A beach clean-up, a queer salsa social and a pug gathering: Things to do in San Diego Aug 27-Sept 2
This week San Diegans can attend a tap dance jam, a free cooking class for pregnant and new parents and a Brazilian culture festival.
Written by Rami Alarian, Edited by Kate Morrissey and Lauren J. Mapp
Updated on Aug. 27, 2026 at 01:18 p.m. to remove the Reset Room event, which has been postponed.
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 watch dance films from across the globe, participate in a healing sound bath and make new friends at a Thursday run club.
Chula Vista Recreation is hosting a four-week hands-on workshop series covering clay art, crocheting, candle making and soap crafting, Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center is hosting a day of printmaking workshops and New Style Hustle San Diego is hosting its first Hustle Cafe social at Subterranean Coffee Boutique.
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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Aug 27
English for Parents: San Diego College of Continuing Education is hosting free multilevel English classes for parents, with free childcare included. The classes will cover listening, speaking, reading, writing, computer skills and how to help kids with homework. Registration is available online or in person at Student Services. Fall semester runs Aug. 24, 2026 - Jan. 9, 2027. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:15 - 11:45 a.m., Mid-City Campus, 3792 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
TEDxSan Diego: TEDxSanDiego presents a lineup of local speakers including Ramla Sahid, Dev Patnaik, Mychal Threets, Christina Brophy, Loren Cobbs, Kiana Aran, Louie Nguyen, Tyler Callaway and Nell 3D, emceed by Gary Ware. Tickets are available online. 7 - 9:30 p.m., David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
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
Paper Mates: Tender Hooligan is hosting a weekly art night with open turntables organized by DJ Mane One. Guests can sign-up for open table slots. The bar will have Tribal Lager beer specials. 6 - 10 p.m., every Thursday, 221 Third Ave. Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
August Book Club: Hijab Butch Blues: Books for Palestine San Diego is hosting a discussion of author Lamya H's Stonewall Award-winning memoir "Hijab Butch Blues," the second installment in its anti-pinkwashing series. Reading is not required. 6 - 8 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
LEZRUNSD Thursday Run Club: A run and walk club welcomes all paces, all people and all 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-up starts at 6 p.m., show starts 6:30 p.m., Rocko's Modern Taphouse, 3940 4th Ave., Second Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
Full Moon Sound Healing: CommunOT is hosting a free sound bath at South Mission Beach, accompanied by ocean acoustics, to mark the August full moon. The evening opens with a self-reflection activity followed by a 50-minute sound bath. Bring your own mat, blanket and pillow. Free, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., South Mission Beach, 2548 N. Jetty Road, San Diego, CA 92109
Aug 28
BBB Industrious Women's Summit: Powering the Next Era: The Better Business Bureau is hosting its eighth annual summit empowering women in the trades and beyond, featuring insights from industry leaders, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities. Tickets are available online. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Better Business Bureau, 4747 Viewridge Ave., San Diego, CA 92123
Cool Aunties: Jamul: Southern Indian Health Council is hosting a Cool Aunties gathering for crafts, laughter and food, open to men, women and children to learn something new and strengthen community bonds. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Jamul Casino & Resort, Pacific Ballroom, 14145 Campo Road, Jamul, CA 91935
El Cajon Courthouse Rally: Care Not Cages: Activist San Diego and a coalition of local groups are hosting this month's Fourth Friday Care Not Cages rally at the El Cajon courthouse, lifting up those who could and should get mental health diversion instead of a punitive process. Attendees are asked to bring signs and stories of loved ones who have been incarcerated while struggling with mental health conditions. Noon, El Cajon Courthouse, 250 E. Main St., El Cajon, CA 92020
Breaking Boundaries 2026: The Grossmont College Dance Department is holding auditions for casting its "Breaking Boundaries" show. Performers can register online. If picked for the show, dancers must enroll in both a performance course and a dance technique course at the college. 2 - 4 p.m., Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon, CA 92020
