A soul food festival, an upcycling workshop and a sensory-friendly spaghetti night: Things to do in San Diego July 30-Aug. 5
This week San Diegans can attend a teach-in on “pinkwashing,” dance in the street and write letters in solidarity with people in immigration custody.
Written by Rami Alarian, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp and 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 San Diegans can attend a session on crafting dinosaur terrariums, a trades career panel and a solar cooking workshop.
The Lemon Grove Historical Society is hosting a 1-mile walking tour of the city's historical murals and landmarks, Morava Folklore Ensemble is holding its 35th annual Summer Folkfest and Be Feliz Fit is hosting a clothing swap and wellness market.
For food distribution events and other no-cost grocery options, check out 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 30
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
Careers in the Trades Panel & Resources: 'Ataaxum Pomkwaan is hosting a trade school panel featuring electrical worker Jennifer Wilson and sheet metal worker Tatjana Sebro. The event includes networking, dinner and the opportunity to ask about trade careers. Sign up online for free. 5:30 - 8 p.m., Rincon Tribal Hall, 1 West Tribal Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
Paper Mates: Tender Hooligan is hosting a weekly art night with open turntables organized by DJ Mane One. Guests can sign-up for open table slots. 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: A 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
RISE Arts Talks: "We Survived": RISE San Diego is hosting a conversation on the threat to defund San Diego's arts ecosystem with Monica Delgadillo Hernandez, Leah Goodwin and Bob Lehman. Register online for free. 6 - 8 p.m., Heartspace, 3619 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Tiny Dinosaur Terrariums: Playground San Diego is hosting a crafting session where guests build a succulent terrarium featuring hand-painted dinosaurs. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Playground Art + Coffee, 3043 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
The Paranoyds, Doll Riot, Trash Day: Soda Bar is hosting a live show featuring The Paranoyds, Doll Riot and Trash Day. Tickets are available online starting at $18.54. 7 p.m., Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Dedication Hour Tour After Party: City Soul Collective is hosting the official after party for the Jason Joshua Dedication Tour, featuring DJs Selektah Olmeca and Beau Selector at the show, followed by a night of prizes, raffles and vinyl. Doors at 8 p.m., no cover, The Air Conditioned Lounge, 4673 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116
July 31
The Block Club Community Social: The Block Club is hosting a free family-friendly community social with a walking taco bar, chef-made chili options, build-your-own toppings, a spoons tournament, Uno, Connect Four, ice cream, music and kids activities. 3 - 6 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Dancing in the Street: Swing Edition: North City is hosting a street dance session as part of its July summer programming. 6 - 8 p.m., North City Farmers Market, 250 North City Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
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
Upcycled Crochet Tee: Playground San Diego is hosting a beginner-friendly workshop where guests can bring a tee and upcycle it with crochet detailing. 6:30 - 9 p.m., Playground Art + Coffee, 3043 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
San Diego Summer Folkfest: Morava Folklore Ensemble is hosting its 35th annual summer festival. The event opens with a Welcome Dance featuring DJ Miko at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church on Friday, followed by a folklore concert and afterparty with Chicago's Kalca Band at the church on Saturday. The festival closes with a beach party at Pacific Beach on Sunday. The weekend features authentic homemade Serbian cuisine and international guest performers, including C.O.T.K. Desanka Djordjević from Serbia. Tickets are available online. Times vary by day, July 31 - Aug. 2, St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 3025 Denver St., San Diego, CA 92117
Aug 1
Lemon Grove Mural Walk: The Lemon Grove Historical Society is hosting a 1-mile walking tour of the city's historical murals and landmarks, followed by a muralist Q&A. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the historical society. 8 - 10 a.m., starting at Lemon Grove History Mural, 3308 Main St., Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Global Marketplace Vendor Space Opening: Karen Organization of San Diego is hosting a soft opening for a new vendor space in the Global Marketplace, inviting the community to shop from locally owned small businesses. 9 a.m. - noon, The Global Marketplace, 5591 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Shop North Park: Verbatim Books and the North Park Community Fair series is hosting a community fair spotlighting local retailers, makers, service businesses and a neighborhood job fair. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North Park Way (between 29th Street and Ray Street), San Diego, CA 92104
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
Writing Letters in Resistance: Detention Resistance and Free Them All San Diego is hosting a letter-writing event in solidarity with people in immigration custody at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. RSVP online for location details. 10 a.m. - noon
