Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Aug. 28 to Sunday, Aug. 30.
Friday
Museums
Filipino Karaoke Night: The Council of Philippine American Organizations and the San Diego History Center are joining together to host a karaoke night. There will also be food and drinks inspired by the exhibit “Taste of San Diego: Filipino Culinary Journeys.” 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, Suite No. 3, San Diego. Free. $5 donation recommended. sandiegohistory.org/event/filipino-karaoke-night-3
Movies
Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival: Movie lovers can watch a Leo Carrillo film (or a film that organizers think he would love) on his former ranch in Carlsbad. This is the second week of the Friday night film festival, with the final showing “Casablanca” next Friday. This Friday’s film is “Under Western Skies.” A snack bar will be available and attendees are asked to bring a chair or blanket. 6 p.m. Friday. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad. Free. carlsbadca.gov/departments/parks-recreation/programs-and-events/special-events/leo-carrillo-film-festival
“Don’t Let Them Out” screening: A new psychological horror-thriller, “Don’t Let Them Out,” will be shown Friday night, followed by a Q&A with lead actor Bonnie Root and filmmaker Lila McLaughlin. 7 p.m. Friday. Digital Gym Cinema, 1100 Market St., San Diego. $12 for seniors and students, $14 general admission. instagram.com/dontletthemoutfilm; digitalgym.org/movies/dont-let-them-out
“Pirates of the Caribbean, The Curse of the Black Pearl” in Concert: The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Larry Loh, will perform music from Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt’s iconic film score, performed live to the film. 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $57-$124. theshell.org
Dating
On The Spot Dating Show: Part live show part mixer, the On The Spot Dating Show helps make matches in real time. This week’s show will be co-hosted by a cast member from “Love is Blind,” Mike Brockway. 7 p.m. Friday. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, 401 K St., San Diego. $25.31. eventbrite.com/e/on-the-spot-dating-show-feat-special-co-host-from-netflixs-love-is-blind-tickets-1997474705615?aff=igorganicbio
Classical music
“Conversation Across Centuries”: SummerFest’s final weekend begins with Haydn’s She Never Told Her Love; Vaughan Williams’ Orpheus with His Lute; Quilter’s O Mistress Mine; Rautavaara’s Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?; Dale’s Come Away, Death; Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 5, Op. 70, No. 1 “Ghost;” Halvorsen’s Sarabande con variazione on a Theme by Handel; and Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. Featuring: Ani Aznavoorian, Inon Barnatan, Benjamin Beilman, Jonathan Biss, Owen Dalby, James Ehnes, Njioma Chinyere Grevious, Sam Hager, Kathryn Hatmaker, Hsin-Yun Huang, Nina Lee, Anthony Manzo, Simone Porter, Wesley Precourt, Jonathan Swensen, Jeff Thayer, Robin Tritschler, Jonathan Vinocour, Stephen Waarts, and Cherry Yeung. 7 p.m. Friday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall at the Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $40-$99. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org
Art
“Art from Collections”: Santa Ysabel Gallery hosts an exhibit of works by Chuck Kimball, Adele Earnshaw, Joe Garcia, Warren Bakley, Will Gullette, Vira Ustianska and Krentz Johnson. Opens Friday and runs through Sept. 14. Reception, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 30352 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel. santaysabelartgallery.com
Theater
The 2026 Carnaval of New Latinx Musicals at UC San Diego: Friday through Sunday, Latinx Theatre Commons will host, in collaboration with UCSD, La Jolla Playhouse and TuYo Theatre, a free weekend of readings of new Latinx musicals. 6:30-9 p.m. Friday; 1:30-3 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday; 1:30-4 p.m. Sunday. Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9500 Gilman Drive, UCSD, La Jolla. Free. lajollaplayhouse.org/carnaval-of-new-latinx-musicals
“Eleanor”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents an encore staging of Mark St. Germain’s 90-minute solo play about the later years of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, starring Kandis Chappell. 7 p.m. Friday and Sept. 4; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 5; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday. Plus 7 p.m. Sept. 3 and 2 p.m. Sept. 6. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $85.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
“Guys and Dolls”: Moonlight Stage Productions presents the classic 1950 Frank Loesser musical comedy about gamblers, showgirls and missionaries in 1930s Manhattan. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $39.25 and up. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com
“Much Ado About Nothing”: The Old Globe presents Broadway vetss Tally Sessions and Eden Espinosa in William Shakespeare’s witty romance about two couples whose love is thwarted, one by pride and the other by jealousy. 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $38 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
“Rock of Ages”: San Diego Musical Theatre presents this ’80s jukebox musical about life and love at a Sunset Strip music club. 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 13. 4650 Mercury St., Kearny Mesa. $44-$69. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org
“Mensa”: OnStage Playhouse presents the world premiere of Salomon Maya’s comedy about a bright teenage girl troubled by her parents’ extremist political podcast. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 5 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 13. 291 Third Ave, Chula Vista. $25. onstageplayhouse.org
