The best things to do this week in San Diego: Nov. 10-14

Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Nov. 10 to Friday, Nov. 14.

Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.

Monday

USS Midway Museum: The USS Midway Museum offers free admission to U.S. military veterans and one guest during the month of November. Free tickets are at the museum’s ticket booth on Navy Pier with proof of service. Also, there’s year-round free admission for active-duty military and active-duty reservists. Visit https://www.midway.org/visit/special-offers

Chick-fil-A plans Veterans Day giveaway: From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, San Diego Chik-fil-A restaurants will give away a free chicken sandwith to all active-duty and retired military personnel with valid military ID. Recipients will need to download the Chick-fil-A app to their phone and scan it at checkout. chick-fil-a.com

“The Dover Panda Trial”: New Fortune Theatre Company presents “Star Trek” actor John “Q” De Lancie and Kristen Tregan co-staring in their radio-style play based on the real-life 2005 trial where a Pennsylvania high school board was sued for teaching religion-based “intelligent design” alongside Darwinian evolution. 6 p.m. Monday. San Diego Central Library 330 Park Blvd., downtown. $20 donation. newfortunetheatre.com

“Boy: A New Musical”: San Diego Musical Theatre’s Off Broadway Series presents a concert reading of Jonathan Sangster and Matthew Hornbeck’s new PG-13-rated musical about a young man who finds solace from the death of his father in the town pastor until their relationship takes a dark turn. 7 p.m. Monday. 4650 Mercury St., Kearny Mesa. Admission is free but reservations are required at jonathan@sdmt.org.

Tuesday

San Diego Veterans Day Parade: The Veterans Day Parade returns this year from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11, marching down Harbor Drive along San Diego Bay, between the County Administration Center and the USS Midway Museum. The parade features bands, floats, ceremonial vehicles and marching units from veterans groups, businesses and community service and civic groups with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria as lead grand marshal. The parade will recognize the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Grand marshals will include World War II veterans Calvin Shiner, Ena Reynolds Slaughter, Roberta “Randy” Tidmore, Fred Taylor and Al Hansen. Visit sdvetparade.org.

A guide to Veterans Day events across San Diego County: From parades to tributes

Veterans Day observance: A Veterans Day ceremony is from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 11 at the Chula Vista Memorial Park Bowl. The guest speaker will be Chula Vista Mayor John McCann. After the ceremony, attendees can attend a reception at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2111, located at 299 I Street. The event is jointly sponsored by VFW Post 2111, American Legion Post 434 and Fleet Reserve Association Branch 61.

VetFest parade & festival: The American Legion J.B. Clark Post 149 Escondido, Brothers of 6 Charities and Disabled American Veterans host the annual North County VetFest parade and festival from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11. Festivities will include a parade starting at Grape Day Park on Broadway at 9:30 a.m. and going south on Broadway and then around the park. There will be patriotic storefront decorations and military history displays. At 11 a.m. at Post 149, there will be a ceremony, lunch, live band and military displays. Visit northcountyvetfest.org.

Parade and ceremony: The Veterans Day parade starts at 10 a.m. Nov. 11 at Main Avenue and Fallbrook Street and concludes at the corner of Alvarado Street. There will be fire trucks, youth groups, classic cars, military vehicles and local dignitaries. A ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Village Square, followed by free lunch and activities at the Charles E. Swisher VFW Post 1924 at 1175 Old Stage Road. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.

Veterans Day at Memorial Park: The San Marcos Veterans Day Ceremony is at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at Helen Bougher Memorial Park, 1243 Borden Road. The park will be adorned with red, white, and blue flowers and American flags. Speakers include Mayor Rebecca Jones, Linda Dudik, professor emeritus at Palomar College and president of nonprofit World War II Experience and retired Army Colonel Greg Rassatt. The California State University San Marcos Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets from Mission Hills High School, San Marcos High School, Woodland Park Middle School, and Boys and Girl Scout troops will assist with the ceremony. Music will be performed by the Mission Hills High School Choir and the San Elijo Middle School Jazz Band. Service members are encouraged to attend in uniform. Bring lawn chairs. Visit san-marcos.net.

