45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration: December 29th, Ujamaa
2025-12-29 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, 92101, United States
45th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
Doors 6pm | Program 6:30PM
WorldBeat Cultural Center invites the community to celebrate its 45th Annual Kwanzaa, honoring four of the seven days of this African American cultural holiday rooted in African traditions. Observed from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa centers on the Nguzo Saba—the Seven Principles: Umoja-Unity, Kujichagulia- Self-Determination, Ujima – Collective Work & Responsibility, Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics, Nia – Purpose, Kuumba – Creativity, and Imani – Faith.
Each evening features ceremonial candle lighting, libations, African drumming, poetry, music, and reflections from featured speakers and performers aligned with the night’s principle. Guests will also share in the Karamu, the traditional Kwanzaa feast plate, featuring black-eyed peas, collard greens, gumbo, potato salad, and corn muffins. This year’s celebration also launches the inaugural Kwanzaa Awards, honoring individuals whose work embodies the values of the Nguzo Saba. All events are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Advance RSVP encouraged.
Hosted by MC Sidiqa Hooker aka Soulspiration

Day 4: Monday, December 29th: Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics
Performance Highlights
Performance by Tebe Zalango
Tebe Zalango shares the energy and spirit of East African cultural traditions through drumming, dance, and vibrant ensemble performance. Their artistry highlights the power of community collaboration and cultural continuity.
Performance by WorldBeat Center’s African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Master drummer Dramane Koné and his ensemble deliver an electrifying showcase of West African percussion and movement. Their performances celebrate ancestral rhythms, collective expression, and the enduring spirit of cooperation.

This year also marks the inauguration of the Annual Kwanzaa Awards, honoring individuals whose work reflects the values of the Nguzo Saba, including Chuck Ambers, founder of the African Museum Casa del Rey Moro, Maria Lane, San Diego’s First Samba Instructor, Johnnierenee Nia Nelson, WorldBeat Center’s Poet Laurette. Dennis Newsome, Capoeira Angola Mestre, Starla Lewis, Global Teacher of Self-Love and Prince Habib, President of African American Writers & Artists.

Community Market - Martin Luther King Day
2026-01-19 11:00 - 16:00
Come & Support our Local Artisans by look & buy their Handmade works of art, organic produce, music, food, massage, tarot, and more!

37th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
2026-01-19 11:30 - 17:30
WorldBeat Cultural Center Presents
The 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Peace In Every Step
WorldBeat Cultural Center invites the community to gather in celebration of the life, legacy, and enduring message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with our 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. This year’s theme, Peace In Every Step, honors the practice of peace as a daily, intentional act—one rooted in compassion, justice, and collective responsibility.
Dr. King was profoundly influenced by Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, and spiritual leader. Thich Nhat Hanh offered Dr. King a critical perspective on the Vietnam War, encouraging him to speak out against violence and injustice beyond U.S. borders. Their friendship deepened King’s understanding of nonviolence as a universal practice that transcended religion and culture, leading Dr. King to nominate Thich Nhat Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize as an “apostle of peace.” After Dr. King’s passing, Thich Nhat Hanh vowed to continue this work, carrying forward the vision of the Beloved Community through mindfulness, compassion, and global solidarity.
This family-friendly community celebration will feature live music, cultural performances, guest speakers, a community market, and opportunities to reflect, connect, and move forward together in the spirit of peace.
Event Details
📅 Monday, January 19th
Doors: 11:30AM
Program: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 WorldBeat Cultural Center
Featured Performers & Guests
-Native American Drum & Dance
-Aztec Drum & Dance
-African Drum & Dance
-Sankoh and the Rockaway Kings
-Mara Sulu
-Sol Remedy
-Pinnacle Roots
-Fre3styl3

Tribute to the Reggae Legends / Bob Day Pre-Party
2026-02-07 20:30 - 22:00
Join us for a special Tribute to the Reggae Legends Pre-Party, a night of deep roots, conscious vibration, and community gathering at WorldBeat Cultural Center. We’re honored to welcome Dezarie, live and direct from the Virgin Islands, bringing her powerful voice, spiritual fire, and unwavering message of love, justice, and liberation.

