From movies by the pool to spectacular opening day at the Del Mar Racetrack hats to amazing sandcastles to a parade full of pride, there is a ton of family fun to be had this weekend in San Diego with all of these top things to do.
Dive-In Movies
Relax and cool off after a warm day exploring San Diego by hanging out in a pool and catching a classic movie on a big screen:
- Mission Centennial Dive-in Movie: Jaws – July 15, 2014
Where: Wave House Beach Club – 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 - Dive-In Theatre: Purple Rain (1984) – July 16, 2014
Where: The Pearl Hotel – 1410 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
> Browse more free outdoor summer movies
Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack
And they’re off! Hundreds of fashion-minded guests participate in Del Mar’s illustrious “One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest.” A parade of eye-popping creations, this celebration is an annual tradition that gets the nod from spectators and fashionistas alike.
Where: Del Mar Racetrack – 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
When: July 17, 2014
Time: 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: $10-$20
> Find out more about Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack
Del Mar Racing Season
When: July 17 – September 3, 2014
> Find out more about the Del Mar Racing Season
San Diego Pride Rally, Block Party, Parade and Festival
San Diego Pride continues to bring together the skills, talents and vision of a diverse community to produce the annual LGBT Pride Celebration which attracts 250,000 participants to Hillcrest for America’s Finest Pride Parade and Festival.
> Get the all the details on the 2014 San Diego Pride Weekend
Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival
The 2014 Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival will feature world-class sandcastle sculptors creating some of the best sand creations on the West Coast as well as a community parade and pancake breakfast, live music, children’s craft activities, a Kids ‘n Kastles competition, Farmer’s Market and International Food Fair.
Where: 10 Evergreen Avenue, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
When: July 18-19, 2014
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival
Art in Bloom
This 3-day event features over 40 art and floral vignettes which will stimulate your senses and delight your creativity. Each year floral designers choose from an array of original artworks to interpret in flowers. Then the artwork together with the floral creation are displayed in captivating vignettes accompanied by live music in the patio.
Where: Spanish Village Art Center – 1770 Village Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
When: July 18-20, 2014
Time: 11:00 to 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Art in Bloom
Festival of the Bells
This weekend event celebrates the anniversary of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the Mother of California’s 21 Missions, which was founded by Blessed Father Junipero Serra on July 16, 1769. The celebration includes food, entertainment, dancing and traditional activities like the Blessing of the Bells and the Blessing of the Animals. All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festivities, including an original bell dating back to 1802.
Where: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala – 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108
When: July 19-20, 2014
Cost: Free
> Find out more about the Festival of the Bells
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- San Diego Sausage Fest – July 16, 2014
- Green Flash Concert – Steve Poltz – July 16, 2014
- Summer Pops – The Music of ABBA – July 18-19, 2014
- San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets – July 18-20, 2014
- Broken Lizard at American Comedy Club – July 17-19, 2014
- Fallbrook’s Wine & A Bite Art Walk – July 18, 2014
- Over The Line Tournament Finals – July 19-20, 2104
- Summersun Fest – July 19, 2014
- Clash at Clairemont: Skateboarding, BMX & Music – July 19, 2014
- Hess Fest – July 19, 2014
> Browse the San Diego Event Calendar
Know of some other top things to do this weekend in San Diego? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.