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Local Cross-Cultural Events
October 2025
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10:00 AM -
Music: One Love Festival
* Upcoming Events *
Sunday, October 5
| All Day | • Fiesta de Reyes Dia de los Muertos Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is planning a Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration like no other in San Diego – a free, family-friendly immersive experience designed to bring the spirit of this traditional annual Mexican and South American celebration to life for San Diegans of all ages. The anchor concession in the state park, Fiesta de Reyes has become renowned as a vibrant hub for celebrations that honor the multicultural traditions of the San Diego region. Dubbed Dia de los Muertos – La Experiencia and now in its 4th year, the event is slated to run from October 1 through November 2. Dia de los Muertos is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. Dia de los Muertos is a community-wide celebration of the history, Hispanic culture and rich heritage of the region. It is at this time of year that the spirits of loved ones who have died are thought to return to Earth to celebrate with friends and family. It is traditionally a time to gather and celebrate and remember the lives of those who are no longer with us. Throughout the month of October, the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard at the north end of the state park will be filled with fanciful, humorous, and visually stimulating décor, offered as tributes to many of San Diego’s early citizens. Many life-sized Catrina skeleton dolls in fancy dress, and many larger-than-life size, hold court at Fiesta de Reyes throughout the event. This year, there will be more than 60 unique Dia de los Muertos displays in Fiesta de Reyes, thousands of marigolds – a traditional flower associated with Dia de los Muertos – will fill the courtyard with color, and there will be an expanded live entertainment schedule on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Staff will dress in festive attire associated with Day of the Dead and merchants will host both traditional and more contemporary Dia de los Muertos altars throughout the plaza. Both Casa de Reyes Restaurant and Barra Barra Saloon will feature special menu selections throughout the run of the event. Guests are encouraged to visit Fiesta de Reyes during the two weeks leading up to October 1, to watch the transformation of the plaza as it happens. It’s a chance to watch artistic process that is required to create a spectacular new world.
Fiesta de Reyes, Old Town |
| 11:00 AM | • House of Korea Lawn Program House of Korea celebrates its annual Lawn Program at the International Cottages, with presentations, music, dance, and food!
International Cottages |
| NOON | • La Mesa Oktoberfest Since 1973, the La Mesa Oktoberfest has been attracting Oktoberfest revelers from across Southern California for 3 days of festive live music and steins filled to the brim with German & Craft beer!
La Mesa |
| • El Cajon Oktoberfest Join us for two full weekends of authentic German celebrations. Oktoberfest in El Cajon, hosted by the German American Societies, is the closest thing to Munich’s Oktoberfest you’ll find in Southern California! Enjoy German food such as bratwurst, ox-on-the-spit, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato salad, salted pretzels, and a variety of European pastries. Let a great selection of German beers and liquors – or water, soft drinks and coffee – quench your thirst while you enjoy traditional folk dancing, choir recitals, drama routines, stein-holding competitions, and interactive musical entertainment. Games, contests and prizes, a Kid Zone and a variety of shopping booths line the patio “tent” for additional all-ages fun. You don’t need to be German to join the party. Everyone is welcome.
German American Societies |
| 2:00 PM | • Music: Ravel and Debussy A glorious and theatrical celebration of the light and enchantment of France and French music, beginning with Debussy’s evocation of a journey to a mysterious island of love, and his witty and charming ballet score for children about the adventures of a box of toys. The program ends with a brilliantly colorful and delightful semi-staging of Ravel’s immortal and much-loved comic fantasy about a naughty child whose toys come to life to punish him. In this performance, specially created for San Diego, the many characters portrayed by the singers in this story will be reflected in animated illustrations projected on to the beautiful new walls of Jacobs Music Center. Music, words and images work in harmony to tell the story. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Ravel, and our production of "L’enfant et les sortilèges" is this orchestra’s homage to the man who created one of the most beautiful depictions of childhood in all of music.
Jacobs Music Center |
| 4:00 PM | • Food: Mexico in a Bottle Join us Sunday, October 5th at Bread & Salt Gallery as we celebrate the great spirits of Mexico. Enjoy sipping agave spirits and learning producer stories, processes and more. There are also selections of Mexican whiskey, rum, gin, liqueurs and more. Restaurants will be serving up delicious bites paired with cocktail sips as art and music surround you. The story of mezcal and these other elixirs is about more than alcohol. Each bottle contains a piece and flavor of Mexican culture, and is a living link to history, tradition, food, art, and music – life and death all in a bottle. This is what we celebrate at Mexico in a Bottle!
