Rallies against Flock cameras, a surf festival and a national breaking competition: Things to do in San Diego Aug. 20-26
This week San Diegans can participate in community conversations about Flock surveillance or attend weekend festivals.
Written by Jenna Ramiscal, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
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 participate in rallies and discussions about Flock cameras, attend a surf-themed to book-centered festivals and watch a national breaking competition.
Alliance San Diego and TRUST SD Coalition are hosting events that advocate for the removal of Flock surveillance cameras. Super Girl Surf Festival is returning to Oceanside Pier with free music, professional surfers and vendors.
KPBS is hosting a free public book festival at the University of San Diego. Red Bull is sponsoring a national breaking competition, with the nation's top bboys and bgirls, at the Port Pavilion.
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. 20
CatVideoFest 2026: Digital Gym Cinema is screening the annual compilation of the best cat videos from around the internet, with 10% of ticket sales supporting Los Gatos de Barrio Logan. Tickets are available online at $13 for general admission, $11 for students and seniors, and $9 for members. Screenings run through Aug. 24. Times may vary, Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
CAIR San Diego 19th Annual Gala: The Council on American-Islamic Relations San Diego chapter is hosting its 19th annual gala. Early bird tickets available online through August 20. Event on Sept. 19, 5 - 9 p.m., Location to be determined
ImprovCon: A multiday improv comedy convention returns to San Diego with workshops, panels and opportunities for community connection. Tickets are available online. Aug. 20-23, Times vary by day, Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108
Casita Art Trading: Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space is inviting visitors to stop by and leave art to trade during gallery hours as part of its August lineup of free art programs and workshops. Call the gallery at 619-585-5782 for more information. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Casa Casillas, 50 4th Ave., Chula Vista CA 91910
Financial Education Workshop: Casa Familiar and Cal Coast Credit Union are partnering to offer free monthly financial education workshops covering budgeting, saving and credit management for all ages. This is the first session kicking off the series, which will continue every third Thursday of the month through January 2027. 10 - 11 a.m., San Ysidro Civic Center, 212 W. Park Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173
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
ICE Out of San Diego: Alliance San Diego and partner organizations are rallying to demand an end to Flock surveillance and the removal of automated license plate readers in the city. A march to San Diego City Hall will follow the rally. 10:30 a.m. rally, 11 a.m. march, Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, 880 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
Who's Watching Us?: The Center on Policy Initiatives is hosting a workshop, part of the National Week of Action against automated license plate readers, on how bosses and governments use surveillance technologies to watch and control workers. Food will be provided. RSVP online. 4 - 6:30 p.m., Lincoln High School Library, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Workshop on How to Participate in City Decision Making: Mid-City CAN is partnering with the city of San Diego to host a free workshop teaching residents the basics of how local government works and how to make their voice heard through public comment. The workshop includes breakfast for dinner with chilaquiles, turkey and beef bacon, eggs and doughnuts. Spanish interpretation and childcare will be provided. Reservations are available online. 5 - 7 p.m., 4305 University Ave., Suite 640, San Diego, CA 92105
Verbatim Books in the Park 'til Dark: Verbatim Books continues the third year of its community reading series at Morley Field's Bird Park. Bring a blanket, chair, dinner or snacks and your current read. The event is open to all ages, dog friendly and free. Recurring every third Thursday of the month through September. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Morley Field's Bird Park, corner of Upas and Pershing, North Park, San Diego, CA 92104
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
Poetry Night at Rumi Wine Bar: Rumi Wine Bar is hosting a poetry night for poets, writers, artists and poetry lovers to sip curated wines, share their work and listen to new voices. Poetry Night is held every third Thursday of the month. 6 - 8 p.m., Rumi Wine Bar, 2937 Lincoln Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
