Skipping Comic-Con? There’s still plenty to do in San Diego July 24-28
From food and beverage tastings to art exhibit openings, here are some ways to enjoy your weekend away from downtown
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
It might be San Diego Comic-Con weekend, but that doesn’t mean every local wants to wade through the crowds of cosplayers downtown.
Whether you’re skipping the badge scene, or just looking for something low-key, here are some fun, off-the-radar events happening around the county. And if you are planning to dive head first into all things pop culture this weekend, make sure to check out our list of offsite Comic-Con events and pop-ups happening over the next few days.
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.
July 25
CreativeMornings: Head to the San Diego Made Factory to hear from guest speaker Kendrick Dial at CreativeMornings, a monthly breakfast lecture series that brings together artists, business owners and other creatives. Artistically known as Mr. Lyrical Groove, Dial fronts The Lyrical Groove, a band celebrated for its fusion of soul, hip-hop and socially conscious lyrics. The free monthly event includes time for networking, coffee and a 20-minute talk on the month’s theme: mentor. Register online for free. 8:15-10 a.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St, San Diego, CA 92113
Watch Night: Join the Block Club for its monthly watch night, where organizers screen television series and films. 6-9 p.m., 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Taste of Eastlake: Try foods from more than 40 local purveyors in Chula Vista during the Taste of Eastlake. The night includes a silent auction and live entertainment, with proceeds benefiting K-12 public schools. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased online. 6-9:30 p.m., Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Pkwy., Chula Vista, CA 91915
July 26
Kids’ Clothing Swap: She Fest is co-hosting a kids’ clothing swap with Water And Kindness in City Heights. Participants can bring gently used clothes of all sizes to swap, donate and take home. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fair@44, 4350 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92105
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 12 p.m., Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Sip of Julian: Stop by East County for a tour of tasting rooms featuring hard cider, wine, beer and craft cocktail tastes during the Sip of Julian. Each drink is paired with small bites, and guests can choose between a self-guided tour ($35) or upgrade to a shuttle ticket ($60). Distribution of maps and logo glasses starts at the Julian Chamber of Commerce at 10 a.m. Purchase tickets online. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Julian Chamber Of Commerce, 2129 Main St., Julian, CA 92036
Raw & Ripe: Chef Danielle C. Henry from Let’s Talk Food will make a stop on her “Raw and Ripe” cookbook tour at the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park. The evening will include a three-course meal and a tea ceremony with Egyptian Blue Lotus Flower, an herbal tea made from lily flower petals. Tickets start at $88 each and can be purchased online. 2:22-7 p.m., WorldBeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Art Share & Friendship Fair: BIPOC, queer and female creatives will showcase their work focused on art and expression as resistance during this National City event. Anyone interested in vending at the event can email dominiquexgil@gmail.com. 4-9 p.m., 926 A Ave., National City, CA 91950
the land we carry: The Viet Voices San Diego AAPI Emerging Artist Fellowship culminates in the art exhibit and performance "the land we carry." The event features works from C. Ryu, haven luya, Long Nguyen, and seh-reum. Casa Familiar partners with Viet Voices to host the event with support from the Prebys Foundation. Admission is free with RSVP. 4:30 to 8 p.m. at El Salon Theater at The Front Arte Cultura, 147 W San Ysidro Blvd, San Diego, CA 92173
Somewhere in Between: Visit the Quint Gallery in La Jolla for the opening reception of “Somewhere in Between,” an art exhibition curated by Mashonda Tifrere. The show features six artists — Taylor Chapin, Megan Gabrielle, Sasha Koozel Reibstein, Victor Ubah, Elizabeth Waggett and Nathan Wong — and will be open through Aug. 16. 6-8 p.m., Quint Gallery, 7722 Girard Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
Pride Karaoke + Open Mic: Join the Party for Socialism and Liberation San Diego chapter and the San Diego Liberation Center for a night of karaoke and live music. The night is a continued celebration of Pride and art as resistance. Snacks and beverages will be provided. 7-11 p.m., 810 L Ave., National City, CA 91950
July 27
Concerts on the Green: Stop by Kate Sessions Park this Sunday for Concerts on the Green, a free live music event hosted every Sunday until Aug. 10. This week, guests can listen to Paging the 90s, covering pre-Y2K favorites like Blink-182, the Spice Girls and Will Smith. 4-7 p.m., Kate Sessions Park, 5115 Soledad Rd., San Diego, CA 92109
July 28
Spreckels Organ Summer Festival: Visit the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park to enjoy a free, weekly organ concert each Monday until Sept. 1. This week, Korean American organist Ahreum Han performs a selection of music ranging from pieces by 15th and 16th century composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to 19th and 20th century composers Charles-Marie Widor and Guy Bovet. 7:30-9 p.m., 2125 Pan American E Rd, San Diego, CA 92101
