San Diego’s top weekend events: Sept. 23-26
Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 26.
Thursday, Sept. 23
Solento Surf Festival
The inaugural Solento Surf Festival presents three nights of surf film screenings at La Paloma Theatre. Curated by filmmaker and Solento Tequila founder Taylor Steele, the featured films include “Girls Can’t Surf,” “Reckless Isolation,” “Color of Winter,” “Save This Shark,” “Sprout,” “Surfing,” “Explore Your Mind,” “Drive Thru,” “Dark Hallow,” “The Wave,” and “Beach People.” The all-ages festival also features live music, giveaways and panels, along with special guests like Rob Machado and Kelly Slater. All proceeds from food and beverage sales will be donated to three charities: Changing Tides Foundation, Rob Machado Foundation and SurfAid. 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. La Paloma Theatre, 471 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. Sold out. solentosurffestival.com
“One in Two”
Diversionary Theatre reopens with the West Coast premiere of Donja R. Love’s audience-interactive comedy-drama that tells the stories of three Black queer men who are HIV positive, showcasing the often-forgotten truth that the decades-old AIDS crisis continues. Full vaccine or negative COVID-19 PCR test required within 72 hours of performance, as well as face mask indoors. 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 24. 4545 Park Blvd., No. 101, San Diego. $15 to $50. (619) 220-009; diversionary.org
YG at Parq
Rapper YG, aka Young Gangsta, has collaborated with some of music’s biggest names like Cardi B, Post Malone, the late Nipsey Hussle and more. Catch him when he makes an appearance at Parq Nightclub this Thursday . 9 p.m., Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Gaslamp. GA tickets are $35.05 and VIP are $50.51. Visit parqsd.com for more info.
Friday, Sept. 24
El Cajon Oktoberfest
Hosted by the German American Societies of San Diego, Oktoberfest in El Cajon is happening on back-to-back weekends. Dance to music from German-based band Guggenbach-Baum; enjoy German beer and food like bratwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels; and participate in activities like foosball, a pellet gun shooting range and a raffle (where one lucky winner will score two plane tickets to Germany). 4 to 10 p.m. Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. German American Societies, 1017 South Mollison Ave., El Cajon. $15 (Friday or Saturday); $5 (Sunday); oktoberfestelcajon.com
READ MORE: Oktoberfest is back in San Diego. Here’s where to celebrate
Frank Sinatra and the Great Ladies of Song
Relive the magic of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald with this tribute concert featuring singers Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare. Conductor Steven Reineke leads the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in this night of music from The Great American Songbook that also features other favorite ladies of pop and jazz. 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $25 to $95; theshell.org.
Jay Mohr at La Jolla Comedy Store
You might recognize comedian and actor Jay Mohr from films like “Go” and “Jerry Maguire” and television shows like “Saturday Night Live,” “Action” and “Gary Unmarried.” Catch him when he performs all weekend at the venerable La Jolla club. Friday through Saturday , 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m. $30. Comedy Store La Jolla, 916 Pearl St., La Jolla, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla.
“Vibrant Expressions” paintings by Cathy Carey
San Diego impressionist Cathy Carey opens a new exhibition of colorful, nature-inspired oil on linen paintings. A wine and cheese reception happens from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, and the exhibition is up through Sept. 30. La Playa Gallery, 2226 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; (858) 454-6903; laplayagallery.com.
Ohana Festival
Jam by the beach at the Ohana Festival in Dana Point this weekend! The three-day music festival features more than 35 acts, including headliners Kings of Leon (Friday), Eddie Vedder (Saturday) and Pearl Jam (Sunday). Music performances will take place on the Ohana Stage and Tiki Stage, while the Storytellers Stage offers exhibits and panels with conservationists, environmentalists, pro surfers and more. Proof of a negative COVID-19 test (only antigen or PCR tests accepted) or proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required for festivalgoers. Masks are required on shuttles to and from the festival, and recommended at the festival grounds. See website for bag policy and prohibited items. Friday through Sunday. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Park Lantern, Dana Point. Weekend passes are sold out. Single day tickets available for $138.50 (excluding fees); ohanafest.com
Cold War Kids
Hailing from Long Beach, CA, the Cold War Kids brings its specific brand of indie rock for a show supporting its latest album, “New Age Norms 3.” Expect to hear hits like “First,” “Love is Mystical” and “Can We Hang On?” 7 p.m. Friday. Observatory North Park. Proof of full vaccination or negative Covid test within 72 hours of the event required. Tickets start at $35. Visit livenation.com to purchase tickets.
