Here are the top events taking place in San Diego from Thursday, November 25 to Sunday, November 28.
Thursday, Nov. 25
Happy Turkey Day! If you’re looking to skip cooking this year, check out these Thanksgiving Day dinner options offered at local restaurants, as well as our favorite San Diego mashed potatoes.
Father Joe’s Villages Thanksgiving 5K
Start Thanksgiving Day with some exercise! The Turkey Trot 5K from Father Joe’s Villages is back for its 20th year. After the race there will be music performances, a beer garden, photos with Santa and cakes to buy. The race starts at 7.30am. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. Registration starts at $45 (adult) and $35 (ages 18 and under). support.neighbor.org/event/father-joes-villages-20th-annual-thanksgiving-day-5k/e341130
Friday, Nov. 26
Ron Maggi of Chula Vista takes a selfie on the Comic-Con photo wall during Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center on Saturday, July 20, 2019 in San Diego, California.
(Hayne Palmour IV/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
A Special Edition Comic-Con – a scaled down, personal fall event – will take place this weekend. The event will be filled with panels, special guests, film screenings, games, book signings and shopping for collectibles. And don’t miss the masquerade costume contest at Ballroom 20 on Saturday night, which gives participants the chance to show off their creativity and win prizes. Friday to Sunday. San Diego Convention Center, 111 West Harbor Drive, downtown. Badges are $150 for all three days; comic-con.org. Proof of vaccination or a negative test taken on or after November 23rd is required. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face covering.
READ MORE: What We’re Most Looking Forward To At Comic-Con Special Edition
San Diego Virtual Jazz Fest and Swing Extravaganza
When it’s Thanksgiving weekend, that means it’s time for San Diego Jazz Fest, one of the longest-running jazz and swing festivals in the country. But… don’t put on your dancing shoes just yet – this year’s event is going virtual again. Throughout the weekend you can watch streamed performances from groups like High Society Jazz Band, Mad Hat Hucksters and Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra. All day today through Sunday. Donations welcome. Performances can be viewed at sdjazzfest.org.
Moka, a “generic tiger”, celebrated his first birthday at Lions Tigers and Bears, the rescue organization for big cats and exotic animals, on July 27, 2019 in Alpine, California by enjoying a birthday party filled with chicken and a few surprises to give his senses.
(Howard Lipin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Want to see a lion eat a turkey? How about a bear enjoying a stuffed pumpkin? Go to Lions Tigers & Bears in Alpine to see rescued animals munching on Turkey Day commodities. Not only will the lions and bears enjoy a feast, but all proceeds from the event will benefit the animals — providing them with food, veterinary care, habitat maintenance, and more. Friday and Saturday 10:00 am. Lions Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. $60 (adult) and $35 (ages 12 and under), with discounts available to members. 619-659-8078; lionstigersandbears.org/our-events/thanksgiving-turkey-bash
San Diego, California – November 5: Kocean performs at a new music venue called Bridges on Friday, November 5, 2021 in San Diego, California. The hall for all ages used to be a church.
(Ana Ramirez/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
San Diego’s newest all-ages music venue is back with its second event! Desert Oracle, a Ken Layne radio show/podcast, will perform live in Bridges. 7 p.m. 6555 Balboa Ave., Clairemont Mesa. Tickets are $25.10 at sodabarmusic.com; visit instagram.com/bridges_sd619 for venue information and show updates. Masks required. Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry.
READ MORE: There’s a new music venue for all ages in San Diego. Here’s the low down on Bridges
Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom continues to represent the world of rockabilly through fashion, a podcast, an autobiography, and of course, music. Known as a show-stopping performer, he returns to the stage to perform his kind of rock in front of a 21+ audience. 9:30 p.m. today. Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd., Midtown. $22 to $25; casbahmusic.com.