Bread & Salt |
Monday, October 6
| All Day | • Fiesta de Reyes Dia de los Muertos Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is planning a Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration like no other in San Diego – a free, family-friendly immersive experience designed to bring the spirit of this traditional annual Mexican and South American celebration to life for San Diegans of all ages. The anchor concession in the state park, Fiesta de Reyes has become renowned as a vibrant hub for celebrations that honor the multicultural traditions of the San Diego region. Dubbed Dia de los Muertos – La Experiencia and now in its 4th year, the event is slated to run from October 1 through November 2. Dia de los Muertos is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. Dia de los Muertos is a community-wide celebration of the history, Hispanic culture and rich heritage of the region. It is at this time of year that the spirits of loved ones who have died are thought to return to Earth to celebrate with friends and family. It is traditionally a time to gather and celebrate and remember the lives of those who are no longer with us. Throughout the month of October, the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard at the north end of the state park will be filled with fanciful, humorous, and visually stimulating décor, offered as tributes to many of San Diego’s early citizens. Many life-sized Catrina skeleton dolls in fancy dress, and many larger-than-life size, hold court at Fiesta de Reyes throughout the event. This year, there will be more than 60 unique Dia de los Muertos displays in Fiesta de Reyes, thousands of marigolds – a traditional flower associated with Dia de los Muertos – will fill the courtyard with color, and there will be an expanded live entertainment schedule on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Staff will dress in festive attire associated with Day of the Dead and merchants will host both traditional and more contemporary Dia de los Muertos altars throughout the plaza. Both Casa de Reyes Restaurant and Barra Barra Saloon will feature special menu selections throughout the run of the event. Guests are encouraged to visit Fiesta de Reyes during the two weeks leading up to October 1, to watch the transformation of the plaza as it happens. It’s a chance to watch artistic process that is required to create a spectacular new world.
Fiesta de Reyes, Old Town |
| 7:00 PM | • Film: The Devil’s Bride Equal parts guitar-heavy rock opera, Euro village melodrama and folk magic bonanza, this beloved Lithuanian cult hit comes to North America for the very first time! An incredibly ambitious sung-through musical a la THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (where the entire film is without traditional dialogue), the story revolves around a devil who’s booted out of Heaven and drops into a farmer’s frog pond. Quick as you can say “The Devil and Daniel Webster,” the farmer promises the devil the hand of his beautiful blonde love in exchange for their as-yet unborn daughter, and wicked complications ensue over the years. THE DEVIL’S BRIDE is thoroughly laced with surreal images: legions of female devils riding bareback on horses; a black carriage disappearing into the waters of a lake; rituals of mistletoe roots and rowan berries and straw men.
Digital Gym Cinema |
| • Moon Viewing Concert Percussionist Kosuke Matsuda will present AM ditative and imaginative soundscape inspired by Japanese traditions. The program features Moon Viewing Music by Peter Garland, a six-movement work inspired by Japanese haiku poets, as well as Kanade by Masayuki Sakamoto, performed on the powerful Japanese okedo taiko. In Japan, Moon Viewing (Tsukimi) is a cherished autumn tradition, a time to celebrate beauty and culture. Come experience this tradition through music, and join us in celebrating multicultural creativity and diversity in San Diego!
Conrad Prebys Music Center |
| 7:30 PM | • Music: Andrea González Caballero Classical guitar enthusiasts and music lovers are in for a treat as the internationally acclAM d guitarist Andrea González Caballero brings her Spanish repertoire to San Diego. After the sensational launch of her album "Reencuentros" and a triumphant tour across the United States Europe and Australia, Caballero is set to perform at the Kroc Center.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center |
Wednesday, October 8
| All Day | • Fiesta de Reyes Dia de los Muertos Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is planning a Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration like no other in San Diego – a free, family-friendly immersive experience designed to bring the spirit of this traditional annual Mexican and South American celebration to life for San Diegans of all ages. The anchor concession in the state park, Fiesta de Reyes has become renowned as a vibrant hub for celebrations that honor the multicultural traditions of the San Diego region. Dubbed Dia de los Muertos – La Experiencia and now in its 4th year, the event is slated to run from October 1 through November 2. Dia de los Muertos is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. Dia de los Muertos is a community-wide celebration of the history, Hispanic culture and rich heritage of the region. It is at this time of year that the spirits of loved ones who have died are thought to return to Earth to celebrate with friends and family. It is traditionally a time to gather and celebrate and remember the lives of those who are no longer with us. Throughout the month of October, the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard at the north end of the state park will be filled with fanciful, humorous, and visually stimulating décor, offered as tributes to many of San Diego’s early citizens. Many life-sized Catrina skeleton dolls in fancy dress, and many larger-than-life size, hold court at Fiesta de Reyes throughout the event. This year, there will be more than 60 unique Dia de los Muertos displays in Fiesta de Reyes, thousands of marigolds – a traditional flower associated with Dia de los Muertos – will fill the courtyard with color, and there will be an expanded live entertainment schedule on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Staff will dress in festive attire associated with Day of the Dead and merchants will host both traditional and more contemporary Dia de los Muertos altars throughout the plaza. Both Casa de Reyes Restaurant and Barra Barra Saloon will feature special menu selections throughout the run of the event. Guests are encouraged to visit Fiesta de Reyes during the two weeks leading up to October 1, to watch the transformation of the plaza as it happens. It’s a chance to watch artistic process that is required to create a spectacular new world.
