San Diego’s top weekend events: Dec. 2-5
Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 5.
Thursday, Dec. 2
Anti Fragile’s music and art event
Anti Fragile, an independent magazine and youth artists collective, presents a free celebration of local music and art. The evening will include performances by The Inflorescence, a San Diego band recently signed to the label Kill Rock Stars, along with Alexmillerjamz, Shawty Shack and The Fazes. There will be snacks, cake and a bar for guests 21-and-up, plus a chance to browse Anti Fragile’s zines and a wall of art by UC San Diego students. 7-10 p.m. Thursday. The Loft at UC San Diego (inside the Price Center) 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. Free; parking available in Gilman Parking Structure. instagram.com/antifragile.zine. Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test within previous 72 hours required for entry; masks required.
Sam Tripoli
Comedian Sam Tripoli — best known as the co-host of the conspiracy themed podcast Tin Foil Hat — stops by American Comedy Co. for a three-show run. 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. American Comedy Co., 818 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. $20; americancomedyco.com
“Witchland”
Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents Tim Mulligan’s spooky and supernatural comedy about a family who moves into a Washington state town with a nuclear waste dump and a witch next door. 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 11. Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 903 Tenth Ave., East Village. $32-$40. backyardrenaissance.com
“Azul”
Diversionary Theatre presents C. Quintana’s play about an aging Cuban-American woman recalling her childhood in Castro’s Cuba and her American-born lesbian daughter. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 19. 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $15 to $50. (619) 220-0097. diversionary.org
Friday, Dec. 3
Trevor Noah: Back to Abnormal World Tour
Comedian and host of “The Daily Show” Trevor Noah spent quarantine doing the same thing as most of us: working from home. Now, he’s out of the living room and has embarked on a previously-canceled live tour fittingly titled, “Trevor Noah: Back to Abnormal World Tour.” Expect Noah to give his personal insights on popular culture, politics and entertainment at this one-night stop in San Diego. Please note: Event organizers are requiring a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination for entry. 8 p.m. Friday . Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl San Diego State University, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive, San Diego. $39-$100, ticketmaster.com/event/0A005AC326CB4A6B for more information or to purchase tickets.
Taste of December Nights
In a continuing effort to curb the threat of COVID, the organizers of the popular December Nights event in Balboa Park are sticking with the 2020 format: a drive-through “Taste of December Nights” event where guests can enjoy some of their favorite food vendors, food trucks and live entertainment from the safety of their own cars. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Balboa Park. This is a free event. Visit sandiego.gov/taste-of-december-nights for more information.
Point Loma Nazarene University Christmas Show
This annual Cider Celebration Christmas Show presents a family concert performed by the PLNU Concert Choir and Orchestra. Along with a cup of hot apple cider, you’ll hear Christmas favorites including “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World” among others, plus a special appearance by Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. 6 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Crill Performance Hall, 3900 Lomaland Drive, Point Loma. $10; plnu.universitytickets.com.
San Diego Seals Home Opener
Lacrosse lovers: It’s game time! Support the San Diego Seals at its home opener, where the team will play against the Vancouver Warriors. 7 p.m. Friday. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway District. Tickets range from $15 to $90; sealslax.com/schedule. Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test within previous 72 hours required for entry; masks required for unvaccinated individuals.
Brandon Wardell
Get ready for some jokes with Brandon Wardell, the standup comedian known for his podcast “Yeah, But Still” as well as roles in TV shows like “The Real Bros of Simi Valley,” “What Would Diplo Do?” and “Like and Subscribe.” (Fun fact: Big name comedian Jo Koy, who will be performing in San Diego next weekend, cast Wardell as his character’s teenage son in Koy’s upcoming film, “Easter Sunday.”) 8 p.m. Friday. The Laugh Factory, 432 F St., Gaslamp. $25; laughfactory.com/clubs/san-diego
Erik Griffin
“Workaholics” fans should head to the coast to see Montez Walker (aka, comedian Erik Griffin) as he headlines five shows this weekend. Griffin is also known for his work in such films and TV shows as “I’m Dying Up Here,” “Blunt Talk,” “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates,” “Bob’s Burgers” and more. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday , 7 p.m. Sunday . Comedy Store La Jolla, 916 Pearl Street, La Jolla.thecomedystore.com/la-jolla
“The 1940s Radio Hour”
Lamplighters Community Theatre presents Walton Jones’ holiday musical set in a New York radio station on Dec. 21, 1942, with big band singers performing in a snowed-in studio with a heartwarming Christmas twist. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 19. 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. $20-$26. (619) 303-5092. lamplighterslamesa.com
Saturday, Dec. 4
Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village
Ready to ring in the holidays? Head to Little Italy as one of San Diego’s most popular neighborhoods hosts its 23rd annual Little Italy Tree Lighting & Christmas Village. Visitors will enjoy holiday decor, seasonal vendors, live music, holiday treats and more as the neighborhood is transformed into a winter wonderland. 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday in Little Italy. Visit littleitalysd.com for more information.
