👋 Hey, it's Brandon. Welcome to Area 619, your weekly guide to San Diego's best local events and hidden gems—so you never run out of weekend plans.

Good morning, San Diego. It’s been a minute (okay, 60 days) since I’ve popped into your inbox, so forgive me if I’m a little rusty. The good news? The city didn’t slow down one bit—and this weekend is stacked. From vegan eats to nostalgic beats to a literary first, San Diego is making up for lost time in style. I’m genuinely excited to be back and to keep serving you the very best events San Diego has to offer.

In Area 619 today:
🌱 Plant-based plates that even carnivores will crave
🎶 ’80s icons prove big hair never died
📚 A brand-new book fest made for SD readers

Let’s get to it.

(P.S.) This is the last free issue of Area 619. Starting next Thursday, only Insiders will keep getting these weekly roundups. Don’t miss a single weekend → Join Area 619 Insider 🌴

WHATS HAPPENIN’

Thursday, Aug 21

  • Lost ’80s Live @ SDSU 🌀 A retro time warp of one-hit wonders and synth-pop icons (hello, A Flock of Seagulls) proves the ’80s never died – big hair and air guitars optional, nostalgia guaranteed.

  • FilmOut LGBTQ Film Festival 🎬 San Diego’s longest-running queer film fest turns 25 with a Balboa Park takeover – opening night glitters at the Nat, followed by four days of films, Q&As, and after-parties that will make your heart swell with pride.

Friday, Aug 22

  • Padres vs. Dodgers @ Petco Park ⚾️ The Friars get another shot at their SoCal rivals in a weekend showdown – expect Petco to crackle with playoff-level energy as San Diego hunts redemption (and Shohei Ohtani gets an earful from the home crowd).

Saturday, Aug 23

  • Oceanside Vegan Food Festival 🥦 70+ vendors prove plant-based eats can slay – think mushroom tacos, dairy-free donuts, and BBQ jackfruit for days. Even your carnivore buddy will be drooling at this oceanfront foodie fest.

  • KPBS San Diego Book Festival @ USD 📚 Bookworms unite! Our new citywide lit fest debuts with 40+ authors, panels, signings, and a kids’ zone. It’s like Comic-Con for book lovers, minus the capes (cardigans optional).

  • SamaFest (Filipino Cultural Festival) 🕺 Balboa Park goes full Mabuhay with two days of Filipino music, dance, a breakdance battle, and more lumpia and adobo than you can handle. Cultural immersion level: 100% (and it’s free!).

  • Compressed Zine & Music Fair 🎵 Particle FM and Burn All Books bring their ultra-hip zine and vinyl fest to Bread & Salt – expect live DJ beats, quirky art vendors, and panel talks on all things indie publishing. It’s the cool, free counterculture hang you didn’t know you needed.

Sunday, Aug 24

  • Big Time Rush @ NI Amphitheatre 🎸 The Nickelodeon boy band is back and all grown up, ready to make you party like it’s 2010. Cue the sing-alongs and feel-good nostalgia – your inner tween will be dancing in the aisles.

  • LeucadiART Walk 🎨 North County’s biggest art stroll takes over Highway 101 with 100+ artists, live demos, two beer gardens, a kids’ art pavilion, and a groovy hop-on trolley. It’s a Sunday Funday of sun, art, and local vibes – all free to enjoy.

  • Bike the Bay 🚴‍♂️ Ever wanted to bike across the Coronado Bridge? Now’s your chance! This relaxed 25-mile ride loops the bay (with epic views) and is open to all skill levels. Enjoy the sunrise on the bridge, then reward yourself with a well-earned brunch – spandex optional.

And that’s a wrap on our free issues! 🥳 Starting next Thursday, Area 619 becomes exclusive to paid subscribers. If you’ve loved our weekly shenanigans and event picks, now’s the perfect time to hop on board. For just $5/month, Area 619 Insider gives you full access to all the fun, delivered every week without fail. I’d love to keep you around – your support means the world (and funds my coffee habit). Let’s continue the adventure together. See you on the inside! 🎉

WEATHER

Thursday

80 🌡️ 66 | ⛅️ | 0%

Friday

81 🌡️ 67 | ☀️ | 0%

Saturday

82 🌡️ 69 | ☀️ | 0%

Sunday

81 🌡️ 70 | ☀️ | 0%

A review from the Area 619 fam..

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