FRIDAY – SEPT. 4

U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition: This four-day event starts today, attracting sculptors from around the world and resulting in sandcastles and art stretching along the bay. Event continues through Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 7. B Street Pier, 1140 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Visit ussandsculpting.com.

Columbia walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. Meet-up at Columbia and C streets (NW corner). For more info, call 619-234-8900, visit downtownsandiego.org, or sign up for their newsletter.

Sounds of Summer: Pop-up concert series brought to you by Downtown San Diego Partnership, US Grant, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Gig Town and Pacific Records. Noon – 2 p.m. For specific locations and performers, visit downtownsandiego.org.

Summer Movies in the Park – ‘E.T. the Extra Terrestrial’: This installment of the movie series features the 1980s classic about a friendly alien trying to return home. Free. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, Marina. Visit summermoviesinthepark.com.

‘Rep Your Pride’: San Diego Repertory Theatre debuts its new LGBT “Surround Event” series with a chance to meet the editors who shape and deliver news in San Diego. San Diego Community News Network’s own editors will discuss the journey each has taken to secure a voice in the diverse LGBT community: Morgan M. Hurley (San Diego Downtown News, Gay San Diego) and Ken Williams (Mission Valley News, San Diego Uptown News). 6 p.m., showing of “Violet” follows at 7 p.m. Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, Downtown. Visit sdrep.org.

SATURDAY – SEPT. 5

Festival of Sail: The largest tall ship festival on the West Coast starts today and runs through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 7) with cannon battles, cruises and more. Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Visit sdmaritime.org.

16th annual Hawaiian Plumeria Festival: Free weekend-long event featuring Hawaiian and Polynesian music and dance, flower show, potted plant sale and more. Continues, Sunday, Sept. 6. 10 a.m. Visit socalplumeriasociety.com.

San Diego 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb: An annual charity event honoring the heroes and victims of 9/11/2001. Participants climb the equivalent number of stories of the World Trade Towers – 110 stories. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit sandiegostairclimb.com.

‘Stretch Yourself’ yoga classes: A twice-monthly yoga class and outdoor locations throughout Downtown. 9 a.m. Ruocco Park, 585 Harbor Lane, Marina. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

‘Ferrell Takes The Field’: This new comedy special will debut at Petco Park following the game (vs. Dodgers). Fans in attendance will have the opportunity to stay and watch the screening and Will Ferrell will be there to introduce the HBO special. Game at 5:40 p.m. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., East Village. Visit padres.com/BNISD.

Live Music: Neo-soul, jazz pop and more by The Teagan Taylor Trio. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

SUNDAY – SEPT. 6

Live music: Bill Harris performs with his steel drum band for an afternoon of dancing or listening. Noon – 3 p.m. The Headquarters, 789 West Harbor Drive, Marina. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

MONDAY – SEPT. 7 – LABOR DAY

Live Music: Jazz and standards by The Pizarro Bros. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

TUESDAY – SEPT. 8

Placemaking meeting – Marina: Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe team will host several of these meetings to discuss their new Placemaking Program and its impact on various neighborhoods. 5:30 p.m. Embassy Suites, 601 Pacific Highway. Visit downtownsandiego.org/make-your-place/placemaking.

WEDNESDAY – SEPT. 9

34th annual San Diego Quilt Show: Preview night for this four-day event. This year’s theme is “A Walk in the Park” to coincide with the centennial of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. Over 400 quilts will be on display, in addition to classes, guest artists, door prizes and more. The event runs through Sept. 12. $25 in advance, $30 at door. Visit sandiegoquiltshow.com.

THURSDAY – SEPT. 10

Taste of Downtown: Over 40 restaurants will participate in this year’s Taste of Downtown. Venues are located throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, Financial District, East Village and The Headquarters. A complimentary shuttle will be available. $30 in advance, $35 day of. 5 – 9 p.m. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

Placemaking meeting – Core: Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe team will host several of these meetings to discuss their new Placemaking Program and its impact on various neighborhoods. 5:30 p.m. Co-Merge, 330 A St. Visit downtownsandiego.org/make-your-place/placemaking.

