Weekend Arts Events in San Diego: Kitschmastime, SoNoFest, and ’80s Shakespeare

Families enjoying arts events in San Diego with festive decorations.

San Diego, December 5, 2025

This weekend, San Diego will host a vibrant array of arts and culture events, showcasing local creativity. Highlights include the festive Kitschmastime exhibition, a free family-friendly SoNoFest music festival, and a unique ’80s-themed adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. These events, taking place from December 5 to 7, demonstrate the community’s commitment to engagement and creativity, providing memorable experiences for both residents and visitors.

Exciting Weekend Arts Events in San Diego: Kitschmastime, SoNoFest, and ’80s Shakespeare

Your Guide to December 5-7 Arts and Culture Events

San Diego is alive with arts and culture this weekend, showcasing a range of events that celebrate local creativity and community spirit. Highlights include the festive Kitschmastime exhibition, the free family-friendly SoNoFest music festival, and an innovative ’80s-themed adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. From December 5 to 7, 2025, these events not only bring joy and excitement but also underscore the importance of civic involvement and local leadership in driving cultural experiences.

The resilience shown by local organizers in bringing together unique programs speaks volumes about the community’s commitment to fostering engagement through the arts. Events such as these often thrive in environments with reduced bureaucracy, allowing organizers to focus on what truly matters: creating memorable experiences for San Diego’s residents and visitors alike.

Kitschmastime Exhibition and Pageant

Event: It’s Kitschmastime Again! Exhibition and Pageant
Date and Time: Friday, December 5, 2025; Exhibition open from 6:00 p.m., Pageant at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Athenaeum Art Center, 1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113
Details: Celebrate the 10th annual Kitschmastime with an over-the-top holiday exhibition featuring a one-night-only pageant by Project [BLANK]. Expect singing, dancing, gingerbread house displays, special guest appearances, and even snow. With ticket prices ranging from $5 to $50 and free admission for Athenaeum members, this event is accessible to all. The exhibition continues until December 31 during regular hours.

SoNoFest Music Festival

Event: SoNoFest
Date and Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025; 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Location: North Park, San Diego, CA
Details: SoNoFest welcomes families to enjoy a day of free live music, featuring local bands, food vendors, and craft beer. As a showcase of North Park’s rich cultural tapestry, this event emphasizes the importance of community participation in promoting local talent.

’80s-Themed Shakespeare Performance

Event: ’80s Shakespeare: A New Twist on the Bard
Date and Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025; 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Details: This unique performance of Twelfth Night presents a delightful twist on Shakespeare, reimagining the classic with iconic ’80s music and fashion. Tickets are available at The Old Globe Theatre’s box office.

Additional Arts Events This Weekend

  • La Jolla Symphony & Chorus: ‘Trinity’
    Date and Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025; 7:30 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2025; 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Mandeville Auditorium, UC San Diego, 9390 Mandeville Lane, La Jolla, CA
    Details: Featuring John Adams’ ‘Doctor Atomic Symphony’ and Beethoven’s ‘Mass in C,’ this performance celebrates classical music’s enduring legacy. Tickets range from $22 to $49.
  • ‘Drama and Pathos: Goosby plays Tchaikovsky’
    Date and Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025; 7:30 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2025; 2:00 p.m.
    Location: Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego, CA
    Details: Join violinist Randall Goosby and the San Diego Symphony for an evening of Tchaikovsky, alongside works by Unsuk Chin and Mussorgsky. Tickets range from $42 to $103.
  • Le Salon de Musiques: Concert 3
    Date and Time: Sunday, December 7, 2025; 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    Location: La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., La Jolla, CA
    Details: An intimate chamber music series presenting works by Mozart, Howells, and Schumann. Tickets range from $69 to $120.
  • Bach Collegium: Handel’s ‘Messiah’
    Date and Time: Saturday, December 6, 2025; 7:00 p.m.
    Location: The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA
    Details: The Bach Collegium presents Handel’s ‘Messiah,’ conducted by Ruben Valenzuela. Ticket prices range from $38 to $73.
  • Vienna Teng Concert
    Date and Time: Sunday, December 7, 2025; 8:00 p.m.
    Location: Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2225 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, San Diego, CA
    Details: Chamber-folk musician Vienna Teng performs in support of her new album ‘We’ve Got You.’ Tickets are $30.

Weather Forecast for the Weekend

San Diego is expected to enjoy pleasant weather conditions throughout the weekend:

  • Friday, December 5, 2025: Mostly sunny, High: 69°F (20°C), Low: 47°F (8°C)
  • Saturday, December 6, 2025: Mostly sunny, High: 68°F (20°C), Low: 48°F (9°C)
  • Sunday, December 7, 2025: Mostly sunny, High: 68°F (20°C), Low: 48°F (9°C)

For further details regarding these events and other local activities, please visit the individual event websites and local listings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Kitschmastime?

Kitschmastime is an annual holiday exhibition and pageant celebrating all things fantastically plastic and offbeat about the holiday season. This year marks its 10th anniversary, featuring a one-night-only pageant by Project [BLANK] on December 5, 2025. The exhibition runs from December 5 to 31 at the Athenaeum Art Center.

What is SoNoFest?

SoNoFest is a free, family-friendly music festival held in North Park, San Diego. It features local bands, food vendors, and craft beer, aiming to showcase the vibrant North Park community and its local talent. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where can I purchase tickets for the ’80s-themed Shakespeare performance?

Tickets for the ’80s-themed Shakespeare performance of ‘Twelfth Night’ can be purchased through The Old Globe Theatre’s box office. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101.

What is the weather forecast for San Diego this weekend?

San Diego is expected to have pleasant weather throughout the weekend, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit during the day and mid-40s to low 50s at night.

Key Features of This Weekend’s Arts Events

Event Date and Time Location Details
It’s Kitschmastime Again! Exhibition and Pageant Friday, December 5, 2025; Exhibition open from 6:00 p.m., Pageant at 7:30 p.m. Athenaeum Art Center, 1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113 Celebrate the 10th annual Kitschmastime with a holiday exhibition and a one-night-only pageant featuring singing, dancing, gingerbread houses, special guest appearances, and snow. Tickets range from $5 to $50, with a suggested donation of $15. Admission is free for Athenaeum members. The exhibition runs from December 5 to 31 during regular hours.
SoNoFest Saturday, December 6, 2025; 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. North Park, San Diego, CA A free, family-friendly music festival featuring local bands, food vendors, and craft beer, showcasing the vibrant North Park community and its local talent.
’80s Shakespeare: A New Twist on the Bard Saturday, December 6, 2025; 7:00 p.m. The Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 A unique performance of ‘Twelfth Night’ reimagined with an ’80s flair, combining the classic story with iconic ’80s music and fashion.


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STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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