.m., Jaguar Paw, 2185 1/2 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Current calls for applications
Crazed Imaginations Cast Applications: La Paloma Theatre's Crazed Imaginations shadow cast is seeking new members for its production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The application form is available online.
