Juneteenth celebrations, poetry slams and birdwatching nature walks: Things to do in San Diego June 18-24
This week, San Diegans can learn about native plant species, jam out to R&B and watch some slam poetry by local poets.
Written by Rami Alarian, 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.
With Juneteenth around the corner, San Diegans can join in on music events, cultural activities and artist galleries celebrating the holiday.
Whether you’re into R&B, Hip-Hop or House music, there are plenty of opportunities to dance or listen to music throughout the weekend.
Paddle for Peace is hosting its annual Juneteenth barbecue beach day, Tree San Diego is holding an agricultural volunteering and environmental learning event, and Illfunction is hosting a late-night dance event at Subterranean Coffee Boutique.
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.
June 18
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 I Said What I Said: An Evening of Black Storytelling: So Say We All presents a free Juneteenth Eve storytelling event at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, inspired by the GIANTS collection from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, on display through August. RSVP online. 5 - 8 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
CALLEJONES: The Front Arte & Cultura is hosting a live taping of its vinyl DJ set series featuring South Bay and cross-border DJs Dolorosa and Plaza Bonita spinning reggaeton, hip hop and funk on vinyl. The event is part of Arts District Liberty Station's emerging artist residency. RSVP for free online. 5 - 7 p.m., 2820 Roosevelt Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Verbatim Books in the Park 'til Dark: Verbatim Books returns for the third year of its community reading series at Morley Field's Bird Park every third Thursday of the month through September. Bring a blanket, chair, dinner or snacks and your current read. The event is open to all ages, dog friendly and free. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Bird Park at Morley Field, Upas Street and Pershing Drive, San Diego, CA 92104
Paper Mates: Tender Hooligan hosts a weekly art night with open turntables every Thursday, 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., 221 Third Ave., Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Juneteenth: Future Is Color Studio Sessions: Future Is Color is hosting a Juneteenth Eve celebration featuring a live band and DJ sets. 6 - 9 p.m., Quartyard, 1301 Market St #3, San Diego, CA 92101
Lit After Dark: Reading Rhythms San Diego is hosting a social reading party featuring literary-inspired mocktails, bookish conversation and live music. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current read. Tickets available online starting at $17.50. 6:30 - 10 p.m., 469 7th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
June 19
Love My San Diego Art Show: Mujeres Brew House is celebrating its sixth anniversary with a one-day community art show featuring work by Karlos Páez, Mr. Bizar, Merzilla, Ana Brown and other local artists. The event features an onsite mural and art available for purchase. All ages. 4 - 10 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
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
ONYX: A Black Artist Exhibition: Brokers Gallery is hosting an opening reception for ONYX, an exhibition curated by Imani Camara featuring San Diego-based Black artists working across a wide spectrum of mediums and perspectives. The exhibition runs through Aug. 2. 7 - 9 p.m., Brokers Gallery, 525 C St., Suite 2, San Diego, CA 92101
R&B Nite: 619 Day & Juneteenth Edition: 619GURLZ is hosting an R&B night with DJs Nebula, Cowbell Chris, Dopemo and Malik Burgers spinning throwbacks, slow jams, deep cuts and B-sides. This event is for ages 21 and up, and there is a $5 entry fee after 10 p.m., 9 - 11 p.m., Bluefoot Bar, 3404 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Now That's R&B: SD Melanin is hosting a special Juneteenth edition of its Now That’s R&B party series. The evening includes live R&B DJ sets, full bar with drink specials and an all-night dance floor. Reserve tickets online starting at $18. 9:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. The Rail, 3796 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
June 20
Juneteenth BBQ and Summer Kick Off: Paddle for Peace is hosting its sixth annual, family-friendly Juneteenth celebration at La Jolla Shores Beach. The day will celebrate Black joy and culture with a barbecue, live music, drum circle, group run, beach clean up, kids corner and surf lessons. The event is free to attend. Barbecue tickets are $12 each and include a burger, potato salad, baked beans, chips and a drink. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available. RSVP online. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. La Jolla Shores Park, 8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
Habitat Restoration: San Diego Bird Alliance is leading a day of habitat restoration at Otay Valley Regional Park with watershed education on the impacts of pollution, invasive plants, ecosystems and the historical uses of the area. Guests will help remove invasive species near Fenton Pond. RSVP for free online. 9 a.m., Otay Valley Regional Park, 2369 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Garden Fair at the Nat: The San Diego Natural History Museum is hosting its free annual Garden Fair featuring family activities, native plant education and information about local pollinators. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Global Village World Refugee Day: The Global Marketplace is hosting a community celebration featuring small business vendors, cultural performances, cooking classes, gardening and art activities, food and a raffle. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Global Marketplace, 5591 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
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. - noon, Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
The Sound of Soil: Tree San Diego and the WorldBeat Cultural Center are hosting an agricultural volunteer event where guests can do hands-on farm work and environmental learning at the Tijuana River Valley Farm, including planting, weeding and other farm activities. Email info@treesandiego.org for more information. 10 a.m. - noon, Tijuana River Valley Farm, 2100 Hollister St., San Diego, CA 92154
Balboa Park Women’s Tour: Forever Balboa Park hosts a tour highlighting influential women like 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