Dinner & a Show: Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet are performing Lou Lou's Original Jazz Supper Club in University Heights. 6 p.m., Lou Lou's, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
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
She Got the Moves: Shine to Smoke Bgirl Battle: High Level Dance Society is bringing a bgirl battle to the Red Bull BC One Welcome Mixer, with five invited bgirls and three open slots up for grabs. Bgirls must be 16 or older. Check-in at 7 p.m., battles start at 8 p.m., Carté Hotel Rooftop, 401 W. Ash St., San Diego, CA 92101
Aug. 21
California Coast Jazz Festival: Milestones — A Miles Davis Centennial Celebration: KSDS Jazz 88 is presenting a three-day festival marking the 100th anniversary of Miles Davis' birth with 16 concerts, rare film screenings and panel discussions tracing the arc of his career. Aug. 21-23, Wyndham Bayside Hotel, 1355 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Super Girl Surf Festival: The world’s largest women’s surf competition returns to Oceanside with an oceanfront festival featuring free concerts, more than 175 pro surfers, vendors and a festival village. Aug. 21-23, Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054
Cool Aunties: La Posta: Southern Indian Health Council is hosting a Cool Aunties gathering with crafts, laughter and food. The event is open to men, women and children to learn something new and strengthen community bonds. Noon - 3 p.m., La Posta Tribal Hall, 8 1/2 Crestwood Road, Boulevard, CA 91905
Safety in Unity: Flock Out of Everywhere: TRUST SD Coalition is hosting a panel conversation with organizers from Austin, Los Angeles and other cities advancing the fight to end automated license plate readers as part of the National Week of Action Against ALPRs. The event includes light food, and reservations are available online. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., PANA Event Hall, 5555 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Handcrafts Creative Workshops: Chula Vista Recreation is hosting a candle making workshop as part of its four-week hands-on crafting series. Online registration is $25 for residents and $31 for non-residents. Ages 18 and older. 5:30 - 7 p.m. Heritage Community Center, 1381 E. Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91913
Passport to Cooking Workshop: Montevalle Community Center is hosting a hands-on cooking workshop for young chefs ages 8 to 13 exploring easy-to-follow recipes inspired by Mexican cuisine. All ingredients and supplies are provided. Space is limited. Register online at $20 for residents or $25 for non-residents. 6 - 8 p.m., Montevalle Community Center, 840 Duncan Ranch Road, Chula Vista, CA 91914
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
ARTS After Dark: Animal Felt Tiles: A Reason to Survive is hosting an art-making event led by artist Alo Varela, where guests design animal felt prints with decorative elements while enjoying music and drinks. Guests must be 18 or older. Tickets available online for $25. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., A Reason To Survive (ARTS), 200 East 12th St., National City, CA, 91950
The Rise of Islamophobic Violence: The Islamic Center of San Diego is hosting Amin Asfari, associate professor and Law Foundation of Saskatchewan Chair in Police Studies at the University of Regina, who unpacks how White supremacist ideology, conspiracy theories and social media fuel targeted attacks on Muslim communities. After Maghrib, Islamic Center of San Diego, 7050 Eckstrom Ave., San Diego, CA 92111
Aug. 22
African Diaspora Caribbean Carnaval: Cousinfolk Productions and gARTen Network are hosting an inaugural carnival celebrating African diaspora and Caribbean culture, featuring food, live music, live art, capoeira exhibition, vendors, a costume contest, games and a petting zoo. All ages are welcome. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., S&S Friendly Ranch, 2105 Hollister St., San Diego, CA 92154
KPBS San Diego Book Festival: KPBS and the University of San Diego are hosting a free, public festival for book lovers of all ages, featuring panel discussions with award-winning authors, a main stage with live entertainment, more than 100 local authors and independent booksellers, and a youth reading stage and exploration area. Free registration online. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego, CA 92110
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 + Letter Writing to Political Prisoners: As part of its Black August Series, Party for Socialism and Liberation is hosting an in-person event combining yoga with letter writing to political prisoners connected to the Black liberation movement. No experience needed; bring your own mat. RSVP link in bio. Suggested donation is $10, 10 a.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 6401 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114
