Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 1.
Hike of the week: A tough climb up East County’s historic Dictionary Hill
NCAA football returns this weekend: Where to watch your favorite college football team at San Diego restaurants and bars
Friday
52nd annual Barona Powwow: The Barona Band of Mission Indians will celebrate Native American heritage at a three-day community cultural event. The powwow will feature dance and drum contests, music and singing along with Native American food including fry bread tacos, arts and crafts and handcrafted jewelry. Hundreds of Native American participants of all ages from around the country are slated to show their dancing skills in a variety of competitions. 6 p.m. Friday; 12:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Barona Sports Complex, 1095 Barona Road, Barona Indian Reservation in Lakeside. ission and parking are free. facebook.com/BaronaPowwow
Discounted theater and attraction tickets for Labor Day weekend: A special event, “Summer of the Arts – Discover + Play San Diego,” presented by ArtsTix San Diego and the San Diego Performing Arts League, is offering discounted tickets for this weekend to local attractions such as Legoland, USS Midway Museum and San Diego as well as theater and dancer performances, including “Cleopatra,” “Ruthless the Musical” and “Mestizaje.” For a full list of attractions and shows, go to sdartstix.com.
Def Leppard, Journey, Steve Miller Band: All three bands have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Miller in 2016, Journey in 2017 and Def Leppard in 2019). Between them, they will perform nearly 50 songs (12 by Miller and his band, 16 by Journey, and 18 by Def Leppard, which headlines). 6 p.m. Friday. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. $104. ticketmaster.com
“Picture This: Recent Acquisitions”: The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art presents the final weekend of this collection of photography, video and new media by renowned photographers including Hendrik Kerstens, Berenice Abbott, Martín Chambi, Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Mary Ellen Mark and many more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. ission is pay what you wish. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. (619) 232-7931, mopa.org
San Diego Symphony presents “Tchaikovsky Spectacular”: The annual celebration of the Russian composer, concluding with the fireworks and cannon fire-filled “1812 Overture” will be conducted by Rafael Payare. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $60-$82, limited availability. theshell.org
‘Best Laid Plans’ opens Friday: Vantage Theatre presents the world premiere of Robert Salerno’s play about an architect who suddenly loses his sight. Alone and despondent, he’s ready to give up until he’s visited by the deaf 19th-century composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The play co-stars “This is Us” TV actor Blake Stadnik. Opens Friday and runs through Sept. 22. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown. 30-$35. (858) 859-2281, vantagetheatre.com
“Rachmaninoff and the Tsar”: Playwright-pianist-actor Hershey Felder returns to San Diego for the premiere of his two-character play with music about Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, looking back on his life and his friendship with the doomed Russian czar Nicholas II. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $75-$107. sandiegotheatres.org
Santana, with Counting Crows: Former Tijuana guitar-slinger Carlos Santana turned 77 in July, but he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 7 p.m. next Friday, Aug. 30. North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista. $67.20-$354. VIP packages are priced from $374 to $870. livenation.com
Songwriter Sanctuary: This is a monthly songwriter series hosted by Jeff Berkley. This Friday will feature Emily Afton, Julianna Zachariou and Veronica May. Food and drinks will be available for sale. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Friday. Normal Heights United Church, 4650 Mansfield St., San Diego. $10 suggested donation. lindsaywhitemusic.com/songwriter-sanctuary.html
SeaWorld to host new barbecue and craft beer festival: For the next two weekends, SeaWorld San Diego guests can enjoy 60 craft beers and barbecue options at its Bayside Brews & Barbecue Festival. Some of the participating craft beer companies will be AleSmith Brewing, Golden Road Brewing and Societe Brewing. There will be 13 different barbecue stations, including one that will have a pulled pork slider with blackberry barbecue sauce and mint cabbage slaw. There will also be a bourbon bar with four featured cocktails. The festival will celebrate Seaworld’s 60th anniversary. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today through Sunday and Sept. 1-2. 500 Sea World Drive, San Diego. (619) 222-4732, seaworld.com/san-diego
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’: Moonlight Stage Productions presents this jukebox biographical musical and the life and music of the famed singer-songwriter. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $15-$60. (760) 724-2110, moonlightstage.com
“8-Track: The Sounds of the ’70s’: New Village Arts presents the San Diego premiere of Rich Seeber and Michael Gribbin’s nostalgic music revue of the sounds, trends, fashions and experiences of the 1970s. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Sept. 15. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. (760) 433-3245, $25-$60. newvillagearts.org
“Cleopatra”: Moxie Theatre and Loud Fridge Theatre Group are co-presenting this one-woman multimedia play written by and starring Joy Yvonnes Jones, who adapted her story of the Egyptian queen from Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra.” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 7. Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Rolando, San Diego. $47-$53, general; $20, students. (858) 598-7620, moxietheatre.com
“Henry 6”: The Old Globe presents the world premiere of Barry Edelstein’s two-play adaptation of William Shakespeare’s three “Henry VI” history plays, which tell the story of England’s War of the Roses. “Part One: Flowers and ” and “Part Two: Riot and Reckoning” are playing in rotating repertory through Sept. 15. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $35-$116. (619) 234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Saturday
Living History days: The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association will host its 35th Living History event with re-enactments of life in the Laguna Mountains as early as the beginning of the 1900s. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. Sunday . Red-tailed Roost Volunteer Headquarters near Mount Laguna in the Cleveland National Forest. 45 miles east of San Diego on I-8, then 8.5 miles north on Sunrise Highway (mile marker 22.5). Free. (619) 948-1130, lagunamtnvol.org, or the Alpine Ranger Office at (619) 445-6235.
