The best things to do this week in San Diego: Sept. 9-13

Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, Sept. 9 to Friday, Sept. 13.

Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.

And for things to do in the arts this fall, go here: Everything we’re excited about this season in San Diego

Monday

Quint Gallery: ‘Kelsey Brookes: Gradient Paintings’ and ‘Lee Materazzi: ¢a$h&¢arry’ The Quint Gallery space will offer top two concurrent exhibitions this fall. First, longtime local Brookes continues to perfect his psychedelic works and will be showcasing new works that see him experimenting with a new foreground painting technique. Lee Materazzi’s “¢a$h&¢arry” is a traveling exhibition of hundreds of photographic works from San Francisco-based painter, all priced at $50 each. On view through Oct. 12. Quint Gallery, 7722 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 454-3409, quintgallery.com

Art Produce Gallery: Diana Benavidez: The longtime local is revered for her artful take on the piñata, but during her recent residency at the North Park art space, she delved deeper into paper-based experimentation to create one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn garments. These new works will be on display in Art Produce’s Cooler Room space. Runs Saturday through Sept. 21. Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., North Park. Free. By appointment. (619) 500-2787, artproduce.org

Tuesday

Free pet adoption at County animal shelters: San Diego County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees through Sept. 10 at its animal shelters in Bonita and Carlsbad as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters campaign. The campaign, which started 10 years ago, is sponsored by NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 San Diego. When picking a pet online to adopt, Animal Services recommends having a second and third choice in case the first choice is already adopted. Community members who can’t adopt a pet are encouraged to consider fostering a pet. Walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at both the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road, in Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road, in Carlsbad. Visit sddac.com.

Kiersten White: “Lucy Undying”: The bestselling local fantasy and sci-fi writer is back with her first vampire novel in a while. This one is an original take on a minor character from Bram Stoker’s original “Dracula.” 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Mysterious Galaxy, 3555 Rosecrans St., No. 107, Point Loma. Free. (619) 539-7137, mystgalaxy.com

Wednesday

Sasha Abramsky: “Chaos Comes Calling: The Battle Against the Far-Right Takeover of Small-Town America”: The longtime political journalist will be in town to discuss and sign his new nonfiction account of two communities struggling to fight back against far-right extremism. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Free. (858) 454-0347, warwicks.com

Summer Carnival Tour: Pink, Sheryl Crow, The Script, and DJ KidCutUp will perform at the San Diego stop of the Summer Carnival Tour. 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd, San Diego. Ticket start at $48.60. ticketmaster.com/pnk-summer-carnival-2024-san-diego-california-09-11-2024/event/0A005F7D0739464B

Thursday

Taste of Old Town, Tequila Tour: This annual event spotlights Old Town’s diverse culinary scene, featuring a variety of dishes from the area’s restaurants. The self-guided tour includes a map to participating Old Town restaurants that will showcase their signature dishes. Tickets can be upgraded to include a Tequila Tour. 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday with check-in starting at 5:45 p.m. at 4010 Twiggs St. or 4105 Taylor St. Tickets are $15-$55. Visit oldtownsandiego.org/taste.

Mission Bay kayak tour: Ocean Connectors offers a Wildin’ Mission Bay Kayak Eco Tour through Mission Bay starts from Paradise Point Resort and Spa or Mission Bay Resort. Participants can see marine life and birds and learn about local conservation efforts and Ocean Connectors’ mission. 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Drive. Cost is $35-$55. Visit oceanconnectors.org/mission-bay.

Beginner Square Dance classes kick off: The Wranglers Square Dance Club will start a new square dance class. Internationally renowned caller Buddy Weaver will be the instructor. Come solo or as a couple. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive Cost is $10 per lesson. Visit squaredancewithus.com.

Friday

Alley Cat Art Walk: The 13th annual Alley Cat Art Walk will feature fine arts, crafts, live music, vendors, craft booths, food, wine, beer and prizes. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. Downtown El Cajon. Free. downtownelcajon.com/alley-cat-art-walk

Free admission at Water Conservation Garden: The Water Conservation Garden offers free admission on Sept. 13 at 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive W. The garden features 6 acres of themed gardens that demonstrate water conservation, ranging from a native plant garden to a vegetable garden, along with exhibits on how to add mulch and irrigate. Visit thegarden.org.

Author to discuss latest novel at library: Local author Laura McNeal will read and discuss her latest novel, “The Swan’s Nest.”  The book tells the story of 19th-century poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning and will be available for sale and signing. An open mic for local writers to share their poetry and prose will be from 6:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the author’s presentation. McNeal was a National Book Award finalist for her novel “Dark Water.” For questions, email kbgressitt@gmail.com. 6 to 7 p.m. Friday. Sept. 13 at Writers Read at the Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission Road. sdcl.bibliocommons.com/events/66393e8e1e57af280042fd7e