San Diego Soul Food Fest: The annual San Diego Soul Food Festival is returning with music and food. General admission is $5 and tasting tickets are $10; tickets are available online. Public transit or rideshare is strongly encouraged due to minimal street parking. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., 3812 29th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Shelltown Mochilaton: Aztlan Libre is hosting its first backpack distribution in Shelltown, dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Veronica Maria Moran, a member of the group's Aztlan Youth Brigade. The event includes music, a healing area, raffle items for youth and food from Isa's Tamales. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Between Birch St. and Cottonwood, 2051 Osborn St., San Diego, CA 92113
Thank You Southeast Community Day & Block Party: Shavone Speakerboxx is hosting the inaugural Thank You Southeast block party celebrating the people and culture of Southeast San Diego with food, music, sports and local vendors. DJs Dauche and Beto Perez are performing, and the first 200 guests will receive a free meal from The Chicken Shack. Noon, Willie Henderson Sports Complex, 1035 S. 45th St., San Diego, CA 92113
Art Show: The Mental Bar is hosting an art show featuring the work of Kelsey Rolling, Danyelle Ra'shae and Jay Boyer, hosted by Brandon Flowers. Attendees can explore original artwork, meet the artists and connect with local creatives. 1 - 3 p.m., The Mental Bar, 6325 Imperial Ave., Suite 103, San Diego, CA 92114
Solar Cooking With a Legend: City Farmers Nursery is welcoming back inventor Jim LaJoie for a workshop on solar cooking, covering how it works, types of solar cookers, cookware options and effective techniques. The class is free to attend, no RSVP required. 1 - 2 p.m., City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Baddie Wellness Market + Swap: Be Feliz Fit is hosting a clothing swap and wellness market welcoming all sizes and bodies, featuring local wellness vendors and a photo booth. Attendees can swap gently used clothing. Reservations are required and available online. 5 - 8 p.m., Mujeres Brewhouse, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Afro-Ball at MCASD: Afrobeat San Diego is hosting a masquerade Afro dance social with live performances and photo ops in an art gallery after hours, plus a full red carpet experience. Guests are encouraged to dress their best. Tickets are available online starting at $71.21, 6 - 10 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
Drummers Without Borders Workshop: The FRONT Arte y Cultura is hosting a free, beginner-friendly hands-on drumming and percussion workshop for its third run, with instruments provided. RSVP by emailing elizabethb@casafamiliar.org. 10:30 a.m. - noon, Aug. 1, Sept. 5 and Oct. 3, El Salon Theatre, 114 W. Hall Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173
"Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story" Film Screening: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is hosting a screening of a documentary on Harlem photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite at the Museum of Photographic Art in Balboa Park. conversation with the photographer’s son — who shares his name and directed the film — will follow the screening. Tickets available online $10 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. 7 - 9 p.m., 1649 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101
Jesus Gonzalez Live at Dear Tomorrow: Dear Tomorrow is hosting an immersive performance featuring Jesus Gonzalez, along with Aaron Bowen and Julien Cantelm. Tickets available online. Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m., Dear Tomorrow, 216 S Tremont St., Oceanside, CA 92054
Cumbia Lovers: Cumbia Night is hosting a cumbia party featuring music from DJs Jo Sexxx, Cumbia Machin, Dolorosa, Dopemo and Ana Brown. The event includes a food pop-up by Bruja de la Cocina SD, a photo booth by Boom Boom Francia and airbrush art by Chosen Zoon. The event is 21+, with $10 admission before 10 p.m. Doors at 9 p.m., Kensington Club, 4079 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Aug 2
Latin Sundays: Mixed Grounds is hosting Latin Sundays with Sunday Runday Club, a music and dance event featuring DJ Cutlos Supreme, free dance lessons and Puerto Rican food from Wanda Puertorican Cuisine. 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Mixed Grounds, 4555 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116
Vinyl at the Market: Vinyl Record Rarities and Mo Records are hosting a record show, featuring vinyl DJs, vendors and thousands of records for sale. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Intro to Mending with Hand Sewing & Tea: Dear Tomorrow is hosting a beginner-friendly class teaching hand-sewing basics, including securing a patch, different stitch techniques and with tips for embroidering text. All materials are provided, and attendees can take home their supplies. Tickets cost $25. 2 - 4p.m., Dear Tomorrow, 216 S Tremont St., Oceanside, CA 92054
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
One Book One Brew: KPBS and Books and Brews are hosting a celebration for the 20th chapter of One Book, One San Diego, featuring a limited-edition beer from Chula Vista Brewery made especially for the milestone. The family-friendly event includes food, non-alcoholic drink options, shopping with local vendors and an announcement of the top 10 finalists in each One Book category. Reserve free tickets online. 5 - 7:30 p.m., Working Class, 4095 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
