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Happy November, San Diego 🍂 If you’re anything like us, you’re ecstatic about pumpkin pie, giving thanks, and hopefully sweater weather — and with all that excitement, you’re also looking for fun local events to attend. Read on for all the top events happening this month in America’s Finest City.
All month long
- Beach Spin | Daily | 7:30 a.m. | Hotel del Coronado | $25/class or $200/month | A cardio-blasting, 45-minute-long spin workout set against the backdrop of The Del’s stunning ocean views. 🚲
- “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” | Now-Fri., Dec. 31 | Times vary | The Old Globe Theatre | $39+ | The whimsical musical based on Dr. Seuss’ book is a holiday tradition at The Old Globe, where it runs through the final day of 2021. (COVID-19 safety: The Old Globe is requiring all guests 12+ to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of the show.) 🎄
- Waterfront Wednesdays | Wed., Nov. 17-Wed., Dec. 15 | 5-7 p.m.| Embarcadero on San Diego Bay | Free | Every Wednesday, soak in amazing bay views while enjoying live music, food and drink specials, and shopping along downtown’s waterfront. 🌊
- Ghosts of the Gaslamp Tour | Now-Fri., Dec. 17 | 6 p.m. | Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House Museum (410 Island Ave.) | $25 | Take a spooky stroll through downtown San Diego’s haunted history alongside Sandee Wilhoit, a historian with the Davis-Horton House, which is said to be a favorite hangout among the supernatural. 👻
- Skating by the Sea | Mon., Nov. 22, 2021-Sun., Jan. 2, 2022 | Times vary | Hotel del Coronado | $35 | The Del’s scenic ice skating is back with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean + all kinds of holiday-themed treats. ⛸️
- Escondido Certified Farmers Market| Tuesdays | 2:30-6 p.m. | Heritage Garden Park | Free | Enjoy the freshest produce and other goodies from local vendors at this weekly farmers market in San Diego’s North County. 🥑
- Photos With Santa | Daily, until Dec. 24 | Times vary | Seaport Village (next to Geppetto’s) | Prices vary | Get those photos with Santa Claus done early at this festive, annual set-up at San Diego’s waterfront landmark. 🎅
- North Park Farmers Market | Thursdays | 3-7:30 p.m. | North Park Way (between 29th and Ray streets) | Free | Pick up your fresh, locally-sourced produce and other goodies at this weekly farmers market in the heart of this community. 🥦
- Beach Yoga | Fridays + Saturdays + Sundays | Times vary | Hotel del Coronado | $25/class or $250/month | Find your zen on the sparkling sands of Del Beach with this relaxing weekly yoga class.
- “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show” | Fri., Nov. 19-Sun., Dec. 26 | Times vary | The Old Globe Theatre | $37+ | A fast, funny reimagining of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday story, “A Christmas Carol,” set in “wintery” San Diego. (COVID-19 safety: The Old Globe is requiring all guests 12+ to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of the show.) 🎄
- Flamingo Fridays | Fridays | 5-8 p.m. | Little Italy Food Hall | Free | Enjoy live music on the Piazza della Famiglia + drink and food specials (and the patio is dog-friendly, so you might want to bring your furry sidekick). 🎶
- Old Town Harney Street Market | Saturdays + Sundays | 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Old Town San Diego State Historic Park | Free | This outdoor shopping experience in the “Birthplace of San Diego” features vendors specializing in everything from handmade jewelry, clothing, and pottery to paintings and art. 🛍️
- Little Italy Mercato | Saturdays | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Piazza della Famiglia | Free | The Little Italy Mercato lines W. Date Street from Kettner Boulevard to Union Street every Saturday featuring fresh produce, pastured eggs, meat, fish, olive oil, bread, and more. 🥬
