A tarot card workshop, a Summerween block party and classic car show in Hillcrest: Things to do in San Diego Aug 13-19
This week San Diegans can attend a native seed plant painting party, learn rollerskating for free and watch the annually compiled, best internet cat videos.
Written by Rami Alarian, 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 San Diegans can learn about native marshes and wetlands, attend a teach-in on the Attica Prison Uprising and make new friends at a speed friending event.
Good News Bar is hosting a board game and card game night with a full shelf of games, Queer Latin Dance SD is hosting a potluck, free beginner salsa lesson and social dancing in Balboa Park and Gather is hosting an evening spotlighting local artists with a curated menu by chef Ted Smith.
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.
Aug 13
CatVideoFest 2026: Digital Gym Cinema is screening an annual compilation of the best cat videos from around the internet with 10% of ticket sales supporting Los Gatos de Barrio Logan. Tickets cost $13, $11 for students and seniors, and $9 for members and are available online. Aug 13 at 2:45 p.m., Aug 14 at 1:15 p.m., Aug 15 at 12:15 p.m., Aug 16 at 3:00 p.m., Aug 18 at 2:50 p.m. and Aug 20 at 12:00 p.m., Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
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
SDG&E Rate Watch Party: San Diego 350 is hosting a virtual watch party to protest rising electricity rates and is asking attendees to make public comments against rate increases. Registration is available online. 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Virtual
Game Night: Good News Bar is hosting a board game and card game night with a full shelf of games including UNO, Clue and Cards Against Humanity. 4 - 10 p.m., Good News Bar, 3821 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103
Green Corridor Visioning Workshop: Session 2.2: Mundo Gardens is hosting a second workshop session to review land-use proposals and give residents another opportunity to weigh in. Reservations are available online. 5 - 8 p.m., Mundo Gardens Homebase, 210 N. Q Ave., National City, CA 91950
Happy Hour for Good: Business for Good SD is hosting a happy hour presented by Uptown 11 Studios, inviting attendees to swap stories and share ideas over drinks. Reservations are available online. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Mixed Grounds, 4555 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116
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
Tarot 101 Workshop: The House Always Knows: The Manor Society of the Occult is presenting a beginner tarot workshop at Manor Coffee Bar. Tickets are available online for $25. 6 - 8 p.m., Manor Coffee Bar, 829 Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103
The Tijuana River Crisis: Health, Accountability and Hope for San Diego's South Bay: inewsource and CalMatters are hosting a panel with city and state officials, environmental reporters and community members to discuss what it will take to end the Tijuana River sewage crisis and how affected residents are navigating daily life. Registration is available online. 6 - 7:30 p.m., The FRONT Arte & Cultura, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
ACLU-SDIC EmpowerEd: Panel — Legal & Community Responses to Immigration Enforcement: The American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego & Imperial Counties is hosting a virtual panel on legal and community responses to immigration enforcement featuring Minnesota Attorney General's Office special counsel Joseph Richie and ACLU national campaign director Anu Joshi. The session is part of the four-part EmpowerEd Advancing Immigrants' Rights track and is available in English and Spanish. Registration is available online. 6 - 7 p.m., virtual
Open Mic Night: Rocko's Modern Taphouse is hosting a weekly open mic night for singers and musicians to share their music. Sign-up at 6 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m., every Thursday; Rocko's Modern Taphouse, 3940 4th Ave., Second Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Socialist Summer School: People vs. Billionaires: Party for Socialism and Liberation San Diego and the San Diego Liberation Center are presenting a hybrid lecture series on responding to what organizers call a historic moment of inequality and imperial violence, running Tuesday and Thursday evenings through Sept. 10. Registration is available online. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., San Diego Liberation Center, 810 L Ave., National City, CA 91950
Aug 14
Jungle Album Playback Event: Jungle is celebrating the release of its new album "Sunshine" with free playback events at select record stores nationwide. The events include prizes and giveaways. 4 - 6 p.m., Track City Records, 105 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA 92025 and 5 p.m., M-Theory Music, 827 W. Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103
International Friendship Park 55th Anniversary: Friends of International Friendship Park is marking the 55th anniversary of the park. The event also honors the life and work of John Fanestil, who is retiring as executive director of the organization. 4 - 7 p.m., University of California San Diego Park and Market, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Native Seed Library Paint Party: San Diego Bird Alliance is celebrating the opening of its newest Native Seed Library, inviting volunteers to paint the structure and pack seeds to give the Otay Mesa community free access to native plant species. Registration is available online. 10 a.m., Otay Mesa-Nestor Public Library, 3003 Coronado Ave., San Diego, CA 92154