FRIDAY – SEPT. 11

First Responders Cruise Free: Through Sunday, Sept. 13, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 operators, Sheriff Department officers and first responders can cruise for free with Hornblower. Six harbor cruise times daily. Hornblower Landing, 970 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Visit hornblower.com.

Gaslamp walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. Meet-up at Fourth and K (NE corner). For more info, call 619-234-8900, visit downtownsandiego.org  or sign up for their newsletter.

Sounds of Summer: Pop-up concert series brought to you by Downtown San Diego Partnership, US Grant, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Gig Town and Pacific Records. Noon – 2 p.m. For specific locations and performers, visit downtownsandiego.org.

14th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial: This memorial will feature a reading of first responders’ names, tolling of the bells by the fire department, a 21-gun salute and more. Free dinner reception to follow at the Pioneer Hook at Ladder Firehouse Museum (1572 Columbia St., Little Italy). 2:30 p.m. USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, 910 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Visit on.fb.me/1UiqJ9v.

Placemaking meeting – Gaslamp: Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe team will host several of these meetings to discuss their new Placemaking Program and its impact on various neighborhoods. 6 p.m. Night Plaza, Island Avenue between Fourth and Fifth avenues. Visit downtownsandiego.org/make-your-place/placemaking.

Downtown Rapid Stations construction activity (Phase 3): Closure of the southeast corner of Broadway at First Avenue. Traffic heading east on Broadway will be detoured onto Front Street. From 7 p.m. tonight through 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14. Visit keepsandiegomoving.com.

Paula Poundstone: The veteran comedian brings her distinct brand of standup to Humphrey’s by the Bay. $50. 8 p.m. Visit humphreysconcerts.com.

SATURDAY – SEPT. 12

Barrio Art Crawl: A free self-guided tour of public murals, open studios, galleries and more in Barrio Logan. Individual spaces will include art, live music, food, face painting, vendors and more. Visit on.fb.me/1VsYJgE.

‘Stretch Yourself’ yoga classes: A twice-monthly yoga class and outdoor locations throughout Downtown. 9 a.m. Ruocco Park, 585 Harbor Lane, Marina. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

Coronado Art Walk: Two-day free art walk featuring displayed art and art activities. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Continues Sunday, Sept. 13. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St. Visit coronadoartwalk.org.

San Diego Crab and Sushi Fest: The first-ever San Diego Crab and Sushi Fest will feature live music and more. Proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital and Friends of Scott Foundation. Tickets are $75; VIP is $150. Noon – 6 p.m. Liberty Station, Cushing and Roosevelt roads, Point Loma. Visit crabandsushifestivalsd.com.

Pedal The Cause: Radio-Telethon and Pedal at the Park: First event of its kind featuring a one hour cycling class on the field of Petco Park. A live DJ will also be on hand and there will be a post-pedal party. Benefits local cancer fighting research organizations. $50. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., cycling at 6:05 p.m., party at 7:30 p.m. 100 Park Blvd., East Village. Visit sandiego.pedalthecause.org.

Live Music: Rock ‘n’ roll and pop by The Rollers. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

SUNDAY – SEPT. 13

San Diego Great Books: Free discussion group, open to the public. This month’s reading: “100 Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 2 – 4 p.m. Room 221, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit sandiegogreatbooks.net.

MONDAY – SEPT. 14

Placemaking meeting – East Village: Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe team will host several of these meetings to discuss their new Placemaking Program and its impact on various neighborhoods. 5:30 p.m. Moniker Warehouse, 705 16th St. Visit downtownsandiego.org/make-your-place/placemaking.

TUESDAY – SEPT. 15

Placemaking meeting – Columbia: Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe team will host several of these meetings to discuss their new Placemaking Program and its impact on various neighborhoods. 5:30 p.m. 1 Columbia Place, 401 West A St. Visit downtownsandiego.org/make-your-place/placemaking.

WEDNESDAY – SEPT. 16

Open Mic Poetry: Alchemy Poetry Series organized by Seretta Martin. The featured guest poet is Chris Vannoy. Participate in discussion and share your own poetry. Each meeting features an open mic segment. Third Wednesday of the month. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com.

