Sunnier skies are on the horizon this weekend, and so are a whole new batch of FREE events and activities to take advantage of. From free yoga workshops, to a free Italian movie, to a free festival on San Diego Bay – we’ve got you covered if you’re serious about being smart with your cash and time this weekend.

Friday, January 22

Tea Tasting at Halycon Tea
Nothing is more soothing on a rainy day than a warm cup of fragrant tea. Lucky for us, during 4 o’clock Fridays, Halycon Tea in South Park hosts a FREE tasting of a selected flavor. Plus, play with different water temperatures and infusion times to get a variety of results. Past 4 o’clock Fridays featured Lychee Black Tea (shoot, where was I???) and North Moroccan Mint.

San Diego Italian Film Festival Screening
In addition to its regular annual film festival in October, the San Diego Italian Film Festival also offers FREE monthly film screenings showcasing recently released Italian movies or Italian cinema classics. This Friday, catch La Seconda Notte di Nozze (The Second Wedding Night), Pupi Avati’s comedy set in Bologna after WWII. While films are free to watch, a $5 donation is encouraged.

Ugandan Orphans Choir
This group of children were once the neediest children in Uganda, living in hunger and poverty. Now, they are the fortunate few that have been rescued and given the opportunity to educate and enlighten with their music. Sure to make any heart sing, this FREE concert is being held at the World Beat Center 7-9pm.

Saturday, January 23

Big Bay Whale Days Festival
Celebrate the migration of thousands of California Gray Whales that starts at the Bering Sea, past the San Diego Coast to the warm protected waters off Baja California. During the Big Bay Whale Days Festival, enjoy FREE whale-watching cruises for children on Harbor Excursions and Hornblower San Diego (with purchase of adult ticket), FREE children admission aboard the USS Midway, as well as exhibit booths, music, face painting and a giant inflated gray whale to walk through.

Vegan Cooking Show
Always wonder why your vegetarian and vegan friends have a healthy glow about them? Part of it involves a colorful and varied diet (despite what meat eaters believe). See how you can incorporate some meatless items in your daily intake, during Vegan San Diego’s FREE vegan cooking demonstration around the county. The cooking shows are also followed by a buffet tasting of vegan recipes and a raffle. Previous recipes featured on the shows include tofu pasta, oatmeal raisin cookies, and stuffed pitas. Cooking show starts at 12pm at Scripps Miramar Ranch Library. RSVP required at info@vegansandiego.com

FREE Yoga Day USA
Find upward bliss with the downward dog. For FREE Yoga Day USA, you’ll find several free yoga workshops throughout the county. Ditch the chaotic schedule and grab your yoga mat for one of these uplifting classes.

One Love Yoga San Diego – Family Yoga
11:30am-12:30pm

Coronado Beach Yoga (South End of Ocean Blvd, at the beginning of Beach Village at the Hotel del Coronado)
10-11:15am

SpaceBar La Mesa – Classical Hatha Yoga
10-11:30am

La Jolla Yoga Center – True Beginner Class
9-10am

Yoga & Meditation Center – Health Awareness & Meditation
12:30-2pm

Yoga Oceanside – Introduction to Yoga
12-2pm

La Jolla Bridge Club – Yoga for Kids Ages 7-12
2-3pm

Yoga Vista Studio – Understanding Yoga and Your Dosha (Mind/Body type)
1:30-2:30pm

The Fountain at White Oak Court – Outdoor Gentle Yoga at the Fountain
10-11am

Sunday, January 24

Charity Workouts
Every Sunday at 9:30am, Charity Workouts meets in Balboa Park for a donation-based and rigorous boot camp workout. All donations are voluntary, but a minimum of $5 is your best bet. All proceeds go to a local charity that supports outdoor experiences for underprivileged youth. Keeping fit while supporting a worthwhile cause? Breaking a sweat never sounded so good.

Beatles Mania Revisited
Beatles fans can reminisce about their favorite boy band at the Edgeware Gallery’s newest exhibition, Artifacts and the Beatles. Check out memorabilia, rare audio recordings, and original Beatles’ artifacts. The Edgeware Gallery is located on Adams Avenue in Kensington.