- Tuna Harbor Dockside Market | Saturdays | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (or until sold out) | 598 Harbor Ln. | Free | San Diego’s open-air seafood market fills the downtown waterfront each Saturday and brings together the public and chefs with local fishermen. 🐟
- Spreckels Organ Concert | Sundays | 2 p.m. | Spreckels Organ Pavilion | Free | The Spreckels Organ Society hosts its concerts in the heart of Balboa Park every Sunday, led by San Diego Civic Organist Raul Prieto Ramirez. 🎶
Monday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 21
Monday, Nov. 15
- Board Game Mondays | Mon., Nov. 15 | 5-8 p.m. | Bottlecraft at Liberty Public Market | Free | Pop into Bottlecraft at LPM for free board game rentals including Cards Against Humanity, Uno, and Battleship. 🎲
Tuesday, Nov. 16
- “Hairspray” | Tues., Nov. 16-Sun., Nov. 21 | Times vary | San Diego Civic Theatre | $35+ | Broadway San Diego kicks off its 2021-2022 season with the touring Tony Award-winning musical comedy, “Hairspray.” (COVID-19 safety: Broadway SD is requiring guests to wear masks and show full proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of an event.)🎭
- “To the Yellow House” | Tues., Nov. 16-Sun., Dec. 12 | Times vary | The Mandell Weiss Theatre at UC San Diego | $25-$55 | The La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of this live production that takes place in 1886 and follows the story of Vincent van Gogh. 🖌️
- Punch Needle Rug Hooking | Tues., Nov. 16 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | San Diego Craft Collective, 2590 Truxtun Rd. | $80 | Instructor Christie Beniston teaches this crafty four-session class on punch needle hooking. 🧶
- Open Mic Night at the Windmill | First + Third Tuesdays | 6-8 p.m. | Windmill Food Hall | Free | Catch some local talent on the mic at the food hall in Carlsbad. 🎤
- Postmodern Jukebox | Tues., Nov. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay | $59+ | The musical collective known for reworking pop music into different old school genres like swing + jazz brings its “Grand Reopening Tour” to Shelter Island. 🕺
Wednesday, Nov. 17
- Deft Originals Open Mic Night | Wed., Nov. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Deft Brewing, 5328 Banks St., Ste. A | Free | Local artists perform their original tunes al fresco, with plenty of seating and craft beer. 🎶
- Storytime With Professor Flutters | Wednesdays | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Seaport Village | Free | Bring the kids to this entertaining, weekly storytime session on Geppetto’s Lawn. 📖
- “Men on Boats” | Wed., Nov. 17 + Sat., Nov. 20 + Sun., Nov. 21 | 7:30 p.m. (Wed. + Sat.) + 2 p.m. (Sun.) | Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre at UC San Diego | $20 | A live production about the “discovery” of the Grand Canyon by John Wesley Powell and his crew in 1869. ⛵
- The Dodos | Wed., Nov. 17 | 8:30 p.m. | The Casbah | $15 | Indie rockers The Dodos drop into San Diego for this 21+ show. (COVID-19 safety: The Casbah is requiring guests to show full proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of an event.) 🎵
- “The Thanksgiving Play” | Wed., Nov. 17 | 7 p.m. | CSUSM Performance Hall (Arts 111), 333 S. Twin Valley Rd. | $10 | A satire about a group of “woke” artists who create a pageant to celebrate both Thanksgiving + Native American Heritage Month. 🦃
- Picking Perfect Pumpkins | Wed., Nov. 17 | 7-9 p.m. | Pinot’s Palette, 2820 Roosevelt Rd., Ste. 106 | $35 | Enjoy this in-studio, instructor-led session where you get to paint a scene of “picking the perfect pumpkins on a beautiful, crisp fall day.” 🖌️
Thursday, Nov. 18
- Flow & Skate | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Quartyard | $10 | Get your body moving with a little yoga followed by a rollerskating jam session right after; bring a mat and skates. 🛼
- The Best of San Diego | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 8 p.m. | The Comedy Store in La Jolla | $10 | This showcase of San Diego’s top comedic talent is where some well-known comedy alumni got their starts (Bobby Lee, Taylor Tomlinson, Vicki Barbolak).