SoCal Bird Nerds Bird Walk
2026-02-08 08:00 - 10:00
Join SoCal Bird Nerds and WorldBeat Cultural Center for a refreshing morning of birdwatching within Balboa Park. Each walk begins at WorldBeat Center’s ethnobotany peace garden. Whether you’re an experienced birder or brand new to the practice, this outing offers a welcoming space to explore nature, learn together, and connect with the birds that call our urban oasis home.
What to Expect
Participants will be guided through lush canyon pathways and garden areas where a variety of local and migratory birds can be spotted. Bring your binoculars, curiosity, and love for the outdoors!
Meeting Point
Meet in front of the WorldBeat Center by the main entrance.
Parking is available across the street in the large Inspiration Point lot. A short walk leads directly to the WorldBeat Center.

Location: WorldBeat Cultural Center, Balboa Park
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Native Planting Party at WorldBeat Center
2026-02-08 09:00 - 12:00
Planting Party at the WorldBeat Center
Celebrate Black History Month by planting a native plant for your hero! Join us for a community planting celebration as Native Plant Invasion collaborates with the WorldBeat Center to enhance their flourishing garden.
Date & Time
Sunday, February 8
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location
WorldBeat Cultural Center
2100 Park Blvd, San Diego 92101
RSVP
Please RSVP here: http://bit.ly/npiatWBC
What to Expect

Hands-on native planting and garden support
A feel-good way to honor Black History Month through community care and stewardship
Meet fellow volunteers and community partners

What to Bring (Suggested)

Reusable water bottle
Sun protection (hat/sunscreen)
Gardening gloves (if you have them)

Hosted/Partnered By
San Diego Bird Alliance • Native Plant Invasion • WorldBeat Center

Black Comix Day 2026
2026-02-14 10:00 - 18:00
Feb 14th and Feb 15th
10am-6pm

Black Comix Day is a FREE 2 day event highlighting creators of African Descent in the arts of Comic Books, Animation & Film.

BCD 2026 is FREE ADMISSION to all. Parking is FREE (Located directly across the street.) Food is available inside the Worldbeat Center and within 2 blocks of the location. Activites for children such as gaming will be accessible as well. The main floor will feature various Black Creators in Comics, Fine Arts and Animation.

45th Tribute to the Reggae Legends/ Bob Day
2026-02-20 19:00 - 23:59
Join us for the 45th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends in San Diego, CA. The 2026 event will span two days.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends, also known as Bob Marley Day honors the rich legacy of reggae music. Founded by Prophet World Beat Productions in honor of Bob Marley’s legacy.
Reggae music carries a powerful message of unity, peace, and awareness of social inequities. The WorldBeat Center remains dedicated to preserving the legacy and message of reggae legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
2026 LINEUP

Friday, February 20th
Julian Marley and the Uprising
Johnny Osborne and Fully Fullwood Band
Mara Sulu
Pinnacle Roots
DJ Mykol Orthodox
Saturday, February 21st
King Yellowman
Johnny Clarke
Ranking Joe
The Cables
Chezidek
Marlon Asher
Fully Fullwood Band
Quinto Sol
Fre3sty13
Good Over Evil Sound System
MC Junior Francis*
*Line-up subject to change

45th Tribute to the Reggae Legends/ Bob Day
2026-02-21 15:00 - 23:59
Join us for the 45th Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends in San Diego, CA. The 2026 event will span two days.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends, also known as Bob Marley Day honors the rich legacy of reggae music. Founded by Prophet World Beat Productions in honor of Bob Marley’s legacy.
Reggae music carries a powerful message of unity, peace, and awareness of social inequities. The WorldBeat Center remains dedicated to preserving the legacy and message of reggae legends like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.
2026 LINEUP

Friday, February 20th
Julian Marley and the Uprising
Johnny Osborne and Fully Fullwood Band
Mara Sulu
Pinnacle Roots
DJ Mykol Orthodox

Saturday, February 21st
King Yellowman
Johnny Clarke
Marlon Asher
Ranking Joe
Chezidek
Studio One – The Cables
Fully Fullwood Band
Quinto Sol
Ginger Roots
Fre3sty13
Good Over Evil Sound System*
*Line-up subject to change

Shadowlight Live
2026-02-22 17:00 - 19:00
The inaugural “Shadowlight Live” will be raising friends, volunteers, supporters and funds to provide music scholarships through the “Jamie Shadowlight Legacy Fund” while also celebrating the birthday of our dear friend and extraordinary artist, Jamie Shadowlight!! It’s an event like no other, and we want you to be there!

