FEATURED EVENTS

Arts and Crafts Sale

Saturday, Dec. 6

Presented by the Artists of Kensington group, the sale will feature a range of unique, handmade items. Mediums for sale and show will include photography, handmade soaps, ceramics and porcelain, bead and sterling silver jewelry, and more. The event is from 12 – 4 p.m. at 5004 Marlborough Drive in the heart of Kensington. Visit facebook.com/artistsofkensington for more information.

Veteran Mural Unveiling

Sunday, Dec. 7

The Mission Hills Town Council and Combat Arts San Diego will unveil the first mural from Combat Art’s “Veteran Mural Project” program at 4 p.m. The mural is located at 4010 Goldfinch St. in Mission Hills (behind Harley Gray restaurant). Seven combat veterans who created the mural will be in attendance for this unveiling, which will include civilian and military speakers. The event is slated to end at 5:30 p.m. with a spoken word performance by a veteran writer. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. Visit missionhillstowncouncil.org for more information.

Fifth Annual SoNo Fest and Chili Cook-Off

Sunday, Dec. 7

Part street fair, part fundraiser — this event gives attendees the chance to shop, eat and drink local. One highlight will be 40 restaurants competing in the chili cook-off. It is free to enjoy samples and vote, or opt for the $20 option, which buys five two-ounce restaurant chili tastings in a handmade ceramic bowl (to keep). Council President Todd Gloria, Rep. Susan Davis and other local celebrities will crown the winners. There will also be an assortment of food trucks on hand. SoNo Fest’s beer and wine garden will feature beer from 16 local craft brewers and wine from Fallbrook Winery. Two stages sponsored by Casbah and Bar Pink will showcase local bands including The Creepy Creeps, The Bedbreakers and more. Plus there will be a selection of 30 craft vendors to shop with. Proceeds from the event benefit McKinley Elementary School Foundation. The event is from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 32nd and Thorn streets (T32). For more information visit sonofestchilicookoff.com.

Hillcrest Taste n’ Tinis

Thursday, Dec. 11

This self-guided walking tour through Hillcrest will lead to tasty martinis, small bites, desserts and shopping. Each retail location on the tour will serve a holiday-inspired martini for sipping while shopping. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of. Will call locations are Rite Aid (535 Robinson Ave.) and Heat Bar and Kitchen (3797 Park Blvd.) The festivities run from 5 – 10 p.m. For tickets and a full list of participating locations visit fabuloushillcrest.com.

MOMologues

Opens Friday, Dec. 12

Different Stages presents this play about the ups and downs of motherhood. The performances promise to be edgy, funny and true. The show runs through Dec. 20 and again for two nights on Jan. 9 and 10. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays, and at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays at The Hall at Swedenborg (1531 Tyler Ave., University Heights). Tickets start at $10. For more information visit differentstages.biz.

Coastal-themed art reception

Wednesday, Dec. 17

This artist reception will feature the work of Laura Cunningham, which is on exhibition at Woods Real Estate Services (930 West Washington St. #1, Mission Hills) through Jan. 15. Cunningham has 25 canvases on display featuring sepia tone photos of local shorelines as well as yardstick frames, hand stitching and other items. Pieces are priced from $100 – $500. The reception is from 6 – 8 p.m. For more information on the artist visit lrcunningham.com.

Third Thursday in North Park

Thursday, Dec. 18

Each month restaurants, bars and shops in North Park run specials for Third Thursday. The website, 30thstreet.org, will list specials prior to the event and you can also keep up on social media via facebook.com/thirdthursdaynorthpark. It’s a great chance to walk through the neighborhood and check out spots along the way, while saving a little money.

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: 

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.

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.

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

Hillcrest Farmers Market: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., under the Hillcrest Pride Flag, Harvey Milk and Normal streets, free. Hillcrestfarmersmarket.com.

Holiday Events

December Nights

Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6

The largest free community festival in San Diego will take place for the 37th year in Balboa Park. Select museums will be open for free from 5 – 9 p.m. each night. Other highlights of the event include tasty multicultural cuisine, live entertainment on multiple stages and unique shopping opportunities. Adult beverages will be available in limited areas, including a beer garden at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. There promises to be many activities and attractions for kids — including the chance to meet Santa and his elves. Friday night’s festivities are from 3 – 11 p.m. and 12 – 11 p.m. on Saturday. Visit balboapark.org/decembernights for a full schedule and list of participating museums. 

San Diego Women’s Chorus presents: ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’

Saturday Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 

The SDWC’s annual winter concert will be lead by new Artistic Director Kathleen Hansen, and will feature a diverse, globe-spanning program including traditional choral pieces, festive holiday carols and contemporary selections. Tickets range from $15 – $20. Showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, and 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 at St. Andrew’s By the Sea Episcopal Church (1050 Thomas Ave., Pacific Beach). Visit sdwc.org.

Holiday Walkabout 

Saturday, Dec. 6

The quarterly walkabouts in South Park invite attendees to visit local bars and eateries, enjoy live entertainment and shop at local businesses. The Holiday Walkabout, from 6 – 10 p.m., will also feature roaming carolers, holiday-themed treats and festive holiday lights. The Luminaria season kicked off recently with South Park businesses decorating and lighting their establishments along with the installation of a unique, eco-friendly holiday tree sculpture in Grape Street Square. Businesses participating in the walkabout (from Kalmia to Beech streets along 30th and Fern streets) will feature specials, extended hours and more. For more information visit southparksd.com. 