Baby Bushka
Fans of chart-topping, U.K. singer-songwriter Kate Bush can experience the next best thing right at home: a magical performance from America’s one-and-only Kate Bush cover band. Don’t miss the all-female ensemble’s first concert in two years, which is also the first show for two new band members. 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Middletown. $15; casbahmusic.com. Proof of full vaccination or negative PCR test within 72 hours of show is required; masks recommended.
READ MORE: Meet Baby Bushka, America’s one-and-only Kate Bush cover band
Electronic Music Marathon
San Diego State University’s music department is finally back with in-person shows! On Saturday night, there will be a series of four, one-hour long concerts, featuring music written and performed by SDSU students. Each year, these students take courses from composer professors to prepare for the Electronic Music Marathon, which is now in its 23rd year. Audience members can enjoy free pizza between the shows, and the evening will end with a one-hour DJ dance set. 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Smith Recital Hall in the Music Building, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive. Free admission; parking available in Parking Lot 12. 619-750-7125. Proof of full vaccination is required; masks required for all individuals.
Blue October
Alternative rock band Blue October, best known for its certified platinum album “Foiled” released in 2006, brings its worldwide tour to San Diego. 7 p.m. Saturday. The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., North Park. $32.50; concerts.livenation.com
Twin Ritual
San Diego pop/punk band Twin Ritual plays a 21-and-up show at Soda Bar, supported by openers Nite Lapse and Catherine Moan. 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., Normal Heights. $12.55. sodabarmusic.com. Proof of full vaccination or negative PCR test within 72 hours of show is required; masks required for all individuals.
READ MORE: Twin Ritual is ‘settling into a groove’
Sunday, Dec. 5
SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off
After being virtual in 2020, the 12th annual SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off is back to the streets in 2021. A fundraiser for McKinley Elementary School, the event will feature over 35 local chefs, 22 breweries, a Bivouac Ciderworks cider bar, a holiday market, live music, a food truck court and, of course, a battle for chili supremacy. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday . Intersection of 32nd Street and Thorn Street in North Park. Commemorative mug and tasting pass: $25 (includes five chili tastings); paper bowl and tasting pass: $22; beer, wine and spirits: $7. Visit sonofestchilicookoff.com for more information or to buy tickets.
“The Tragedy of Macbeth” free screening
Apple Original Films and A24 host a free, one-day-only global screening of “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” written and directed by Academy Award-winner Joel Coen, and starring Academy Award-winners Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. The movie will be followed by a live Q&A with Coen and McDormand livestreamed from Lincoln Square. 1 p.m. Sunday. AMC Mission Valley, 1640 Camino del Rio North, Mission Valley. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and entry is not guaranteed.
Courtney Barnett
The Australian indie singer/songwriter is beloved for her witty lyrics and deadpan singing style. She performs with opening act, Bartees Strange. 7 p.m. Sunday. The Observatory, 2891 University Ave., North Park. Sold out but resale tickets are available through Live Nation.
Comedy Night at 619 Spirits
Kash Komedy presents Comedy Night at 619 Spirits, North Park’s distillery and restaurant. Featured comics include Colton Harpie, Connor Castello, Sarah Hershberger, Brendan Jay and headliner Pman. This series will occur every other Sunday, with rotating comedians. There is no cover charge and 619 Spirits will provide happy hour specials all night. 7 p.m. Sunday . 619 Spirits, 3015 Lincoln Avenue, North Park. 619spirits.com
Le Salon de Musiques
At Le Salon de Musiques, there isn’t a big stage separating the musicians and the audience. Instead, these chamber concerts are intimate — inspired by Marie Antoinette’s gatherings in 18th century Versailles where musicians performed surrounded by a half circle of audience members. Presented by artistic director Francois Chouchan (pictured), this weekend’s program is titled “Romance & Serenade” and features music for clarinet, cello and piano by Johannes Brahms and Robert Kahn. Following the concert, there will be an audience Q&A with a Champagne reception and high tea buffet catered by Girard Gourmet. 4 p.m. Sunday. La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., La Jolla. $45 to $95; lesalondemusiques.com.
Messiah Sing
San Diego Master Chorale, under the direction of John Russell, returns to an in-person performance of Handel’s Messiah, accompanied by organist Martin Green. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own score or rent one at the event. For health protocols, seating will be limited to 50 percent capacity and masks must be worn indoors. 5 p.m. Sunday. St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., Bankers Hill. $15 to $30; sdmasterchorale.org.
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