San Diego Weekend: TwitchCon, Protests, Books & More
It’s a busy weekend in San Diego, with major events downtown, neighborhood pop-ups, civic actions and seasonal community gatherings. Here’s your concise guide to what’s happening, why it matters, and how to navigate it like a local.
TwitchCon takes over the Convention Center
Thousands are streaming into the San Diego Convention Center for TwitchCon 2025, a three-day celebration of live streaming culture. Expect big-brand activations, freebies from tech companies, and a bustling Artist Alley showcasing fan art and creator merch. The convention marks a return of the global streaming community to San Diego and is celebrating a decade of TwitchCon gatherings.
What locals should know
Anticipate heavier-than-usual foot traffic and rideshare activity throughout the Gaslamp Quarter and Embarcadero. If you’re not attending, consider the trolley to avoid downtown parking stress. If you are, hydrate, schedule your must-see panels early, and leave buffer time for exhibit hall lines.
‘No Kings’ protests expected to draw large crowds
Organizers project a major turnout across the country for this weekend’s “No Kings” demonstrations, with San Diego County residents once again expected to take to the streets. A similar action in June drew large local participation, and another significant crowd is anticipated.
What it means for your weekend
Plan your routes with potential congestion in mind, especially near civic centers and downtown corridors. Businesses near gathering points may see fluctuating foot traffic; some may adjust hours. If you plan to participate, review your safety plan, stick with a group and carry essentials. If you plan to avoid protest zones, use real-time navigation and public transit alerts.
North Park Book Fair pivots to a neighborhood pop-up
After a last-minute street permit cancellation, the North Park Book Fair is back in a reconfigured pop-up format. Local cidery Bivouac Adventure Lodge is among four primary hubs hosting vendors and activities, underscoring the neighborhood’s knack for rallying small businesses and arts organizers on short notice.
Why it matters
Beyond books, the pop-up celebrates San Diego’s indie publishers, writers and zine-makers while channeling fresh foot traffic to North Park storefronts. Expect a lively, walkable experience centered around participating hubs rather than a single large street closure.
Voter reminder: Mail ballot deadline approaches
The San Diego County Registrar of Voters reminds residents that Monday is the deadline to register if you want to receive a ballot by mail for the Nov. 4 special election. If you’ve moved, changed your name, or recently turned 18, now’s the moment to double-check your status.
Quick tip
Register or update your information before the Monday cutoff to keep your options flexible. After that, you can still vote, but receiving a mail ballot may require additional steps.
Environment and consumer watch: Plastic bag lawsuit
California’s Attorney General filed suit alleging manufacturers misled shoppers by labeling thicker carryout plastic bags as recyclable when facilities can’t process them. Under state law, the bags were supposed to be reusable and recyclable; instead, many end up in landfills or waterways.
How to shop smarter
Bring durable, non-plastic reusables whenever possible. If you do take a bag, reuse it multiple times and follow local recycling guidance—avoid placing soft plastics in blue bins unless your program explicitly accepts them.
Preparedness check: Great California ShakeOut
Nearly a million San Diegans registered for this week’s Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill. If you missed it, you can still practice at home: drop, cover, and hold on. Take 10 minutes to secure bookshelves and refresh your go-bag with water, a flashlight, chargers and medication lists.
Community picks: Seasonal and cultural events
Looking for something casual and local? Pet lovers can swing by Halloween-themed adoption and mutt-march events around the county. The First Annual Native American Heritage Festival features live music, food and cultural celebration. These are great family-friendly options away from downtown’s biggest crowds.
| Weekend stop | Where | What to expect | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| TwitchCon | San Diego Convention Center | Panels, meetups, Artist Alley, big-brand booths | Go early for swag; use the trolley to skip parking |
| North Park Book Fair (pop-up) | Multiple hubs incl. Bivouac Adventure Lodge | Indie books, zines, local vendors | Walk hub-to-hub; support nearby small businesses |
| ‘No Kings’ demonstrations | Various civic/downtown areas | Large crowds, potential traffic impacts | Plan alternate routes; check transit alerts |
What to watch next
Data privacy remains a local storyline: a KPBS investigation found El Cajon license plate data used in immigration-related searches, followed by a state lawsuit over data sharing practices. Expect continued scrutiny over how local agencies handle residents’ information. Also watch for follow-ups on the plastic bag case, which could shape retail packaging and labeling statewide.
FAQs
- Where is TwitchCon happening?
At the San Diego Convention Center, with activities spilling into nearby downtown areas. - Will the protests affect traffic?
Likely. Large gatherings can slow or reroute traffic near civic corridors and downtown. - How do I get a mail ballot for the Nov. 4 special election?
Register or update your voter info by Monday to receive a ballot by mail. - Are thicker plastic grocery bags recyclable in San Diego?
State officials allege many facilities can’t process them despite labels; use durable reusables and follow local guidance. - What’s the simplest earthquake safety move I can do today?
Practice drop, cover, and hold on—and secure one heavy item at home.
Bottom line: Map your routes, bring a reusable bag and water bottle, and take five minutes to confirm your voter registration—you’ll be set to enjoy a packed San Diego weekend with fewer surprises.
