Community Events

Friday Oct 17

6:30 - 8:00 pm | Free

Sweetwater Zen Center

2727 Highland Ave. · National City, CA

The Death Network Discussion Group is a guided (but not rigid) space for deeper, topic-driven conversations around death, dying, and the many ways we relate to them.
Each month, our host team of experienced death workers bring thought-provoking prompts to help spark meaningful discussion. We’re here to explore real talk, in real time, with curious and open-hearted people.

What to expect:
⏳ A welcoming space to explore death through a different lens
⏳ Discussions hosted by a team of experienced death workers
⏳ Each month features thought-provoking prompts to spark deeper conversation
⏳ Not a workshop, not a class—just honest conversation
⏳ Come curious, leave connected

This group is ideal for people who:

Think about death and dying as part of life

Want to connect with others in conversation that’s real, respectful, and human

Aren’t seeking support or therapy, but want a space to talk

We’ll continue to host Death Cafes for those who enjoy open-format dialogue. This group simply offers something a little different - for those ready to go deeper.

Tues Oct 21

5:30 - 7:00 pm | Free

Novo Brazil Brewing Mission Valley

Death Over Drafts is a laid-back night out where good drinks meet real talk. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded folks who aren’t afraid to go deep - chatting about life, loss, and everything in between.

This month, we’re excited to collaborate with Lisa Pahl, hospice social worker and owner of The Death Deck. Lisa has just released her newest conversation game, The Dementia Deck, and we’ll be playing it together for a night that’s both meaningful and easygoing. With years of experience in end-of-life care and a gift for sparking authentic conversations, Lisa brings a wealth of insight to the table... so if you’ve ever been curious about navigating dementia, caregiving, or end-of-life dialogue, this is the perfect chance to connect and learn!

There will be drinks (beer, cider, kombucha, NA options) and food available for purchase. Participation is always optional, and everyone is welcome in our all-inclusive community. This event is free!

Every Tuesday | Free

Top Kare Hospice - San Diego, CA

1:15 pm pst

Did you know we offer Free Weekly Tuesday Community NADA Acupuncture at our office 7071 Convoy Ct Suite 101 San Diego, Ca 92111. This is a resource for anyone in the community experiencing grief or wanting to try a holistic modalities to reset the nervous system. Our upcoming student internships with @pacificcollegeedu starts on May 14th. We have 10 appointment time slots available each week at 1:15pm and are taking reservations now. Our conference room is turned into a spa like setting with dim lighting and chairs are placed in a circle. Once each person sits comfortable and ears seeds and needles are placed @dr.amymarie leads a meditation. Text our Volunteer Coordinator Rebekah Finn @harmoniumdeathdoula at 858.833.0546 or email rfinn@topkare.com

Every 2nd Wednesday

1:00 - 2:00 pm | Free

Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, CA 92084

The Vista Death Cafe meets in person at 1 PM on the second Wednesday of every month. The very active Vista senior center community welcomes Death Cafe host, Mel McClave, and the public to join them after lunch in a space that accommodates all.

Do you have an interest in the subject of dying and death? Are you looking for a safe space to share your thoughts, ask questions, and hear what others say? At this Death Cafe, we welcome all opinions and topics, provided they follow a few rules that keep the discussions safe and accessible.

Please RSVP by email to melissa@lastactsoflove.com

Every Thursday

5:45 - 7:00 pm

South Park Yoga & Wellness

2985 Beech St. San Diego

Free for members / $25 drop in

Grief is a universal experience—one that touches every life, yet is so often pushed aside in our fast-moving world. Whether you're grieving a person, a place, a version of yourself, or something else entirely, you are not alone. In this space, we normalize grief and gently explore creative ways to weave it into our lives, rather than hide it away. Let’s face it—none of us can avoid grief, but we can choose how we meet it.

Each week, we’ll begin by grounding ourselves in the space and settling into a guided meditation to help center the mind and body. From there, we’ll move through gentle, restorative yoga postures designed to support the release of grief held in the body. Afterward, you’ll have a few quiet moments for personal reflection (feel free to bring a journal!) We’ll close our time together in community, with an optional invitation to share what surfaced during the practice.

This is not a support group or therapy session. Rather, it's an invitation to be in community and acknowledge that grief is a natural part of the human experience.

This class is open to all, regardless of yoga or meditation experience. Our intention is to create a supportive, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, and a journal if you’d like - mats and blankets will also be available to borrow.

Every 1st Saturday

1:00 - 3:00 pm pst

Pioneer Park Mission Hills

You are invited to the Grief Garden Club! Please join us every first Saturday of the month at Pioneer Park in Mission Hills for a peer-support grief gathering of gardeners. No experience needed! Beginners are welcomed and encouraged!

What is the Grief Garden Club?

A seed, succulent, plant, and harvest swap

A place for tips, tricks, and suggestions for grief gardening

A death positive community space with like minded people

A casual and safe place to discuss grief among peers

What should I bring?

Any seeds, succulents, plants, or harvests for swapping (not mandatory!)

A camping chair or blanket to sit on

Any photos you'd like displayed on the temporary community grief altar we build for each event

Please walk to the back corner of the park where the Calvary Cemetery Monument is located. You will see a row of headstones that were salvaged when this park was converted from a cemetery into a public park. Look for us close to them!

Every 4th Saturday

10:00 - 11:30 am pst | Free

Seaside Center for Spiritual Living

1613 Lake Dr · Encinitas, CA

At a Death Cafe, people, often strangers, gather to eat treats, drink tea and discuss death. Our objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.

We are creating an inviting, safe space to share the heartfelt experience of diving into a taboo topic which unites us all. Whether you've experienced death first hand or you're exploring your mortality, you can expect authentic, engaging and lively conversation with people from all walks of life.

Our discussion groups are hosted by volunteer facilitators and the intention is to foster positive conversation within a like-minded community. Please be mindful and respectful of others. Remember, this is a discussion led by you. We want to hear as many voices as possible.

Every Last Sunday of the Month | Free

Top Kare Hospice - San Diego, CA

3:00 - 4:00 pm pst

Experiencing grief? Come check out our Free Monthly Sound Experience with Topkare Hospice’s Bereavement & Volunteer Coordinator Rebekah Finn @harmoniumdeathdoula hosts Free Monthly Sound Experiences for Grief at our office location 7071 Convoy Court Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92111 the last Wednesday of each month from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm. She plays instruments she’s collected throughout her global travels and honors wherever you are on your grief journey. Participants can be who they are and experience for themselves how the vibrations make them feel. We acknowledge grief is an individualized and human experience. Instruments may include: harmonium, shruti box, buffalo drum, deer drum, bells, shaker, chapaka, therapeutic infinity harp, ocean drum, swing chime, crystal sound bowls, and wooden koshi chimes.

More Information here