Spend the first weekend of June in California’s Beach City enjoying everything from the original Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to the San Diego County Fair and more with these top things to do.
A Walk in the Woods
When: May 29 – June 23, 2019
What really goes on behind the scenes of tense arms negotiations between powerful nations? Set in the midst of the Cold War, Lee Blessing’s gripping play, A WALK IN THE WOODS, is especially relevant today. With talks seemingly at an impasse, the American and Soviet negotiators agree to meet informally while strolling through the peaceful forest. Their revealing and absorbing conversations, laced with warmth and humor, evolve through debate and discord, exploring unexpected and uncharted territory. Nominated for a Pulitzer and a Tony Award, Blessing’s dramatic comedy was inspired by historic conversations between negotiators Paul H. Nitze and Yuli A Kvitsinsky who left the official 1982 Geneva sessions for an unofficial “walk in the woods.”
What You Are
When: May 30 – June 30, 2019
Feeling adrift in a changing America he no longer recognizes, Don scrapes together a living and struggles to support his family through hard work and good intentions. But everything around him, from his younger co-workers, to the technology in his office job, to even his own opinionated daughter, seems alien to the certainties and stabilities he once knew. When a simple misunderstanding at work escalates into an all-out confrontation, Don hatches a plan to set right all the things he feels have gone wrong. Can the people who love him manage to hold him together? JC Lee’s Globe-commissioned world premiere is a riveting, of-the-moment exploration of the personal struggles that accompany sweeping social change. Contains strong language.
Food Truck Fridays
When: May 31 – September 27, 2019
Kick off your summer weekends in style every Friday evening at Balboa Park’s hottest after-hours event. Visitors of all ages can enjoy free live entertainment while eating gourmet dishes from a rotating selection of more than a dozen food trucks. Each evening features fantastic local performers, vibrant music, and family-friendly activities. Foodies can also explore the many park museums hosting evening hours and special programs.
San Diego County Fair
When: May 31 – July 4, 2019
The 2019 San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Vons, invites guests to skip down the yellow brick road and enter into an “Oz-some” world inspired by L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Mainly Mozart Festival
When: May 31 – June 23, 2019
For over 30 years, the Mainly Mozart Festival has been gathering the greatest collection of orchestral players in North America. The 2019 Festival features beloved Mozart masterpieces such as the Piano Concerto No. 20, and the Prague Symphony. Other 2019 Festival highlights include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5.
San Diego Padres vs. Miami Marlins
When: May 31 – June 2, 2019
Catch the San Diego Padres take on the Miami Marlins at Petco Park! Game day promotions and events include: Friday – Party in the Park: 80’s Night; Saturday – All-fan giveaway Swingin’ Friar Hat; and Sunday – KidsFest, Kids Run the Bases, Friar Family Days, Theme Game: Girl Scout Day.
San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series
When: June 1-2, 2019
It all began in San Diego in 1998 and for over 20 years, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series has made running fun by infusing each course with live bands, cheer teams and more. In 2018, we brought our best to the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 with more music, runner support, and community engagement every step of the way. This event has always been our Epic Summer Run, and we’re already planning on ways to make 2019 even better! This year our event will feature a Full (26.2 miles) and 1/2 (13.1 miles) Marathon, a fun 5k Race and a 1/2 Marathon Relay Race.
San Diego Bay Festival
When: June 1, 2019
San Diego Bay Festival gives attendees an opportunity to enjoy the first of San Diego’s summer sun. Delicious specialty foods, craft beers, craft cocktails, and fine wines will all presented by local restaurants, bars, and nightclub staff. Local arts and crafts, as well as booths, will be on sale throughout the festival.
Art Around Adams
When: June 1, 2019
Enjoy Adams Avenue in a friendly, relaxed and carefree environment where taste-makers and free thinkers mix freely with family and friends. Experience exhibits and performances that will dazzle the eye and stir the senses. Each year we strive to infuse new and exciting artists and talents that reflect this year’s local trends in art and business. Stroll the entire route, or take the complimentary “Comedy Trolley.” It’s FREE FUN for young and old.