Morning Walk + Little While Cafe: North Park Walk Club is hosting a 3-mile morning walk through University Heights, ending at Little While Cafe for coffee and breakfast. Meet at 10:15 a.m., walk begins at 10:30 a.m. at Boundary Street and Illinois Street, San Diego, CA 92116
Cooper Family Foundation Juneteenth: Started more than 50 years ago by Sidney Cooper Sr. and Thelma Cooper, this annual Juneteenth celebration is a mainstay of Southeast San Diego. The free event features live music, a performance by Durti-Ryce featuring Deron, educational programming, a Black history wall, vendors and a kids zone with carnival rides. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Memorial Park, 2975 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113
Kinfolk Fest Juneteenth: SD Melanin is hosting its annual festival to celebrate Black joy, music and culture for Juneteenth. This year features DJs, live performances, vendors, food and beverages, art activations and games. Reserve tickets online starting at $50. 1 - 9 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
The Cook-Up: Soul Side Vinyl and This Is My Beat are hosting a producer sample challenge open to all beat makers, followed by an artist showcase featuring local talent and vendors. Featured artists include artists Oshea IV, Sensei Nas, ib33e, Walter Puffelis IV and Project Zach. Free and open to the public. 1 - 7 p.m., Soul Side Vinyl, 3535 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
KPBS Kids: The San Diego County Fair with Clifford!: KPBS Kids is hosting a meet-and-greet with Clifford the Big Red Dog at the San Diego County Fair. The event includes story times and a book giveaway. This event is free with fair admission. Get tickets online. 2 - 6 p.m., 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Ikigai Wellness Retreat: The Japanese Friendship Garden is hosting a wellness retreat that includes yoga, guided meditation, a drum circle, self defense class, aura readings and a beginner hustle class from New Style Hustle San Diego. Reserve tickets online starting at $120. 4 - 9 p.m., Japanese Friendship Garden, 2215 Pan American E Road, San Diego, CA 92101
IllFunction Vol. 24: Illfunction is hosting a late-night dance event at Subterranean Coffee Boutique with DJs Brooklyn Terry, Ejoe, Waterpark Jones and BG, as well as jazz musician RIVA. Free before 10 p.m. RSVP online. 8 p.m., Subterranean Coffee Boutique, 3764 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings: Candlelight Concerts is performing a string instruments tribute to 90s hip-hop. Reserve tickets online starting at $38. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
June 21
Pumpkin & Zucchini Growing Class: City Farmers Nursery is leading a free class on growing pumpkins and zucchini, including tips for the nursery's annual growing contests. 9 - 10 a.m., 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
House Dance Workshop: Primo Session is hosting a house dance workshop led by Brooklyn Terry of Elite Force. Register online. 1 - 3 p.m., The Dancehouse, 2176 Chatsworth Blvd., Unit B, San Diego, CA 92107
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
Summer Park Arc: Hosted by Reggie, New Style Hustle San Diego holds a weekly outdoor dance session at Liberty Station every Sunday in June. Each week features an advanced hustle combo, beginner class and open social dance. Donations welcomed. Advanced hustle combo class at 4:30 p.m., beginner class at 5:15 p.m., and open social dance 6 p.m. - sundown. Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA 92106
June 22
The People Imagine: Community Printmaking Series: The Chula Vista Library is offering a free, beginner-friendly printmaking workshop series with Irie Zepeda of Por La Mano Press. The series explores storytelling, civic voice and collective imagination. All ages are welcomed and materials will be provided. Register online for free. 5 - 7 p.m., 389 Orange Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91911
Digital Literacy Series: San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce is teaching essential technology skills during a five-week course on Mondays throughout June. The series is designed to boost confidence navigating today’s digital world, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to sharpen your knowledge. 6 - 7:30 p.m., Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114
San Diego PoetrySLAM: Open Mic: San Diego PoetrySlam is hosting an open mic night at Queen Bee's Art and Cultural Center. Attendees who wish to perform can sign up at the door. 8 p.m., Queen Bee's Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., San Diego, CA 92104
June 23
The People Imagine: Community Printmaking Series: The Chula Vista Library is offering a free, beginner-friendly printmaking workshop series with Irie Zepeda of Por La Mano Press. The series explores storytelling, civic voice and collective imagination. All ages are welcomed and materials will be provided. Register online for free. 4 - 6 p.m., 2015 Birch Road, Suite 407, Chula Vista, CA 91915
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 every Tuesday. Aspiring DJs can contact L0kI on Instagram to get on the list to play. 5 - 9 p.m., Mason Ale Works, 2179 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Macrame Workshop: Fiber artist Sitoë Thiam leads a beginner-friendly macrame workshop at The Front Gallery, guiding participants through essential knots and four projects. All materials will be provided. Free with RSVP to elizabethb@casafamiliar.org. 5:30 - 8 p.m., The FRONT Arte Cultura, 147 W San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
FreeFlow Open Mic: FilAm CreatorCon hosts a recurring open mic night on Tuesdays for Filipino American poets, musicians, comedians and storytellers. All allies are welcome to participate. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., 3764 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Slam Team Showcase: San Diego PoetrySLAM is hosting a special edition showcase featuring the slam team performing poems they are preparing for the 2026 Bigfoot Western Regional Poetry Slam. Reserve tickets online for $18. 7 - 9 p.m., Queen Bee's Art and Cultural Center, 3925 Ohio St., San Diego, CA 92104
June 24
Open Vinyl Night: DJ L0kI hosts a weekly open-format vinyl night at Jaguar Paw every Wednesday. Contact L0kI on Instagram to get on the DJ list. 6 - 11 p.m., Jaguar Paw, 2185 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