THURSDAY – SEPT. 17

Placemaking meeting – Cortez: Downtown San Diego Partnership’s Clean & Safe team will host several of these meetings to discuss their new Placemaking Program and its impact on various neighborhoods. 6 p.m. Mills House, 1610 Seventh Ave. Visit downtownsandiego.org/make-your-place/placemaking.

Centennial Lecture Series ­– Charles Birnbaum: Nationally renowned landscape authority Charles Birnbaum will give a lecture on the importance of urban landscapes and more. Hosted by The San Diego History Center and University of California, San Diego Extension. Registration and reception at 6 p.m.; lecture to follow. Museum of Photographic Arts’ theater, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. Visit sandiegohistory.org/birnbaum.

FRIDAY – SEPT. 18

Marina walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. Meet-up at Kettner and Harbor boulevards (NW corner). For more info, call 619-234-8900, visit downtownsandiego.org  or sign up for their newsletter.

Sounds of Summer: Pop-up concert series brought to you by Downtown San Diego Partnership, US Grant, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Gig Town and Pacific Records. Noon – 2 p.m. For specific locations and performers, visit downtownsandiego.org.

21st annual San Diego Festival of Beer: Indoor/outdoor event featuring live music and unlimited 2-ounce beer tastes from nearly 60 breweries. Fundraiser for San Diego Professionals Against Cancer. 6 – 10 p.m. Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Visit sdbeerfest.org.

Kaaboo Del Mar Festival: This weekend-long festival features big name bands – No Doubt, The Killers, Train – along with local acts – The Midnight Pine, The Silent Comedy, and more. There will also be comedy performances including Joel McHale, Lewis Black, Chris D’elia. 7 p.m. Visit kaaboodelmar.com.

Downtown Rapid Stations construction activity (Phase 4): Closure of the northeast corner or Broadway at First Avenue. Traffic heading west on Broadway will be detouring onto Second Avenue. From 7 p.m. tonight through 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21. Visit keepsandiegomoving.com.

Live music: Chris Cornell is best known for his rock and grunge music, Cornell is on a special acoustic “Higher Truth” tour. He is joined by Hemming – a rock-pop singer-songwriter on the rise. 7:30 p.m. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit sandiegotheatres.org.

SATURDAY – SEPT. 19

Navy Open House and Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival: This Fleet Week San Diego event features four active Navy ships open for public tours. The Festival features auto racing and exhibits. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Continues Sunday, Sept. 20. Naval Air Station North Island. Visit fleetweeksandiego.org.

Live Music: Soul and R&B by Stacey Murray. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

Finger painter Iris Scott solo show: Adelman Fine Art will host an evening with wine, appetizers and music to accompany New York finger painting artist Iris Scott’s original paintings and prints. 7 – 9 p.m. Adelman Fine Art, 1980 Kettner Blvd. #40, Little Italy. Visit on.fb.me/1JvQvNc.

SUNDAY – SEPT. 20

San Diego Restaurant Week: This yearly event by the San Diego Chapter of the California Restaurant Association brings special prix fixe dining menus to tons of local restaurants. Participating restaurants in the Downtown area include: Analog, Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, Melting Pot, Union Kitchen and Tap, The Smoking Goat, Anthony’s Fish Grotto, Athen’s Market Taverna, Gaslamp Strip Club, Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse, Bandar Restaurant, Cowboy Star, Garage Kitchen and Bar, Grant Grill, Greystone Steakhouse, Hornblower Cruises, Bertrand at Mister A’s, Morton’s, Osetra Fish House, Osteria Panevino, Parq, Oceanaire, Rei Do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris, The Westgate, Spike Africa’s Fresh Fish Grill and Bar, Prepkitchen and Nobu. Continues through Sunday, Sept. 27. Visit sandiegorestaurantweek.com.

