Top 10 San Diego weekend arts events: Short films, painting and Coltrane at 100

San Diego’s cultural itinerary this weekend offers a rich blend of artistic disciplines and narratives that reflect both local identity and broader cultural influences.

At San Diego State University's University Art Gallery, an exhibition titled “Edgeless: In the Expanded Field of Painting” challenges traditional boundaries of painting. Curated by local expert Jacqueline Marino, the show features four artists—Anna Betbeze, Monique van Genderen, Lizzie Zelter, and Molly Zuckerman-Hartung—who experiment with unconventional materials and processes, reimagining the painting form. Visitors can attend the reception on Thursday afternoon or schedule visits through early December.

Meanwhile, Oceanside Museum of Art unveils the work of Rupinder Kaloti, known as Rupy Kaloti, whose paintings draw on her Punjabi-American heritage. Her vibrant compositions, painted on hand-cut wood panels, use symbolic imagery such as tigers and rainbows to convey optimism and the immigrant experience. This exhibit opens this weekend and will be on display through February 2027.

In Logan Heights, Project [BLANK], a nonprofit dedicated to performing and visual arts, presents its 2026 season preview with a combination of live performances and a silent auction. The event highlights contributions from artists like Christopher Padilla and Francisco Eme, with live music from performers including percussionist Camilo Zamudio and DJ monocromo. The showcase provides a platform for diverse artistic voices and networks.

Jazz enthusiasts can engage with a special event at Quartyard, where Future Is Color musicians honor the centenary of John Coltrane’s birth. This evening explores Coltrane’s profound influence on American music, particularly highlighting the intersections of Latinx heritage and jazz innovation. The all-ages outdoor venue anticipates a lively atmosphere conducive to dance and cultural celebration.

Normal Heights United Church hosts its monthly Songwriter Sanctuary session, dedicated this month to Hispanic and Latinx Heritage. Presented by Julia Sage, the event features a blend of blues, folk, rock, and jazz performed by acts like Good Gravy Street Blues and Nathan and Jessie. In addition to musical performances, the gathering encourages community support by inviting attendees to contribute food and clothing donations, underscoring the event’s social consciousness.

Theatre-making in San Diego gains a poignant voice with TuYo Theatre’s production “Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center,” penned by Mario Vega. Inspired by real events during the COVID-19 pandemic when migrant children were housed at the convention center, the play dramatizes the experiences of these youths and their caretakers. Performances are scheduled in National City and Otay Mesa through mid-October, following a pay-what-you-can model that promotes accessibility.

La Jolla Playhouse offers a unique theatrical experience with the premiere of a comedy centered on birdwatchers confronting a rare avian sighting. Set against San Diego County’s reputation as a birding hotspot, the play delves into human relationships and communal tensions through this niche yet relatable hobby.

The Old Globe continues to present compelling dramatic works with its rendition of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning “Topdog/Underdog.” This dark comedy explores complex themes of family dynamics, race, and socioeconomic struggle through the story of two brothers. Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III and featuring actors Elijah Jones and Alano Miller, the production runs through October.

For cinema lovers, Digital Gym Cinema curates a selection of short films from the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing a variety of genres including fiction, documentary, and animation. The curated shorts program offers an intimate glimpse into innovative storytelling and diverse perspectives, screening on Sunday afternoon.

Outside traditional gallery and theater spaces, The Book Place in La Mesa marks its first anniversary under new ownership with a celebration offering giveaways and discounts, supporting local literary culture.

Crossing international lines, Tijuana’s Ballet del Noroeste de Mexico collaborates with Escuela de Danza Gloria Campobello to present “Suite Lago de los Cisnes,” a performance of Tchaikovsky’s iconic “Swan Lake.” Staged at Centro Cultural Tijuana, the ballet brings classical dance to regional audiences, embodying themes of magic and bravery.

Together, these events illustrate the dynamic and multifaceted nature of San Diego’s arts scene, emphasizing innovation, cultural heritage, and community engagement across mediums and borders.