Events for the Week of: 7-13 September 2026, from Discussions, Talks, Panels & Forums category
Saturday, September 12
Local Cross-Cultural Events
September 2026
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7:00 PM -
Stage: Topdog/Underdog
7:00 PM -
Film: Ristretto Shorts Night
7:30 PM -
Book Talk: Fallen for France
* Upcoming Events *
Thursday, September 10
| 7:30 PM | Stage: The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The new PHANTOM OF THE OPERA North American tour comes to the Civic Theatre in San Diego September 2-13, 2026 Now entering its 40th year in London’s West End, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has become a global phenomenon, with productions playing to 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and in 23 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose extraordinary voice enchants a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom. A brilliant yet tormented musical genius, The Phantom dwells in the depths of the Paris Opera House, casting fear over all who inhabit it. Drawn to Christine’s sensational talent, The Phantom becomes her mentor, believing she alone can truly bring his music to life, and as he guides her from the shadows, he falls deeply and dangerously in love. When Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, now the young patron of the Opera House, she has to wrestle with the unpredictable nature of a powerful love triangle. The Phantom’s obsession with his new star sets off a dramatic turn of events where devotion, jealousy and passions collide.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| 8:00 PM | Music: Zoé Zoé is a Grammy Award and Latin Grammy Award-winning Mexican rock band. It was initially formed in Cuernavaca, Mexico in 1994, although membership started to stabilize in 1997.
Viejas Arena |
Friday, September 11
| 7:00 PM | Music: Daneen Wilburn In 2026, the Intersections Concert Series explores Soundscapes of Identity and Connection, bringing audiences together through music, culture, heritage, and storytelling. The season explores how music connects generations and communities across cultures, geography, and time. The season opens with Daneen Wilburn, one of San Diego’s most compelling vocalists, in Songs of Grace and Resilience. Known for her powerful voice and deeply personal performances, Wilburn blends gospel, jazz, blues, and soul with heartfelt storytelling and spiritual expression. Raised in a musical family and performing since childhood, Wilburn gained national attention singing alongside legendary gospel artists at the Hollywood Bowl before stepping away from music to raise her family. Her return to the stage has established her as a celebrated San Diego artist. Her acclaimed a cappella performance of Amazing Grace at Tony Gwynn’s memorial at Petco Park, attended by more than 25,000 people, remains one of the city’s most memorable musical moments. Wilburn will be joined by Grammy Award-winning producer, composer, educator, and UC San Diego Teaching Professor Kamau Kenyatta, who will moderate conversations throughout the evening. As the producer of Wilburn’s debut recording and a longtime collaborator, Kenyatta offers insight into the musical traditions, experiences, and influences behind her artistry. Together, Wilburn and Kenyatta create an evening that combines live music and conversation, inviting audiences to experience music as memory, testimony, and shared humanity. Songs of Grace and Resilience opens the Intersections season with a powerful celebration of identity, heritage, resilience, and the ability of music to bring communities together.
UC San Diego Park & Market |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The new PHANTOM OF THE OPERA North American tour comes to the Civic Theatre in San Diego September 2-13, 2026 Now entering its 40th year in London’s West End, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has become a global phenomenon, with productions playing to 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and in 23 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose extraordinary voice enchants a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom. A brilliant yet tormented musical genius, The Phantom dwells in the depths of the Paris Opera House, casting fear over all who inhabit it. Drawn to Christine’s sensational talent, The Phantom becomes her mentor, believing she alone can truly bring his music to life, and as he guides her from the shadows, he falls deeply and dangerously in love. When Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, now the young patron of the Opera House, she has to wrestle with the unpredictable nature of a powerful love triangle. The Phantom’s obsession with his new star sets off a dramatic turn of events where devotion, jealousy and passions collide.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| 8:15 PM | Music: Wave to Earth Wave to Earth is a South Korean indie rock band that consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Daniel Kim, drummer Dong Q, and bassist John Cha.
Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater |
Saturday, September 12
| 10:00 AM | Talk: The UAE and the New Middle East The Middle East is undergoing one of the most significant geopolitical transformations in decades, shaped by regional conflicts, shifting alliances, and the emergence of a more multipolar world. At the center of these changes is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a nation that has emerged as one of the region's most influential middle powers through its economic strength, diplomatic engagement, and increasingly independent foreign policy. This program explores how Abu Dhabi is navigating evolving relationships with the United States, China, India, Russia, and its Gulf neighbors while balancing competing strategic interests. From the Abraham Accords to its evolving role in regional security and energy policy, the UAE has demonstrated a pragmatic approach that reflects both growing geopolitical ambition and a desire for greater strategic autonomy. Join us as we examine how the UAE is shaping the future of the Gulf and the broader Middle East—and what its evolving role means for regional stability, global power competition, and the future of international diplomacy.
UCSD Division of Extended Studies |
| Food: Kimchi Workshop Kimchi is Korean fermented vegetables. It’s usually spicy, but there are many ways to make it! We will explore some of them and share a “flight” of prepared kimchi flavors to inspire you! - LEARN: We’ll explain fermentation and have a brief discussion about the benefits of making and eating fermenting foods, and the history and different styles of kimchi - DEMO: We’ll show you how easy it is to start making fermented foods yourself at home! We’ll demo some simple seasonal fermented recipes which are loaded with healthy “probiotic” bacteria - TASTE: We’ll have a variety of fermented kimchi styles to sample - MAKE IT YOURSELF: Roll up your sleeves and make your very own batch of spicy kimchi to take home and ferment
Fox Point Farms |
| Cardiff Greek Festival Experience the lively spirit of Greek culture at the Cardiff Greek Festival in San Diego, where the community gathers at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for a weekend of authentic food, traditional music, and spirited dancing. Children under 12, as well as first responders, veterans, and active military with ID, enjoy free admission. Please note that only credentialed service dogs are permitted on the festival grounds in accordance with county health regulations.
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church |
| 11:00 AM | AXIS Mexican Independence Day The Mexican Independence Day Celebration at the Old Globe is Saturday, Sept.12, 2026 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Visitors are welcomed onto our campus to attend our fun and festive AXIS events which are designed for the whole family. AXIS is a free, outdoor, multi-generational program that celebrates the cultural diversity of San Diego by inviting local artists and craftspeople to share their cultural traditions and heritage on the Globe’s Copley Plaza. Performances feature, dance, music, workshops, crafts and so much more.
The Old Globe |
| NOON | Dance: Harvest Festival Weekend The International Dance Association of San Diego County presents a weekend of international folk dancing, live music, dance lessons, dance parties, a potluck dinner, and a flea market for dancers and musicians.
Saturday:
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Flea Market for Dancers & Musicians
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Scandinavian & Waltz Dance Party
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Hungarian & Transylvanian Táncház with teaching circles
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Potluck Dinner
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM - Contra Dance with live music by Dan Sankey and Travis Oliver, with Martha Wild calling
Sunday:
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Flea Market for Dancers & Musicians
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Beginner Folk Dance Lessons for all ages
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Folk Dance Party with live music by Tzidia
Balboa Park Club |
| 1:00 PM | Exhibit: Chrome and Candy Dreams For generations, communities have demonstrated that the most effective responses to violence are often not through criminalization, but in the relationships and cultural practices that help the youth dream of a better future. Lowrider bikes are often the first vehicle through which youth express their individuality, cultural pride, and sense of belonging. Each bike carries with it the legacy of those who built, rode, and shared it, embodying the values that continue to sustain lowrider culture today. This exhibition brings together a display of lowrider bikes, contemporary artists, photographers, and special contributions of archival photo collections from local San Diego bike club chapters. Chrome and "Candy Dreams" honors the living heritage of the lowrider bike as a powerful rite of passage for generations of youth.
Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The new PHANTOM OF THE OPERA North American tour comes to the Civic Theatre in San Diego September 2-13, 2026 Now entering its 40th year in London’s West End, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has become a global phenomenon, with productions playing to 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and in 23 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose extraordinary voice enchants a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom. A brilliant yet tormented musical genius, The Phantom dwells in the depths of the Paris Opera House, casting fear over all who inhabit it. Drawn to Christine’s sensational talent, The Phantom becomes her mentor, believing she alone can truly bring his music to life, and as he guides her from the shadows, he falls deeply and dangerously in love. When Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, now the young patron of the Opera House, she has to wrestle with the unpredictable nature of a powerful love triangle. The Phantom’s obsession with his new star sets off a dramatic turn of events where devotion, jealousy and passions collide.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| Music: Máirtín de Cógáin Duo Máirtín de Cógáin, an Irish bodhrán player and a captivating storyteller, teams up with fiddler and guitarist Pete Polanski to perform an engaging set of ballads and reels.
La Mesa Public Library |
| 5:00 PM | Exhibit: Blood Memory Blood Memory is a major exhibition that examines how ancestral knowledge and cultural memory continue to shape the present through contemporary art practices. The exhibition centers the work of regional artists from Native nations and Indigenous communities who consider how ancestral knowledge and lived experience are passed on across generations. Through installation, painting, sculpture, film, photography, fashion, and design, the exhibition presents inheritance as an active and sometimes unsettled process. Histories may be preserved, questioned, reclaimed, or understood anew. The exhibition takes its title from a term developed across the writing of Kiowa author N. Scott Momaday. In his work, memory can extend beyond the limits of an individual life. It may emerge in an intuitive recognition of place, in an ancestral story felt with the force of personal memory, or through relationships sustained by language, oral tradition, imagination, and land. The artists in Blood Memory direct attention toward these forms of inheritance, and investigate how the past remains present in the body, in materials and images, and in the choices artists make now.
California Center for the Arts |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The new PHANTOM OF THE OPERA North American tour comes to the Civic Theatre in San Diego September 2-13, 2026 Now entering its 40th year in London’s West End, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has become a global phenomenon, with productions playing to 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and in 23 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose extraordinary voice enchants a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom. A brilliant yet tormented musical genius, The Phantom dwells in the depths of the Paris Opera House, casting fear over all who inhabit it. Drawn to Christine’s sensational talent, The Phantom becomes her mentor, believing she alone can truly bring his music to life, and as he guides her from the shadows, he falls deeply and dangerously in love. When Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, now the young patron of the Opera House, she has to wrestle with the unpredictable nature of a powerful love triangle. The Phantom’s obsession with his new star sets off a dramatic turn of events where devotion, jealousy and passions collide.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
Sunday, September 13
| 11:00 AM | Cardiff Greek Festival Experience the lively spirit of Greek culture at the Cardiff Greek Festival in San Diego, where the community gathers at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for a weekend of authentic food, traditional music, and spirited dancing. Children under 12, as well as first responders, veterans, and active military with ID, enjoy free admission. Please note that only credentialed service dogs are permitted on the festival grounds in accordance with county health regulations.
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church |
| House of Lebanon Lawn Program Each year, House of Lebanon San Diego hosts its annual Lawn Program in Balboa Park. Entertainment is provided by a variety of folk dance groups performing traditional Lebanese dances in regional attire. In addition to folkloric performances, local Lebanese artists present traditional music, songs, and poetry that reflect Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage. House of Lebanon San Diego offers a wide selection of traditional Lebanese meza, including hummus, tabouli, spinach pies, kibbeh, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, moussakaa, kafta, and chicken and lamb shawarma. A variety of desserts and beverages are also served, including baklava, sfouf, namoura, Arabic lemonade, and jalab.
International Cottages |
| NOON | Dance: Harvest Festival Weekend The International Dance Association of San Diego County presents a weekend of international folk dancing, live music, dance lessons, dance parties, a potluck dinner, and a flea market for dancers and musicians.
Saturday:
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Flea Market for Dancers & Musicians
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Scandinavian & Waltz Dance Party
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Hungarian & Transylvanian Táncház with teaching circles
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Potluck Dinner
6:30 PM to 9:30 PM - Contra Dance with live music by Dan Sankey and Travis Oliver, with Martha Wild calling
Sunday:
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Flea Market for Dancers & Musicians
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Beginner Folk Dance Lessons for all ages
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Folk Dance Party with live music by Tzidia
Balboa Park Club |
| 1:00 PM | Stage: The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The new PHANTOM OF THE OPERA North American tour comes to the Civic Theatre in San Diego September 2-13, 2026 Now entering its 40th year in London’s West End, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has become a global phenomenon, with productions playing to 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and in 23 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose extraordinary voice enchants a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom. A brilliant yet tormented musical genius, The Phantom dwells in the depths of the Paris Opera House, casting fear over all who inhabit it. Drawn to Christine’s sensational talent, The Phantom becomes her mentor, believing she alone can truly bring his music to life, and as he guides her from the shadows, he falls deeply and dangerously in love. When Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, now the young patron of the Opera House, she has to wrestle with the unpredictable nature of a powerful love triangle. The Phantom’s obsession with his new star sets off a dramatic turn of events where devotion, jealousy and passions collide.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| 4:00 PM | Chula Vista El Grito Join me and thousands of community members for one of Chula Vista’s most anticipated traditions as we celebrate Mexican Independence Day at our annual El Grito celebration! Enjoy an incredible evening featuring live performances, traditional mariachi, vibrant folklórico dancers, delicious food, a craft market, and a celebration of the rich traditions and culture of Mexico. Don’t miss the exciting El Grito ceremony, featuring a traditional Banda de Guerra, as we come together to honor Mexico’s history and celebrate our vibrant community. Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate with us. I can’t wait to see you there for an evening filled with culture, music, pride, and unforgettable memories!
Memorial Park |
| 6:30 PM | Stage: The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom is back to thrill audiences once again! Cameron Mackintosh presents a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, featuring Maria Björnson’s brilliant original design and based on the celebrated direction of Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The new PHANTOM OF THE OPERA North American tour comes to the Civic Theatre in San Diego September 2-13, 2026 Now entering its 40th year in London’s West End, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals. Since 1986, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has become a global phenomenon, with productions playing to 160 million people in 217 cities, 52 territories and in 23 languages. Lloyd Webber’s celebrated romantic and soaring score includes “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song. PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose extraordinary voice enchants a mysterious masked figure known as The Phantom. A brilliant yet tormented musical genius, The Phantom dwells in the depths of the Paris Opera House, casting fear over all who inhabit it. Drawn to Christine’s sensational talent, The Phantom becomes her mentor, believing she alone can truly bring his music to life, and as he guides her from the shadows, he falls deeply and dangerously in love. When Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Raoul, now the young patron of the Opera House, she has to wrestle with the unpredictable nature of a powerful love triangle. The Phantom’s obsession with his new star sets off a dramatic turn of events where devotion, jealousy and passions collide.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
Monday, September 14
| 7:30 PM | Music: Black Uhuru Derrick “Duckie” Simpson the “Gong Gong Gullie” is the founder and leader for reggae’s BLACK UHURU. Although going through numerous lead singers and musicians they have remained to be one of the most recognized and prolific reggae band for over 45 years. The Group’s line up is Duckie Simpson, Andrew Bees, and Elsa Green. The roots of BLACK UHURU were formed in Kingston Jamaica’s Waterhouse district also known as “Firehouse” in the early 60′s. Though considered to be one of Jamaica’s toughest neighbourhoods it’s home to several other reggae singers and musicians. It was where Duckie Simpson grew up and learned to sing from boyhood friends Winston “Pipe” Matthews and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald of Wailing Souls and Bob Marley. He recorded four tracks with Wailing Souls before forming his own group.
Belly Up |
Tuesday, September 15
| 4:00 PM | Talk: After Japan’s Landslide Election In Japan’s 2026 general election, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi led the LDP to the largest single-party majority of the postwar era. The victory was buoyed both by Takaichi’s personal popularity and by deep disarray among the opposition parties. How much political and policy leverage does this mandate give her—and where are its limits? This Zoominar examines the sources and durability of Takaichi’s appeal, the prospects for opposition recovery, and her ability to advance an ambitious agenda spanning economic policy, constitutional revision and national defense.
Online |
| 5:30 PM | Film: We Like It Like That We Like It Like That tells the story of Latin boogaloo, a colorful expression of 1960s New York City Latino soul. From its origins to its recent resurgence, it's the story of a sound that redefined a generation and was too funky to keep down. Latin boogaloo fused R&B, doo-wop, and soul with mambo and other Caribbean styles and polyrhythms, creating a vibrant sound that originated on the streets of New York and went on to move hips all around the world. Reflective of the civil-rights struggles happening at the time, Latin boogaloo musicians openly challenged the powers that be and buttoned-up record labels. it's a fascinating piece of musical history told through rare concert footage and visits to the old neighborhood with living legends Johnny Colon, Bobby Marin, and Joe Bataan.
Central Library |
| 6:00 PM | Alebrijes Axolotl Art Workshop Join us and instructor Miss Claudia from Art Smarts for drawing and painting an Alebrijes Axolotl using different mediums as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! A fun, exciting one hour art class for ages 5 - 17.
San Ysidro Library |
| 7:00 PM | Music: El Grito Join Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts for an evening honoring Mexican culture, heritage, and tradition. The celebration will feature the Toque de Bandera, Himno Nacional, Juramento a la Bandera, and the traditional Grito de Independencia, along with live performances from special guests.
California Center for the Arts |
Wednesday, September 16
| All Day | Old Town Fiestas Patrias Celebrate Mexican Independence Day at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, where the rich heritage of Mexico and California comes alive. Enjoy hands-on traditional crafts and watch living history demonstrations that showcase the region’s diverse cultural traditions. This festive event invites visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in music, art, and the flavors of Mexican culture, making it a memorable experience for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Old Town |
| 7:00 PM | Film: Yojimbo A nameless ronin, or samurai with no master (Toshirô Mifune), enters a small village in feudal Japan where two rival businessmen are struggling for control of the local gambling trade. Taking the name Sanjuro Kuwabatake, the ronin convinces both silk merchant Tazaemon (Kamatari Fujiwara) and sake merchant Tokuemon (Takashi Shimura) to hire him as a personal bodyguard, then artfully sets in motion a full-scale gang war between the two ambitious and unscrupulous men.
Angelika Carmel Mountain |
| 8:00 PM | Music: A.Chal A.CHAL is the musical project of Alejandro Salazar, a singer, songwriter, and producer born in Peru and raised between Queens, New York, and Massachusetts. His sound was shaped by alternative R&B, trap, atmospheric hip hop, and a psychedelic sensibility that has always placed him outside traditional molds. In recent years, A.CHAL has entered a deeper and more personal chapter: a direct reconnection with his Peruvian identity, his spirituality, and the popular sounds that shaped his origins. His current universe blends the street, migration, desire, roots, and mysticism, creating a body of work that moves naturally between the global and the deeply Latin American. Today, A.CHAL is experiencing one of the most honest and well-defined moments of his career. Rather than trying to fit into the mainstream, he is creating his own language from displacement, memory, and Peruvian pride. In May 2026, Rolling Stone en Español described him as an artist who has transformed the experience of living between worlds into a unique sonic identity, shaped by cumbia, chicha, and his roots.
Music Box |
Thursday, September 17
| 5:00 PM | Mexican Tin Art Workshop Join the San Diego History Center at Mujeres Brew House (1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113) on September 17 from 5:00–8:00 p.m. for an evening of creativity, community, and local history. Stop by our table to create your own piece of Mexican tin art, known as hojalata. This vibrant folk art tradition originated in the 16th century and continues to thrive in communities throughout Mexico, including Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will also share historical materials and stories that highlight the rich history of our border region and the communities that have shaped it. All skill levels are welcome, and no prior registration is required.
Mujeres Brew House |
| 6:00 PM | Music: Crowned In Creation Crowned In Creation is a concert series celebrating and showcasing Black femme creatives in San Diego. It was launched in 2024 by creative and community organizer Espi Love, under their brand \"Elevate\", as an opportunity for Black artists to be poured into and supported by community. This installation\'s theme of divinity invites us all to pay homage to the role of art in connecting to something bigger than us. Come enjoy a night of music, poetry, and dance by us and for us. Show up and show out for local artists!
Quartyard |
| 7:00 PM | Film: A Silent Voice This Japanese animated film follows a grade-school student with a hearing impairment who is bullied and transfers to another school. Years later, the former bully is tormented by his behavior and sets out to make amends. Directed by Naoko Yamada and winner of the Japanese Movie Critics Awards for Best Animated Feature Film.
MiraCosta College |
Friday, September 18
| 6:00 PM | An Evening at the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center Join SDEMP as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special evening at the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center. Located in the heart of San Diego's historic Barrio Logan neighborhood, the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center serves as a gateway to the history, art, activism, and cultural legacy of one of the nation's most significant Chicano cultural landmarks. Throughout the evening, attendees will enjoy a guided introduction to the museum, hear from museum staff about their work preserving and sharing this important history, and explore the exhibitions while connecting with fellow museum professionals and cultural enthusiasts. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning with a deeper appreciation, this gathering offers an opportunity to celebrate community, learn from local cultural leaders, and experience one of San Diego's most iconic cultural institutions.
Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Viva la Mamma Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma will be performed for the first time in San Diego this September 18th & 19th at 7pm, and 20th at 3pm! This opera is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that takes you behind the scenes of an opera rehearsal gone completely off the rails. Filled with oversized personalities, clashing egos, and theatrical chaos, the story features a diva with a temper, a struggling tenor, and the unforgettable Mamma Agata—who barges in to advocate for her daughter and ends up stealing the spotlight herself. This production will be performed in Italian with English supertitles, accompanied by piano and strings, and featuring an all star cast!
Light Box Theater |
Saturday, September 19
| 10:00 AM | Indigenous Artisan Market Celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and living traditions of Indigenous artists at the Indigenous Artisan Market, a free community event hosted by the San Diego Archaeological Center. Browse a diverse selection of handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, pottery, carvings, cultural crafts, and other unique creations offered directly by Indigenous artisans from across the region. This family-friendly event provides an opportunity to meet talented makers, learn about the stories and traditions behind their work, and support Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re searching for authentic one-of-a-kind gifts or simply looking to enjoy a day of culture and community, the Indigenous Artisan Market offers something for everyone. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the museum while enjoying a vibrant marketplace dedicated to honoring Indigenous heritage, creativity, and cultural expression.
San Diego Archaeological Center |
| Adams Avenue Street Fair Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival is in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood. Adams Avenue businesses are proud sponsors of this event held on 10 city-blocks. In addition to the fantastic music schedule, the event features carnival rides, beer gardens, festival foods, Fern Street Circus performances and 300 exhibitors with unique offerings.
Adams Avenue |
| Vista Viking Festival Vista Viking Festival returns for its 24th year as Southern California’s premier celebration of Viking and Nordic culture. Join us the third weekend in September at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista for a weekend of history, myth, battle, music, food, and community. Each year of the festival carries a theme drawn from the legends of the North. After honoring the strength and legacy of the Valkyries, 2026 brings us the Year of Loki. In Norse mythology, Loki is the trickster—clever, unpredictable, and always stirring the pot. His stories remind us that chaos and creativity often walk hand in hand. This year’s festival will embrace that mischievous spirit with surprises, laughter, and a few unexpected twists along the way.
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum |
| 11:00 AM | Latino Lawn Program Balboa Park's International Cottages hosts a celebration of Hispanic heritage. The afternoon features traditional food, live music, and dance performances from Colombia, Spain, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Puerto Rico.
International Cottages |
| Exhibit: Visones Nocturnas Visiones Nocturnas: Queer Nightlife in Contemporary Art examines artworks that explore a variety of physical environments —dance clubs, dive bars, backyards and bathhouses—as critical sites of queer joy, collectivity, and possibility. Presenting an intergenerational group of Latine and Latin American artists working from the 1990s to the present, this exhibition encompasses painting, performance, photography, sculpture, textile, collage, video, and immersive installation. Artists featured in the exhibition include: Laura Aguilar, Vani Aguilar, Juan Arango Palacios, Amina Cruz, Martine Gutierrez, Jesús Hilario-Reyes, Xandra Ibarra, Teresa Margolles, Xelestial Moreno-Luz, Andres Payan Estrada, Guadalupe Rosales, Joey Terrill, and Isa Ybarra.
MCASD |
| SD History Center Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun day of hands-on history and creativity! Families are invited to explore local history through engaging activities, historical artifacts, and crafts. Create your own colorful mirror inspired by traditional Mexican tile designs, and discover the history, art, and community of Chicano Park.
San Diego History Center |
| 1:00 PM | Fundraiser: Brazilian Feijoada The Brazilian Catholic Community of San Diego invites you and your family to a special afternoon featuring delicious Brazilian feijoada, music, entertainment and solidarity! This is a charity event, and all profits will be used to help a member of our community who is undergoing cancer treatment. By purchasing a ticket, you will enjoy an authentic Brazilian meal prepared with care while directly supporting this important cause.
Saint Agnes Catholic Church |
| 3:00 PM | Tardeada Mexican Dance Party and Ice Cream Social Rondalla de San Diego performs beloved musical standards in Spanish and English with the acclaimed Mariachi Victoria de San Diego You are invited to experience a traditional family-friendly Mexican afternoon dance party with free refreshments and dance lessons! Parking is free and accessible. La Rondalla de San Diego consists of elders who gather to create beautiful music and share it with others. La Rondalla singers and musicians will join the acclaimed Mariachi Victoria de San Diego to perform beloved musical standards in Spanish and English from Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean including Mexico Lindo y Querido, Cielito Lindo, Harbor Lights, Volver Volver, and Piel Canela. In addition to First UU, La Rondalla performs at public libraries, senior facilities, schools, public events and community festivals.
