Local Cross-Cultural Events
May 2026
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
1:00 PM -
Stage: Purpose
2:00 PM -
Stage: Kim’s Convenience
7:00 PM -
Stage: Purpose
7:00 PM -
Stage: Kim’s Convenience
* Upcoming Events *
Saturday, May 2
| All Day | FoodieLand Food Festival Experience FoodieLand: a nationwide food festival filled with 200+ vendors with global flavors, artisan shops, games, and live music! FoodieLand is the nation's largest food festival producer, uniting local talent, small businesses, and global flavors in one vibrant experience. More than just a festival, FoodieLand is a gathering place where friends and families come together to celebrate community through food, culture, and unforgettable moments. Get your tickets now to experience new flavors like never before. See you there!
Del Mar Fairgrounds |
| 10:00 AM | International Cottages Ethnic Food Fair The HPR International Cottages Food Fair is a relaxed and enjoyable way to experience San Diego’s cultural diversity. Held at the International Cottages in Balboa Park, the event features a variety of countries sharing traditional foods, along with music and cultural displays. Visitors can sample authentic dishes prepared by local cultural groups while exploring the cottages and learning about different traditions. It’s a simple, welcoming event that offers a taste of the world in one place. e.
International Cottages |
| Shibori Workshop Shibori is a traditional Japanese craft with a history spanning over 400 years and more than 200 distinct techniques. Hiroyuki Murase, Creative Director of suzusan, will lead a special workshop to introduce the history, background, and techniques of this art. In this four-hour workshop, participants will learn two different Shibori techniques and use silk scarves to create a unique, handmade piece. We warmly invite you to experience and explore the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship.
Japanese Friendship Garden |
| 11:00 AM | Cinco de Mayo Old Town Get ready for a weekend filled with live music, folklórico dancing, high-flying lucha libre, hands-on pioneer games for kids, and a vibrant artisan mercado. It’s history, culture, and community coming together for one unforgettable spring celebration.
Old Town State Historical Park |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: August Wilson's Fences Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences is a cornerstone of August Wilson's The American Century Cycle and a powerful exploration of fatherhood, identity, and legacy. Set in 1957, the play follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now working as a sanitation worker. Grappling with the burden of his broken dreams, Troy struggles to assert control over his family and his future. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg helms this deeply human portrait of a family's love and resilience.
Old Globe Theatre |
| Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| 5:00 PM | Cinco de Mayo Music Festival Family-friendly Cinco de Mayo Festival – Performances, dancing, entertainment, craft & food vendors!
Grape Park |
| 7:00 PM | Comedy: Atsuko Okatsuka Atsuko Okatsuka delivers offbeat, clever stand-up rooted in her unique upbringing and cultural perspective. Her sets are original, endearing, and joyfully weird.
Balboa Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Riverdance Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and culture at Riverdance! ?✨ Experience the magic of this world-renowned show that celebrates Irish heritage and tradition. Don't miss out on a mesmerizing performance that will leave you in awe! Get your tickets now at https://www.www.ticketshelper.com/performers/riverdance and secure your spot at this breathtaking event.
San Diego Civic Theatre |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: August Wilson's Fences Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences is a cornerstone of August Wilson's The American Century Cycle and a powerful exploration of fatherhood, identity, and legacy. Set in 1957, the play follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now working as a sanitation worker. Grappling with the burden of his broken dreams, Troy struggles to assert control over his family and his future. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg helms this deeply human portrait of a family's love and resilience.
Old Globe Theatre |
| Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Dance: The Firebird This world premiere by resident choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich is an original ballet retelling of the story of The Firebird, a frequent feature of Russian fairy tales. Danced to Igor Stravinsky’s famous and beloved score, the story begins at a large party where a beautiful young girl, who possesses special mystical powers she doesn’t yet understand, is struggling to please her overbearing father. She begins to imagine a new and different life where she can be free to explore her dreams and find love. As her thoughts become stronger, she finds herself magically transitioning into a powerful creature and she can enter a whole new realm of existence where she can be wherever she desires to pursue her future and find the love of her life. Her journey is not an easy one. Finding peace, love, and harmony is more challenging than she ever imagined with powers that threaten to overwhelm her.