Fiesta de Reyes, Old Town |
Thursday, October 9
| 6:00 PM | • San Diego Filipino Film Festival SDFC recognizes the importance of the discovery and exhibition of global Filipino stories and the nurturing of the voice of the emerging Filipino filmmaker to promote a better representation and understanding of the global Filipino experience, cinematic arts, and our shared humanity. SDFC aims to provide unity and pride amongst our Filipino and Filipino American communities, inspiration to young creative artists and thinkers, and a unique cultural experience to the diverse audiences of San Diego.
AMC Plaza Bonita |
| 6:30 PM | • Fundraiser: Noche de Mole Noche De Mole is the Sherman Height Community Center’s annual fundraising event. The evening event marks the start of our weeks-long Día de los Muertos celebration, now in its 31st year! Noche de Mole features a dinner menu inspired by a variety of regional moles from Mexico, signature beverages, entertainment, and a special preview of more than 25 community altars. The event is held mostly outdoors, except for the altar preview, which is indoors. We invite you to join us for a special evening as we celebrate longstanding traditions and cultural practices along with friends, family and supporters. As a fundraising event, your support helps maintain the organization and its year round progrAM ng and services. We thank you in advance for your support.
Sherman Heights Community Center |
| 7:00 PM | • Sound Without Borders: San Diego Live Trilogy A night of live music celebrating the diversity of San Diego’s music scene. Each artist will perform an intimate set, featuring special guest appearances, culminating in a full-band jam that blends their sounds, backgrounds and unites them as one family—a family reunited in San Diego.
Trilogy Sanctuary |
| • Lyrics and Legends Open Mic Pull up for a night of music, stories, and soul at Lyrics & Legends Open Mic where lyrics spark music, music births stories, and stories carve legends. Join us at Botanica to share your gifts, whether you’re a veteran performer or it’s your first time touching a mic. This is a space to listen, express, inspire, and sharpen your craft. Together we celebrate music, culture, and community, restoring the heartbeat of humanity to the center where it was always meant to be.
Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar |
Friday, October 10
| 11:00 AM | • San Diego Filipino Film Festival SDFC recognizes the importance of the discovery and exhibition of global Filipino stories and the nurturing of the voice of the emerging Filipino filmmaker to promote a better representation and understanding of the global Filipino experience, cinematic arts, and our shared humanity. SDFC aims to provide unity and pride amongst our Filipino and Filipino American communities, inspiration to young creative artists and thinkers, and a unique cultural experience to the diverse audiences of San Diego.
AMC Plaza Bonita |
| 4:00 PM | • OB Oktoberfest Mark your calendars! The WILDEST Oktoberfest in San Diego is coming back! This year, we're bringing back our doubled beachfront footprint for the biggest and best 21+ festival yet! Enjoy two days of live music and contests on the Jägermeister Main Stage, plus high-energy DJ sets at the Buzz Cannabis Electronica Stage, two exclusive VIP passes, and unbeatable drink specials.
OB Pier |
| 7:00 PM | • House of Poland - Polish Echoes Join the House of Poland for a profound evening of remembrance and cultural celebration at Polish Echoes: Art, Remembrance, and the Enduring Spirit.
International Cottages |
| 7:30 PM | • A Taste of Ireland After premiering Off-Broadway last season, ‘A Taste of Ireland-The Irish Music & Dance Sensation‘ returns to stages across the USA in 2025, performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation.
California Center for the Arts |
| 8:30 PM | • Latina Empowerment Day Latina Empowerment Days are regional, one-day leadership events hosted by HOPE designed to inform, empower, and activate Latinos of all backgrounds through culturally grounded, community-centered sessions. These events bring together 80-100 local leaders, professionals, advocates, and emerging changemakers to: Learn about key issues affecting our communities Build skills and knowledge for civic and economic advancement Connect with HOPE’s policy agenda and leadership opportunities Each day is uniquely tailored to local realities and includes expert panels, training sessions, and policy briefings. HOPE programs and educational events are open to all individuals who support Latina leadership to strengthen our democracy and advance economic mobility.
MAAC - Community Center |
Saturday, October 11
| All Day | • San Diego Short Film Festival An intimate short film festival, listed on IMDb, The San Diego Short Film Festival (SDSFF) celebrates the art of storytelling through short films of various genres, showcasing the work of talented filmmakers from San Diego and around the world. From thought-provoking dramas to captivating animations, the festival presents a rich tapestry of storytelling, offering a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their craft for fellow film enthusiasts. SDSFF consists of four distinct blocks of short films over a 6 hour period.
Blocks: Block I - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Block II - 11:45 AM to 1:15 PM Block III - 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM (Sold Out) Block IV - 3:15 PM t0 4:45 PM
Digital Gym |
| 10:00 AM | • Corazones de Milagritos Workshop Families will learn about Día de los Muertos, a celebration of life and a way to honor loved ones who have passed. Together, we’ll create Corazones de Milagritos and other traditional symbols by engraving designs into tin sheets and then decorating them with bright colors, pom poms, and festive details. In this fun “leave one, keep one” workshop, participants will add a design to our community ofrenda and take one home as a special keepsake. Kids ages 2 and under are free.