Patriotic concert: A Veterans Tribute Concert will be presented by the Valley Center-Pauma Music Boosters, featuring Valley Center Middle and High school jazz bands and the Roaring Jaguars High School Marching Band, at 1 p.m. Nov. 11, with lunch at noon in the Valley Center High School’s Maxine Theater, 31322 Cole Grade Road. Service members are encouraged to wear their uniforms. Admission is free. The Music Boosters will sell lunch and treats, starting at noon.

“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

In-N-Out meal deal: On Veterans Day, active and former military members, including National Guard personnel, can get a free meal at In-N-Out. They can get any burger, fries and beverage on the menu, along with a special edition Veterans Day decal. U.S. Veterans and active duty military must present proof of service to receive a complimentary meal. 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Tuesday. Various locations. in-n-out.com

15 percent off for veterans and first responders: Fish Shop is offering a deal for veterans at its locations in Pacific Beach, Point Loma and Encinitas. All veterans and first responders can get a 15% discount on their orders on Tuesday. thefishshops.com

Military opera discounts: Even beyond Veterans Day, veterans and active-duty military members can get discounted tickets to the San Diego Opera. Active-duty military can get individual tickets for 25% off and season subscriptions for 50% off. Veterans can use the Vet Tix program for free tickets. sdopera.org

T. Jefferson Parker book launch: Fallbrook-based author T. Jefferson Parker will launch his new book, “Wild Instinct.” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. $29 buys a reserved seat and a book. warwicks.com/event/parker-2025

Jesse McCartney: The Weightless Tour comes to San Diego. Jesse McCartney will be joined by special guest Ana Sky. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. $63.95. ticketmaster.com/event/0A0062D036545B62

Wednesday

Christmas in November: The Barn Redefined is starting the holiday season early with 25 days of Christmas shopping pop-ups. The public can get holiday decorating ideas, including 26 Christmas tree displays. There will also be food, music, raffles and a gift-wrapping station with supplies available for purchase. The Christmas at the Barn Pop-up occurs Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 7, except Nov. 26-27. 729 Main St., Ramona. thebarnredefined.com

National Happy Hour Day: Food and drink specials are available all day for National Happy Hour Day next Wednesday at Havana 1920. The deals include standard happy hour menu items, such as ham and cheese or chicken croquetas for $2, papas rellenas (potatoes stuffed with either picadillo or cheese) for $3, and ham and cheese, vegetarian or beef empanadas for $4. Some of the drink deals include Havana 1920’s signature daiquiris, which contain rum, lime juice and brown sugar, and a Havana 1920 mojito, each for $7.50. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday. 548 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 619-369-1920, havana1920.com

 “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

Thursday

Cameron Crowe in conversation with Kate Hudson: Filmmaker Cameron Crowe is on The Uncool Book Tour for his new book, “The Uncool.” Actor Kate Hudson will lead the conversation. 7 p.m. Thursday. The Magnolia, 210 E Main St., El Cajon. $86.50. warwicks.com/event/crowe-2025

Ottasamer, Sotani and Bax: La Jolla Music Society brings together three top classical solo artists, clarinetist Andreas Ottensamer, cellist Kian Soltani and pianist Alessio Bax, performing together works by Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Brahms. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla.  $57.50-$90. 858-459-3728,  theconrad.org

World Ballet Company presents “Cinderella”: This international dance company that brought “The Great Gatsby” to San Diego last year returns with the classic tale of a poor girl who is beautified by a fairy godmother and captures the eye of a prince. It will be presented in two locations. 7 p.m. Thursday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $60-$138. artcenter.org. Also at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. $52.50-$131.65. sandiegotheatres.org

Interfaith Thanksgiving event: Interfaith Leaders of Escondido invite the community to a Stone Soup Thanksgiving Service at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Trinity Episcopal  Church, 845 Chestnut St. A soup dinner is at 6 p.m., followed by a celebration of gratitude at 7 p.m. Representatives from Baha’i, Christian, Essene, Jewish and Muslim faith communities will share prayers, music and stories. Donations of canned soups and money will go to Interfaith Community Services.

“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. Preview, 7 p.m. Thursday. Regular performances, 7 p.m. Nov. 14, 19-21, 26 and 28; 4 p.m. Nov. 15, 22 and 29; 2 p.m. Nov. 16, 23 and 30. Diversionary Theatre Black Box, 4545 Park Blvd., #101, San Diego. brownpapertickets.com/event/6684167.

“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

Friday

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

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

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

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

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.