Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 16.
Friday
San Diego Clippers home opener: San Diego’s NBA G League team will kick off the season at home against the Salt Lake City Stars. Limited edition t-shirts will be given to the first 2,000 fans. 7:30 p.m. Friday. 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside. Tickets start at $20.98. frontwavearena.com/events/detail/san-diego-clippers-home-opener
Finals days of San Diego Asian Film Festival: The festival produced by Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) will take place at various venues across the county, including UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley and the Southwestern College Performing Arts Center in Chula Vista. Cinephiles can watch more than films from over 30 countries. Friday, first showing at 4 p.m., last showing at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, first showing at 1 p.m., closing night presentation at 7 p.m. sdaff.org/2025
Blitzen’s Bar features a holiday cocktail lineup from mixologist Julie Reiner. (Omni La Costa Resort & Spa)
Blitzen’s Bar: The holidays have arrived early at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, as its annual Blitzen’s Bar is now up and running. The resort has transformed one of its bars into a pop-up experience filled with holiday decor such as Christmas trees, presents, colorful lights and ornaments hanging from the ceiling. The bar is serving themed cocktails such as an espresso martini with tequila and coffee liqueur and a vodka spritz with blood orange and passion fruit. The resort is also hosting gingerbread house-making workshops and holiday movie nights. In addition, Omni San Diego will start its Blitzen’s Bar on Nov. 28. 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Now through Jan. 9. 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad. 760-438-9111, omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa/dining/blitzens
The principal cast of New Village Arts’ “Rent.” (Jason Sullivan/Dupla Photography)
“Rent”: New Village Arts presents an intimate staging of Jonathan Larson’s musical about one year in the life of a group of friends in 1990 struggling to create art and survive in AIDS-plagued New York. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 24. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $35-$80. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
Punch Bowl Social’s collaboration with Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop kicks off Friday and runs through Dec. 28. (Punch Bowl Social)
Ugly sweater Christmas pop-up: Punch Bowl Social is teaming up with Dallas-based Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop to host a holiday pop-up for six weeks. The activation features a holiday cocktail menu, karaoke on Friday nights and an ugly sweater shop. The beverage menu includes a gingerbread old-fashioned and a tequila cocktail with ginger beer, cranberries and lime juice. On Nov. 14 only, the pop-up will feature $2 off all limited-edition holiday cocktails.11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 11 a.m to midnight Sunday through Thursday. Friday through Dec. 28. 1485 E. St., San Diego. punchbowlsocial.com
Alexia Delarosa takes a picture with her children as they walk through the mile long trail of light displays on Preview Night of the third annual Lightscape. The show returns for a fourth time in 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Lightscape: One of the most colorful light shows during the holidays is Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden. This mile-long illuminated trail showcases artists’ installations from around the world. Each section of the Botanic Garden’s trail comes alive with a multitude of colorful lights and music, where trees and bushes are decorated. Lightscape will also have seasonal foods and cocktails for purchase. 5 to 8:45 p.m. Friday. through Jan. 4. Ticket prices are $18 for children and $28 for adults. There are discounts for Botanic Garden members and the military. Parking ranges from $10 to $25, depending on the day. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760-436-3036, sdbg.org/lightscape
SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: SeaWorld San Diego is once again turning into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Park visitors will witness new shows, Clyde & Seamore’s Christmas comedy special, the premiere of Mrs. Calus’ storytime, with a caroling by elves, and a nightly show with reindeer, and a holiday light experience with more than one million lights, including a 320-foot-tall Christmas tree. Other holiday installations and attractions are the Happy Harbor Holiday Live Character Show featuring Sir Winston the Walrus, a Christmas parade, a dinner with orcas show and a nightly snowflake display. Entrance to SeaWorld Christmas Celebration is included in park passes and tickets. Friday. through Jan. 4. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. 619-222-4732, seaworld.com/san-diego/events/christmas
Actor John Rubinstein stars in North Coast Repertory Theatre’s “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground.” (Maria Baranova)
“Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents this solo play by Richard Hellesen starring Tony-winner John Rubinstein. It’s the story of former U.S. president and retired Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower reflecting on his World War II and presidential experiences as his popularity declines. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 23. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $68.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
Star Of India’s 162nd Birthday: To celebrate the famous ship’s birthday, visitors can gain free entry on Friday. Free cake will be served at noon while supplies last. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Maritime Museum of San Diego,1492 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. Donations encouraged. sdmaritime.org/news/star-of-india-162nd-birthday/
San Diego Symphony with Augustin Hadelich: Music Director Rafael Payare leads the orchestra in Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides Overture “Fingal’s Cave,” Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto featuring German-American violinist Augustin Hadelich. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., Downtown. $30-$108. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
“Working Girl”: La Jolla Playhouse present the world premiere of this musical featuring a score by Tony-winner Cyndi Lauper and book by Theresa Rebeck. It’s based on the 1988 Melanie Griffith film about a bright young secretary at a New York investment firm who takes advantage of her boss’s absence to enter the world of high finance. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Extended through Dec. 14. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $30-$139. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/working-girl
Kiri Callaghan author event: Authors Kiri Callaghan and J Penner will discuss Callaghan’s new book, “The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic & Murder.” The event will also include a Q&A and book signing. 7 p.m. Friday. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St. #107A, San Diego. $18.99. mystgalaxy.com/event/2025-11-14/store-event-kiri-callaghan-discussing-hearth-witchs-guide-magic-murder
“Master Class”: The Roustabouts Theatre Company and Scripps Ranch Theatre co-present Terrence McNally’s play about fading but fiery opera diva Maria Callas coaching young singers in 1970s New York. Preview, 7:30 p.m. Friday. Opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 14. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Legler Benbough Theatre, 783 Avenue of Nations, Allied International University, San Diego. $30-$52. 858-395-0573, theroustabouts.org
“Arms and the Man”: Lamb’s Players Theatre presents the final weekend of George Bernard Shaw’s “Anti-Romantic Comedy in Three Acts” about a war-weary solder finding refuge in the home of a sympathetic young woman. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $49-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
“Beauty’s Daughter”: OnWord Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Dael Orlandersmith’s poetic one-woman play stars Marti Gobel as a Harlem-born woman confronting the emotional wreckage left by her charismatic but destructive mother, Beauty, and her healing journey toward recovery. Opens Friday and runs through Nov. 30. 4 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 22 and 29; 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 23 and 30; 7 p.m. Nov. 19-21, 26 and 28. Diversionary Theatre Black Box, 4545 Park Blvd., #101, San Diego. brownpapertickets.com/event/6684167.
