Search results for

KPBS arts reporter Beth Accomando joined the crew at The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park to fulfill a bucket list item — stepping into the makeup chair, joining the monsters and learning the art of the perfect jump scare.

ABOUT THE EVENT Step into El After Life — where tradition meets celebration. This Día de los Muertos, the Chula Vista Center honor the roots of this celebration while making art and culture accessible to the entire community, transforming the mall into a space where memories are shared, traditions are alive, and everyone feels connected. FREE FAMILY ACTIVITIES TO EXPECT - Community Altar: Community members can upload a photo of loved ones to honor with offerings and remembrance. - Art Exhibition by Art Through The Glass - Vendors & Artisan Market - Catrin & Cartina Contest Prizes - Panteon Art Installation - Live Performances: DJ Sets & Folklorico by Ti’Pai Academy - Face Painting by Gabby’s Face Painting - Dia De Los Muertos Art Making Stations by Cr34tive Gathering - Gifts, Photo Opportunities & More! THE EXPERIENCE Marigolds guide the way, candles flicker like heartbeats, calaveras represent our loved ones, and we share meals in their honor. Each year, during Día de los Muertos, the worlds of the living and the dead overlap. Rooted in Indigenous traditions, this celebration honors the return of our loved ones, a ritual cherished by Mexicans around the world who gather to remember, share stories, connect to their homeland and celebrate life. El After Life celebrates how stories, rituals, and offerings live across generations. Through art, we set the table for those who came before us and invite them to share a night of laughter, love, and song. We invite the community to participate in this unique celebration of Día de los Muertos. Where art becomes an ofrenda, a luminous bridge between worlds. Best of all, this is a free event created for the community and everyone is encouraged to take part in honoring, remembering, and celebrating together. ADMISSION IS FREE Free & open to the public — bring your family, friends, and community. JOIN THE COMMUNAL ALTER Honor your loved ones as part of El After Life Submit a photo on the El After Life Page to honor a loved one and be included in our Community Altar at Chula Vista Center. We will print and frame your photo as part of this year’s Día de los Muertos celebration. Follow Us on Instagram @visitchulavistacenter

Creative Cultures Arts Festival is back for its third installment. Creativity Suitcase will boast six arts booths and three vibrant dances from around the world. To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, there will be a regional dance and game, as well as marigold and monarch art-making to honor Día de los Muertos and plenty more. Join this family-friendly event and connect through cultural expressions. Hands-on arts-marking workshops • Monarch butterfly painting • Leaf-rubbing printmaking • Paper marigold-crafting • Ojo de Dios weaving • Native American game playing • Bookmark-making Vibrant music and dance • Native American cultural dance • Flamenco Fusion Dance • Egyptian Folklore Cane Dance City of Carlsbad on Facebook / Instagram

Ever thought that learning would be more fun with a cold drink in hand? We've got you covered! Suds & Science brings scientists face-to-face with the public at local neighborhood bars for a night of learning, drinking, and community that you won't want to miss! Highlights: - Fun and informative lectures from STEM professionals - Lively discussions between scientists and audiences - Connection with your community in a laid-back environment "Not All Intelligence is Human" Not all intelligence looks like a human brain. Long before humans built machines, evolution shaped nervous systems that could navigate darkness, coordinate without leaders, and control complex movement with remarkable efficiency. In this talk, I’ll explore how scientists and engineers learn from non-human nervous systems - from ants and bees and bats and octopuses - to inspire modern technologies. By looking beyond our own brains, we’ll see how different kinds of minds solve problems in surprising ways, and how these biological strategies are quietly shaping the tools we use every day. About the Speaker Chiaki Santiago is a recent doctoral graduate from UC San Diego, earning her neurosciences graduate degree, investigating inhibitory hippocampal circuit activity during sleep. She is currently a Medical Writer at Precision Medicine Group, where she works at the intersection of science and communication, translating complex neurological concepts into clear, accessible writing. Fleet Science Center on Facebook / Instagram