Back to College Vintage Clothing Market: Exchange is partnering with Experience Mission Valley for a one-day vintage and thrift shopping event featuring San Diego State University, University of San Diego and University of California San Diego merch, live music and a cornhole tournament. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Mission Valley Mall, 1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
Philippine Cultural Arts Festival: Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts Company is hosting its annual SamaFest, a weekend of Filipino culture with a kids area, traditional dances, live entertainment, food and local vendors. Free admission. Aug. 22 - 23, Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Balboa Park, President's Way Lawn, Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
General Membership Meeting & Potluck: The Green Party of San Diego County is holding its monthly general membership meeting and potluck. The meeting is hybrid, held in-person and online. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Joyce Beers Community Center, 3900 Vermont St., San Diego, CA 92103, and online at meet.google.com/mdz-ydsd-izk
San Diego Taiwan Festival: Taiwanese American Professionals - San Diego is hosting its third annual Taiwan Festival, inspired by 環島, a journey around the island. The festival features food, art, music, cultural games and raffle prizes celebrating Taiwanese culture. Free tickets available online. 1 - 5 p.m., NTC Park, Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Usaptayo Ulit: Linggo ng Wika: Usaptayo Club SD is celebrating Filipino language week with an opportunity to practice Tagalog in a relaxed, friendly environment. RSVP online. 1:30 - 4 p.m., Skyline Hills Library Branch, 7900 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92139
Red Bull BC One Cypher USA National Final: The nation's top breakers face off for the 2026 USA National Championship and a chance to represent the country at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Toronto. The competitor lineup includes Mar and Victor, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with judges El Niño, Ayu and three-time world champion Hong 10. Kid David and Ivan will host, with a live performance by Xzibit. Doors open at 2 p.m.; competition begins at 4 p.m. Reserve tickets online, starting at $21, all ages. 2 - 10:30 p.m., Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Afro-Cuban Dance Workshop: Artists Juan Carlos Blanco and special guest instructor Laroye Aña are leading a two-hour, all-levels Afro-Cuban dance workshop, teaching the roots of the movement, music, stories and history behind the dances. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. 3 - 5 p.m., La Vie Dance Studio, 1255 W. Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
Que Rico Es Ser Latino: Subelo Group is hosting an event that celebrates Latin cultures across Mexico, Peru, the Caribbean and Central America with a party featuring special guest DJs, dancing and music. The event is 21 and up. 4 - 9 p.m., Quartyard, 1301 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
The Efficient Activist Comedy Fundraiser: The Efficient Activist is hosting a night of comedy and cabaret at Urban Mo's in Hillcrest, hosted by Mariam T. and featuring three acts. Proceeds support the group's work on democracy, human rights and anti-corruption efforts. Doors open at 4 p.m.; the show begins at 5 p.m. Reserve tickets online for $150. 4 - 7 p.m., Urban Mo's, 308 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
End of Summer Ice Cream Social: The Deborah Whitfield Memorial Foundation is hosting a free community social with curated gift bags for the first 20 guests. RSVP encouraged. Free, 4 - 6 p.m., Kendra Scott Fashion Valley, 7007 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108
Black Noise: The Block Club is hosting an underground open-mic-style concert experience. 7 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Verde Social Dance Night: La Vie Dance and the Tranquil Foundation are hosting a dance class and social dance fundraiser for free community dance programs for San Diego families. Wear green. Class 9 - 10 p.m., social dancing 10 p.m. - 2 a.m., La Vie Dance Studios, 1255 W. Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
Aug. 23
Habitat Restoration Volunteers: Ocean Connectors is seeking volunteers to help water newly planted native vegetation and pick up trash at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers will water native plants, pick up litter and learn about the habitat. Sign up online. San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 1080 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Mutual Aid Clothing Drive + Toiletries: The Young Black Queens' San Diego chapter, in partnership with Father Joe's, is hosting a clothing drive providing clothing, toiletries and Narcan to community members. The group is currently accepting donations and recruiting new members. Message @theyoungblackqueens on Instagram for more information. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Neil Good Day Center, 299 17th St., San Diego, CA 92101