Community Social: The Block Club is bringing neighbors together for an afternoon of family-friendly games. 4 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Lesbian Cafe: The San Diego LGBT Community Center invites queer folks to gather for a welcoming, inclusive and light-hearted discussion group tailored for women of all ages every fourth Friday. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
MAKE After Hours: MAKE Projects is hosting an evening pop-up series celebrating art, music and culture from around the world, with bites and drinks from MAKE Cafe led by executive chef Crystal Rhino. The evening includes live music from Afrobeat San Diego and Supper Club String Band, plus a live art installation in the garden with Eva Struble and a Global Art Village marketplace. Reserve tickets online. 5 - 8:30 p.m., MAKE Cafe, 4712 Felton St., San Diego, CA 92116
Handcrafts Creative Workshops: Chula Vista Recreation is hosting a soap crafting workshop. Online registration is $25 for resident/$31 non-resident. Ages 18 and older. 5:30 - 7 p.m. Heritage Community Center, 1381 E. Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91913
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
District 3 Urbanist Town Hall: Councilmember Stephen Whitburn's office Ride San Diego, San Diego County Bike Coalition and other groups are hosting a town hall for District 3 residents to discuss public transit, housing, walkability and biking. 6 p.m., Studio710, 710 13th St., San Diego, CA 92101
Queer Salsa Social: ¡Noche de Coco!: Queer Latin Dance SD is presenting a beginner-friendly salsa, bachata and Latin social, including a workshop, snacks, drinks and social dancing. Tickets are available online. 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., RSVP for location
Hustle Cafe: New Style Hustle San Diego is hosting its first Hustle Cafe social at Subterranean Coffee Boutique, with dancing classes from Daybreak Breaks and Rosy Batch followed by social dancing. 7 p.m., Subterranean Coffee Boutique, 3764 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
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. During the Aug. 28 performance, Crazed Imaginations is honoring actor Tim Curry, who died on Wednesday..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
Aug 29
Fun Walk & Beach Clean Up: The Renaissance Lions Club, powered by the Buy Filipino Network, is hosting a free morning walk and coastal clean-up at La Jolla Cove. Free, 7:30 - 9 a.m., La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037
Afghan Community Legal & Resource Clinic: The Council on American-Islamic Relations California and Afghan-American Community Organization are hosting a regional clinic featuring free immigration legal consultations with an immigration attorney or Department of Justice Accredited Representative. The event includes a resource fair, lunch will be provided and free backpacks and school supplies for kids. Register for legal consultation online. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle N., San Diego, CA 92108
August Pug Meetup: The Grumble Bunch is hosting a pug meetup with a group photo at 9:45 a.m. 9 - 11 a.m., Poway Dog Park, 12988 Bowron Road, Poway, CA 92064
Growing & Glowing: Foodshed Cooperative is hosting a free hands-on cooking class series for pregnant and new parents with babies welcome. Each family that attends will receive a $15 voucher to the Saturday farmers market at City Heights Food FARMacy. RSVP online., Held every other Saturday through Dec. 19., 9 - 10 a.m., Teaching Kitchen, 4061 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
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 Boulevard and W. Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
Revolutionary Yoga: PSL San Diego is hosting a yoga session. 10 a.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 6401 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114
KooBrew Vinyl Market: KooBrew is hosting its first vinyl market with DJ I.R. Giant, featuring record spinning, drinks, a food pop-up and music by Existence76, Soul Side Vinyl, DJ Hippo, Novodiscos, Unearthed Wax and Koo Krew. Noon - 6 p.m., Koobrew, 9030 Kenamar Drive, San Diego, CA 92121
Community Sharing Day: Disco Riot is hosting a sharing day where SPACE Rising artists show works-in-progress and embody their research together. Registration is available online. Noon - 4 p.m., 1100 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92011