International Children’s Film Festival: The 20th San Diego International Children’s Film Festival presents more than 30 short films and animations from across the world by filmmakers of all ages for an all-ages audience. Filmmakers and animators will discuss their work in filmmaking and animation. Films are from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and the Netherlands. The festival hosts 14-year-old Ukrainian filmmaker Marusya Shuvalova and will screen her short documentaries about life as a child in Ukraine during wartime. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Neil Morgan Auditorium at the San Diego Central Library downtown. Free ission. For film schedule and to RSVP, visit www.childrensfilmsd.org.
Jazz at the Creek: This year’s theme, “New Beginnings,” features a lineup including Nathan East, world-renowned bass guitarist and founding member of the jazz group Fourplay, and Jonathan Butler, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, among other musicians. The event will be hosted by 95.7-FM on-air personality Kelly Cole with the Golden Voice, DJ John Phillips. This event is for ages 21 and older. Vendors will sell gourmet food and beverages. 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Educational Cultural Complex South Lawn, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego. Tickets are $76-$215. jazzatthecreeksd.com.
Free swim day in Santee: A free swim day for Santee residents is offered during the session times of 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m. Limited lap swimming will also be available. Saturday. Santee Aquatic Center at the Cameron YMCA Activity Pool, 10123 Riverwalk Drive, Santee. Free. cityofsanteeca.gov/our-community/parks-recreation/santee-swim-days.
Vista Vibes Mini Music Festival: The summer jam features live performances, including R&B/pop group We The Commas, national jazz saxophonist Tony Exum Jr., hip-hop artist Joe Dreamz, and DJ Craftmatic. Highlights include the “Backyard Boogie” with Chicago-style line dancing along with family games, tacos from Frida’s Taqueria and kombucha brews crafted on-site. 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday. Local Roots Kombucha Brewery, 1430 Vantage Court. Tickets are $25; VIP, $45; free for children younger than 12. vistavibessd.com.
“The Sandlot” 30th Anniversary: the cast of the classic movie for a celebration of 30 years of Scottie Smalls and the gang. 6 p.m. Aug. 31. 210 E Main St., El Cajon. $30.50. magnoliasandiego.com
Club Brat Night: Clubs 90s, which throws artist-themed dance parties around the U.S., will host a Charli XCX Night at The Observatory called “CLUB BRAT.” 8 p.m. Saturday. The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave., San Diego. $24. club90sla.com/tour
Classic Albums Live performs The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”: The San Diego Symphony is ed by rock musicians from around the world for this tribute to one the Beatles’ most beloved albums. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $47-$113. theshell.org
Reviving and Rejuvenating your Garden: As part of its series of community garden activities and workshops, the La Mesa Community Garden will play host to a class on reviving and rejuvenating your garden. 10 a.m. to noon. Saturday. La Mesa Community Garden, 5080 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. Free. cityoflamesa.us
Hawaii Fluid Art grand opening: A new art studio in Liberty Station will have an opening event with a raffle and barbecue. Hawaii Fluid Art is a family-friendly studio with classes and art activities, including resin, fluid art and more. 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday. 2750 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 101, San Diego. hawaiifluidart.com
Sunday
“It Takes Two”: Mojalet Dance Collective hosts singers Loren Fisk and Donna Albanese-Jones performing jazz, R&B, Motown and other songs from the 1950s-’70s. 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The Vine, 12540 Oaks North Drive, San Diego. $16-$21. (858) 243-1402, mojalet.com
Family Day at the races: A Family Fun Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club includes bungee trampolines, face painters, game zone, rock climbing walls and food trucks. Free ission for children younger than 18. 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Del Mar Race Track, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com/calendar/detail/familyday
Ukrainian Festival: The House of Ukraine will put on a Ukrainian Festival with food, music and dance. Traditional Ukrainian homemade food will be sold until 4 p.m., including potato and cheese varenyky with sour cream and fried onions, kovbasa sandwiches, salads and Ukrainian sweet treats along with watermelon and cold drinks. The free lawn program from 2 to 4 p.m. features the Chervona Kalyna Dance Group, Ukrainian San Diego rock band U3Zub, Ukrainian singer Iaroslava Caracosa and student performers from Ukrainian language school Ridna Shkola. Proceeds go to humanitarian aid for Ukraine. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. House of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park. Visit houseofukraine.org/event/save-the-date-ukrainian-festival-lawn-program.
Lakehouse Resort’s Sculpt & Sangria: Lakehouse Resort hosts Sculpt & Sangria as part of its Summer Wellness at the Lake Series. The event features a 45-minute sculpting yoga workout, a glass of house-made sangria and a day at the resort’s pools. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. Tickets are $45, or $25 without pool access, at thelakehoesort.com.
Free waterpark ission for service : The Wave waterpark offers free ission for active-duty military, firefighters and law enforcement personnel on Sept. 1 with a valid ID. Up to six of their dependents can get tickets for $10 each at the ticket booth. The waterpark is open from noon to 5 p.m. weekends through Sept. 8, except Labor Day, Sept. 2, when the waterpark will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is at 101 Wave Drive. thewavewaterpark.com.
