It’s officially November — and while the air is cooling and the days are getting shorter— events aren’t slowing down. So, we’re keeping you updated on major San Diego activities + shows to make this a November to remember, whether you’re looking for live performances, sports, or non-stop holiday fun.
🎹 Let the music play
Alicia Keys | Sat., Nov. 5 | 8 p.m. | Viejas Arena | $60+ | The La Jolla local performs “ALICIA The World Tour.”
San Diego Brewers Guild Fest | Sat., Nov. 5 | 12-4 p.m. | San Diego Surf Cup Sports Park, Del Mar | $55+ | Explore our region’s craft beer scene with a collection of 60+ brewers and unlimited samples.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival - Grand Tasting | Sat., Nov. 12 | 12-3 p.m. | Embarcadero Marina Park North | $200+ | Raise your spirits with renowned chefs, domestic + imported wines, beers, and liquors.
🎭 Play time
“Hamilton” | Wed., Nov. 9 - Sun., Nov. 20 | 7 p.m. | San Diego Civic Theatre | $79.00+ | The Broadway play about a founding father will have you singing along.
“As You Like It” | Tue., Nov. 15- Sun., Dec. 11 | 7:30 p.m. | La Jolla Playhouse | $25+ | A retelling of the Shakespeare comedy featuring a cast of trans, non-binary + Queer performers.
Santee Holiday Lighting | Fri., Nov. 18 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Santee Trolley Square | Free | Ring in the season with a tree lighting, photos with Santa, sledding for kids + live music.
Ace Hood | Tue., Nov. 1 | 8:30 p.m. | Brick By Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego | $25.00 - $100.00 | The rapper headlines this 21+ show with guests Slim Diesel and Legion X.
El Último Sueño de Frida Y Diego | Tue., Nov. 1, Fri., Nov. 4, Sun., Nov. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego | $38.50 - $236.50 | The opera explores the relationship between two great Mexican visionaries — Frida Kahlo + Diego Rivera.
Gaslamp Comedy Open Mic | Tue., Nov. 1 | 8 p.m. | The American Comedy Co. San Diego, 818 B 6th Ave., San Diego | Free | A night of laughs + happy hour specials — plus your chance to take the stage.
Pacific Beach Farmers Market | Tue., Nov. 1 - Tue., Oct. 15 | 2-6 p.m. | Pacific Beach Farmers Market, 901 Hornblend St., San Diego | Free | Fresh food, art + ocean air are calling.
The Super Dentist Annual Candy Buy-Back Program | Tue., Nov. 1 - Sat., Nov. 5 | 7 a.m. | The Super Dentist, 9737 Aero Drive, San Diego | Free | Trade your Halloween candy in for cash — $1 per pound — at six Super Dentist locations through Sat., Nov. 5.
Wednesday, November 2
Hawthorne Heights + Armor for Sleep | Wed., Nov. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | House of Blues, 1055 Fifth Avenue, San Diego | $25.00 - $70.00 | The “Saying Sorry” rockers headline the downtown San Diego venue.
Wine & Paint at the C | Wed., Nov. 2 - Sat., Dec. 31 | 6-8 p.m. | Emerald C Gallery, 1331 Orange Ave, Coronado | $48.00 | Learn from artists + create your own masterpiece, all while sipping unlimited drinks.
Thursday, November 3
Theo Von - Return of The Rat Tour | Thu., Nov. 3 - Sun., Nov. 6 | 8 p.m. | Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego | $36.00 - $76.00 | The stand-up comedian and podcaster performs live.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
This week, 39 county vote centers will be open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for early voting in the Nov. 8 Statewide General Election. Starting Sat., Nov. 5, an additional 179 locations will be open for locals to cast their ballots. 🗳️
Encinitas City Council unanimously voted to adopt Senate Bill 9 which allows homeowners to build a second primary dwelling on their property or split their land into two parcels, allowing up to four units. The city hopes this will help more housing become available at affordable prices. 🏘️ (The Coast News Group)
Kids
El Cajon’s Mother Goose Parade has been canceled this year due to unexpected complications with staffing + supply chain logistics. The 76th installment of the annual tradition was set to march on Sun., Nov. 20, but organizers expect the holiday celebration to return in 2023. 🎈
Coming Soon
Randy’s Donuts — the LA-based bakery that’s appeared in films like “Iron Man 2” — plans to bring 10 locations to San Diego. The first shop is expected to open in January 2023 in Mission Valley, but the chain is looking to add locations in areas like downtown, Escondido, San Marcos, South Bay + El Cajon. 🍩 (Eater San Diego)
Edu
UC San Diego’s bioengineering department has a new name: Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering. The change comes after entrepreneur and innovator Gene Lay donated $25 million and dedicated the title in honor of mentor, researcher + professor Dr. Emeritus Shu Chien. 💸 (UC San Diego Today)
Transit
All aboard — The North County Transit District will offer “Free Ride Day” on Tues., Nov. 8, on all BREEZE, COASTER, SPRINTER, FLEX + LIFT services. The agency encourages riders to use this as an opportunity to get out and vote. 🚅
Community
Viejas Arena is being transparent with its new bag policy changes. Effective today, the facility is a clear bag venue, meaning backpacks are prohibited, and any bag beyond a small purse must be see-through, like a clear-vinyl tote or a gallon freezer bag. 🎒
A local claimed the $38 million prize from a winning SuperLotto Plus drawing on April 30, hours before the redemption window expired. The ticket was purchased at a Bankers Hill 7-Eleven, but if the claim is invalid, the cash equivalent — $22.9 million — will be donated to California public schools. 💰 (Fox 5)
Read
We think science fiction fans will love “Brain, Created Intelligence,” a new book by Oceanside-based author AJ Pagan IV. The story follows a scientist in 2047 who pushes the boundaries of artificial intelligence until a rogue government agent takes notice. The ebook is available today with print copies coming soon. 📙
Health
Eat too much Halloween candy last night? This cordless water flosser can help clean up those pearly whites. It is more effective than traditional dental floss and includes two flossing tips and two pressure settings. Bonus: This battery operated + cordless flosser is travel-friendly. 🦷*
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The City of Escondido is thanking veterans for their service by bringing back VetFest, its annual festival to honor our hometown heroes. The event takes place on Veterans Day — Fri., Nov. 11 — at 9:30 a.m.
The day will include a parade on Grand Avenue, spanning from Escondido Boulevard to Ivy Street, followed by a ceremony + lunch at American Legion JB Clark Post 149. But, the whole community is invited to show support. Businesses along Grand Avenue will participate in a patriotic storefront display contest, and sponsored displays will be found at Maple Plaza.
The fest is organized by the American Legion Post 149 + Brothers of 6 Charities Inc., but community support is needed to keep the event moving. If you’d like to get involved with VetFest, there is still time to sign up as a volunteer.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Michael.
Editor’s pick:Good morning, San Diego. In my opinion, Christmas music is totally fine starting today, Nov. 1.
So, now that I’m listening to my favorite seasonal tunes, it puts me in the giving spirit. When I head to the grocery store, I try to grab an item or two that the San Diego Food Bank needs. Drop-offs are super easy, and this small gesture makes a big difference to many locals. 🥫
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