Crochet Collective: Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space is hosting a crochet meetup as part of its August lineup of free art programs and workshops. 1:30 p.m., Casa Casillas, 50 4th Ave., Chula Vista CA 91910
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
North Park Square Dance: Verbatim Books is hosting a square dance open to all ages and experience levels. Clinton Davis, Ryan Finch, By The Lee and Kate Rubin will perform live fiddle music with calling by Megan Tresenriter. 7 p.m., Verbatim Books, 3793 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: Night Blooms World Tour: Jeff Goldblum and his band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, are bringing their "Night Blooms World Tour" to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The band is joining forces with the San Diego Symphony for an evening of jazz and American Songbook classics. Tickets are available online. 7:30 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101, San Diego, CA 92101
Aug. 24
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
Aug. 25
San Diego Latino Film Festival — Call for Entries: Digital Gym Cinema and Media Arts Center San Diego are accepting submissions of shorts, features, documentaries, episodic content, youth films and Frontera films for the 34th San Diego Latino Film Festival, set for March 17-21, 2027. Submit online. Early bird deadline: Aug. 25
Gender Inclusive Empowerment Circles: Indian Health Council, Inc. is hosting a safety presentation and hat-beading craft workshop for community members impacted by abuse, violence, assault and MMIP. Adults of any gender are welcome; seating is limited. Contact Jirrah Paz Cabrales at jcabrales@indianhealth.com or 760-749-1410 ext. 5326 to register. 3 - 6 p.m., Indian Health Council Rincon, DreamWeaver Room, 50100 Golsh Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
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
Pride for Parenthood: The San Diego LGBT Community Center and HRC Fertility is hosting a panel discussion and Q&A with fertility specialists, family law attorneys and financial coordinators to support LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families on their family-building journey. RSVP at bit.ly/pride-parenthood. 5 - 7 p.m., The San Diego LGBT Community Center Auditorium, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
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
Awaken the Poet Within: Commonplace SD is hosting an ekphrastic poetry workshop, welcoming beginners and experienced writers alike, led by Dr. Marit Anderson. Tickets are available online. 6 - 8 p.m., Mission Brewery - Kensington, 4067 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
Book Club: "The Dispossessed": Libélula Books & Co is hosting a book club discussion on Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Dispossessed," a science fiction novel following an anarchist physicist navigating two contrasting societies. The book is available for purchase in-store. 6:30 p.m., Libélula Books & Co, 950 S 26th St., San Diego, CA 92113
MENA Heritage Celebration Night: The San Diego Padres are hosting the inaugural Middle Eastern and North African Heritage Night at Petco Park during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The night includes performances by Al Akhbar, Zaytouna Dance Group and Malayka, plus a limited-edition Padres hat designed by Koysun and pregame Middle Eastern music. Proceeds support Mazikaa Enterprises and other local groups. For more information, contact Zade Noman at znoman@padres.com or 619-795-5079. 6:40 p.m., Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Aug. 26
Pocket Treasures: Casa Casillas Gallery & Artist Space is hosting a small-scale art workshop, part of its August lineup of free art programs and workshops. 4:30 p.m., Casa Casillas, 50 4th Ave., Chula Vista CA 91910
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
Chronically Offline: Url to IRL is hosting a midweek night out where records spin and phones are put away in the third installment of its "Chronically Offline" series. Tickets available online for $35. 6 p.m., Longplay HiFi, 2547 Imperial Ave., Unit B, San Diego, CA 92102
Current call for applications
Barrio Art Crawl & Snow Day Y Mercado Vendors: The Barrio Logan Association is calling for vendors for its Barrio Art Crawl event series and the Barrio Logan Snow Day y Mercado. Space is limited; apply online. Barrio Art Crawl Event Series 01 is Oct. 10, Series 02 is Nov. 14, and Snow Day Y Mercado is Dec. 12, Barrio Logan, San Diego, CA
