An LGBTQ+ dating show, the 54th annual Bonitafest and an LED skate night: Things to do in San Diego Sept 10-16
This week, San Diegans can join a run club with pups, catch a screening for mothers in Point Loma and enjoy free admission to art museums at Balboa Park and La Jolla.
Written by Yanelli Zavina Robles, 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 recharge with Viridian Productions and Move with Love Healing at a wellness fair in North Park, celebrate Mexican Independence at an art showcase curated by Skreem Meme and connect with neighbors over food and live music at Love Thy Neighbor.
Foodshed Cooperative is offering a free cooking class for pregnant and new parents in City Heights, while those looking for some cross-border fall fun can head south as La Ruta del Maíz opens its pumpkin fields for the season.
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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Sept. 10
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.
⏰ 10 a.m.
🌎 Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, 880 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ RSVP online
The Youth Are Sacred: Mid-City CAN and the Youth Justice Momentum Team are hosting an art exhibition featuring work by system-impacted youth and lived-experience artists, including a piece by Rubén Alarcón.
⏰ Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
🌎 The Fridge Gallery, 5591 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Paper Mates: Tender Hooligan hosts a weekly art night with open turntables organized by DJ Mane One every Thursday. Guests can sign up for open table slots. The bar will have Tribal Lager beer specials.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
🌎 Tender Hooligan, 221 Third Ave., Suite 101, Chula Vista, CA 91910
LEZRUNSD Thursday Run Club: A run and walk club welcomes all paces, people and 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-ups start at 6 p.m.; the show starts at 6:30 p.m.
⏰ 6 p.m
🌎 Rocko’s Modern Taphouse, 3940 4th Ave., Second Floor, San Diego, CA 92103
On The Spot Dating Show: On The Spot Dating Show is coming to Hillcrest with a special LGBTQ+ edition. The dating show pairs singles for first dates that night, and will be followed by a singles mixer. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
⏰ 7 p.m.
🌎 Cork & Stem, 1035 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
🎟️ Reserve tickets online starting at $21
Sept. 11
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.
⏰ 10: 30 a.m. - noon
🌎 The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
La Ruta del Maíz Pumpkin Patch: A pumpkin patch near Tijuana is reopening its pumpkin fields, fall displays, seasonal flower fields, a cafe, farm animals and other family-friendly activities. Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except water. Pets are not allowed.
🗓️ Sept. 11- Oct. 31 (Closed on Tuesdays)
⏰ Noon p.m. - 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday
🌎 La Ruta del Maíz, C32F+RP, 22165 Hermanos Heredia, B.C., México
🎟️ 180 pesos ($11 USD) for guests 2 and older
No Country for Mothers Screening: Children First Collective San Diego is hosting a screening of the documentary "No Country for Mothers," which examines the challenges facing American families, followed by a community panel discussion. The evening also includes food, drinks and family-friendly activities.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
🌎 Stone Brewing, 2816 Historic Decatur Road, Unit 116, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Reserve adult tickets online for $25; Kids under 18 are free
Plant Bingo: Honest Thrift & Plants and Societe Brewing Co. are hosting a 21+ plant bingo night, giving attendees a chance to win plants and support Old Town businesses. Tickets include one bingo entry, a half-pour or soda from Societe's taproom, a bingo sticker and a coupon for a free plant.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 Societe Brewing Old Town, 2415 San Diego Ave. #111, San Diego, CA 92110
🎟️ Tickets are available online
Community Yoga: Alchemystic Studio hosts a gentle community yoga session at The Brown Building every Friday.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🌎 The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️Reserve space online on a pay-what-you-can basis
Black Trans & Nonbinary Community Group: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting a space for Black trans, gender nonbinary and gender non-conforming folks to get and provide peer support through discussion. The group meets in person the first and third Fridays of each month.
⏰ 6:15 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
🌎 The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
Discos y Wepas Vol. 3: Cesar Bday Bash: Diskos Rayados is hosting a birthday celebration for Cesar featuring DJ sets by Catkiller, La Crunchy 619, Pax and Bailando Sin Cesar.
⏰ 9 p.m.
🌎 Whistle Stop Bar, 2236 Fern 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 on the second, fourth and fifth Fridays of each month. The second-Friday performance is lingerie night, and fifth-Friday shows have a special mashup theme.
⏰ 10:30 p.m.
🌎 La Paloma Theatre, 471 S Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
🎟️ Tickets can be reserved online and prop bags can be purchased at the theater for $5
Sept. 12
Growing & Glowing: Foodshed Coop 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.
🗓️ Held every other Saturday through Dec. 19
⏰ 9 a.m.- 10 a.m.
