Benito Bowl, celebrations of love and a Pacific Islander festival: Things to do in San Diego Feb. 6 to 8
San Diego is celebrating love, Lunar New Year and Bad Bunny this weekend, and volunteers are sending books to incarcerated people.
Written by Kate Morrissey, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
With Valentine's Day around the corner, the first February weekend already has several events to celebrate love and connection in San Diego. People interested in volunteering can help canvas about sanctuary spaces in Chula Vista and pack books to send to incarcerated people. Those looking for arts and culture events could check out a Pacific Islander, Indigenous and Asian cultural festival, an interfaith brunch, a Bad Bunny Super Bowl celebration or the first of the month's Lunar New Year celebrations.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.
Feb. 6
City Heights Food Distribution: Bridge of Hope distributes food on Fridays and is open to everyone. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bridge of Hope SD, 3406 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Foodies & Goodies Emergency Food Drive: The North County LGBTQ Resource Center hosts weekly food distribution every Friday. Food is first come, first serve. There are no requirements, but there is a short census with basic demographics. 12 - 2 p.m., 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054. Non-perishable, pantry item donations can be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Detention-Free San Diego Canvasing: The Students' Civil Liberties Union San Diego is leading an effort to canvas businesses in Chula Vista with information about creating sanctuary spaces. Participants should register online. 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Friendship Park, Chula Vista, CA, 91910
Pixies Past Dark: Valentines Slumber Party: Manic Pixie Dream Market invites pixies to a night of music, love-letter-making, 50+ vendors and free goodie bags for the first 50 people in line. Admission is free, kids and pets are welcome, and wearing pajamas is encouraged. 5 - 10 p.m., 3366 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Green Corridor Kick Off Meeting: Mundo Gardens is hosting a meeting to get community feedback about projects intended to reconnect southeast San Diego and National City and to reclaim spaces. Those interested can contact connect@mundogardens.com or 619-988-4392 with questions. 5:30 - 7 p.m., 5003 Imperial Ave., San Diego CA 92113
Feb. 7
Saturday Market: Mystic Mocha Cafe is hosting its first market of the year, featuring all day happy hour, various drinks, home goods, sustainable clothing, dog goods and other trinkets. Interested vendors should message on Instagram. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., 2105 Mission Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
City Heights Food Distribution: The Church of the Nazarene distributes food on Tuesdays from 2 - 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 - 11 a.m. Distribution is open for everyone. For more information, reach out to 619-283-6242 or midcitynazarene.org 4227 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
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, CA, 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 Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Books Thru Bars Book Packaging: Groundwork Books hosts regular meetings to provide a space to respond to letters from incarcerated folks nationwide along with packaging two to three books to send to them. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 9330 Eucalyptus Grove Lane, La Jolla, CA 92093
All Islands United Pacific Sovereignty Run: Building Aloha, Inc. and Moving Mana, Inc. are hosting a festival to celebrate Pacific Islander, Indigenous and Asian cultures with music, food and artisans. 12 - 6 p.m., 3201 Hoover Ave., National City, CA, 91950
New Connections: Harbor the People is hosting a social mixer for San Diegans to meet new people, whether friends or romantic interests, and set their phones down for a night. Featuring DJs Deekhous and GOAT, the event asks attendees to turn off their phones and limit themselves to one guest in order to better open themselves for connections. 6 p.m., Mixed Grounds, 455 30th St., San Diego, CA, 92116
Feb. 8
Valentines Market: Motel Mini Market is hosting a holiday market including aura photography, a jewelry bar, tarot card readings, floral arrangements and coffee/treats in San Clemente. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 1624 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
The Big Gay Valentines Day Picnic: This afternoon picnic is for LGBTQ+ folks and allies looking to connect with others in the community and reflect on mental well-being. It is a free event, but it is recommended to bring blankets and snacks. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., 2908 Balboa Drive, San Diego, CA 92103
City Heights Food Distribution: The Abundant Grace Christian Center distributes food on Mondays from 9 - 10 a.m., Wednesdays from 4 - 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Distribution is open to everyone. Abundant Grace Christian Center, 5856 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Interfaith Brunch: JVP and CAIR are hosting a space to enjoy food, coffee, friends and new connections. It is requested that attendees bring a dish for the potluck. RSVP online. Noon - 2 p.m., 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
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
Convoy Rising: The Doan Foundation, Social Artistry and Up2You Cafe are hosting the first large-scale Lunar New Year celebration ever held in the Convoy District, including lion dancers, food, gifts and cultural performances. 3 - 8 p.m., Convoy & Vickers Streets, San Diego, CA 92111
Benito Bowl: Mujeres Brew House is hosting a Bad Bunny party during the Super Bowl with a themed drink menu. 3 p.m., 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
DSA Education Series: Black History Month: The first event in an educational series by the Democratic Socialists of America is all about history and theory behind the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. Register online. 6 p.m., 4359 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
