Events

San Diego Asian Film Festival

Nov. 2-11. The 24th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival spotlights feature films, shorts and animation from Asian artists worldwide. Taking place at various locations across San Diego County, the event will showcase 160 films from 30 different countries and in 30 languages—organized by fun program categories such as “Asia Pop!,” “Classics Restored,” “Masters,” “Unknown Pleasures,” Asian American Panorama,” and “Special Presentations.” See website for full lineup of films, special events, venues and tickets. An All-Fest Pass can be purchased for $215 for Pacific Arts Movement members; $325 for nonmembers. sdaff.org

San Diego Beer Week

Nov. 3-12. Paying homage to San Diego’s brimming beer scene, the 15th annual San Diego Beer Week returns for a 10-day, countywide festival—presented by the San Diego Brewers Guild. And this year, “The Guild Hits the Streets,” visiting local taprooms to mingle and share a pint with fellow beer lovers. The schedule includes Eppig Brewing in Vista on Friday, Nov. 3 (4-8 p.m.); Pure Project in North Park on Saturday, Nov. 4 (noon-4 p.m.); and AlesTales Taproom in East Village on Monday, Nov. 6 (5-8 p.m.). See website for full schedule and participating venues. sdbeer.com

Calienté Festival at Ruocco Park

Nov. 4. Ready to imbibe and play by the bay? Celebrate Día de los Muertos and the best of Latin music, food and spirits along San Diego Bay on Saturday. Guests can enjoy endless samples of spirits—including tequila, vodka and gin—plus mixed cocktails and wine. Feast on tacos, tamales, ceviche and more; along with live music spanning mariachi, salsa, merengue, bachata and banda. Wearing your dancing shoes; rain or shine; no refunds. See website for more details. 1-6 p.m. $30-$40 (21+). Ruocco Park (by Seaport Villages), 585 Harbor Lane, downtown. calientemusicfest.com

Food + Drink

The Blank Table Dinner Pop-Up

Nov. 3. Secret dinner series The Blank Table, in partnership with Be Saha Hospitality Group, presents its final dinner pop-up of the year—celebrating Día de los Muertos. The evening includes a five-course dinner and traditional mezcal cocktails, with dishes crafted by three renowned chefs: Claudia Sandoval, Janina Garay and Adrian Villareal. Guests are invited to bring a photograph of departed loved ones, to be placed on the ofrenda (a traditional Mexican altar). In keeping with Blank Table tradition, the dinner location remains a secret to reserved guests until the evening prior. 6-9 p.m. $225 per person. More Info

Osteria Cotto e Mangiato

Now Open. Cortez Hill welcomes a new Italian eatery by restaurateur Andrea Provino: Osteria Cotto e Mangiato. The quaint outpost—featuring whitewashed brick walls, a wine bar and patio dining—offers antipasti, house-made pastas and mains like chicken parmigiana; plus classic desserts such as tiramisu and pistachio cheesecake. For dinner, try the lobster ravioli with creamy vodka sauce, or the fettuccine carbonara with guanciale; and return for weekend brunch to feast on the Benedict Fiorentino and Cannoli French Toast. See website for hours. El Cortez, 702 Ash St., Cortez Hill, 619.310.6522. osteriacottoemangiato.com

Arts + Culture

Día de los Muertos at WNDR Museum

Nov. 2. Make your Thursday an artsy evening at WNDR Museum—an immersive, multidimensional experience, boasting multisensory installations and exhibits by acclaimed designers, technologists and artists. In celebration of Día de los Muertos, the museum presents a special after-hours experience for the whole family. Entertainment includes performances by local dance company Grupo Folklorico Herencia Mexicana, paper marigold crafting, face painting for the kiddos, and cocktails for the adults. 6-10 p.m. $38 adults; $32 kids ages 3-12. 422 Market St., downtown. More Info

Art San Diego

Nov. 3-5. The acclaimed art and design fair returns for its 15th annual installment at the San Diego Convention Center. Presented by Redwood Art Group, the event serves as “an art experience” and a marketplace/meeting hub for artists, galleries, dealers and art industry professionals; as well as art lovers and collectors, of course. Peruse works by local, national and international artists—spanning acrylic and oil paintings, digital works, drawings, sculptures, glass, mixed media and photography. Featured programs include Art Labs, Spotlight Program, Discoveries Collection and the San Diego Art Prize. 111 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

New Woven Craft Exhibit at Mingei

Opens Nov. 4. A new exhibit opens at Mingei International Museum: Over/Under: Woven Craft at Mingei. Showcasing woven pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, the exhibition explores the cultural significance and different techniques used to created woven works. From giant fish traps from the Philippines to Egyptian woven textiles to a Japanese silkworm basket and more, the collection comprises 75 works—including textiles, basketry, garments, hats, toys and jewelry. Over/Under is on view through March 10, 2024. See website for hours and admission info. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.331.3571. mingei.org

S.D. Symphony’s Jacobs Season Opener

Nov. 4. Maestro Rafael Payare leads the San Diego Symphony in celebrating its 2023-24 Jacobs Masterworks series with “Season Opening Under the Stars” at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The evening features Texu Kim’s Zzan!!; two Abreu Danzas from composer David Chesky; the West Coast premiere of Billy Childs’ Saxophone Concerto, featuring soloist Steven Banks; the world premiere of Juan Colomer’s A Casual Walk to Extinction; and Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra, popularized in the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

Babbitt at La Jolla Playhouse

Upcoming | Nov. 7-Dec. 10. Actor Matthew Broderick stars in the title role of this world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse. Written by Joe DiPietro, directed by Christopher Ashley and featuring a talented cast, Babbitt centers on a middle-aged real estate broker living in the Midwest, who begins to question his life. The play is based on the 1923 satirical novel Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis—a critique of middle-class life and the social pressure toward conformity that examined American culture and society. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.