“Calendar Girls”

Through Nov. 23

This new play recently premiered in San Diego at Swedenborg Hall (1531 Tyler Ave., University Heights). Directed by D.J. Sullivan, it is based on a popular film recounting a true story about a group of English Women’s Institute club members who posed nude for a calendar in order raise money for a hospital.

Performances by the Sullivan Players are Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets visit brownpapertickets.com/event/862975.

San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive

Through Dec. 5

Eight SmileCare locations in San Diego are collecting teddy bears and other stuffed animals for the 24th annual San Diego Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive. The items collected will provide comfort to children undergoing treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital. Through Dec. 5, new stuffed animals, with tags attached, can be donated at SmileCare Mission Valley (1333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 202) and seven other locations.  For more information and to find other locations visit facebook.com/smilecaredentistry.

Star of India celebrates 151 years

Sunday, Nov. 16

The world’s oldest active ship was built on the Isle of Man and launched as the “Euterpe” in 1863. She was sold to American owners in 1898 and renamed the “Star of India” in 1906. The ship will celebrate 151 years with free birthday cake and punch for Maritime Museum (1492 North Harbor Drive) guests from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. For more information and tickets, visit sdmaritime.org.

A Night in Baja benefit

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Ortega’s: A Mexican Bistro (141 University Ave., Hillcrest) will host their annual “A Night In Baja” event celebrating nonprofit Corazon de Vida Foundation’s 20th anniversary. The evening will include dinner, drinks, desserts, live music by local group Besos de Coco and a silent auction. With the help of event sponsors, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit orphans of Baja, Mexico, through the efforts of Corazon de Vida. Tickets are $75 in advance and $90 at the door and include food, dessert and drink tickets good for pomegranate, Presidio or house margaritas, house wine and beer. For tickets visit bajanov18.eventbrite.com.

San Diego River Park Foundation fundraising happy hour

Thursday, Nov. 20, 5 – 9 p.m.

Groundswell Brewing (6304 Riverdale St., Grantville) will host an evening fundraiser for the San Diego River Park Foundation’s Student Research Fund. The foundation encourages a $10 donation at the door and guests will have a chance to win prizes for attending. For every pint sold, Groundswell will donate $2 to the foundation. If you have questions email [email protected] or call 619-297-7380.

‘Writer, actor and tall person’ John Cleese in conversation with Bob Odenkirk

Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m.

University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences and Warwick’s Books present Cleese discussing his new book “So, Anyway…” with Odenkirk (“Breaking Bad,” “Mr. Show”). The Monty Python co-founder’s memoir explores the journey from his early comedic days at Cambridge University to the success of his world-famous comedy troupe. Tickets are $30 and include a pre-signed copy of the book. The event will be held at the Shiley Theatre on the USD campus (5998 Alcala Park). Visit warwicks.com for more information and to buy tickets.

San Diego River Coalition meeting

Friday, Nov. 21, 3 – 4:30 p.m.

The public is invited to participate in these monthly meetings comprised of organizations interested in the future of the San Diego River. This month’s meeting will focus on the coalition’s annual work plan. Meetings take place on the third Friday of the month at the Mission Valley Library (2123 Fenton Parkway). For more information and to view meeting agendas, visit sandiegoriver.org.

Chargers Blood Drive XXXVI

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Chargers and their fans are ready for “Chargers Drive XXXVI for Health and Wellness,” presented by San Diego County Credit Union at the Town & Country Convention Center (500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley). This is one of the Chargers’ longest running annual community events. San Diego Blood Bank has expanded the drive this year, adding a “Wellness Zone” with interactive exhibits, activities, food sampling, entertainment and much more. In addition to donating blood and meeting Chargers players, the first 500 people will get free blood typing and all attendees may take advantage of the free bone marrow registry onsite. Admission is just $5 for adults, $1 for children ages 3 – 12. Proceeds will help the San Diego Blood Bank get a new Bloodmobile. Those who donate will receive parking validation and may also request a refund of their admission price. Blood donations will begin at 9 a.m. with the exhibits and entertainment starting at 10 a.m. For more information call 619-296-6393 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org y chargers.com.

35th annual San Diego Jazz Festival

Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Sunday, Nov. 30

America’s Finest City Dixieland Jazz Society presents this annual fest at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center (500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley). With seven different performance areas, there are large concert rooms with dance floors and smaller rooms for intimate listening. Over 30 bands will perform traditional jazz as well as dixieland, ragtime, swing and rockabilly styles. Local groups, as well as musicians from around the world, will be a part of this large festival. Tickets available before the event range from 3 to 5-day badges for $95 – $105. Daily badges will be available at the door. For more information and a full lineup of bands visit sdjazzfest.org.

Editor’s note: If you would like us to feature your event in our community calendar, please send details by email to [email protected] no later than the first Friday of the month.

—Compiled by Jen Van Tieghem.