The Big List of Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
Check out this week’s Big List of Things To Do in San Diego this weekend and make your plans!
From a mind-bending cocktail journey and a steamy ramen feast to SDMA’s vibrant cultural celebration, we’ve got your weekend covered. Whether you’re craving sensory adventures, slurping authentic Japanese noodles, or vibing to global beats, San Diego’s serving up unforgettable experiences.
If that’s not enough… there is plenty more below! Have a great weekend!
Top Concerts in San Diego This Week
Our concert scene is on fire this week, featuring hip-hop sensation Latto bringing her fierce rhymes, LA’s smooth R&B/rap star BLXST delivering his chart-topping hits, punk veterans Rise Against rocking the stage, and the farewell tour of ska-punk legends Sublime with Rome.
The Craving
The Craving is your source for the latest menu updates, new cocktail programs, happy hours, and special offers from San Diego’s best restaurants and bars.
Make Plans for Thanksgiving!
Whether you’re craving a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, exploring innovative takes on classic dishes at some of San Diego’s finest restaurants, or opting for a delicious meal to-go, these venues have something for everyone this Thanksgiving.
Movie Magic Goes Merry at Rooftop Cinema Club
The most wonderful time of the year gets even better as Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero transforms into a festive outdoor movie paradise. Perched atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt, this skyline cinema is rolling out an epic lineup of holiday films that’ll make your season absolutely magical.
9 Ways to Celebrate Fall in San Diego
There is NO bad time to live in San Diego, but if we have to pick a favorite time of year, fall tops our list! After a long, hot summer, it feels great to get that subtle shift in weather that reminds you that we do actually have some sort of seasons here (shhhhh…our little secret to keep the East Coasters away!).
Calling All Pie Lovers
We’ve munched our way through San Diego’s most incredible Thanksgiving pies to bring you the sweetest insider scoop. From buttery crusts to perfectly spiced fillings, these local bakeries are whipping up holiday magic that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds. Make your orders today!
Thursday, November 21
Experience A Mind-Altering Mixology Adventure
Embark on a 90-minute sensory exploration that transforms traditional cocktail tasting into an immersive art experience. This innovative event guides you through three uniquely themed spaces, each featuring custom-crafted cocktails designed to engage multiple senses. Non-alcoholic versions ensure everyone can enjoy the multisensory journey.
Get Ready for San Diego’s Ultimate Noodle Night
Dive into steaming bowls of authentic ramen while immersing in Japanese culture at San Diego’s biggest noodle celebration. This slurp-worthy festival serves up handcrafted broths alongside live entertainment, local art, and a vibrant beer garden featuring premium sake.
Pacific Dreams Merge Art and Science
Oceanside Museum of Art and Birch Aquarium unite for an oceanic culture splash. OMA’s “Transformative Currents” features 21 international artists exploring Pacific heritage, while Birch’s “Embodied Pacific” reveals underwater mysteries through artistic collaboration with Scripps scientists.
Garden Glows With Global Light Show
San Diego Botanic Garden’s Lightscape transforms 37 acres into an illuminated wonderland, featuring new artistic installations alongside fan favorites. International artists create glowing California poppies and light tunnels along a mile-long trail, while seasonal treats sweeten the magical stroll.
Local Artists Honor Hubbell’s Legacy at Union Hall Gallery
Discover over 40 original works from the 2024 Visiting Artist Fellows and James Hubbell at Union Hall Gallery. From plein air paintings to architectural photography and poetry, each piece captures the magic of Hubbell’s Ilan-Lael home through diverse artistic voices.
SeaWorld’s Holiday Magic Makes a Splash This Winter
San Diego’s ultimate winter wonderland transforms SeaWorld with Winston the Walrus’ new holiday show, real reindeer visits, and nightly snowfall under the 320-foot SkyTower Christmas tree. Between dazzling light tunnels and festive treats, even Rudolph’s made this bayside celebration home.
Friday, November 22
Kick Off Your Weekends With Nat at Night
Discover a different side of the Natural History Museum with trivia challenges, rooftop sunsets, and craft cocktails. The evening includes all museum floors, tasty bites from The Craft Taco, and the grand opening of the Gold Leaf store with DJ tunes.
