Open mic night, a free store and gender-inclusive empowerment: Things to do in San Diego Sept 3-9
This week, San Diegans can get crafty in North Park, lace up their skates in Point Loma and salsa dance in Mission Bay.
Written by Yanelli Zavina Robles, 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 week, San Diegans can take over the turntables at a Chula Vista art night, attend a peace vigil in Ocean Beach and take a drumming and percussion workshop with FRONT Arte y Cultura in San Ysidro.
Water and Kindness is hosting its weekly free store at Popup Winona and Asian American Film Festival choreographers are presenting their pieces at the Light Box Theater in Liberty Station.
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.
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Sept. 3
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.
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 p.m. - 10 p.m.
🌎 Tender Hooligan, 221 Third Ave., Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Arts Advisory Committee Meeting: Centro Cultural de la Raza's Arts Advisory Committee is holding a meeting open to anyone with ideas or proposals to share. Email proposals in advance to aac.ccdlr@gmail.com. Attend in-person or via Zoom.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
High Contrast: Hi-Res First Thursdays: Hi-Res Mag is returning to San Diego Made with live stories from Miki Vale, Loren Cobbs and Anna Strong, plus a group art show curated by Strong, craft cocktails and a live DJ set.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Made, 2031 Commercial St. #114, San Diego, CA 92113
🎟️ Free
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 4th Ave., Second Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
September Community Meeting: The University Heights Community Association is holding its community meeting at a new location, featuring speakers Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward and I Love a Clean San Diego, plus community and elected official updates.
⏰ 6:45 p.m.
🌎 Hsi Fang Temple, 4536 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92116
Angus & Julia Stone’s Album Release Party: Werewolf is hosting a pre-release listening party for Australian pop and indie duo Angus and Julia Stone’s new album, “Karaoke Bar,” the night before its official release. Guests can hear the album in full while sipping themed cocktails.
⏰ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
🌎 Werewolf American Pub, 627 Fourth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Movement Lab: Mockingbird Improv hosts an unscripted, movement-based improv jam on the first Thursday of each month. The session focuses on using physical expression to connect with others on stage without using dialogue.
⏰ 7 p.m.
🌎 Mockingbird Improv, 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 200, San Diego, CA 92106
The Grown-Up Table: Continuing Training Class: Mockingbird Improv's continuing training class performs on the first Thursday of each month.
⏰ 8 p.m.
🌎 Mockingbird Improv, 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 200, San Diego, CA 92106
Sept. 4
Womxn's Retreat: Rest and Release: Honey and Kind is hosting a women's retreat centered on rest, emotional release and community care led by Nadeaja Shaheed and Ale Uzárraga. The weekend-long event features breathwork and meditation, a temazcal sweat lodge, nature immersion, sacred circle sharing and camping accommodations. The weekend is designed for women seeking connection, caregivers in need of rest and anyone navigating life transitions. Contact honeyandkind@gmail.com or alexandrauzarraga@gmail.com with questions. .
🗓️ Sept. 4-6
🌎 Surprise Farms Retreat Center, 18892 Old Julian Trail, Ramona, CA 92065
🎟️ Registration is $777
Serpent & Stone Grand Opening: Serpent & Stone, a new Greek-inspired restaurant and speakeasy tucked behind Salvatore’s Cucina and Lounge, is celebrating its grand opening with complimentary welcome champagne, small bites, fire and belly dancers and a live DJ. The new concept features Greek and Mediterranean dishes and cocktails inspired by Greek mythology. Dinner reservations are encouraged.
⏰ 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
🌎 Serpent & Stone, 750 Front St., Suite 2, San Diego, CA 92101
Handcrafts Creative Workshops: Chula Vista Recreation is hosting a soap crafting workshop.
⏰ 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🌎 Heritage Community Center, 1381 E. Palomar Str., Chula Vista, CA 91913
🎟️ Register online is $25 for residents and $31 for non-residents, ages 18 and older.
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio hosts a gentle community yoga session at The Brown Building every Friday.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🌎 The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ Reserve space online on a pay-what-you-can basis
Collaborative Residency Dance Showcase: The Asian American Dance Festival is presenting a showcase featuring the work by the Collaborative Residency choreographers and Rising Artist Mentees.
⏰ 7 - 9 p.m., Doors open at 6 p.m.
🌎 Light Box Theater, Liberty Station, 2590 Truxtun Road #205, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Purchase tickets online starting at $15
Sept. 5
North Park Community Fair: Crafted by Hand: Verbatim Books is hosting a full day of hands-on craft activities led by local makers and teachers, plus a craft supply swap. Attendees can show up, pick an activity, pay as they go and leave with something they made themselves.
⏰ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
🌎 North Park Way between 29th Street and Ray Street, San Diego, CA 92104
Disco Brunch at Werewolf: Werewolf is hosting its monthly Disco Brunch with music from DJ Fireset & the Wolfpack. Guests are encouraged to dress in disco-inspired attire and sing and dance along to favorite jams from the genre.
⏰ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Werewolf American Pub, 627 Fourth Ave., 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.
🌎 Popup 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
🌎 Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and W. Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
Drummers Without Borders Workshop: The FRONT Arte y Cultura is hosting a free, beginner-friendly hands-on drumming and percussion workshop for its third run, with instruments provided.
