The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Nov. 7-9

Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 9.

Friday

San Diego Asian Film Festival: The 10-day 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 150 films from over 30 countries. Nov. 6-15. sdaff.org/2025

San Diego Symphony “Where the Shining Trumpets Blow”: Music Director Rafael Payare leads the orchestra in selections from Mahler’s The Boy’s Magical Horn (Des Knaben Wunderhorn) featuring baritone Matthias Goerne, and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, “Romantic.” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., Downtown. $30-$108. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org 

San Diego Food + Wine: Some of this year’s local participants are Elijah Arizmendi of the newly opened Lucien fine-dining restaurant in La Jolla; Roberto Alcocer of Michelin-starred Valle in Oceanside; two-time James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: California Tara Monsod of San Diego’s Animae and La Coq restaurants; Drew Deckman of Michelin-starred Concha de Piedra in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, and San Diego’s 31THIRTYONE by Deckman’s; and “Yes, Chef!” TV competition champion Emily Brubaker of Omni La Costa Resort. The full schedule and tickets can be found at sandiegowineclassic.com.

San Diego Food + Wine fest unveils full lineup of events Nov. 2-9

“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. Previews, today and Saturday. Opens Sunday and runs through Dec. 7. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $30-$139. lajollaplayhouse.org/show/working-girl

Community painting day: The public is invited to a free community painting day at Liberty Station. Visitors can meet artist Mischka Ippolita and help her finish a community mural, “Vitral Sunset: A Marine Perspective Across the Border.” Attendees 10 years and older can grab a paintbrush and add their own creative colors to the mural walls. Also, Carruth Cellars is offering participants a special happy hour menu with 30% off three preselected wines by the glass. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday. Arts District Liberty Station, along the North Promenade by Barracks 16 and 17, 2710 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego. Free. liber

Margaret Cho: For two nights, Margaret Cho will bring the “CHOLIGARCHY” to San Diego. 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego. $58.50. micdropcomedysandiego.com/events/110172

Mariza: Born in Mozambique and based in Lisbon, Mariza is the reigning vocal queen of fado, the intensely dramatic Portuguese music style that is synonymous with her name. Her admirers and collaborators have included Gilberto Gil, Cesaria Evora, Sting and Lenny Kravitz. But Mariza shines far brighter on her own, and her first San Diego concert since 2013 should be an occasion worth celebrating. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. $49.50-$94. ticketmaster.com

Coronado Island Film Festival: The fest begins Wednesday with the The Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Awards Gala. It continues through Sunday with filmmaker interviews and panels, short films, movie screenings and more. There will also be happy hours and other events, such as a tribute to the Beatles on Saturday at 1 p.m. and a closing night screening of “Sentimental Value.” Wednesday through Sunday. Various venues. coronadofilmfest.com

Kenny G Live: The world famous saxophonist comes to San Diego. 8 p.m. Friday. Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. $87.05. humphreysconcerts.com/schedule.cfm

SnowJam: This ski and snowboarding expo provides all the necessities for the winter snow season. Shop from tons of vendors. 4 to 10 p.m. Friday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. delmarfairgrounds.com/events/2025/snowjamtystation.com/do/community-painting-day-with-mischka-ippolita

First Tijuana cinema festival: Playas de Tijuana is the home of the inaugural Festival Cine de Tijuana. The event features nine feature films, a short film competition and showcases, panel discussions, a couple of master classes and an awards ceremony. There wll also be informal talks over coffee with directors, producers and actors. Some of the talent scheduled to be at the festival include cinematographer Adrián Durazo, Tijuana filmmaker David Pablos and film producer Martha Sosa. Friday through Sunday. Casa de la Cultura in Playas de Tijuana and Cinépolis Playas. festivalcinetijuana.com/primera-edicion

“The Taming of the Shrew”: San Diego City College presents William Shakespeare’s comic romance with gender-crossed casting to highlight Kate’s experiences of abuse and gaslighting in the original play. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Nov. 14, 15. 2 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 15. 11 a.m. Thursday. Saville Theatre, SDCC, 13th and C streets, downtown (free parking in Lot 8). $5. citycollegetheatre.com

“Wit” & “The Revlon Girl”: John Paul the Great Catholic University’s JCatholic Soundstage is presenting two plays this weekend that deal with the issues of grief, suffering and hope. “Wit” plays at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. “The Revlon Girl” play at 7 p.m. Saturday. 155 W. Grand Ave., Escondido. Reserve tickets at jpcatholic.formstack.com/forms/theatre_comp_donor.