Saint John's Episcopal Church |
| 4:00 PM | Papel Picado Flower Pots Celebrate Nuestra Cultura at the Library! This series celebrates and recognizes the rich heritage, history, contributions and culture of our Latin American and Indigenous communities. Adults and Teens are invited to Embellish a custom terra-cotta flower pot with papel picado images. Then plant a festive marigold to liven it up!
Carmel Mountain Ranch Library |
| 4:30 PM | Food: Nixtamal Workshop An authentic farm-to-table culinary experience celebrating the ancient tradition of Mexican nixtamalization. Join Chef Mily for an immersive, hands-on culinary experience at a beautiful local farm, where you'll discover one of Mexico's oldest and most treasured cooking traditions. In this workshop, you'll learn the complete nixtamalization process—from cooking whole corn with lime to grinding fresh masa and pressing warm, handmade tortillas. Along the way, we'll explore the history, science, and cultural significance of nixtamal, a technique that has nourished generations for thousands of years. Whether you're passionate about authentic Mexican cuisine, love learning traditional food techniques, or enjoy unique culinary experiences, this class is designed for all skill levels.
Surfside Ranch |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Viva la Mamma Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma will be performed for the first time in San Diego this September 18th & 19th at 7pm, and 20th at 3pm! This opera is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that takes you behind the scenes of an opera rehearsal gone completely off the rails. Filled with oversized personalities, clashing egos, and theatrical chaos, the story features a diva with a temper, a struggling tenor, and the unforgettable Mamma Agata—who barges in to advocate for her daughter and ends up stealing the spotlight herself. This production will be performed in Italian with English supertitles, accompanied by piano and strings, and featuring an all star cast!
Light Box Theater |
| Comedy: Luz Pazos Luz Pazos is a Peruvian-born stand-up comedian and actress based in Los Angeles, known for her bold, razor-sharp, and unapologetically fearless comedy. She was a finalist on NBC’s Stand Up for Diversity and has appeared on Kroll Show, HBO Max’s Comedy Chingonas, and The Garcias. Luz has also had the honor of opening for comedy superstar Gabriel Iglesias. Raised in Peru, educated in Italy, and now headlining clubs and theaters across the United States, Luz brings a uniquely international perspective to the stage. Her high-energy comedy takes aim at American culture, modern dating, immigrant life, and the everyday absurdities of navigating three different worlds, delivering smart, fearless, and unforgettable performances.
National Lampoon The Yellow Door |
| Chinese Moon Festival The 2026 San Diego Chinese Moon Festival celebrates one of China’s most cherished traditions through music, dance, and cultural performances. Centered on the themes of family, friendship, and reunion, the evening brings together local artists and community members to share the beauty of Chinese culture and the joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
California Center for the Arts |
Sunday, September 20
| 10:00 AM | Adams Avenue Street Fair Southern California’s largest free two-day music festival is in San Diego’s Normal Heights neighborhood. Adams Avenue businesses are proud sponsors of this event held on 10 city-blocks. In addition to the fantastic music schedule, the event features carnival rides, beer gardens, festival foods, Fern Street Circus performances and 300 exhibitors with unique offerings.
Adams Avenue |
| Vista Viking Festival Vista Viking Festival returns for its 24th year as Southern California’s premier celebration of Viking and Nordic culture. Join us the third weekend in September at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista for a weekend of history, myth, battle, music, food, and community. Each year of the festival carries a theme drawn from the legends of the North. After honoring the strength and legacy of the Valkyries, 2026 brings us the Year of Loki. In Norse mythology, Loki is the trickster—clever, unpredictable, and always stirring the pot. His stories remind us that chaos and creativity often walk hand in hand. This year’s festival will embrace that mischievous spirit with surprises, laughter, and a few unexpected twists along the way.
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum |
| 11:00 AM | House of Germany Lawn Program The House of Germany's Lawn Program is an annual cultural exhibition held in Balboa Park, San Diego. Positioned on the central lawn in front of the International Cottages, the event serves as the organization's primary opportunity to share German heritage with the general public. The production concept revolves around an immersive cultural experience rather than a formal theatrical staging, utilizing the outdoor space to present a variety of traditional arts. Artistically, the program is designed as a multi-disciplinary showcase. It integrates live music, traditional dance performances, and authentic costumes to create a festive atmosphere. The open-air setting allows for a fluid boundary between performers and attendees, encouraging community engagement and participation. Beyond its artistic elements, the Lawn Program functions as a critical annual fundraiser for the House of Germany. The event relies heavily on the volunteer efforts of its members, who manage the setup, takedown, and operation of food sales. This grassroots approach underscores the community-driven nature of the production, blending cultural education with organizational sustainability.
International Cottages |
| 1:00 PM | Book Talk: C.L. Hoang C. L. Hoang was born and raised in Vietnam during the war and came to the United States in the 1970\'s. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and earns his living as an electronic engineer, with eleven patents to his name. His first book, \"Once upon a Mulberry Field,\" is an award-winning novel set in Vietnam at the height of the war. It is followed by \"Rain Falling on Tamarind Trees,\" a travelogue of his 2016 visit to the ancestral homeland and a former Amazon #1 New Release in Vietnam Travel Guides. \"In the Shadow of Green Bamboos\" is his latest publication, a collection of short stories about love and hope, resilience and survival, and a recent Amazon #1 New Release in Vietnam War History.
Warwick's |
| 3:00 PM | Stage: Viva la Mamma Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma will be performed for the first time in San Diego this September 18th & 19th at 7pm, and 20th at 3pm! This opera is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy that takes you behind the scenes of an opera rehearsal gone completely off the rails. Filled with oversized personalities, clashing egos, and theatrical chaos, the story features a diva with a temper, a struggling tenor, and the unforgettable Mamma Agata—who barges in to advocate for her daughter and ends up stealing the spotlight herself. This production will be performed in Italian with English supertitles, accompanied by piano and strings, and featuring an all star cast!
Light Box Theater |
| 7:00 PM | Music: Rolling Quartz Korean rock girl band Rolling Quartz is coming to North America on their MY TURN 2026 Tour. Rolling Quartz (롤링쿼츠) is a Korean rock band that debuted in 2020. They consist of 5 members: Arem, Hyunjung, Iree, Jayoung and Yeongeun.