9 Years of Samba: Resenha California is hosting a celebration marking nine years of bringing Brazilian samba and culture to the community. The event is open to all ages with free parking and no cost for children or seniors. 5 p.m., The Mixer, Liberty Station, 2750 Dewey Road #193, San Diego, CA 92106
"No Pride in Genocide" Teach-In: Palestine Pals of San Diego is hosting a teach-in on Israel's "pinkwashing" of the occupation of Palestinians, followed by somatic dance therapy with DJ Abu Sinna. Suggested sliding-scale donation of $5 - 15. 6 - 9 p.m., Mujeres Brewhouse, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Afrobeats Meets R&B: Park & Rec is hosting a special edition dance party with music by DJ Freddiemax, Mr. Hek and DJ Shinski. 9 p.m., Park & Rec, 4612 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116
Aug 3
Workshop on the Basics of City Government: Mid-City CAN, in partnership with the city of San Diego, is hosting a free "breakfast for dinner" workshop on how local government works and how to make your voice heard through public comment. Spanish interpretation and childcare will be provided. RSVP online for free. 5 - 7 p.m., 4305 University Ave., Suite 640, San Diego, CA 92105
SD Music Room: Musicians, rappers, DJs, producers and other music enthusiasts gather monthly for a conversation about inspiration, craft and life. 6 - 9 p.m., Marcella June's Coffee Lounge, 8513 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942
Noodles & Doodles: Gossip Grill is hosting a sensory-friendly night featuring all-you-can-eat spaghetti, art supplies and an all-night happy hour. The event welcomes headphones and makes conversation optional. All-you-can-eat spaghetti costs $8, with add-ons for meatball and garlic bread. 6 - 8 p.m., Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
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
San Diego International Summer Organ Festival: The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is hosting free Monday night concerts as part of its 38th annual festival, running weekly through Sept. 7. The event offers free admission and free parking after 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m., Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park, 2125 Pan American E Road, San Diego, CA 92101
Aug 4
Coffee Pop-Up with Cafeina: Cafeina Café and heARTspace are hosting a co-working pop-up featuring whiteboards, fidget toys, bean bags and air conditioning. Attendees receive a free Cafeina beverage while supplies last. The event costs $15 to enter and $10 for students, but it is free for heARTspace members. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., heARTspace, 3619 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
National Night Out: Jacobs Center is hosting a community event connecting neighbors with local police and first responders, featuring free activities, a DJ and food. A community food pantry will be onsite; attendees are asked to bring their own bag for groceries. 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., Festival Park at Market Creek Plaza, 310 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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
Tuesday Roll: Black Skate San Diego hosts free rollerskating lessons at Liberty Station every Tuesday night. The lessons are beginner-friendly, and skates are available to rent. 5:30 - 8 p.m., 2620 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Mexican Institute of Sound and Meridian Brothers Concert: Bad Vibes Good Friends and Quartyard are hosting a concert featuring Mexican Institute of Sound, producer Camilo Lara and Meridian Brothers. Lara's credits include Pixar's "Coco," "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" and "Narcos: Mexico." Tickets are available online. 6 - 9 p.m., Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Can You Dig It?: Soul Side Vinyl is hosting a music trivia night testing attendees' knowledge across multiple genres. Winners will take home $100 and $50 in-store gift cards, plus giveaways from Parabola Coffee, Dragon Sushi and Hop Nonymous Normal Heights. 6 - 7:30 p.m., Soul Side Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Aug 5
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
Día de los Muertos Artist Callout: Sherman Heights Community Center is seeking original artwork inspired by Día de los Muertos for consideration as the official design for this year's Muertos Procession flyer and t-shirt. The application is due Aug. 31. Submit artwork or questions to ddlmcommittee@historicbarriodistrict.org.
Latine Pride 2026 Food Vendor Applications: San Diego Pride is seeking food vendors for its official Queer Latine Pride event, celebrating community and Queer Latine culture with music, food, resources and performances. Applications are due Aug. 9. Applications are available online.
Garden 31 Volunteer Program Applications: Garden 31 is seeking volunteers for a new weekly or bi-weekly program launching at the end of summer, replacing its former monthly community days. Interested volunteers can apply online.
Leadership Training Institute Applications: Chicano Federation is seeking applicants for its Leadership Training Institute, a 10-month program covering advocacy, education, immigration, health equity, fundraising, public policy and Chicano/Latine history alongside mentors and community leaders. Applications are due July 31. Applications are available online.
Youth Community Leadership Program Applications: Olivewood Gardens is enrolling high school students for a 12-week internship gaining skills in food systems, food justice and civic engagement, running Aug. 27 through Nov. 12. Participants complete a self-directed project directed and receive stipends or community service hours. Applications are available online.
