Bike audit, Rocky Horror and The Big Gay Picnic: Things to do in San Diego May 6-13
This weekend features volunteer opportunities, a town hall on resisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement and events to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp and Maya Srikrishnan, 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.
On Thursday, our newsroom is celebrating its first birthday with a party at the Global Village Events Hall run by the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans.
This weekend, you can also gather for a beach yoga class to benefit the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, participate in a bike safety audit in downtown San Diego or go to sketch night at Good News Bar. There are also several Mother’s Day events to celebrate mothers and maternal figures.
For events to celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, check out our list of events happening throughout May. We also have food distribution events and other no-cost grocery options listed in our online map.
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.
May 7
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
Centro Cultural de la Raza Community Wall Repainting: Centro Cultural de la Raza is looking for volunteers to help repaint its community wall white in preparation for upcoming shows. A minimum two-hour commitment is requested. Email events.ccdlr@gmail.com to sign up. 1 - 4 p.m., May 5-7, Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
GI Film Festival: A collection of 15 films will screen during the 11th annual GI Film Festival at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. Each film is followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers, veterans and experts in the field. Tickets can be purchased online and cost $15 for general admission or $10 for veterans. Tickets to opening night are $26 for general admission or $21 for veterans. May 6-8, times vary, Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Queer Youth Art Show: San Diego Pride Youth Programs presents a showcase of young local LGBTQIA+ artists and performers. Light refreshments provided. RSVP online. 6 - 8 p.m., San Diego Pride Office, 3620 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Daylight Birthday Bash: Daylight San Diego is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a party that includes vinyl DJs and performances from local artists. Tickets are sliding-scale and reservable online. 6 - 9 p.m., Global Village Events Hall, 5555 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
May 8
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
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 hosts 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 Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
May 9
City Heights Cleanup: City Heights CDC is leading a community beautification effort at the 50th Street and University Avenue gathering space. Materials will be provided. Register online. A second cleanup date is scheduled for June 27. 9 a.m. - noon, 50th St. and University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
People's Corps Dialogue: The People's Corps is hosting a Black Panther Political Activism Dialogue followed by an organizational meeting. Dialogue at noon, meeting 1:15 - 2 p.m., Black Panther Headquarters, 6 Hensley St., San Diego, CA 92102
Beach Yoga for a Cause: Yoga for Immigrant Justice and Commonplace SD are hosting a beach yoga session benefiting CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights). Only 30 spots are available. To RSVP, donate any amount to CHIRLA online and email proof of donation to yogaforimmigrantjustice@gmail.com with the subject "Beach Yoga." 9 a.m., Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109
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 Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Chollas Creek Bike Audit: Circulate SD and Groundwork San Diego lead a 5.5-mile bike ride from Groundwork San Diego's office to Cesar Chavez Park to assess existing cycling conditions and identify opportunities to improve bike safety and access along the route. Email questions to mwalker@circulatesd.org. 10 a.m., Groundwork San Diego Office, 5106 Federal Blvd., San Diego, CA 92105
Mamiii Linda on Logan Avenue: Logan Avenue Cultural Corridor is celebrating Mother's Day with live DJs, local vendors, food, art, handcrafted gifts and unique experiences. Receive a free limited-edition tote with a $25 or more purchase at any participating Logan Avenue business. 12 p.m. Logan Avenue Cultural Corridor, Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA, 92113Mothers Day Sip & Paint: The gARTen Network and Cousinfolk Productions are hosting a Mother's Day celebration featuring live entertainment, food and wine, vendors and an art exhibit. Proceeds benefit the African Diaspora Caribbean Carnaval. Reserve tickets online or call 646.305.0239. One ticket costs $45, and two tickets cost $80. 1 - 5 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Party on Park: The University Heights Community Association is hosting its annual block party under the iconic University Heights sign, featuring more than 45 vendors, live DJ and music from Appian Way Band, as well as food and tastings from local restaurants and bars. Early bird tickets, which include an optional limited-edition T-shirt, are available online. 2 - 7 p.m., University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Sustainable 'Hood San Diego Community Leadership Pop-Up: The Uplift Institute, In Good Company, and the San Diego Urban Sustainability Coalition present a free community leadership event featuring climate education, panels on pathways forward, plant-based bites, a recognition ceremony and networking. Register online. 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113
May 10
The Big Gay Picnic: The Queer Sol Collective and The Big Gay Picnic are hosting an event at Balboa Park with art, music, games and a potluck, presented in partnership with Presbyterian Foundation and Great Outdoors SD. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
Farm Animal Refuge Mother's Day Experience: Farm Animal Refuge is hosting a Mother's Day sanctuary tour with rescued animals, plant-based pastries, champagne or cider, and a food station and bar. Every animal resident has a volunteer ambassador on hand. Limited tickets available online. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Farm Animal Refuge, 33233 Shockey Truck Trail, Campo, CA 91906
Momma, I Love You Brunch: Chef Lay Alston and Yaya's Crib present an intimate three-course Mother's Day brunch experience including a beverage pour, soft conversation prompts and an intentional gift to take home. Limited seating; reserve online. Noon - 2 p.m., San Diego, CA (location via reservation)
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
May 11
San Diego Area Theatre Forum & Job Fair: San Diego State University's School of Theatre, Television, and Film is hosting a free networking event connecting designers, technicians, stage managers, craftspeople and actors with employers across the San Diego region. The day begins with a public forum on today's theatre landscape, followed by a job fair. Upload your resume online. Forum 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Job Fair 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., Prebys Stage, SDSU, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182
Neighborhood Town Hall: How Average San Diegans Can Resist ICE: County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, Director of the American Friends Service Committee's US/Mexico Border Program Pedro Rios, and Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera will speak at a community town hall about how San Diegans can resist Immigration and Customs Enforcement. RSVP online. 6 - 7:30 p.m., PANA, 5577 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
May 12
Spanish Club: Commonplace San Diego hosts two Spanish clubs a month, where all levels of Spanish speakers are welcome to join in conversation and practice their language acquisition skills. RSVP online. 5:30 - 7 p.m., Q'ero Restaurant, 564 S Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
San Diego Refugee Tutoring: Rotary Club 33's Peace & IDEA Committee is hosting a community learning event spotlighting San Diego Refugee Tutoring, a City Heights organization providing tutoring, mentorship and scholarships to students of refugee background since 2017. Wine and light bites will be served. Open to Club 33 members and guests; RSVP by May 8 via the online form. $10 per person (Venmo: Kim-Jones-36 or cash at door). 5:30 - 7 p.m., Ibarra Elementary School, 4877 Orange Ave., San Diego, CA
May 13
Sketch Night: Good News is hosting a recurring creative meetup with a casual night of drawing and community. Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials. 4 - 10 p.m., Good News Bar, 3821 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103