ArtReach |
| 11:00 AM | • San Diego Filipino Film Festival SDFC recognizes the importance of the discovery and exhibition of global Filipino stories and the nurturing of the voice of the emerging Filipino filmmaker to promote a better representation and understanding of the global Filipino experience, cinematic arts, and our shared humanity. SDFC aims to provide unity and pride amongst our Filipino and Filipino American communities, inspiration to young creative artists and thinkers, and a unique cultural experience to the diverse audiences of San Diego.
AMC Plaza Bonita |
| • House of Spain Lawn Program The House of Spain will hold their annual Lawn Program featuring Spanish music, dance, food and more!
International Cottages |
| NOON | • 52nd Annual San Diego Serbian Festival The flavors, sounds, and spirit of Serbia come alive at the 52nd Annual San Diego Serbian Festival. This family-friendly celebration transforms the church grounds into a lively cultural experience filled with food, music, dance, and history. Guests arriving between 12 PM and 4 PM will receive a complimentary dessert while supplies last, so early arrival is recommended! Serbian cuisine is known for its rich, bold flavors, and the festival is the perfect place to enjoy it all! Feast on roasted pork and lamb, savory burek (meat or cheese pastry), grilled cevapcici (minced sausages), sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), flaky pita (apple and cherry pastries), palacinke (Serbian crepes), and rich baklava, with vegetarian favorites like musaka and sopska salata (similar to Greek salad) also available. Traditional Serbian folklore dancing brings the stage to life featuring award-winning performers from St. George’s Morava group and visiting ensembles from across Southern California. Two live Serbian bands will perform throughout the day, bringing to life centuries-old storytelling through music and keeping the celebration going late into the night. Families are especially welcome, with a kid zone featuring a playground, face painting, and fun to keep little ones entertained. Festival-goers can also tour the St. George Church for an unforgettable chance to experience the only church in North America fully adorned with breathtaking Venetian glass mosaics that cover the church’s entire interior. A Vespers service will be held at 6:00 PM, inviting guests to experience the beauty and depth of the Orthodox Christian tradition.
St. George Serbian Orthodox Church |
| • OB Oktoberfest Mark your calendars! The WILDEST Oktoberfest in San Diego is coming back! This year, we're bringing back our doubled beachfront footprint for the biggest and best 21+ festival yet! Enjoy two days of live music and contests on the Jägermeister Main Stage, plus high-energy DJ sets at the Buzz Cannabis Electronica Stage, two exclusive VIP passes, and unbeatable drink specials.
OB Pier |
| 3:00 PM | • Chicano Park Festival The Power of Remembering and Affirming Resistance: 10 años de corazón, 3 años de hogar Join us on Saturday October 11 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., to celebrate this incredible milestone. The CPMCC has been established for 10 years and been at our historic site for 3! We hope to see you there for a day of celebration, recuerdos, and community! Program Host: - Consuelo "Chelo" Manriquez Music by: -Your Neighborhood DJ - Wicho Performances by: - La Rondalla Amerindia De Aztlan - BocaFloja Activities: -Por La Mano Press Food: - Taqueria Los Chuchys
Chicano Park Museum |
| 5:00 PM | • House of Ukraine 65 th Anniversary Celebration Celebrate 65 years of Ukrainian heritage and humanitarian work at the House of Ukraine's Anniversary Gala on October 11th. Join us for a night of music with singer-songwriter Valeria Vovk to help raise $25,000 for children in Ukraine.
Riverwalk Golf Club |
| • Workshop: Día de Los Muertos Paint & Sip Discover your creativity within at this Dia de Los Muertos themed paint party led by local artist and art instructor Christy Ross! We’ll be painting this Frida Inspired calave
Lemon Grove Coffee |
| • Music: Noche de Cumbia 8 Noche de Cumbia 8 with La Diabla, Wachiwara & La Cosecha Internacional
Quartyard |
| 5:30 PM | • Fundraiser: NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner We are excited to announce the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) San Diego Branch will host its annual Freedom Fund DinnerOur theme is “Celebrating 106 Years of Excellence: Thriving Through Adversity.” We would greatly appreciate your support of this important event to help us carry out the mission of the NAACP to “ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most effective civil rights organization. Don\'t miss out on this special event - mark your calendars now!
DoubleTree Hotel |
| 6:00 PM | • Exhibition of the Spanish Masters Opening Join us for Visions on Paper, an intimate journey into the boundless versatility and expressive power of the printed image. This exhibit brings together the bold visions of Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso.
Featuring etchings, lithographs, linocuts, and portfolios from across their careers, the exhibition spans surreal dreamscapes, lyrical abstraction, and powerful narratives. From Dali’s Conquest of Cosmos to Picasso’s iconic La Tauromaquia, each work reveals how these artists transformed the medium of print into a stage for innovation and imagination.
Spanish wine and light tapas provided.
Martin Lawrence Galleries |
Sunday, October 12
| 11:00 AM | • House of Norway Lawn Program The House of Norway will hold their annual Lawn Program (and Leif Erikson Day!) featuring Norwegian music, dance, food and more!