The evening will be MC’d by Jefferson Jay featuring musical performances by Sacha Boutros, Steph Johnson, Julia Sage, Santiago Orozco and the Shadowlight Band with Special Guest, Grammy-Award winner Larry Mitchell on guitar. We will also have special presentations by Jamie’s former students (now professional musicians) Sophia Bacino and Tommy Ragen, and an exclusive release of Jamie’s new music. Supporting musicians/singers joining us will be Irving Flores on piano, Monette Marino on percussion, Kofi Andoh on percussion, AB Navarez on percussion, Tada Hirano on bass, Jacob Russo on drums, Michelle Lerach on vocals and more…

Every registration to this event will bring us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate world for all through the creation and innovation of music.

Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.

Birds, Culture, and the Freedom of Belonging: A Celebration with Makeda & Marilú
2026-02-26 17:30 - 20:00
San Diego Bird Festival 2026 Keynote:

For over 13 years, Makeda Cheatom of the WorldBeat Center and Marilú of Celebrate Urban Birds have walked a shared path—one where birds, culture, history, and science come together in joyful connection. What began as a citizen science project has grown into a community-led celebration of belonging, where people of all backgrounds come together to explore nature, share knowledge, and engage with science in meaningful ways.
We’ve learned that birding can be so much more than counting birds. It’s a chance to slow down, be present, listen deeply, and connect with the wisdom of our ancestors, the communities around us, and with ourselves. By bridging communities and scientific institutions, we create spaces where people can actively participate in, contribute to, and use science—while celebrating culture, heritage, and identity.

From the Harriet Tubman Freedom Bird Walks during Juneteenth to cross-cultural collaborations in Baja, our work shows what’s possible when music, art, science, gardening, and community come together with curiosity, care, and purpose. Join us as we share how this journey has transformed the way we bird, connect with each other, and experience the freedom of belonging.

Seeds of Herbalism - An Introduction to the Art & Science of Herbalism
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-11 10:00 - 12:30
Seeds of Herbalism – An Introduction to the Art & Science of Herbalism
Class begins March 7th

A 6 week introduction to the art and science of herbalism. This course is for anyone that wants to build a foundation of learning in herbalism. This class will be a strong foundation for further exploration into herbalism, plant spirit connections and medicinal plants.

Connect with yourself.
Connect with the plants.
Connect with green hearted folks.

Curriculum:

Building Connections | Plant Spirit Communication & Meditation
Traditions | How to study herbs | Vitalism | Four Directions Model of learning
Self-Study | Plant Profiles | Resources | Finding your way in the chatter
12+ Herbs | Growing & Wildcrafting & Purchasing | Experiential Learning
Energetics | Actions | Formula Theory
Recipes & Formulas | Home Herbalism by the seasons

Details: 6 Saturdays March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11
Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Location: World Beat Center Ethnobotany Peace Garden
Limited space sign up early!

Learn More and sign up:

The Neighborhood Kids: Kids In The Cages - Music Video Premiere & Concert!
2026-03-13 19:00 - 23:00
TNK WORLD PREMIERE, “Kids in the Cages” video screening March 13 at The World Beat Center. Doors 7pm. GET THEM KIDS UP OUT THE CAGES!!!

The Neighborhood Kids present the world premiere of their “Kids in the Cages” music video, directed by Mighty Muds, Big K Film Label and TNK.
This is not just a screening, it is a statement. TNK is pulling the community together with a live performance, followed by the music video premiere immediately after.
Expect high energy, conscious lyrics, and a room built on solidarity. TNK is standing up for children’s rights and immigrant rights. No ICE, no cages, and no silence!
100% of proceed will go to Immigrant Defenders, defending immigrant communities against injustices in the immigration system. Come early, bring your people, and be part of the moment.

