Disney drag night, a Ghibli themed market and world cup watch parties: Things to do in San Diego July 2-8
This week San Diegans can attend a prop swap, gardening-related workshops and dance at a Kinfolk Fest follow-up block party.
Written by Rami Alarian, 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.
This week San Diegans can gather for World Cup games, shop at local art markets and learn about the bean-to-bar chocolate-making process.
North County LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting a food distribution and a Disney drag night.
Honest Thrift Studio is hosting a plant propagation swap, Good News Bar is hosting a recurring sketch night and Tabac+ is hosting a watch party for Algeria’s World Cup match against Switzerland.
For 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 2
Donation Drop Off for Venezuela: Shared Plate Distro, North County SD is hosting a donation drive to support Venezuela, collecting clothing of all sizes, non-perishable food, water bottles, medicine, first aid supplies, baby supplies, hygiene items, blankets, pillows and sheets. To donate, contact Shared Plate Distro on Instagram. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 311 E. Washington Ave., Escondido, CA 92025
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
Foodies and Goodies: North County LGBTQ Resource Center is hosting a special food distribution, offering fresh produce and pantry staples. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., North County LGBTQ Resource Center, 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054
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
Hi-Res First Thursdays: In the Making: Hi-Res Magazine is hosting an evening on creativity, identity and process with local storytellers, plus craft cocktails, food and art pop-ups. The event celebrates the release of Hi-Res Magazine’s third issue. The event will feature stories by Itzel Islas, Lauren Garces and Stephanie Chen, plus a set by DJ Destin33. RSVP online for free. 6 - 8 p.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113
World Cup Watch Party: Algeria vs. Switzerland: Tabac+ is hosting a watch party for Algeria’s World Cup match against Switzerland with bottomless tea and nuts for $10, North African jams before and during halftime, and hookah and food available. 8 p.m., Tabac+, 2215 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
July 3
Prop Swap: Honest Thrift Studio is hosting a plant propagation swap where attendees bring cuttings to trade and browse a curated selection of plants and treasures. Guests earn one raffle entry for every $10 spent in the store. RSVP online for free. 5 - 6 p.m., 2609 Congress St., San Diego, CA 92110
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
July 4
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 West Point Loma Boulevard., San Diego, CA 92107
Rally Against U.S. Wars: Party for Socialism and Liberation San Diego, alongside San Diego Veterans for Peace, Veterans About Face, Anakbayan San Diego and Peace & Freedom Party San Diego, are holding a rally at Pantoja Park protesting U.S. military actions, including recent strikes on Venezuela and Iran. 2 p.m., Pantoja Park, W. G St., San Diego, CA 92101
America's 250th Anniversary Celebration: The County of San Diego and San Diego Parks Society are hosting a celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States, featuring food trucks, music, cultural presentations and views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks show. 6 - 9:30 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Over Easy: Park & Rec is hosting another installment of its Over Easy dance party. Entry is free. Reserve space online to skip the line. 9 p.m. - 1:30 a.m., Park & Rec, 4612 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
July 5
Map Your Watershed: San Diego Bird Alliance is hosting a community education event at Otay Valley Regional Park to learn about watersheds’ historical significance and how to protect them. Reserve space online. 9 a.m., Otay Valley Regional Park, 2369 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Selecting Tropical Fruit Trees for San Diego: City Farmers Nursery hosts a class on growing tropical and subtropical fruit trees like avocados, mangos, guavas, cherimoyas and papayas, covering microclimate selection, frost protection, planting techniques and ongoing care. Free to attend, no RSVP required; hats, sunscreen and water are recommended. 9 - 10 a.m., City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Bean to Bar Chocolate Class: City Farmers Nursery hosts San Diego Chocolate Company for a class walking through the bean-to-bar chocolate process, from cacao growing to roasting, tempering and molding, ending with a tasting of two different chocolate origins. Free to attend, no RSVP required; hats, sunscreen and water are recommended. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., City Farmers Nursery, 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Low Tide Market: Kitchens for Good is hosting Low Tide Market, an event featuring shopping, crafting, live upcycling, vintage finds, ceramics, swimming, coffee, jewelry and art. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kitchens for Good, 980 Hornblend St., San Diego, CA 92109
