Downtown Community Events

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Revitalizing Downtown San Diego

UC San Diego is taking a historic and dramatic step by establishing a multifaceted center amid a thriving East Village neighborhood. Leading up to the opening, UC San Diego will present a series of events to give the public a preview of the energy that will radiate from the new downtown center. UC San Diego has committed to extending beyond campus to engage San Diego’s diverse communities because UC San Diego is committed to supporting all of the region’s visionary efforts.
The innovative center located at Park & Market downtown, scheduled to open in 2021, will feature arts, music, academic programming, conferences, workshops and more. The building shares a corner with the San Diego Trolley stop and will serve as a gallery and performance space, provide resources for local entrepreneurs, and offer academic outreach for middle and high school students. UC San Diego hopes the space will evolve into an essential element of the Downtown San Diego culture.

Now Available for Registration:

FONT West 2020 - Brass Band Blast-Off w/ Curtis Taylor & Ivan Trujillo

Now in its second year, the week-long Festival of New Trumpet Music (FONT) West returns! This year, FONT West opens with the "Brass Band Blast-Off" on Feb 2., which includes Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor with his quartet and a San Diego debut by the Ensenada-based La Covacha Big Band, led by trumpeter Ivan Trujillo. The week-long festival involves the collaboration of leading San Diego arts organizations, including the Digital Gym Cinema, The Casbah, UC San Diego Department of Music, Panama 66, The Loft, The Whistle Stop, and Quartyard.

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Upcoming Events:

Miguel Zenón Quartet - March 1

Brilliant Puerto Rican-born alto saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón returns to San Diego with his longtime quartet featuring Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo, Austrian bassist Hans Glawischnig, and Puerto Rican drummer Henry Cole, playing the music from his latest album, Sonero: The Music of Ismael Rivera.

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Past Events:

A Talk with Anthony on 'The Central Park Five' - December 7

Opera composer Anthony Davis was joined by UC San Diego Music professor emeritus Cecil Lytle, together they explored the genesis of The Central Park, Davis' latest opera, and the artist’s duty to reflect on important social and political issues of the day.

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Public Space and Dog Parks - November 3

Join us for a lively discussion about design strategies for urban settings with a special focus on the dog park/dog run as a particularly effective “mixer” for both human and canine interaction.

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El Tren Fantasma with Bostich + Fussible - September 14

A music-filled evening featuring Bostich + Fussible of Nortec Collective and musical sets by Son Jarocho group Radio Guacamaya and by Tijuana rising star DJ Grenda.

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Marvel in the Moonlight - July 12

The family fun-filled evening began with games, costume contests and super hero treats. It was a perfect San Diego summer night as the super hero filled audience watched the recently released Marvel feature film, Captain Marvel.

Photos coming soon
Indian Jazz Journey - June 22

The sounds of George Brooks, Mahesh Kale, Stanley Jordan and Subhankar Banerjee, radiated throughout East Village.

Photos coming soon