Cheer on Carlsbad Marathoners
Watch and be inspired by more than 10,000 runners and walkers and the ocean views at the Tri-City Medical Center Carlsbad Marathon. The course will take participants through the charming Carlsbad Village, sandy beaches and picturesque lagoons. Check out the Spectator Guide for the best hot spots for cheering on your friends and family. This also includes the full entertainment lineup along the course, in case you’d like to station yourself close to the music.

One of this year’s official designated heroes of the Carlsbad Marathon is the vivacious son of a co-worker. Twelve-year-old Terry Leach has juvenile Huntington’s disease, which leaves him without the ability to talk or walk. Despite this, Terry is unrelentless when enjoying life and doing his best at school. In recognition for his inspiring perseverance against HD, Terry will be honored at a pre-race reception on Friday, January 22. Click here to read Terry’s inspiring story and donate what you’d like to support his cause.

Poetry Workshop
Wax poetic over whatever you’d like after taking the poetry writing class led by poet Michael McLaughlin at Cole Library on Carlsbad Village Drive. Registration required; starts at 10am.

Citizen Video Matinee
Catch Peter Sellers in one of his most brilliant roles, during Citizen Video’s FREE screening of Being There at Whistle Stop Bar in South Park. Pull up a chair, order a cold one and watch this adaptation of Jerzy Kosinski’s novel. Screening starts at 4pm.

Holiday celebrations are in full swing throughout the county and if you haven’t already caught the seasonal spirit, now’s the weekend to do it. From San Diego’s largest FREE event extravaganza to free holiday concerts, the following few days are bursting with FREE or ALMOST FREE things to do! Beyond these traditional holiday diversions, we’ve included other ways to take advantage of the weekend without having to always run into that jolly guy in the red suit.

Friday, December 4

Balboa Park December Nights
The sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air at Balboa Park December Nights, a two-day holiday extravaganza of food, entertainment and fun on December 4 and 5. Festivities include FREE admission to most museums and cultural attractions, carolers, bands, sparkling light displays, photo opportunities with the Grinch at The Old Globe, theater and dance performances, a  traditional Native American village and delicious foods from around the world. 5-10pm

Friday Night Liberty
Start off the weekend with FREE admission and activities, demonstrations and performances at the studios and galleries at NTC Promenade & Cultural District. This week, Friday Night Liberty invites you to try your hand at different musical instruments at the Recreational Music Center, watch Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theatre’s Trolley Dances on film, and nibble on chocolate tastings from Chi Chocolat. Also this Friday, visit the Expressive Arts Institute for their 6th Annual Art Show.

La Jolla Yoga Center
To celebrate being selected as Lululemon’s Studio of the Month, La Jolla Yoga Center is offering a special FREE Vinyasa yoga class at 5-6:30pm, followed by a live DJ and appetizers after class. LJYC instructors will then start teaching a FREE yoga class at Lululemon La Jolla on Saturdays at 8:30am.

Dime Stories
Every month, San Diego Writers presents Dime Stories, the county’s only Open Mic Prose Reading, with thought-provoking fiction that are no more than three minutes long. $5

Coronado Christmas Open House & Parade
Play in snow with the downtown San Diego skyline as your backdrop at Ferry Landing Marketplace’s Snow Mountain and watch Santa arrive by ferry to kick-off this FREE holiday celebration on Coronado. Stroll down Orange Avenue afterwards and receive holiday treats from various shops A tree lighting ceremony and free community holiday concert in Rotary Park follow the festive parade.

Holiday Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland
The California Center for the Arts in Escondido hosts an evening of FREE family-friendly yuletide festivities with dancing lights, seasonal music, the lighting of the Center’s tree, Victorian carolers, entertainment, free cookies, a visit from Santa and a snow play area.

Saturday, December 5

Vegan Cooking Show
Calling all eco-conscious and compassionate consumers! (That’s you, right?) Feast your eyes on live cooking demonstrations that will show you how to improve your health and the environment at the same time. Vegan San Diego offers FREE monthly vegan cooking shows around the county where you’ll learn how to cook without meat and prepare delicious vegan dishes. Cooking shows include food sampling and raffle prizes, RSVP to info@vegansandiego.com.

