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12 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: Nov. 16–19

Cycle for brews during Bikes & Beers, stroll through Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden, and dance the night away at a Barbie-themed silent disco
Courtesy of Rady Children's Ice Rink
Courtesy of Rady Children's Ice Rink

Through January 7 

Ice Skating for a Cause 

Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary and NTC Foundation have teamed up once again to bring an outdoor ice rink to Liberty Station. Located in the Central Promenade, the Rady Children’s Ice Rink (opening Nov. 16) will raise funds for the Thriving After Cancer program at Rady’s Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Across the water in Coronado, San Diegans can practice their triple axel just steps away from the Pacific Ocean at the Hotel del Coronado‘s Skating by the Sea (opening Nov. 17). Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego, and attendees can enjoy the full winter wonderland experience by reserving a cozy rinkside or beachside lounge that includes plush seating, fire pits, and more. | 2875 Dewey Road, Point Loma | 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado

November 16

Barbie vs. Ken: Movie & Silent Disco

Whether you saw the film several times in theaters or don’t know a Barbie from a Bratz Doll, all (who are 21-plus) are invited to Rooftop Cinema Club’s Barbie vs. Ken Silent Disco this Thursday.  Attendees are encouraged to come in their best bubblegum-hued ensembles to the Barbie movie screening at 7:30 p.m., followed by dueling DJ sets and a silent disco from 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., where the music of boy bands and pop princesses will clash in lighthearted competition. Tickets can be purchased for the movie and silent disco ($45) or the silent disco only ($30).  | 4th Floor Sports Courts, 1 Market Place Harbor Tower, Embarcadero

November 17–18

San Diego Environmental Film Festival

The second annual San Diego Environmental Film Festival screens a selection of global films that tackle topics like sustainability, conservation, and biodiversity this Friday and Saturday. Saturday’s festivities also include a block party with local artists and nonprofit orgs showcasing their work, plus a filmmaker and expert panel discussion. | Citywide

November 17–24

The Marvelous Wonderettes

The Marvelous Wonderettes follows four teenagers from their senior prom to their 10-year high school reunion with a swinging soundtrack featuring pop hits like “Dream Lover,” “It’s My Party,” and “Lollipop.” Set in 1950s and ’60s, the musical runs at the Point Loma Playhouse through December 3, with four shows taking place every Friday through Sunday. General admission tickets to the show are $27 and group tickets (for squads of six or more people) are $24 per attendee.  | 3035 Talbot, Point Loma

Things to Do in San Diego: Ebenezer Scrooge's Big San Diego Christmas Show at the Old Globe
Photo Credit: Jim Cox

November 17–December 24

​​Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show

A musical take on a Dickensian classic taking place in not-so-snowy San Diego, Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show launches the Christmas curmudgeon back to the stage for another year of complaints. Complete with the story’s iconic characters, such as the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, the age-old story of “A Christmas Carol” gets fresh perspective from its local setting. | 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

November 17–January 1 

San Diego Botanic Garden Lightscape

Every holiday season, when the sun goes down at the San Diego Botanic Garden, the lights come on! From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through New Year’s Day, the garden showcases illuminating holiday decorations, installations, and more on its one-mile walking loop. Depending on when you want to attend Lightscape, you’ll purchase one of three different ticket types based on specific dates: peak ($32 for adults, $20 for children), regular ($29 for adults, $18 for children) and off-peak ($26 for adults, $16 for children). Peak dates occur closer to Christmas, while those look to save some cash can explore during the off-peak days in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. | 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas

Things to Do in San Diego: SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
Courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego

November 17–January 7

SeaWorld San Diego’s Christmas Celebration

A seasonal perk that comes with the price of admission, SeaWorld San Diego’s annual Christmas celebration rings in the holidays with an abundance of yuletide flair. You’ll find Christmas treats like hot chocolate and holiday cocktails, plus festive features like Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Parade, nightly snowfall, Santa’s Village, live music, laser light shows, and a massive ocean-themed Christmas tree.  | 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay

November 18

Bikes & Beers San Diego

The 10th annual Bikes & Beers San Diego departs from AleSmith Brewing Company this Saturday. Embark on a 12-, 30- or 45-mile ride with the promise of the greatest reward for exercise: free booze. Riders can start their morning off with coffee and pastries before pedaling out, and, once they cross the finish line, they’ll be welcomed by food trucks, live music, and two complimentary beers. The race includes marked routes, GPS turn-by-turn instruction, and rest stops. Proceeds aid BikeSD’s efforts to improve the city’s cycling conditions. Interested riders can register here (and, if you’d rather skip the time on the saddle, $30 passes for only the post-ride festival are available, as well). | 9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar 

November 19

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

Dating back to 1989, the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair is still rolling strong in 2023. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can get a head start on their holiday shopping and check out four entertainment stages, local artists, craft beer selections, and more than 450 food, arts, and craft vendors at this fun community event. | Coast Highway 101 between D and J Streets, Encinitas

PVA Cal-Diego Fall Festival

The Cal-Diego Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America launches its inaugural fall festival this Sunday at Santee Lakes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds go towards the nonprofit’s programs and services. This family-friendly shindig will offer food, entertainment, games, and raffle prizes in support of San Diego’s community of paralyzed veterans.  | 9310 Fanita Parkway, Lake 5 (North Side), Santee

Things to Do in San Diego: Pacific Rim Park Friendship Walk
Photo Credit: Laurel Costa

Pacific Rim Park Friendship Walk

A one-mile stroll in support of environmental conservation, the Ilan-Lael Foundation’s second annual Pacific Rim Park Friendship Walk takes place this Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Shoreline Park on Shelter Island. There will be a full entertainment lineup that features mariachi music and Mexican folklorico dance, plus international cuisine from local food trucks, a pop-up gift shop, and more. Attendees will also learn more about the Pacific Rim Park Project and the World Design Capital 2024’s year-long celebration of the cross-border connection between San Diego and Mexico. Anyone interested in the walk can register and make a donation here. | 2200 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island

Lemon Grove Lions Club Fundraiser Cornhole Tournament

Beginning at noon this Sunday, community service nonprofit Lemon Grove Lions Club hosts a cornhole fundraiser at BNS Brewing & Distillery. The entry fee for each team is $60, and proceeds benefit the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, which provides services to military members, including housing, injury recovery, and resources to assist soldiers’ transition to civilian life. When you’re done playing for the day, there will be hot dogs, hamburgers, and nachos for sale. Register online or onsite at the start of the event.  | 10960 Wheatlands Avenue, Santee

By Ryan Hardison

Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.

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