Downtown Calendar October 2014

FRIDAY – OCT. 3

First 5 First Fridays – Nightingale Music: Recommended for ages 4 and under. Introduce children to a variety of music types. 10:30 a.m. Main Level – Lounge, New Children’s Museum, 200 W. Island Ave., Marina District. Visit thinkplaycreate.org.

Friday Night Liberty: Large art walk on first Friday of each month. Free open artist studios, galleries and performances. 5 – 8 p.m. NTC at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Rd. Visit ntclibertystation.com.

Public opening of “Exposing Scars”: Free admission to see this new exhibit by photographer Jennifer George with wine and snacks served. Show runs through Nov. 30. 5 p.m. Women’s Museum of California, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd, Barracks 16, Liberty Station. Visit womensmuseumca.org.

Blue Man Group: The popular and unique entertainment of the Blue Man Group opens tonight and runs through Oct. 5. 7:30 p.m. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1199 Third Ave., Downtown. Tickets start $28. Visit broadwaysd.com.

SATURDAY – OCT. 4

The Royale: Previews begin tonight for a new play by Marco Ramirez (Orange is the New Black) loosely based on real events. Opens Oct. 9, closes Nov. 2. 8 p.m. Sheryl and Harvey White Stage, Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets start $29. Visit theoldglobe.org or call 619-234-5623.

SUNDAY – OCT. 5

2014 Good Food Community Fair: Informational booths, culinary demonstrations, interactive activities for kids and more highlight this event with a focus on good, clean and fair food communities. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit goodfoodfair.com.

MONDAY – OCT. 6

Writers Networking: Network with other writers and enjoy happy hour by the pool with this San Diego Writers, Ink event. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Pearl Hotel, 1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma. Visit sandiegowriters.org.

Film Forum: Free film screening of “Trust Me” with an all-star cast including Allsion Janney, Sam Rockwell, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman. 6:30 p.m. Auditorium, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit facebook.com/freelibrarymovies.

TUESDAY – OCT. 7

Mobile office hours for Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins: Residents are given a chance to meet Atkins’ staff and receive information on state services and obtain assistance with any state-related agency. 4 – 5:30 p.m. San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit asmdc.org/speaker.

Downtown San Diego Mobility Plan Community Workshop #2: Workshop to learn more about the plan and latest developments. 6 – 8 p.m. Civic San Diego Board Room, 401 B St., Fourth Floor, Downtown. Visit downtownsdmobility.com.

San Diego Shakespeare Society: First Tuesday of the month. Acting workshop night. Anyone can join in or just listen. Informal café-style seating. Tonight – “Macbeth.” 6:45 – 8:30 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C West Harbor Dr., Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

Taco Fights: Four-week taco competition kicks off. Six local chefs will face off — two per week — with a champion being named on Oct. 28. Admission is free, taco tasting and voting is $6 ($10 with beer pairing). 7 – 9 p.m. The Blind Burro, 639 J St., Gaslamp. Visit theblindburro.com.

WEDNESDAY – OCT. 8

Turn It Up For Change: W Hotels Worldwide’s monthly mixer, featuring live music, kicks off in San Diego with a percentage of proceeds benefitting Human Rights Campaign’s marriage equality initiative. 6 – 9 p.m. W San Diego, 421 West B St., Downtown. Visit hrc.org.

Bright Star: American musical based on an original story by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Tonight’s show featured a post-show forum to discuss the play with members of the cast. Showing through Nov. 2. 7 p.m. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets start $60. Visit theoldglobe.org or call 619-234-5623.

THURSDAY – OCT. 9

Downtown Parking Management Group Meeting: Discuss monthly reports, suggested changes to various parking structures, and give public comment. 11:30 a.m. Civic San Diego, 401 B Street, Suite 400 (boardroom), Downtown. For more information contact Jodi Haley, [email protected] or at 619-235-2200.

Annual Alonzo Awards Dinner: Awards to honor the people, places and projects that contributed to the advancement of Downtown in the preceding year. 5:30 p.m. San Diego Marriot Marquis and Marina, 333 West Harbor Dr., Downtown. Visit downtownsandiego.org.

San Diego Design Film Festival: A four-day festival featuring films touching upon architecture, design and planning themes starts today. Opening night celebration at 7 p.m. 1 Columbia Place Building, 401 W. A St., Little Italy. Visit sddesignff.com.

Live Comedy: Well-known film, television and theater actor David Alan Grier will perform standup for three nights. 8 p.m. American Comedy Company, 818 B Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. Tickets $20 americancomedyco.com.

FRIDAY – OCT. 10

Celebration Under the Dome: A special event by the San Diego Public Library Foundation featuring literary-themed food, drinks and entertainment. 6 – 11 p.m. San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit supportmylibrary.org.