“To My Girls”: Diversionary Theatre presents JC Lee’s play about a group of gay men from many generations, baby boomer to millennial, gathered for a weekend in Palm Springs. Previews, today through Nov. 21. Opens Nov. 22 and runs through Dec. 7. 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $11.50-$66.50. 619-220-0097, diversionary.org
Saturday
Book fair: The public is invited to a free book fair at Mershops North County Mall. Once Upon a Book Fair brings together more than 70 local authors, who will be selling their books and telling stories. There will also be free tote bags and children’s books, while supplies last, for those who buy a book from an author. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. 272 East Via Rancho Parkway, Escondido. onceuponabookfair2025.org
Inaugural pickleball and corn hole tournament: Athletes can test their skills at the first-ever Old Mission Beach Athletic Club on Third Pickleball and Cornhole Tournament in Chula Vista. The competition will take place on 10 pickleball courts and 30 cornhole set-ups. Teams can register to participate for a fee of $100, and individuals can compete for $55. The public can also visit the tournament, which will also have a beer garden. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Chula Vista Fire Department Heritage Foundation, according to event organizers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 294 Third Ave., Chula Vista. ombac.org
Reading with Rosy: This interactive animal encounter is open to all ages. San Elijo Lagoon rangers will host a themed reading, interactive wildlife workshop and a trail walk. Participants should meet at the Nature Center Amphitheater.10 a.m. Saturday. San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, 2710 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. Free. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/305/1763229600000
Now Thrive the Armorers: Learn about knightly armor in Shakespeare’s world from Join Scott Farrell, program director of Chivalry Today and head instructor with the San Diego Longsword medieval fencing program. 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Mission Valley Branch Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego. Free. sandiegoshakespearesociety.org/event/now-thrive-the-armorers/
The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition: The public is invited to attend the annual San Diego District Auditions of this national vocal competition for young opera singers. Metropolitan Opera staffers will select the winners, who will move on to compete at the Western Region semifinals. The 2023 winner of the San Diego auditions, mezzo-soprano Sarah Saturnino,went on to become the competition’s National Grand Finalist Winner. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Crill Performance Hall, Point Loma Nazarene University, 7900 Lomaland Drive, San Diego. $20 donation or more accepted at the door. moncsd.com
San Diego Archaeological Center reopening: The museum will reopen with a free open house. There will be a lecture, “Fact or Fiction: Hollywood, Hoaxes, and Hearsay Lecture,” and other activities. Visitors can also see the debut of the exhibit “Kumeyaay Cosmology.” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido. Free. sandiegoarchaeology.org/event/museum-reopening-open-house/
Sunday
Adam Nimoy author event: Adam Nimoy will share about and sign his book, “The Most Human: Reconciling With My Father, Leonard Nimoy.” Only books purchased from Mysterious Galaxy will be eligable for signing. 1 p.m. Sunday. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St. #107A, San Diego. $19.99. mystgalaxy.com/event/2025-11-16/store-event-adam-nimoy-discussing-most-human-reconciling-my-father-leonard-nimoy
Art of Elan’s “Another View”: A concert of works by composers Ernest Bloch, Jessie Montgomery and Caroline Shaw will take place at the Mingei International Museum. The program begins with a one-hour reception and gallery viewing. 6 p.m. Sunday. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. $17.85-$44.52. https://artofelan.org/concerts/another-view
Goat picnic: Goat lovers can picnic alongside their favorite animal while park rangers share about animal care and 1860s ranch life. Participants can also tour the ranch house. Noon Sunday. Los Penasquitos Ranch House, Canyonside Park Drive, San Diego. Free. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/285/1763323200000