Search results for

Dust off your dirndls for the 52nd annual La Mesa Oktoberfest, returning Friday, October 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. This free three jam-packed days will transform La Mesa into a lively Bavarian village complete with three all-ages biergartens, endless entertainment, and something for every age and interest. For beer lovers and partygoers, the festivities kick off in the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten, where traditional Oompah bands and energetic cover acts fuel a festive atmosphere of stein-holding competitions, chicken dances, and plenty of prost-worthy fun. All three biergartens are open to all ages, so guests of every generation can soak up the sounds, flavors, and festivities together. Meanwhile, families can settle into the new Palm Haus: Biers, Bites & Bouncies, a shaded bier hall featuring live music, games, and a kid-friendly zone with bounce houses and play areas. And for those seeking a more relaxed vibe, the Craft Bier & Seltzer Garten offers a chill hangout with lawn games, upbeat tunes, and a rotating lineup of local brews and seltzers. Beyond the bier and bites, La Mesa Oktoberfest features over 100 food and non-food vendors, making it a destination for shopping, snacking, and exploring. Artisan Alley on Allison Avenue returns with handcrafted goods from local makers, perfect for early holiday shopping or finding something truly unique. And don’t miss the always-popular Dackeldorf Dachshund Village, where four-legged friends compete in high-speed Wiener dog races and strut their stuff in adorable fashion shows. Festivalgoers can burn off energy at the German Kinder Karneval, packed with face painting, balloon art, inflatable obstacle courses, and the iconic Ferris wheel. And for those with a competitive streak, the Glücklich Games bring the heat with crowd-favorite contests like keg holding, tire flipping, and tug-o-war. For those looking to elevate their Oktoberfest experience, VIP passes offer exclusive perks like access to all biergartens, dedicated entrances, private VIP bars, and more. For details and to purchase VIP passes, visit www.LaMesaOktoberfest.org. La Mesa Oktoberfest on Facebook / Instagram

FREE Preview of "Third Person" at City Heights Performance Annex Thursday, August 14th at 6 p.m. Join us for a special preview performance of "Third Person", a compelling new play by acclaimed playwright Catherine Filloux. Admission is free and open to the public. Told entirely through letters, emails, and dictated messages, "Third Person" is an epistolary play that centers on Octavio, a passionate high school student; Diane, his mother, an English teacher and poet; and Robert, a CEO of a defense conglomerate and a parent at Octavio’s school. What begins as a personal inquiry transforms into a deep exploration of silence, complicity, and the demand for accountability. This innovative production model reflects Filloux’s vision for the play to be adaptable—from venues serving underserved communities to major theatrical institutions—for one or multiple performances. This preview is co-produced and directed by Maya Flores and co-produced by Naomi Schneider, who also serves as the dramaturg. We invite audiences to witness this timely, thought-provoking piece and engage with the questions it raises about power, privilege, and responsibility in today's world. Visit: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/third-person-catherine-filloux-462544

Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.

flute, violins, viola, cello, piano, percussion Music by Andy Akiho, Ivan Enrique Rodriguez, Florence Price, Ivan Trevino, and Franghiz Ali-Zadeh Music at the crossroads of culture and imagination Step into a world where sound knows no borders. "Sonic Realms" invites you on a vibrant journey through music that is deeply rooted in tradition yet boldly reimagined. This program features flute, strings, piano, and percussion—including marimba—woven together in an exhilarating fusion of classical form, folk rhythm, and global color. Whether drawn from distant lands or reimagined traditions, this is music that pulses with spirit and surprise. "Sonic Realms" is not just a concert - it’s a vivid celebration of music’s power to transcend place, time, and genre. Beth Ross Buckley, flute David Buckley, violin Batya MacAdam-Somer, violin Travis Maril, viola Ruslan Viryukov, cello Dana Burnett, piano Matt Armstrong, percussion Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 7 p.m. - Doors Open 7:30 p.m. - Concert Begins Kindly underwritten by Susan & Gary Spoto Camarada on Facebook / Instagram

