Black Pride weekend, a block party music festival and career readiness workshops: Things to do in San Diego July 9-15
This week San Diegans can support Black LGBTQ+ makers, dance to block party music and learn financial literacy skills.
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.
From Black Pride weekend celebrations hosted by San Diego Black Pride to an Encanto block party hosted by the San Diego Black Arts and Culture District, San Diegans have many options this week to let loose, wiggle and groove.
For those looking for educational opportunities, Live Well San Diego is hosting a career readiness workshop that will teach financial literacy, resume building and interview skills, and Digital Gym Cinema is hosting a screening of “WTO/99,” which documents the 1999 Seattle World Trade Organization protests.
For recurring 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 9
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
Pride With Purpose: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting an evening of Portuguese wines, bites and a curated silent auction benefiting the center's programs and services with a professional black-and-white portrait session available for donors. RSVP online, suggested donation is $25. 5 - 8 p.m., Design Within Reach at Westfield UTC, 4305 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
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 are hosting 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
Don Pietro Grand Re-Opening: Trattoria Don Pietro celebrates its grand re-opening with a cocktail hour, dinner reservations featuring newly unveiled signature dishes,and a late-night social with DJs. All guests arriving between 6 and 10 p.m. receive a complimentary welcome cocktail or champagne. Reserve space online. 6 p.m. - midnight, Trattoria Don Pietro, 2415 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110
VAMP Pride Edition: "Bottoms Up": So Say We All is presenting a special ticketed show featuring Levani Ko, an actor, dancer, musician and writer from the Republic of Georgia. Tickets are available online. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Little Bird Brewing, 3176 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92104
July 10
Heated Rivalry Vinyl Release Parties — "Gone to the Cottage": Indie record stores across the U.S. and Canada are celebrating the vinyl release of the "Heated Rivalry" soundtrack with freebies, activities, signed prizes and the chance to meet fans. July 10 - 12. 6 p.m., July 10, Track City Records, 105 W. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA 92025; noon, July 11, Re-Animated Records, 8320 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942; 5 p.m., July 11, M-Theory Music, 827 W. Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103; 12 - 3 p.m., July 12, Soul Side Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
San Diego Black Pride Weekend: San Diego Black Pride is hosting its annual weekend celebration centering Black LGBTQ+ makers. Vendor applications are open via this link. July 10 - 12, Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
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
Tunnel Night: "How the West Took Over": Soul Side Vinyl presents Tunnel Night with DJs Maxximilian V. and Boogieman featuring Dirt Bag Hernandez and a merch drop, plus food and drinks provided by La Sirena and a special guest vendor. 6 - 10 p.m., Public Space, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio is hosting 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
Self Defense Workshop: Commonplace and Teo Dojo are hosting a beginner-friendly self-defense class teaching practical techniques to build confidence, stay aware and respond effectively in real-life situations. Tickets are $15; RSVP online. 6 - 7 p.m., Lindbergh Park, 4141 Ashford St., San Diego, CA 92111
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
WTO/99 Screening with Filmmaker Q&A: Digital Gym Cinema is screening the archival documentary "WTO/99" about how tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Seattle in 1999 for four days to protest the World Trade Organization. After the screening, producer Alex Megaro will answer questions over Zoom. Tickets are available online. 7 p.m., Digital Gym Cinema, 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Black Pride Mini Ball: San Diego Black Pride is hosting a ballroom competition themed "Unbound & Unlimited," featuring runway, face, realness, performance, best dressed and sex appeal categories for both new and experienced walkers. Tickets are available online. 8 p.m., Liberty Station Chapel, 2881 Roosevelt Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Crazed Imaginations is hosting 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
July 11
Career Readiness Workshops: Live Well San Diego's Central Region Community Leadership Team is hosting a summer youth workshop series for ages 16-24 covering financial literacy, resume building, interview skills, social media, professional presence, health, wellness and technology. Registration, which includes an assessment, is available online. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays, July 11 - Aug. 1, Elementary Institute of Science, 608 51st St., San Diego, CA 92114
