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

MUSEUM CLOSED
2026-01-01, 2026-05-01, 2026-07-04 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

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
Registration is closed. Please purchase tickets at the door.

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 Miskwish, 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 Miskwish 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 Us 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.

Blue Star Museums
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
As 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.

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. To help make camp accessible, a limited number of partial scholarships are available.
Learn More

Lecture: Geology of San Diego County – The Formative Years
2026-07-18 11:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
This talk will focus on amazing geological forces and events from the last 200 million years that have shaped the San Diego County we see today. From regional tectonics to massive volcanism, uplift and erosion, and the many current infrastructure challenges San Diego currently faces, Mike Thacker will tell the story behind our broad mesas, dramatic coastlines, canyons, and wide valleys. Attendees will be sure to come away with a deepened understanding of and appreciation for the geological history of our unique region.
Cost: $15, SDAC Members $5

About the Presenter
Mike Thacker is a retired Senior Staff Research and Development Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He has a B.S. in zoology from San Diego State University and studied anthropology and archaeology at University of California Santa Barbara, Palomar College, and San Diego State University. He is a volunteer teaching assistant for Palomar College archaeological excavation field school and survey programs and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the San Diego Archaeological Center. Mike is passionate about his home of San Diego and leads interpretive hikes for the San Dieguito River Park and San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. His interest in geology has motivated his study of the geology of the San Diego region for the last 16 years.

Weaving Workshop
2026-08-22 11:00 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Create your own pine needle and juncus reed medallion. Participants will be taught how to identify and prepare the crafting material as well as how to bring those items together using the coil weaving method, a traditional Kumeyaay basketry technique. This method is one of the cornerstones of Kumeyaay culture and craftsmanship, serving as the foundation for storage baskets, food-processing trays, baby cradles, and many other woven items used in daily traditional life. All supplies and light refreshments are included. Ages 13+.
Cost: $50; SDAC Members & Tribal Members $40

About the Instructor
Haawka! Neve Luna is a Kumeyaay descendant and San Diego native who grew up on the San Pasqual Reservation in Valley Center, California. She received her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oregon and now works at the San Diego Archaeological Center as the Tribal Outreach Coordinator. Neve develops Indigenous-based educational programs to strengthen the Center’s engagement amongst Tribal youth and other diverse communities. With every project, lecture, or community partnership, Neve is dedicated to preserving the culture of the Kumeyaay People while inspiring local residents to appreciate San Diego’s rich history.

Indigenous Artisan Market
2026-09-19 10:00 - 15:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Celebrate 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.

If you are an Indigenous artist who would like to participate, please contact aniesley@sandiegoarchaeology.org.