Lesbian Cafe: The San Diego LGBT Community Center invites queer folks to gather for a welcoming, inclusive and light-hearted discussion group tailored for women of all ages. 10:30 a.m. - Noon., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Cool Aunties: Viejas: Southern Indian Health Council is hosting a Cool Aunties gathering for crafts, laughter and food, open to men, women and children to learn something new and strengthen community bonds. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Yaaytanak Wellness Center, 1389 Browns Road, Alpine, CA 91901
Nothing Over $20 Flea Market: Manic Pixie Dream Market is hosting a budget-friendly flea market with vintage clothing, jewelry and collectibles, all priced under $20. 5 - 10 p.m., 3366 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Summerween Block Party: Ratstar is hosting a spooky Summerween celebration with local art, vinyl DJs, vintage clothing sellers and live music. 5 - 10 p.m., Carillo Pottery, 309 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Earlybirds Club San Diego: The San Diego chapter of Earlybirds Club is hosting a dance party for women and gender-expansive people at Music Box featuring DJ Jenny Pocket spinning hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s. Susie Lee Legacy Fund, which supports nonprofits that uplift women and gender-expansive people, will receive 10% of the profits. Tickets are available online starting at $40. 6 - 10 p.m., Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego, CA 92101
RISE San Diego Community Mixer: RISE San Diego is hosting an evening community mixer, connecting attendees passionate about making a positive community impact with a chance to meet 2026 Inclusive Leadership in Action Awards nominees. The event includes food, networking and music. Reservations are available online. 6 - 8 p.m., Novo Brazil Brewing, 1640 Camino Del Rio N, Suite 341, San Diego, CA 92108
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
Black Trans & Nonbinary Community Group: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting a space for Black trans, gender nonbinary and gender non-conforming folks to get and provide peer support through discussion. The group meets in person the first and third Fridays of each month. 6:15 - 7:45 p.m., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
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. 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
Aug 15
Docent Training at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve: San Diego Bird Alliance and UC San Diego's Natural Reserve System are hosting an annual docent training to prepare volunteers to support Wander the Wetlands, a public program featuring birding, fish monitoring and weeding. Registration is available online. 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., University of California San Diego's Kendall-Frost Marsh Field Station, 2055 Pacific Beach Drive, San Diego, CA 92117
Beach Cleanup: COOLA is partnering with Surfrider San Diego to host a beach cleanup with free sunscreen for participants. Registration is available online. 9 - 11 a.m., Moonlight Beach, 400 B St., Encinitas, CA 92024
Growing & Glowing: Foodshed Cooperative is hosting a free, hands-on cooking class series for pregnant and new parents. Babies are welcome. Each family that attends will receive a $15 voucher to the Saturday farmers market at City Heights Food FARMacy. RSVP online. Held every other Saturday through Dec. 19. 9 - 10 a.m., Teaching Kitchen, 4061 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Zumba for a Cause: A weekly Zumba class is raising money for organizations that serve abused women and children. The class costs $5 for drop-in or attendees can purchase a $12.50 monthly card for four sessions. 9 - 10 a.m., El Toyon Park, 2005 E. 4th St., National City, CA 91950
San Diego Made Endless Summer Market: San Diego Made is hosting a two-day outdoor festival celebrating the region's creative community and small businesses with more than 120 local vendors, live music, food and drinks, crafts and photo ops. Attendees can grab a scavenger hunt card at the entrance to earn a free handmade gift after three qualifying purchases. Tickets are available online for $5, children 10 and under free; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Aug. 15 - 16, Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station, 2751 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106
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
Balboa Park Women’s Tour: Forever Balboa Park hosts a tour highlighting influential women like Kate Sessions — who is considered the mother of Balboa Park — on the third Saturday of each month starting at Bea Evenson Fountain. 10 a.m., Bea Evenson Fountain, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Piel Canela Workshops: Uprise Theatre is hosting teaching artist Iran Ortiz for a free workshop exploring the relationship we have with our bodies through tattooing and linocut carving. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Unico Coffee, 2602 National Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
The Morning Mix: SideYard Coffee is hosting a daytime coffee social with DJ Get Amp'd. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., SideYard Coffee, 1735 National Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Lemon Festival: Downtown Chula Vista is hosting its 29th annual Lemon Festival, celebrating the city's history as the former "Lemon Capital of the World" with two stages of live music, photo opportunities, a kids zone, arts and crafts vendors and food. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Teach-In: The Attica Prison Uprising: The Party for Socialism and Liberation San Diego is hosting a community teach-in exploring the Attica Prison Uprising, examining its historical roots, human rights demands and lasting lessons. 11:30 a.m., The Mental Bar, 6325 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