Music Box |
Tuesday, September 22
| 6:00 PM | Huichol Yarn Painting Adult Crafters, join us at Logan Heights Library on Tuesday, September 22nd at 6pm when Back From Tomboctou hosts their Huichol Yarn Painting craft. Seats are limited to the first 15 crafters. This event requires registration
Logan Heights Library |
Wednesday, September 23
| 7:00 PM | Film: Seven Samurai One of the most thrilling movie epics of all time, SEVEN SAMURAI tells the story of a sixteenth-century village whose desperate inhabitants hire the eponymous warriors to protect them from invading bandits. This three-hour ride from Akira Kurosawa—featuring legendary actors Toshiro Mifune and Takashi Shimura—seamlessly weaves philosophy and entertainment, delicate human emotions and relentless action, into a rich, evocative, and unforgettable tale of courage and hope.
Angelika Carmel Mountain |
Thursday, September 24
| 6:30 PM | Yiddishland Movie Night Join us in San Diego for another evening of our monthly Yiddishland Movie Night, where we celebrate Yiddish culture through film, conversation, and community. This time we will once again enjoy a surprise film selection and are delighted to welcome Amelia Glaser as our special guest. After the screening, Amelia will lead a thought-provoking discussion inspired by the film, exploring its historical, literary, and cultural themes. Gather with fellow lovers of Yiddish language, culture, and cinema for an intimate evening of storytelling, shared history, and meaningful conversation.
Sherman Heights |
| 7:00 PM | Music: Vieux Farka Touré Often referred to as “The Hendrix of the Sahara”, Vieux Farka Touré was born in Niafunké, Mali in 1981. He is the son of legendary Malian guitar player Ali Farka Touré, who died in 2006. Ali Farka Touré came from a historical tribe of soldiers, and defied his parents in becoming a musician. When Vieux was in his teens, he declared that he also wanted to be a musician. His father disapproved due to the pressures he had experienced being a musician. Rather, he wanted Vieux to become a soldier. But with help from family friend the kora maestro Toumani Diabaté, Vieux eventually convinced his father to give him his blessing to become a musician shortly before Ali passed. As a passionate champion for the people of Mali and The Sahel, Vieux founded the charity Amahrec Sahel in 2012. As part of Amahrec Sahel’s mission to support humanitarian reconstruction and culture, the charity has provided school supplies for children, supported an orphanage in Bamako and provided musical instruments for young musicians in Mali. Vieux is also the director of The Ali Farka Touré Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the preservation of Ali’s legacy and the cultural growth of Mali.
UCSD Epstein Family Amphitheater |
| 8:00 PM | Music: Carin León Carin León is a regional Mexican music artist from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. He began releasing music with a series of live albums starting in 2018 and released his debut studio album independently in 2019. León gained wider recognition in 2022 with a hit collaboration and has since performed at major venues and festivals, including the Grand Ole Opry and Coachella.
Pechanga Arena San Diego |
Friday, September 25
| 4:00 PM | Oktoberfest in El Cajon Enjoy German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato salad, salted pretzels, and a variety of European pastries. Let a great selection of German beers and liquors, water and soft drinks, quench your thirst while you watch and participate in traditional folk dancing, choir recitals, drama routines, stein-holding competitions, and interactive musical entertainment. Games, contests and prizes, a Kid Zone and a variety of shopping booths line the patio for additional all-ages fun.
El Cajon |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Topdog/Underdog Broadway director Steve H. Broadnax III returns to the Globe after last season’s thrilling Appropriate to direct an intimate new staging of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Pulitzer Prize–winning modern classic, which The New York Times hailed as the greatest American play of the past 25 years. Brothers Lincoln and Booth hustle for survival through the street con game of three-card monte. Their bond is tested by rivalry, resentment, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. By turns funny, provocative, and charged, Topdog/Underdog charts the razor-thin line between ambition and self-destruction.
The Old Globe |
| Music: Manny Cepeda Orchestra Manny Cepeda Orchestra was selected as one of the artists on “#Pandora Radio and as a Spotify Artist in 2018!” In 2020, Apple Music and YouTube Music added the Manny Cepeda Orchestra to their catalog. One of the most popular Salsa groups of the Manny Cepeda Orchestra conglomerate is the MCO 11- piece band. Their professional demeanor and stellar performance rank them as the # 1 Salsa Band in San Diego. Since 2010 Manny began a series of public concerts called “Salsa Under the Stars,” and today he currently hosts 5 Salsa Under the Stars in downtown San Diego. Manny Cepeda, a Puerto Rican composer, and arranger, leader of the Manny Cepeda Orchestra has been inducted as a recording artist of his new CD productions “Roots/Raices” and “Padre Querido” featuring his original lyrics and musical arrangements. Manny drew back from his early childhood teaching of his famous uncle Rafael Cepeda and dedicated this CD on his honor. On his latest CD, Manny paid tribute to his father, Barber/Musician “Don Leonides Rivera.” The Manny Cepeda Orchestra Quartet continues to delight the audiences here in San Diego with his series “Salsa Under the Stars” held at The Headquarters District at Seaport Village every third Friday of the month from 6-9 pm and Little Italy’s Piazza Della Famiglia on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Manny’s core of the group is Aico Simon (Japan), Andy Fraguela (Panama), and Henry (Kiko), Jimenez (Puerto Rico).
California Center for the Arts |
| Film: In The Heights Join us for a special screening of In the Heights in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month as part of OTC at the Brooks' Arts Unite series. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes, this acclaimed musical is set in New York's vibrant Washington Heights neighborhood, where a close-knit community dreams of a brighter future while celebrating family, culture, identity, and belonging through unforgettable music and dance. Through film and community gathering, Arts Unite celebrates underrepresented voices and the transformative power of the arts to foster connection, reflection, and unity
Oceanside Theatre Company At The Brooks |
| 7:30 PM | Music: Teada Celebrating 25 years as one of Ireland’s leading traditional bands A traditional band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. Highlights include a 30,000-capacity stadium concert in Brittany, along with performances at Rainforest World Music Festival & Penang World Music Festival in Malaysia, Edmonton Folk Festival in Canada, Harare International Festival of the Arts in Zimbabwe and World Music Festival Taiwan. In 2014 the band performed to 40,000 people during an extensive 7-week tour of Japan / Taiwan. Joining Téada on stage will be San Diego’s own Rose Academy of Irish Dance, whose champion instructors have been sharing the tradition of Irish dance throughout the region for more than three decades. Experience the excitement of stunning costumes, lightning-fast footwork, and infectious rhythms as these talented dancers bring the spirit of Ireland to life in a vibrant collaboration with one of the world’s premier traditional Irish bands.
