Events
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Story Time with an Archaeologist
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesKids Dig ArchaeologyJoin us on select Thursday mornings for archaeology-themed story time at the Center. Stay afterwards to explore the museum with family-friendly activities like our Archaeology Quest and Field Lab. This activity is funded in part by City of San Diego Cultural Affairs.
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Blue Star Museums
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsAs part of the Blue Star Museums program, the San Diego Archaeological Center offers free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military–Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard–including Reservists, National Guardsman (regardless of status), U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. The military ID holder can be either active duty service member or other dependent family member with the appropriate ID card. The active duty member does not have to be present for family members to use the program. Just bring your DD Form 1173 ID Card, or DD Form 1173-1 ID Card, for active duty military family members. About Blue Star Museums: Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of War, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families each summer. The program begins on Armed Forces Day in mid-May and ends on Labor Day at the beginning of September. For more information, including a full list of participating museums, visit the Blue Star Families website.
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Grape Day Festival
Grape Day Park 321 N Broadway, Escondido, CA, United StatesOther Events of InterestJoin us at the Escondido Grape Day Festival, presented by the Escondido History Center, The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, and Brothers of 6 Charities. This year’s event features activities for all ages including grape stomping, live music, children’s activities and games, antique farm equipment, food vendors, local arts and crafts, wine and beer garden, and more. Visit the SDAC’s booth to step into the fascinating world of archaeology. Assemble plate puzzles, and explore historic artifacts from Escondido. This event is hosted by the Escondido History Center and the Brothers of 6. For more information, visit the Escondido Grape Day Festival website.
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Senior Wednesdays
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsSeniors 65+ can enjoy free admission to the Center on Wednesdays. Discover the science of archaeology through our interactive Archaeology 101 exhibit, explore the cultural periods of San Diego, and uncover the Lives and Lifestyles on Block 112: The Untold Story of San Diego’s Working Class.
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Indigenous Artisan Market
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsCelebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and living traditions of Indigenous artists at the Indigenous Artisan Market, a free community event hosted by the San Diego Archaeological Center. Browse a diverse selection of handmade artwork, jewelry, textiles, pottery, carvings, cultural crafts, and other unique creations offered directly by Indigenous artisans from across the region. This family-friendly event provides an opportunity to meet talented makers, learn about the stories and traditions behind their work, and support Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. Whether you're searching for authentic one-of-a-kind gifts or simply looking to enjoy a day of culture and community, the Indigenous Artisan Market offers something for everyone. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the museum while enjoying a vibrant marketplace dedicated to honoring Indigenous heritage, creativity, and cultural expression. Participating artisits include Dream Indigenous (San Pasqual), Tipai Joa Native Warriors, Iipai Threadz (San Pasqual), Eva Salazar (Kumeyaay), Ma Eugenia Meza Vaquero (La Heurta), Aurelia Ojeda Melendrez (San José de la Zorra), Daria Mariscal Aguiar (Paipai), Of Many, Kimimilas Beadwork, and Angel Sapawechia (Pascua Yaqui). Thank you to our refreshments sponsor:
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NO North County Archery Club THIS MONTH
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsThe North County Archery Club has become a favorite gathering for many of our members and the local community. To help ensure the long-term success of our open range events, we are pausing upcoming sessions while we complete several behind-the-scenes updates. Thank you for your understanding and continued enthusiasm. We hope to see you at our other upcoming events in the meantime.
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Kids Free San Diego – Free Pottery Kits for Kids
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsCalling all Junior Archaeologists! This October, present your Kids Free San Diego coupon to receive free admission to the Center and a take-home pottery kit for kids 12 and under. Journey through the museum on a family-friendly Archaeology Quest. Then continue the fun at home with a pinch pot kit. Pottery kits are free for children 12 and under with Kids Free San Diego Coupon plus paid adult admission. To participate, visit the San Diego Museum Council website to download your coupon. Then present it when you visit the Center to receive free pottery kits for up to two children (12 and under) with one full-price paid adult ($5+). Limit 1 pottery kit per child. Organized by the San Diego Tourism Authority with support from the San Diego Museum Council (SDMC), Kids Free San Diego is an opportunity for thousands of families to enjoy museum experiences each year. Visit SanDiego.org to view participating museums and terms. A full directory of participating venues can also be found on the SDMC website.
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Kids Pottery Workshop
FeaturedSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsGet creative this October! Join us for a family-friendly pottery workshop where you can create your own piece of pottery to take home with you. Then journey through the museum on a family-friendly Archaeology Quest. Museum admission and pottery workshop are free for kids 12 and under. Adult museum admission: Pay what you wish (suggested $10/person). No registration required - drop in any time between 10 am and 2 pm. Not able to attend our workshop? Pick up a pottery kit (free with Kids Free San Diego coupon) and make your own at home.
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Art with an Archaeologist
Featured Art with an ArchaeologistSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesKids Dig ArchaeologyFree admission for kids on select Saturdays! Join us for family-friendly activities in our classroom, where you can create your own art with an archaeologist, become a junior archaeologist with our miniature excavation units, and curl up with a book on our cozy reading rug. Families can also explore the museum on an Archaeology Quest and check out our Excavation Station and Field Lab. Kids 12 & under: Free; Adults: $5 (includes museum admission)
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Archaeology Day at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA, United StatesOther Events of InterestJoin us at the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society's Archaeology Day at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Events include Cahuilla Bird Singers, juncus basket making, storytelling, tours of the Begole Archaeology Library tours, presentations, and in-person field trips. This event is hosted by the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.
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Archaeology Fall Camp
San Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesWhether your child or grandchild is a budding archaeologist or just eager to experience the past in a whole new way, our camp offers something for everyone. Get ready for a week filled with adventure, discovery, and endless fun! Space is limited to 30 campers per session. Sign up now and let the adventure begin! Our autumn day camp for elementary school students will take place the week of Thanksgiving. Choose individual days or choose them all! Ages: 7-12 Dates: November 23 – 25, 2026 Hours: 10 AM to 2:30 PM Extended care hours: Early drop-off (starting at 9 AM) and late pickup (ending at 4 PM) are available for an additional fee. Pricing: Full Session: $300 Daily Rate: $100/day Extended Care Hours: $20 per camper per day Registrations are non-refundable. Enrollment information will be sent within 7 business days of registration. Please note that registration is not confirmed until SDAC staff send a confirmation email with enrollment information. Many of our activities are outside in the San Pasqual Valley. All campers MUST wear close toed shoes, and bring a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. Campers must provide their own snacks and a lunch brought in a clearly labelled brown paper bag. All lunches are stored in our communal fridge, so we ask that no peanut products be brought to the San Diego Archaeological Center for the safety of those who may have a severe allergy. For additional questions, contact education@sandiegoarchaeology.org. For more family-friendly activities, check out our Upcoming Events calendar.
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North County Archery Club
Featured North County Archery ClubSan Diego Archaeological Center 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, United StatesSDAC EventsThe San Diego Archaeological Center is hosting the North County Archery Club on the last Saturday of each month. All ages and skill levels are welcome, with gear available first-come-first-served. Archers are invited to explore the museum and learn about the history of San Diego. Cost: $15, SDAC Members Free
$15