Spend your next friend get-together or date night in our ceramics lab by giving it a spin! Our open lab hours will allow you to try out work on the wheel. If you like what you make or want to learn more, you can sign up for more in-depth classes or keep coming back to gain hands-on experience. Skills: Learn to use the wheel, how to throw, center clay, alter shapes, learn to trim and use glazes. Ages 16+ Visit: https://icasandiego.org/event/give-it-a-spin-1-day-workshop-2/? ICA San Diego on Instagram and Facebook

flute, violin, cello, piano, featured composer Music by Arcangelo Corelli, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Joseph Haydn, Johannes Brahms, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and a world premiere by Oliviana Marie Illuminating the stillness of the season Step into a world of warmth and reflection with "A Winter’s Light" — a concert that celebrates the stillness, sparkle, and spirit of the season. This intimate program is crafted to evoke the wonder of winter, a time when nature slows and music becomes a source of deep connection. "A Winter’s Light" offers a chance to pause and be fully present in the glow of the season. Featuring works by Corelli, Hummel, Haydn, Brahms, and Vaughan Williams, the program also includes the world premiere of Ether by rising composer Oliviana Marie — a piece that captures the ethereal stillness of winter. Join us as we reflect, rejoice, and reconnect through the quiet beauty that only winter can inspire. Beth Ross Buckley, flute David Buckley, violin Ruslan Biryukov, cello Dana Burnett, piano Oliviana Marie, featured composer Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 7 p.m. - Doors Open 7:30 p.m. - Concert Begins Kindly underwritten by Elaine Baldwin & Carl Nelson, Beth & Dave Buckley, and Rob Sidner Camarada on Facebook / Instagram

A literary celebration for book lovers, authors, and local sellers. Discover hidden gems and connect with people passionate about reading. Explore a curated selection of used and rare books, including out-of-print titles. A portion of proceeds benefit Books Thru Bars. This special event will be happening in the Mini Park during the monthly North Park Vegan Market. Live DJ | Family-Friendly | Dogs Allowed | Free Parking The North Park Vegan Market is located next to the North Park Mini Park, a spacious plaza features seating, gardens and a playground. Vendors are set up on both sides of North Park Way between 30th St and Granada Ave and on 29th St. Featuring a rotating lineup of diverse vendors from San Diego, Orange County and LA, the North Park Vegan Market showcases the best plant-based food in SoCal on the 2nd Saturday of every month. In between bites, shop a curated selection of local products, crafts and services. This is a rain or shine event. Parking: There is a 6-story parking garage on 29th St and North Park Way. Additionally, there is free street parking nearby. Learn more: https://www.viridianproductions.com Vegan Food Popup Markets on Instagram and Facebook

The 71st annual Balboa Park 8 Miler brings together runners in continuation of a historic tradition kickstarted by the San Diego Track Club. With spots limited to 2,000 participants, this legendary race offers aficionados the unique experience of being part of San Diego's longest-running tradition. Visit: https://www.balboapark8miler.com/ SDTC on Instagram and Facebook

Embrace that vintage Volkswagen spirit at the 9th Annual All Out VW Car Show, where all unique and classic VW vehicles are warmly welcomed. Visitors can anticipate dazzling competitions with categories like Best Bug, Ghia, and many more, fabulous raffles, and for those showing their cherished VWs, some coveted prizes, including an exclusive show t-shirt and a pint of beer, await. Visit: https://www.idrivesocal.com/events/all-out-vw-car-show

"Saved By The '90s" is a live cover band and party that celebrates 1990s culture and nostalgia. Nat Esten, Danny Finerman, and Alex Rossiter founded it in 2010. Emily Afton, a Broadway actor, took over as a full-time female vocalist in 2016. Visit: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/saved-by-the-90s-geezer-music-box-tickets/13813434 Saved By The 90's on Instagram and Facebook