Saturday, Aug. 17

A history of the
Balboa Park Carousel

Local nonprofit Friends of Balboa Park will be hosting a historical lecture about the historical significance of the iconic Balboa Park Carousel and Friends’ plans for its future. The event will feature prominent local historical architect David Marshall, president of Heritage Architecture & Planning and board chairman of Friends of Balboa Park, who will be highlighting the landmark, one of the oldest of its kind in the nation, for its architectural and historical significance for San Diego. 6-7:30 p.m. at the Balboa Park Carousel. $20 includes carousel ride. RSVP at bit.ly/2Zln3ZF or [email protected]

TwainFest
TwainFest, now a tradition for many San Diego families, is an all-day free festival celebrating Mark Twain and the literature and culture of 19th-century America. There is something for everyone at this festive old-fashioned gathering at the park. Presentations occur at a variety of park venues throughout the day. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Drag Bingo Fundraiser
Join host Remington Scott Kienbusch (Mariam T) as we play bingo for a good cause. We will be raising money for the 2019 San Diego Sparks. MO’s Bar & Grill, 308 University Ave.
bit.ly/2yLZ5ee

Back to School Backpack Drive
The New Maxims Chinese Food Restaurant is donating 10% of your bill to the Imperial Court de San Diego’s annual backpack drive. Noon to 10 p.m. 2810 El Cajon Blvd. For more information, contact Mark: 619-665-5587.

Sunday, Aug. 18

G4G San Diego + Frontrunner AFC Half
Join Gay For Good San Diego and the Frontrunners for our annual project to serve water to runners during the AFC Half Marathon! G4G San Diego events are open to people of all ages, abilities, identities, and expressions. We ask that you sign both a G4G waiver and a Frontrunners waiver before you begin your volunteer shift. Just arrive at the tables along Balboa Park by 6:30 a.m. to sign your volunteer waivers and grab supplies. Frontrunners will provide coffee, bagels, and water for volunteers. If you are under 18 years of age, please bring a parent/guardian with you. We will take a group photo with our banner before we begin our volunteer work. Please bring your family and friends to join too! The event will be held outdoors so we suggest wearing a hat and/or sunscreen. 6:30-9:30 a.m. Sixth Avenue and Elm Street.
bit.ly/33iqCSV

Tuesday, Aug. 20

Book signing
Local author and debut novelist Patrick Coleman returns to The Book Catapult on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss and sign his new book, “The Churchgoer.” Set in the early 2000s, “The Churchgoer” is a gripping noir, a quiet subversion of the genre, and a powerful meditation on belief, morality, and the nature of evil in contemporary life. 3010-B Juniper St.

Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Adventure
Adventures by the Book is pleased to announce our upcoming Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Adventure with New York Times bestselling author, Hallie Ephron, at 6:30 p.m., at Eclipse Chocolate Bar, 2145 Fern St. Her suspense novel, “Careful What You Wish For,” was inspired by the Marie Kondo life-changing decluttering tips. It explores the relationships built by professional organizers and their clients—showing just how easily the lines between professional and personal can be blurred.
The event is ticketed ($45 per person) and is open to the public.

Wednesday, Aug. 21

Flexible Fleets Webinar
SANDAG will host a series of five, 45-minute webinars to discuss its “5 Big Moves.” These strategies set the framework for a bold new transportation vision for San Diego Forward: The 2021 Regional Plan, which will enhance connectivity, increase safety and sustainability, and improve quality of life. Join us to learn about the Next Operating System (OS), a digital platform that functions as the brain of the entire transportation system to connect smart infrastructure and different modes of transportation — passenger vehicles, buses, ride-sharing, delivery trucks, autonomous vehicles, bikes and scooters, and more. The Next OS will turn data into real-time actionable information for transportation operators and travelers. The webinar begins at noon. Register at SDForward.com/webinars.

Thursday, Aug. 22

Town Hall at The Center
As part of The Center’s plan to get input for our strategic plan in order to better serve our community, we’d like to specially invite you to an upcoming Town Hall for the black LGBTQ community. This event is aimed at centering black LGBTQ voices within our community as an opportunity for The Center’s leadership and strategic planning committee to listen to the community and collect feedback on how we can better serve the black LGBTQ community. This special evening is co-sponsored by The Gender Phluid Collective: PoC LGBTQ+Support, San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition and Unity Fellowship Church Movement. While all are invited to attend, black LGBTQ voices and their families’ will be centered! We’re looking forward to listening to open and honest feedback from members of San Diego’s black LGBTQ community. Please join. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. 6-7:30 p.m. 3909 Centre St.
bit.ly/2ZL3pX3

Saturday, Aug. 24

Community Clean Up
Supplies will be provided, meet at Golden Hill Park from 9-11:30 a.m. to help clean up the community.

