Top 10 arts events in San Diego this weekend: Sound bath art, 'The Family Album' and opera

This weekend, San Diego’s cultural calendar is brimming with eclectic arts events that extend beyond the city’s famed Comic-Con festivities. From immersive sound art and debut musical theater to opera under the stars and community-driven festivals, the city offers a rich palette of experiences for art and music enthusiasts.

At the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla, the final day of the "Within the Context of Time" exhibit coincides with a unique Sound Journey. This event invites attendees to participate in a guided sound bath led by May-ling Martinez and Virgil Sim, enveloped by large-scale illustrations, sound sculptures, and mechanized musical instruments. Martinez’s work, inspired by scientific texts and structures of power, complements Coralys Carter’s ethereal suspended sculptures. Visitors are encouraged to bring seating accommodations to fully engage in this sensory exploration.

In Barrio Logan, Woo Studios presents an intimate two-person exhibition titled "TOUCH, touch," exploring themes of queer intimacy through the works of Walker Hewitt and Daniel Arthur Mendoza. Hewitt’s architectural paintings and Mendoza’s textile-based dreamscapes offer a nuanced contemplation of closeness and vulnerability. This artistic showcase is paired with a Summer Market featuring local vendors, record sellers, and DJs spinning vinyl, enriching the cultural atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Music lovers can enjoy a free Latin jazz performance by the Besos Jazz Trio at the Carlsbad City Library. Percussionist Claudia Gomez adds a dynamic visual element by integrating tap dance into her performance, while Evona Wascinski and Beston Barnett provide bass and guitar accompaniments respectively. The adjacent William D. Cannon Gallery hosts a photography exhibition showcasing works by the True North Photo Society, providing an additional cultural draw.

The First Unitarian Universalist Church in Hillcrest continues its live music series with Los Bordershop Sin Fronteras, a Mexican American barbershop quartet. Their repertoire spans traditional a cappella harmonies blended with boleros, Latin jazz, and folk music, reflecting a fusion of cultural influences and vocal traditions.

A major highlight is the world premiere of "The Family Album" at La Jolla Playhouse. This new musical, developed by artists including Sam Chanse, MILCK, AG, and Jess McLeod, portrays the story of an Asian American singer-songwriter navigating her career ambitions and familial responsibilities. The production runs through late August and features original songs that have been previewed on the theater’s digital platforms, promising a contemporary and resonant narrative.

For opera aficionados, Opera Neo presents Gioachino Rossini’s comic masterpiece "Il turco in Italia" amid the enchanting outdoor setting of Balboa Park’s Spanish Village. Known for its spirited humor and romantic entanglements, this production incorporates modern video elements, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovative presentations and emerging talent.

Young artists in the TranscenDANCE summer program culminate their creative development with "Harvesting Hope," a performance blending hip-hop, contemporary dance, poetry, and visual art. Held at Hoover High School Performing Arts Center, the event reflects the nonprofit’s dedication to fostering youth creativity through multidisciplinary expression.

Cycling enthusiasts and film lovers converge at the Museum of Photographic Arts for a festival celebrating bike culture through short films. Organized by local bike coalitions, the festival screens various narratives and documentaries across three thematic blocks. Attendees can join a group bike ride preceding the screenings, with provisions including a bike valet to enhance the event’s accessibility.

For a more atmospheric experience, Verbatim Books in North Park hosts a screening of John Carpenter’s horror film "In the Mouth of Madness," starring recently deceased actor Sam Neill. The setting within a bookstore adds a layer of intimate engagement with the film’s literary and psychological horror themes.

Sustainability and community spirit come to the forefront at the Oceanside Sustainable Food Festival. This large-scale event features over 70 vendors focusing on eco-friendly food and products, complemented by live music and pet adoption opportunities, underscoring a commitment to environmental awareness and local engagement.

Lastly, the UC San Diego Park & Market hosts an Indigenous arts event comprising panels, storytelling, and performances that celebrate Native culture through various artistic forms. The program includes contributions from young Indigenous creators, emphasizing intergenerational dialogue and cultural preservation.

Together, these events illustrate San Diego’s vibrant and multifaceted arts scene this weekend, offering diverse ways for residents and visitors to connect with music, visual arts, performance, and community initiatives across the region.