🌎 Teaching Kitchen, 4061 Fairmont Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ RSVP online
Clairemont Family Day: The Clairemont community is celebrating its 36th annual Family Day at South Clairemont Park. The event features a car show, free pony rides, dance, music and local vendors.
⏰ 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
🌎South Clairemont Community Park, 3605 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117
RISE Now: Navigating the System: RISE San Diego is hosting a panel of advocates, organizers and government leaders sharing practical insights on how to engage with decision-makers at every level of government. Panelists include Roxanne Kymaani, Ryan Fan, Huy Thanh Tran, Rosa Olascoaga and J'Nyka Faulkner.
⏰ 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
🌎 Nan Couts Cottage, 5045 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942
🎟️Registration is available online
Water and Kindness Free Store: Every Saturday, Water and Kindness hosts a free store at Pop-Up 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.
🌎 Pop-Up Winona, 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. - noon
🌎 Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and W. Point Loma Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107
Community Land Trust: Mundo Gardens and The Urban Collaborative Project CDC are celebrating an emerging community land trust in Southeast San Diego and National City. The free event will include live music and refreshments.
⏰11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Education Cultural Complex, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113
Wellness Fair at the North Park Sustainable Market: Viridian Productions and Move with Love Healing are hosting guided movement and meditation classes, immersive sound baths and personalized Reiki sessions. The day includes a marketplace offering a selection of self-care essentials. A full schedule is available on Instagram.
⏰ Noon - 4 p.m
🌎 North Park Mini Market, 3812 29th St., San Diego, CA 92104
🎟️ Class space is limited; pre-registration is recommended.
Contact Improvisation: Fundamentals: Tess Collins, Nhu Nguyen, Elie Prana and Richie Villa are hosting an end of summer somatic dance improvisation workshop series. This class series is beginner-inclusive for new or early contact improvisers interested in understanding the practice.
⏰ 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m
🌎 Liberty Station, 2650 Truxtun Rd., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
🎟️ Register online starting at $100
Love Thy Neighbor, vol. IV: Nuestras Calles: Little Room SD and the City Heights Defense Committee are bringing together local organizers, artists and vendors for a community block party. The event will feature performances by The Valves and Killer Trees, vinyl sounds by Cafecito Vinyl Club and local vendors.
⏰ 3 p.m. - 10 p.m
🌎 Pop-Up Winona, 4951 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
🎟️ $10 donation
Saturday Afternoon Fever: Whistle Stop Bar's disco, Motown and funk dance party returns with DJ Krys Da Cat every second Saturday.
⏰ 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🌎 Whistle Stop Bar, 2236 Fern St., San Diego, CA 92104
🎟️ Free
Grito de Guerra: Skreem Meme curates Grito de Guerra, a collective art showcase.This group exhibition will feature 30 local San Diego artists honoring Mexican Independence, live loteria with Analy Sandez and Braiding for a Cause with Ponte Your Moños.
⏰ 4:20 p.m. - 9 p.m.
🌎 Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
54th BonitaFest: The annual BonitaFest celebration is returning with the Twilight Trail Parade, followed by a performing arts festival and street fair. The parade begins at the Sunnyside Saddle Club, followed by the festival and street fair starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.
⏰ 6 p.m.
🌎 Sunnyside Saddle Club, 4548 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita, CA 91902 and Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902
Bat Walk Meetup: The San Diego River Park Foundation is hosting a Bat Walk Meetup where guests can learn about San Diego’s native bats, meet a live bat ambassador and take a guided walk using bioacoustics.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 2310 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
🎟️ Free
Blackout Rollout: Black Skate San Diego is hosting a nighttime skate. Skaters are encouraged to bring their glowing gear for the LED skate night.
⏰Meet up at 6:30 p.m, skating starts at 7 p.m.
🌎 Thrive Park, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, CA 92108
🎟️ Free
Jerry and Alva Perritt Memorial Dance: San Diego Contra Dance is hosting a free memorial dance at the Balboa Park Club, with beginner lessons starting at 6:30 p.m.
⏰ Beginner lessons at 6:30 p.m, memorial dance starts at 7 p.m.
🌎 Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American W Road, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Free
Noche Cubana: Omo Aché is hosting Noche Cubana. Featuring the sounds and the flavor of Cuban music, dance and food.
⏰ 7:30 p.m - 11 p.m
🌎 La Vie Dance Studio, 1255 W Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110
🎟️ Reserve tickets starting at $20 online; kids 12 and under are free
Sips & Sounds: Free Flow Collective is hosting a free event bringing together different spaces in San Diego along with music and drinks. House band Free Flow Sounds will play live jazz, dance music and other genres.
⏰ 7 p.m - 10 p.m.
