Movie screenings, political movements and MLK remembrance: Things to do in San Diego Jan. 15-20
This week, you can take a mindful tour of Balboa Park, engage in community-building activities or kick back and watch a hockey game.
Written by Sam Barney-Gibbs, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
From film screenings to language clubs and a mindful day in Balboa Park, 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. 15
ICE Out of San Diego: A coalition of local organizations hosts 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
Jan. 16
Foodies & Goodies Emergency Food Drive & Distribution: The North County LGBTQ Resource Center hosts weekly food distribution every Friday. Food is first come, first serve. There are no requirements, but there is a short census with basic demographics. Noon to 2 p.m., 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054. Non-perishable, pantry item donations can be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Movie Night & Community Conversation: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting an evening of reflection and intentional conversation about solidarity, equity, and community care within LGBTQ+ spaces, centering Black, Indigenous and People of Color voices while inviting white allies to practice accountability. This will be followed by a screening of “Come See Me in the Good Light,” a film honoring the life of Andrea Gibson, a poet and activist who died in 2025. 4 - 7:30 p.m., The San Diego LGBT Community Center Auditorium, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Jan. 17
MLK Jr. Day of Service: Hosted by Project New Village, this community workday aims to uphold Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of “the beloved community.” Year-long intentions will be presented, along with cultural expressions and refreshments. The event is open to all ages. 9 a.m. to Noon, 4261 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
Balboa Park Women’s Tour: Forever Balboa Park leads 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
Native American Heritage Night: The San Diego Gulls will take on the Coachella Valley Firebirds in a hockey night celebrating Native American heritage. The puck drop is at 6 p.m., and there will be a Native American hat giveaway. Tickets start at $33. 6 - 9 p.m., 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
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. to Noon, Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Jan. 18
Black Women San Diego, A Social Mixer: A mixer to create an ecosystem for Black women in San Diego is being held at Postino Little Italy to build relationships, share support and circulate resources. 6 p.m., Postino Little Italy, 2100 Kettner Blvd., Suite 1800, San Diego, CA 92101
'All That's Left of You' Film Screening: Digital Gym CINEMA is screening 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. 7:15 - 10:15 p.m., 1100 Market St., San Diego, CA 92101
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
Jan. 19
City Heights Food Distribution: Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church distributes food on Mondays and Wednesdays. Eligibility is required. For more information, call 619-582-5581. Mondays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3060 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
El Cajon Food Distribution: The Abundant Grace Christian Center distributes food on Mondays from 9-10 a.m., Wednesdays from 4-4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Distribution is open to everyone. 5856 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Jan. 20
Spanish Club: Commonplace San Diego is hosting its Spanish Club meeting at Mujeres Brew House for folks to practice their language skills. The free event is open to all language levels. Register online. 7-8 p.m., Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