Party ARTy: Several Downtown businesses will participate in this fundraiser party benefiting the ArtReach free Workshop Program. Guests will enjoy live music, a chance to win fine wine, a silent auction and receive a pair of Knockaround Sunglasses. Adelman Fine Art will bring artwork from three featured artists who will also be painting at the event. 4 – 7 p.m. Private residence, 15487 Artesian Spring Road, Del Sur. Visit artreachsandiego.org.

MONDAY – SEPT. 21

Book club: Meet to discuss “Ruby” by Cynthia Bond. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com.

TUESDAY – SEPT. 22

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece. Tonight — “Midnight Flowers.” 6 – 9 p.m. 21+. $45, all supplies included, registration is required. Bring your own wine / $15 corkage. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 110. For more info, visit paintingandvino.com.

WEDNESDAY – SEPT. 23

‘Come Jam With Us’ baking class: Hands-on class to make jams and chutneys from summer-ripe seasonal fruits. $75. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Bake Sale, 815 F St., Downtown. Visit bakesalesd.com.

THURSDAY – SEPT. 24

Front Porch Pilates: These free classes are offered as part of U.S. Bank and Downtown San Diego Partnership’s summer series. 6 – 7 p.m. Lane Field, 900 West Broadway, Downtown. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

Thursday Night Market: A free monthly event featuring live music, vendors and more. All ages and dog friendly. 6 – 10 p.m. Quartyard, 1102 Market St., East Village. Visit quartyardsd.com.

FRIDAY – SEPT. 25

East Village walkabout: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. Meet-up at Sixth Avenue and E Street (NE corner). For more info, call 619-234-8900, visit downtownsandiego.org or sign up for their newsletter.

Swing Dance Lessons: These free lessons are offered as part of U.S. Bank and Downtown San Diego Partnership’s summer series. 6 – 7:30 p.m. Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive, Marina. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

SATURDAY – SEPT. 26

Trolley Dances: For the 17th year, Trolley Dances will host tours on the trolley with choreographers and dancers on board for six guided tours today, Sunday, Sept. 26, Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4. Tours start Downtown at the County Administration Building (1600 Pacific Highway) and end at Balboa Park. Tickets are $35 ($25 for seniors, $15 for students/military) and include an all-day trolley pass and admission to Mingei International Museum. Visit sandiegodancetheater.org.

AIDS Walk San Diego: Over 8,000 participants are expected for this year’s AIDS Walk/Run. The event is a remembrance for those who have been lost to the disease and a fundraiser to support those living with HIVS/AIDS. Registration starts at 6 a.m.; opening ceremonies begin at 7 a.m. San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St., Hillcrest. Visit aidswalksd.org.

San Diego Walk Now for Autism Speaks: The 12th annual occasion of this event is family friendly and helps fund research and raise awareness for autism. Free – walkers are encouraged to raise $150. 8 a.m. – noon. Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma. Visit walknowforautismspeaks.org.

Live music: Ballads and rock by Jonathan Valverde. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

Live music – ‘What’s the Buzz?’: A Camarada concert inspired by nature featuring both traditional and contemporary works by Schubert, Chopin and more. The event features artist Roberto Salas’ bee sculptures. $30 general admission, $15 for students, and $25 for seniors/military. Additional performance Sunday, Sept. 27. 7:30 – 9 p.m. North Chapel, 2881 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station. Visit bit.ly/1hRIZ8N.

SUNDAY – SEPT. 27

Live music: A Camarada concert called “What’s the Buzz?” inspired by nature featuring both traditional and contemporary works by Schubert, Chopin and more. The event features artist Roberto Salas’ bee sculptures. $60. 6 – 8 p.m. Bread and Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Barrio Logan. Visit bit.ly/1EzNwXr.

MONDAY – SEPT. 28

Live music: A free concert featuring alternative rock band The Maine. Their entire tour has featured free shows but you can donate to the band at cash.me/themaine. No tickets – first come, first serve. 6 p.m. Quartyard, 1102 Market St., East Village. Visit on.fb.me/1KEcBS6.

TUESDAY – SEPT. 29

Wine and Canvas: Step-by-step instruction and materials included, create 16-by-20-inch gallery-wrapped canvas painting. Tonight: “Island Bliss.” No outside food or drinks — both available for purchase. $35 per person. 6 – 9 p.m. Fifty Seven Degrees, 1735 Hancock St., Middletown. Visit wineandcanvas.com.