International Cottages |
| NOON | • Film: Zona Mutante Double Feature Terrified
On an ordinary suburban street in Buenos Aires, voices are heard from kitchen sinks. Bodies are levitating. Evil is here. It is up to a doctor, her colleague, and an ex-cop to get to the bottom of this neighborhood nightmare.Directed by Demián Rugna who gave us the bonkers WHEN EVIL LURKS in 2023.
Plaga Zombie: Zona Mutante
The three survivors of a zombie outbreak are intercepted by the authorities and thrown straight back into their now-quarantined town in this bigger and bloodier sequel to PLAGA ZOMBIE. As pro wrestler John West, med student Bill Johnson, and computer nerd Max Giggs face down hordes of the undead, will they be able to survive… again?
Digital Gym Cinema |
| 1:00 PM | • Multicultural Festival Come join us for a day filled with diversity and community at the Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater! Experience a variety of cultures through food, music, dance, and art. This event celebrates the beauty of multiculturalism and aims to bring people together in a spirit of unity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and learn about different traditions. Guests will enjoy a variety of cultural performances, local dishes from San Diego vendors, fresh produce and nonprofit resource tables. Attendees can also join in on activities including rock climbing, face painting, jumbo lawn
Market Creek Ampitheatre |
| 3:30 PM | • Music: A Taste of Ireland After premiering Off-Broadway last season, A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music & Dance Sensation returns to stages across the USA in 2025, performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation. Performed by former World Irish dance champions, and featuring dancers from Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, A Taste of Ireland transports the audience through the story of Ireland's tumultuous history delivered with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, live jaw-dropping acapella tap battles and heartwarming storytelling.
Balboa Theatre |
| 7:00 PM | • Bollywood Dhamaka Brace yourself for an unforgettable evening at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido as SAIKAT brings you a Mega Celebration featuring the one and only Abhijeet Bhattacharya, the iconic voice behind some of Bollywood’s most legendary hits! Witness the magic as Abhijeet sets the stage ablaze with his powerful vocals, infectious energy, and evergreen chartbusters that have defined Bollywood music for decades!
California Center for the Arts |
Monday, October 13
| 6:00 PM | • Middle Eastern Music Festival Join us for a FREE festival celebrating Middle Eastern Music! All are welcome at this free and family friendly event! Exhibits, student performances, special guests, and a chance to check out these unique instruments up close and personal!
Cuyamaca College |
Tuesday, October 14
| 5:30 PM | • Music: Mariachi Rodriguez Mariachi Rodriguez is dedicated to performing authentic mariachi music that celebrates the tradition’s cultural roots and musical richness.
Del Mar Library |
| 6:00 PM | • Dia de los Muertos Art Celebrating Nuestra Cultura Join Miss Claudia for a special Dia de los Muertos Family Art Night drawing Day of the Dead sugar skull Calaveras with oil pastels on black paper! Space is limited and Registration is required:
San Ysidro Library |
| 7:00 PM | • Film: The Wicker Man After receiving an anonymous letter about a missing 12-year-old girl, devoutly Christian Police Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) travels by seaplane to a remote Scottish island to investigate. But the islanders welcome neither his badge nor religious devotion, for Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) and his devoted followers worship only the pagan gods of old – and those gods demand a sacrifice. Howie fears for the missing girl’s life and follows every possible lead to find her – despite the islanders’ interference – before she becomes a human sacrificial lamb.
Digital Gym Cinema |
| 8:30 PM | • Music: Shonen Knife Formed in Osaka, Japan, Shonen Knife has been creating infectious power pop since 1981. With a cult following around the globe, their music bridges Japanese pop culture and rock tradition. Known for their colorful performances and unshakeable positivity, the band has remained a cornerstone of the indie music scene for over four decades.
Casbah |
Wednesday, October 15
| 10:30 AM | • Filipino Folktales Join us for special Story Time as part of Filipino American History Month. We will feature a Filipino folktale and craft! It will be held in Kensington Park at 10:30 am. There will be stories, songs, and bubbles! Join the fun!
Kensington Park |
| 4:30 PM | • Food: UPAC's Taste of Culture Come join us in the Baja Room at the Marina Village Conference Center for an evening filled with delicious food prepared by UPAC's Diversity Catering and vibrant cultural experiences! UPAC's Taste of Culture is an event where you can sample a variety of dishes from around the world, enjoy some multicultural performances, check out some incredible art pieces created from UPAC's youth programs and mingle. Whether you're a foodie looking to try new flavors or simply want to support UPAC's vital programs, this event is perfect for you! Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your palate and celebrate Uniting People Across Cultures!
Marina Village Conference Center |
| 5:30 PM | • SD International Film Festival (Opening Night) Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, the San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival — it’s a cultural experience. From international cinema that sparks global dialogue to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the Festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection.
Check website for events in other venues.