Experience A Moving Night Of Border Stories & Music
This groundbreaking event pairs Border Angels’ powerful documentary celebrating 30 years of humanitarian work with “Tres minutos,” a chamber opera inspired by real family reunions. The evening showcases life-saving desert missions and emotional border stories through film and live performance.
Pine Valley’s Holiday Haven
Camp Christmas transforms Pine Valley into a twinkling alpine spectacle with hundreds of thousands of synchronized lights, hourly water shows, and endless family fun. From winter hayrides and laser tag to BBQ feasts and s’mores under starlit pines, this mountaintop wonderland brings North Pole magic to San Diego.
Join The Ultimate Holiday Baby Gear Drive
We’re rallying the San Diego community for DBC’s second annual holiday drive that’s spreading double the joy. Our donations of gently used baby items and new essentials will support both Ronald McDonald House Charities and Birthline of San Diego County, making a real difference for local families in need.
Take A Journey Through San Diego’s Hidden Wild Side
This breathtaking 40-minute documentary reveals our city as America’s most biodiverse urban landscape. From acrobatic grebes at Lake Hodges to glowing grunion runs along Pacific Beach, see how local wildlife thrives alongside urban life in unexpected and extraordinary ways.
Saturday, November 23
Dive Into Ocean-Inspired Art Workshops At OMA
Artists Marcos Lutyens and Ana Andrade guide participants through innovative ocean-themed workshops combining meditation, clay work, scientific exploration, and collaborative mapping. These unique creative sessions, offered free with museum admission, complement the Transformative Currents exhibition.
Get Your Zen on at The Rady Shell With Free Bootcamp Yoga
Fitness enthusiasts can experience a unique blend of strength and serenity as Bootcamp Yoga comes to The Rady Shell. Led by instructor Viktoria Talbot, this complimentary waterfront session combines dynamic movement with breathtaking bay views. Participants must register in advance and bring their own mats.
Our Favorite PB Marketplace is Having an Epic Birthday Bash!
Local artisan marketplace Pangaea Outpost marks two decades of supporting Pacific Beach entrepreneurs with an epic celebration. Live music from The Adorables, delectable treats from Batch, exclusive deals, prize wheels, and commemorative totes create a festive shopping experience.
Join A Free Cultural Celebration At SDMA
The museum steps transform into a vibrant festival celebrating Islamic art and culture. Experience diverse performances from DJ David Castillo, Middle Earth Ensemble, and hip-hop artist Felukah while enjoying interactive art activities and exploring the Wonders of Creation exhibition’s ancient treasures.
Come Dance After Dark in PB
Union Kitchen & Tap evolves into Union After Dark with themed Saturday parties from throwback hip-hop to vinyl nights. Between emo singalongs and pop celebrations, innovative cocktails like guava-lavender California Soul and spicy Mr. Roboto fuel the dance floor.
Experience A Historic Night Of Jazz Diva Tributes
Musical luminaries Jane Monheit, Champian Fulton, and Sherry Williams honor the legendary voices of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan. Backed by an all-star band, these powerhouse vocalists bring timeless jazz to the newly renovated Jacobs Music Center.
Sunday, November 24
Oceanside’s Newest Artistic Splash
Get swept away by Jonny Pucci’s massive three-story mural at the Oceanside Transit Center. Spanish tile patterns, jumping tuna schools, and a towering 30-foot wave blend together to honor the city’s rich transit and maritime history.
Your November Arts Adventure Awaits at Liberty Station
San Diego‘s creative hub is lighting up this November with a lineup that’ll make art lovers, craft enthusiasts, and culture seekers feel like kids in a candy store. ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station is rolling out everything from hands-on workshops to mesmerizing dance performances and, yes, even some holiday magic on ice.
Coastal Christmas Lights Up Belmont
Winter Wonder returns to Mission Beach with a million twinkling lights transforming Belmont Park into a festive boardwalk paradise. Between Peppermint Putt Putt, holiday-themed escapes, and Miracle at Draft’s charitable cocktails, beach vibes meet winter cheer.
Black Americana Makes Magic at Oceanside Museum
Former Disney animator Marshall Toomey brings his storytelling prowess to the Oceanside Museum of Art. His vibrant collection captures everyday Black American life with the same enchanting energy that brought Aladdin and The Lion King to life, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
See you there, San Diego!