Starlight Parade
There’s plenty o’holiday cheer at the largest nighttime parade in South County, now in its 47th year in Chula Vista. The FREE Starlight Parade, with over 5000 participants, includes school marching bands, classic cars, carolers, colorful floats, a visit from Santa, and a children’s event. Parade runs along Third Avenue, through downtown Chula Vista between H and E streets.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Stay warm and drive to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to marvel at wildlife and a kaleidoscope of colorful flowers. Anza-Borrego is located just two hours from San Diego via Highway 78 and Interstate 8.

December Nights
The sights, sounds and smells of the holiday season fill the air at Balboa Park December Nights, a two-day holiday extravaganza of food, entertainment and fun on December 4 and 5. Festivities include FREE admission to most museums and cultural attractions, carolers, bands, sparkling light displays, photo opportunities with the Grinch at The Old Globe, theater and dance performances, a recreation of a traditional Native American village and delicious foods from around the world. 12-10pm

Vista Village Fest & Christmas Parade
Get into the holiday spirit with a FREE fun-filled day of international foods, original art, designer crafts, live music , Kid’s Land, and a grand parade. At 1:30pm, a World War II airplane with fly over the crowd for an unforgettable yuletide tribute. The Village Fest runs along Main Street and Indiana Avenue, 10am – 4pm.

USO Holiday Concert
Listen to the sounds of the holidays by the Marine Band San Diego at the FREE USO Holiday Concert at the historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego . The USO hosts this annual event as a token of gratitude to those who have volunteered or donated to the USO throughout the year. Concert starts at 2pm.

Ocean Beach Holiday Parade
For a more laid back day at the beach, keep your Santa hat on and head to Ocean Beach for its 30th annual parade that travels along Newport Avenue at 5:05pm (OB Time). Beforehand, bring the family over to the Kids Fun Zone in the OB Pier parking lot, open 7am-3pm.

North Park Toyland Parade and Band Competition
Check out one of the coolest parades in the county with marching bands, beauty queens, dancing troupes, dog clubs, classic cars, historic police cars, and fire trucks. The parade starts at 11am along University Avenue between Idaho and Iowa Streets.

South Park Holiday Walkabout
This quarterly walkabout takes on a seasonal twist this Saturday with lights and holiday specials throughout South Park, a charming neighborhood with fine Craftsman architecture, wide sidewalks, coffeeshops, taverns and a funky atmosphere. You’ll also enjoy live musical entertainment, extended shop hours (many that offer FREE refreshments) and specials, plus a FREE trolley from 6-10pm to get you around the area (though we believe it’s much more fun to explore on foot).

Sunday, December 6

Chili Cook-off and Pottery Sale
Pottery and chili make a zesty pair this Sunday at the San Diego Ceramic Connection’s Annual Chili Cook-off and Pottery Sale. Buy a bowl handmade by one of the SDCC artists (large bowls $10, small bowls $7), fill it up with all-you-can-taste chili, taste and vote for your favorite, then take your bowl home! You’ll also get to taste and vote on the best cornbread (that’s where I’ll be), cookies/brownies and cake or pie. Fifty percent of all the chili bowl sales are donated to the McKinley Elementary School Art Fund.

Charity Workouts
Every Sunday at 9:30am, Charity Workouts meets in Balboa Park for a donation-based and rigorous boot camp workout. All donations are voluntary, but a minimum of $5 is your best bet. All proceeds go to a local charity that supports outdoor experiences for underprivileged youth. Keeping fit while supporting a worthwhile cause? Breaking a sweat never sounded so good. Located at 6th and Redwood in Balboa Park.

La Jolla Christmas Parade & Lighting Festival
Delight in celebrating the season close to the sea. This downtown La Jolla holiday event includes vintage automobiles, floats, equestrian units, games with Santa, bouncy jumps, and marching bands. Parade starts at 2pm and travels from Girard Ave to Draper Ave.

CorePower Yoga
Escape the holiday hustle and bustle with FREE 75-minute yoga classes offered by CorePower Yoga in Point Loma and Hillcrest. These rejuvenating classes are geared for beginners, but are open to all levels. The complimentary class at the Point Loma studio is offered every Sunday 12-1:15pm, while Hillcrest hosts its free class on Sundays at 1:30-2:45pm.