Festival Schedule
The Lot |
| • Talk: The Intersection Between Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law and State Law Please join California Western School of Law’s Indigenous People Law Student Association, Career and Professional Development Office, Belonging and Community Committee, and Faculty Diversity Committee in celebrating the Honorable Devon Lomayesva ’99, the first Native American appointed to the San Diego County Superior Court. She will be joined by Dwight (Kala) Lomayesva, Executive Director of American Indian Recruitment Programs, and Angela Medrano, Esq. on a panel discussing “The Intersection Between Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law and State Law: A Spotlight on Child Welfare & the Intertribal Youth Court.”
California Western School of Law |
| 7:00 PM | • Music: Hot Pstromi and Aliaksandr Yasinski Yale Strom and Hot Pstromi present: A Song of Belarus. Joiing Hot Pstromi will be special guest virtuoso (in his US debut) accordionist Aliaksandr Yaskinski. Hot Pstromi will perform klezmer, Romani, and other East European folk music with exciting, exhilarating new interpretations with a heavy dose of improvisation. Luke Little - contrabass, Elizabeth Schwartz – vocals, Fred Benedetti – guitar, Yale Strom – violin and special guest all the way from Prague, Aliaksandr Yasinsky on accordion.
Yasinski unlocks the expressive possibilities of the accordion. From virtuosic folk melodies and self-penned compositions inspired by tradition to forays into uncharted territory.
Rhapsody Hall, SDSU |
Thursday, October 16
| All Day | • SD International Film Festival Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, the San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival — it’s a cultural experience. From international cinema that sparks global dialogue to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the Festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection.
Check website for events in other venues.
Festival Schedule
AMC 14 - UTC |
| 4:00 PM | • Diwali Celebration Join us as we celebrate Diwali at the Carmel Valley Library. We will honor this evening with: Bollywood style dancing, coloring pages, and clay lantern (Diya) decorating. No registration required, open to all ages. While supplies last.
Carmel Valley Library |
| 7:00 PM | • Film: Pan’s Labyrinth Set in Spain during World War II. This is the story of a young girl named Ofelia. She is a girl who has a passion for fairy tales, which causes her to see one during her trip in the forest that is not quiet. She goes to her stepfather’s home in the country along with her pregnant but sickly mother, he is the sadistic Captain Vidal. Ofelia creates an imaginary world of her own to escape the cruel and harsh realities of the world. When she encounters a faun, she must complete three tasks in order to obtain immortality according to the legend of a princess.
Digital Gym Cinema |
Friday, October 17
| All Day | • SD International Film Festival Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, the San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival — it’s a cultural experience. From international cinema that sparks global dialogue to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the Festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection.
Check website for events in other venues.
Festival Schedule
AMC 14 - UTC |
| 10:00 AM | • Native American Heritage Festival The First Annual Native American Heritage Festival is a free, vibrant community event full of family-friendly entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy. Music, movement, food, storytelling and art are on full display through a packed lineup of shows, hands-on cultural and art booths, food vendors and more. Hosted by the Native Youth Foundation, the inaugural Native American Heritage Festival is bringing together tribes across Southern California to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day and celebrate Native voices that are bolstering creativity and connection in the community.
Grape Day Park, Escondido |
| 10:30 AM | • Talk: Castañeda Sobremesa Session Join Museum educators for a special workshop inspired by the practice of sobremesa, cherished by artist Alfredo Castañeda. Sobremesa refers to the moments when a meal extends into lingering conversation, when guests talk, listen to music, and reflect on life and ideas. This workshop invites participants to gather in community, engage in both prompted and organic conversation, and take part in an art-making activity inspired by Castañeda’s work and practice. Poetry and storytelling, central to Castañeda’s sobremesas, will guide the flow of dialogue, sparking creativity and connection.
Mingei Museum |
| 11:00 AM | • Bella Vita Fest In the spirit of Italian Heritage Month, Galbani® Bella Vita Fest celebrates Italian culture with chalk art, Italian music and wine, all in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. More than 40-plus expert chalk artists, depicting Italian themes, will line the streets of Little Italy, with live Italian music, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, Italian merchants and Italian food for purchase. Plus, Italian winemakers will be offering tastings, via Vicolo del Vino. The festival is free to attend and live chalk art is free to view (entrance at 550 W. Date Street). Separate wine tasting tickets will be available soon. October is Italian Heritage month, and the festival celebrates the tradition of street painting which began in 16th century Italy with traveling artists, many of whom had been brought into the cities to work on the cathedrals. When the work was done, they would often recreate the paintings of “Madonna” on the pavement; they became known as Madonnari. Street painting thrives today in festivals throughout the world. Street painters prefer this temporary performance art form that is created live before the eyes on the asphalt. Bella Vita is brought to San Diego by the ArtWalk San Diego team who produce the annual, spring Mission Federal ArtWalk, ArtWalk Liberty Station each August, and fall ArtWalk Carlsbad.
550 W Date St |
| 2:00 PM | • Chinese Ghost Stories Spooky stories are on the horizon! In collaboration with Storytellers of San Diego, join us for a bewitching time as we share Chinese stories of ghosts.