California Center for the Arts |
| 9:30 PM | Comedy: Atsuko Okatsuka Atsuko Okatsuka delivers offbeat, clever stand-up rooted in her unique upbringing and cultural perspective. Her sets are original, endearing, and joyfully weird.
Balboa Theatre |
Sunday, May 3
| All Day | FoodieLand Food Festival Experience FoodieLand: a nationwide food festival filled with 200+ vendors with global flavors, artisan shops, games, and live music! FoodieLand is the nation's largest food festival producer, uniting local talent, small businesses, and global flavors in one vibrant experience. More than just a festival, FoodieLand is a gathering place where friends and families come together to celebrate community through food, culture, and unforgettable moments. Get your tickets now to experience new flavors like never before. See you there!
Del Mar Fairgrounds |
| 10:00 AM | Japanese Friendship Garden Children\'s Day Children’s Day is a cultural event held inside the garden’s gates featuring activities, vendors, and performances. Guests can participate in making special koinobori, play games, and enjoy traditional foods like kashiwamochi. Performances will run throughout the day, providing an engaging experience for attendees.
May 5 was originally known as Tango no sekku , the Japanese equivalent of the Double Fifth which is a holiday celebrated in many Chinese households around the world. In 1948, the government changed the official name to Children’s Day.
However, even though May 5 is officially known as Children’s Day, most Japanese still consider and celebrate the “double fifth” as Boy’s Day while Girl’s Day is celebrated on the “double third” (March 3).
Japanese Friendship Garden |
| International Cottages Ethnic Food Fair The HPR International Cottages Food Fair is a relaxed and enjoyable way to experience San Diego’s cultural diversity. Held at the International Cottages in Balboa Park, the event features a variety of countries sharing traditional foods, along with music and cultural displays. Visitors can sample authentic dishes prepared by local cultural groups while exploring the cottages and learning about different traditions. It’s a simple, welcoming event that offers a taste of the world in one place. e.
International Cottages |
| Shibori Workshop Shibori is a traditional Japanese craft with a history spanning over 400 years and more than 200 distinct techniques. Hiroyuki Murase, Creative Director of suzusan, will lead a special workshop to introduce the history, background, and techniques of this art. In this four-hour workshop, participants will learn two different Shibori techniques and use silk scarves to create a unique, handmade piece. We warmly invite you to experience and explore the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship.
Japanese Friendship Garden |
| 11:00 AM | Cinco de Mayo Old Town Get ready for a weekend filled with live music, folklórico dancing, high-flying lucha libre, hands-on pioneer games for kids, and a vibrant artisan mercado. It’s history, culture, and community coming together for one unforgettable spring celebration.
Old Town State Historical Park |
| Cinco de Mayo Music Festival Family-friendly Cinco de Mayo Festival – Performances, dancing, entertainment, craft & food vendors!
Grape Park |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: August Wilson's Fences Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Fences is a cornerstone of August Wilson's The American Century Cycle and a powerful exploration of fatherhood, identity, and legacy. Set in 1957, the play follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now working as a sanitation worker. Grappling with the burden of his broken dreams, Troy struggles to assert control over his family and his future. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg helms this deeply human portrait of a family's love and resilience.
Old Globe Theatre |
| Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Dance: The Firebird This world premiere by resident choreographer Elizabeth Wistrich is an original ballet retelling of the story of The Firebird, a frequent feature of Russian fairy tales. Danced to Igor Stravinsky’s famous and beloved score, the story begins at a large party where a beautiful young girl, who possesses special mystical powers she doesn’t yet understand, is struggling to please her overbearing father. She begins to imagine a new and different life where she can be free to explore her dreams and find love. As her thoughts become stronger, she finds herself magically transitioning into a powerful creature and she can enter a whole new realm of existence where she can be wherever she desires to pursue her future and find the love of her life. Her journey is not an easy one. Finding peace, love, and harmony is more challenging than she ever imagined with powers that threaten to overwhelm her.