California Center for the Arts |
| 8:00 PM | Music: CODICIADO Born Erick de Jesús Aragón Alcantar in Tijuana, Baja California, Codiciado is a regional Mexican music artist who achieved recognition with Banda La Fantástica in Los Angeles and as the co-founder of Grupo Codiciado in 2015. Since launching his solo career in 2021, Codiciado has released popular songs such as 2022’s “Bélico El Asunto,” a collaboration with Grupo Arriesgado, and “Vamos Aclarando Muchas Cosas,” which has garnered over 201 million YouTube views. Known for music that transcends borders and reflects the realities of immigrant life through lyrics, Codiciado’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary regional Mexican sounds has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim. In 2024, Codiciado hit the road on his highly-anticipated Ando Enfocado U.S. tour.
Cal Coast Credit Union Theatre |
| Music: Sin Bandera This Mexican-American duo has been taking the Latin music world by storm with their passion-filled lyrics and delightful instrumentals. With hits like "Sirena," "Suelta mi Mano," and "Mientes tan Bien," Sin Bandera will mesmerize you with their captivating harmonies and heartbreaking melodies.
The Rady Shell |
Saturday, September 26
| 7:30 AM | San Diego Pacific Islander Festival The Pacific Islander Festival in San Diego is the largest and longest-running celebration of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture in the U.S. This vibrant, community-driven event brings together participants from across the country to honor the traditions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia through music, dance, food, and art. Organized by the Pacific Islander Festival Association, it also supports scholarships and cultural education initiatives. The festival draws thousands of visitors and has become a global showcase of Pacific Islander pride and heritage.
Ski Beach |
| 11:00 AM | House of Korea Lawn Program House of Korea hosts its 2026 Balboa Park lawn program Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the International Cottages outdoor stage, with stage time typically around 2 p.m.
International Cottages |
| NOON | Oktoberfest in El Cajon Enjoy German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato salad, salted pretzels, and a variety of European pastries. Let a great selection of German beers and liquors, water and soft drinks, quench your thirst while you watch and participate in traditional folk dancing, choir recitals, drama routines, stein-holding competitions, and interactive musical entertainment. Games, contests and prizes, a Kid Zone and a variety of shopping booths line the patio for additional all-ages fun.
El Cajon |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Topdog/Underdog Broadway director Steve H. Broadnax III returns to the Globe after last season’s thrilling Appropriate to direct an intimate new staging of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Pulitzer Prize–winning modern classic, which The New York Times hailed as the greatest American play of the past 25 years. Brothers Lincoln and Booth hustle for survival through the street con game of three-card monte. Their bond is tested by rivalry, resentment, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. By turns funny, provocative, and charged, Topdog/Underdog charts the razor-thin line between ambition and self-destruction.
The Old Globe |
| 5:30 PM | Italian Film Festival Launch Event Join us as we launch the 20th edition of the San Diego Italian Film Festival with a special evening dedicated to our founder, Victor Laruccia, and to the legacy he helped create. This celebration will honor the history of the Ristretto Awards, our short film competition and a program especially close to Victor’s heart. We will begin the evening with a selection of some of the most memorable shorts from past editions, followed by food generously offered by Forchettina, Italian wine, and a silent auction. Come celebrate SDIFF’s past, present, and future as we begin this milestone feStivale together.
The Brain Observatory |
| 6:00 PM | Stage: SUGAR SKULL! SUGAR SKULL! A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure is a touring bilingual musical for audiences of all ages. Convinced her family has gone loco planning a celebration for deceased loved ones, twelve-year-old Vita Flores embarks on a magical journey when a spirited candy skeleton springs to life and becomes her guide. Along the way, she encounters colorful characters inspired by folklore and discovers a deeper connection to her heritage. Bursting with music, dance, humor, and heart, SUGAR SKULL! captures the spirit of Día de Muertos in a joyful theatrical experience that celebrates memory and connection across generations.
UCSD Epstein Family Amphitheater |
| Dance: Celebracion Mexicana Ballet Folklorico San Diego Dance Company brings its 5th annual showcase to the Shiley Theatre at the University of San Diego, where dancers of all ages perform traditional dances representing various regions of Mexico. Live music from Mariachi Fuente accompanies the colorful performances, with the mariachi continuing to play in the garden afterward. You can browse Mexican snacks, pan dulce, candy, and artesanías while soaking in the atmosphere.
Shiley Theatre |
| Music: MARIACHI USA Experience the phenom of MARIACHI USA as it returns to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park for its 2nd year! Celebrate the World’s Premier Mariachi Festival at San Diego’s stunning Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Returning to the Rady for its 2nd year, MARIACHI USA promises to once again deliver standing ovation performances and pyro finale on the Bay of San Diego Founded in 1990 by Rodri Entertainment, MARIACHI USA was born from a visionary mission to elevate mariachi music to its rightful grandeur. MARIACHI USA has reigned for almost four decades as the longest-running and most revered mariachi event globally, and gracefully wears the crown for longest running annual event at the iconic Hollywood Bowl Join us for an electrifying evening beginning at 6 p.m., featuring legendary mariachi ensembles. Four non-stop thrilling hours of puro mariachi, folklorico ballet and sing a long sky-lit fireworks finale!
The Rady Shell |
| 8:00 PM | Music: The Panturas The Panturas is an Indonesian surf rock band. The group consists of Abyan Nabilio, Surya Fikri, Bagus Patria, and Rizal Taufikurrohman. They released two studio albums, Mabuk Laut and Ombak Banyu Asmara, and an extended play Galura Tropikalia.
House of Blues San Diego |
Sunday, September 27
| 7:30 AM | San Diego Pacific Islander Festival The Pacific Islander Festival in San Diego is the largest and longest-running celebration of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture in the U.S. This vibrant, community-driven event brings together participants from across the country to honor the traditions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia through music, dance, food, and art. Organized by the Pacific Islander Festival Association, it also supports scholarships and cultural education initiatives. The festival draws thousands of visitors and has become a global showcase of Pacific Islander pride and heritage.
Ski Beach |
| 10:00 AM | Encinitas Oktoberfest Encinitas Oktoberfest in San Diego, California, is a lively celebration of German heritage that brings the community together with authentic Bavarian music, dance performances, and a traditional beer garden. The event features a bustling artisan faire, showcasing local crafts and businesses, alongside an international food court and a dedicated craft beer garden highlighting regional brews. Family-friendly carnival attractions add to the festive atmosphere, making it a popular destination for attendees from across San Diego County. Spanning nearly a mile on Mountain Vista Drive, this annual festival offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Encinitas |
| 11:00 AM | House of Puerto Rico Lawn Program Every year in June the House of Puerto Rico San Diego holds their Lawn Program, for Día de San Juan. The entertainment is provided by different groups, sometimes by Folkloric dance groups, Salsa bands, and musicians. The beautiful dances and costumes of the Puerto Rican Culture as well as the authentic music are displayed in a colorful program.