- Whiskey + Cheese | Thurs., Nov. 18 | 7-8 p.m. | Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave. | $50 | North Park’s whiskey bar joins forces with Venissimo Cheese for this tasty event featuring five pairings. 🧀
Friday, Nov. 19
- Susan G. Komen 3-Day | Fri., Nov. 19-Sun., Nov. 21 | 5 a.m.-12 p.m. | Del Mar Fairgrounds | Registration fees vary | This 3-day race brings together walkers, crews, and volunteers in the mission to end breast cancer forever. 👟
- Salsa Under the Stars | Fri., Nov. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | The Headquarters at Seaport | Free | Strap on those dancing shoes, and enjoy a night of salsa dancing under the stars to live tunes from Manny Cepeda & Orchestra. 💃
- Farruko | Fri., Nov. 19 | 9 p.m. | Viejas Arena at SDSU | $27+ | Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Farruko brings his talents to San Diego (COVID-19 safety: Viejas Arena requires proof of full vaccination for attendees or a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of the event date.) 🎤
- Holiday Lighting Celebration | Fri., Nov. 19 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Santee Trolley Square | Free | The City of Santee in San Diego’s East County kicks off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony + carriage rides, Santa photos, sledding on faux snow. 🎄
- Stars at West Sycamore | Fri., Nov. 19 | Dusk | West Sycamore Staging Area at Mission Trails, 17160 Stonebridge Pkwy. | Free | Members of the San Diego Astronomy Association lead this nighttime viewing of our local skies through telescopes. 🔭
- Glow Ball With Fall Brewing | Fri., Nov. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | The Loma Club | Price varies | Enjoy a night of glow-in-the-dark golfing with craft beers in hand. 🏌️♂️
- Fortuny: Master of Light and Line | Fri., Nov. 19 | 10 a.m. | Virtual, via San Diego Museum of Art | Donations encouraged | Michael Brown, PhD, Curator of European Art at The San Diego Museum of Art, leads this guest lecture on the life and works of Spanish artist Mariano Fortuny y Marsal. 🎨
Saturday, Nov. 20
- Nature Story + Craft With a Ranger | Sat., Nov. 20 | 10-11 a.m. | Mission Trails Regional Park, at the picnic shelter across from the comfort station at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground | Free | Kids ages 5-10 are invited to join a park ranger for a nature story + an arts and crafts activity related to that story (RSVP: hgutknecht@sandiego.gov). 🏞️
- Beer + Fizz Fest | Sat., Nov. 20 | 12-4 p.m. | Del Mar Racetrack | $25 | Sample your way through sudsy sips of local craft brews, ciders, hard seltzers, and sparkling drinks while hanging trackside at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Bing Crosby racing season. 🍻
- Brick Fest Live | Sat., Nov. 20 + Sun., Nov. 21 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Del Mar Fairgrounds | $25-$50 | Brick Fest Live brings life-sized LEGO builds and interactive displays to San Diego’s North County + vendors selling new, vintage, rare, and custom LEGO merch. 🧱
- Holiday Street Fair | Sat., Nov. 20 + Sun., Nov. 21 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | South Coast Highway 101 | Free | Encinitas kicks off the holiday season with 450+ food, arts, and crafts vendors + four entertainment stages, activities for the kids, and a beer garden. 🎄
- Comics + Cosplay Art Show | Sat., Nov. 20 | 5-11 p.m. | The IN Gallery, 1878 Main St., Ste. D | Free | With less than a week to go until Comic-Con Special Edition, this comics-themed art show will feature the works of both established and emerging artists and, in SDCC fashion, cosplay is encouraged. 🦹♂️
- The San Diego Sound Project: Shua | Sat., Nov. 20 | 7 p.m. | Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad | $20 | This concert series highlights San Diego-area artists and this time, the spotlight is on Shua, a contemporary, folk-inspired singer and songwriter. 🎶
- Audiotistic San Diego | Sat. Nov. 20 + Sun., Nov. 21 | 2 p.m. | North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre | Prices vary | Two days of jam-packed lineups spanning genres like hip-hop, dubstep, and dance music. 🎶
- Novemberfest | Sat., Nov. 20 | 12-4 p.m. | Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr. | $30 | This 21+ fest highlights the craft beer, mead and wine made in Vista, with food + live music, too. 🍺
- Fortunate Son: A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival | Sat., Nov. 20 | 7 p.m. | Welk Theatre at Welk Resorts San Diego in Escondido | $25-$38 | Sing along to CCR hits performed by this spot-on, touring tribute band. 🎤
