Transgender Day of Remembrance, a park cleanup and turkey giveaways: Things to do in San Diego Nov. 20-26

picture of ice plant growing on rocks next to a lagoon with the words "Weekend Energy Events Schedule: Nov. 20-26 2025"
Illustration and photo by Lauren J. Mapp/Daylight San Diego

Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey


This week, San Diegans can attend a children’s focused farmers market event in downtown San Diego, a community workshop from the San Diego Black Panthers Party and a cleanup event in Balboa Park. We’ve also compiled a roundup of food distribution events throughout the county.

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.

Nov. 20

Winter Solstice Baja Donation Drive: Tipey Joa Native Warriors is collecting items for its annual winter donation drive. Donations will be delivered to Indigenous communities in Baja California. Requested items include canned food, cooking oil, new and unopened toys and games, gift sets and Visa gift cards. Drop off through Dec. 15. Thursdays through Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m., Kosay Kumeyaay Market, 85472 Calhoun St., San Diego, CA 92110

Transgender Day of Remembrance (North County): TransFamily Support Services and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center is holding a vigil for trans and gender expansive people who lost their lives to violence in the past year. There will be food, a presentation and a candlelight vigil. 5 - 8 p.m., Oceanside Library Community Rooms, 330 N Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054

Transgender Day of Remembrance (Hillcrest): The San Diego LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest is hosting a free event to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance. The evening includes a candlelight vigil, performances, food, keynote speech and community resources. 6 - 8 p.m., The Center Auditorium, 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103

Transgender Day of Remembrance (ASL): Queer Access is hosting a virtual gathering to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance for American Sign Language users. Email nuestronidosd@proton.me to RSVP. 7 - 8 p.m., Virtual

RISE Art Talks : RISE San Diego is hosting a talk called “The Art of Healing: Storytelling as Wellness.” The conversation will feature Thelma Virata de Castro, Yvette Roman, Shugri Salh and moderator Ramel Wallace. The event is free and the location will be provided after registration. 6 p.m., City Heights, San Diego, CA

Poetry Book Club: Burn All Books is hosting a poetry book club to discuss "Algarabia" by Roque Raquel Salas Rivera. Reading the book is not required but recommended to participate in the conversation. 6 p.m., 3131 Adams Ave., San Diego, CA 92116

Nov. 21

Chollas Creek Cleanup: The Urban Collaborative Project and San Diego Canyonlands are hosting a stewardship event in Chollas Creekside Park to clean, plant and learn about local plant species. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Chollas Creekside Park, 608 51st St., San Diego, CA 92114

Children’s Day at the Market: Park Takeover is hosting games, crafts and other activities during the Marina District Farmers Market in front of the New Children's Museum. 3 - 7 p.m., 210 W Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

ICE Protest: Activists are gathering in City Heights to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement sightings in San Diego. 4 p.m., 4365 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105

Global Marketplace Opening: The AjA Project, Karen Organization of SD and PANA are hosting a soft opening of “The Fridge” Art Space and Global Marketplace. Art installations will be installed both inside and outside the space, while the marketplace provides a space for small businesses led by refugees and immigrants. 4 - 6 p.m., 5591 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105

Meet Miss Kumeyaay Nation: The Sycuan Tribal Hall is hosting a potluck honoring the newly crowned Miss Kumeyaay Nation, Jadalyn Pham. The evening will include Kumeyaay bingo with prizes, bird singing and dancing, and guests are asked to bring a dish to share. Call Harmony Sweetgrass to RSVP at 619-922-8568. 5 - 8:30 p.m., Sycuan Tribal Hall, 3 Kywaapaay Court, El Cajon, CA 92019

Vegan Friendsgiving: Break Bread is hosting a vegan, soul food Thanksgiving buffet at the San Diego Made Factory. Dinner is provided by The Remix, with music by DJ Almond Eyez. Dinner costs $30 for buffet punchards or $20 for a to-go plate. 6 - 9 p.m., San Diego Made Factory, 2031 Commercial St., San Diego, CA 92113

Nov. 22

Balboa Park Cleanup: Forever Balboa Park is leading a community cleanup throughout the park. 9 - 11 a.m., Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Fall Legislative Update, Health Fair & Turkey Giveaway: California State Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) is hosting a health fair with a turkey giveaway and legislative update in the back of Madison High School. Guests can receive one turkey per household on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Back of Madison High School, 4858 Mount Abernathy Ave., San Diego, CA 92117

Children’s Day at the Market: Park Takeover is hosting games, crafts and other activities during the City Heights Farmers Market. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 4325 Wightman St., San Diego, CA 92105

Community Workshop for Empowerment: The San Diego Black Panthers, Asian Solidarity Collective and Vision Culture Foundation are hosting a free teach-in. Topics covered during the workshop will include Know Your Rights, performative resistance, shared leadership, and navigating resistance, resilience and mental health. 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Vision Culture Foundation, 2440 Highland Ave., National City, CA 91950

Nov. 23

South Park Shop Local: Artisans at a monthly makers market will offer crafted items like candles, planters and jewelry at Wicked Fit in South Park. 12 - 3 p.m., 1504 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102

Nov. 24

Thanksgiving Camp: Chula Vista is hosting a three-day camp for kids ages 5 through 12 to participate in crafts, games, sports and more. The camp will be held at four community centers throughout the city: Loma Verde, Montevalle, Parkway and Veterans Park. Register online. Nov. 14-26

Nov. 25

South Bay Friendsgiving: The South Bay Youth Center is hosting a Thanksgiving feast in Chula Vista as a space for the community to come together in appreciation and food. The event is open to ages 10-24. RSVP here. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., 1180 Third Ave. C1, Chula Vista, CA 91911

Artist Book Workshop: Artist Damariz Aispuro is offering a free workshop at The FRONT Gallery that will guide participants in creating artist books. The workshop includes materials needed. People interested in attending should email alejandrar@casafamiliar.org to reserve a spot. 5 - 8 p.m. at The FRONT Gallery, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173

Nov. 26

Hillcrest Friendsgiving: The Hillcrest Youth Center is hosting a Thanksgiving feast as a space for the community to come together in appreciation and food. The event is open to ages 10-24. RSVP here. 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., 514 Pennsylvania Ave., San Diego, CA 92103