🌎 Bica Coffee Shop, 3569 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116
🎟️ RSVP online
Sept. 13
Laps of Love: Heal Palestine, Mom Walks for Palestine and Palestine Pals of San Diego are hosting a kid's fun run to support children in Gaza.
⏰ Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.; run begins at 9:30 a.m.
🌎 Nobel Athletic Area, 8810 Judicial Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
🎟️ Register online for $25
Journey Through the Wetlands: San Diego Refuges and San Diego Bird Alliance are hosting a free, family-friendly celebration of Latino Conservation Week with guided walks, bilingual nature talks, arts and crafts at the Tijuana Estuary.
⏰ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Way, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
🎟️ Free
Chikle Mural Community Celebration: Community members can celebrate the completion of “Estación Libertad,” a mural inspired by the culture, stories and spirit of San Diego and Tijuana.
⏰ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
🌎 Arts District Liberty Station, 2710 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92106
San Diego Museum of Art: The San Diego Museum of Art offers free admission on the second Sunday of each month.
🗓️ Every second Sunday
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Free
Museum of Contemporary Art of San Diego: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego offers free admission on the second Sunday of each month.
🗓️ Every second Sunday
⏰ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
🌎 Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., San Diego, CA 92037
🎟️ Free
Learn to Solder Workshop: The Reuse & Repair Collective hosts a hands-on soldering workshop on the second Sunday of each month. Guests can bring their own soldering kits or purchase one with registration.
⏰ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
🌎 611 Beech St., San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Register online starting at $30
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 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
🌎 Otay Mesa Detention Center, 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154
Sept. 14
Noodles & Doodles: Gossip Grill hosts a sensory-friendly night featuring all-you-can-eat spaghetti, art supplies and an all-night happy hour every Monday. The event welcomes headphones and makes conversation optional. All-you-can-eat spaghetti costs $8, with add-ons for meatballs and garlic bread.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
🌎 Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Tijuana Watershed Speaker Series: Surfrider Foundation is hosting the latest event in its speaker series where with inewsource investigative journalist Philip Salat, who will share about his project focused on chronic illness in the Tijuana River Valley.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🎟️ Register online
Muévelo Monday: Local dancer Valerie Moreno hosts a free weekly dance social on Mondays behind the San Diego Mission Bay Resort.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🌎 San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Sept. 15
Make Your Own Stamp + Button: Por La Mano Press is leading a relief printing workshop, showing a way to share your personal message with the world through art, stickers, prints and buttons. This event is open to ages 10 and older; space is limited.
⏰ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
🌎 Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
🎟️ Message @porlamanopress on Instagram to register
Open Tables: DJ Loki and Tacos El Villasana host a weekly open-format DJ night at Mason Ale Works, welcoming vinyl and digital sets. Aspiring DJs can contact Loki to get on the list to play.
⏰ 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
🌎 Mason Ale Works, 2179 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Tuesday Roll: Black Skate San Diego hosts free roller-skating lessons at Liberty Station every Tuesday night. The lessons are beginner-friendly, and skates are available to rent.
⏰ 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m
🌎 Liberty Station, 2620 Truxtun Road, San Diego, CA 92106
Sept. 16
Mid-City CAN Networking Night: Mid-City CAN and the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System are hosting a community workshop and discussion about local transportation plans. Guests can provide input on transportation priorities and needs as MTS develops its Comprehensive Operational Analysis service plans. The event includes food, drinks and child care.
⏰ 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
🌎 Mid-City CAN, 4305 University Ave., Suite 640, San Diego, CA 92105
🎟️ RSVP online
Open Vinyl Night: DJ Loki hosts a weekly open-format vinyl night at Jaguar Paw. Contact Loki to get on the DJ list.
⏰ 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
🌎 Jaguar Paw, 2185 1/2 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
Contra Dance at Balboa Park: The Balboa Park International Folk Club is hosting Contra Dance at the Balboa Park Club. Beginner lessons start at 6:30 p.m. Parking at Balboa Park is free after 6 p.m.
⏰ Beginner lessons at 6:30 p.m, memorial dance starts at 7 p.m.
🌎 Balboa Park Club, 2150 Pan American W Road, San Diego, CA 92101
🎟️ Entry is on a sliding scale of $5 to $20
Current calls for applications
English for Parents: San Diego College of Continuing Education is hosting free English classes for parents covering listening, speaking, reading, writing, computer skills, and how to help kids with homework. Registration is available online or in-person at six locations. For a full list of participating campuses and addresses visit the San Diego College of Continuing Education website.
Día de Muertos en Barrio Logan: All for Logan is accepting vendor applications for the fourth annual Día de Muertos event. Applications are open to artists, makers, local businesses, food vendors, community organizations, and more. The deadline is Sept. 13 and you can apply on online.
