Crafting and civic engagement: Things to do in San Diego March 26-31
From a film festival and acrylic workshop to a protest and fundraisers, here are options to fill up your free time this week.
Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
This weekend, you can engage your artsy side at our first Daylight Culture Club event, Making Home: How Immigrants Use Art to Find Belonging. There’s an open mic night, film festival, acrylic workshop and vinyl record fair.
If you want to get civically involved, this weekend also features the latest No Kings Protest against the Trump administration’s policies. Last October, more than 25,000 people marched downtown during it, according to the San Diego Police Department. Imperial Beach residents can also hear new plans for the city, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is providing a space to connect and celebrate community.
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.
March 26
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce March Mixer: The San Diego chapter is hosting a networking mixer where folks can listen to music while also celebrating the oldest steak house in National City. 5 p.m., Cafe La Maze, 1441 Highland Ave., National City, CA 91950
Imperial Beach State of the City: Imperial Beach city government is giving its State of the City Address in the Burress Auditorium. 6 p.m., South Bay Union School District, 601 Elm Ave., Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Love Thy Neighbor: Little Room writers club and the City Heights Defense Committee are hosting the first in a series on supporting immigrant neighbors. The event features poet softboi with artists gusano and soledawg. 6 - 8 p.m., Coffee & Tea Collective, 2911 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Women’s Networking Mixer: Pure Pawsh is hosting a networking event for women to talk work and business while supporting one another. It is open to people of any line of work. 6 - 8 p.m., Pure Pawsh, 4045 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Palabra Open Mic: Palabra is hosting its monthly open mic with Taco Shop Poet co-founder Adolfo Guzman-Lopez as the featured guest. Attendance is free. 6:30 p.m., Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
March 27
San Diego Arab Film Festival: Films from Palestine, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen and the U.S. are screening during the 15th annual film festival. Cafeteria-style Arabic dinners are available each evening. Tickets are available online. March 27-28, Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Koi Pond/Made Factory Market: The Koi Pond Market and San Diego Made Factory are hosting a pop-up market featuring art, vintage clothes and food. Organizers are accepting vendor applications for those interested in selling food, art, vintage clothing and more at the March 27 and April 3 markets. Register online for a March 27 or April 3 vendor spot. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St., #114, San Diego, CA 92113
One Year of Service: The Block Club is celebrating the first anniversary of its launch as a third space in the Black Arts and Culture District. The three-day fundraiser kicks off with a silent auction and cocktail social on Friday, continues with an invite-only event with live music on Saturday and ends Sunday with a family-friendly gaming day. March 27-29. Times vary by day, The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
March 28
Community Work Day: People can help cultivate a new garden space east of the Mt. Hope Community Garden by creating new planting areas, pulling weeds and moving mulch. No experience level or equipment are necessary. 9 - 11 a.m., 4835 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
Easter Egg Hunt: The Sons and Daughters of Guam Club is hosting an Easter egg hunt. There will be games and prizes and pictures with the Easter Bunny, as well as food and drinks. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 334 Willie James Jones Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
No Kings Protest: Local activists are participating in the nationwide protest against authoritarianism and the Trump administration with a demonstration at Waterfront Park. 10 a.m. - Noon, Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92101
Feria del Vinilo Tijuana: Tijuana's vinyl record fair returns for another weekend of buying, selling and trading. March 28-29, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Pasaje Rodríguez, Av. Revolución 917, Zona Centro, 22000 Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Feel Like You Again – Perimenopause Talk: Body University is hosting a workshop for middle-aged women to learn more about hormonal changes, led by Helen Stearns. 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., 6062 Lake Murray Blvd., #205, La Mesa, CA 91942
Making Home: How Immigrants Use Art to Find Belonging: Join Daylight San Diego for a conversation with artists Josue Baltezar, Victor Castañeda H, Fernanda Gaspar and Amara Sengamphan about how creative practices help immigrant communities build identity, connection and a sense of place. 1 - 3 p.m., Doh Doh Coffee, 5591 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Queer Health & Abundance: Zine Fest: The Collective San Diego is hosting a Zine Fest with workshops, activities and live music at Pop-up Winona. The afternoon event is free and open to all ages, and also includes zine exhibitors, DJ music and drag performances. 2 - 6 p.m., Pop-up Winona, 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Fabric of Pride: San Diego Pride presents its annual fundraising gala, hosted by the US Grant Hotel, featuring Symone, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 13. Tickets are available online. 6 - 10 p.m., US Grant Hotel, 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Sips & Sounds: Occupational therapist Arielle Cook is leading an herbal tea tasting and sound bath meditation. You can book a spot online. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. 6 - 7:30 p.m., Embodied Gym, 2903 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
March 29
Sewing Machine 101: Commonplace and Susana Guillen Studio are hosting a sewing machine class at Once Upon a Frame in Solana Beach. Tickets are $45 and include materials, light refreshments and machines to use during class. Tickets are available online. 3 - 5 p.m., Once Upon A Frame, 132 E Cliff St., Solana Beach, CA 92075
March 30
Pajamas Storytime: Kids are invited to an interactive storytelling experience featuring Trinity Theatre Company’s presentation of “The Best Easter Egg Hunt Ever” by Dawn Casey and popular kid's songs. Pajamas are welcome. 6:30 - 7 p.m., Rancho Bernardo Branch Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
March 31
May Day Art Social: City Heights Defense Committee and the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Action are hosting an evening of community art and movement building. The event includes discussions about preparing to commemorate May Day, an international observance honoring the history of the labor movement and the struggles of workers around the world. 5 p.m., 4101 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Acrylics Workshop Part Two: The FRONT Gallery is hosting a two-month intermediate acrylics workshop taught by artist and teacher Katie Ruiz where attendees can build on foundational techniques and deepen their practice. It's free to participate and all materials are provided. RSVP to elizabethb@casafamiliar.org. March 10, 17, 24 and 31; April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 5:30 - 8 p.m., The FRONT Gallery, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Spring Solidarity Mixer: Project New Village invites San Diegans to celebrate Farmworkers Day and labor leaders. Food, live music and specialty cocktails and beverages will be provided with the $20 ticket, which can be purchased online. 6 - 8 p.m., Mt. Hope Community Garden, 4261 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