California Center for the Arts |
| 4:30 PM | The All Time Greats of Bollywood The All Time Greats of Bollywood
Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presents “The All-Time Greats of Bollywood”
Featuring L. Ravichander – Speaker and Lawyer
** FREE for 2026 Annual Subscribers **
Others purchasing tickets, can also attend Sangeetha Sudha at 6:00 PM
Complimentary dinner for all attendees 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Seaside Center for Spiritual Living |
| 5:00 PM | San Diego French Film Festival Opening Ceremony Join us for the 6th edition of the San Diego French Film Festival, taking place May 3–7, 2026 at The LOT La Jolla and at the Carlsbad City Library, with a special focus on women’s voices and stories in francophone cinema. Discover inspiring francophone films (with English subtitles) that highlight women’s perspectives and creative talents from across the French-speaking world. The festival kicks off on Sunday, May 3, with a red-carpet Opening Gala, featuring the a feature film and a short film. Guests will enjoy an elegant soirée with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, desserts, champagne, and live entertainment, including a DJ-curated dance party.
Note, except for opening night, all films will be screened at both the Lot and at the Carlsbad Library.
The LOT |
| 6:00 PM | Music: Sangeetha Sudha Music: Sangeetha Sudha
Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presents “Sangeetha Sudha”
Featuring Padma Bhushan Sudha Raghunathan [Vocal – Carnatic]
Kamalakiran Vinjamuri (Violin),
Akshay Ananthapadmanabhan (Mridangam)
Sowmia Narayanan (Ghatam)
** FREE for 2026 Annual Subscribers **
Others purchasing tickets, can also attend the LecDem at 4:30 PM
Seaside Center for Spiritual Living |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| 8:00 PM | Music: Mariachi El Bronx Born out of a collective love for Mexican folk music over a decade ago, the members of the acclaimed LA punk band The Bronx were tasked with creating an acoustic set for a tv show they were asked to perform on. From there, this exciting new, and creatively fulfilling, endeavor began to take shape, which led to the release of the band’s eponymous debut album, Mariachi El Bronx (I), in September of 2009. The album would lead to praise by both critics and fans alike due to the band’s precise attention to detail and musically authentic take on the form.
Belly Up Tavern |
Monday, May 4
| 6:30 PM | San Diego French Film Festival Join us for the 6th edition of the San Diego French Film Festival, taking place May 3–7, 2026 at The LOT La Jolla and at the Carlsbad City Library, with a special focus on women’s voices and stories in francophone cinema. Discover inspiring francophone films (with English subtitles) that highlight women’s perspectives and creative talents from across the French-speaking world. The festival kicks off on Sunday, May 3, with a red-carpet Opening Gala, featuring the a feature film and a short film. Guests will enjoy an elegant soirée with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, desserts, champagne, and live entertainment, including a DJ-curated dance party.
Note, except for opening night, all films will be screened at both the Lot and at the Carlsbad Library.
The LOT |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Music: Meshell Ndegeocello Praised by the New Yorker as “the most significant bassist this country has produced since the advent of Charles Mingus and Flea,” Meshell Ndegeocello makes her ArtPower debut with her GRAMMY-winning album No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin. The prescience of James Baldwin is alive nearly forty years after his passing, a testament to his enduring impact. A prolific writer, his essays, novels, plays, and poetry have assessed and often reproached the human condition. As an activist, his oratory prowess in the 1960s was bar none, lending his outspoken views on Black oppression with profundity and eloquence. Born in New York City on August 2, 1924, this year marks the centennial of the eminent writer, a momentous occasion that is celebrated by the release of one of Meshell Ndegeocello’s most intrepid efforts to date: No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin. With No More Water, Ndegeocello embarks on a prophetic musical odyssey that transcends boundaries and genres, delving headfirst into race, sexuality, religion, and other recurring themes explored in the celebrated writer’s canon. Following 2023’s The Omnichord Real Book, her acclaimed debut for Blue Note Records which won the inaugural GRAMMY Award for Best Alternative Jazz Album, the multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer renders an immersive and palpable document that is as sagacious, unabashed, and introspective as Baldwin was in life.