New West Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
The North County ballet school kicks off the holiday season with its 40th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker.” Along with waltzing flowers and leaping snowflakes, the show is accompanied live by the Pacific Lyric Association Orchestra. 5 p.m. today; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday ; 2 p.m. Sunday. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $15-$37 (760) 525-6738 or newwestballet.com
READ MORE: Where to See “The Nutcracker” in San Diego
Chris Kattan in the laughter factory
Spend a night in San Diego and see Chris Kattan, the star of “Saturday Night Live” and “A Night at the Roxbury,” as he headlines four shows over the long holiday weekend. 19.30 and 21.30 Friday and Saturday . The Laugh Factory, 432 F Street, Gaslamp. $25; lachfactory.com/clubs/san-diego
Saturday, Nov. 27
Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village
Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village
Stop by Seaport Village to meet a very SoCal Santa! Surfin’ Santa, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt, arrives at Tuna Harbor Pier and makes his way down the boardwalk for a parade. After the procession, Surfin’ Santa stops to take photos with guests. In addition, there is live music and entertainment from 12 noon. A map of the parade route (and photo on location) is available to view online. 1 to 5 a.m. Saturday. Seaport Village, 849 West Harbor Drive, Embarcadero. Free; seaportvillage.com/holidays/surfin-santa
Festive folks got into the holiday spirit at the Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll along Adams Avenue on Saturday, November 30, 2019.
Sip, shop and stroll along Adams Avenue on Small Business Saturday! Presented by Cutwater Spirits, the sixth annual Adams Avenue Spirits Stroll returns to the University Heights, Normal Heights, and Kensington neighborhoods. Cardholders will receive holiday-themed drinks and treats at the spirits and sweets stops at more than 20 participating businesses, and cocktails at the spirits stops are made by San Diego bartenders from a dozen local establishments. There will be a free trolley and a map is available to view online. 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday. It happens along Adams Avenue from University Heights to Kensington. Pick up tickets at will call, located at Smitty’s Service, 3441 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. $25; adamsavenuebusiness.com/event-info/adams-avenue-spirit-stroll
A group of wooden arrows pointing the way to various businesses in Julian is located on the corner of Main Street and Washington Street, December 17, 2019 in Julian, California.
(Howard Lipin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Drive to Julian for a day of festivities, including decorated window shopping, entertainment at Pioneer Park, and tree-lighting between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Don’t forget to take kids to City Hall, where they can write and email a letter to Santa, as well as add a decoration to the felt tree. Saturday. Everywhere Julian. Free; visitjulian.com/to-see-do/special-events/country-christmas
Do you remember 1994, when The Greyboy Allstars had a Wednesday night residency at the Green Circle Bar (R.I.P.)? That’s when the jazz-funk outfit established itself as one of the most innovative local bands around – a reputation that endures even though the band members (Karl Denson, Michael Andrews, Robert Walter, Chris Stillwell and Aaron Redfield) to work on other high profile projects. Relive a night of soul, groove and Latin boogaloo with the original harbingers of cool. 8:30 in the evening. Saturday. Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $30 and $33; belly.com.
Attention gamers! Redination presents a gaming event for all ages in Music Box. The competition features video games such as Super Smash Brothers, FIFA, Call of Duty, Halo and Madden, as well as drone racing and dominoes. Plus, enjoy live music performances from Microphone Doctors, Eturnul, and more. 4:30 in the afternoon. Saturday. Music box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. $10; musicboxsd.com. Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry.
Autumn Market at Tavern at the Vogue
Shop locally on Small Business Saturday this season! There will be numerous events celebrating the San Diego County holiday, including a fall market at Tavern at the Vogue. Browse over 20 small business vendors, then stop at the bar/restaurant to refuel or recharge. 1-5 p.m. Saturday. Tavern in the Vogue, 230 Third Avenue, Chula Vista. Free; tavernatthevogue.com
Sunday, Nov. 28
Menorah Lighting at Liberty Station
Commemorate the first night of Hanukkah with the Chabad congregations of Downtown and Pacific Beach during this family-friendly event on Liberty Station’s Central Promenade. In addition to an outdoor menorah lighting, there’s a comedy juggler, kids’ crafts, music, donuts, and dreidels. 5 p.m. Sunday. Liberty Station, 2641 Truxton Road, Point Loma. Free; freedomstation.com/events/salute-the-season/menorah-lighting
San Diego-based band Mrs. Henry celebrates the documentary “The Last Waltz” with a grand concert of his own at The Belly Up. Paying tribute to both The Band’s music and the 1978 film, the show features musicians Jack Tempchin, Marc Ford, The DecaDames, Mike Stax, Bryan Barbarin, Shane Hall and the Fresh Veggies Micro Brass Horn Ensemble. 7 p.m. Sunday. Belly Up, 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $21.95; belly.com.