Wine and Canvas: Step-by-step instruction and materials are included in this event to create a 16-by-20-inch gallery-wrapped canvas painting to take home. Tonight’s painting: “Autumn Silence.” No outside food or drinks — both available for purchase. $35 per person. 6 – 9 p.m. Fabrison’s French Creperie, 1425 India St., Little Italy. Visit wineandcanvas.com.

SATURDAY – OCT. 11

Second Saturday Science Club for Girls: “Genetic Journey” — journey to the center of your cells to find out what makes you, you! Noon – 2 p.m. Reuben H. Fleet Space Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. Members $12, non-members $14. Visit rhfleet.org or pre-register 619-238-1233 x806.

SUNDAY – OCT. 12

Little Italy Festa!: For 20 years the Little Italy community has opened its streets to welcome guests to celebrate all things Italian. Food, art and a Kids Fun Zone are just a few highlights. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Visit littleitalysd.com.

Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase: Get up close and personal with some of the most iconic automobiles in history at this free event. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Along Fifth Avenue between E and K streets. Visit gaslamp.org.

Bike Clinic: Hosted by the San Diego Public Library in partnership with BikeSD and Bikes Del Pueblo. 1 – 4 p.m. At the bike racks of the San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit bikesd.org.

Coronado concert series: Free concert with Blue Frog Band, 1 – 4 p.m. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St. at B Avenue.

MONDAY – OCT. 13

Film Forum: Free film screening of “They Came Together” starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler. 6:30 p.m. Auditorium, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit facebook.com/freelibrarymovies.

TUESDAY – OCT. 14

Free Hugs Day: Students of Paul Mitchell the School will be roaming the Gaslamp’s plazas, parks and other popular spots offering free hugs to brighten people’s days. Day students 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., night students 5 – 7 p.m. Starting at Paul Mitchell School San Diego campus, 410 A St., Downtown. Visit pmtssandiego.com.

PBID Advisory Board: Every second Tuesday the Downtown Property Business Improvement District (PBID) Advisory Board offers the public an opportunity for comment at beginning of meeting. 3 p.m. 401 B St., Suite 100. For more info visit downtownsandiego.org.

Health and Happiness Series: “Depression vs. Sadness … Learning to Know the Difference” with Dr. Christina Zampitella, FT, Psy. D is a free presentation to help recognize and manage sadness and/or depression. 5 – 7:30 p.m. The McMillin Center, 2875 Dewey Rd., Libery Station. Registration required at howellfoundation.org or 858-412-5250.

The Royale: A new play by Marco Ramirez (Orange is the New Black) loosely based on real events. A post-show forum is included after tonight’s show (additional forums on Oct. 21 and 29.) Closes Nov. 2. 7 p.m. Sheryl and Harvey White Stage, Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets start $29. Visit theoldglobe.org or call 619-234-5623.

WEDNESDAY – OCT. 15

HireLive Sales and Management Career Fair: Free event for job seekers with opportunities for inside and outside sales reps, account executives, retail managers, customer service and much more. 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Hotel, 601 Pacific Hwy, Marina. Visit hirelive.com.

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece. Tonight – “Golden Sunset” at 98 Bottles in Little Italy, 2400 Kettner Blvd. Event is 6 – 9 p.m. 21+. $45, all supplies included, registration required. Corkage fee $15 if you bring your own wine. Visit paintingandvino.com.

Open Mic Poetry: Alchemy Poetry Series organized by Seretta Martin. Featured guest poets Perie Longo and Chryss Yost. 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 West Harbor Dr., Seaport Village. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com.

THURSDAY – OCT. 16

OUT at the Globe: A pre-play mixer for LGBT theater lovers featuring a hosted wine and martini bar, appetizers and door prizes. 6:30 p.m. $20 plus cost of a ticket to Bright Star or The Royale. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. For more information visit theoldglobe.org or call 619-234-5623.

FRIDAY – OCT. 17

Small Business Advisory Board’s annual Community Outreach Meeting: A special event to share ideas, resources and strategies to grow small businesses and brainstorm how city officials can better support small businesses. 8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. War Memorial Building Auditorium, 3325 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park. RSVP to [email protected] or call 619-533-6474.

SATURDAY – OCT. 18

Three Wise Men Foundation Fundraiser: The foundation’s first fundraiser will include a special workout and the launch of their “Give the Change” card. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown. Visit threewisementribute.org.

Big Bay Bash: Free event for Fleet Week San Diego with free entertainment and games. First 500 military and dependents (with military ID) will also receive free food and a USS Midway Museum pass. 200 paid tickets for food/Midway available at $15 each. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown. Visit fleetweeksandiego.com.

An Evening with Jane Lynch: Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Lynch debuts her West Coast solo concert. Special guest Kate Flannery. 8 p.m. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp. Visit sandiegotheatres.org.

