Live music, candidate forum and jewelry repair workshop: Things to do in San Diego April 16-22
From Earth Day celebrations and clothing swaps to community forums and hands-on workshops, here’s what’s happening across San Diego this week.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
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 check out live music at the Lafayette Hotel, take free yoga classes and visit a family-friendly art night in Encinitas. There are also opportunities to craft in community and a District 8 candidate forum.
For food distribution events and other no-cost grocery options, check out our online map to find one near you. We also rounded up events happening throughout April in honor of Earth Month.
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.
April 16
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
Youth Justice Momentum Team Meeting: Mid-City CAN is hosting a youth-centered, intergenerational organizing meeting focused on justice and community advocacy. Dinner and refreshments will be provided, and childcare and translation services are available upon request. RSVP online. 5:30 - 7 p.m., 4305 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Dave Damiani & The No Vacancy Orchestra: Lou Lou’s at The Lafayette Hotel is hosting a live jazz performance featuring Dave Damiani and his orchestra. The show highlights classic and contemporary jazz influences in an intimate supper club setting. Entry is complimentary, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is 21 and over. 7 and 9 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Wine Down and Jazz Out: Mixed Grounds in North Park is hosting an evening of jazz, blues and global sounds with $5 wine and food from Good Boy Pizza. 7 - 10 p.m., Mixed Grounds, 4555 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116
April 17
San Diego Arab Film Festival: Films from Palestine, Iran, Jordan, Egypt, Yemen and the U.S. will be featured at the 15th annual event. Cafeteria-style Arabic dinners will be provided each evening. Tickets can be purchased online through various packages and ranging discounts. April 17-19, Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
‘Giants’ Preview Party: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is hosting a preview celebration for Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys ahead of its public opening. 6 - 9 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
Queer Prom: Project Youth North County and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center are hosting Queer Prom with the theme Out West, featuring drag king performances by Alexander Couture, Medusa Oshumare and Cassius DeVille, a free plated dinner, music and art. For ages 13-18. RSVP online. 6 - 10 p.m. Bellagala Events, Inc, 1370 West San Marcos Boulevard Suite 102, San Marcos, CA 92078
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
April 18
Free Yoga by the Bay: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park hosts monthly, all levels yoga lessons led by Viktoria Talbot from Fit Athletic. Attendees need to bring their own mats, water and sunscreen. Register online. 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, 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., 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. - 12 p.m., Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
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
Dean Collection Presents: Hometown Heroes: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego opens "Hometown Heroes," a new exhibition presented with the Dean Collection featuring local photographers in dialogue with regional artists from the permanent collection. Free public opening. April 18 through Nov. 8, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
Girlpower Sidro Saturday: This community pop-up is hosting vendors, music, art and a photo activation with free Polaroids for the first 50 people. Noon - 5 p.m., El Salón Theatre, 114 W Hall Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173
Pilates for Palestine: This all-levels outdoor Pilates class doubles as a community fundraiser, with proceeds supporting healthcare workers in Gaza. After the class, attendees are invited to stay for food, music and community gathering. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat and water, though extras may be available. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park, 5115 Soledad Road, San Diego, CA 92109
Self-defense Class: This beginner-friendly workshop led by Black Girl Collective SD and VictoryInMe focuses on practical techniques to build confidence, awareness and real-life safety skills in a supportive, community-centered space. 1 - 2 p.m., Lindbergh Park, 4141 Ashford St., San Diego, CA 92111
Art Night Encinitas: The city of Encinitas is hosting a free, family-friendly Art Night across four locations — City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library and Pacific View Arts Center — with art, live music and community activities. A free shuttle connects all locations. 6 - 8 p.m., various locations, Encinitas