⏰ 10:30 a.m. - noon p.m.
🌎 El Salon Theatre, 114 W. Hall Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173
🎟️ RSVP by emailing elizabethb@casafamiliar.org.
Ainjo: "Him" Album Release Party: Singer and songwriter Ainjo is hosting an album release party and live jazz performance for her new album "Him (Hopeless in Men)."
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
🌎 Little Italy, 2510 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
First Saturday Contra Dance: San Diego Folk Heritage hosts a foot-stomping contra dance event on the first Saturday of each month. The evening begins with a lesson at 7 p.m., where guests will learn the social American folk dance, followed by dancing until 10 p.m. The event features gender-neutral calling. High-heeled shoes are not allowed.
⏰ 7 - 10 p.m.
🌎 Liberty Station, 2650 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Entry is on a sliding scale starting at $15
Auntie Has the Aux: DJ Mae Or Mae Not is taking over the music at Part Time Lover for a late-night DJ set.
⏰ 10 p.m.
🌎 Part Time Lover, 3829 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Sept. 6
Waterfront Labor Day Weekend Celebration: Waterfront Bar & Grill is celebrating Labor Day weekend with drink specials Sunday, followed by a Recovery Party on Monday featuring an extended Mexican brunch, drink specials and an afternoon DJ.
🗓️ Sept. 6-7
⏰ 8 a.m. - 2 a.m.
🌎 Waterfront Bar & Grill, 2044 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Labor Day Community BBQ: The San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council is celebrating working people during a barbecue with food, games and community building. Email questions to cgomez@unionyes.org.
⏰ 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
🌎 Rohr Park, 4548 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902
🎟️ RSVP online
Horton Technique Intensive: TILTshift Dance is hosting a three-hour intensive exploring the foundational principles, codified exercises and technical fundamentals of the Horton Technique for modern dance. Led by dancer, choreographer and certified Horton instructor Courtney Giannone, the workshop will focus on the technique's athleticism, precision and expressive range. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle and light snack.
⏰ 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
🌎 Malashock Dance, 2650 Truxtun Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Reserve tickets online starting at $35
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 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
🌎 Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154
Sept. 7
Labor Day BBQ: The Rancho Bernardo Inn is hosting a Labor Day barbecue on Buena Vista Terrace, featuring smoky food specialties and seasonal side dishes with terrace views.
⏰ 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
SD Music Room: Musicians, rappers, DJs, producers, and other music enthusiasts gather monthly for a conversation about inspiration, craft, and life.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
🌎 Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge, 8513 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942
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 p.m. - 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 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109🎟️ Free
Sept. 8
Second Chance Youth Garden Cohort 35: Second Chance Youth Garden is hosting its Cohort 35 program, which teaches planting skills and youth leadership through hands-on gardening. Sessions are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Oct. 29. Apply online in advance. Spots are limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
⏰ 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
🌎 Second Chance Youth Garden, 6145 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Gender Inclusive Empowerment Circles: The Indian Health Council is hosting a second session of its safety presentation and hat-beading craft workshop for community members impacted by abuse, violence, assault and missing and murdered Indigenous people. Adults of any gender are welcome; seating is limited. Contact Jirrah Paz Cabrales at jcabrales@indianhealth.com or 760-749-1410 ext. 5326 to register.
⏰ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
🌎 Indian Health Council Santa Ysabel, Oak Room, 110 1/2 School House Canyon Road, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
Open Tables: DJ Loki and Tacos El Villasana host a weekly open-format DJ night welcoming vinyl and digital sets at Mason Ale Works. Aspiring DJs can contact Loki to get on the list to play.
⏰ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
🌎 Mason Ale Works, 2179 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
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 p.m. - 8 p.m
🌎 Liberty Station, 2620 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Sept. 9
2026 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics: The Better Business Bureau is hosting its annual awards honoring businesses that demonstrate high standards of integrity and ethical practices. Former NFL wide receiver and author JJ Birden will deliver the keynote address about overcoming obstacles, performing under pressure and building high-performing teams. Each attendee will receive a hardcover copy of Birden’s book, “Beat the Coverage: Six Strategic Steps to Win in Business and Life.” Register and view the finalists online.
⏰ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Marriott La Jolla, La Jolla Ballroom, 4240 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
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 p.m. - 10 p.m.
🌎 Good News Bar, 3821 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92103
Open Vinyl Night: DJ Loki hosts a weekly open-format vinyl night at Jaguar Paw. Contact Loki to get on the DJ list.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
🌎 Jaguar Paw, 2185 1/2 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Current calls for applications
English for Parents: San Diego College of Continuing Education is hosting free English classes for parents covering listening, speaking, reading, writing, computer skills, and how to help kids with homework. Registration is available online or in-person at six locations. For a full list of participating campuses and addresses visit San Diego College of Continuing Education’s website.
Kyler’s Connections Mentorship Program: Kyler’s Connections and Trans Family Support Services are accepting sign-ups for mentors and mentees for a program to support trans and nonbinary youth. Mentors must be able to pass a background check and commit to training sessions and at least one year of mentoring. Email mentorships@transfamilysos.org for more details.
🗓️ Applications due Sept. 13
🌐 Sign-up online
