The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Nov. 21-23
Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 23.
Friday

“Wicked For Good” listening party: Fans of “Wicked” can join together for a listening party for the music from the new film. Vinyl Junkies, which is hosting the event, says there will also be prizes and giveaways. 4 p.m. Friday. 2235 Fern St., San Diego. vinyljunkies.net
Friendsgiving: Friends can gather for unlimited food and/or drinks this Friday. Per person, the all-you-can-eat buffet will cost $40 and the open bar is $60. Reservations encouraged. 10 p.m. Friday. Louisiana Purchase, 2305 University Ave., San Diego. opentable.com/r/louisiana-purchase-sd-san-diego
“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
Glow Ball at The Loma Club: This glow-in-the-dark golf tournament comes with a free beer and beer tastings during a night of 9-holes of play. Glow balls will be provided. Must be 21 or older to enter. 6 p.m. Friday. The Loma Club, 2960 Truxtun Road, San Diego. $49.87. eventbrite.com/e/glow-ball-at-the-loma-club-tickets-1936547298099?aff=oddtdtcreator

Drone show: For fans of drones and light shows, the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is hosting a two-night drone art show. The choreographed aerial show is produced by Fever and features 65 minutes of more than 500 illuminated drones creating 3D images in the sky. The drones are programmed to move with music from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” violin concerto and Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” ballet score. Doors open two hours before the drone show starts. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista. $41.80. 619-656-1500, thedroneartshow.com/san-diego
Skating by the Sea: The annual ice rink at the Hotel del Coronado opens this Friday and runs through Jan. 4. Time slots vary. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. $35-40. hoteldel.com/events/skating-by-the-sea
“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. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 14. Legler Benbough Theatre, 783 Avenue of Nations, Allied International University, San Diego. $30-$52. 858-395-0573, theroustabouts.org
4 S Dance Academy presents “The Nutcracker”: The North County-based company’s ninth annual “Nutcracker” brings together Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, guest artists, and professionally choreographed dancers. Together, they bring Clara’s journey to the Land of Sweets to life, with epic battles and dances with snowflakes. 7 p.m. Friday; 1 p.m. Saturday. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $30-$50. 858-748-0505, 4sdanceacademy.com
“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. 7 p.m. tonight and Nov. 26 and 28. 4 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 29; 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 30;Diversionary Theatre Black Box, 4545 Park Blvd., #101, San Diego. brownpapertickets.com/event/6684167.
Where to find holiday pop-up experiences at bars and restaurants in San Diego this year
‘¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!’ The Old Globe will present a concert presentation of this world premiere Spanish-language translation of its annual production of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” musical. It’s based on a 1957 children’s book by the late La Jolla author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, the musical by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin.. This production features a translation and stage adaptation by Katya María Ojeda Iturbide and Luis Gerardo Villegas and will feature Spanish-speaking actors and a full orchestra. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $28-$34. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org
Santee holiday tree lighting: The annual Holiday Lighting will take place, and expected highlights include sledding, live music, photos with Santa, games, face painting and crafting along with seasonal treats. The tree lighting will be at 6:15 p.m. on the amphitheater stage, with holiday tunes. “Selfies with Santa” are from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Santee Trolley Square. Visit santeespecialevents.com. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Road. Free. cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/santee-holiday-lighting/45982

“Dungeons & Dragons Twenty-Sided Tavern”: Broadway San Diego presents the national touring production of this Dungeons & Dragons theatrical improv show where the cast collaborates with audience members on a game of the famously challenging fantasy role-playing game. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. Tickets start at $51.25. broadwaysd.com/upcoming-events/the-twenty-sided-tavern
Fleet opens sea otter IMAX film: The world premiere of the “Sea Otters: A Wild Family Adventure” is taking place today at the Fleet Science Center. The film gives viewers a look into the world of sea otters living on Vancouver Island and features Finn, a sea otter pup, as he grows up in this “coming-of-age” story, according to the directors Annabel Robinson, Paul Phelan and Sarah Beard. Tickets to the film include admission to the Fleet Science Center. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday. 1875 El Prado, San Diego. $19.95-$24.95. 619-238-1233, fleetscience.org/films/sea-otters-wild-family-adventure
“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. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $68.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
“The Strangers”: Chalk Circle Collective presents the West Coast premiere of Christopher Oscar Peña’s play about a group of strangers in a contemporary community that draws inspiration from Thornton Wilder’s 1938 play “Our Town.” 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 30. Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego. $40 and up. chalkcirclecollective.com

