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!
We’ve got our weekend packed with creative vibes at Walk in ART in Hillcrest, festive shopping at The Barn Redefined’s Christmas Wonderland, and unique local gifts at the San Diego Made Holiday Market.
If that’s not enough… there is plenty more below! Have a great weekend!
Top Concerts in San Diego This Week
From pop’s rising queen to electronic beats and dark alt vibes, San Diego’s music scene is bringing the heat this week. Catch TikTok sensation turned global superstar Sabrina Carpenter bringing her “Short n’ Sweet Tour” to town, groove to Chantel Jefferies’ signature DJ sets, or dive into Kat Von D’s haunting piano-driven melodies.
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.
Watch a Movie With a View at Manchester Grand Hyatt
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero is rolling out the red carpet for a fall season that’s bound to be legendary. With over 160 films lined up through November 9, we’re in for a treat that’ll keep us entertained well into the chilly nights.
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 7
Walk in ART Brings Hillcrest’s Creative Side to Life
Between the interactive art stations, Cork and Stem’s wine offerings, and killer beats from DJ Le Goob and COPE, Walk in ART transforms Hillcrest’s Mural Alley into a creative wonderland. The Minty Rainbow Refresher cocktail with vodka and fresh mint makes the perfect companion for your artistic journey.
Santa’s Got Some Serious Competition in Carlsbad
An anonymous donor’s dazzling $100,000 toy spree at Geppetto’s Forum Carlsbad spreads holiday magic through Toys for Tots. With Marines leading the collection and Geppetto’s matching donations, locals can join this heartwarming tradition by bringing a toy for a chance at a gift card.
Lights Camera Action at the 2024 Coronado Island Film Festival
The Coronado Island Film Festival transforms the island into a cinematic paradise with Amazon’s “Unstoppable” starring Jennifer Lopez and Sundance favorite “A Real Pain” with Kieran Culkin.
Beer Week is Back and Better Than Ever
San Diego Beer Week returns with its signature Capital of Craft Beerfest, featuring 30+ local breweries, unlimited tastings, and live tunes from Los Tortugas. Beyond the fest, citywide events showcase why our 150+ breweries and 14 World Beer Cup medals make us beer paradise.
Spooky Soiree Takes Over Comic-Con Museum This November
Funko founder Frightmaker Mike hosts Comic-Con Museum’s fourth Mask-O-Raid, where Halloween meets Día de los Muertos in style. This sold-out sensation features rare Funko prototype raffles, exclusive signed Pop figures instead of candy, one-of-a-kind art pieces, and spine-tingling snacks—all while DJ Chino keeps the party haunted.
It’s Imaginarium’s Last Weekend in San Diego
A dazzling world of light and fantasy is about to turn our city into a glowing wonderland. Imaginarium, the all-ages light festival that’s captivated audiences across the country, is making its San Diego debut at Las Americas Premium Outlets.
Friday, November 8
Sails & Ales Returns With Epic Marina-Front Beer Bash
Kona Kai Resort’s waterfront party unites San Diego’s best breweries like Ballast Point, Stone, and Coronado with Mediterranean cuisine under the stars. Sails & Ales pairs pomegranate-braised short ribs and baklava with bay views, supporting Surfrider Foundation’s local ocean conservation efforts.
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.
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.
Art, Culture, and Magic Collide in the Gaslamp
EC Gallery’s three-day celebration showcases the nation’s most inspiring Native American artists, including Cara Romero’s striking photography and Jeremy Salazar’s vibrant portraits. Mix with creators while exploring contemporary artwork, designer accessories, and enjoying wine, craft beer, and live music.
Ambrogio by Acquerello’s Exclusive Truffle Tasting Dinner Returns
Michelin-starred Chef Salmoiraghi leads us through an exquisite six-course truffle extravaganza at Ambrogio by Acquerello. From truffle-crowned beef tartare to black cod in truffle-scented potato, each dish celebrates this prized ingredient. Adding the white truffle tagliolini pasta makes this feast even more decadent.
Get Wild With Nature This November
Nature Collective opens San Elijo Lagoon’s wonders with four free adventures. From family shell hunting with rangers to winter wildlife watching tours, visitors can explore where fresh meets salt water. Green thumbs can join restoration efforts while photographers capture migrating birds.
Vistal Hooks Up With Chula Seafood for Swordfish Feast
Starting with sunset cocktails, Vistal and Chula Seafood take us on an epic swordfish adventure. We’ll watch live as seafood experts break down a whole local catch, then dive into five innovative courses, from bone marrow gazpacho to swordfish al pastor and even eye ice cream.
Frontwave Arena to Host San Diego Clippers’ Epic Home Opener
Frontwave Arena debuts with the San Diego Clippers’ electric home opener, celebrating local hero Bill Walton. Electric Wasteband brings Grateful Dead vibes to Fan Fest while lucky fans score tie-dye shirts and pre-game court time before the Clippers battle Rip City Remix.
Saturday, November 9
The Barn Redefined’s Christmas Wonderland is Back
Poway’s beloved holiday haven sparkles with 26 themed Christmas trees, from woodsy “Under the Stars” to multicultural “Chrismukkah.” Inside the life-sized gingerbread barn, visitors discover a vintage candy shop trailer while spreading cheer through Anvil of Hope’s toy drive.
The Westgate Hotel’s Tea Time Gets a Wicked Good Makeover
The Westgate Hotel’s legendary high tea gets a magical Oz makeover with Wicked-inspired treats and themed cocktails. While a live-string quartet fills the Grand Lobby with beloved musical numbers, guests can indulge in enchanted scones, pastries, and savory bites worthy of both Glinda and Elphaba.
Hearts and Harvest Unite for Veterans Day
The Cardiff Farmers Market combines shopping and community service with their “Create Cards for Veterans” event. Visitors can explore fresh produce and artisanal treats while crafting personalized thank-you messages at the community card-making station. Friendly volunteers are on hand to help inspire creative messages for local veterans.
Get Groovy at San Diego Made’s Disco-fied Holiday Market
San Diego Made transforms NTC Park into a groovy shopping paradise with 130+ local artisans selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to unique home decor. Between the live bands, food trucks, and creative kids’ zones, this retro-themed market brings holiday shopping to life.
La Jolla’s Musical November Soars
La Jolla Music Society unleashes a genre-spanning feast: Sammy Miller’s joyful jazz, Hélène Grimaud’s piano mastery, and Encanto’s live singalong at the Balboa. Plus, catch rising stars Trio Bohémo and free outdoor concerts featuring mariachi and American classics.
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.
City Ballet Takes a Bite Out of Fall With ‘Dracula’
City Ballet of San Diego enchants us with a triple bill featuring Gonzalez’s spine-tingling “Dracula,” Balanchine’s elegant “Emeralds,” and Lopez Ochoa’s contemporary “Ecliptic.” Each piece brings its own musical magic, from Liszt’s haunting melodies to Fauré’s ethereal sounds and Einaudi’s enchanting compositions.
Sunday, November 10
Black Americana Makes Magic at Oceanside Museum
Former Disney animator Marshall Toomey brings his storytelling prowess to 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.
Birch Aquarium’s New Outdoor Adventure Bundles
It’s time to break out those water shoes and binoculars because Birch Aquarium is taking us on a wild ride beyond their tanks. They’re rolling out some seriously cool Outdoor Adventure Bundles this fall, and you won’t want to miss out on these aquatic escapades.
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.
See you there, San Diego!
