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<\/a><\/p>\n Blitzen\u2019s Bar:\u00a0The holidays have arrived early at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, as its annual Blitzen\u2019s 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\u2019s Bar on Nov. 28.\u00a05 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Now through Jan. 9. 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad. 760-438-9111,\u00a0omnihotels.com\/hotels\/san-diego-la-costa\/dining\/blitzens<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cRent\u201d: New Village Arts presents an intimate staging of Jonathan Larson\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n Ugly sweater Christmas pop-up:\u00a0Punch 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.\u00a0punchbowlsocial.com<\/a><\/p>\n Lightscape:\u00a0One of the most colorful light shows during the holidays is Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden. This mile-long illuminated trail showcases artists\u2019 installations from around the world. Each section of the Botanic Garden\u2019s 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.\u00a0300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760-436-3036,\u00a0sdbg.org\/lightscape<\/a><\/p>\n SeaWorld Christmas Celebration:\u00a0SeaWorld San Diego is once again turning into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Park visitors will witness new shows, Clyde & Seamore\u2019s Christmas comedy special, the premiere of Mrs. Calus\u2019 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.\u00a0Friday. through Jan. 4. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. 619-222-4732,\u00a0seaworld.com\/san-diego\/events\/christmas<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0\u201cEisenhower: This Piece of Ground\u201d: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents this solo play by Richard Hellesen starring Tony-winner John Rubinstein. It\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n Star Of India\u2019s 162nd Birthday: To celebrate the famous ship\u2019s 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.\u00a0sdmaritime.org\/news\/star-of-india-162nd-birthday\/<\/a><\/p>\n San Diego Symphony with Augustin Hadelich:\u00a0Music Director Rafael Payare leads the orchestra in Mendelssohn\u2019s The Hebrides Overture \u201cFingal\u2019s Cave,\u201d Schubert\u2019s Symphony No. 9 and Sibelius\u2019 Violin Concerto featuring German-American violinist Augustin Hadelich.\u00a07:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., Downtown. $30-$108. 619-235-0804,\u00a0sandiegosymphony.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWorking Girl\u201d: La Jolla Playhouse present the world premiere of this musical featuring a score by Tony-winner Cyndi Lauper and book by Theresa Rebeck. It\u2019s based on the 1988 Melanie Griffith film about a bright young secretary at a New York investment firm who takes advantage of her boss\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n Kiri Callaghan author event:\u00a0Authors Kiri Callaghan and J Penner will discuss Callaghan\u2019s new book, \u201cThe Hearth Witch\u2019s Guide to Magic & Murder.\u201d 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.\u00a0mystgalaxy.com\/event\/2025-11-14\/store-event-kiri-callaghan-discussing-hearth-witchs-guide-magic-murder<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cMaster Class\u201d:\u00a0The Roustabouts Theatre Company and Scripps Ranch Theatre co-present Terrence McNally\u2019s play about fading but fiery opera diva Maria Callas coaching young singers in 1970s New York.\u00a0Preview, 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,\u00a0theroustabouts.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cArms and the Man\u201d:\u00a0Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre presents the final weekend of George Bernard Shaw\u2019s \u201cAnti-Romantic Comedy in Three Acts\u201d about a war-weary solder finding refuge in the home of a sympathetic young woman.\u00a07 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $49-$98. 619-437-6000,\u00a0lambsplayers.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cBeauty\u2019s Daughter\u201d:\u00a0OnWord Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of Dael Orlandersmith\u2019s 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.\u00a0Opens 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.\u00a0brownpapertickets.com\/event\/6684167<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cTo My Girls\u201d: Diversionary Theatre presents JC Lee\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n 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<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n Now Thrive the Armorers: Learn about knightly armor in Shakespeare\u2019s 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.\u00a0sandiegoshakespearesociety.org\/event\/now-thrive-the-armorers\/<\/a><\/p>\n The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition:\u00a0The 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\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n San Diego Archaeological Center reopening: The museum will reopen with a free open house. There will be a lecture, \u201cFact or Fiction: Hollywood, Hoaxes, and Hearsay Lecture,\u201d and other activities. Visitors can also see the debut of the exhibit \u201cKumeyaay Cosmology.\u201d 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\/<\/a><\/p>\n Sunday<\/p>\n Adam Nimoy author event: Adam Nimoy will share about and sign his book, \u201cThe Most Human: Reconciling With My Father, Leonard Nimoy.\u201d 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<\/a><\/p>\n Art of Elan\u2019s \u201cAnother View\u201d: 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<\/a><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0tockify.com\/sdparkscalendar\/detail\/285\/1763323200000<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Nov. 14…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":50090,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[74,76,75,420,1696],"class_list":["post-50089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news","tag-things-to-do","tag-top-stories-sdut"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50089"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50089\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Blitzen's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SUT-L-BLITZEN-01.jpg\")
Blitzen\u2019s Bar features a holiday cocktail lineup from mixologist Julie Reiner. (Omni La Costa Resort & Spa)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-rent-01.jpg\")
The principal cast of New Village Arts\u2019 \u201cRent.\u201d (Jason Sullivan\/Dupla Photography)<\/p>\n![\"Punch](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SUT-L-UGLY-SWEATER-01.jpg\")
Punch Bowl Social\u2019s collaboration with Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop kicks off Friday and runs through Dec. 28. (Punch Bowl Social)<\/p>\n![\"Alexia](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1762980309_844_SUT-L-Lightscape-XOL02-1.jpg\")
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)<\/p>\n![\"Actor](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DMT-L-NCREP-EISEN-1002-01.jpg\")
Actor John Rubinstein stars in North Coast Repertory Theatre\u2019s \u201cEisenhower: This Piece of Ground.\u201d (Maria Baranova)<\/p>\n