We Care at Rich’s in Hillcrest

Sunday, Dec. 7

The sixth annual “We Care” holiday mixer will be held Dec. 7 at Rich’s San Diego (1051 University Ave., Hillcrest). Several local LGBT sports leagues come together each year to hold the event, including San Diego American Flag Football League, SD Hoops Basketball, San Diego Tennis Federation, SAGA Ski/Snowboarders, Armada Rugby, SD High Rollers bowling league and America’s Finest City Softball League. Representatives will raffle off prizes from their respective leagues, with 100 percent of raffle ticket sales going to The San Diego LGBT Center and Memorial Prep Middle School in Barrio Logan. The event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the Imperial Court’s Toys for Kids drive. Between raffles there will be live entertainment. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Visit the “We Care at Rich’s” Facebook page for more information.

Sacha Boutros and Jonathan Karrant in ‘A Holly Jolly Holiday’

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Two local favorites perform holiday classics at this annual show at Martinis Above Fourth (3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest). The singers will perform seasonal favorites along with a few surprises. Tickets start at $25 (plus $15 food/drink minimum) Doors 6 p.m., show 8 p.m. For tickets visit martinisabovefourth.com.

Christmas at Our House: A Taste of the Holidays

Thursday, Dec. 11

The Academy of Our Lady Peace presents this tasty reception and candlelight procession at their school campus (4860 Oregon St., North Park) from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Refreshments and appetizers will be hosted by local restaurants including The French Gourmet, Sabuku Sushi, Flour Power Cakery and more. Tickets are $20 for the culinary portion of the event. Following the reception, the 7 p.m. candlelight procession will include a walk around campus to see vignettes telling the story of Advent and Christmas. The procession is free and open to the public. Visit aolp.org for tickets to the reception or to RSVP for the procession. 

Sharon McNight in ‘Twisted Xmas: A Druid’s View of the Holidays’

Thursday, Dec. 11

Tony-nominated performer Sharon McNight offers an alternative to traditional holiday shows at Martinis Above Fourth (3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest). She’ll perform “wacky musical commentaries” on the familiar sights of the season. Don’t expect warm, fuzzy caroling. Tickets start at $20 (plus $15 food/drink minimum) Doors 6 p.m., show 8 p.m. For tickets visit martinisabovefourth.com.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

Saturday, Dec. 13

The 21st annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk will kick off at 8 p.m. at Sixth Avenue and Quince Street in Balboa Park. The holiday-themed race includes a 5K-timed run and a 1K Children’s Dash with the Elves run/walk activity. Participants (including pets) are encouraged to dress up in holiday attire. The Arthritis Foundation expects over 2,000 participants will race this year to raise funds to help find a cure for arthritis. Visit sdjbr.org for more information and to register for the race.

Holiday on Adams Avenue

Sunday, Dec. 14

This annual community event will take place at Kensington Park next to the Kensington-Normal Heights Library (4121 Adams Ave.). The holiday celebration will include live entertainment from carolers and dancers, plus snow! Children will enjoy the chance to play in the winter wonderland along with doing crafts in the designated area and await a visit from Santa. This event is free and open to all ages. For more information visit adamsavenuebusiness.com. 

Christmas on the Prado

Sunday, Dec. 14

The San Diego Children’s Coalition will hold its first Christmas on the Prado event from 6 – 9 p.m. The charity event will be held on Patios A and B at Casa del Prado (1800 El Prado, Balboa Park) and attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. The family-friendly festivities will include Christmas music and entertainment, photos with Santa Claus, artwork, and Christmas cookies with hot chocolate and cider. Visit christmasontheprado.com for more details.

‘An Evening of Holiday Magic’: CD release fundraiser

Sunday, Dec. 14

Children’s Holiday Magic Project (CHMP), a local nonprofit, will host this special at Martinis Above Fourth (3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest). The event will support the production and distribution of CHMP’s annual compilation album. Each year, they create a disc with songs and stories to be given to hospitalized children during the holiday season. Their goal for 2014 is to produce and distribute 10,000 CDs worldwide. Doors will open for the fundraiser at 5 p.m., a three-course dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and entertainment is scheduled through 9 p.m. Featured performers for the night include Ashley Fox Linton, Jennifer Knight, Lele Rose, Jordan Lamoureux and Jeff Davis. President and founder of CHMP, Jeff Gelder, will act as emcee for the event. Tickets start at $65 and are available at martinisabovefourth.com. For more information on CHMP and this year’s compilation CD, visit holidaymagiccd.org.

Chondra Profit in ‘A Jazzed Up Christmas’

Monday, Dec. 15

Currently performing in The Lion King on Broadway, Profit returns to her hometown for this special show at Martinis Above Fourth (3940 Fourth Ave., Hillcrest). She’ll perform “jazzed up” renditions of holiday favorites along with classic Christmas songs. Tickets start at $20 (plus $15 food/drink minimum) Doors 6 p.m., show 8 p.m. For tickets visit martinisabovefourth.com.

—Email calendar items to [email protected].