Swing dancing, ‘Rocky Horror’ and Lotería: Things to do Sept. 25-30

Image of a cliff with flowers growing on it with the words "Weekend Energy Events Calendar Sept. 25-30"
Illustration and photo by Lauren J. Mapp/Daylight San Diego

From networking for creatives at the Central Library to the San Diego Spirits Festival in La Jolla, here are some events happening in San Diego County this week.


Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Sam Barney-Gibbs


This weekend, San Diegans are hosting a night of Lotería at Mujeres Brew House, a special 50th anniversary performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in Encinitas and a swing dancing event at University of California San Diego.

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.



Sept. 25

ICE Out of San Diego: A coalition of local organizations invites community members to join them in protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions every Thursday in front of the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, which houses the San Diego ICE Field Office. RSVP online. 10 a.m., 880 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101

Jazz Night: Future is Color is hosting a jazz night Studio Session at Quartyard San Diego. The event is free and 18+. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. 6-9 p.m., 1301 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101

Sept. 26

CreativeMornings: Pacific Arts Movement Executive Director Alex Villafuerte is speaking during CreativeMornings, a monthly breakfast lecture series that brings together artists, business owners and other creatives. The event includes time for networking, coffee and a 20-minute talk on the month’s theme: Blossom. Register online for free. 8:15-10 a.m., San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

California Indian Day Gathering: The Pechanga Band of Indians is holding a gathering to honor California Indian Day. The event will include a variety of contests including peon tournaments, Hayish moon race and Wáw'kish Shinny Tournaments. There will also be singers and dancers performing throughout the day. For more information, call Robert Villalobos at (951) 719-5187. Noon to 2 a.m.

Lotería: Mujeres Brew House is hosting an evening of lotería, a Mexican game of chance similar to bingo that is played with illustrated cards instead of numbered balls. There will also be a piñata and candy for kids. 6 p.m., 1983 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

'Rocky Horror' 50th Anniversary: Crazed Imaginations is hosting a special screening and performance of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas. The evening will include a special pre-show performance along with a con-style cast with different cast members portraying the characters throughout the show. Reserve tickets for $17 each online. Prop bags can be purchased for $5 at the theater. 10:30 p.m., La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Sept. 27

Kayaking to Clean Our Wetlands: SanDiego350 and Ocean Connectors are co-hosting a wetlands cleanup in Chula Vista. Kayaking equipment, including life jackets, will be provided. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bayside Park, 999 Bayside Pkwy., Chula Vista, CA 91910

Peace Vigil for Palestine: CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals and other local activism groups put on a weekly peace vigil to advocate for peace in Gaza and other distressed nations 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 noon, Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

Detention Resistance Volunteer Orientation: Detention Resistance is hosting a hybrid, general orientation for anyone interested in volunteering to support community members impacted by immigration policy. 11 a.m., RSVP online for location and Zoom details.

San Diego Sustainable Food Festival: Viridian Productions is presenting a celebration of sustainable foods with more than 100 vendors in Balboa Park. The event includes chef demonstrations, food and beverage samples, an artisan marketplace, games and live DJs. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Presidents Way Lawn, Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Swing Dance at UC San Diego: University of California San Diego swing dance club is hosting an on-campus lindy bomb, a type of swing dancing event held in public spaces. DJ music will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, camp chairs, sunscreen, snacks and water. The event is free. 1-3:30 p.m., Warren Mall, San Diego, CA 92161

San Diego Spirits Festival: The 16th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival will feature cocktails, spirits, music and La Jolla views. Tickets are available online. Sept. 27, 2-6 p.m.; Sept. 28, 1-5 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Reporting in Hostile Environments: Community reporter Rob Camacho will share tips on journalist safety for reporting in dangerous, high-risk situations. Topics of discussion will include planning an escape route, filling out a risk assessment and using personal protective equipment. 7 p.m., San Diego Liberation Center, 810 L Ave., National City, CA 91950

Sept. 28

Water Gardening Basics: City Farmers Nursery is welcoming people to a class on creating healthy aquatic environments for plants and wildlife. The workshop will touch on both designing a pond or water feature and maintenance. The event is free, 9-10 a.m., 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92105

North Park Square Dance: Verbatim Books is hosting the North Park Square Dance at its location. All ages and experience levels are welcome. All dances will be taught from scratch and moves will be prompted. Tickets are $25. Sept. 28, 7 p.m., Verbatim Books, 3793 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

Dig This: Tijuana River Sewage Crisis: Investigative reporting newsroom inewsource is guiding a nature walk at the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve as part of the 16th annual Tijuana River Action Month. The walk will be followed by a panel discussion about the impacts of pollution in the Tijuana River watershed at Novo Brewing Imperial Beach. RSVP online. 12:30-1:30 p.m., 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932; 2-8 p.m., Novo Brewing Imperial Beach, 535 Florence St., Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Sept. 30

Coffee & Clay: The Barista Botanist in Pacific Beach is organizing a clay-sculpting workshop where guests can sip coffee while making a mug. Tickets are $80 and include a drink, pastry, materials, and sculpting instructions from ceramic artists Fête Ceramics and ByKahla. 5:30-7:30 p.m., The Barista Botanist, 4680 Cass St., San Diego, California 92109

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