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 the enchanting return of Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden to the inaugural Salute to Paws 5K supporting our veterans, and the aromatic World Naan Festival, we’ve got the most exciting happenings around town this weekend.
If that’s not enough… there is plenty more below! Have a great weekend!
Top Concerts in San Diego This Week
From Latin pop powerhouse Becky G bringing her Mi Casa, Tu Casa Tour to Snapdragon Stadium to iconic ’80s legend Cyndi Lauper performing her timeless hits, the city is alive with amazing shows. Don’t miss rising country star Mason Ramsey, who’s bringing his signature twang to town. And for punk rock fans, Punk in the Park festival is taking over Snapdragon Stadium with a stellar lineup of alternative acts.
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!
Friday, November 15
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get Wild With Nature With Four Free Adventures
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, November 16
Wags and Miles Unite at San Diego’s Most Heartwarming 5K
This 5K and festival transforms shelter dogs into service animals for post-9/11 veterans. The morning starts with yoga, followed by the run, then continues with live music, a beer garden, and adoptable pups from Labs & More Rescue.
Border Art Comes Alive in This Exclusive Tijuana Tour
Discover a unique neighborhood adorned with James Hubbell’s artistic wonders, from a mosaic-filled playground to enchanting sculptures. Students from Colegio Esperanza showcase cultural dances, while Pacific Rim Park Entre Corazón y Mar offers breathtaking views of artistic mastery.
A World of Flavors Unfolds at the World Naan Festival
Savor countless naan varieties and watch culinary masters compete in epic flatbread showdowns at this food festival. Between bites of traditional and innovative creations, enjoy cultural performances and learn the art of naan-making from expert bakers.
‘Tis the Season to Shop and Give Back
Browse unique finds from local artisans while supporting food security initiatives at the Junior League’s festive market. With mulled wine, live music, and vendors offering everything from craft cocktail mixers to handmade jewelry, holiday shopping becomes a meaningful experience.
Punk Rock Paradise Hits San Diego With Punk in the Park
Join The Offspring, Pennywise, and more legendary bands for a day of face-melting music and craft beer tasting at Punk In The Park. We’re talking three hours of unlimited beer sampling, food trucks galore, and enough punk rock anthems to keep you moshing all day.
Melodies and Merlot Unite
Mainly Mozart’s new Sommelier Series pairs world-class concertmasters with expert wine curators at Fairbanks Ranch. Starting with Philadelphia Orchestra’s David Kim, each intimate evening blends wine tastings and appetizers with masterful chamber performances between sips.
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.
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.
Sunday, November 17
AAPI Pastry Stars Take Over East Village
Discover delectable creations from six talented AAPI pastry chefs at Cowboy Star’s bake sale. Each box features unique treats like ube coconut crumb doughnuts and Valrhona chocolate cannelés while supporting culinary scholarships and Pacific Arts Movement.
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.
Wave Hello to 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.
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.
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.
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!
