The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: June 8

Nov 24, 2023

Now that it's June, summer events are popping up all across the region, including the San Diego County Fair, which begins this week.

Entertainment

This year's ‘cashless’ fair will have a 21-day run and tiered ticket pricing ranging from $12 to $20, with family pricing on Fridays

Here's what else you can do this weekend.

Blue Water Film Festival: The festival marks United Nations World Oceans Day with sea- and water-related films, including 11 full-length features, 19 shorts, and four animated shorts. Panel discussions and workshops are also on the schedule at UC San Diego's Guggenheim Theatre. Thursday through Sunday. Varied times at venues including La Paloma Theatre in Encinitas, and Digital Gym, Museum of Photographic Arts and UC San Diego Park & Market in San Diego; also virtual showings. Tickets from $15; the 8:15 p.m. Sunday showing of "Corazon Salado" (28 minutes) at UC San Diego Park & Market is free. bluewaterfilmfestival.org

‘Head Over Heels’ extended: Diversionary Theatre has extended by one week its production of Jeff Whitty's Go-Go's jukebox musical about unconditional love in a kingdom where an unhappy royal family explores the true meaning of self-acceptance. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 25. 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $25-$60. (619) 220-0097. diversionary.org

Drag Then and Now Advocacy Trivia Night: Host Amber St. James will lead a night of trivia on contemporary drag culture as well as the history of drag. The first 25 people will receive a free drink token and light appetizers will be provided. 6 to 8 p.m. on June 8. Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave., San Diego. thecentersd.org/events/drag-trivia

Night fishing at Santee Lakes: Grab your lantern and head to Santee Lakes for special night fishing hours. Night fishing will take place on June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20 and Aug. 3 and 17. Permits are available at the gatehouse. 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Santee Lakes (Lakes 1-4), 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee. Fees range from $4 to $10. santeelakes.com/fishing-events

"Love All": La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Anna Deavere Smith's play about tennis icon Billie Jean King and her efforts to change the world of sports for women athletes. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through July 2. Mandell Weiss Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $25-$85. (858) 550-1010. lajollaplayhouse.

"The Wedding Singer": Moonlight Stage Productions presents this musical stage adaptation of the Adam Sandler romantic comedy about a wedding singer falling in love with one of his engaged clients. 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Through June 24. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $14 to $58. (760) 724-2110. moonlightstage.com

Cruisin’ Grand rolls into Escondido: Cruisin’ Grand, the parade of cars, live music and family fun, returns tonight to Escondido's Grand Avenue for the first of many Friday evenings into September. The focus is on earlier American-made classic cars, including customs, vintage, muscle cars and hot rods. Park on a side street, visit the shops and grab a bite or a brew as you enjoy the auto show. 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays, starting on June 9. Grand Avenue, Escondido. Free. CruisinGrand.net

San Diego Beer Weekend: This celebration of the local craft beer scene is a prelude to San Diego Beer Week in the fall, presented by the San Diego Brewers Guild. Visit a participating small and independent craft brewery, enjoy a brew and pick up a commemorative glass or two. Friday to Sunday. Find participating breweries and events at sdbeer.com/sdbeerweekend.html.

"Silkworks": Lamplighters Theatre presents San Diego playwright Connie Terwilliger's autobiographical play about three generations of strong immigrant women in her family. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 18. 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa. $20-$25. (619) 303-5092. lamplighterslamesa.com

Encore presents ‘1980s Mixtape’: Encore Vocal Ensemble, a San Diego musical theater choral group, will perform 1980s music with costumes, dance, skits and surprises. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Envision Theatre, Canyon Crest Academy, 5951 Village Center Loop Road, San Diego. $25-$30. encorevocalensemble.org

City Heights Street Food Festival: This celebration of ethnic street foods will feature live art, music, drinks and a diversity of food booths. Proceeds will benefit the betterment of the City Heights community. 5 to 9 p.m. June 9. Tierra Centra, 4090 University Ave., San Diego. $10-$15. cityheightscdc.org/street-food-fest

Perla Batalla in House of Cohen: The Grammy-nominated Batalla, who once toured as a backup singer with legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, performs some of his lesser-known songs and shares anecdotes about their friendship. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, La Jolla. $18-$36. sdjfest.org

Luau Party: This third-annual event offers live music, fire knife dancing, Tahitian drumming, a performance from Taupou Samoa and all-you-can-eat Polynesian cuisine. 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Kona Kai Resort and Spa.1551 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego. $25-55 for kids, $129 for adults. resortkonakai.com/local-experiences/#!/e/annual-luau-party-a-celebration-of-kai-aina-aae2da44/

"No Exit: A Chamber Opera": Project BLANK presents composer Andy Vores’ 2008 one-act opera based on Jean-Paul Sartre's dark comedy. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Bread & Salt Gallery, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. $15-$25. projectblanksd.org

San Diego Greek Festival: Time once again to enjoy this lively festival featuring Greek food and pastries, Greek beer and wine, live Greek music and folk dancing, plus a kids’ fun zone and church tours. Free parking and shuttle at the San Diego Unified School District lot, 4301 Campus Ave. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 3655 Park Blvd., San Diego. Donation $3; free for children under 12, active military and first responders with valid ID. sdgreekfestival.com

"Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray": California Center for the Arts, Escondido Museum, presents this touring exhibit of more than 100 photographs of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo by her friend, mentor and sometimes lover, Nickolas Muray. Opens Saturday and runs through Nov. 5. Hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Free-$12. (800) 988-4253. artcenter.org

Ramona Pride: This will be a visibility walk down Main Street in Ramona with a community picnic. More information to be announced. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 10. 625 E St., Ramona. sdpride.org/event/ramona-pride

Santee Pride Walk: This walk — celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, diversity and inclusion in Santee — will start at Santee United Methodist Church and travel along Mission Gorge Road. There will be speakers to kick off the event and the public is invited to join in the walk.12:30 p.m. on June 10. 8964 Magnolia Ave., Santee. santeeumc.org

Latino Book & Family Festival: More than 100 exhibitors will be on hand at this festival of literacy and learning for all ages. Get autographed books; hear presentations from authors, including Victor Villaseñor; and enjoy bilingual activities and workshops, dancing and music. Exhibitors include community services and resources; plus food vendors, raffles, and a book reading by U.S. Congressman Mike Levin. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. Free admission and parking. lbff.us

Global Wellness Day celebration: The Alila Marea Beach Resort will host a day of yoga, sound healing, fitness and intention setting for Global Wellness Day. There will also be coffee, pressed juice and small bites served after the morning's seaside intention, fitness fusion and yoga with sound sessions. 9 a.m. Saturday. 2100 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas. Free. Register online: alilamarea.as.me/schedule.php

"Eleanor": North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Mark St. Germain's solo play about influential First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Opens Saturday and runs through July 9. Showtimes, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $54-$65. (858) 481-1055. northcoastrep.org

"Sacred and Sublime": La Jolla Symphony pays tribute to Jewish and African American composers, with choral works and musical guests Michael Sokol, Richard Hodges, and YAC winner Ayrton Pisco. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Mandeville Auditorium, UC San Diego. $19-$41. ljsc.org

Agave Fest: This is the second annual Agave Fest with live music, entertainment and a curated selection of local, agave-based tequila and mezcal spirits. 4 to 7 p.m. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego. Tickets start at $95. Register here: eventbrite.com/e/agave-fest-at-estancia-la-jolla-tickets-586238574357

Pianist Aleck Karis: Program includes Igor Stravinsky's Serenade in A, Harrison Birtwistle's Variations from the Golden Mountain and works by Chopin. 5 p.m. Saturday. Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, UC San Diego, La Jolla. $10-$15. music-web.ucsd.edu/concerts/

San Diego French Film Festival: Organized by the Alliance Française San Diego, this year's theme is "Travel." Selections include films depicting different aspects of travel, with films and shorts from France, Canada, Tunisia and the U.S. Part of the profits will support educational programs for students learning French in San Diego schools. Gala event on opening night. Times vary; Sunday through Tuesday. Tickets start at $35. The LOT, 7611 Fay Ave., La Jolla. sdfff2023.eventive.org

"Hereville": The 30th annual Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival and Kids On Stage Productions present this family-friendly musical by Robby Sandler and Lizzie Hagstead about a time-traveling, monster-fighting orthodox Jewish girl. 7 p.m. Sunday; Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. $18. sdjfest.org

The Whole Megillah New Jewish Play Festival — "Unapologetically Jewish" new plays will be presented at local theaters. 7 p.m. June 11 at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park; 7:30 p.m. July 6 and 2 p.m. July 9 at New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. prices vary. sdjfest.org

Summer Block Party: Reebok and Journeys are teaming up for a summer block party with food, drinks, giveaways, a sneaker customization station, yard games, a salon and more. 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Quartyard, 1301 Market St. Free. Register here: eventbrite.com/e/reebok-block-party-tickets-633531147717

San Diego Museum of Art presents ‘O’Keeffe and Moore: Nearly a decade in the making, this groundbreaking San Diego Museum of Art exhibition will showcase more than 120 works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore. Open through Aug. 27. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday (closed Wednesdays), noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. Free-$20 for admission. ‘O’Keeffe and Moore’ special exhibit admission is $10 extra for non-members.

Summer Reading: San Diego residents can sign up to log their reading hours and books online to win prizes while supplies last. All ages are welcome to participate. The program runs through August 31. Register here: sandiego.gov/public-library/kidsandteens/summerreading#undefined

"Lost in Yonkers": Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical family drama set in 1942 Yonkers, N.Y. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 11. Legler-Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University, 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. $15-$42. (858) 395-0573. scrippsranchtheatre.org

"Twelfth Night": The Old Globe opens its outdoor Shakespeare season with William Shakespeare's comedy about twin siblings, separated in a shipwreck, who find unexpected love in ancient Illyria. Opens Sunday and runs through July 9. Showtimes, 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays and July 3 (no performances June 17 or July 4). Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $29 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org

"Love All": La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Anna Deavere Smith's play about tennis icon Billie Jean King and her efforts to change the world of sports for women athletes. Runs through July 2. Showtimes, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Mandell Weiss Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $25-$85. (858) 550-1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

‘Singin’ in the Rain’: See the classic movie musical come to life on stage. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. (2 p.m. Wednesdays). New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. Through July 2. $27-$50. newvillagearts.org