Mexico Gourmet
When: June 1, 2019
Indulge yourself with the Mexico Gourmet Festival, a one-night tribute to Mexican gastronomy, traditions and art that offers guests the chance to sample the cuisine and products from some of the most prominent chefs, restaurants, artists and vendors on both sides of the border, while experiencing the sights and sounds of Mexico.
Athenaeum Summer Festival
When: June 2 – July 28, 2019
The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library’s Summer Festival with pianist Gustavo Romero has become a cherished tradition in San Diego. The 21st Annual Athenaeum Summer Festival, a four-part series of concerts, will feature the works of Enrique Granados.
Put Your House in Order
When: June 2-30, 2019
Caroline and Rolan’s first date begins as a pretty average night that ends at Caroline’s house in an upscale Chicago suburb. But when the city around them begins exhibiting signs that something is terribly wrong, they quickly have to learn to trust each other to stand a chance against the horrors outside the gate. Equal parts romantic comedy and old-school thriller, this new play from one of Chicago’s hottest playwrights explores new beginnings at the end of the world.
San Diego Legion vs. New Orleans Gold
When: June 2, 2019
Join us for our final regular season game against a well stacked New Orleans team. June 2nd is our Military Appreciation Day, come celebrate those who work to defend our country with a beer in your hand and your friends and family by your side.
SeaWorld’s Viva la Musica
When: Thru June 2, 2019
Highlighted by a
fantastic live concert series, SeaWorld’s Viva la Música is a
celebration of Hispanic culture through great music, food and festive
decor.
Summer Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
When: Thru September 1, 2019
Go wild at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park this summer! Summer Safari presented by Groupon brings later hours and more fun. On Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 through September 1, you can stay until 7 p.m. for evening safari adventures. Walk among kangaroos and wallabies at the newest habitat,Walkbout Australia, and hear a didgeridoo played. Enjoy guitar music, roaming jugglers and magicians, and summer food and drink specials throughout the Park.
Sesame Street Party Parade
When: Thru September 1, 2019
The Sesame Street Party Parade is marching Sesame Street excitement throughout SeaWorld San Diego. This colorful, musical, show-stopping parade is fun enough to get the whole family dancing. This event features 10 larger-than-life themed floats including Sesame Street favorites such as Mr. Hooper’s Store and Count’s Castle. The whole family will be singing and dancing along with Elmo and his furry cast of friends as they join more than 20 dancers along the parade route.
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Cajon Classic Cruise – Thru October 30, 2019
- Andaz Sundays? – Thru July 1, 2019
- Avant School of Cooking – Thru June 19, 2019
- Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy – Thru June 16, 2019
- Coming of Age Film Festival – Thru May 31, 2019
- Mes de Mayo Sunset Cocktail Cruises – May 31, 2019
- Hops on the Harbor with Mother Earth Brew Co. – Thru May 31, 2019
- Coronado Summer Concert Series – May 26 – September 1, 2019
- PostSecret Street Team – May 28, 2019
- In Search of Stonewall – May 28, 2019
- Rupaul’s Drag Race – Season 11 Tour – May 28, 2019
- Live Music: Robin Henkel – May 28, 2019
- Live Music: The Moneymen Band – May 29, 2019
- Freddie McGregor & The Big Ship Band – May 29, 2019
- Chris Distefano – May 30 – June 1, 2019
- Live Music: Jerry “Hotrod” Demink – May 30, 2019
- Sights and Sages & Burlap the Sac – May 30, 2019
- Italian Food & Wine Pairing Dinner – May 30, 2019
- High Strung – May 31 – June 2, 2019
- Urban Sites, Bikes & Bikes Tours – May 31, 2019
- Balboa Park Summer Kickoff Concert – May 31, 2019
- Red Hot Chili Pepper & No Duh – May 31, 2019
- Los Texmaniacs – May 31, 2019
- Fiddler on the Roof – June 1-2, 2019
- Gold Party – June 1, 2019
- Pure Project: Log Cabin Day & Bottle Release – June 1, 2019
- Brad Paisley – June 1, 2019
- Dennis Quaid and the Sharks – June 1, 2019
- Capturing Local Color, An Art Exhibition – June 2-29, 2019
- RB Alive! Street Fair – June 2, 2019
- Young Dubliners with Ryan Hiller Trio – June 2, 2019
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
