Belmont Park’s Winter Wonder opens Saturday in Mission Beach. (Photo courtesy of Belmont Park)
Once upon a time in San Diego County, there was a weekend where you could watch a comical retelling of The Princess and the Pea, cheer on the hockey team twice, wander beneath glowing floral canopies and give back to the community – with many more tales to tell.
It starts with Oceanside Theatre Company Youth Academy’s hilarious twist on a classic with Once Upon a Mattress. In this family-friendly musical comedy, overbearing Queen Aggravain has banned marriage in the kingdom – until swamp-born Princess Winnifred shakes things up for Prince Dauntless and the romantically frustrated residents. The show runs Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25 for adults, with senior, military and student discounts available.
The San Diego Gulls are packing Pechanga Arena with back-to-back themed nights this weekend. Friday at 7 p.m., it’s Punk Rock Night against the Bakersfield Condors, including a live set from punk legends Punkture, a $5 punk-themed beer and collectible pins for sale. Saturday at 6 p.m., the Gulls face the Abbotsford Canucks for Military Appreciation Night, wearing specialty jerseys and honoring service members with free parking and a post-game skate for military ID holders. Tickets start at $31.
Lightscape returns to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas Friday, transforming the grounds into a glowing mile-long trail of color and sound through Jan. 4. This year’s reimagined experience features more than 20 new illuminated installations from international artists, along with returning favorites that dazzle among the trees. Wander beneath radiant floral canopies while sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate. Tickets start at $29 for adults and $18 for children; advance parking passes are recommended.
For extra holiday cheer, Belmont Park in Mission Beach kicks off its Winter Wonder festival every weekend starting this Saturday through Jan. 4. Visitors can enjoy DJ-spun “Jingle Jams,” festive treats like snowman brownies and red-and-green Dole Whip, plus family fun with face painting and glitter tattoos. Santa, Buddy the Elf and other holiday characters will be on hand for photos. The park opens at 11 a.m. and admission is free, with ride ticket bundles starting at $16.
Pickleball fever hits Point Loma as the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships take over Barnes Tennis Center Saturday through Nov. 23. Watch top players, including juniors, masters, double teams and wheelchair competitors, battle it out for national titles. Between matches, explore PickleMall, a pop-up retail hub with paddles, gear and apparel. Single-day tickets start at $22, and accessible seating is available.
Another sporty option, the 13th annual Bikes & Beers San Diego rolls out Saturday morning from AleSmith Brewing in Miramar with 15, 30 and 45-mile routes throughout San Diego County. Riders of all levels can enjoy marked courses and rest stops, then return to AleSmith for craft beers, live music and a charity raffle. Proceeds benefit BikeSD, helping improve cycling across the city. Prices range from $79 – $99, depending on the ride.
Lace up your sneakers for Paws for a Cause, a 3K run/walk fundraiser benefiting the San Diego Humane Society. Hosted by Pure Pawsh, San Diego’s only dog bar, the event takes participants and their furry friends on a senic North Park loop before returning for post-run bagels and drinks. All entry fees – $23.18 per person – go directly to support animals in need.
The annual San Diego Made Holiday Market returns to NTC Park at Liberty Station Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The outdoor festival brings together more than 125 local makers, designers and artisans, providing the opportunity to shop small and find unique handmade gifts. You can also delight in live music, food trucks and seasonal workshops. Tickets are $5 (free for kids under 10), with a $10 option that includes a limited-edition San Diego Made canvas shopping bag.
The San Diego Rescue Mission hosts its annual free Thanksgiving meal Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at 120 Elm St. downtown. People experiencing homelessness or hardship are invited to enjoy a hot turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus hot showers with haircuts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and medical services, pet care and spiritual support. Guests will also receive backpacks and essential giveaway items. Donations to support the effort – just $2.72 per meal – can be made at sdrescue.org.
Rev your engines because the Hillcrest Classic Car Show cruises back this Saturday from 1-3:30 p.m. at 5th & Penn. The West Coast’s largest LGBTQ+ car club, with nearly 1,000 members, brings at least 20 car collectors to each monthly show, giving visitors a chance to admire classic cars and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
The opening reception for R.B. Stevenson Gallery’s 2025 Holiday Group Exhibition is Saturday from 5-8 p.m. at 7661 Girard Ave. in La Jolla. The show, running through Dec. 20, features new paintings and ceramics by artists including Charles Arnoldi, Jennifer Anne Bennett, Tim Craighead, Frances McCormack and Chris Trueman. Visitors can expect a diverse mix of styles and prices in this final exhibition of the year, celebrating contemporary art from California and nearby regions.
Whatever you choose, here’s hoping your weekend ends with a “happily ever after.”
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