Sunday, Nov. 21
- Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime | Sun., Nov. 21 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Maritime Museum of San Diego | $25 | The Hausmann Quartet performs aboard one of the Maritime Museum’s historic vessels: the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley. ⛴️
- November 2021 Family Sunday | Sun., Nov. 21 | 12-5 p.m. | Mingei International Museum | Free | Enjoy family-friendly activities at this Balboa Park museum. 👦
- Coastal Cities Jazz Band | Sun., Nov. 21 | 2 p.m. | California Center for the Arts, Escondido | $30 | Watch this 17-member, big band ensemble perform swinging sounds of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s (COVID-19 safety: The Center requires full proof of vaccination + the use of masks for guests attending indoor events like this one.) 🎶
Monday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Nov. 28
Monday, Nov. 22
- San Diego Tequila Tour | Mon., Nov. 22 | 3-5:30 p.m. | Rockin’ Baja Lobster in Old Town San Diego | $99 | Sip your way through tequila samples while enjoying a guided, walking tour across several Old Town restaurants + learning fun facts about historic hotspots. 🥃
Tuesday, Nov. 23
- Sip + Paint: “California Cliffs” | Tues., Nov. 23 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Brushfire Kitchen Del Mar | $45 | A ticket to this outdoor painting session includes all materials + a tasty cocktail + instructor-led tips on how to paint a gorgeous scene of California’s coastline. 🎨
Wednesday, Nov. 24
- San Diego Gulls vs. San Jose Barracuda | Wed., Nov. 24 | 7 p.m. | Pechanga Arena San Diego | $16-$60 | Watch the Gulls take on the Barracuda with this home hockey game. 🏒
- Madison Beer: The Life Support Tour | Wed., Nov. 24 | 8 p.m. | House of Blues San Diego | $36.50+ | Singer Madison Beer performs in downtown San Diego, joined by Maggie Lindemann + Audriix (COVID-19 safety: Per guidelines from the California Department of Public Health, HOB requires event attendees to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event.) 🎶
- Pre-Thanksgiving R&B Block Party | Wed., Nov. 24 | 6-10 p.m. | Quartyard | Price TBD | Get down to some R&B jams at this block party before the Thanksgiving feasting goes down. 💃
Thursday, Nov. 25
- Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving 5K | Thurs., Nov. 25 | 6:30-11:30 a.m.| Balboa Park | Prices vary | San Diego’s longest-running Thanksgiving Day run returns to the heart of Balboa Park with a familiar mission: To raise money to help feed the homeless through Father Joe’s Villages’ meal program. 👟
- Coronado 5K Turkey Trot | Thurs., Nov. 25 | 8-11 a.m. | Coronado Island | Prices vary | Get a little trot in before the turkey at this Thanksgiving 5K that benefits Rady Children’s Hospital. 👟
- Encinitas Turkey Trot | Thurs., Nov. 25 | 7 a.m. | Coast Highway 101 (under the ‘Encinitas’ sign) | $48+ | Grab your family and friends and enjoy this early-morning Thanksgiving Day run with sweeping views of the Pacific Coast. 👟
- O’Side Turkey Trot | Thurs., Nov. 25 | 6-10 a.m. | Oceanside Civic Center | $28+ | “Move your feet before you eat” at this Thanksgiving Day run in Oceanside that also includes live entertainment along the course + a fun costume contest. 👟
Friday, Nov. 26
- Black San Diego Presents Black Friday | Fri., Nov. 26 | 3:30 p.m. | 1835 Imperial Ave. | $20 | Local nonprofit Black San Diego hosts this Black Friday market featuring Black-owned, local businesses + live music + artists + food. 🛍️
- The San Diego Jazz Fest (virtual event) | Fri., Nov. 26 - Sun., Nov. 28 | Times vary | Online: SDJazzFest.org | The 42nd annual San Diego Jazz Fest will go virtual again this year, for COVID safety reasons, and will include a lineup of artists performing jazz, swing, blues, ragtime and more online. 🎷
- Comic-Con Special Edition | Fri., Nov. 26- Sun., Nov. 28 | Times vary | San Diego Convention Center | $150 (3-day pass) | This smaller scale, special edition of San Diego Comic-Con International will include panels and pop culture everything, and is the first in-person event for Comic-Con since the pandemic (COVID-19 safety: Proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of the event will be required to get in + masks.) 🦸
- Usama Siddiquee | Fri., Nov. 26 + Sat., Nov. 27 | 8 p.m. | American Comedy Co. | $20 | Funnyman Usama Siddiquee (“America’s Got Talent” + MTV + Bravo) performs his stand-up act at the downtown San Diego venue for two nights.