Vienna Boys Choir presents “Christmas in Vienna”: San Diego Symphony presents this Austrian youth choral group on its annual holiday tour. 8 p.m. Friday, Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$94. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
“Young Audiences”: OnStage Playhouse presents the world premiere of Mabelle Reynoso’s play about a playwright struggling to get her Latina feminist play produced. 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 5 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 7. 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista. $15-$25. 619-422-7787, onstageplayhouse.org
MUDGIRL: Runners can get super messy at this race through the mud. Dedicated to women, the 3-mile MUDGIRL course runs through fun obstacles as well as tasks that require strength and agility. A festival will take place starting at 7:45 a.m. and carrying on through 4 p.m. First wave at 8:30 a.m. Final wave at 1:29 p.m. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center. $120. mudgirlrun.us/san-diego-2025
‘Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ The Old Globe’s 28th annual production of this holiday classic will once again star Andrew Polec, who returns for his fifth year in the title role, with a nearly all-new cast of principal actors as the grown-up citizens of Whoville. Based on a 1957 children’s book by the late La Jolla author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, the musical by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin premiered in 1994 at a children’s theater in Minneapolis. In 1998, it moved to the Old Globe, where artistic director Jack O’Brien worked with Geisel’s widow, Audrey Geisel, to add music from the famous 1966 animated TV version and a storybook-come-to-life scenic and costume design. It’s been an annual tradition ever since. Now playing through Dec. 31. Showtimes vary, but mostly 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $51 and up. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.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
Saturday
Doggie Street Festival: Liberty Station is the home of the 16th annual Doggie Street Festival. The family-friendly event is meant to help foster dogs find a new home. There will also be pet services for those who bring their own dog. Veterinarians will be present to give information on pet foods, travel, potty training and veterinary care. Plus, the festival will bring auction prizes, live music and vendors selling food. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. 2455 Cushing Road, San Diego. Free admission. doggiestreetfestival.org
Holiday craft fair: The Mount Miguel High School Foundation is inviting the public to its holiday craft fair. The event brings more than 25 local vendors to sell handmade crafts, artwork, home decor and unique gifts. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. 8585 Blossom Lane, Spring Valley. Free admission. 619-469-7350.
San Diego Tap and Jazz Dance Festival: Beginners, seasoned dancers and celebrity performers are invited to this three-day, annual celebration, beginning with the Tap Jam Opening Ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Panama 66, at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. On Saturday and Sunday at Keiller Leadership Academy in San Diego, a full day day of master classes and workshops by notable instructors begins with an 8:30 a.m. registration and concluding with an evening concert. 7270 Lisbon St., San Diego. All access pass is $199. Single day, single class and event tickets: $20-$115. Single and multiple class spectator fee: $15-$65. sandiegotapandjazz.com
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Yo Ho Ho-liday Tavern: Margaritaville Hotel San Diego’s LandShark Bar & Grill is hosting a pirate-themed holiday pop-up with food specials, nautical holiday decor and special cocktails. In addition, expect live appearances from pirates on Saturdays in December from 7 to 9 p.m. and live music Wednesday to Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Open daily from 11 a.m. to close. Nov. 22 to Dec. 31. Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, 435 6th Ave., San Diego. Free. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-hotel-san-diego/live-entertainment/holiday-happenings

“The Waverly Gallery”: Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents Kenneth Lonergan’s play about an aging art gallery owner who is losing her memories in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Opens Saturday and runs through Dec. 6. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Backyard Renaissance Theatre at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown. $15-$50. 760-975-7189, backyardrenaissance.com
San Diego Symphony with pianist Steven Osborne: Conductor Anja Bihlmaler leads the orchestra in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, Sibelius Symphony No. 1 and Olly Wilson’s Shango Memory. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., Downtown. $42-$125. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
“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. Opens Saturday 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
Artist Nick Cave presentation: San Diego Museum of Art presents this American contemporary artist discussing his body of work, including sculpture, performance art and video, in a conversational interview. His sculpture “Rescue” is now on display at the museum. 4 p.m. Saturday. Copley Auditorium, SDMA, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. $25-$35. sdmart.org
2025/26 Allied Artist Biennial: Oceanside Museum of Art presents its annual juried exhibition of works by 53 Southern California artists. Opens Saturday and runs through March 8. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. 760-435-3720, oma-online.org
Ilan-Lael Foundation Art & Peace Picnic: James Hubbell’s peace through art foundation will host a free potluck picnic event with free interactive art-making stations at Pearl of the Pacific park on Shelter Island. Participants are encouraged to bring a dish inspired by the diverse countries around the Pacific Rim. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. West end of Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. Register at ilanlaelfoundation.org/stories/picnic
Sunday

Jewels of the Season: The annual exhibit of a unique collection of handcrafted ornaments by San Diego artists Florence Hord and Elizabeth Schlappi returns in Balboa Park. More than 1,000 ornaments are on display on a Christmas tree encircled by an antique train from the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, San Diego. 619-239-5548, timkenmuseum.org/news/timken-museum-of-art-presents-jewels-of-the-season-a-dazzling-celebration-of-art-imagination-and-seasonal-splendor
Pumpkin succulent workshop: Pumpkin season is not over yet, as Molly’s Mission Beach is hosting a pumpkin succulent workshop. VOLO Sports and ArtBeat San Diego is organizing the event, which gives ticketed guests a hands-on class about how to make a succulent planter out of miniature pumpkins. Attendees will receive two pumpkins, succulent clippings, moss, dried flowers, decorative accents and materials to make the succulent. Plus, guests will get complimentary coffee or a mimosa. Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. 3770 Mission Blvd., San Diego. $38.50, volosports.com
Hausmann Quartet presents “Folk Songs”: The quartet concludes its 2025 season with a performance of Bela Bartok’s Fifth Quartet aboard the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. $10-$60. 619-432-2314, sdmaritime.org/visit/special-events/concert-series
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