Talks & classesIndoorsRain-safe

Sumi-e (ink Painting)

Name: Sumi-e (ink Painting)
Start: 2026-11-12T10:00:00
Location: Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum

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

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.

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$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

Holiday$70 – $80Date night

Akari Dreams

Wed, Dec 9 · 6pm

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum · Balboa Park

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

3 tips for going

Also in Balboa Park, Thursday, November 12

TheaterGood for kids

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas

5pm

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

Balboa Park Tours: 5 Flavors Tour in Trees for Health Garden

10am

Balboa Park

This guided tour explores a medicinal garden in Balboa Park, focusing on the five flavors of Chinese medicine. It is suited for those interested in botany and wellness.

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

Arts

Circle of Light

6:30pm

Fleet Science Center · Balboa Park

This immersive dome experience features poetry and music centered on the work of Rumi. It offers a cultural and contemplative experience for visitors.

3 tips for going