SUNDAY – OCT. 19

Coronado concert series: Free concert with Nardo John, 1 – 4 p.m. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street at B Avenue.

MONDAY – OCT. 20

Film Forum: Free film screening of “The Signal” starring Laurence Fishbourne and Olivia Cooke. 6:30 p.m. Auditorium, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit facebook.com/freelibrarymovies.

Book Club: Meet to discuss “Telegraph Avenue” by Michael Chabon. 7 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C West Harbor Dr., Seaport Village. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com.

TUESDAY – OCT. 21

Jersey Boys: The musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons returns to San Diego and runs through Oct. 26. 7 p.m. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1199 Third Ave., Downtown. Tickets start $43. Visit broadwaysd.com.

WEDNESDAY – OCT. 22

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece. Tonight — Picasso’s “The Nude.” 6 – 9 p.m. and is 21+ up. Cost is $45, all supplies included, but registration is required. You may bring your own wine for a $15 corkage fee. Limited $10 discount 98BOT14. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 110. For more info, visit paintingandvino.com.

Film: Each month Women Occupy San Diego (WOSD) holds a special movie night with refreshments. Tonight’s selection TBD. Doors at 6:30 p.m., film at 7 p.m. Women’s Museum of California, 2730 Historic Decatur Rd, Barracks 16, Liberty Station. Visit womensmuseumca.org.

THURSDAY – OCT. 23

Live Comedy: Comedian and improve specialist Bruce Bruce will appear for four nights. 8 p.m. American Comedy Company, 818 B Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. Tickets $22 americancomedyco.com.

FRIDAY – OCT. 24

Wine and Canvas: Step-by-step instruction and materials are included in this event to create a 16-by-20-inch gallery-wrapped canvas painting to take home. Tonight’s painting: “Wildflowers.” No outside food or drinks — both available for purchase. $35 per person. 6 – 9 p.m. Fabrison’s French Creperie, 1425 India St., Little Italy. Visit wineandcanvas.com.

SATURDAY – OCT. 25

Wacky Wonky Walk and Kid’s Festival: A Willy Wonka-themed walk and festival for kids host by and benefiting San Diego Center for Children. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., Downtown. Visit centerforchildren.org.

SUNDAY – OCT. 26

Coronado Concert Series: Free concert with Teagan Taylor Band, 1 – 4 p.m. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St. at B Avenue.

MONDAY – OCT. 27

Film Forum: Free film screening of “The Girl on the Train” starring Henry Ian Cusick. 6:30 p.m. Auditorium, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit facebook.com/freelibrarymovies.

TUESDAY – OCT. 28

Film: The House of Spain, San Diego presents a monthly Films of Spain series. This month “The Mexican Suitcase (La Maleta Mexicana)” will be shown. 7 p.m. Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. Visit mopa.org or facebook.com/filmsfromspainsd.

WEDNESDAY – OCT. 29

Painting and Vino: Local professional artists instruct attendees on painting a masterpiece. Tonight – “Jack-o-Lanterns.” 6 – 9 p.m. and is 21+ up. Cost is $45, all supplies included, but registration is required. You may bring your own wine for a $15 corkage fee. Limited $10 discount 98BOT14. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 110. For more info, visit paintingandvino.com.

THURSDAY – OCT. 30

Live Comedy: Dan St. Germain, a regular on VH1’s Best Week Ever who has an upcoming special on Comedy Central, will perform standup for four nights. 8 p.m. American Comedy Company, 818 B Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. Tickets $18 americancomedyco.com.

FRIDAY – OCT. 31

See our Halloween Sidebar

SATURDAY – NOV. 1

Over the Edge for Brain Cancer: Participants, a.k.a. edgers, will raise $200,000 for San Diego-based brain cancer research by rappelling down the Grand Hyatt San Diego — the tallest building on the waterfront. Edgers raise a minimum of $1,500 to participate. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 1 Market Place, Downtown. Visit otesandiego.org.

California Ballet Company presents Giselle: A classical ballet repertoire performed to pre-recorded music. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Sunday). Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., Downtown. Tickets start at $40. Visit sandiegotheatres.org.

SUNDAY – NOV. 2

Bright Star: American musical based on an original story by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell closes. 2 & 7 p.m. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets start $79. Visit theoldglobe.org or call 619-234-5623.

MONDAY – NOV. 3

TUESDAY – NOV. 4

San Diego Shakespeare Society: First Tuesday of the month. Acting workshop night. Anyone can join in or just listen. Informal café-style seating. Tonight – “Richard III.” 6:45 – 8:30 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C West Harbor Dr., Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

WEDNESDAY – NOV. 5

The Sky Tonight: A monthly astronomer-led planetarium show touring the solar system with a new topic each month. This month is “Celestial Illusions.” 7 p.m. Reuben H. Fleet Space Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. Visit rhfleet.org.

