Visit San Diego this weekend for the awesomeness of Comic-Con, the pageantry of the Del Mar Races, the abundance of sunshine, and these top things to do.
The Tale of Despereaux
When: July 16 – August 11, 2019
The acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. charmed and astonished Old Globe audiences with The Old Man and The Old Moon. Now they return to San Diego, bringing their one-of-a-kind theatrical and musical inventiveness to Kate DiCamillo’s beloved, Newbery Medal-winning modern fable. Despereaux is a courageous mouse who dreams of becoming a knight. He sets off on a noble quest that will take him down into dungeons and up to the heights of a castle tower to rescue a beautiful human princess—but the dark-hearted rat Roscuro has other ideas.
Del Mar Racing Season
When: July 17 – September 2, 2019
San Diego horse racing takes place where the “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, mid-July – early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation’s top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.
The Gathering
When: July 17, 2019
Held at the Comic-Con Museum’s home in San Diego’s Balboa Park, The Gathering is a major fundraising event that brings fans together in celebration of their favorite pop culture characters and to raise critical funds in support of the Museum. Guests will also preview what to expect from the CCM. All three floors will be fully activated with displays of art, fashion, technology, music, live entertainment, and themed food and drink.
Comic-Con International: San Diego
When: July 18-21, 2019
Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.
Comic-Con Museum Pop-Up
When: July 18-21, 2019
A pop-up version of the Comic-Con Museum will be open in Balboa Park each day during Comic-Con! No SDCC badge is required to enter, and admission is free for the whole community. Preparations are underway to activate all three floors of the 68,000 square foot building with exciting exhibits, programs, and experiences.
Hop-Con 7.0
When: July 18, 2019
We’ve been proud beer geeks since 1996, so it’s only natural for us to celebrate when our hometown becomes the center of the nerd universe during San Diego Comic Con. Join us at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station on Thursday, July 18 for Hop-Con 7.0!
San Diego Aviators World Team Tennis
When: July 19-31, 2019
Come see men and women competing on court together in a fast-paced, unique tennis format. The opening match on July 19 is going to be exciting with local favorite, Taylor Fritz competing against Sam Querrey of the Vegas Rollers. Not your typical tennis, with a DJ on court pumping up the crowd, you can get loud and cheer for the team. And there’s not just tennis! With live music, happy hours, craft beer, cocktails, food vendors, and an activity zone, Aviators matches are perfect for a night out with friends, family, or colleagues.
Galaxy Quest™ in Concert
When: July 19, 2019
This cult-classic sci-fi spoof arrives in San Diego for its concert world premiere just in time for Comic-Con! Stars of a 1970s sci-fi show are beamed aboard an alien spacecraft and join the aliens in their quest to overcome the oppressive regime in their solar system. Academy Award® nominated composer David Newman conducts the San Diego Symphony performing the score he wrote. Galaxy Quest™ in Concert is sure to delight and boldly go where few parodies have gone before!
Insect and Ladybug Festival
When: July 20-21, 2019
This one-of-a-kind event features thousands of fascinating creepy-crawlies including live insects, lizards, snakes, and the famous “Madagascar hissing cockroaches.” Children can practice bug collecting, hands-on insect arts and crafts, and even taste cooked mealworm larva (in various flavors such as mesquite, teriyaki, and barbeque!). Entomologists and other bug experts will be available for questions and more than 20 informational booths will teach and entertain children and adults alike.
Burgers and Brews Invitational
When: July 20, 2019
The Burgers & Brews Invitational returns for an exciting day at the races! Join us at Del Mar Racetrack for a fun-filled day that will showcase the best of the best award-wining craft breweries alongside the top burger establishments in all of San Diego!
Back to the Future in Concert
When: July 20, 2019
Power up your DeLorean…recharge your flux capacitor…and get ready to relive Back to the Future. Fans old and new will experience the thrill of this unforgettable movie classic on the big screen with the San Diego Symphony conducted by David Newman performing Alan Silvestri’s musical score live.
2019 Annual Over The Line Tournament
When: Thru July 21, 2019
The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is calling all players, beach-goers, and sports enthusiasts to the biggest summer event in San Diego!
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.
Summertime Sailor Days
When: Thru September 2, 2019
Museum visitors will experience firsthand traditional sailor activities including knot-tying, plus maritime arts and crafts activities. Explore a host of amazing historic vessels including tall ships, submarines and fascinating below-deck exhibits. Children can also participate in a fun scavenger hunt throughout the Maritime Museum to learn about history and choose a special prize from the Gift Shop treasure chest.
Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo
When: Thru September 2, 2019
Stay after dark and celebrate summer during Nighttime Zoo presented by One Medical, June 16 through September 2. Enjoy live music, fun shows, animal encounters, food, and more!
SeaWorld’s Electric Ocean
When: Thru September 2, 2019
Surf beyond your expectations as the sea comes alive at night and dive into Electric Ocean, SeaWorld’s fantastic summer nighttime celebration.
Summer in Balboa Park
When: Thru September 27, 2019
Summer is a time to relax, explore and enjoy – and there’s no better place to perfect the art of summer than in Balboa Park. From evening concerts to extended museum hours to food truck feasts to gardens and picnics and more, Balboa Park is the destination for summer fun – all day and into the night.
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Cajon Classic Cruise – Thru October 30, 2019
- Legendary Drag Queens of San Diego – Thru September 8, 2019
- Coronado Summer Concert Series – Thru September 1, 201
- International Summer Organ Festival – Thru August 31, 2019
- Sunset Luau on the Bay – Thru August 31, 2019
- California Dreaming Beach Party – Thru August 29, 2019
- Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts – Thru August 29, 2019
- Rock of Ages at Cygnet Theatre – Thru August 25, 2019
- Little Italy Summer Film Festival – Thru August 24, 2019
- Santee Summer Concert Series – Thru August 22, 2019
- Del Mar Summer Twilight Concerts – Thru August 20, 2019
- Stagecoach Days – Thru August 18, 2019
- TGIF Concerts in the Park – Thru August 17, 2019
- Bird Park Summer Concerts – Thru August 17, 2019
- Mission Hills Summer Concerts in the Park – Thru August 16, 2019
- Stone Liberty Station Movie Nights – Thru August 13, 2019
- Point Loma Summer Concerts – Thru August 9, 2019
- Another Roll of the Dice at North Coast Repertory – Thru August 4, 2019
- University Heights Summer in the Park – Thru August 2, 2019
- Rooftop Cinema Club – Thru July 31, 2019
- Athenaeum Summer Festival – Thru July 28, 2019
- The Luckiest at La Jolla Playhouse – Thru July 28, 2019
- Hops on the Harbor with Green Flash – Thru July 27, 2019
- Fruitful Directions, an Art Exhibition – Thru July 27, 2019
- As You Like It at The Old Globe – Thru July 17, 2019
- Top Gun at Rooftop Cinema Club – July 16, 2019
- Doug Loves Movies: Comic Con Edition – July 17, 2019
- Atomic Groove – Opening Day Party – July 17, 2019
- JRDN Summer Wine Series – Scarpetta Winery – July 17, 2019
- Pine Mountain Logs & Venice Live – July 17, 2019
- Game of Forks – Your Waffle Spot Kingdom – July 18-21, 2019
- The Comedy of Errors at NCRT Theatre School – July 18-20, 2019
- The Paragraphs, Drug Hunt, Belladon – July 18, 2019
- Live Music: Patrick “Bluefrog” Ellis (Duo) – July 18, 2019
- Mark Ellis at The American Comedy Company – July 18, 2019
- Black Pistol Fire – July 19, 2019
- Live Music: Jerry “Hotrod” Demink – July 19, 2019
- SDMA + The San Diego Opera: The Golden Age of Spain – July 19, 2019
- Trump vs. Bernie at The American Comedy Company – July 19, 2019
- Open Cockpit Days at the Flying Leatherneck Museum – July 20-21, 2019
- The Tale of Despereaux Sensory-Friendly Axis Event – July 20, 2019
- Pure Project Can Relase: DDH Moonlight Summit & Trips on Dubs – July 20, 2019
- Live Music: The Moneymen Band – July 20, 2019
- Discover Summer Fun and Music at the Mission – July 20, 2019
- Live Music: The Stilettos – July 20, 2019
- Summer of Love & Art – July 20, 2019
- Jonah Ray at the American Comedy Company – July 20, 2019
- Bettamaxx with Rockgarden – July 20, 2019
- Last Podcast on the Left – July 20, 2019
- Beck & Cage the Elephant – July 20, 2019
- Plant Nite: Juniper Bonsai Tree for Beginners – July 20, 2019
- Live Music: Chad & Rosie – July 21, 2019
- July Baja Mezcal Tour – July 21, 2019
- Live Music: Graham Gillot Band – July 21, 2019
- Infinite Floyd – The Wall – July 21, 2019
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
