Outdoor cinema, crafting and a soul food fest lead the weekend lineup Aug. 8-12
Whether you’re planting or painting, there are plenty of ways to engage and unwind this weekend.
Compiled by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
From family gardening and art receptions, to powerful conversations and an outdoor film screening in Chicano Park, here are some options of what to do in the region if you want to make space for creativity, connection and culture from Aug. 8 to 12.
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.
Aug. 8
Sketch Night: Mujeres Brewhouse hosts a sketch night for artists of all skills levels, featuring DJ la.crunchy619. Some materials will be provided, but bring your own sketchbooks and projects to work on. 6-9 p.m., Mujeres Brewhouse, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Xareni Opening Reception: Longplay HiFi once again turns its cafe into a gallery space to host the work of Xareni. The opening reception includes musical selections from Campbell Wallace. 7 to 9 p.m. at 2547 Imperial Ave, Suite B, San Diego, CA
Aug. 9
Family Gardening Workshop: Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center is hosting a free gardening workshop for all ages. No registration required. 10 to 11 a.m. Paradise Creek Community Garden, 302 W. 19th St., National City, CA, 91950
mallART Workshops: César Miranda Trejo hosts Print and Territory, a hands-on workshop on printmaking at Chula Vista Center. 10 a.m. to noon, Chula Vista Center, 555 Broadway Suite 1021, Chula Vista, CA 91910
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. to 12 p.m., Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People: Visit the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center to enjoy Indigenous cultural exhibitions, workshops and performances. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902
Soul Food Fest: Celebrate the flavors of the African diaspora at the San Diego Soul Food Fest in North Park. The event will include a variety of food vendors offering dishes, including barbecue ribs, mac and cheese, jollof rice and desserts. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4044 Idaho St., San Diego, CA 92104
Mental Bar Art Exhibition: Artists HueLove, Amber Newsome and Isabel “Bella” Bonner are showcasing their work in an exhibition at The Mental Bar in the Black Arts and Cultural District. 12-3 p.m., 6325 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Yap and Scrap Meeting: A queer art collective hosts a group crafting meetup in Hillcrest. Bring your craft of choice, and make sure to register for free online. Noon to 5 p.m. at Lestat's Hillcrest, 1045 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Soulcraft Saturday: The Block Club is hosting an arts and craft night in its space on Imperial Avenue. The event is free to attend if you have your own craft project and supplies you’ll be bringing with you, or $12 to participate in the group session with provided materials. Tickets can be reserved online. 12-2 p.m., 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Study & Act: The Party for Socialism & Liberation is hosting a study of the prison-industrial complex as part of its Black August series. 4 p.m., San Diego Liberation Center, 810 L Ave., National City, CA 91950
Real Women Have Curves: The Chicano Park Steering Committee and Media Arts Center San Diego co-host a viewing of the 2002 dramedy “Real Women Have Curves” in Chicano Park. Directed by Patricia Cardoso, the event is part of an outdoor film screening series to uplift Chicano cinema. 6-10 p.m., Film starts at 7:30 p.m., 1960 National Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Aug. 10
Crafting Picnic: Queer Crafting San Diego celebrates its first anniversary with sweet treats and crafting at Kate Sessions Memorial Park. Attendees should bring current crafting projects and something to comfortably sit on. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Kate Sessions Memorial Park, 5115 Soledad Rd, San Diego, CA 92109Vaso Robe Ceremony: The Sahapunnakari Buddhist Organization hosts its annual Vaso Robe Offering Ceremony. The event will include an offering of robes to Theravada Buddhist monks, a Dhamma talk and free Burmese lunch. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3743 Chamoune Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Sunset Cookout: San Diego Black Pride celebrates its fifth year anniversary with food, dancing and DJs at Wicked West. 1-9 p.m. at Wicked West, 1735 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Summer Sunset Reading Party: Reading Rhythms is hosting Golden Hour Reading Party where guests read in an ambiance of curated music. Tickets are $20 to $25 and are available online for purchase. 5- 8 p.m. at The Lane, 900 Bayfront Court, San Diego, CA, 92101
Aug. 11
National City Healthy Culturas Coalition: The Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center will host the National City Health Culturas Coalition at the Paradise Creek Family Garden. The coalition will discuss current issues, share ways to care for the community and contemplate a healthier future for the city. 5:30 to 7 p.m. 302 W 19th St, National City, CA 91950
Spreckels Organ Summer Festival: Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park is offering a free, weekly organ concert each Monday until Sept. 1. This week, San Diegan organist and composer Chelsea Chen performs a selection of music that includes the works of J.S. Bach, John Weaver and her original composition “Children’s Dances.” 7:30-9 p.m., 2125 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
Aug. 12
Family & Educator Training: Unión del Barrio and the Association of Raza Educators is hosting a training session on defending schools from Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Light refreshments and childcare will be provided. 5:30 p.m., 2225 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113
Writing As Resistance: Lambda Archives of San Diego hosts a workshop on personal storytelling as part of its 2025 exhibit and event series, inspired by Autohistoria-teoría, a decolonial writing process. 6 to 8 p.m. at Lambda Archives of San Diego, 4545 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116