San Diego Tết Festival Card Show Presented by SD Card Club × VAYA × San Diego Tết Festival Join us for one of San Diego’s biggest Lunar New Year weekend events — the San Diego Tết Festival Card Show, happening February 21–22 at the iconic Liberty Station's NTC Park. This two-day card show is part of the official San Diego Tết Festival, bringing together collectors, vendors, families, and fans for a high-energy celebration of trading cards, culture, and community. Vendor Wanted Please DM @BallinZC Event Details Dates: Saturday & Sunday, February 21–22 Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Location: Liberty Station, San Diego, CA Admission: FREE ENTRY All Ages Welcome What You’ll Find - 50+ curated card vendors - Pokémon, Sports Cards, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic & more - Singles, slabs, sealed product & collectibles - Free giveaways all weekend - Free live entertainment from the Tết Festival - Family-friendly atmosphere inside the festival grounds Whether you’re a serious collector, casual fan, or new to the hobby, this is a must-attend San Diego card show. CARD VENDORS WANTED – LIMITED SPACE We are actively accepting vendors, but spots are filling fast. This show offers: - Massive foot traffic from the San Diego Tết Festival - Outdoor market-style setup for strong visibility - Direct access to collectors, families, and festival attendees - One of the best vendor opportunities in San Diego this winter If you’re a card vendor, brand, or hobby business and want to secure a spot, reach out ASAP. Vendor space is limited and will sell out. Vendor inquiries & applications: Website: https://cardsandcollectors.com Instagram: @cardsandcollectors | @ballinzc Contact: ryan@cardsandcollectors.com Why You Should Attend ✔ Two full days of TCG-only vendors ✔ Focused trading card game inventory ✔ Free admission & free parking ✔ Indoor, comfortable venue ✔ One of San Diego’s most collector-driven TCG events Whether you’re completing a master set, building a deck, investing in sealed product, or just enjoying the hobby, the San Diego TCG Card Show is the place to be. Event Summary January 24–25, 2026 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego – Mission Valley Free Entry | Free Parking | All Ages Welcome

Celebrate Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day with something sweet at Extraordinary Desserts on Thursday, February 12 from 6-9 p.m. with a one-night-only Bubbles and Sweets Bar! Gather friends, family, and loved ones for a deliciously indulgent evening at the Little Italy location, featuring a curated Dessert Bar showcasing the iconic bakery’s beloved creations, perfectly paired with complimentary bubbly and great company. Mix, mingle, and savor an array of treats that are as beautifully presented as they are delicious. Tickets are $42 per person – reserve your spot today! Extraordinary Desserts on Facebook / Instagram

Ever thought that learning would be more fun with a cold drink in hand? We've got you covered! Suds & Science brings scientists face-to-face with the public at local neighborhood bars for a night of learning, drinking, and community that you won't want to miss! Highlights: - Fun and informative lectures from STEM professionals - Lively discussions between scientists and audiences - Connection with your community in a laid-back environment "Weathering Change: Life in the Face of a Changing Climate" Human activities have led to major alterations to the environment. Although we are only now coming to appreciate how, the effects of these changes have been felt by all living creatures for more than a century. In this talk, I will share three hot topics of research on how climate change affects us and the ecosystem we are embedded in. First, I will share how global warming is making us hotheaded, with potentially disastrous consequences for our society. Second, I will discuss how climate change is helping spread old diseases to new areas, and also leading to the emergence of never-before-seen pathogens. And finally, I’ll try to switch from doom to mood by telling you about how our jellyfish and cephalopod cousins might be coping with climate change. Come prepared to learn something new, “weather” you like it or not. About the Speaker Aalok Varma is a biologist and avid science communicator. Formally trained in neuroscience, he was awarded his PhD from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR), Bangalore. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Loren Looger’s lab at UC San Diego, where he’s trying to decode the mysteries of cephalopod biology. When not working in the lab, he spends his time reading books, playing tennis, swimming, or just being a couch potato. His blood is almost always caffeinated, yet sleep is his superpower. For more information, visit varmaalok22.github.io. Fleet Science Center on Facebook / Instagram

