Events

Local archaeologist and historian Richard L Carrico will be joining us to talk about his latest book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City, where he uncovers San Diego’s first European settlement. Founded in 1769, the ruins of upper California’s first mission and fort lie buried beneath the landscaped hills in Presidio Park. Carrico’s extensive research on the presidio and its people include materials from Spanish archives housed in Mexico City and Berkeley, Kumeyaay oral tradition, and nearly a decade of archaeological excavation at the site - two seasons of which Professor Carrico directed himself. In this talk, Professor Carrico will delve into the men, women, and children who lived and died at the presidio. Cost: $15 (includes museum admission); SDAC Members $5 Online registration is closed. Please pay at door. About the Presenter Richard Carrico is an Army veteran and award-winning author of non-fiction and historical fiction on eclectic topics including Indigenous people, Spanish colonial history, archaeology, and, most recently, true crime. He grew up in San Diego, California and has traveled extensively in Mexico and France in search of archaeological sites. Professor Carrico taught history, anthropology, and Native American studies at San Diego State University for thirty years before retiring in 2024.

Before paint tubes and art stores, people around the world created vibrant colors from the earth itself. In this hands-on workshop, discover how ancient artists turned natural materials into the pigments used in rock art and other early forms of expression. Participants will learn how people source the raw materials that produce rich reds, bright whites, and other colors found in rock art sites across the globe. Then try the process yourself by grinding and mixing natural materials to create your own pigments. Once your colors are ready, you can experiment with the paint that you have made. All materials are provided. Ages 10+. Register for Workshop

Join us on the rooftop of The Grand | Ritz Theater to create a meaningful piece of art while learning about cultural traditions, creativity, and exchange within Native American communities. While the dreamcatcher originates with the Ojibwe people of the Great Lakes region, it has been adopted by many Tribal Nations and is now a widely recognized symbol within the broader Native American community. Today, some Kumeyaay have incorporated this symbol into their tradition of gourd crafting. In this hands-on workshop led by SDAC Tribal Outreach Coordinator Neve Luna (Kumeyaay Ipai), participants will transform natural gourds into beautiful dreamcatchers while exploring the Kumeyaay cultural knowledge, stories, and connections to the local landscape that inspire this tradition. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with your own handmade gourd dreamcatcher and a deeper appreciation for the cultural traditions and shared knowledge that shape Native art today. All materials are provided. Ages 13+. Register for Workshop

Please note: Due to inclement weather, this event has been moved to the San Diego Archaeological Center. Step back in time and discover the fascinating craft of flintknapping in this hands-on workshop. Flintknapping is the ancient technique of shaping stone into tools through the application of controlled force, a skill that has been used by humans for hundreds of thousands of years. In this class, you'll learn the basics of flintknapping, including how to create cutting tools, points, and other useful implements by striking and shaping raw stone. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll gain insight into the historical and cultural significance of flint tools and understand the precision involved in the process. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a survival skills aficionado, or simply curious about ancient craftsmanship, this class offers a unique opportunity to connect with a time-honored tradition. You’ll leave with not only new skills but also a deeper appreciation for how early humans created the tools that helped shape civilization. All materials will be provided. Ages 16+. Participants under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult participant. Register for Workshop

Wine was more than a drink in the ancient Roman world; it was a symbol of culture, commerce, and daily life across the empire. Join us for an engaging lecture and wine tasting that explores the role of wine in Roman society, from vineyard cultivation to the amphorae that carried it across vast trade networks. Discover how viticulture shaped Roman identity, economy, and social customs while helping connect distant regions of the Mediterranean world. As you learn about the archaeological and historical evidence behind Roman wine production and trade, you’ll also enjoy a guided tasting that draws connections between ancient practices and the wines we enjoy today. This program is perfect for history enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. Participants must be 21+. Register for Lecture

Join our partners at the San Dieguito River Park for a unique experience that blends history, culture, and ecology through the stories of plants. Set within the scenic Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, the program invites participants to explore the cultural and medicinal significance of both native and introduced plant species. Senior Interpretive Ranger Leana Bulay will lead an engaging exploration of the historic gardens, sharing knowledge of medicinal plants and their uses in tea making. As part of this workshop, participants will be able to make their own herbal tea blends. This immersive experience offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the landscape while discovering the deep relationships between people, plants, and place. Register for Workshop

Join us for an afternoon of food, lively entertainment, and a gathering of San Diego’s archaeological community. We’re serving up carne asada, pollo asada, carnitas, and jackfruit adovada tacos from Frida’s Taqueria and delicious dessert from Cravery Cookies. Sip colorful agua frescas from Frida's, wine from Rancho Guejito Vineyard, and craft beer at our open bar while you enjoy live Latin Jazz from the Sophisticados. Test your aim at our archery and atlatl range for all ages, enter our opportunity drawing for a chance to win cool prizes (one opportunity drawing ticket included with each BBQ ticket (except youth tickets), and connect with professional archaeologists from local CRM firms. Every dollar raised supports educational programs, museum exhibits, and the preservation of cultural resources all year long. Cost: $55; SDAC Members $45 (pre-sale only); Tribal Members $25; Students $25; Youth (12 & under): $15; Kids 5 & under: Free. Not a member? Purchase SDAC Membership Purchase Annual BBQ Tickets Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, Wollman Wealth Designs! Interested in sponsoring the BBQ? To make this event as fun and accessible as possible, we rely on sponsorships from generous individuals and businesses like you. Your support helps us keep ticket prices affordable while ensuring an amazing experience for all. For more information, please visit our BBQ Sponsorship page. Thank You to our CRM Booth Sponsors!