Wednesday, Aug. 28

Uncorked and
Movie Under the Stars
Join us in San Diego’s only urban oasis for movie night at InsideOUT featuring “Pretty Woman.” Get comfortable in our elevated lounge next to our fire pits or bring your own pillows and blankets and feel right at home on our ramp. Wine bottles are half-off from our selected menu and complimentary popcorn for our viewing guests. This event is free, but an RSVP is encouraged. Space is limited, seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis. 7:30-10 p.m. 1642 University Ave., Suite 100.
bit.ly/2YQ2d3r

Live podcast
The Women’s Museum of California is pleased to bring you the first “live” podcast being held at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA). The podcast will be moderated by Women’s Museum of California Executive Director Jenni Prisk with audience participation. We are pleased to welcome actress, producer and director Joanelle Romero from Hollywood celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Powwow Highway.” She will be discussing the role of Native American women in entertainment and the importance of bringing national attention to the issues that divide us as a nation. This will create an evening of enlightening and informative conversation. 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 at womensmuseumca.org of 619-233-7963.

Stand-up comedy
The hilarious Adam Friedland from “The Cumtown Podcast” is headlining the Whistle Stop Bar. Additional talent includes Jamel Johnson, Armando Torres, Pablo Pantaleon, Josh Nelson, Daniel Delgado, Myles Magallanes, and Beau Hufford. Show starts at 8 p.m. and it’s only a $5 cover. 2236 Fern St.

AIDS Walk & Run
Teams are now forming for the 30th annual AIDS Walk & Run San Diego set for Sat., Sept. 28. Each year, AIDS Walk & Run San Diego teams play an extra special role in the overall success of this event. By forming a team, and simply saying “Walk with me,” our team leaders help send the message that we all have a role to play in the fight to end HIV in San Diego. If you’re thinking about forming a team, or you are a current team leader, please attend one of our upcoming Team Leader Workshops. The workshops provide team leaders with the most current organizing information and resources and give you the chance to meet your fellow team leaders. Upcoming workshops will take place at The Center, 3909 Centre St., on the following dates: Aug. 24, 10-11a.m., Aug. 28, 8-9 a.m., and Aug. 29, 6-7 p.m. To register for the workshops, or get more information about forming a team, please contact Leo Cartier, team’s coordinator, at 619-692-2077, ext. 144 or email [email protected].

Recurring events

Mondays

Lestat’s West Open Mic
Weekly open mic event hosted by Robby Robertson every Monday, 6:30-11 p.m. at Lestat’s, 3343 Adams Ave.
bit.ly/LestatsWest

Tuesdays

Introduction to Buddhism & Meditation
Join an all-ages introductory class to learn the basic Buddhist concepts as well as participate in a discussion and silent meditation. Weekly event led by Jeff Zlotnik. Free. 7-8 p.m. at Dharma Bum Temple 4144 Campus Ave. Also held on Saturdays at 11 a.m.-noon
bit.ly/dharmabum

Thursdays

North Park Thursday Market
Shop at more than 90 tents for locally grown produce, seasonal grocery items, fresh food and hand-crafted arts and crafts. 3-7:30 p.m. at 3000 North Park Way, stretching from 31st to Utah streets in North Park.
bit.ly/ThursMarket

Thursdays at the Ken
San Diego’s late-night jazz jam convenes every Thursday night at the Kensington Club. Hosted by musicians Ian Buss, Robert Dove and Hugo Suarez. $5. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 4079 Adams Ave. bit.ly/ThursKen

Fridays

Family Friday Nights at the Fleet
Enjoy extended evening hours at the Fleet on Friday nights this summer and save! Peruse Pause|Play late into the evening, light up the night at It’s Electric and reconnect with all your favorite hands-on exhibits in Retro-Active Science. Friday nights will also feature live musical entertainment on the Fleet patio. Family Friday Nights are from May 31 through Aug. 30, with discounted admission starting at 6 p.m. This event is part of “The Art of Summer,” Balboa Park’s summer celebration.

Free Friend Friday
Looking for a co-working space with value-aligned social entrepreneurs, artists, nonprofit professionals and local startups? Collective Impact Center offers a complimentary day pass to use shared desks and office space. Bring your laptop and check in on social media with #cicfreefriendfriday for free Wi-Fi. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Collective Impact Center, 3295 Meade Ave.
bit.ly/free-Fridays

Saturdays

Old Town Saturday Market
This street market features original works from local artists including paintings, jewelry, photography and more. Every Saturday and Sunday. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Harney Street and San Diego Avenue in Old Town.
bit.ly/OTMarket

Sundays

Hillcrest Farmers Market
About 175 venders offer a variety of locally grown produce, hand-made arts and crafts, and fresh-cut florals at one of the city’s largest open-air markets. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Normal Street between University and Lincoln avenues.
bit.ly/HillcrestMarket