Indigenous celebrations, an Asian film festival and a Hip Hop musical: Things to do in San Diego Nov. 5-11
From the 27th San Diego Asian Film Festival to the inaugural Kumeyaay Peoples Day, here’s what’s happening in San Diego this week.
This week’s Weekend Energy is produced in partnership with the 27th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, which kicks off its opening night with a screening of “In Waves” on Thursday, Nov. 5.
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 check out the inaugural Kumeyaay Peoples Day celebration in Chula Vista, enjoy movie screenings during the 27th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival and or watch a performance of Miki Vale’s Hip Hop musical “In Lieu of FLWRZ.”
Mid-City CAN is hosting a Youth Council Friendsgiving potluck, and San Diego County Parks and Recreation and Women in the Wild are hosting a hike ahead of Veterans Day.
For food distribution events and other no-cost grocery options, check out our online map to find one near you.
— Lauren J. Mapp
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. 5
San Diego Asian Film Festival: The 27th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival returns with more than 190 films from around the world, including 32 feature film premieres. The 10-day festival celebrates Asian and Asian American cinema with screenings at venues across San Diego. Check out the full lineup for screening times, locations and ticket prices.
📅 Nov. 5 - 14
🌎 Various locations throughout San Diego
🎟️ Reserve tickets online
ICE Out of San Diego: A coalition of local organizations hosts 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.
⏰ 10 a.m.
🌎 Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, 880 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ RSVP online
LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor Induction Ceremony: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting its annual Benjamin F. Dillingham III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor induction ceremony, recognizing LGBTQ+ veterans for their military service. The evening includes a presentation of military colors, the national anthem, the announcement of inductees and special remarks.
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
🌎 The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
🎟️ RSVP online
Paper Mates: Tender Hooligan hosts a weekly art night with open turntables organized by DJ Mane One every Thursday. Guests can sign-up for open table slots. The bar will have Tribal Lager beer specials.
⏰ 6 - 10 p.m.
🌎 Tender Hooligan, 221 Third Ave., Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
LEZRUNSD Thursday Run Club: A run and walk club welcomes all paces, people and pups every Thursday, starting and finishing at Little Bird Brewing Co. Participants can choose a 3-mile or 1.75-mile route.
⏰ 6 p.m.
🌎 Little Bird Brewing Co., 3176 Thorn St., San Diego, CA 92104
Open Mic Night: Rocko's Modern Taphouse hosts a weekly open mic night on Thursdays. Singers and musicians can sign up to share their music. Sign-ups start at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 6:30 p.m.
⏰ 6 p.m.
🌎 Rocko’s Modern Taphouse, 3940 Fourth Ave., Second Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Nov. 6
Yoga in the Park: Odessa Wilson leads a donation-based yoga class at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa every Friday. All levels are welcome. Participants should bring their own yoga mats and water bottles.
⏰ 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
🌎 Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa, CA 91942
🎟️ Donation-based
FAITH Volunteer Orientation: The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and San Diego Organizing Project are hosting an orientation for new FAITH volunteers interested in supporting immigrants. Participants will learn how to provide pastoral accompaniment to individuals and families attending immigration hearings and ICE check-ins.
⏰ 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
🌎 Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1770 Kearney Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
🎟️ Register online
Youth Council Friendsgiving: Mid-City CAN's Youth Council is hosting a Friendsgiving potluck featuring food, games and prize drawings. Attendees are welcome to bring family and friends, along with a dish or drink to share, although contributions are optional.
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
🌎 Mid-City CAN, 4305 University Ave., Suite 640, San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ RSVP and sign up for the potluck online
In Lieu of FLWRZ: San Diego artist Miki Vale is bringing “In Lieu of FLWRZ” — a Hip Hop musical exploring love, heartbreak and generational patterns — to Dear Tomorrow. Starring Keomi Tarver and Eboni Harvey, the production combines music and storytelling to examine how inherited experiences shape relationships. Attendees can experience the performance as part of the city of San Diego's Artist Incubator program.
⏰ 5 - 9 p.m.
🌎 Dear Tomorrow, 216 S Tremont St., Oceanside, CA 92054
🎟️ Donation based
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio hosts a gentle community yoga session at The Brown Building every Friday.
⏰ 6 - 7 p.m.
🌎 The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ Reserve space online on a pay-what-you-can basis
Love Isn't Blind: Comedian Allison Goldberg is bringing her live comedy dating show to San Diego, featuring four men competing for one bachelorette's affection. The twist? The men aren't allowed to speak. Instead, Goldberg calls their moms and searches their phones to help the bachelorette find a match. The 21-and-older event includes an after-party.