Harlem of the West: Jazz Night: The San Diego History Center and the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art are hosting an evening of live jazz, spoken-word poetry and celebration honoring the legacy of San Diego's historic Harlem of the West neighborhood, now known as the Gaslamp Quarter. The event will include live music by New Vision Band and spoken-word poetry by Dr. Yolanda Marie Franklin. Members pay $30, and non-members pay $40. Tickets available online. 6 - 8 p.m., San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Trio Borealis: Lou Lou’s presents Trio Borealis, a Hammond organ trio blending traditional jazz with modern groove and improvisation. Entry is complimentary, with first-come, first-served seating. This event is 21 and over. 8 and 10 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
April 19
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
Jewelry Repair Workshop: Commonplace SD is hosting a hands-on workshop where participants can learn basic jewelry repair techniques, including fixing clasps, jump rings and broken chains. Tools and instruction will be provided, and practice materials will be available. RSVP online $40. Noon - 2 p.m., Garden Coffee, 2611 Congress St., San Diego, CA
Decoden Workshop: Embodied Gym is hosting a crafting workshop where guests can decorate a photo frame or mirror using colorful creams, charms and embellishments. Materials, tea and Japanese snacks are included. Free event. Register online. 1 - 3 p.m., Embodied Gym, 2903 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
Spring into Scouting: Girl Scout Troop 4735 is hosting a recruitment event for girls interested in joining the troop. Families can learn about scouting, meet current members and participate in outdoor activities. Registered attendees may have the opportunity to earn their first patch. The free event is open to those interested in joining the troop. 1 - 3 p.m., Market Creek Plaza, 310 Euclid Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Helena Holleran Trio with Swooon: Lou Lou’s is hosting a live performance featuring Helena Holleran Trio and Swooon, blending singer-songwriter elements with jazz and layered harmonies. Entry is complimentary, with seating on a first-come basis. This event is 21 and over. 7 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
April 20
Open Closet Free Clothing Event: Hillcrest Youth Center and The Center SD are hosting a free clothing and accessories giveaway open to all ages on a first-come, first-served basis. No donations will be accepted. Bring your own bag. Send questions to HYC@thecentersd.org. 3 - 6:30 p.m., Hillcrest Youth Center, 514 Pennsylvania Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
April 21
Acrylics Workshop Part Two: The FRONT Gallery is hosting a two-month intermediate acrylics workshop taught by artist and teacher Katie Ruiz where attendees can build on foundational techniques and deepen their practice. It's free to participate and all materials are provided. RSVP to elizabethb@casafamiliar.org. March 10, 17, 24 and 31; April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 5:30 - 8 p.m., The FRONT Gallery, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
Candidate Forum — San Diego City Council District 8: The League of Women Voters of San Diego, Neighbors for a Better San Diego, PANA, MANA and the National Albondigas Political Society are hosting a candidate forum for the San Diego City Council District 8 race. Additional parking will be available at Logan Memorial High School, one block south on 28th St. 5:30 - 7 p.m., Logan Heights Library, 567 S. 28th St., San Diego, CA 92113
ps goner with Joy Guidry: Lou Lou’s hosts a performance by ps goner (Peter Sagar of Homeshake) with Joy Guidry. Tickets are required, and seating is first come, first served. This event is 21 and over. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m., Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
April 22
Spring Job Fair: The National City Chamber of Commerce and Southwestern College are hosting a free job fair featuring more than 70 employers across industries including retail, healthcare, hospitality, maritime and technology. Attendees can access on-site applications, computer labs and career resources. Free workshops include a resume workshop and interview tips session. Free parking is available; attendees are encouraged to bring resumes. Reserve a free spot online. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Southwestern College, National City Campus, 880 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950
Rise Above STEAM Academy: The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and community partners are hosting an eight-week youth program focused on mentorship, leadership development and community engagement. The program includes workshops on conflict resolution, career planning and service projects, with dinner provided at each session. The free program is open to youth ages 9 to 12, and parent attendance is required. Register online. 6 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, April 22 through June 10, STEAM Academy, 1001 Leland St., Spring Valley, CA 91977
‘Voice of the Revolution’ Album Listening: The Neighborhood Kids are playing their album “Voice of the Revolution” in full at San Diego Made Factory, followed by a community Q&A. This is not a live performance, but a listening experience designed for reflection and conversation. Tickets are pay what you want and available online. Doors at 6 p.m., event at 7 p.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St. #114, San Diego, CA 92113
