Even if you’re not taking to the interstate this holiday weekend, there’ll be plenty of things to do if you want to keep your traveling local, with events stretching out around the county.
Friday, May 22
San Diego Lebanese Festival: The celebration of Lebanese culture in El Cajon starts Friday at 6 p.m. runs through Sunday at St. Ephrem Maronite Catholic Church in El Cajon (750 Medford St.), with more than 8,000 visitors expected to enjoy traditional Lebanese cuisine and musical performances, a beer and wine garden, and a drawing for prizes including $10,000. Admission before 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday costs $5 and $10 after 4 p.m., with kids 3 and under getting in free.
W. Kamau Bell at Mic Drop Comedy Club: The progressive comedian, commentator, director and activist returns to the stand-up arena, bringing his “Who’s With Me?” tour to the Mic Drop Comedy Club (8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.) for performances at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
World Goth Day San Diego: Bringing together live musical performances, DJ sets by a host of local talent including Club Sabbat’s Robin Roth, a fashion and drag show and a shopping expo, it’s a black celebration at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley (950 Hotel Circle N.) starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40.
“It’s a ritual, a gathering, and a homecoming for the community,” organizers said on the event’s Instagram page.
Saturday, May 23
All Girls Math Tournament: The All Girls STEM Society presents this annual competition for math whizzes from the third to the eighth grade at the Mission Valley Library (2123 Fenton Pkwy.). Registration is free, and participants will be competing for prizes (including cookies!) for flexing their problem-solving muscles. The competition begins at 1:45 p.m.
Asian American Pacific Islander Cultural Celebration: The Oak Park Library (2802 54th St.) will host this free event, which will feature a book giveaway, Hawaiian dance performances, and Filipino Press publisher Susan Delos Santos as a featured guest, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Barrio Logan Pa’ La Cultura Festival: Organizers say more than 40 vendors will be on hand for this free event at Por Vida Cafe (2146 Logan Ave.), which will also include a book fair, beginning at 11 a.m.
Culturafest in City Heights: In another free event, the City Heights Music School will be hosting another all-girls group, the Sabrosas Latin Orchestra, as well as music and dance from the Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts and Education Center. The festival starts at 4 p.m. at El Jardin Community Space (5150 Landis St.).
Santee Street Fair: More than 30,000 people are expected to visit what local officials call “the ultimate one-day block party,” with more than 300 vendors lined up around Town Center Parkway and Riverview Parkway, along with a car show, a beer garden and interactive arts workshops throughout the day. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 24
“The Gag In The Garden” at The Brass Rail: Hosted by Aris Atomica, this is a drag brunch and fundraiser for UC San Diego’s Mother, Child & Adolescent HIV Program, which provides physical and mental health care for people living with the disease. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. at the venerable Hillcrest bar (3796 Fifth Ave.) with the show kicking off an hour later.
Vista Strawberry Festival: What organizers call “the sweetest day in Vista” returns for its 14th year starting at 8 a.m. with events throughout the day, including live musical performances, a 5K “Strawberry Run” at 7:30 a.m., and a film festival devoted to strawberries, among other attractions.
