San Diego Weekend: TwitchCon, Book Fair Pop-Ups and Protests
San Diego is buzzing this weekend with a major global convention, community pop-ups, civic demonstrations and family-friendly festivals. Whether you’re heading downtown for TwitchCon, book-browsing in North Park, or planning your ballot, here’s what to know, how to get around, and what’s next for our region.
Downtown spotlight: TwitchCon 2025 takes over the Convention Center
Thousands of creators and fans are in town for TwitchCon at the San Diego Convention Center. Expect long lines for panels, meetups, and hands-on areas like Artist Alley and tech activations. This is the convention’s 10th year, and momentum is strong—arrive early, bring water, and plan your schedule around must-see sessions to avoid the biggest queues.
Getting there: The San Diego Trolley stops at Convention Center Station. Downtown parking fills fast and gets pricey on event weekends; if you must drive, pre-book a garage and budget extra time. Rideshare pickup zones shift as crowds grow—follow on-site signage and app notifications.
Community and culture: North Park Book Fair pivots to pop-up
After last-minute street-closure changes, the North Park Book Fair shifted to a pop-up format centered around local businesses, including Bivouac Ciderworks’ Bivouac Adventure Lodge. Expect a cozier layout, rotating readings, small-press tables, and zines—still very much the neighborhood lit vibe, just distributed across a few hubs. Check organizer updates for the latest map and vendor list before you go.
Tip: Street parking in North Park is tight—consider transit, rideshare, or a bike. If you shop books then sip cider, pack a reusable tote and pace your day so you can catch author moments without overlapping with meal crowds.
Civics watch: ‘No Kings’ marches and a mail-in ballot deadline
San Diego is one of many cities expecting large “No Kings” demonstrations this weekend. Organizers anticipate big turnouts downtown; anticipate rolling street closures, periodic transit delays, and heavier pedestrian traffic in the core and adjacent neighborhoods. If you’re not attending, consider shifting errands earlier in the day or rerouting around major gathering points.
Voters also face a key deadline: Monday is the last day to register if you want a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 4 special election. Verify your status and address with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, and set a reminder to complete the quick online form if you’ve moved recently.
Public safety & environment: What’s trending locally
A California lawsuit alleges some plastic bag makers labeled products as recyclable when many facilities can’t process them. For San Diegans, the immediate takeaway is practical: keep bringing your reusable bags, and don’t toss thick checkout bags into the blue bin unless your hauler explicitly accepts them.
Wildfire season isn’t over. East County residents saw recent activity near Ramona, and air quality can change quickly during gusty conditions. Make a “go bag” checklist, enable alerts on your favorite fire-tracking tools, and know at least two exit routes from your neighborhood.
Preparedness note: Nearly a million San Diegans joined the Great California ShakeOut. If you missed it, pick 10 minutes this weekend to review your quake plan: secure tall furniture, refresh water supplies, and practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Pet-friendly Halloween fun
If you’re in a spooky mood, two canine-forward events add some heart: a Howl-o-ween adoption fair and the HOWL-oween Mutt March. Expect costumes, photo ops, and a chance to support local rescues. Bring leashes, waste bags, and a collapsible bowl—hydration matters even in fall.
Weekend highlights at a glance
| Event | Where | When | Cost | Pro tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TwitchCon 2025 | SD Convention Center, Downtown | Fri–Sun | Ticketed | Use the Trolley; plan for bag checks and security lines. |
| North Park Book Fair Pop-Ups | North Park hubs incl. Bivouac | Sat | Free; vendors vary | Bring a tote; check organizer map for pop-up locations. |
| ‘No Kings’ Rallies | Downtown San Diego | Sat | Free | Expect rolling closures; use transit and build buffer time. |
| Native American Heritage Festival | San Diego area (see event listing) | Sat | Varies | Arrive early for music and food lines. |
| Howl-o-ween Adoption & Mutt March | Multiple locations | Sat | Free; donations welcome | Pets in costumes should have ID tags and comfy gear. |
Transit and traffic tips
Downtown: Consider the Trolley for the Convention Center and Gaslamp. If you need to drive, pre-reserve parking and check for event-rate pricing. For large demonstrations, expect intermittent closures—use alternate east–west streets north of Market or south of Harbor Drive as needed.
North Park: University Ave. and 30th St. get congested; try side-street parking east of 30th or south toward Switzer Canyon, and walk in. Cyclists should bring locks; bike corrals fill up fast on weekends.
What to watch next
Convention Center activity continues through Sunday, so plan extra time around Harbor Drive. Pop-up models like the North Park Book Fair may stick around—organizers and businesses are likely to share lessons and future dates. Demonstration organizers and city officials will post route updates in real time; check verified accounts before heading out. Finally, don’t miss the Monday voter registration deadline for a mailed ballot; if you miss it, you can still vote in person with conditional registration, but it takes longer.
FAQs
- Is TwitchCon open to the public?
Yes, with a purchased pass. On-site sales are limited; buy online first if possible. - Will major freeways close for weekend events?
No I-5 closure is planned in North County; downtown may see brief surface-street closures for marches. - How do I find the North Park Book Fair pop-up locations?
Check the fair’s latest map and host venues’ social feeds for the most current schedule. - What’s the deadline to get a mail-in ballot?
Register by Monday to receive a ballot by mail for the Nov. 4 special election. - Can I recycle thicker checkout bags?
Usually no—many local facilities can’t process them. Reuse them or place in trash unless your hauler says otherwise.
Plan your routes, pack a tote and water, and build a 20–30 minute buffer into weekend outings—San Diego’s best fall events run smoother when you do.