International Friendship Park 55th Anniversary Festival: Friends of Friendship Park and Tijuanita, Mi Ciudad are hosting a free, family-friendly festival celebrating 55 years of the International Friendship Park in Playas de Tijuana. 1 - 6:30 p.m., International Friendship Park, Monumental, 92154 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Hillcrest Classic Car Show: More than 20 car collectors are gathering to show off classic cars and chat with fellow enthusiasts every third Saturday of the month. 3:30 p.m., Fifth Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
Sunset for Lovers: DJ Loki presents a night of boogie and disco with sets from Blackbelt Jones, Chief Sweat and Loki. 5 - 9:30 p.m., Mujeres Brewhouse, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
DJ Qbert & DJ Shortkut: Soul Side Vinyl is hosting Invisibl Skratch Piklz members DJ Qbert and DJ Shortkut with support from a lineup of local DJs. The event will also include food, drinks, DJ and breaking cyphers, raffles and a street art gallery. Tickets are available for $20 in advance online, $25 at the door. 6 p.m. - midnight, Queen Bee's Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., San Diego, CA 92104
HiFi Summer: In The City is hosting the first evening experience of its HiFi Summer series, featuring art, music and food. Tickets are available online. 6 - 10 p.m., Union Hall Gallery, 2323 Broadway 201, San Diego, CA 92102
National City Night Market: NC Flea is hosting National City Night Market, bringing together local artists, DJs, food vendors and vintage curators for an evening of shopping, live music and community games at Old Schoolhouse Square. 6 - 10 p.m., Old Schoolhouse Square, 600 E. 8th St., National City, CA 91950
Aug 16
City Heights Neighborhood Canvassing Against ALPRs: The City Heights Defense Committee is leading a neighborhood canvassing to share know-your-rights information and map automated license plate reader and Flock cameras in the community as part of the National Week of Action Against ALPRs. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Popup Winona, 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
W8sted Heart Market: Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space is hosting a vintage and handmade goods market. Noon - 4 p.m., Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space, 50 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
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
Jungle Album Playback Event: Jungle is celebrating the release of its new album "Sunshine" with free playback events at select record stores nationwide. The events include prizes and giveaways. 1 p.m., Vinyl Junkies, 2235 Fern St., San Diego, CA 92104
Queer Salsa Sunsets at the Park: Queer Latin Dance SD is hosting a potluck, free beginner salsa lesson and social dancing in Balboa Park, welcoming dancers of all experience levels. Reservations are available online. The event is free and donation-based; 5 - 7 p.m., RSVP for exact location, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Aug 17
Cool Aunties: Manzanita: Southern Indian Health Council is hosting a Cool Aunties gathering for crafts, laughter and food, open to men, women and children to learn something new and strengthen community bonds. Noon - 2:30 p.m., Manzanita Activity Center, 39 B Crestwood Road, Boulevard, CA 91905
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
Aug 18
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., Liberty Station, 2620 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
LGBTQ+ Professionals Mixer: Pride Point Network is hosting a summer evening mixer for the LGBTQ+ professional community to connect, network and catch up with friends over drinks. 6 - 9 p.m., Cellar Hand, 1440 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Speed Friending: Normal Heights Community Association is hosting a speed-dating-style event for making friends with short timed conversations and provided prompts. 6:30 - 8 p.m., Rabbit Hole back patio, 3377 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Aug 19
Creative Critters Arts & Crafts: Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space is hosting an arts and crafts session for kids under five. The session features programs on colors, textures and simple creative projects to build fine motor skills. 11 a.m., Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space, 50 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
ALPR City Council Testimony: American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties and TRUST SD Coalition are urging residents to give public testimony at the San Diego City Council Public Safety Committee meeting to tell the council that automated license plate readers need to go as part of the National Week of Action Against ALPRs. 2 p.m., San Diego City Hall, 202 C St., San Diego, CA 92101
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
Art for Dinner: Gather is hosting an evening spotlighting local artists with a curated menu by chef Ted Smith, a DJ set by Dauché and a live performance by Jolene Cruz. The event includes two glasses of wine. Tickets are available online for $47.50. 6 - 9 p.m., Roam Homeware, 5661 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037
Current call for applications
Independent News Sustainability Summit: The League of Independent Online News is hosting its annual summit for local news organizations. Volunteers can apply for complimentary access to sessions during non-working hours. Applications are due Aug. 14. Applications are available online. Sept. 9 - 11, Wyndham San Diego Bayside, 1355 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
