Photo: Balboa Park

Holiday & seasonalOutdoorsDate night

Akari Dreams

Name: Akari Dreams
Start: 2026-12-09T18:00:00
Location: Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum

An evening of illuminated garden views, harp music, and seasonal refreshments at a Japanese-style cultural site.

Tips for going

Where do I park for Balboa Park without paying?Mostly you can't right now — Balboa Park went to paid parking on January 5, 2026. City of San Diego residents can register for free parking in Level 2 and Level 3 lots; everyone else pays. Paid parking is scheduled to end entirely on January 1, 2027.Which Balboa Park museums are free on Tuesdays?They rotate by week of the month — and it's free for San Diego city and county residents and active military only, with photo ID showing your address. Visitors from out of town pay full price.Do you have to pay to get into Balboa Park?No. The park itself is free and open to everyone — the gardens, the grounds, the architecture along El Prado. The museums inside it charge separately, and the Zoo is a different institution entirely.

It's outdoors. Check the marine layer forecast before you go; coastal mornings are often gray until late morning.

More at Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum

All dates →

Arts$10 – $15

Chanoyu Tea Ceremony Demonstrations

Tomorrow · 11am

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum · Balboa Park

A traditional tea ceremony demonstration involving the preparation and serving of matcha and Japanese sweets. Guests can observe this cultural practice in a museum setting.

3 tips for going

Talks$30 – $45

Sumi-e (ink Painting)

Thursday · 10am

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum · Balboa Park

An introductory art class focused on traditional Japanese ink painting techniques. Participants will learn how to use brushes and ink to capture nature.

3 tips for going

Talks$55 – $75

Koto Lessons

Sun, Nov 15 · 10am

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum · Balboa Park

Lessons in playing the koto, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. This program is for anyone interested in learning a new musical skill.

3 tips for going

MarketsGood for kids

Tezukuri-Ichi Holiday Market

Sat, Nov 21 · 10am

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum · Balboa Park

Browse a variety of locally crafted goods and art from area makers at this seasonal outdoor market.

3 tips for going

Talks

Kintsugi Workshop

Sat, Nov 21 · 1:30pm

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum · Balboa Park

Learn the traditional Japanese craft of repairing ceramics with gold in this hands-on workshop for beginners.

3 tips for going

Talks$20 – $35

Kokeshi Doll Painting

Sun, Nov 22 · 2pm

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum · Balboa Park

Participants can learn about traditional doll craftsmanship and paint their own figures in this creative workshop. It is open to all skill levels.

3 tips for going

Also in Balboa Park, Wednesday, December 9

TheaterGood for kids

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas

7pm

Old Globe - Donald & Darlene Shiley Stage · Balboa Park

A musical stage adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss holiday story returns to the theater for local families to enjoy.

3 tips for going

Talks$19.95 – $24.95Good for kids

Sky Tonight: Weekend Edition

11am

Fleet Science Center · Balboa Park

This planetarium series offers guided tours of the solar system for stargazers. The family-oriented sessions are held monthly at a science museum.

3 tips for going

CommunityGood for kids

A Space for All of Us

10am

Museum of Us · Balboa Park

These weekly morning hours provide a calm, low-stimulation environment for families. It is specifically designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone.

3 tips for going

MarketsFreeGood for kids

Community Market

11am

WorldBeat Center · Balboa Park

Shop for local goods including crafts, plants, and produce at this monthly community gathering. The market also offers wellness services and food.

3 tips for going

Talks$20

Argentine Tango Class

7:30pm

Centro Cultural de la Raza · Balboa Park

A recurring tango class open to all ages and skill levels. Participants should wear appropriate footwear for pivoting while they learn the dance.

Arts$20–$160

Belly Dance Class with Live Drumming

7pm

WorldBeat Cultural Center · Balboa Park

This class combines belly dance technique with the energy of live music accompaniment. It is perfect for those interested in rhythmic movement and cultural arts.

3 tips for going