Star Party at Oakoasis: Astronomers from the San Diego Astronomy Association will guide participants through admiring the night sky through telescopes after a short ranger-led hike. Meet in the parking lot at the preserve. Event may be canceled depending on weather. 4:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Oakoasis County Preserve, 12620 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside. Free. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/701/1762648200000

“Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”: The Old Globe presents its 28th annual production of thi musical adaptation of the holiday children’s book. Andrew Polec has returned for his fifth year in the role of the Grinch. Now playing through Dec. 31. Show times vary. Shiley Stage, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $34 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org

Saturday

Taste of University Heights: The public can sample close to 20 restaurants and eateries at this annual tasting event. This self-guided tour includes food and drinks stops at Meraki Cafe, Madison on Park, Yipao Coffee and Flavors of East Africa and many more. The Taste of University Heights also has art pieces on display at 17 businesses, including work from artist Mario Torero, cofounder of the Centro Cultural de la Raza and the Chicano Park Murals Outdoor Museum. There will also be raffle prizes given out and a shuttle to transport attendees along the tour. Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Kairoa Brewing Company, 4601 Park Blvd., San Diego, $35-$40. uharts.org 

Day Out with Thomas: Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine can ride a replica train, enjoy bounce houses and live entertainment, race through a hay maze, take photos with Thomas, Percy and Sir Topham Hatt and other activities. Ride times vary, Nov. 8, 9 and 11. Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 South ‘A’ Street, Perris. $26.85. socalrailway.org/scrm-events/thomas

Capital of Craft Beer Festival: More than 50 craft beer companies will be offering unlimited samples at the San Diego Brewers Guild’s Capital of Craft Beer Festival. The event also features an ’80s band, a DJ and a marketplace where local vendors will be selling handmade goods and food. General admission ticket includes unlimited craft beer samples and VIP tickets include early access to the event. 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. 4645 Morena Blvd., San Diego. $50-$65. capitalofcraftbeerfest.com

Maritere R. Bellas author event: Maritere R. Bellas will read from her book “Tio Ricky” and do a book signing. She’ll be in conversation with Jessie Medina. 10 a.m. Saturday. Libelula Books, 950 S. 26th St., San Diego.  instagram.com/p/DQmeBXJEU8n

Sails & Ales Beer Fest: Taste 40 varieties of local craft beers and help out a nonprofit in the process at the fifth annual Sails & Ales Beer Fest. The  Kona Kai San Diego is once again hosting the event, which includes a DJ and appetizers from the Kona Kai culinary staff. Some of the local breweries at the festival include Eppig Brewing Co., Mike Hess Brewing and Stone Brewing. Also, proceeds from the festival will go to the Surfrider Foundation San Diego. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. $65. exploretock.com/kona-kai-resort-san-diego.

Valley Arts Festival: Music, dancing, food and the celebration of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians is taking place Saturday at Heritage Park in Oceanside. The Valley Arts Festival, now in its fifth year, is free, family-friendly event. Musical performances include Native American flute music by Faustino Fredericks and Spiritual Storm and Native American blues by Tracy Lee Nelson. Also, students from Pablo Tac Elementary will perform the Luiseño story “The Stink Bug,” and students from Foussat Elementary will present “Kíicha Nights, Coyote Dreams,” an original story written by Mel Vernon. The celebration will open and close with traditional drumming by Dancing Cloud Drum Circle, featuring tribal youth dancers. Plus, there will be an educational area, featuring a three-quarter-size Kíicha, a dome-shaped structure made of tule reeds and willow branches, representing the traditional home of the Luiseño people. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 220 Peyri Drive, Oceanside. Free. studioace.org/valley-arts-festival

10th Annual Warrior Hike Challenge: San Diego hikers are invited to participate a hiking challenge to honor veterans. All ages are welcome, and hikes are broken up into varying degrees of difficulty. 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. El Capitan Open Space Preserve, 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road, Lakeside.  tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/791/1762614000000