Epstein Family Amphitheater |
Thursday, May 7
| 5:00 PM | Gator By The Bay Festival It’s the most fun this side of the bayou—Mardi Gras in May, y’all! Enjoy 4 days of nonstop music, dancing, and good eating, with authentic Creole & Cajun fare and 10,000 lbs of crawfish flown straight from the bayous. Catch cooking demos by Southern chefs, join dance lessons, and soak up the sound across 7 stages of live music. With 100+ acts, all-day entertainment, and fun for the whole family (both big & little gators), you’ll be smiling the Bon Temps way—because that’s how it’s done.
Spanish Landing Park |
| 6:30 PM | San Diego French Film Festival Join us for the 6th edition of the San Diego French Film Festival, taking place May 3–7, 2026 at The LOT La Jolla and at the Carlsbad City Library, with a special focus on women’s voices and stories in francophone cinema. Discover inspiring francophone films (with English subtitles) that highlight women’s perspectives and creative talents from across the French-speaking world. The festival kicks off on Sunday, May 3, with a red-carpet Opening Gala, featuring the a feature film and a short film. Guests will enjoy an elegant soirée with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, desserts, champagne, and live entertainment, including a DJ-curated dance party.
Note, except for opening night, all films will be screened at both the Lot and at the Carlsbad Library.
The Lot & Carlsbad Library |
| Film: Fate Set in a small town on Türkiye’s Black Sea coast, Fate follows Sultan, a recently widowed woman who shocks her family and community by choosing to remarry and rebuild her life on her own terms. As she challenges deeply rooted expectations, her courage sparks a ripple effect, encouraging other women to question tradition and pursue their independence.
Angelika Film Center |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
Friday, May 8
| 4:30 PM | Gator By The Bay Festival It’s the most fun this side of the bayou—Mardi Gras in May, y’all! Enjoy 4 days of nonstop music, dancing, and good eating, with authentic Creole & Cajun fare and 10,000 lbs of crawfish flown straight from the bayous. Catch cooking demos by Southern chefs, join dance lessons, and soak up the sound across 7 stages of live music. With 100+ acts, all-day entertainment, and fun for the whole family (both big & little gators), you’ll be smiling the Bon Temps way—because that’s how it’s done.
Spanish Landing Park |
| 7:00 PM | Music: Yolanda del Río Yolanda del Río is a Mexican film actress and ranchera singer. Some of her best-known films are Caminos de Michoacán and La India blanca. Born the youngest daughter of 4 children, she was inspired at a young age by famous golden age Ranchera singers Lola Beltrán, Lucha Villa, or Amalia Mendoza played on the radio.
The Magnolia |
| Flamenco Night! Flamenco Night! Juan Murube & Juan Moro Ignite the Stage with Passion and Fire. Featuring Special Guest Dancer Alexandra Rozo. Flamenco Cantaor Juan Murube Brings an Electrifying Performance to Point Loma. Experience an unforgettable evening of passion, rhythm, and soul as acclaimed flamenco cantaor Juan Murube takes the stage. This highly anticipated performance promises to captivate audiences with the raw intensity and emotional depth of authentic flamenco. With his powerful, soulful voice, Murube will transport you straight to the heart of Spain, delivering a performance filled with beauty, fire, and tradition. Featuring: Guitarist: Juan Moro Special Guest Dancer: Alexandra Rozo Get ready to be mesmerized by the energy and artistry of flamenco at its finest.