Hanukkah Happening
Join the Jewish community in celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights that lasts for eight days. San Diego’s largest Hanukkah celebration is the 26th Annual Hanukkah Happening at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center. The festival includes kosher foods, crafts, carnival games, raffle prizes, auction, and youth activities. 11am – 2pm.

Temecula’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate with Temecula residents as they get to see their new Town Square for the first time at the official ribbon cutting ceremony in Old Town Temecula. Plus, listen to live music from The Answer and enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and seasonal sweets. Celebration runs 2-6pm.

Hosting relatives this Thanksgiving weekend? No need to run your budget to the ground while they’re in town. Maximize the FREE or ALMOST FREE things to do in San Diego and your relatives will ‘give thanks’ to having such a cent-savvy member in the clan.

Fables, Friends & Fruitcake – A Holiday Frolic in Old Town San Diego
Join the characters of 19th-century San Diego for an immersive tour and comedy performance as you stroll about Old Town San Diego and meet some of the characters who actually lived there. Experience the holidays of 150 years ago in San Diego’s historical center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 13-17. Tickets sold on first-come, first-served basis at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Information Center in the Old Town Plaza. Reservations can also be made via the Internet at Brown Paper Tickets.

Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village
Show the in-laws how Santa lives it up in Diego! Santa trades in his red suit for board shorts on Saturday, November 28, and sails into Seaport Village aboard the Californian, a real pirate ship from the Maritime Museum. Join the lively welcome parade as he cruises into San Diego Bay and stay for the variety of holiday festivities through the rest of the afternoon.  The day includes rockin’ holiday music and live entertainment, pictures with Santa on a surfboard, ornament making, bayside dining and the stunning views of the bay under the sun. Don’t be surprised if your relatives beg to extend their stay.

Mission Hills Meander
Explore one of San Diego’s stateliest neighborhoods during the FREE Mission Hills Meander on Friday, November 27.  Join Walkabout International  for great views, picturesque homes and gardens during a moderately paged one-hour walk. Meet at 4:30pm at Espresso Mio at 1920 Fort Stockton Drive. Contact: Pat P.  (619) 291-6162

Thursdays on the Coast – on Friday!
The Special Black Friday Edition of this FREE monthly visual and performing art walk features local and regional artists and their works, live art demonstrations, music and theatre performances, and tasty treats in the charming Carlsbad Village. Starts at 5:30pm on Friday, November 27.

Julian Christmas Tree Lighting
Capture the spirit of oldtime Christmas with a roadtrip to the historic mining town of Julian for their Annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration on Saturday, November 28. Take in the scents of apple pies and cider while listening to costumed strolling carolers. Plus, wave to Santa as he arrives on a fire engine before the tree is lit. Program starts at 4pm.  

 Balboa Park
In Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in the country, lead the relatives to the ALWAYS FREE Timken Museum of Art, Botanical Building and Spanish Art Village.  Afterwards, explore the park’s FREE gardens and revel in the Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture along the Prado where you’ll always find street performers and plenty of photo opps.

Cabrillo National Monument
A drive up to the Cabrillo National Monument is awarded with panoramic views of the city, ocean and mountains. Perched high atop the cliffs of Point Loma, the monument commemorates Cabrillo’s historic landing. Guests can head over to the exhibit hall and visitors center to learn more about the Portuguese explorer and watch a film that delves into his past. Entrance is $5 per car.

Vizit San Diego Tours
Save yourself the stress of playing chauffeur and tour guide all at the same time. Bring your guests aboard the double-decker Vizit San Diego Tours for hop-on, hop-off guided tours of San Diego. Stops include Balboa Park, Little Italy, Embarcadero, Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town San Diego,  and even La Jolla and Mission Beach. Tickets for these tours are the sweetest deals in San Diego – only $15 for adults and good for two days.

Downtown Rooftop Hop
Take advantage of free metered parking in downtown (all-day Sunday) and wow your guests with the locals’ favorite spots for cityscape views – downtown’s rooftop bars!