G.L.A.M. Resource Fair: Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center is hosting a day of printmaking workshops, an artist market, an artist panel and a resource fair on archiving personal art collections, paired with the closing reception for its "Print as Protest" exhibition. Noon - 4 p.m., 1960 National Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Community Resource Fair: PANA San Diego and the San Diego Housing Commission are hosting a resource fair for households whose family contribution amounts are being updated. Community organizations will offer job training and career resources, food bank assistance, utility help and MTS transportation resources. Reservations are available online. 1 - 4 p.m., 5555 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Brazilian Festival: The annual Brazilian Festival is bringing a celebration of the country’s culture with food, music, vendors and art. The event will feature samba dancers, a capoeira show, a supersonic samba parade and musical performances by Paula Lima and Negritude Junior. 2 - 11 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Thai Yo and Friends Popup: Thaiyo & Friends is hosting a night of live performances, local vendors, food and drinks. 3 - 7 p.m., 8655 Production Ave., San Diego, CA 92121
Apericena: Italian Aperitivo Social Club Vol. 2: Sound By The Sea is hosting an Italian aperitivo dinner featuring guest chef Davide Brevi's Milan-style buffet, cocktails, wine and a vinyl soundtrack by Hola Bronson and Cephas. Tickets are available online. Seatings at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., 325 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
The Studio Table: Pottery & Basque Pintxos: Taoofclay is hosting a Barrio Logan pop-up dinner, turning its ceramic studio over to Mabel's Gone Fishing for a night combining pottery and Basque pintxos, where the bowl guests eat from is the same bowl they take home. All-you-can-drink cider, oysters, fire and clay for three hours. 6 - 9 p.m., Tao of Clay Ceramic Studio, 1012 Sicard St., San Diego, CA 92113
Our Kings: OUR KINGS is hosting a bonfire community gathering to honor all young Black boys, including those who are lost or incarcerated. The evening includes community building, music, a candlelight tribute and encouraging words. 6 - 8:30 p.m., Paradise Point, 1401 Vacation Road, San Diego, CA 92109
Aug 30
Kumeyaay Beach Day: Jamul Indian Village is hosting a family-friendly beach day for all tribes and descendants, with swimming, activities, food and refreshments. Lifeguards will be on-site. Guests are encouraged to bring a towel, chair and beach equipment. Registration is available online. Call 619-928-8689 for more details. This is an alcohol- and drug-free event. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Torrey Pines State Beach, North Lot, 1800 McGonigle Road, Del Mar, CA 92104
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
Dance Film Screening: TILTshift Dance and bkSOUL are screening dance films from India, Indonesia and the United States. 5 - 8:30 p.m., Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, CA 92037
Tap Dance Jam: San Diego Tap & Jazz is hosting a tap dance jam at Panama 66. The jam will be hosted by Caludia Gomez on tap dance and percussion with special guest tap artist Michela Marino Lerman and musicians Evona Wascinski, Jon Garner and Jeremy Eikam. 5 - 7 p.m., Panama 66, 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Mockingbird Ultimate SmackDown Tournament: Eight improv teams — including Five Guys, Stache, Sundae Sauce, Noise Boiz, The Joey Summers Show, Bang the Doldrums and Project Jericah — are competing in a tournament, with audiences deciding who advances. One team will be selected as the 2026 champion. Tickets are available online. 7 p.m., Mockingbird Improv, 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 200, San Diego, CA 92106
Aug 31
Noodles & Doodles: Gossip Grill is hosting a sensory-friendly night featuring all-you-can-eat spaghetti, art supplies and an all-night happy hour. The event welcomes headphones and makes conversation optional. All-you-can-eat spaghetti costs $8, with add-ons for meatball and garlic bread. 6 - 8 p.m., Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Muévelo Monday: Local dancer Valerie Moreno hosts a free weekly dance social. 6 p.m., 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Borderlands Book Club: Border Angels is hosting its bimonthly book club discussion, building community and having honest conversations about immigration and life in the borderlands. This month's book is "Harvest of Empire: A History of Latinos in America" by Juan Gonzalez. Sign up through Bloomerang online. 6:30 - 8 p.m., virtual on Zoom
Sept 1
Open Tables: DJ Loki and Tacos El Villasana are hosting 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 - 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 - 8 p.m., Liberty Station, 2620 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Sept 2
Open Vinyl Night: DJ Loki is hosting a weekly open-format vinyl night at Jaguar Paw. Contact Loki to get on the DJ list. 6 - 11 p.m., Jaguar Paw, 2185 1/2 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Beyond the Bar: Uplifting Black Entrepreneurs: The Anti-Racism Group of the San Diego County Bar Association is hosting a free pop-up marketplace celebrating Black entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofits with a keynote from the California State Treasurer. Free, 6 - 7:30 p.m., San Diego County Bar Association, 330 A St., San Diego, CA 92101