Chinese Historical Museum |
| • Suraj Israni Center Fellowship Forum All are invited to the 2025 Fellowship Forum - a showcase of cinematic creativity produced by Fellows of the Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts at UC San Diego. Fellowships are a cornerstone of The Suraj Israni Center for Cinematic Arts, fostering engagement, exploration, and innovation in film. They support students, faculty, and staff from across the UC San Diego academic community, providing funding or access to professional production equipment, to bring bold cinematic ideas to life. The Fellowship Forum shines a spotlight on diverse artistic visions and contemplative research produced by fellows, offering audiences an inspiring look into the creative work shaping the future of cinematic arts. It features a dynamic three-part program, blending film clips with lively panel discussions in 40-minute sessions, concluding with a reception of light refreshments.
Mosaic Auditorium |
| 2:30 PM | • 3rd Anniversary of the Filipinos of South Bay Join us October 18, for the 3rd Anniversary of South Bay Exhibit. Dessert merienda will be provided. It's Filipino American History Month and a wonderful way to come together to celebrate. It's a free event and opened to the public.
Chula Vista Library |
| 6:00 PM | • SDIAA’s Diwali Gala Sapphire Indian Cuisine |
| 8:00 PM | • Music: Celtic Thunder Celtic Thunder, formed in 2007, has gone from strength to strength. Their unique blend of traditional Celtic folk songs and contemporary numbers, paired with their signature chAM has earned them fans in high places. In 2009, they had the honor of opening the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and even performed for the Obamas at the White House.
Now, catch the boys on their latest tour as they perform all their greatest hits! From traditional ballads and Irish classics to contemporary pop favorites, Celtic Thunder delivers a truly Irish night out, perfect for the whole family!
Sycuan Casino Resort |
Sunday, October 19
| All Day | • SD International Film Festival Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, the San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival — it’s a cultural experience. From international cinema that sparks global dialogue to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the Festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection.
Check website for events in other venues.
Festival Schedule
AMC 14 - UTC |
| 10:00 AM | • Día de Los Muertos Festival At Día de Los Muertos Festival 2025, we will be paying respect to the veterans of La Colonia de Eden Gardens. There will be a special poster display featuring photos of veterans and their biographies at the center of the park. If you want your family member included, please fill out the linked form below. Additionally, the veteran memorial in the community hall will be open. A color guard performance will open the event at 10:00 AM. This free, family friendly event, hosted by La Colonia Community Foundation & sponsored by the City of Solana Beach will feature:
• A Blessing of the Altars Performed by Aztec Dancers, Danza Coatlique Ceminitzli at 10:10 AM • A Classic Car Show Sponsored by Los Viejitos Car Club • Musical Performances by Mariachi Del Mar, Los Gringos Muertos, and Smooth Groove • A Dance Performance by MiraCosta Ballet Folklorico Club • A Piñata & Free Kids Activities • A Catrin/a Costume Contest (including a category for pets) • A Raffle • Food & Drink Vendors (Alcohol-Free) • Local Craft & Small Business Vendors • Non-Profit Organizations and Community Resources • 40 Altars Honoring Our Loved Ones Who Have Passed On (Reservation Required) • A Community Altar That You Can Add To (Photo Copies Only, No Reservation Required) • Heroes of the 20th Century, Honoring Our Veterans,” shirts, hats, and stickers, designed by Xikano Rootz, will be available at the merchandise booth. Marigolds and raffle tickets will also be available for purchase.
La Colonia Park |
| 11:00 AM | • Bella Vita Fest In the spirit of Italian Heritage Month, Galbani® Bella Vita Fest celebrates Italian culture with chalk art, Italian music and wine, all in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. More than 40-plus expert chalk artists, depicting Italian themes, will line the streets of Little Italy, with live Italian music, La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, Italian merchants and Italian food for purchase. Plus, Italian winemakers will be offering tastings, via Vicolo del Vino. The festival is free to attend and live chalk art is free to view (entrance at 550 W. Date Street). Separate wine tasting tickets will be available soon. October is Italian Heritage month, and the festival celebrates the tradition of street painting which began in 16th century Italy with traveling artists, many of whom had been brought into the cities to work on the cathedrals. When the work was done, they would often recreate the paintings of “Madonna” on the pavement; they became known as Madonnari. Street painting thrives today in festivals throughout the world. Street painters prefer this temporary performance art form that is created live before the eyes on the asphalt. Bella Vita is brought to San Diego by the ArtWalk San Diego team who produce the annual, spring Mission Federal ArtWalk, ArtWalk Liberty Station each August, and fall ArtWalk Carlsbad.
550 W Date St |
Tuesday, October 21
| 10:30 AM | • Talk: Castañeda Sobremesa Session Join Museum educators for a special workshop inspired by the practice of sobremesa, cherished by artist Alfredo Castañeda. Sobremesa refers to the moments when a meal extends into lingering conversation, when guests talk, listen to music, and reflect on life and ideas. This workshop invites participants to gather in community, engage in both prompted and organic conversation, and take part in an art-making activity inspired by Castañeda’s work and practice. Poetry and storytelling, central to Castañeda’s sobremesas, will guide the flow of dialogue, sparking creativity and connection.
