SAN DIEGO ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER

Archaeology Day at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
2025-11-08 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Join us at the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society’s Archaeology Day at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Events include Cahuilla Birdsingers and Dancers, basket weaving demonstrations, storytelling, tours of the Begole Archaeology Research Lab, exhibits, and in-person field trips to Mine Wash Village and Blair Valley cultural sites.
View Archaeology Day Flyer
This event is hosted by the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.

Museum Closed
2025-11-12 - 2025-11-14, 2025-11-27 - 2025-11-28, 2025-12-24 - 2025-12-25, 2026-01-01 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Museum Reopening Open House
2025-11-15 10:00 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
To celebrate our museum reopening, join us rain or shine for a free open house with hands-on activities, a lecture, and light refreshments. In addition to viewing our upgraded facilities, be the first to see our new and revitalized exhibits, including the debut of Kumeyaay Cosmology on loan from the Imperial Valley Desert Museum. This immersive exhibit explores the Kumeyaay people’s relationship with the seasons, stars, and celestial events.
Event Schedule
10 AM: Museum opens
10:30 AM – 11 AM: Opening ceremony
11 AM – 1 PM: Hands-on activities
1 PM – 2 PM: Fact or Fiction: Hollywood, Hoaxes, and Hearsay Lecture

Pseudoscience Lecture: Fact or Fiction? Hoaxes, Hearsay, and Hollywood
2025-11-15 13:00 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
This lecture stems from one of the Center’s recent exhibits which investigates our irrational fascination with fantastical stories and ideas about human history. Public Archaeology Director Adam Niesley will explore the scientific evidence (or lack thereof) for commonly held archaeological beliefs and how conspiracies develop.

Senior Wednesdays
2025-11-19 10:00 - 16:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Seniors 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.

Story Time with an Archaeologist
2025-11-20 10:00 - 11:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join 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.

Fall Into Archaeology Day Camp
2025-11-24 10:00 - 14:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Whether 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!
Grades: 2-7
Schedule:
November 24 to 26
Hours: 10 AM to 2:30 PM
Extended care hours: Early drop-off (starting at 8:30 AM) and late pickup (ending at 4 PM) are available for an additional fee.
For pricing and registration, see our Fall Into Archaeology Day Camp page.

North County Archery Club
2025-11-29 09:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
The 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

Art with an Archaeologist: Ornaments
2025-12-13 10:00 - 12:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Get creative making festive, handmade ornaments! Our Holiday Art with an Archaeologist workshop is free for kids 12 and under. We will be talking about the earth underfoot and creating unique ornaments that showcase the beauty of stratigraphy. All materials will be provided.

Sip & Craft: Festive Ornaments & Native Plant Garlands
2025-12-13 13:00 - 15:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Create handmade holiday decorations that showcase the beauty around us and enjoy good cheer all around! Harvest your own toyon berries and leaves to string together into beautiful, natural garlands and create ornaments that celebrate archaeology and the beauty of stratigraphy. All materials will be provided. Tickets include two glasses of wine (non-alcoholic options also available). Ages 21+ only
Tickets: $30, SDAC Members $25
Registration is closed.

MUSEUM CLOSING EARLY
2025-12-31 10:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Art with an Archaeologist
2026-01-10 10:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Free 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)

Museum Month
2026-02-04 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Take advantage of half-off admission at the San Diego Archaeological Center and 70+ other museums and attractions across San Diego for the whole month of February! Pick up a printed Museum Month pass at your local library, valid for 4 guests at 70+ local museums, historic sites, gardens, parks, aquariums, and more. You can also download a free digital pass through the San Diego Museum Council’s website.

SOLD OUT Senses of the Valley: Natural Perfume Workshop
2026-02-14 11:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us for an aromatic afternoon centered around the scents of the San Pasqual Valley! Learn about the plants, both native and contemporary, that grow in our beautiful valley, as you create your own fragrance oil blend that captures the lush vegetation of San Diego. This workshop includes a presentation and the creation of your own signature scented oil to take home and enjoy. Scents used in the workshop include Black Sage (Salvia mellifera), California Wild Rose (Rosa californica), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina), Lemon Scented Gum Eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora), Orange (Citrus sinensis), California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica), Pink Peppercorn (Schinus molle), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Cost: $30; SDAC Members $25
Registration is full.

Lecture - El Presidio de San Diego: Uncovering Southern California's First European Settlement
2026-03-21 11:00 - 12:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
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.

Earth Pigments Workshop
2026-04-04 11:00 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
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

Gourd Dreamcatchers
2026-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 | The Grand/Ritz, 301 E Grand Ave, Escondido, 92025, United States
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

Flintknapping 101
2026-04-11 09:00 - 12:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
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

From Vine to Vessel: The Culture and Commerce of Roman Wine
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
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

Stories in the Landscape: A Cultural Walk and Talk at Sikes Adobe with the San Dieguito River Park
2026-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Sikes Adobe Historic Farmhouse, 12655 Sunset Dr, Escondido, CA, 92025, United States
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

MUSEUM CLOSED & NO North County Archery Club - Join us for Archery & Atlatl at the BBQ
2026-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Annual BBQ
2026-04-25 15:00 - 18:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
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!

Kumeyaay Cosmology Talk
2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us for an illuminating talk with Kumeyaay author Michael Connolly Miskwich, who will explore the traditions and ancient knowledge of Kumeyaay Cosmology. This lecture immerses you into a world of cultural stories, stars, and the deep-rooted sky wisdom of San Diego’s original people. Through Connolly’s book, Maay Uuyow: Kumeyaay Cosmology, we invite you to explore the Kumeyaay people’s understanding of the universe’s origins and their enduring connection to the land.
Cost: $15; SDAC Members & Tribal Members $5
Register for Kumeyaay Cosmology Talk

About the Presenter
Michael Connolly Miskwich is a member of the Campo Kumeyaay Nation. In 1990, he helped establish and directed one of the first tribal Environmental Protection Agencies in the U.S. Michael researched and implemented traditional environmental practices in contemporary land and resource management. He worked on environmental policy for the National Congress of American Indians, National Tribal Environmental Council, the Good Neighbor Environmental Board and several US EPA advisory committees. His work on issues of taxation policy and impediments to sustainable tribal economies is nationally recognized. He has authored many papers on tribal economics, Kumeyaay history and resource management. He has three published books on Kumeyaay history and cosmology. He has curated exhibits on Kumeyaay culture and history for the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Man in San Diego, California. In 2006 he was the recipient of the John Montgomery Education Award by the Congress of History of San Diego and Imperial Counties and, in 2017, was inducted into the Kumeyaay Kuseyaay Association. Michael’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering and a Master of Arts in Economics. He is an adjunct faculty in American Indian Studies at San Diego State University. He served 17 years in elected office for the Campo Kumeyaay Nation. He currently consults with tribal governments and governmental agencies on topics of economics, resource management, taxation and education. He works directly with the Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy and Kumeyaay Community College. He continues to write and lecture on Kumeyaay history and culture.

Archaeology Summer Camp
2026-06-15 10:00 - 14:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
We are excited to announce our summer day camp! Whether 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 as we explore the pyramids, the Ice Age, and the early California landscape. With our a la carte style day camp, you can choose individual days or choose them all! Space is limited to 30 campers.
Learn More and Register