Saturday, Nov. 27
- San Diego Made: Holiday Fest | Sat., Nov. 27 + Sunday, Nov. 28 | 10 a.m. + 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Grossmont Center | Free | Perfect for Small Business Saturday: San Diego Made and its collective of local artisans host this holiday shopping event featuring a curated mix of 70+ vendors + fun, family-friendly activities. 🛍️
- North Park Live: Small Business Saturday | Sat., Nov. 27 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 30th Street + University Avenue | Free | 15 local musicians perform during Small Business Saturday as shoppers enjoy local spots in North Park + live art. 🛍️
- Leucadia 101 Mainstreet: Small Business Saturday | Sat., Nov. 27 | 3-9 p.m. | 1900 N. Coast Highway 101 | $20-$30 | This Small Business Saturday afterparty in Encinitas includes live music across two stages + drink tickets for the 21+ crowd (COVID-19 safety: Attendees must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test + undergo a temp screening at the door.) 🎶
- ‘Whose Live Is It Anyway?’ | Sat., Nov. 27 | 7:30-9 p.m.| California Center for the Arts, Escondido | $27.50+ | A live version of the long-running improv comedy TV show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” starring Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray (COVID-19 safety: The Center requires full proof of vaccination + the use of masks for guests attending indoor events like this one.) 🎭
- Surfin’ Santa | Sat, Nov. 27 | 1-5 p.m. | Seaport Village, at Tuna Harbor Pier + the boardwalk | Free | In truly SoCal style — rockin’ boardshorts, with a surfboard in had — “Surfin’ Santa” returns for this 15th annual holiday kickoff on Tuna Harbor Pier with a grand arrival + a parade + live music. 🎅
Sunday, Nov. 28
- Hanukkah Celebration | Sun., Nov. 28 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westfield UTC, at Macy’s Court | Free | The Chabad Center of University City hosts this Hanukkah celebration that includes live music, the lightning of the menorah, dreidel games and jelly donuts. 🕎
- Hanukkah + Menorah Lighting Celebration | Sun., Nov. 28 | 5 p.m. | Liberty Station’s Central Promenade | Free | The Chabads of San Diego and Pacific Beach will lead this night of family-friendly activities celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, complete with the traditional lighting of the menorah. 🕎
Monday, Nov. 29-Tuesday, Nov. 30
Monday, Nov. 29
- The Holiday Market at Petco Park | Fri., Nov. 29 - Fri., Dec. 24 | 4-10 p.m. | Petco Park | $10-$14 | Petco Park hosts a holiday market featuring artisan shops, seasonal food and drinks, festive light displays and visits from Santa. ☃️
Tuesday, Nov. 30
- DJ Quik | Tues., Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | The Observatory North Park | $30+ | Rapper, songwriter and DJ, DJ Quik, takes over the stage at The Observatory (COVID-19 safety: A health check is required for attendees which includes either showing proof of full vaccination or a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of the show.) 🎶
- Matt Coyle: “The Last Redemption” | Tues., Nov. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Warwick’s La Jolla, 7812 Girard Ave. | $26.95 (includes copy of book) | The author discusses the latest installment of his bestselling Rick Cahill crime series. 📚
- Menorah Lighting | Tues., Nov. 30 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Seaport Village | Free | The Chabad of Downtown San Diego partners with the waterfront landmark to celebrate the third night of Hanukkah with family-friendly activities, music, donuts, dreidels and the lightning of the menorah. 🕎