Celebrate San Diego’s Young Artists at the VAPA Foundation’s Beyond Brilliance Gala

San Diego’s brightest young artists are taking center stage at Beyond Brilliance—the VAPA Foundation’s annual spotlight benefit at the gorgeous Epstein Family Amphitheater at UC San Diego.

Now in its sixth year, this vibrant evening is more than a showcase—it’s a joyful, high-energy celebration of arts education across San Diego Unified schools.

It’s a dazzling lineup of student performances in dance, mariachi, musical theater, and a full award-winning orchestra—all set beneath the stars in one of San Diego’s newest open-air venues.

What To Expect

VIP Champagne Reception
Kick off the evening with bubbles and a Broadway-style performance during an exclusive pre-show experience.

Main Event & Performances
Enjoy bites, cocktails, and a stunning lineup of musical moments, including:

  • Mira Mesa High School Orchestra
  • CPMA Jazz Ensemble
  • Bell Middle School Mariachi
  • Selections from Gypsy by Scripps Ranch High School
  • Student visual art displays from around San Diego

Stick around after the show for dessert, coffee, and more music under the night sky.

Support the Arts—And the Artists of Tomorrow

Beyond Brilliance benefit is also a major fundraiser supporting arts access and equity in local public schools. Your ticket directly supports programs that make creativity and self-expression possible for students across San Diego.

See you there!

Don’t miss this special evening filled with creativity, inspiration, and community as we celebrate the next generation of San Diego’s brightest young artists.

📅 May 10, 2025 | 6 PM
🎟️ Tickets start at $250 | Get yours here
📍 9500 Gilman Drive, UC San Diego
✨ Dress Code: Bold, colorful, and creative—just like the students you’re supporting

See you there, San Diego!

Share This Event
Event Details
  • Start Date
    May 10, 2025 6:00 pm
  • End Date
    May 10, 2025 9:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Epstein Family Amphitheater
  • Address
    9598 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA
  • Tickets
Event Map
The Latest
things to do in san diego this weekend
Check out this week’s Things to Do in San Diego this weekend and make your plans! Celebrate the Fourth of July with spectacular fireworks, festive...
top concerts in san diego this week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! Catch Grammy-winning R&B star Leon Thomas, experience Rosalía’s spectacular Lux Tour 2026, or celebrate America’s...
Juan Jasper in San Diego's Golden Hill neighborhood
The Craving is ThereSanDiego's weekly guide to what's worth eating and drinking in San Diego right now. Every Tuesday, we surface new restaurant openings, standout happy hours, limited-time menu specials, and upcoming food events across the city - so you know what's happening before everyone else does.
San Diego County Fair fireworks
July is packed with reasons to get out and explore San Diego! Celebrate Independence Day with spectacular fireworks, festive food and drink specials, and patriotic...
LITVAKdance Dancing Outdoors Take 4
Experience the magic of LITVAKdance Dancing Outdoors with a stunning variety of dance performances and live music in Encinitas.
Daybreaker Let's Be Friends event at Progress Park
If your Fourth of July plans involve standing in a crowd waiting for fireworks, we have a better idea. Daybreaker is coming to Progress Park...
Event Details
  • Start Date
    May 10, 2025 6:00 pm
  • End Date
    May 10, 2025 9:00 pm
  • Status
    All done
  • Location
  • Venue
    • Epstein Family Amphitheater
  • Address
    9598 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA
  • Tickets
Upcoming Events
Bird's Eye View of Mission Bayfest
October 16, 2026
3:00 pm
  • Mariners Point
Mission Bayfest is heading back to the waterfront this fall, bringing three days of reggae, rock, and SoCal vibes to Mariner’s Point Park along the...
La Mesa Oktoberfest
October 2, 2026
4:00 pm
  • La Mesa Village
Join the fun at La Mesa Oktoberfest! Enjoy live entertainment, games, and great food in San Diego's biggest German celebration.
Fourth annual Punches in the Piazza at Piazza della Famiglia
September 11, 2026
6:00 pm
  • Piazza della Famiglia
The fourth annual Punches in the Piazza returns to Little Italy’s Piazza della Famiglia for an evening that blends amateur boxing, community connection, and meaningful...
Tori Amos San Diego
August 26, 2026
7:30 pm
  • San Diego Civic Theatre
There are artists who put on a show, and then there’s Tori Amos – a force of nature who turns every performance into something genuinely...
August 14, 2026
6:00 pm
  • USS Midway Museum
Shelter to Soldier’s largest fundraiser of the year returns to one of San Diego’s most iconic venues – the Flight Deck of the USS Midway...
Event Search: