Local Cross-Cultural Events
September 2026
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7:00 PM -
Film: Ristretto Shorts Night
7:00 PM -
Stage: Topdog/Underdog
7:30 PM -
Book Talk: Fallen for France
* Upcoming Events *
Friday, September 4
| NOON | Exhibit: Yokai Community Art Yokai are mysterious supernatural beings and phenomena found in Japanese folklore. They reflect ancient Japanese beliefs, fears, and curiosity about the unseen world, as well as the idea that all things—including everyday objects—may possess a spirit or soul. Traditionally, yokai were understood as entities beyond human knowledge, possessing mysterious powers that could not be explained by science. Yokai began appearing as creatures of the other world in Japanese paintings and literature around the 12th century, toward the end of the Heian period. Since then, they have continued to evolve through art, literature, theater, and popular culture. During the Meiji period (1868–1912), yokai and other traditional beliefs were sometimes dismissed as superstition as Japan pursued modernization. In modern times, however, yokai have attracted renewed interest as an important subject of cultural and artistic study. Inspired by this rich and imaginative tradition, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum invited artists from the local community and across the country and beyond—including established and emerging artists working in a variety of media—to submit original works inspired by yokai. This community exhibition brings together diverse artistic interpretations of these fascinating beings, exploring the stories, traditions, beliefs, and imagination that have allowed yokai to remain an enduring part of Japanese culture.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum |
| 6:00 PM | Barona Pow Wow The 54th Annual Barona Pow Wow brings together drums and dancers from across the region for three days of competition, ceremony, and community. Contest dancing runs across all categories, with grand entries happening twice daily on Saturday and Sunday, plus gourd dancing sessions throughout. Dry camping is available on-site, and the weekend kicks off with a 5K fun run Saturday morning.
Barona Sports Complex |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Ni Mi Madre This riotous, Obie Award-winning one-person show follows an over-the-top Brazilian matriarch scrambling to raise her queer son within a confusing American culture. Infused and enlivened by the music of Gloria Estefan and Cher, the comedy delves into the secrets of an immigrant family and the complicated love between parent and child. It is a hilarious, sharp, and deeply human celebration of queer Latine survival and identity.
Diversionary Theatre |
| Music: Grupo Duelo Duelo "El Desafio Musical" is a Mexican norteño band from Roma, Texas, United States. The band is also known as Grupo Duelo and originally known as Duelo Norteño. The group rose to prominence in the early 2000s and continues to record to the present day.
The Magnolia |
| 7:30 PM | Music: The Cup O' Carnatic Join Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh for a one-of-a-kind Carnatic music immersive experience where music meets storytelling, illustrations, and thoughtfully crafted multimedia. Rooted in tradition yet refreshingly contemporary, The Cup O' Carnatic invites audiences of all ages to discover the richness and beauty of Carnatic music in a totally new format.
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre |
| 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 |
Saturday, September 5
| 7:00 AM | Barona Pow Wow The 54th Annual Barona Pow Wow brings together drums and dancers from across the region for three days of competition, ceremony, and community. Contest dancing runs across all categories, with grand entries happening twice daily on Saturday and Sunday, plus gourd dancing sessions throughout. Dry camping is available on-site, and the weekend kicks off with a 5K fun run Saturday morning.
Barona Sports Complex |
| 10:00 AM | Anime San Diego Anime San Diego is a new Anime, Cosplay, and Pop Culture Convention is coming to the San Diego Convention Center ON September 5 - 6, 2026! Expect epic cosplay, incredible guests, exclusive panels, and more.
San Diego Convention Center |
| 11:00 AM | House of Ukraine Lawn Program Celebrate Ukrainian culture with a day full of music, dance, and delicious traditional food! Food Court (11:00 AM to 5:00 PM): Treat yourself to famous Ukrainian varenyky (potato & cheese), kovbasa sandwich, fresh salads, hand-made cookies, watermelon, ice cream, and cotton candy! Lawn Program (2:00 PM to 4:30 PM):
Enjoy an exciting lineup of performances featuring: • Special guests – Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre (Calgary, AB, Canada) • Chervona Kalyna Dance Group (Los Angeles) • Namysto Dance Group • The Beacons of Light (children’s vocal group) • Vydelka (Ukrainian/American ethnic music band) • And many more!
International Cottages |
| Asian American Dance Festival Community Day Join us in City Heights on Saturday, September 5th from 11am - 4pm for San Diego's Asian American Dance Festival (AADF) Community Day! This year's AADF2026 Community Day invites local AAPI student and community artists to share short dance pieces alongside cultural dance troupes. The goal is to make sure that the broad diversity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora are represented and celebrated. Dance artists are also invited to offer classes from the stage for audiences to participate in. Taking place at City Heights Performance Annex Open-Air Theater and the adjacent Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, organizations and businesses are welcome to set-up booths to distribute information and offer family friendly activities.
City Heights Performance Annex |
| 1:00 PM | Carlsbad Hispanic Heritage Festival Join us for this inclusive experience of live performances and cultural crafts that honor Hispanic culture. Enjoy baile folklórico as well as art-making booths like Ojo de Dios, flag ornaments and lotería.
Carlsbad City Library |
| 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 |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Ni Mi Madre This riotous, Obie Award-winning one-person show follows an over-the-top Brazilian matriarch scrambling to raise her queer son within a confusing American culture. Infused and enlivened by the music of Gloria Estefan and Cher, the comedy delves into the secrets of an immigrant family and the complicated love between parent and child. It is a hilarious, sharp, and deeply human celebration of queer Latine survival and identity.
Diversionary Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Dance: A Thousand Years’ Journey Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presents “A Thousand Years’ Journey” Dance Production by Ganesh Vasudeva and Team Script and Choreography: Ganesh Vasudeva Music composition: Snigdha Venkataramani Dancers: Nitya Narasimhan, Surya Ravi, Priyanka Chary, Mrinalini Raghavendiran, Ganesh Vasudeva. Sponsored by Archana School of Dance
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre |
| Music: Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Dizzy Gillespie Tribute A single rhythm changed the course of jazz. When trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie joined forces with Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo, they ignited a sound the world had never heard. This concert celebrates their groundbreaking collaboration and the birth of Afro-Cuban jazz, with foundational hits “Manteca,” “Tin Tin Deo,” “Cubana Be, Cubana Bop,” and many others performed by San Diego Symphony's Jazz curator and 10-time San Diego Music Award winner Gilbert Castellanos alongside the KSDS Jazz Orchestra.
The Rady Shell |
| 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 6
| 10:00 AM | Anime San Diego Anime San Diego is a new Anime, Cosplay, and Pop Culture Convention is coming to the San Diego Convention Center ON September 5 - 6, 2026! Expect epic cosplay, incredible guests, exclusive panels, and more.
San Diego Convention Center |
| 10:30 AM | Music: Sangeetha Kathamrutham Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presents “Sangeetha Kathamrutham” Kalyanapuram S. Aravind (Vocal) S. Venkataraman (Harmonium) S. Krishna (Ghatam) Sponsored by Revathi and Suresh Subramanian
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre |
| NOON | Mehregan Celebration Mehregan is one of the oldest and most cherished Persian festivals, celebrating the arrival of autumn and the values of love, friendship, gratitude, and togetherness. Join us for an afternoon of Persian and multicultural art and crafts, hands-on activities, music, and dance as we welcome the new season together.
Museum of History and Culture |
| 12:30 PM | Barona Pow Wow The 54th Annual Barona Pow Wow brings together drums and dancers from across the region for three days of competition, ceremony, and community. Contest dancing runs across all categories, with grand entries happening twice daily on Saturday and Sunday, plus gourd dancing sessions throughout. Dry camping is available on-site, and the weekend kicks off with a 5K fun run Saturday morning.
Barona Sports Complex |
| 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 |
| Passport to Diplomacy Passport to Diplomacy is an exciting annual celebration of international engagement, cultural exchange, and citizen diplomacy that showcases San Diego's unique role as one of America's most globally connected regions. This collaborative event brings together the San Diego World Affairs Council (SDWAC), the San Diego Diplomacy Council (SDDC), and the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages to create an immersive afternoon of discovery, dialogue, and global connection in the heart of Balboa Park. A signature feature of the event is the Passport Program, a longtime San Diego World Affairs Council tradition that encourages attendees to experience the rich cultural diversity represented by the International Cottages. Upon checking in, all pre-registered participants receive an official event passport. Throughout the event, guests are invited to explore the participating cottages, meet cultural ambassadors, learn about countries from around the world, and collect a unique passport stamp from each participating nation.
International Cottages |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Ni Mi Madre This riotous, Obie Award-winning one-person show follows an over-the-top Brazilian matriarch scrambling to raise her queer son within a confusing American culture. Infused and enlivened by the music of Gloria Estefan and Cher, the comedy delves into the secrets of an immigrant family and the complicated love between parent and child. It is a hilarious, sharp, and deeply human celebration of queer Latine survival and identity.
Diversionary Theatre |
| 5:00 PM | Zabava Ukrainian Festival Zabava Ukrainian Festival
Join us for an unforgettable evening of Ukrainian culture, entertainment, hosted bar, delicious food, and dancing! Bring your family and friends to celebrate with our community at this festive Ukrainian Zabava featuring special guests and exciting performances.
Babylon Palace Banquet Hall |
| 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 |
| Music: Echoes of Flute Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presents “Echoes of Flute” Featuring: Flute J.A. Jayant N.C. Bharadwaj – Mridangam Vazhapally KrishnaKumar – Ghatam
David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre |
Tuesday, September 8
| 7:00 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 |
| Film: High and Low Toshirō Mifune stars as a wealthy industrialist whose family becomes the target of a ruthless kidnapper in Akira Kurosawa's exemplary film noir. Based on Ed McBain's detective novel "King's Ransom," "High and Low" is both a riveting thriller and a brilliant commentary on contemporary Japanese society.
Angelika Carmel Mountain |
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 |
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Book of the Month
The Summer My Mother Had Green Eyes
Recipe of the Month
Music of the Month
Nacarile