Collage art opening, toy swap and storytelling workshop: Things to do in San Diego Nov. 14-18
From benefits and art shows to holiday markets and free stores, this week’s events showcase San Diego’s creative and community spirit.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
This week, the Islamic Center of San Diego is hosting an educational event on genocide in Sudan on Friday. On Saturday, North Park Nursery has a plant swap and art exhibition. We’ve also compiled a roundup of food distribution events throughout the county.
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.
Nov. 14
Adopt a Day Labor Corner Training: The National Day Laborer Organizing Network is hosting a virtual training to discuss strategies for rapid response to day labor areas. Attendees register online. 12 - 1:30 p.m. online
UCSD Maker's Market: The UCSD Craft Center is hosting a Maker's Market that will include handcrafted goods, ceramics, jewelry, prints and mixed media. 5 - 8 p.m., UCSD Craft Center, 9605 Scholars Drive N., Sixth College Mosaic Building, second floor, room 0207, San Diego, CA 92093
Stories from Sudan: The Islamic Center of San Diego is hosting an educational event about the ongoing genocide in Sudan co-organized by Social Justice for Sudan, AMP San Diego, the Council on American-Islamic Relations California and Students for Justice in Palestine at San Diego. 5:45 p.m., Islamic Center of San Diego, 7050 Eckstrom Ave., San Diego, CA 92111
Unshakable Season of Strength Gala : The San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2025 annual fundraiser gala. All proceeds will go toward growing the organization's programs and expanding its impact. Food and live entertainment will be provided. 6 - 10 p.m., Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, 1000 H St., Chula Vista, CA 91910
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 together 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
Music Benefit for Moms: A coalition of local bands are performing a benefit show at The Print Shop to support mutual aid for moms. Performers include The Gay Agenda, Angel Guts, Vidaska, Savage & the Witch and Fat Earther. Tickets are $10 and TNT Pizza slices will be available in exchange for a donation. Direct message one of the bands on Instagram for the address.
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 with a lingerie night theme. Tickets can be reserved online and prop bags can be purchased at the theater for $5. Doors open at 10:30 p.m., La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Nov. 15
Mission Trails Holiday Marketplace: Vendors will be selling handmade goods during a holiday marketplace to benefit Mission Trails Regional Park. Nov. 15-16, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mission Trails Visitor Center, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Toy Swap: San Diego Families for Justice encourages San Diegans to swap instead of shop, providing spaces for families to hang out at the park and swap toys. More specific location details will be available soon. 9:30-11:30 a.m., La Mesa, CA
Balboa Park Women’s Tour: Forever Balboa Park hosts a tour highlighting influential women such as 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
Olivewood Holiday Bazaar : The Olivewood Garden and Learning Center is hosting its annual holiday bazaar where attendees can shop with local vendors and support youth programs. The event is free, and food is available for purchase. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 2525 N Ave., National City, CA 91950
Youth Leadership Academy : The Youth Leadership Academy is a one-day workshop designed to empower and educate LGBTQ+ youth, their parents, caregivers and educators. The conference will have discussions, activities and team building exercises, and attendees will learn about LGBTQ+ history, youth advocacy, higher education and civic engagement. The Youth Art Show will showcase local LGBTQ+ artists and performers. 10 a.m - 4 p.m., 1100 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
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
Feria del Vinilo Tijuana: The Tijuana Vinyl Fair will celebrate 60 years of “Whipped Cream and Other Delights” — an album by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass — with special activities, exhibits and music. Nov. 15 and 16 starting at 11 a.m., Pje. Rodríguez, Zona Centro, 22000 Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Plant Swap and Art Exhibition: Classy Casita and Sip & Swap are hosting a free plant swap and art exhibition at North Park Nursery. The event will feature complimentary mocktails, loteria, art by Yearbook Creative Club and music by DJ Mae Or Mae Not. 12 - 4 p.m., 2335 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Sad Fest 2025: Unapologetic Pro is hosting a festival with live lucha libre wrestling, food vendors, music and more. 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Painting in Sidro: Casa Familiar and The Front Arte Cultura are hosting a painting club. Guests are invited to bring their own material for works in progress or to start something new. Snacks are provided. 1 - 5 p.m., 147 W San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Building a Safer San Diego: The county and the city of San Diego are hosting an event focused on community disaster preparedness. Attendees can learn about local emergency alerts and the Partner Relay Program, which shares information with those who do not speak English. 1 - 3 p.m., Skyline Hills Recreation Center, 8285 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114
Winter Bird Walk: The San Diego Bird Alliance is hosting a free guided winter bird walk through the Rose Creek Salt March and Estuary, starting at Mission Bay High School. 2:45 p.m., Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109
Collage Show Opening: Centro Cultural de la Raza is hosting an opening reception for collage artist Paula Botelho’s “Cutting Paper, Creating the Improbable” gallery exhibit, which will be on display through Dec. 7. 6 - 9 p.m., Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Nov. 16
POC Community Market: Tianguis de la Raza holds its POC Community Market with kids activities, food, music, artisans, workshops, art and food on the third Sunday of each month. 12 - 5 p.m., Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
SURJ Potluck: The Showing Up for Racial Justice San Diego chapter is hosting an end of year potluck. Educator, advocate and organizer Blair Overstreet will lead a discussion on surviving the holidays with family with conservative political leanings. RSVP for free online. 2 - 4 p.m., Church of the Brethren, 3850 Westgate Place, San Diego, CA 92105
Nov. 17
Queer Crafternoon: As a part of the SDSU Pride Center's Queer Crafternoon series, attendees will learn to crochet, knit and make pompoms. No materials required. This event is the fifth of six planned. For more information, email pridecenter@sdsu.edu. 12 - 1 p.m., SDSU Pride Center
Raise Your Voice San Diego Open House: A new community-based protest music group is hosting an open house to showcase its intersection of performance and democracy. All ages welcome. 4 - 5 p.m., 3900 Vermont St., San Diego, CA 92103
Swing Dance Under the Dome: The San Diego Central Library is hosting a free swing dance lesson under the dome on the rooftop at 6 p.m. followed by open social dancing. 6 - 7:45 p.m., Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Nov. 18
Artist Book Workshop: Artist Damariz Aispuro is offering a free workshop at The FRONT Gallery that will guide participants in creating artist books. The workshop includes materials needed. People interested in attending should email alejandrar@CasaFamiliar.org to reserve a spot. 5 - 8 p.m. at The FRONT Gallery, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Pride Point Network Mixer: An organization for San Diego's LGBTQ+ professional community is hosting a mixer where attendees may enjoy art and make new professional connections. Tickets are available online. 6 - 9 p.m., 3867 Fourth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Power Through Storytelling Workshop: Collective Coalition and Lambda Archives of San Diego are co-hosting writing and storytelling activities with dinner provided. RSVP online. 6 - 8 p.m., 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