St. Archer Family Reunion Weekend
Happy birthday, Saint Archer! Celebrate the brewery’s eighth anniversary with a Family Reunion Weekend, a three-day party at the Miramar and Leucadia tasting rooms. Various discounts and specials will be offered at both locations throughout the weekend — including $5 select pints and $30 merch bundle (a pint with a t-shirt, keychain, koozie, and tote bag) — along with the debut of a new beer: Saint Archer 8th Anniversary Cold IPA. Miramar’s location will have additional offerings like pizza pairings with Poseidon Project and a live art installation on Sept. 25. Happening at both Saint Archer tasting rooms; see website for location-specific hours. 978 North Coast Highway 101 #2051 (Leucadia); 9550 Distribution Ave. (Miramar) saintarcherbrewery.com
MOANS at Soda Bar
San Diego-based, eight-piece funk band MOANS hits the Soda Bar stage to perform its first show in 18 months. Openers will be Kahlil Nash, who won this year’s San Diego Music Award for Best R&B or Soul Album, and SHRUBRAVO*, the solo act of MOAN’s bassist Alex Bravo. Doors open 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Masks are required, along with vaccine verification or negative COVID-19 PCR test. Soda Bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., Normal Heights. Tickets are available through the app DICE for $12.55; sodabarmusic.com
READ MORE: Local Band Spotlight: ‘Doing everything backwards’ with MOANS
Darrell Hammond at the Laugh Factory San Diego
Darrell Hammond’s iconic “Saturday Night Live” career had him impersonating heavy-hitters like Bill Clinton, Al Gore and, of course, Sean Connery in those unforgettable “Celebrity Jeopardy!” sketches. Catch him doing stand-up this weekend at one of his four gigs at the Laugh Factory San Diego. 8 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday . Tickets start at $25. Laugh Factory San Diego, inside the Keating Hotel, 432 F Street, Gaslamp. laughfactory.com/clubs/san-diego
Saturday, Sept. 25
CRSSD Festival 2021
It’s been a year-and-a-half since CRSSD Festival last opened its gates. But that all changes this weekend with performances by Zhu, Camelphat, Aluna, Jamie Jones, Carl Craig, Seth Troxler, ANNA, Hot Since 82, and Boys Noizeamong many others. Gates open at noon Saturday and Sunday.Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Coast Highway, downtown. $125 and up; crssdfest.com.
READ MORE: CRSSD Festival has nearly 50 acts — here are our top 5 picks
Coach Rob Mendez Book Signing in Little Italy
San Diegan Rob Mendez will be signing copies of his book, “Who Says I Can’t,” during the Little Italy Mercato outside of Parakeet Café. Following the signing, a meet-and-greet reception will be held at Amici House, also in Little Italy. At the reception, guests can enjoy snacks and sips while learning more about Coach Rob’s inspiring career. Saturday , book signing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and reception from 3 to 4 p.m. Reception is by RSVP only (click here to RSVP).
Bodhi Tree anniversary concert
For the last ten years, Bodhi Tree Concerts has put on classical music, dance, theater and cabaret shows that also benefit local charities. For its season opening event, Bodhi Tree is bringing back an all-star lineup of artists who have performed there over the last decade. Attendees who bring a bag of food to donate to Feeding San Diego will receive a free raffle ticket. 7 p.m. Saturday. St. James by-the-Sea, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. $25; bodhitreeconcerts.org.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Watch iconic Hot Wheels cars turn into real, full-sized monster trucks at this family-friendly crashing and smashing competition. You’ll see favorites like Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark, V8 Bomber and Demo Derby and also meet Rebecca Schnell, the first woman driver to join the tour. 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway District. $30 to $42; pechangaarenasd.com.
“Trifecta: Art, Science, Patron”
Curated by Chi Essary, this exhibition features works by 10 local artists who explored research by scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Artists, like renowned siblings Einar & Jamex de la Torre, interpreted studies in areas including the cellular role in aging or Alzheimer’s disease for a unique exhibition that blends art and science. The exhibition opens Saturday and runs from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through Jan. 16, 2022. La Jolla Historical Society, 780 Prospect St., La Jolla. (858) 459-5335 or lajollahistory.org.
D. L. Hughley
Beloved comedian D.L. Hughley of “The Hughleys” and “The Original Kings of Comedy” will bring his standup set to San Diego for a three-night stand. 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday; 8 p.m. Sunday; 9:30 p.m. Monday. American Comedy Co., 818 6th Ave., downtown. $35; (619) 795-3858 (call venue for latest COVID-19 protocols). americancomedyco.com
Cat’s Paw Pumpkin-Spice Cider Launch Party
Bivouac Ciderworks is throwing a “cider season” kick-off party at its North Park tasting room, featuring the launch of limited edition Cat’s Paw Pumpkin-Spice Cider. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Bivouac Ciderworks, 3986 30th St., North Park; (619) 725-0844. bivouaccider.com
Sunday, Sept. 26
Jason Mraz
This is the world premiere of Mraz performing his music specifically arranged for symphony orchestra. Though tickets are long gone, you can show up early and secure a listening spot around the Shell’s perimeter, or even snag a concrete bench just outside the stage. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. Sold out; theshell.org.
Mipso at Casbah
Folk/country quartet Mipso makes a tour stop in San Diego with a show at the Casbah, opened by singer-songwriter Johanna Samuels. Vaccine verification or a negative COVID-19 PCR test required, with masks recommended. Doors at 7:30 p.m. and show at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. $15 advance and $18 day of show (excluding taxes and fees); casbahmusic.com
Women+ on Wheels ride
Celebrate the achievements and power of women and nonbinary folks with a community bike ride, hosted by San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. All genders, ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in the various rides, including the Road Ride (10-mile and 25-mile options), Mountain Bike Ride (6-mile and 11-mile options) and a Family Ride (3 miles). Online registration is requested for the event, which will be limited to 225 people. In addition to the rides, there will be a festival featuring activities like a yoga class, crafts area, food trucks, raffle and more. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Peñasquitos Creek Park, Camino Del Sur and Park Village Road. Free event, but a $15 donation is suggested. sdbikecoalition.org/event/womens_ride_2021
Ginuwine at Fluxx
Fluxx nightclub celebrates Industry Sundays with an appearance by rapper/actor Ginuwine. Ginuwine has been making music since the mid-’90s and has appeared in such films and TV shows as “Juwanna Man,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Your Husband is Cheating on Us.” $25. 8 p.m. Sunday at Fluxx nightclub, 500 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp. Visit fluxxsd.com for more info.
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