“We Will Rock You”: New Village Arts presents the San Diego premiere of this Queen jukebox musical featuring characters inspired by some of the English rock band’s songs. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 20. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $45-$85. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
“American Rhythm”: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Lamb’s Players Theatre has revived its high-energy musical celebration of 100 years of American music, from ragtime to swing, jazz and rock and roll. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 4. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $48-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
Saturday
Books
David Isaacman author event: “Love on the Spectrum” star David Isaacman will celebrate his new children’s book, “The Big Five Save the Lions,” and meet fans in Alpine Saturday. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. White Oak event venue, Lions, Tigers and Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. Free. lionstigersandbears.org/david-isaacman-book-signing
Restuarants
Free pizza: Mr. Moto will celebrate the grand opening of its new UTC location with free slices of cheese and pepperoni pizza on Saturday and Sunday while supplies last. 11 a.m. until supplies run out Saturday and Sunday. 8935 Towne Center Drive, San Diego. Free. mrmotopizza.com/locations/utc/
Community events
Fire Station 21 open house: Pacific Beach’s Fire Station 21 will host an open house, offering a tour of the station, snacks and refreshments. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Fire Station 21, 4202 Mission Blvd., San Diego. Free. instagram.com/pacificbeachtowncouncil/
Outdoors
Ranger-led hike: San Diegans can avoid the summer heat with this ranger-led night hike. Participants will learn about native plans and wildlife. Headlamps with a red-light setting are recommended. Meet at the Goodan Staging Area. Also this weekend for getting outdoors, the the county’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Sturgeon Full Moon Hike, and a Star Party at Sycamore Canyon on Friday. See the department’s website for details. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch, 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road, Poway. Free. 858-513-4737, sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/participate/calendar.html
Festivals
Brazilian Festival: For the 17th time, San Diego’s annual Brazilian Festival is returning with dancing, food and other cultural celebrations. Described as a family-friendly event, the festival will also include a kids’ zone, arts and crafts and various vendors. Expected performed include Samba dancers, Paula Lima, Negritude Junior and Daniel Carneiro. 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. $27.06. brazilianfestival.org/sandiego
Trade shows
Frontwave Arena Collectibles Expo: Fans of trading card games, Pokemon, famous athletes and other trading cards are gathering in Oceanside for this one-day event. The expo is advertised to be bringing in more than 160 vendors as well as San Diego sports stars. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside. Free. frontwavearena.com/events/detail/frontwave-arena-collectibles-expo
Classical music
SummerFest Finale, The Rule of Three: La Jolla Music Society concludes its 2026 festival with David Serkin Ludwig’s Rule of Three; Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 7 for Three Pianos, K. 242; Dvorák’s Terzetto; and Mustonen’s Triple Concerto for Three Violins and Chamber Orchestra. Featuring: Ani Aznavoorian, Inon Barnatan, Jonathan Biss, Claire Brazeau, Owen Dalby, James Ehnes, Njioma Chinyere Grevious, Kathryn Hatmaker, Sidney Hopson, Hsin-Yun Huang, Nina Lee, Anthony Manzo, Simone Porter, Wesley Precourt, Sarah Skuster, Jonathan Swensen, Jonathan Vinocour, Stephen Waarts, and Cherry Yeung. 7 p.m. Saturday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall at the Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $90-$145. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org
Art
“The Giving Tree”: Space 4 Art presents a curated group exhibit featuring 14 artists from the San Diego-Tijuana region. Opens with a reception from 5-8 p.m. Saturday and runs through Sept. 26. Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., San Diego. sdspace4art.org
Theater
“Ni Mi Madre”: Diversionary Theatre presents queer actor-playwright Arturo Luíz Soria’s solo play where he plays his Brazilian mother. Opens Saturday and runs through Sept. 6. 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $32-$72. 619-220-0097, diversionary.org
Sunday
Community events
Blanket Sounds: SD Melanin’s recurring music, art and culture event returns Sunday with live DJ sets and other performances and interactive art. Locals are invited to bring their own chairs, blankets and picnics. There will also be a food vendor. Outside food and drinks are allowed except for glass items. 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. Free. blanketsounds.org
Classical music
San Diego Symphony presents annual ‘Tchaikovsky Spectacular’: The Symphony, conducted by Manuel López-Gómez with pianist Joyce Yang, presents its popular Tchaikovsky concert, featuring the Russian composer’s famous 1812 Overture, with cannon fire and fireworks. Also featured are Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Major and several other works. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $45-$124. theshell.org
Dance
Asian American Dance Festival: TILTshift Dance & BKSOUL present a series of dance performances and dance film events Sunday through Sept. 12 at multiple locations. Full schedule at tiltshiftdance.org/aadf2026.