Paint and sip, vision boarding and finding community: Things to do in San Diego Jan. 22-28
This weekend, support community through group discussions, packaging books for those incarcerated and learning about food system resistance locally.
Written by Maya Srikrishnan, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
From opportunities to participate in a community group discussion or 2026 vision boarding to packaging books for those incarcerated and an open mic night, here’s what’s happening in San Diego this week.
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.
Jan. 22
'All That's Left of You' Film Screening: Digital Gym CINEMA invites San Diegans to watch an Academy Award-submitted film based on an experience of Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank in the 1980s during the first couple weeks of its release. Regular tickets are $13. 3:45 - 6:45 p.m., 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
Paint and Sip with Maira Meza: The San Diego History Center is partnering with Gossip Grill to host a Paint and Sip evening with Meira Meza. The guided painting experience will be inspired by San Diego's downtown waterfront. No experience needed and painting materials will be provided. Buy tickets online. 6 - 9 p.m., Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Jan. 23
Black Trans & Nonbinary Community Group: The San Diego LGBT Community Center hosts a space for Black trans, gender nonbinary and gender non-conforming folks to get and provide peer support through discussion. The group meets in person the first and third Fridays of each month. 6:15 - 7:45 p.m., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’: Crazed Imaginations hosts a screening and shadowcast performance of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas on the second, fourth and fifth Fridays of each month, and every Friday throughout October. The second Friday performance is lingerie night, and fifth Friday shows have a special mashup theme. Tickets can be reserved online and prop bags can be purchased at the theater for $5. 10:30 p.m., La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Jan. 24
Move 4 Palestine 5K: San Diegans are invited to walk, run, cheer or move how they choose in efforts to support and raise money for children in Palestine. Check-in starts at 7 a.m., and general admission costs $35. 8 a.m., 200 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Dreams to Action: City of San Diego Parks & Recreation is hosting its 16th annual community parade and celebration to honor the life and work of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. at MLK Community Park on Skyline Drive. The day kicks off with a parade at 9 a.m. and includes performances, speakers, live music, food and small business vendors, community resources and a kids zone with face painting, games and crafts. Free. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., MLK Community Park, 6401 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114
Books Thru Bars Book Packaging: Groundwork Books hosts regular meetings to provide a space to respond to letters from incarcerated folks nationwide along with packaging two to three books to send to them. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 9330 Eucalyptus Grove Lane, La Jolla, CA 92093
C.R.E.A.M. Ball: International Westcoast Mother Queen Staxx Ebony presents the second Annual C.R.E.A.M. Ball in collaboration with Black Services at The Center. 4 - 10 p.m., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Jan. 25
Communi(tea) Meetup: Soultry Sisters is hosting a meetup at Mantra Sukha Tea Lounge to reflect on Winter Solstice wishes. Guests can hangout and connect with one another while sipping tea. RSVP for free online. Noon - 3 p.m., Mantra Sukha Tea Lounge, 390 Oak Ave., Suite K, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Nourishing The Commons: Food Systems Resistance in Action: We All We Got SD invited San Diegans to a short film screening followed by discussion and group activity based on community solidarity through mutual aid. 4 - 7 p.m., 2004 Park Blvd., San Diego CA 92101
Vision Board Event: The Collective Coalition and Ultreya Coffee are partnering to host vision boarding at the coffee shop's location. The group will focus on reflecting on 2025 and looking forward to 2026. The first 10 people will get a free coffee or tea. Supplies will be provided. Register online. 4 - 6:30 p.m., Ultreya Coffee, 4653 College Ave., San Diego, CA 92115
Open Mic Night: Poets, musicians and artists are called on by the San Diego Poetry Coalition to attend and enjoy a night of spoken word poetry, music and storytelling. Participants are given one poem, one song or three minutes to perform. Doors open for sign-ups at 5:45 p.m. 6 - 8 p.m., 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Jan. 26
El Cajon Food Distribution: The Abundant Grace Christian Center distributes food on Mondays from 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesdays from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Distribution is open to everyone. Abundant Grace Christian Center, 5856 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Trans Chorus of San Diego Orientation: The Trans Chorus of San Diego is hosting an orientation meeting to welcome singers of all skill levels. No audition required. N95 or equivalent masks are required, and masks will be available at the meeting. RSVP online for exact location and other details. 7 - 9 p.m., Point Loma
Jan. 27
Sashay, You Play: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting a free game night of board games and cards. All are welcome. Games, pizza and soft drinks will be provided. RSVP online. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., The Center’s Auditorium, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Jan. 28
City Heights Food Distribution: Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church distributes food on Mondays and Wednesdays. Eligibility is required. For more information, reach out to 619-582-5581. Mondays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3060 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