WEDNESDAY – SEPT. 30

Date Night at Croce’s: Every Wednesday get a shared appetizer, two entrees, a bottle of wine, Croce’s ambiance and live music for just $49. Tonight’s live music is Patrick Dowling, whose major influences are Ben Harper, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jack Johnson. 6 – 9:30 p.m. 2760 Fifth Ave. #100, Bankers Hill. Visit crocesparkwest.com.

THURSDAY – OCT. 1

East Village Association Board meeting: All monthly board meetings are open to the public. 5 p.m. Room 219, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 1155 Island Ave. Visit eastvillagesandiego.com.   

WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

TUESDAY

Residents Free Tuesdays in Balboa Park: Participating museums change the first four Tuesdays of the month. Free for San Diego city and county residents with ID, active military and dependents. Hours vary by museum. Visit balboapark.org/visit/Tuesdays.

Coronado Certified Farmers Market: 2:30 – 6 p.m. First and B streets at Coronado Ferry Landing. Visit welcometocoronado.com.

Trivia: Bring a team or play alone. 7 – 9 p.m. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. Visit 98bottlessd.com.

WEDNESDAY

Comedy Open Mic: Up-and-coming comics test their skills while patrons enjoy drink and appetizer specials and no cover. 8 p.m. American Comedy Company, 818 B Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit americancomedyco.com.

THURSDAY

Horton Square Certified Market: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (March – Oct.) 225 Broadway near Broadway Circle, Downtown. Visit sdfarmbureau.org.

Trivia Night: Bring a team or play alone. 7 – 9 p.m. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. Visit 98bottlessd.com.

FRIDAY

Take a bite out of Downtown: Hosted by food tour service Bite San Diego, join fellow foodies and winos for a historical walking tour sampling some of Downtown’s finest restaurants. 21+. Noon. Tickets are $45. Tours also on Saturday. Visit bitesandiego.com/index.php.

Spirits at Sunset Cocktail Cruise: Two-hour cruise with Flagship Cruises and Events; Friday and Saturday nights, featuring boarding champagne and light hors d’oeuvres; cocktails, wine and beer for purchase. $30.50 (adults), $42.50 (adults, includes 2 drink tickets, and $26.85 (children 4 – 12). 5:30 p.m., cruise from 6 – 8 p.m. 990 North Harbor Drive, Downtown. Through Sept. 12. Visit flagshipsd.com.

Sights and Sips Sunset Cruise: Two-hour Hornblower cruise held on Friday and Saturday nights through October featuring live music, light hors d’oeuvres and dessert; boarding cocktail included with other drinks and specials available. $31.76 per person plus fees. Boards at 5:30, cruise from 6 – 8 p.m. Departs from Navy Pier, 970 N. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Through Oct. 31. Visit hornblower.com.

SATURDAY

Little Italy Mercato: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Over 100 booths at Date and India streets. Visit littleitalysd.com/mercato.

The Gaslamp Architectural Walking Tour: Stops on this tour include architecturally significant structures from the 1800s including Old City Hall, the Keating Building, William Heath Davis House Museum and more. 11 a.m. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp. Visit gaslampquarter.org.

SUNDAY

Rooftop Flow: Dynamic yoga class by Yoga One. Hotel Solamar, 435 Sixth Ave., Downtown. 9 – 10 a.m. Visit yogaonesandiego.com.

Walk-in eReader and device assistance: Free and open to the public. Bring your Android and iOS devices for hands-on learning. 2 – 4 p.m. Room 222, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit sandiegolibrary.org.

Outdoor organ concert: The San Diego Organ Society presents a free organ concert. With over 4,500 pipes, this organ is one of the largest organs in the world with wonderful sound, playing classic and popular hits by Downtown News contributor Carol Williams. Enjoy free parking, lots of seating. Balboa Park’s Organ Pavilion. 2 p.m. Visit balboapark.org.

—Please send items for inclusion to editor Morgan M. Hurley at [email protected].