Coastal Cleanup Day, Kale Festival and Defend the Barrio: What to do in San Diego Sept. 19-24
From the Adams Avenue Street Fair to Oktoberfest in East Village, this weekend is packed with things to do.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
This weekend, San Diegans can volunteer during Coastal Cleanup Day throughout San Diego County, attend an art opening that blends floral arranging with ceramics, celebrate kale in City Heights and chill out while listening to music during Blanket Sounds at Waterfront Park.
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.
Sept. 19
‘Dirt’ Opening: Best Bud and Art School Dropout are hosting the opening night for “Dirt,” a flower and ceramic art show. The collaborative collection features work from 30 artists, featuring handmade vases from ceramicists filled with flower arrangements designed by local florists. 5 - 8 p.m., AYI, 2234 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Sept. 20
She Fest Applications Due: Those interested in leading a workshop or tabling during She Fest on Oct. 11, 2025 are asked to submit applications by Sept. 20. The vendor fee for tables is $50.
Coastal Cleanup Day: I Love a Clean San Diego is hosting its 41st annual Coastal Cleanup Day with beach and inland events scheduled throughout the county. Volunteers will have a short orientation followed by a cleanup of their site. Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hats and water bottles. Volunteers can register online. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at multiple sites across San Diego County
Preventative Care Clinic: The North County LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting a preventative care clinic provided by the Reproductive Justice Project. The event will feature gender-diverse preventative care screenings, including on-site mammograms, cervical cancer screenings and HPV testing. There will also be physical therapy, chiropractor services and a workshop on gender diverse preventive care. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054
City Heights Kale Fest: A coalition of local organizations hosts the eighth annual City Heights Kale Fest. The event features garden tours, movement, yoga, Celeste Sound Alchemy Soundbath and DJ Mack-A-Tony & Cheese. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., San Diego Peace Campus, 3850 Westgate Place San Diego, CA 92105
Adams Avenue Street Fair: The 43rd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair is a free event with carnival rides, music, food, retail vendors and arts and crafts. Sept. 20, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sept. 21, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Adams Avenue, 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
Black Biz Flea Market: The WorldBeat Cultural Center is hosting a flea market in Balboa Park with more than 40 Black-owned businesses, live music, food vendors and art. 12 - 6 p.m. at WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Defend the Barrio: The Party for Socialism & Liberation and All for Logan are hosting a training and community discussion. Organizers will discuss ways to identify Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, alerting neighbors of ICE presence, post-detention procedures and abolishing ICE. 12 - 3 p.m., WOO! Studios, 2212 Main St., San Diego, CA 92113
Chicano Skate Park Celebration: The Barrio Logan Association hosts the ninth annual Chicano Skate Park Celebration, a day of skateboarding with food, art, raffles and music by DJ Kutz. 12 - 4 p.m., Chicano Park, 1949 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
East Village Oktoberfest: East Village hosts its ninth annual Oktoberfest with pretzels, Bavarian sausages and a selection of beers. Polka music and tribute bands will perform throughout the evening, including headlining act the Zeitgeist Oktoberfest Band. 21+, 3 - 8 p.m. at Quartyard, 1301 Market St #3, San Diego, CA 92101
Ink on the Floor: The Block Club SD and Ghetto District are co-hosting "Rep Yo City," an art show celebrating the streets, pride, people and pain of San Diego. 4 - 9 p.m. at 6403 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92114
Sept. 21
No More Markets: Attendees can exchange art, clothes, baked goods, dance lessons, seeds, outdoor gear, household items and more during a free swap hosted by No More Markets. 12 - 5 p.m. at Freedom Park, Jacaranda Place and Arnold Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Blanket Sounds: SD Melanin invites people to grab a blanket and some buddies to head down to Waterfront Park for its summer Blanket Sounds series. The free event features live musical performances, DJ sets, activities for kids and local vendors. Reserve a spot online for free. 3 - 7 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Sept. 22
Queer Crafternoon: As a part of its Queer Crafternoon series, San Diego State State University Pride Center is hosting an event where guests can make their own jewelry, keychains and phone charms. No materials required. This event is the first of six planned. For more information, email pridecenter@sdsu.edu. 12 - 1 p.m. at SDSU Pride Center, 5141 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92115
Kumeyaay New Year Celebration: The Sycuan Cultural Resource Center and Museum is hosting the Kumeyaay New Year Celebration and Kupiihaaw Equinox. Attendees can learn about the significance of the celebration and also help repaint the Kumeyaay calendar outside the cultural center. There will be bird singing, dancing and a potluck dinner. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share. 5:30 - 8 p.m. at 908 Willow Glen Dr., El Cajon, CA 92019
Sept. 23
Black & Brown SD: Hosted at the Movement BE Center, Black & Brown is an open mic night paired with paint and sip to celebrate diversity and creativity. Tickets are $23 and can be reserved online. 7 - 10 p.m. at Movement BE Center, 6787 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Sept. 24
Tamal Workshop con Isa: Mujeres Brew House is hosting a tamal-making workshop where guests can learn to make them from scratch. The first 20 paid guests will get a free drink. Tickets are $25. 6 - 8 p.m. at 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