Samba with Renowned Sllyek de Bahia
2026-03-21 19:00 - 21:00
Experience the Vibrant Spirit of Brazil with Sllyek de Bahia

Join Sllyek de Bahia, visiting from Salvador, Bahia, as he welcomes you into the heart of Brazilian culture. His class celebrates the deep African roots that have shaped Brazil’s music, rhythm, and dance traditions.

You’ll begin with a dynamic warm-up before exploring a variety of dance styles from different regions of Brazil, including:

• Samba Reggae
• Samba de Roda
• Samba no Pé

Feel the pulse of the drums—echoes of the Mother Land—that will move and inspire you throughout the class.

Sllyek brings a wealth of experience as the former choreographer for the world‑renowned Brazilian group OLODUM, sharing authentic movement, history, and joy in every step.

Community Market - April
2026-04-12 12:00 - 17:00
Come & Support our Local Artisans by look & buy their Handmade works of art, organic produce, music, food, massage, tarot, and more!
Free

WorldBeat Center's 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival
2026-04-19 11:00 - 18:00
WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 11AM – 6PM
WorldBeat Cultural Center | Balboa Park, San Diego
Join us for WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 34th Annual Global Earth Day Festival, a vibrant celebration of the diversity of people, plants, animals, and ecosystems that make up our planet.
For more than three decades, WorldBeat Center has brought together music, culture, and environmental education to celebrate Earth Day and inspire community action. Rooted in the belief that caring for the Earth also means honoring cultural traditions, the festival highlights the deep connection between environmental stewardship, indigenous knowledge, and global cultural expression.
This year’s celebration features live world music, cultural performances, environmental speakers, wellness experiences, and interactive garden activities in our Ethnobotany Sanctuary Garden. Local environmental organizations and coalitions will also be present sharing resources and opportunities to get involved in protecting our region’s biodiversity.

Featured Artists
Kabaka Pyramid – Grammy Award Winner
Jamaican artist Kabaka Pyramid is one of the leading voices in modern roots reggae, known for blending reggae and hip-hop with powerful messages of cultural pride, social justice, and conscious living. His Grammy-winning album “The Kalling,” produced by Damian Marley, has helped carry forward the legacy of roots reggae to a new generation. Kabaka Pyramid’s music uplifts themes of unity, empowerment, and respect for the Earth.
The Stinkfoot Orchestra
The Stinkfoot Orchestra is a dynamic 14-piece ensemble dedicated to performing the music of legendary composer Frank Zappa. Featuring a full horn section and powerhouse musicians, the band recreates Zappa’s complex and genre-defying compositions with precision, humor, and energy. Their performances celebrate musical innovation across rock, jazz, funk, and experimental traditions.
Additional performances by Mariea Antoinette, Sol Remedy, and Junkyard Dance Crew.
Cultural Showcases

Japanese Taiko Drumming – San Diego Taiko
Hip Hop Dance – Junkyard Dance Crew
West African Drum & Dance
Middle Eastern Drum & Dance
Brazilian Samba – Super Sonic Samba
Native American Blessing & Drumming – Tim Red Bird and the Red Warriors
Earth Poetry – Jonnierenee Nia Nelson
Supported in part by a grant from Poets & Writers

Earth Day Keynote Speaker
Kemi Pavlocak – Beekeeper, Entrepreneur, Educator
Kemi Pavlocak is the founder of Savage Bee-ches, a San Diego–based honey company and educational platform dedicated to protecting pollinators. Through beekeeping, workshops, and community education, she teaches the critical role bees play in sustaining biodiversity and our global food systems. Her work highlights the importance of protecting native habitats so native bees and other pollinators can thrive.
Ethnobotany Sanctuary Garden Activities

Community Seed Swap
Morning Bird Walk
Guided Garden Tours
Wellness and Healing Modalities with Local Practitioners
Children’s Earth Art & Craft Activities

Festival Highlights

All-Vegetarian Food Court
Multicultural and Wellness Vendors
Environmental Information Booths from Local Organizations and Coalitions

Free community event. All ages welcome.
Line-up and activities subject to change.
Follow the links below to sign up to volunteer or become a vendor.

Vendor applications for crafts, food and informational ARE NOW LIVE
