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18 San Diego Nonprofit Events to Attend This April

Here’s where to celebrate, connect, give back, and make a difference this month
San Diego EarthFest 2025 nonprofit event at Balboa Park
Courtesy of San Diego EarthFest

West Coast Nonprofit Data Conference

April 4–5

Hosted at the University of San Diego’s Kroc Institute, this academic conference gathers nonprofit scholars to exchange ideas, research, and data-driven strategies. 

Fine Art and Craft Sale, Union Hall Gallery

April 4–6 & April 11–13

Held over two weekends, this massive sale features more than 460 works from over 160 artists across San Diego and around the globe. Hosted by Union Hall Gallery, every dollar raised will go directly to the Grief and Hope: LA Art World Fire Relief Fund, which supports artists impacted by recent disasters. Prices range from $10 to $5,000, making this a rare opportunity to collect meaningful art at all price points. 

Artist-in-the-House Day

April 5

Hosted at JLSD’s Bankers Hill HQ, this first-ever exhibition showcases San Diego artists exploring themes of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Guests can view and purchase works, meet the artists, and connect over light bites. Tickets are $25–$35.

La Vie en Rose Opera Ball

April 5

San Diego Opera celebrates 60 years with a black-tie gala at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla. “La Vie en Rose” features a cocktail and Champagne reception, dinner, dancing, and an after-party dubbed “Café Momus.” Proceeds support the opera’s artistic and educational programs.​

Spring Art & Wine Walk at The Forum Carlsbad

April 5

The Forum Carlsbad hosts its annual Spring Art & Wine Walk from 3–6 pm. Attendees can stroll through the center to view artwork from visiting artists in participating shops and restaurants, enjoy wine tastings, and listen to live music in a lively community atmosphere.​

Nature Night at San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum

April 5

Hosted by San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), Nature Night is an after-hours, hands-on learning event focused on environmental science for children ages 4–10. The event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and features 13+ STREAM activities—like building recycled instruments, exploring marine ecosystems with Ocean Connectors, and composting demos from Little Shepherds Nature Lab. Proceeds support the museum’s mission to provide early childhood science and engineering education, especially for low-income families who may not otherwise have access to high-quality, hands-on learning experiences. Tickets are $12 for members and $17 for non-members, with discounts for military and EBT/WIC/SNAP families.

Sharon’s Ride.Run.Walk. for Epilepsy

April 13

At Crown Point Park, participants can join a 15-mile bike ride or 5K walk/run to support epilepsy awareness. This annual event honors Sharon Rosenfeld and benefits the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County, culminating in a beachside celebration and family-friendly picnic.​

Las Patronas Jewel Ball Preview

April 18

Las Patronas, the all-women nonprofit behind San Diego’s longest-running charity ball, hosts its Jewel Ball Preview at the La Jolla Playhouse. The event offers a first look at this year’s theme—“Back En Pointe”—and features stories from major nonprofit beneficiaries supported by the ball.​

San Diego EarthFest

April 19

Balboa Park hosts this free Earth Day celebration featuring over 100 sustainable food, craft, and service vendors, as well as environmental, conservation, and animal rescue groups. The family-friendly event includes live music, yoga, and educational panels on sustainability.​

Bones & Brews Dog Adoption Event

April 19

Duck Foot Brewing Co. partners with Amazing Strays Rescue from 3–6 p.m., offering attendees the chance to meet adoptable dogs. For every pint sold, $1 is donated to support animal rescue efforts. It’s an opportunity to enjoy craft beer while supporting a good cause.​

Meet the Chefs

April 21

Meet the Chefs features unlimited bites, beer, and wine from top local chefs, all to support Casa de Amparo’s work to prevent child abuse and neglect. Guests can enjoy live music, auctions, and a VIP reception with food and wine from Pamplemousse Grille (one of the best wine cellars in town).

Dining Out For Life San Diego

April 24

Participating San Diego restaurants donate 25 percent of proceeds to The Center’s HIV/AIDS and health services. Diners can support the cause by enjoying meals at these establishments, turning their dining experience into a charitable act.​

Naturally Rising Competition

April 24

Hosted by Naturally San Diego, a nonprofit supporting local natural product startups, this annual pitch event showcases five standout emerging CPG brands—including Chasin’ Dreams Farm, Fierce & Kind, Mooski Snacks, Nonaste, and Recoup Beverage. Held at Building 177 in Liberty Station from 4:30–7:30 p.m., the competition offers networking, samples, drinks, and the chance to vote for the People’s Choice winner. All proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission to grow San Diego’s natural products ecosystem.

Art Alive 2025

April 24–27

The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature fundraiser transforms the galleries with floral installations inspired by classic works. The event includes the Premiere Dinner and the tenth edition of the iconic Bloom Bash, featuring cocktails, DJs, and elaborate floral arrangements.​

Breakthrough T1D San Diego Gala

April 26

Held at Pendry San Diego, this 1970s-themed “Night of Groove and Giving” includes a three-course dinner, cocktail hour, live music, and silent and live auctions. The gala raises critical funds for type 1 diabetes research, celebrating the resilience of the T1D community.​

Heart & Soul Gala 

April 26

Held at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s annual Heart & Soul Gala celebrates community impact and honors Susanna and Michael Flaster, Karen and Jeff Silberman, and outgoing CEO Michael Hopkins. Guests will enjoy dinner, live music, and waterfront views while raising funds for Jewish Family Service’s programs supporting housing, nutrition, seniors, immigrants, and refugees. Tickets start at $450.

Mission Fed ArtWalk 

April 26–27

The streets of Little Italy fill with 250+ artists, four stages of live music, and thousands of collectors for the 41st annual Mission Fed ArtWalk. The largest and longest-running fine art festival in Southern California, this free two-day event blends visual art, interactive installations, street food, and family-friendly projects. Proceeds benefit ArtReach San Diego’s work bringing art education to Title One schools.

Las Patronas Benefit Dinner at Ambrogio15

April 30

Ambrogio15 in Pacific Beach hosts a special four-course dinner and wine pairing event benefiting Las Patronas. The evening features dishes crafted by Michelin-recognized chefs and natural Italian wines, with 15 percent of proceeds supporting Las Patronas’ mission to fund capital needs for local nonprofits.

By Jackie Bryant

Jackie is San Diego Magazine's and Studios' content strategist. Prior to that, she was its managing editor. Before her SDM career, she was a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.

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