Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Sept. 15 to Friday, Sept. 19.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
Monday
Free ballet folkorico classes: Learn the art of ballet folkorico from El Tesoro Del Folklor. All ages and skill level are welcome. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday. San Diego Public Library, 3795 Fairmount Ave., San Diego. Free. sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/free-ballet-folklorico-classes-el-tesoro-del-folklor-458310
Coronado Library and Warwick’s present Beatriz Williams: Author Beatriz Williams will discuss “Under the Stars.” Published July 29, it follows two timelines: one in 1846, the other in 2024. It is set on the fictional Winthrop Island in New England, and features a disgruntled daughter and her famous mother who are connected to a young woman on a steamboat from 200 years in the past. 7 p.m. Monday, Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave., Coronado. Free to attend, preferred seating available with book purchase. warwicks.com/event/williams-2025
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Tuesday
Surf festival: Eight days of music, surfing, film and art are taking place in Encinitas at the Solento Surf Festival. The event kicks off with a free beach day the the Seaside Reef that includes a surf contest, live music and local vendors on Saturday. There will also be a free community event with local artists and an art exhibit showcasing traditional surf culture and art on Tuesday. Plus, Thursday through Sept. 20, La Paloma Theatre will host surf films, panel conversations, live music and more. Saturday through Sept. 20. Encinitas. solentosurffestival.com/encinitas
Mexican Independence Day and opening party: Fonda del Barrio will host an opening event, which will also celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Visitors can expect light food, live music and more. 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Fonda del Barrio, 2234 Logan Ave., San Diego. Free. instagram.com/fondadelbarrio
“The Heart”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of this musical story of a human heart on its 24-hour journey from a dying man to a transplant recipient. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 5. Potiker Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse campus, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UCSD campus, La Jolla. $30-$119. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
Salsa Under the Stars: The free series “Salsa Under the Stars” featuring Latin music will run from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on select days through Sept. 30 at Otay Ranch Town Center. The series will feature the Manny Cepeda Orchestra quartet and offer music and dancing for all ages. Scheduled concerts continue Sept. 16 and Sept. 30 (special hours 4 to 7 p.m. for the annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration). Visit otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/15666.
Wednesday
Ryan La Sala author event: Author Ryan La Sala will discuss “The Dead of Summer,” a book about a Ollie Veltman and his investigation of a mysterious, possibly illness-causing secret impacting the island he calls home. The conversation will be led by author Adalyn Grace. 6 p.m. Wednesday. College-Rolando Branch Library, 6600 Montezuma Road, San Diego. Free. $19.99 for book and reserved seating. libraryfoundationsd.org/events/lasala
“The Prince of Egypt”: Moonlight Stage Productions presents this regional premiere of the newly revised musical adaptation of this animated film about the Biblical character Moses, from birth to the exodus from Egypt. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Through Sept. 27. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $46-$67. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com
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“What is Art?” exhibition: The founders of the La Jolla gallery Level of Service/Not Required (or LOS/NR) will present an exhibit of artwork owned by the gallery founders. Opens Wednesday and runs through Sept. 27. 7910 Ivanhoe Ave., La Jolla. 833-335-6767,losnotrequired.com
Thursday
Brother Pháp Lưu author event: The author will discuss “Hiking Zen: Train Your Mind in Nature.” Before the event, Lưu will host a guided walk. At 6:15, participates should meet outside Warwick’s. 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., San Diego. Free. $18.95 for book and reserved seating. warwicks.com/event/luu-2025
Multi-cultural conference: The multi-cultural business and innovation conference ProXimo at AvanceGlobal is landing in San Diego this week. The conference brings leaders in finance, entertainment, media and tech to offer keynote presentations, workshops, seminars and networking opportunities. Some of the conference highlights include a keynote address by Richard Blanco, poet and recipient of the 2023 National Humanities Medal, and a housing and business forecast by Varun Krishna, CEO of Rocket Companies. Thursday through Sept. 21. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, 1 Market Place, San Diego, 619-232-1234, $599-$699. avanceproximo.com
Verbatim Books in the Park til Dark and Book Swap: From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., swap some of your old books and get to know fellow book lover. After that, enjoy silent reading time in the park. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Bird Park 28th Street and Thorn St., San Diego Free. verbatimbooks.com/events/#event=verbatim-books-in-the-park-til-dark-sept
“(title of show)”: New Village Arts presents Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell’s unusually named meta comedy about two friends writing a musical about two friends writing a musical. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 27. New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $40 and up. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
James Hubbell art compound Tours: The Ilan-Lael Foundation is now offering weekly, 90-minute docent-led tours of the late artist/sculptor’s fantastical home and art compound in Santa Ysabel. Previously only offered in the spring and fall months, the tours are now offered year-round and can be reserved up to two months in advance. 10 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 930 Orchard Lane, Santa Ysabel. $90 (must be reserved in advance). ilanlaelfoundation.org
Friday
Jon Batiste: The Grammy Award winner and former music director for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” will perform at The Rady Shell as part of his The Big Money Tour. His new album, “Big Money,” debuted just last month. San Diego artist Andra Day, who is featured on the album, will also perform. 7:30 p.m. Friday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. $85.40. theshell.org/performances/jon-batiste
Art of Elan’s Midday Music September: This San Diego presenting organization presents a free, one-hour concert of classical music. Noon Sept. 19. Joan and Irwin Jacobs Common, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown. Free. artofelan.org
John Scalzi author event: Author John Scalzi will talk about the newest book in the Old Man’s War series, “The Shattering Peace.” A 30-min discussion will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. 7 p.m. Friday. Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, 3555 Rosecrans St. #107A. Free. Book purchases include guarantee for signing line. mystgalaxy.com/91925Scalzi
Project BLANK Season Launch: This San Diego experimental music organization will open its 2025-26 season with an ICA San Diego NextGen 2025 emerging voices-themed program, featuring performance artist Allison Beaudry, violist Amy Cimini and vocalist Mariana Flores Bucio. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19. ICA San Diego, Balboa Park. $5-$50 ($15 suggested donation). projectblanksd.org