International Cottages |
| NOON | Oktoberfest in El Cajon Enjoy German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato salad, salted pretzels, and a variety of European pastries. Let a great selection of German beers and liquors, water and soft drinks, quench your thirst while you watch and participate in traditional folk dancing, choir recitals, drama routines, stein-holding competitions, and interactive musical entertainment. Games, contests and prizes, a Kid Zone and a variety of shopping booths line the patio for additional all-ages fun.
El Cajon |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Topdog/Underdog Broadway director Steve H. Broadnax III returns to the Globe after last season’s thrilling Appropriate to direct an intimate new staging of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Pulitzer Prize–winning modern classic, which The New York Times hailed as the greatest American play of the past 25 years. Brothers Lincoln and Booth hustle for survival through the street con game of three-card monte. Their bond is tested by rivalry, resentment, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. By turns funny, provocative, and charged, Topdog/Underdog charts the razor-thin line between ambition and self-destruction.
The Old Globe |
| 2:30 PM | San Diego Sake Festival Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate at the 10th Annual San Diego Sake Festival, proudly presented by San Diego Sake Club in collaboration with JETRO LA. Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon featuring a curated selection of premium sake from Japan and the U.S.
JULEP Venue |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Topdog/Underdog Broadway director Steve H. Broadnax III returns to the Globe after last season’s thrilling Appropriate to direct an intimate new staging of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Pulitzer Prize–winning modern classic, which The New York Times hailed as the greatest American play of the past 25 years. Brothers Lincoln and Booth hustle for survival through the street con game of three-card monte. Their bond is tested by rivalry, resentment, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. By turns funny, provocative, and charged, Topdog/Underdog charts the razor-thin line between ambition and self-destruction.
The Old Globe |
Tuesday, September 29
| 5:30 PM | Talk: Immigration, Belonging, and the Constitution It’s convenient but misleading to talk about a constitution as if it governed a closed group of citizens. In this age of migration, the arrival of newcomers and their becoming residents complicate the essential question of “who belongs?” And what is the Constitution’s role in this inquiry? Drawing on the conceptual framework in his recent book, "Borders and Belonging," Professor Motomura will offer answers to these questions.
University of San Diego |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Topdog/Underdog Broadway director Steve H. Broadnax III returns to the Globe after last season’s thrilling Appropriate to direct an intimate new staging of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Pulitzer Prize–winning modern classic, which The New York Times hailed as the greatest American play of the past 25 years. Brothers Lincoln and Booth hustle for survival through the street con game of three-card monte. Their bond is tested by rivalry, resentment, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. By turns funny, provocative, and charged, Topdog/Underdog charts the razor-thin line between ambition and self-destruction.
The Old Globe |
| Film: The Taste of Tea The pristine image of the Japanese family is turned on its uber-polite head with surreal aplomb in this far out collection of hilarious vignettes. Set in the languid countryside, mom is an eccentric artist who eschews household chores for an animation project with occasional help from crazy grandpa. Meanwhile dad is just your everyday hypnotherapist. Their teenaged son suffers from hangups about the opposite sex while his little sister must contend with a doppelganger. Uncle is a groovy music producer on a respite whose ghostly past experiences still haunt him. Maverick director Katsuhito Ishii (who created the animated sequence in Kill Bill: Volume 1) pulled out all the stops for this endearing outré take on the Japanese psyche. Replete with non-stop irreverent gags, anime digressions, musical numbers and candy-coated lysergic passages, The Taste of Tea is, “a true delight that elevates feel-good cinema to a whole new level and charms from start to finish.” Presented in a new HD master supervised by the director.
Digital Gym Cinema |
Wednesday, September 30
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Topdog/Underdog Broadway director Steve H. Broadnax III returns to the Globe after last season’s thrilling Appropriate to direct an intimate new staging of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Pulitzer Prize–winning modern classic, which The New York Times hailed as the greatest American play of the past 25 years. Brothers Lincoln and Booth hustle for survival through the street con game of three-card monte. Their bond is tested by rivalry, resentment, and the elusive promise of the American Dream. By turns funny, provocative, and charged, Topdog/Underdog charts the razor-thin line between ambition and self-destruction.
The Old Globe |
| Film: Ristretto Shorts Night Join us for a captivating night with an exciting selection of shorts. We are thrilled to present a special showcase of shorts finalists for the prestigious Ristretto Shorts Awards. Immerse yourself in the magic of Italian storytelling as we screen a carefully curated lineup of captivating short films. These finalists for the Ristretto Shorts Awards have been selected for their exceptional quality, creativity, and ability to convey profound narratives in a limited timeframe.
Digital Gym Cinema |
| 7:30 PM | Book Talk: Fallen for France An exquisite Arabian mare. A small boy leaving home. A young woman in France fighting to survive. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Ride of Her Life braids a sweeping novel of love, war, empire, and the power of kindness in a world descending into darkness. Beddou is six years old when he is sent off to apprentice far from his High Atlas village in Morocco. His mother gives him six amber beads to help him find his way home. That same month, a magnificent filly is born in Fes, in the splendor of the Sultan's palace. For a brief, golden time, the mare belongs to the boy. But Beddou's heart is broken when a soldier steals his horse and disappears into France just as the Great War roars to a start. Finding her seems impossible, but he vows to try. Estelle, a young woman in France, finds a distressed Arabian mare wandering alone in the meadow behind her house. She is determined to look after this radiant creature just as tenderly as she cares for her vulnerable younger brother. But soon her world is torn apart, and she loses both the horse and her brother. She will spend the rest of the war searching for both. Thomas is an Englishman hardened by his experience as a wartime veterinarian in France. He finds the mare and promises to protect her—and the woman who once loved her—but he doubts his own ability to keep anyone safe. As the pathways of the unforgettable mare and the boy's desperate search intertwine, the separate strands of these strangers' journeys converge, propelling them to make momentous choices that will change the course of their lives. Spanning Morocco and France in the shadow of World War I, Fallen for France follows unforgettable characters whose lives are bound by a magnificent horse and a string of amber beads.
Warwick's |
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