• Impress them from the offset with a visit to the San Diego original atop the West Coast’s tallest waterfront building, the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Top of the Hyatt on the 40th level boasts sweeping views of Coronado, San Diego Bay, Point Loma and downtown.
• Afterwards, head to Altitude,  located 22 stories up at the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter and offers breathtaking views right into PETCO Park and the Coronado Bay Bridge.
• Float is a revolutionary rooftop bar and lounge atop the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego that serves as a stylish hangout with a poolside bar and fire pit seating.
• On the 4th floor of the Se San Diego Hotel, SIREN offers a sophisticated setting for drinks and lounging.  Guests enjoy open-air luxury alongside an infinity-edged pool.
• The luxury Ivy Hotel, adjacent to San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, boasts Ivy Rooftop, a sultry rooftop lounge with a swimming pool, swinging chairs and beds for reclining. 
• On the fourth floor of Kimpton’s Hotel Solamar in downtown San Diego, you’ll find LOUNGEsix, a rooftop oasis with a sparkling pool and roaring firepits. 

‘Tis the season! Start off the holidays with a cheerful note and a fatter wallet. Here are 10 FREE things to do this weekend in San Diego County (or ALMOST FREE) that will leave you with more to spend on this years’ holiday gifts.

THURSDAY, November 19
The Ivy Hotel’s Ultra Lounge and Wine Bar is hosting a FREE tapas and wine pairing event tonight. The Versatile and Tasty Tapas Pairing will feature award-winning Hall Wines and Ivy Hote’s Ultra Lounge bites. The event is lead by Wine Smarties from 7-9pm. RSVP directly to Lindsay@winesmarties.com

On the third Thursday of every month, head to Cedros Avenue Design District in Solana Beach and enjoy new exhibits, live music and artist receptions as you saunter down the area’s streets, alleys and buildings. Art galleries aren’t the only residents of this vibrant neighborhood, vendors of handcrafted furniture, antiques, clothes, jewelry and accessories occupy imaginatively converted warehouses across from the Solana Beach Coaster Station.  3rd Thursdays on Cedros runs 5:30-8:30pm.

FRIDAY November 20
Dance to the beat of your own drum during Musical Fun Fridays at the Recreational Music Center at Point Loma’s Liberty Station. Play Rock Band on the Xbox Elite or try your hand at electric guitar, drum kits, keyboards, or steel drums. Every Friday evening 6:30-8:30pm. 2590 Truxtun Road, Suite 103.

Revel in the holiday spirit and enjoy the lighting of a 20-foot Christmas tree at the Holiday Lighting Celebration in Santee. This event includes live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa and an ice-skating rink (only $3 per session). Event 5:30-8:30pm at Santee Trolley Square. 619-258-4100

SATURDAY, November 21
Enjoy colorful costumes and traditional dances with the FREE folklorico dancing performances in the outdoor courtyard at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Saturday performances run 12-3pm.

In honor of Thanksgiving month, head to Mission Trails Regional Park and join a trail guide naturalist for an interpretive Journey Into Nature and learn about the food of the Native Americans and the pioneers, plus what it took to feed their families.  Walk is 9:30-11:00am and meets at the Visitor & Interpretive Center.

Head to North Park for Sight and Sound, a monthly arts extravaganza featuring music performances, video storytellers and spoken word. Held at Architecture at 3956 30th Street from 7pm-midnight. Only a $5 donation; all proceeds go to the Green Scene Gallery.

Chicali Riva! Art Events at Mundo Gallery in University Heights features Mexicali artists and their paintings and graphics. Plus, performers will debut songs, poetry and dance. From 7-10pm.

Photo credit: PD Photo.org

SUNDAY, November 22

For many the official start of the holidays in San Diego is the spectacular display of floats, marching bands, giant helium balloons, performing artists and Santa Claus at the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. A tradition started in 1947 as a gift to the county’s children, this annual parade is the largest single-day event in San Diego and one of the largest of its kind in the country. Parade starts at 10am at Magnolia Avenue & Main Street.

Explore the tide pools in Point Loma when the tide is low to see some of the magnificent creatures of the sea.  Point Loma tide pools are located just south of the tip of Cabrillo Point.