Camarada presents “Submerged”: This San Diego ensemble’s composer-in-residence, Andrés Martín, is re-teaming with Mexican-born visual artist and fronterizo, Hugo Crosthwaite, to premiere Crosthwaite’s commissioned work, inspired by Martín’s “Tango Bajo el Agua (Tango Underwater),” which will also be performed. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market St., downtown. $25-$55. 619-231-3702, camarada.org

Monthly Morning Chorus: Enjoy the musical powers of bird songs at the Anstine Audubon Preserve.  This event takes place on the second Saturday of every month. 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday. Anstine Audubon Preserve, 2437 Hutchison St., Vista. Free. secure.sandiegobirdalliance.org/np/clients/sandiegobirdalliance/event.jsp?event=16669

The Studio Door Holiday Art Market: This San Diego art gallery presents a show and sale of small works by 30 local and regional artists. 6 to  9 p.m. Saturday. 3867 Fourth Ave., San Diego. thestudiodoor.com

Winter Wellness Sound Healing: Jazmine Amelia and nine  practitioners from My Sound Bath Collective will host a sound bath to kick off the winter season. Bring your own yoga mat, blanket and/or pillows. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $55 for members, $60 for nonmembers. sdbg.org/programs/11-08-winter-wellness-sound-healing/

Lisa Lisa 40th Anniversary Take You Home Tour: Lisa Lis will be joined by Rob Base, C&C Music Factory, Tag Team and Candyman, among other special guests, for a night of 80s and 90s hits. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside. Tickets start at $59.44. frontwavearena.com/events/detail/lisa-lisa-40th-anniversary-take-you-home-tour

Sunday

World Food Expo: The Junior League of San Diego is hosting its World Food Expo 2025 to help raise funds for its organization. The event is a potluck-style celebration where members will share dishes that reflect their heritage and family traditions. Communal tables will be set up for the public to taste the food. A digital recipe book featuring all the dishes will also be available after the event. The event is being held at the Junior League of San Diego headquarters in Bankers Hill. Noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. 210 Maple St., San Diego. $25-$35. 619-234-2253, jlsd.org

First Slow Fashion Day: Sew Loka and The Homegrown Project are hosting the first-ever Slow Fashion Day event in San Diego. The event’s goal is to celebrate and teach the community about sustainable fashion, including how to mend and sew. There will be free upcycling workshops, where all the materials are provided, and attendees should bring an item of clothing to rework. The public can also make their own shirts and tote bags with materials supplied by Goodwill San Diego. Plus, there will be slow fashion vendors, live music and tacos for sale. The Prebys Foundation is sponsoring the event. 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday. 900 Bayfront Court, Suite 200, San Diego. instagram.com/sewloka

Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Home Match 2: Watch San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers in the latest playoff game in the expansion team’s history-making season. 6 p.m. Sunday. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. $80.15. ticketmaster.com/san-diego-fc-v-portland-timbers-san-diego-california-11-09-2025/event/0A00632BDBD7374B

Soul Sunday: Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and enjoy a music show at the Soul Sunday event. Soul Sunday is an intimate concert that highlights local neo-soul, funk and jazz artists. The band will play for one hour, and a live DJ will open the show. The concert is free and open to all ages. The museum is also releasing limited edition collaboration shirts and selected items with Soul Sunday and Heron Hues. 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. 858-454-3541, Free with RSVP. mcasd.org/events/soul-sunday-11-9

Ballet Preljocaj presents ‘Gravity’: The La Jolla Music Society presents this inventive French contemporary dance company whose latest work, “Gravity,” is inspired by the choreographic ideas of weight, constraint and the limitations and advantages of gravity. 7 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. $48.15-$118.85. 858-459-3728,  sandiegotheatres.org

Le Salon de Musiques’ “Romantic Gems”: Violinist Ambroise Aubrun, cellist Ben Solomonow and pianist Xiao Chen will perform works by Brahms, Dvorak and Reber. Event is folowed by a high-tea buffet and Champagne reception. 4 p.m. Sunday. La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., La Jolla. $69-$120. lesalondemusiques.com

“The Power of Place, Inspirations from Ilan-Lael”: Sparks Gallery presents a multimedia exhibit of work by eight visiting artists from the late James Hubbell’s Ilan-Lael Foundation headquarters in Santa Ysabel. Opens Sunday with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. and runs through Dec. 31. 530 Sixth Ave., downtown. 619-696-1416, sparksgallery.com