Light vanquishes darkness on Saturday as one of the biggest holiday celebrations from the Indian subcontinent returns to Balboa Park.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is now on a par with December Nights, the Halloween Family Day, and Earth Fair as one of the park’s major multi-venue events.
Festivities begin at noon and continue into the night, the best time to see the 1,008 lighted lamps in the Organ Pavilion. Other highlights are the Navaratri Festival of Dolls at the Mingei Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art’s famous collection of Indian paintings, an India Fair inside the Recital Hall, a performance by singer Aditya Rao and a participatory Bhangra dance.
An Indian food court will be set up in the parking lot behind the Organ Pavilion.
Tickets for all associated Diwali events are $5.
Tour a Navy Destroyer
The Navy is celebrating its 241st birthday by opening one of its most advanced guided-missile destroyers to the public throughout the weekend. The USS William P. Lawrence will be open at the B Street Pier on North Harbor Drive downtown from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Lawrence, DDG 110, is the 60th Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyer and is named in honor of the late Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, a highly-decorated Naval aviator and Vietnam prisoner of war. Visitors should wear flat-heeled, closed-toe shows and expect security screenings prior to boarding.
Italian Film Festival
The 10th annual Italian Film Festival concludes with screenings on Friday and Saturday. The San Diego premiere of “Che strano chiamarsi Federico!” (How Strange To Be Named Federico: Scola Narrates Fellini) will be shown at 7 p.m. at La Paloma in Encinitas. Then on Saturday is the West Coast premiere of “Alaska” (The Beginners) at 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park.
Big Boys Toy Show
The ultimate playground for boys of all ages on Saturday will feature a variety of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, electronics and sports celebrities on the embarcadero downtown. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Boulevard. Highlights include military tanks, a giant reptile cave, an inflatable ninja obstacle course, a giant jousting rink and the ultimate man cave. The Chargers Girls, Chargers offensive lineman Orlando Franklin, and legendary Gulls player Willie O’Ree will be on hand. Nine food trucks will be offering pizza, seafood, tacos, shaved ice, ice cream and other food, along with a craft beer garden. Admission is $10.
Monster Art Rally
Halloween and art collide Friday night at the San Diego Institute of Art’s live art-making event. Over 100 artists will be on site drawing live at the Museum of the Living Artist, 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park. The event includes live music by Big Bloom and Mankinda. Patrons can mingle with their favorite artists from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and purchase selected artwork. Admission is $5.
Haunted Trail Hikes
The woods in Dos Picos County Park in Ramona will fill with supernatural creatures during two Haunted Trails hikes on Saturday. Hikes start at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., last about 20 minutes and cover some challenging terrain. Brave trekkers will start their journey in the parking lot — just look for the park rangers. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring a flashlight and an adult. The hike is free, but parking is $3. Call 760-789-2220 for more information.
Palomar Apple Festival
The free Palomar Apple Festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Palomar Mountain State Park. Sample delicious apple pie, other pastries and authentic hand-pressed apple cider made with fruit from the park’s orchard. There’s live folk music, square dancing, a pie-eating contest, hand-spinning demonstrations and activities for kids.