Point Loma Assemby |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
Saturday, May 9
| 11:00 AM | House of Vietnam Lawn Program Join the House of Vietnam as the celebrate Vietnamese culture at their annual Lawn Program with traditional food, music, and dancing.
International Cottages |
| Gator By The Bay Festival It’s the most fun this side of the bayou—Mardi Gras in May, y’all! Enjoy 4 days of nonstop music, dancing, and good eating, with authentic Creole & Cajun fare and 10,000 lbs of crawfish flown straight from the bayous. Catch cooking demos by Southern chefs, join dance lessons, and soak up the sound across 7 stages of live music. With 100+ acts, all-day entertainment, and fun for the whole family (both big & little gators), you’ll be smiling the Bon Temps way—because that’s how it’s done.
Spanish Landing Park |
| 1:00 PM | Music: Mariachi San Diegos’s Best Mariachi! This group of passionate musicians has a diverse musical background that includes traditional mariachi music passed down from older generations to classical voice training.
Flower Fields |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| 7:00 PM | Music: Tributo A Tres Grandes Tributo a Tres Grandes is a live music event featuring a tribute performance.
The Magnolia |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
Sunday, May 10
| 11:00 AM | House of Poland Lawn Program Join the House of Poland as the celebrate Polish culture at their annual Lawn Program with traditional food, music, and dancing.
International Cottages |
| Gator By The Bay Festival It’s the most fun this side of the bayou—Mardi Gras in May, y’all! Enjoy 4 days of nonstop music, dancing, and good eating, with authentic Creole & Cajun fare and 10,000 lbs of crawfish flown straight from the bayous. Catch cooking demos by Southern chefs, join dance lessons, and soak up the sound across 7 stages of live music. With 100+ acts, all-day entertainment, and fun for the whole family (both big & little gators), you’ll be smiling the Bon Temps way—because that’s how it’s done.
Spanish Landing Park |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| 3:30 PM | Comedy: Zarna Garg Zarna Garg is an Indian American stand-up comedian and screenwriter. CNBC said she is "the zany, outspoken voice of the Indian American woman." With her unique blend of humor, wit, and fearless social commentary, Zarna Garg has emerged as a comedic trailblazer. An Indian immigrant mom based in New York City, Zarna showcases her sharp and relatable humor in her first comedy special, One in a Billion, available on Amazon Prime. Her second special, Practical People Win, is currently streaming on Hulu as part of Hulu's Hilarious Comedy Series, marking another major milestone in her skyrocketing career. Zarna has created over 400 comedic home videos with her family and built a devoted social media following of 2M+ fans with 1B+ views. A proud immigrant woman building her American dream from traditional Indian values, Zarna continues to take audiences along for a wildly funny, unfiltered, and inspiring ride.
Balboa Theatre |
| 4:30 PM | Music: Sanjay Sabha Indian Fine Arts Academy of San Diego presents “Sanjay Sabha Live”
Sanjay Subrahmanyan (Vocal – Carnatic)
S. Varadarajan (Violin)
Neyveli Venkatesh (Mridangam)
Seaside Center for Spiritual Living |
| 6:00 PM | Comedy: Zarna Garg Zarna Garg is an Indian American stand-up comedian and screenwriter. CNBC said she is "the zany, outspoken voice of the Indian American woman." With her unique blend of humor, wit, and fearless social commentary, Zarna Garg has emerged as a comedic trailblazer. An Indian immigrant mom based in New York City, Zarna showcases her sharp and relatable humor in her first comedy special, One in a Billion, available on Amazon Prime. Her second special, Practical People Win, is currently streaming on Hulu as part of Hulu's Hilarious Comedy Series, marking another major milestone in her skyrocketing career. Zarna has created over 400 comedic home videos with her family and built a devoted social media following of 2M+ fans with 1B+ views. A proud immigrant woman building her American dream from traditional Indian values, Zarna continues to take audiences along for a wildly funny, unfiltered, and inspiring ride.