THURSDAY – NOV. 6

Art San Diego: Four-day annual contemporary art show kicks off today and runs through the weekend. Proceeds benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Preview starts at 5 p.m. Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd. Visit art-sandiego.com.

East Village Association Board Meeting: Monthly board meeting for the East Village Association. All meetings are open to the public. 5 p.m. Room 219, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, 1155 Island Ave. For more info visit eastvillagesandiego.com.

Fun and festive Halloween events

Gaslamp Ghosts Walking Tour: Every Friday Davis House historian Sanee Wilhoit takes brave souls on a walking tour of ghostly sites Downtown. The tour includes hotels, saloons and more and ends inside the “most haunted edifice” of the Gaslamp — the William Heath Davis House. 5:30 p.m. Visit gaslampquarter.org.

Oct. 8, 15 & 22: Silent Screams

The Whaley House will screen horror and suspense films from the Silent Era. Showings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include the Whaley House Tour. Oct. 8: “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” Oct. 15: “The Cat and the Canary” and Oct. 22: “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” Whaley House, 2476 San Diego Ave., Old Town. Visit whaleyhouse.org.

Oct. 10, 11, 17 & 18: Ghost Hunting Tour

A 90-minute paranormal investigation of San Diego’s most famous haunted site. Hear the history of the spirits of the house, learn how to use investigation tools and more. 10:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. Whaley House, 2476 San Diego Ave., Old Town. Visit whaleyhouse.org.

Oct. 26: Halloween Family Day

More than two-dozen participating locations in Balboa Park will present tours, storytelling, parades and contests with Halloween themes. Kids in costume (accompanied by an adult) will receive a free give a the Balboa Park Visitors Center. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park. Visit balboapark.org.

Oct. 30: Halloween Reading

A special reading of Alvin Schwartz’s “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.” The collection from 1981 includes Schwartz’s adaptations of folklore and urban legends. 6:30 p.m. Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse, 835C West Harbor Dr., Seaport Village. Free. Visit upstartcrowtrading.com or call 619-333-0141.

Oct. 31: Monster Bash

This annual event takes over Gaslamp and East Village with eight blocks of festivities. A costume contest for $5,000 cash, 17 DJs and more highlight this event. VIP and general admission tickets available. 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. Visit sandiegomonsterbash.com.

Oct. 31: San Diego Zombie Crawl 2014

Tickets include entrance to 20 Halloween Parties in Downtown with an opening part at A.D. Nightclub (905 4th Ave.) and a closing celebration at Stingaree (454 6th Ave.). Drink specials, welcome shots, extended happy hours and more will be available at various stops within walking distance. Visit sandiegozombiecrawl.com for tickets, use promo code “EVA14” for $10 off and no service fees.

WEEKLY RECURRING EVENTS

TUESDAY

Residents Free Tuesdays in Balboa Park: Participating museums change each Tuesday. Free for San Diego City & 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 Ferry Landing. Visit welcometocoronado.com.

Comedy Open Mic: Up-and-coming comics test their skills while patrons enjoy drink and appetizer specials and no cover. 7:30 p.m. American Comedy Company, 818 B Sixth Ave., Gaslamp. americancomedyco.com.

WEDNESDAY

Fishermen’s Farmers’ Market: 3 – 7 p.m. 4930 N. Harbor Dr. near Nimitz Blvd. Visit facebook.com/FishermensFarmersMarket.

Young Lions Music Series: A “young rising star” is chosen by Gilbert Castellanos to perform. Castellanos will also join in during the first set. 7 p.m. Expatriate Room, Croce’s Park West, 2760 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill. Call 619-233-4355 or visit crocesparkwest.com.

THURSDAY

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

Trivia: 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 walking tour sampling some of Downtown’s finest restaurants. 21+. Noon – 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $45. Tours also on Saturday. Visit bitesandiego.com/index.php.

SATURDAY

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

The Headquarters Certified Farmers’ Market: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 789 W. Harbor Dr. Visit facebook.com/TheHeadquartersFarmersMarket.

The Gaslamp 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.

Urban Challenge/Scavenger Hunt: Explore hidden areas of the Gaslamp Quarter & East Village and learn the unique history behind the Stingaree District. There are NO “Fear factor” tasks in this adventure. It’s all about having fun and seeing secret San Diego. 3 p.m. Visit Wheretours.com.

SUNDAY

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. Enjoy free parking, lots of seating. Balboa Park’s Organ Pavilion. 2 p.m. Visit balboapark.org.

Live Music: Sunday jam with The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio. 2 – 5 p.m., 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Littly Italy. Visit 98bottlessd.com.

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