Mingei Museum |
| 6:30 PM | • Otherwise Film Festival The OTHERWISE film festival emerges as a pivotal platform that transcends conventional narratives by embracing a comparative and global perspective. By foregrounding marginalized voices and their unique cinematic narratives, OTHERWISE redefines the boundaries of representation in contemporary cinema. This festival serves as a crucible of cultural exploration, where the complexities of our modern world are unraveled through the lenses of specific creators and communities.
Mosaic Auditorium, UCSD |
Thursday, October 23
| 7:30 PM | • Peace and Justice Concert WorldBeat Cultural Center presents the Peace and Justice Concert Experience a night of roots reggae and conscious vibrations as Luciano “The Jah Messenger” returns to San Diego. With a voice that uplifts and lyrics that inspire, Luciano has become one of the most respected figures in international reggae, carrying messages of love, unity, and justice across the globe. Joining him is the Fully Fullwood Band featuring San Diego’s own Ginger Roots, bringing soulful roots reggae and fresh, uplifting grooves rooted in community and positivity.
WorldBeat Cultural Center |
Friday, October 24
| 7:30 PM | • Dance: Ghostly Labor San Francisco-based dance and music ensemble La Mezcla’s "Ghostly Labor" explores the history of labor in the U.S.–Mexico borderlands through tap, Mexican Zapateado, Son Jarocho, Afro-Caribbean movement, and live music.
Epstein Family Amphitheater |
| 9:30 PM | • Comedy: Joe Wong Joe Wong is a stand-up comedian who tours around the world in both English and Chinese. He made appearances on Letterman, Colbert, and Ellen shows, as well as headlined the 66th Radio and TV Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington D.C. where he roasted the then vice president Joe Biden. Joe hosted his own Television talk show in China Is This True? for 10 years. In 2018, he was featured in the book First Generation: 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great. This year, he is slated to perform at the NetFlix Is A Joke Fest. Joe Wong also published a number of books and e-books of his own.
The Yellow Door |
Saturday, October 25
| 11:00 AM | • House of Scotland Lawn Program The House of Scotland celebrates their annual Lawn Program with Scottish dance, music and food,
International Cottages |
| NOON | • 12th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival 12th Annual Dia de los Muerto
Join us for an afternoon of celebration, culture, and art at the 12th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival!
Mira Costa College |
| 12:30 PM | • Capoeira Batizado Join us at WorldBeat Center for a Batisado and Roda led by San Diego’s Mestre Preto Velho, Dennis Newsome. Capoeira is a martial art integrated with dance, ritual, and gravity defying acrobatics. It is marked by deft, tricky movements often played on the ground or completely inverted. It is always played with music. Capoeira balances the body, soul and mind. It is a graceful and exciting art form that teaches you to be alert. Capoeira is both a dance and a fight which asks you also engage your mind in learning its music, culture, history and knowledge. Batizado literally means “baptism”; besides being an initiation rite for new students it is also a graduation ceremony for advanced students and a great capoeira community celebration with masters from near and far are invited and the fraternity of capoeira is measurably strengthened by the camaraderie and interplay. These ceremonies are a great chance to see a variety of different capoeira styles, to watch mestres play, and to see participants play and perform their best after much perseverance and preparation. Capoeira is usually done inside a circle of people called a “roda”, pronouced HO-DUH. The people in the circle are usually other capoeiristas waiting to “play”, and observers. A roda will usually commence with a ladainha (litany), often sung by the most senior member present. These songs may be improvised on the spot, but are often famous songs written by an earlier mestre and sung in Portuguese. After the ladainha has been sung, the same singer will usually sing the chulas, which are usually made up of any of the lines listed in the chulas section below but, again, may be improvised on the spot. The chorus repeats each line of the chula after it has been sung. Finally, corridos will be sung while the game is playing. In most rodas anyone can sing a corrido, though most often they will be sung by the members of the group playing instruments, the bateria.
WorldBeat Center |
| 7:00 PM | • Music: When in Rome Handel’s arrival in Rome in 1706 had a profound influence on his development as a composer, igniting one of the most creative periods of his career. In Rome, Handel rubbed shoulders with the greatest musicians of the age while basking in the luxuries, excesses, and patronage of the clerical aristocracy. When in Rome brings together seductive and euphoric music of this time and place.
Prebys Performing Arts Center |
| 8:00 PM | • Music: Celtic Thunder Celtic Thunder, formed in 2007, has gone from strength to strength. Their unique blend of traditional Celtic folk songs and contemporary numbers, paired with their signature chAM has earned them fans in high places. In 2009, they had the honor of opening the Saint Patrick's Day Parade and even performed for the Obamas at the White House.
Now, catch the boys on their latest tour as they perform all their greatest hits! From traditional ballads and Irish classics to contemporary pop favorites, Celtic Thunder delivers a truly Irish night out, perfect for the whole family!
Sycuan Casino Resort |
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