Balboa Theatre |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Mariachi sol de Mexico De José Hernández Part of the romance of Mariachi music is that all things are possible. The humor, the heartache and even the bittersweet, inspire us to a world where we live out our dreams. In that same way, much of the excitement of José Hernández Mariachi Sol de Mexico is that all things mariachi are possible. While his family tree is rooted in six generations of Mariachi musicians that hail from La Sierra del Tigre region of Jalisco, José built on that foundation to grow mariachi music in new territories, musical genres, and in the hearts of new audiences.
Sycuan Casino |
Tuesday, May 12
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Wednesday, May 13
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Thursday, May 14
| 5:00 PM | Talk: Daily Life in Occupied France In the wake of her mother’s passing, Kitty Morse made a serendipitous discovery. In the attic of her Southern California home, she came across a little suitcase containing the journal of her great-grandfather Prosper Lévy-Neymarck documenting daily life in Occupied France. A recipe book written by her grandmother, Blanche, accompanied the journal. Tragically, Prosper and Blanche would fall victim to the Nazi genocide, but their writings survived and have now found a broader audience through the labors of their great-granddaughter. Both an invaluable primary source and a heartfelt homage to daily life in dark times, “Bitter Sweet: A Wartime Journal and Heirloom Recipes from Occupied France” (2023) reclaims their experiences and culinary acumen for posterity.
Online Streaming Event |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Film: The King of Laughter Neapolitan theater for his cheeky alter egos, Scarpetta’s larger-than-life stage productions were matched only by his eccentric personal life. Composed of wives, partners, lovers, legitimate and illegitimate children (including a young Eduardo De Filippo, famed Neapolitan playwright), Scarpetta’s home situation resembled one of his comedies more than a traditional family. At the height of his popularity, the comedian risked everything by staging a parody of the great Italian poet, Gabriele D’Annunzio. Booed and hissed from the stage by younger rivals, Scarpetta was sued for plagiarism, leading to the first ever copyright lawsuit in Italy. Despite legal troubles and familial strife, Scarpetta fought not only for his craft but for his legacy as one of the great performers of Italian theater. The King of Laughter is an extraordinary movie by film and theater director Mario Martone, featuring Italian star Toni Servillo.
Presented by the San Diego Italian Film Festival
Digital Gym Cinema |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Friday, May 15
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
Old Globe Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Indonesian Shadow Puppetry with Woro Mustiko Siwi Indonesian Shadow Puppetry with Woro Mustiko Siwi
Audiences will be treated to a rare and captivating performance of wayang kulit, Indonesia’s renowned shadow puppet theater. This ancient art form uses hand-carved leather puppets, accompanied by a traditional gamelan ensemble, to bring to life epic tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In this special presentation, celebrated shadow puppet master (dhalang) Woro Mustiko Siwi—one of the few women in Indonesia to achieve national and international acclaim in this traditionally male-dominated art form—will lead a condensed one-hour performance, thoughtfully adapted from the full six- to eight-hour format. The story, rooted in Javanese culture yet rich in universal themes, will be performed in English for the first time by an Indonesian woman puppeteer.
Presented by the Center for World Music
Minge International Museum |
| Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
Saturday, May 16
| 11:00 AM | House of USA: Asian Pacific Cultural Festival House of USA: Asian Pacific Cultural Festival
The Asian Pacific Cultural Festival of San Diego is the LARGEST celebration of Asian Pacific American Cultures in San Diego and will feature cultural and traditional performances from a dozen countries and cultures, including Japan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Indonesia, Hawaii, Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan, Polynesia, and more!
International Cottages |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
The Old Globe |
| Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
| 8:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
Old Globe |
| Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Sunday, May 17
| 11:00 AM | House of Norway Lawn Program Join the House of Norway as they celebrate Norwegian music, dance, food, and more!