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 Boulevard. and W. Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
Ghibli Fest: Manic Pixie Dream Market is hosting a Studio Ghibli-themed market with merch, piercings, art, jewelry, vintage finds, food, drinks and a photo booth. Attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite forest spirit, fairy or witch. The event is free, and the first 50 guests will receive goodie bags. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., 3366 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Kids Entrepreneurship Learning Session: City Farmers Nursery is hosting a free, drop-in workshop where kids can meet business owners, including Sam Tall of City Farmers and Cris Juarez of Inecui Floral, to learn what it takes to become an idea presenter or maker vendor at the nursery's summer fair. Attending this session qualifies kids to participate in Kids Entrepreneurship Day on Aug. 15. No RSVP needed. 11 a.m. - noon, City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Frida's Birthday Art Walk: All for Logan is hosting a self-guided art walk to celebrate Frida Kahlo's birthday, featuring local galleries, murals, small businesses, DJ sets, a bookmark workshop and a Frida look-alike contest. Noon - 7 p.m., Logan Avenue Cultural Corridor, San Diego, CA 92113
North Park Record Fair: Chakasonica Fronterizx is hosting a record fair at North Park Mini Park as part of the North Park Sustainable Market hosted by Viridian Productions. Noon - 4 p.m., North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Force of July Volume 4: Full Force San Diego is hosting its annual summer dance battle in which competitors will face off in 1v1 footwork and 3v3 breaking battles. The event is free to watch, and competitors can register for $25 for one category or $35 for both. 1 - 7 p.m., Memorial Bowl, 373 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Noche Cubana: Omo Ache is hosting an evening of Cuban music, dance, food and culture. The evening includes a salsa class as well as performances by Omo Aché Afro-Cuban Music & Dance Co., Juan Carlos y Sus Rumberos, Martin Aguilera and Valeria Corona. 5 - 11 p.m., La Vie Dance & Culture Studio, 1255 W. Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
July 12
Tio's Knife Sharpening: City Farmers Nursery welcomes Tio, a professional tool sharpener with culinary experience, to sharpen knives, gardening shears and pruners of any size. Pricing ranges from $6 to $10 per item depending on size and condition; cash and card accepted. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Mosquito Ecology and Diversity: City Farmers Nursery is hosting local researcher Natalie Castillo for a class on mosquito biology, diversity and ecology in California, including which species are found in San Diego and what habitats promote their abundance. Free to attend, no RSVP required. 10 - 11 a.m., City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Encanto Block Party Music Festival: The San Diego Black Arts + Culture District, in partnership with Council District 4, presents a full day of community, music, culture and connection at Marie Widman Park. Noon - 7:30 p.m., Marie Widman Park, 6715 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Poolside at the Lafayette Swim Club: The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows is hosting 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
5th Annual Summer Limpia: Lone Labs is hosting a family-friendly spiritual wellness community event featuring limpias, tarot readings, reiki, chakra alignment, sound healing, herbalists, sage, candles and food vendors. 1 - 6 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
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
July 13
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 PoetrySLAM: Gladiator Slam Finals: San Diego PoetrySLAM is hosting its Gladiator Slam Finals, in which eight top-ranking poets will compete head to head in a three-round slam with the winner receiving $500. Tickets are available online for $12.51. 8-10 p.m., Queen Bee's Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., San Diego, CA 92104
July 14
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
Collective Monthly Meeting: The Collective Coalition is hosting its monthly community meeting, featuring a discussion-based workshop on reproductive justice presented by Elena Scarr. The meeting also covers upcoming events and volunteer opportunities for Pride season. 6 p.m., via Zoom
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 use of essential oils and meditation. Tickets 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
July 15
Senior Legacy Project: North County LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting a morning of reflection, storytelling, photos and trivia for its Senior Legacy Project. Those interested can help prepare stories ahead of time through their online survey. 10 a.m. - noon, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054
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