Psychedelic/garage rock band Night Beats will put on a 21-and-up show at Soda Bar, which will also feature openers Wild Wild Wets and DJ Andrew McGranahan. 8 p.m. Sunday. Soda bar, 3615 El Cajon Blvd., Normal Heights. $23; sodabarmusic.com. Proof of full vaccination or negative COVID test within 72 hours required for entry.
Big Sur is located off Scenic Highway One, approximately 240 miles south of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles. Historically, the name Big Sur derives from that unexplored and uncharted wilderness area that lies along the coast south of Monterey. It was just called El Sur Grande, The Big South.
What is San Diego known for?
San Diego is known for its idyllic climate, 70 miles of pristine beaches and a dizzying array of world-class family attractions. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND California.
What is San Diego’s nickname? Some may scoff at San Diego’s moniker — “America’s Finest City” — but this SoCal metropolis offers more than just year-round temperature.
What is famous in San Diego?
14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego
- Balboa Park. Balboa Park. …
- San Diego Zoo. San Diego Zoo. …
- Gas lamp Quarter. Gas lamp Quarter. …
- Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. …
- Seaport village. Seaport village. …
- San Diego Beaches. …
- Historic State Park in the Old Town. …
- Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument.
Why do tourists go to San Diego?
San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. There are 70 miles of coastline and a diverse selection of beaches to explore. If you like surfing, you are in heaven; if you’d rather get lost in your thoughts on a secluded sandy beach, you’ll be in heaven too.
What is unique to San Diego?
An underwater park, a sea cave hidden in a small shop, a taco restaurant dedicated to Mexican wrestling, and a so-called ghost museum are some of the coolest (and weirdest) experiences you can have anywhere, let alone all in one city.
Why San Diego is the best?
Driven by its young citizens and stunning geography, San Diego is all about perfect weather, beautiful beaches, culture, street art, food, craft beer and nightlife. Make sure to visit America’s Coolest City and experience it for yourself.
Is San Diego the best city in America?
All in all, this is San Diego’s ranking in U.S. lists. News & World Report this year: #97 in Best Places to Live. #138 in the best places to retire. #3 in the best places to live in California.
What is unique to San Diego?
An underwater park, a sea cave hidden in a small shop, a taco restaurant dedicated to Mexican wrestling, and a so-called ghost museum are some of the coolest (and weirdest) experiences you can have anywhere, let alone all in one city.
Does it rain a lot in California in August?
August, California gets an average of 17 inches of rain per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. August averages 0 inches of snow per year.
What is the wettest month in California? The driest month in Los Angeles County is July with 0.01 inches of precipitation and with 3.68 inches, February is the wettest month.
Why is San Diego so beautiful?
“Beautiful beaches, pristine parks, and perfect weather make San Diego an ideal place to visit any time of the year,” said Flight Network. “The culture of San Diego, once part of Mexico, has been heavily influenced by Mexico in its art, music, food and even language.
Why is San Diego unique? Located on the Pacific coast in Southern California, San Diego is widely known as “America’s Finest City”. Famous for its miles of white sand beaches and great weather, the city offers a plethora of fun attractions for visitors of all ages.
Why do people love San Diego so much?
San Diego has some of the best beaches in the US. And each beach has its own atmosphere. Ocean Beach is the hippie beach, Pacific Beach is home to the student crowd, Mission Beach is for the active, and La Jolla offers some spectacular cliffs in the background. … San Diego is the perfect place for a beach vacation.
Why you shouldn’t move to San Diego?
What is good about living in San Diego?
America’s Finest City is not only one of the best places to live on the West Coast and one of the best places for veterans to retire, but it also has great employment opportunities, an abundance of beautiful beaches, first-class cuisine, affordable neighborhoods , and much more!
Why San Diego is the best?
Driven by its young citizens and stunning geography, San Diego is all about perfect weather, beautiful beaches, culture, street art, food, craft beer and nightlife. Make sure to visit America’s Coolest City and experience it for yourself.
Is San Diego the best city in America?
All in all, this is San Diego’s ranking in U.S. lists. News & World Report this year: #97 in Best Places to Live. #138 in the best places to retire. #3 in the best places to live in California.
What is unique to San Diego?
An underwater park, a sea cave hidden in a small shop, a taco restaurant dedicated to Mexican wrestling, and a so-called ghost museum are some of the coolest (and weirdest) experiences you can have anywhere, let alone all in one city.