International Cottages |
| 2:00 PM | Stage: Beau Jest Fall under the spell of this effervescent romantic comedy where love, laughter, and tradition playfully intertwine. North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Beau Jest, James Sherman’s delightful Jewish-American story that weaves together vibrant traditions, sizzling chemistry, and joyous celebrations into a warm-hearted theatrical treat. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments and tender revelations, this smart crowd-pleaser celebrates family, devotion, and finding your true self. Fresh, funny, and deeply heartfelt, Beau Jest delivers the perfect blend of humor and heart that will leave you smiling long after the final bow.
North Coast Repertory Theatre |
| Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
The Old Globe |
| 3:00 PM | Opera: Zarzuela at the Villa Zarzuela comes to San Diego! A passionate beauty sways the hearts and political leanings of two men as Spain is torn between monarchy and revolution in Federico Moreno Torroba’s “Luisa Fernanda.” This fiery yet romantic drama is a great example of Zarzuela, a unique Spanish art form incorporating classical singing as well as spoken words to tell stories of the people. “Luisa Fernanda” was written in 1932, and it has been one of the most beloved Zarzuelas ever since. Cinballera Entertainment is honoring San Diego’s rich Hispanic history by performing this Zarzuela in concert at the beautiful Villa Montezuma. The production will be performed in costume and with as much staging as possible in the intimate setting of the Villa. Cinballera’s Season 3 finale also honors its founders’ operatic history. Sisters Tiffany and Rebekah Brannan performed in this opera at ages 12 and 9, their first opera
Villa Montezuma |
| 4:00 PM | Music: Bandura in the Park Settle in for relaxed musical performances and casual talks about Ukraine's storied, bardic tradition. Complimentary snacks and drinks will be served. House of Ukraine |
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
Old Globe Theatre |
Tuesday, May 19
| 7:00 PM | Opera: Zarzuela at the Villa Zarzuela comes to San Diego! A passionate beauty sways the hearts and political leanings of two men as Spain is torn between monarchy and revolution in Federico Moreno Torroba’s “Luisa Fernanda.” This fiery yet romantic drama is a great example of Zarzuela, a unique Spanish art form incorporating classical singing as well as spoken words to tell stories of the people. “Luisa Fernanda” was written in 1932, and it has been one of the most beloved Zarzuelas ever since. Cinballera Entertainment is honoring San Diego’s rich Hispanic history by performing this Zarzuela in concert at the beautiful Villa Montezuma. The production will be performed in costume and with as much staging as possible in the intimate setting of the Villa. Cinballera’s Season 3 finale also honors its founders’ operatic history. Sisters Tiffany and Rebekah Brannan performed in this opera at ages 12 and 9, their first opera
Villa Montezuma |
| Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
Old Globe Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Wednesday, May 20
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
Old Globe Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Thursday, May 21
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
Old Globe Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Friday, May 22
| 7:00 PM | Stage: Kim’s Convenience Heart and humor take center stage in this award-winning comedy that inspired the hit Netflix series. Korean-born Mr. Kim runs a Toronto convenience store while raising his Canadian children with traditional values. As the neighborhood gentrifies and generational tensions rise, one family’s everyday struggles become a metaphor for a changing society. Written by and starring Ins Choi, Kim’s Convenience is a laugh-out-loud story of love, identity and resilience that the Toronto Star calls “a timeless, beautiful, and heartfelt ode to the immigrant experience.”
Check Website for Special Performane information.
Old Globe Theatre |
| 7:30 PM | Stage: Purpose For decades, the influential Jasper family of Chicago has been a pillar of Black American Politics: civil rights leaders, celebrity pastors and congressmen. When the youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend in tow, the family is forced to reckon with decades of secrets and unresolved tensions that threaten to topple their empire.
La Jolla Playhouse |
Follow Us!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Book of the Month
The Sisters
Recipe of the Month
Music of the Month
Fatou