10 Must-See Weekend Arts Events in San Diego: Featuring ‘Soft Power,’ West African Surf Culture, and Toy Pianos

Here’s a summary of the weekend events in San Diego across various categories:

The 2026 San Diego Art Prize: ‘Soft Power: On Color, Time, and Resistance’
- Artists: Danielle Dean, Ingrid Hernández, Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio
- Exhibition Details: Opening on Sept. 5, 2026, at the Oceanside Museum of Art. It showcases new works that explore daily life’s “power” related to various themes.
- Dates: Sept. 5, 2026 – Feb. 7, 2027
- More Info: Exhibition Celebration
Nereida Dusten: ‘What does it mean to draw a line if home is a verb?’
- Venue: Visions Museum of Textile Art
- Final Chance: Last weekend to see this unique exhibition made from recycled materials.
- Dates: Open until Sept. 5, 2026
- More Info: Exhibit Info

‘The Rising Dawn’
- Director: Nadi Saddy
- Details: Documentary on Côte d’Ivoire’s surf culture and its landscapes.
- Screening: Sept. 3, 7 p.m. at The Rive Clubhouse.
- More Info: RSVP on Facebook

Fools and Fables presents: Fools and Friends
- Details: A showcase of local singer-songwriters.
- Date: Sept. 4, 8 p.m. at The Casbah
- More Info: Event Link
Gilbert Castellanos and the KSDS Jazz Orchestra
- Performance: Celebrating Afro-Cuban jazz.
- Date: Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. at The Rady Shell.
- More Info: Event Info

Asian American Dance Festival: Collaborative Residency Showcase
- Details: Celebrating local Asian American and Pacific Islander artists.
- Date: Sept. 4, 7 p.m. at Light Box Theater.
- More Info: Festival Info

Kazim Ali and Adam O. Davis
- Details: Poets discussing their new books.
- Date: Sept. 3, 7 p.m. at The Book Catapult.
- More Info: Book Event

Broadway San Diego: ‘The Phantom of the Opera’
- Details: Iconic musical adaptation.
- Dates: Through Sept. 13 at San Diego Civic Theatre.
- More Info: Show Details

North Park Community Fair: Crafted by Hand
- Details: A day of hands-on craft activities led by local artists.
- Date: Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in North Park.
- More Info: Fair Info

Enjoy the vibrant cultural scene in San Diego this weekend!