⏰ Doors 6:30 p.m.; show 8 p.m.; after-party until 11:30 p.m.
🌎 Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, 401 K St., San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Reserve tickets online starting at $29
Nov. 7
Warrior Hike Challenge: San Diego County Parks and Recreation and Women in the Wild are hosting the annual Warrior Hike Challenge to honor local military veterans. Participants can choose from three hiking routes up El Cajon Mountain: a 2-mile, beginner-friendly hike, a 6-mile option for skilled hikers and an 11-mile, expert-level trek. Water, snacks and trail support will be provided, and hikers who complete a route will receive a Veterans Day patch. Organizers suggested bringing plenty of water, sunscreen and sturdy hiking shoes.
⏰ 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
🌎 El Capitan County Preserve, 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road, Lakeside, CA 92040
🎟️ Free; no RSVP required
Litter Free La Mesa Cleanup: The city of La Mesa and I Love A Clean San Diego are organizing a community cleanup in the Riviera Drive neighborhood to prevent litter from entering local watersheds and the Pacific Ocean. Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes and bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle. Cleanup supplies and safety equipment will be provided.
⏰ 9 - 11 a.m.
🌎 4026 Payson Road, La Mesa, CA 91941
🎟️ Free; Register online
Growing & Glowing: Foodshed Coop is hosting a free hands-on cooking class series for pregnant and new parents, with babies welcome. Each family that attends receives a $15 voucher to the Saturday farmers market at City Heights Food FARMacy.
🗓️ Held every other Saturday through Dec. 19
⏰ 9 - 10 a.m.
🌎 Teaching Kitchen, 4061 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ RSVP online
RISE Now: Beyond Voting: RISE San Diego is hosting a community forum exploring ways to exercise civic power beyond elections. Participants will hear from community leaders and advocates about getting involved in local organizing, speaking at public hearings and joining advocacy coalitions.
⏰ 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
🌎 Hera Hub Carlsbad, 5938 Priestly Drive, Suite 103, Carlsbad, CA 92008
🎟️ Free, Register online
Water and Kindness Free Store: Every Saturday, Water and Kindness hosts a free store at Pop-Up 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.
🌎 Pop-Up Winona, 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. - noon
🌎 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and West Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
A Sublime Life Sobriety Festival: The Nowell Family Foundation is hosting its third annual sobriety festival celebrating recovery, community and connection through live music. The all-ages event features performances by Burritos (a Sublime tribute band), Tribal Theory, Casey Smiles and other local musicians. The festival aims to raise awareness about addiction and mental health while supporting people in recovery.
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
🌎 Oceanside Civic Center, 300 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
🎟️ Free
Native American Heritage Month Celebration: Native Star is hosting a celebration of Native American Heritage Month featuring a fashion show with Indigenous designers. The event featuring Patricia Michaels, Penny Singer, Kayla Lookinghorse, Cody Sanderson and Chef Crystal Wahpepah includes the unveiling of Nike's N7 winter collection by Stephen Paul Judd, an art show, drum circle and holiday bazaar.
⏰ Noon - 5 p.m.
🌎 Native Star, 631 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Kingz of Style: MAAC Community Charter School is hosting a graffiti art fundraiser featuring dozens of artists creating live artwork and music by DJ Daks-Isa. Proceeds from the event will support scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing higher education.
⏰ Noon - 5 p.m.
🌎 MAAC Community Charter School, 1355 Third Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911
🎟️ $7
Deeply Rooted: A DJ Root Benefit Jam: The San Diego dance community is coming together for a fundraiser supporting DJ Root as he recovers from stomach cancer. The all-ages event features live performances, giveaways, raffles and a two-on-two open styles dance battle with prizes. DJ Megatone will provide music, with Electric Dougieloo, L-Prad and Nico Spins judging the competition. All proceeds will support DJ Root's recovery fund.
⏰ Noon - 5 p.m.
🌎 Embolden Beer Co., 8655 Production Ave., Suite A, San Diego, CA 92121
Mapping Our Presence: Chaldean Community Event: The Aja Project is hosting a community gathering celebrating Chaldean history, stories and contributions to El Cajon through public art and personal photographs. The event features lunch, a documentary screening and community storytelling. Attendees are encouraged to bring printed photographs of places or objects from their early years in El Cajon to contribute to a collaborative public art project.