Speed Networking Night: Find Your Comms Co-Conspirators Join us for a night of matchmaking and mischief with mission-focused communicators. Justice work is done best with community—but finding your people isn't always easy. Lonely teams of one, endless to-do lists, and not knowing who else is fighting the same fights can leave us feeling isolated. Through guided conversations, you'll meet storytellers, organizers, designers, and communicators who get it. Whether you're looking for someone to troubleshoot a tough campaign, swap resources with, or simply connect over the beautiful chaos, this is your night to find the co-conspirators who'll have your back. Light bites and refreshments provided. About San Diego Comms & Storytelling Network The San Diego Comms & Storytelling Network is an emerging community of storytellers, writers, designers, creatives, and marketers working in San Diego County’s social justice and climate action space. Our goal is to learn from each other and build a culture of care in media and communications as we address critical issues and shape the narrative of our home. Admission is free, registration is required.

Experience the electrifying debut of Gina Zo at The Bornemann! A fearless rock-pop vocalist and songwriter, Gina creates music that’s raw, empowering, and unapologetically true to herself. From intimate confessions to anthemic grooves, her songs explore love, identity, and self-discovery with authenticity and boldness. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music that challenges norms and celebrates being unapologetically you. Gina Zo on Instagram

Join us for the ultimate St Paddy's Bar Crawl in San Diego, where good vibes, green drinks, and festive fun collide this March 14! Get Lucky With Us This St. Paddy’s Day! Bring your crew, wear your green and get ready for a day full of green drinks, shamrocks, and epic bar-hopping fun— let's make this St. Patrick’s Day unforgettable! Click GOING On The Facebook Event So You Don't Miss Updates https://www.facebook.com/events/1165257399084072 Here's What You Get: - Join The Luckiest Crawl of the Year - 2-3 Drinks Or Shots Included With Ticket Purchase - No Cover At All Bars, Mid Party, & After Party - Crawl With US Stadium Party Cup and Bottle Opener Lanyard - Green & Gold Beads - Exclusive Drink Specials - Food Specials at Select Venues - Professional Photographers - Awesome After Party - Custom St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl Badge With Vouchers - Access To Our San Diego Pub Crawl Map - Get tickets NOW before prices go up! _______________________________________ Get ready to experience the ultimate St. Paddy’s Day celebration! On March 14, join us for an unforgettable bar crawl filled with green drinks, shamrocks, and non-stop fun! We’ll be hopping between the best bars in San Diego, enjoying exclusive drink specials and all the lively energy of St. Patrick’s Day. Gather your crew, don your green, and get ready for a day packed with good times and great company. Whether you're sipping on Irish whiskey, clinking glasses of green beer, or dancing to festive tunes, this crawl is the perfect way to make the most of St. Paddy’s Day. From the first pint to the last toast, it’s going to be a day of good cheer, new friends, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on San Diego's best St. Patrick’s Day event of the year! _______________________________________ For all the latest venue information, special offers, event details, and ticket purchases, be sure to visit our website! It's your one-stop shop for everything you need to know. www.crawlwith.us/sandiego/stpattys Check in 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Crawl Locations 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Mid Party 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. After Party 10 p.m. - 12 a.m. _______________________________________ 100% Cancellation Refund Guarantee: If the event is cancelled for any reason, all tickets will be refunded in full! No vouchers, no credits, just your money back in your bank! Guaranteed! _______________________________________ Frequently Asked Questions https://www.crawlwith.us/faq _______________________________________ Don’t Drink and Drive We Highly Suggest Using Uber or Lyft To And From The Bar Crawl! _______________________________________ Attendees Must be 21+ Due to the nature of our events, all attendees must be 21+ with a valid government issued ID.