FEATURED EVENTS
Celebrity Dr. Seuss Reading
Saturday, Feb. 14
On the second Saturday of each month this year, San Diego History Center (1649 El Prado, Balboa Park) invites a different local celebrity to read their favorite Dr. Seuss selections. The events are in conjunction with the Center’s exhibit “Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss,” which runs through the end of 2015. For this Valentine’s Day edition, former San Diego Mayor and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Jerry Sanders and his wife Rana Sampson will be the guest readers presenting the Seuss classic “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” starting at 2 p.m.
Children 10 years and younger in attendance will receive a free hardback copy of “The Cat in the Hat” and a coupon for a free ice cream from Rita’s Italian Ice. Visit sandiegohistory.org for more information.
Bark in Balboa Park
Sunday, Feb. 15
Pets on leashes and animal-lovers are invited to this unique concert by San Diego Civic Organist Dr. Carol Williams at Spreckels Organ Pavillion (1549 El Prado, Balboa Park). The performance will include classics, marches and animal-themed tunes played by Williams on the Spreckels Organ. The organist will have her own four-legged accompanist on hand – her Airedale rescue pup, Dietrich Buxtehude Bell. San Diego County Humane Society representatives will also be in attendance with adoptable dogs and cats for attendees to meet and learn more about. A “Pets and People Parade” across the stage of the pavilion will round out this benefit show, which will take place from 2 – 3 p.m. All donations collected at the event will benefit the Humane Society. Visit spreckelsorgan.org for more information.
Second Annual San Diego Improv Festival
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Sunday, Feb. 22
The San Diego Improv Festival drew 95 applications this year, with 30 of the best teams selected for inclusion in the four-day festival. The event is presented and hosted by Finest City Improv (4250 Louisiana St., North Park), which is adjacent to the Lafayette Hotel. Artists from New York, San Francisco, Toronto and other cities will join four of Finest City’s improv teams for performances, workshops and parties. Featured performers include King Ten, an ensemble from Los Angeles, and a two-person team, Dummy, from Chicago. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 and workshops start at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. For a full schedule of events, tickets and more, visit sdimprovfestival.com.
Book Signing: Raquel Perez
Saturday, Feb. 21
Author and native San Diegan, Raquel Perez will be signing her historical novel, “Legends of the Californios: Nana’s Stories of our Family Roots” at Old Town Gift Co. (2754 Calhoun St.) from 4 – 6 p.m. Perez will discuss the collection of stories, which are set in different time periods throughout California’s history, and the inspiration behind her characters, settings and more. Admission for the event is free and copies of the book will be available for purchase. Visit raquelperezauthor.com for more information on the book and upcoming signings.
Book Sale
Saturday Feb. 21
The Friends of the Mission Hills Branch Library host this book sale at the library (925 West Washington St.) on the third Saturday of each month. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with an assortment of books for sale. Stock up and support the library! For more information visit facebook.com/mhlibrary or library92103.org.
RECURRING EVENTS
Mondays:
Singing Storytime: 1:30 p.m., learn what’s going on inside your baby’s mind, strengthen your bond and sing songs together at Mission Hills Library, 925 Washington St., Mission Hills, free. Library92103.org.
Open Mic Night: 7:30 p.m., the mic is open to you at Lestat’s Coffee House, 3343 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, free. Lestats.com.
Tuesdays:
Curbside Bites: 5 – 8:30 p.m., gathering of gourmet food trucks at 3030 Grape St., South Park. Curbsidebites.com.
“Grab a Mic”: 6 p.m., an open mic night hosted by singer/actor Sasha Weiss. Sign ups at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m., Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest. Martinisabovefourth.com.
Tasty Truck Tuesdays: 6 – 9 p.m., Smitty’s Service Station hosts several food trucks under their well-lit shade structure, 3442 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. Sdfoodtrucks.com.
Open Mic Charlie’s: 7 – 10 p.m. (except the third Tuesday), open mic night at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper St., South Park, free. Rebeccascoffeehouse.com.
Wednesdays:
Wang’s Trivia: 7 p.m., free trivia competition for prizes, tournament for $1,000. Drink specials during trivia range $3 – $6. Wang’s North Park, 3029 University Ave., North Park. Wangsnorthpark.com.
Wednesday Night Experience: 7 – 8 p.m., uplifting and spiritually inspiring experiences for all, weekly at Universal Spirit Center, 3858 Front St., Hillcrest, love offering requested. Universalspiritcenter.org.
Young Lions Music Series: 7 p.m., each week features a new “young rising star” chosen by Gilbert Castellanos. Castellanos will also join in during the first set, the Expatriate Room, Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, $5 cover. Crocesparkwest.com.
Storytelling: 7 – 8:45 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month featuring members of Storytellers of San Diego at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper St., South Park, donations welcome. Ages 12 and up. Storytellersofsandiego.org.
Wednesday Jazz Jam Session: 7:30 p.m., Gilbert Castellanos hosts the Jazz Jam Session with special guest musicians at Seven Grand, 3054 University Ave., North Park, free. Sevengrandbars.com.
Thursdays:
Gentle Yoga for seniors: 2:45 – 3:45 p.m., presented by The Center and Silver Age Yoga Community Outreach (SAYCO) at The San Diego LGBT Center, 3909 Centre St., Hillcrest, free. Thecentersd.org.
North Park Farmers Market: 3 – 7 p.m., in the parking lot behind CVS at 32nd St. and University Ave., North Park, free. Northparkfarmersmarket.com.
Kornflower’s Open Mic: Signups at 6:30 p.m., open mic (no poetry or comedy) 7 – 10 p.m. Family friendly event at Rebecca’s Coffee House, 3015 Juniper St., South Park, free. Rebeccascoffeehouse.com.
Kirtan Musical Meditation: 8:15 p.m., chant and sing contemporary mantras celebrating love and life at Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga, 3287 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, donation requested. Pilgrimageyoga.com.
Fridays:
Preschool Storytime: 10:30 a.m., at Mission Hills Library, 925 Washington St., Mission Hills, free. Library92103.org.
Fridays on Fifth: 4 – 9 p.m., various restaurants and bars offer discounts and specials for a social hour on Fifth Avenue between Washington Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Hillcrest. Fridaysonfifth.com.
Cinema Under the Stars: 8:30 p.m., Classic movie screenings at 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills. Tickets start at $15. Topspresents.com.
Saturdays
Old Town Saturday Market: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., on Harney Street and San Diego Avenue, Old Town, free. Oldtownsaturdaymarket.com.
Golden Hill Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., on B Street between 27th and 28th streets, Golden Hill, free. Sdmarketmanager.com.
Children’s Craft Time: 10:30 a.m., at Mission Hills Library, 925 Washington St., Mission Hills, free. Library92103.org.
Melodies in Balboa Park: 1 – 5 p.m., the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory ensembles fill Casa del Prado with classical music, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, free. Sdys.org.
Celebrity Book Readings: 2 p.m., local celebrities will visit the “Ingenious! The World of Dr. Seuss” at the San Diego History Center on the second Saturday of each month to read their favorite Seuss stories to those in attendance, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, free. Sandiegohistory.org.
Comedy Heights: 8 – 10 p.m., local comedians take the stage next to Twiggs Coffeehouse at 4590 Park Blvd., University Heights, free. Comedyheights.com.
Sundays
Free Pancake Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m., every second Sunday this neighborhood breakfast precedes worship service and Sunday school at Normal Heights United Methodist Church, 4650 Mansfield St., Normal Heights. Email [email protected].
Hillcrest Farmers Market: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., under the Hillcrest Pride Flag, Harvey Milk and Normal streets, free. Hillcrestfarmersmarket.com.
—Email calendar items to [email protected].