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
🌎 St. Michael Chaldean Catholic Church, 799 E. Washington Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
Nature Journaling Club: The Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve is hosting a nature journaling workshop with local artist Desiree Hanau. Participants can explore the estuary during golden hour, observe local wildlife and document their surroundings through art and writing. All experience levels are welcome, and materials will be provided.
⏰ 3 - 4:30 p.m.
🌎 Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
🎟️ RSVP online or by calling 619-575-3613
Watercolor 101: Gold3n Spiral is hosting a beginner-friendly watercolor workshop teaching participants foundational painting techniques in a welcoming environment. All materials are provided during the two-hour class.
⏰ 3 - 5 p.m.
🌎 Golden Hill, Studio address will be emailed upon registration
🎟️ $60, RSVP online
Noche de Gala: Corazon de Vida Foundation is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos-themed gala to raise funds for children living in alternative care in Baja California, Mexico. The evening features live entertainment, premium tastings, dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. Themed attire is encouraged.
⏰ 4:30 p.m.
🌎 Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
🎟️ Reserve tickets online
Nov. 8
Kumeyaay Peoples Day: You can celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the inaugural Kumeyaay Peoples Day on Sunday. The family-friendly event features Kumeyaay face painting by Marti Daglio, a falconry experience, martial arts lessons, arts and crafts vendors, educational booths, raffle prizes, food and refreshments.
⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
🌎 Kumeyaay Park, 700 Buena Vista Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910
MexiPino Mini Market: Mi Gente, Magnaye and Marta are teaming up for a mini version of MexiPino Fest, celebrating Mexican and Filipino art, food and culture. Shop from local artists and enjoy specialty drinks and pastries, including a $5 flan latte as part of the final day of Latte Week.
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Marta, 2804 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego offers complimentary admission every second Sunday of the month.
⏰11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
🌎 Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., San Diego, CA 92037
Beginner Linocut Workshop: HiFi Arts Co. is hosting a beginner-friendly linocut workshop with local artist Murph. Participants will learn the basics of carving designs into linoleum blocks and creating prints. Workshop attendees receive 20% off purchases after class.
⏰ 1 - 3 p.m.
🌎 HiFi Arts Co., 4586 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
🎟️ Register online for $35
Occupy Otay Demonstration: Demonstrators gather every Sunday for a vigil on the sidewalk outside Otay Mesa Detention Center to protest the Trump administration's increase in arrests and detentions related to immigration enforcement.
⏰ 1:30 - 4 p.m.
🌎 Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154
Classics 4 Kids Family Concert: A Salute to America: Classics 4 Kids is celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary and the San Diego Museum of Art's centennial with a family-friendly orchestral concert. Led by conductor Dana Zimbric, the Classics Philharmonic Orchestra will perform music by Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, John Williams and others, accompanied by projected images of American artwork. Concert tickets also include free admission to the museum.
⏰ 2 - 3 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ $25 adults; $10 youth
Spooky Timezzzzz: Reimagining Our Future SD is hosting a fundraiser for Detention Resistance featuring local vendors, letter writing and a performance by Los Paisanos. The event also welcomes donations and donation drop-offs.
⏰ 2 - 6 p.m.
🌎 Pour House, 1903 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
🎟️ Free admission from 2 - 5 p.m.; $5 for the performance from 5 - 6 p.m.
Nov. 9
Noodles & Doodles: Gossip Grill hosts a sensory-friendly night featuring all-you-can-eat spaghetti, art supplies and an all-night happy hour every Monday. The event welcomes headphones and makes conversation optional. All-you-can-eat spaghetti costs $8 with add-ons for meatballs and garlic bread.
⏰ 6 - 8 p.m.
🌎 Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Muévelo Monday: Local dancer Valerie Moreno hosts a free weekly dance social on Mondays behind the San Diego Mission Bay Resort.
⏰ 6 - 7 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109🎟️ Free
Nov. 10
Tuesday Roll: Black Skate San Diego hosts free rollerskating lessons at Liberty Station every Tuesday night. The lessons are beginner-friendly, and skates are available to rent.
⏰ 5:30 - 8 p.m.
🌎 Liberty Station, 2620 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
One Book, One San Diego: Stephen Graham Jones Author Event: KPBS and community partners are celebrating the 20th anniversary of One Book, One San Diego with an author talk featuring Stephen Graham Jones, whose novel “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” is this year's adult book selection. The event includes a discussion, audience Q&A and book signing.
⏰ 6:30 - 8 p.m.
🌎 The Grand | Ritz Theater, 301 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA 92025
🎟️ Free, Reserve a spot online
Nov. 11
Sketch Night: Good News Bar hosts 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