Steep & Spin — Rex's Birthday Celebration: Soul Side Vinyl celebrates owner Rex's birthday with sweet treats, tea by Rose Thorns Tea & Treats and live DJs spinning vinyl. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Soul Side Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Brasil x Noruega Copa do Mundo Watch Party: Resenha California is hosting a watch party for Brazil's World Cup match against Norway with live samba performances after the game. Tickets are $20 but free for children 15 and under and for seniors. A guardian must accompany minors under 21. Tickets are available online. Parking is free. Doors open at 11 a.m., and the match begins at 1 p.m., The Mixer, 2750 Dewey Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Poolside at the Lafayette Swim Club: The Lafayette Hotel is hosting a poolside party featuring vinyl DJs. Noon - 4 p.m., Every Sunday and Monday in July, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
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
Familiar Faces: Familiar Faces is hosting a holiday-weekend party featuring DJs Dauché, Blake, Dye, OB, Larce and D.Woo, hosted by Mihji Grey, with hip-hop, R&B, amapiano, dancehall and Afrobeat music. Tickets are available online for $28. 3 - 9 p.m., 2995 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113
Kinfolk Fest Block Party: SD Melanin and Kinfolk Fest are hosting a block party with music, food, and vendors. The event features sounds by Ciara Dominique, DJ Almond Eyez and Mr. Hek. Tickets are available online. 3 - 8 p.m., The Mesa, 6164 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
July 6
DJ Night: Soul Side Vinyl is hosting a DJ night. 3:30 - 7:30 p.m., Soul Side Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
SD Music Room: Musicians, rappers, DJs, producers and other music enthusiasts gather monthly for a conversation about inspiration, craft and life. 6 - 9 p.m., Marcella June's Coffee Lounge, 8513 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942
July 7
The Flavors That Raised Us Zine Submissions: Sunny Side Makers is accepting recipe and story submissions online from San Diego and SoCal artists for its second zine, a cookbook anthology preserving recipes and stories from immigrant families. Application deadline: July 7
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 @1loki619 on Instagram to get on the list to play. 5 - 9 p.m., Mason Ale Works, 2179 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Disney Magic Drag Takeover: North County LGBTQ Resource Center presents a drag show fundraiser for Pride by the Beach, hosted by Mariam T and featuring Chad Michaels, Kickxy Vixen, Winter Sinclair, Paris Sukomi Max and Naomi Daniels. Tickets are available online for $32. 21 and up. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m., Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075
Existence76's 50th Birthday DJ Set: Existence76 and DJ Sweetchuck are spinning an all-vinyl DJ set at Part Time Lover to celebrate Existence76's 50th birthday. 8 p.m. - midnight, Part Time Lover, 3829 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
July 8
Sketch Night: Good News Bar 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
Under the Perfect Sun: Environmental Justice Reading & Discussion: San Diego 350 is hosting a happy hour featuring a reading from the books "Under the Perfect Sun" and "Beyond the Theme Park," followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with authors Kelly Mayhew and Jim Miller, and panelists Paloma Aguirre, Franco Garcia and Masada Disenhouse. Register online for free. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Novo Brazil Brewing, 1640 Camino Del Rio N., Suite 341, San Diego, CA 92108
Open Vinyl Night: DJ Loki hosts a weekly open-format vinyl night at Jaguar Paw. Contact L0kI, the organizer, to get on the DJ list. 6 - 11 p.m., Jaguar Paw, Bar 2185 1/2 Logan Ave., San Diego
Big Idea Night Vol. 6: Building an Economy That Rewards Doing Good: Big Idea Night is hosting speaker Sam Mazzeo for a discussion on building an economy that prioritizes equity, sustainability and connection over profit-driven policies. Registration is available online. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the talk begins at 7 p.m., Original 40 Brewing, 3117 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Open Mic: Soul Side Vinyl is hosting an open mic night. 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., Soul Side Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
