Spend the first weekend of August in San Diego enjoying the sounds and sunshine of California’s Beach City and these top things to do.
Julian StarFest
When: August 1-3, 2019
Explore the world of astronomy during the three-day Julian StarFest. See telescopes and view objects in the night sky, vendors, guest speakers, and camping.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert
When: August 1-2, 2019
Don’t miss one of the most popular science fiction films of all time shown on the big screen with John Williams’unforgettable score—from the brassy and foreboding Imperial March to the noble “Yoda’s Theme”—performed by the orchestra and conducted by Larry Loh.
All Shook Up
When: August 2 – September 1, 2019
Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”
La Jolla Music Society SummerFest
When: August 2-23, 2019
A new era of SummerFest begins this August in our brand-new home, The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center! The 2019 Festival will not only showcase exceptional artists in the acoustically spectacular Baker-Baum Concert Hall, but it also marks the inaugural season with internationally acclaimed pianist, Inon Barnatan, as SummerFest Music Director. Subscribers will enjoy many spectacular chamber music programs from the best seats, and at the best price.
Pure Project at the Park – Grand Opening Weekend
When: August 2-4, 2019
Grand Opening Weekend for our new tap room in Banker’s Hill, Pure Project at The Park! We are looking forward to sharing what we have been building, we think you’re going to like it.
Carlsbad Music Festival
When: August 2-4, 2019
The Carlsbad Music Festival – Adventurous music by the beach featuring 60+ performances in three days in the charming seaside Village of Carlsbad.
Latin American Festival/Mata Ortiz Pottery Market
When: August 2-4, 2019
Latin American folk artists from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador and Ecuador and more will gather at Old Town’s iconic Bazaar del Mundo during the annual Latin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market, Friday–Sunday, August 2-4. The event is one of the nation’s most extensive collections of genuine Latin American folk art, traditional embroidered clothing, handwoven textiles, unique collectibles, dazzling jewelry, handmade ceramic and clay pottery.
Bon Odori Festival
When: August 2-3, 2019
For two days, you will be able to enjoy a variety of merchants, engage in family-friendly activities, treat yourselves to Japanese festival foods, a beer garden, a tea & dessert garden, and experience cultural performances throughout each day! Each festival day will also be highlighted with traditional Bon Odori practices.
Impossible Science Festival
When: August 3-4, 2019
Join the Fleet’s Curator of Impossible Science, Jason Latimer, as he hosts the fifth annual Impossible Science Festival at the Fleet Science Center! Learn how to make objects invisible. Experience virtual reality and what it’s like to walk on a construction girder! Explore levitation.
Del Mar Tacos & Beer Festival
When: August 3, 2019
The San Diego Taco & Beer Festival features more than 100 local and regional breweries as well as tacos prepared by 20-25 of the top restaurants in Southern California. Watch exciting Luche Libre Mexican wrestling, stop by the interactive photo booth, plus DJ’s, games and more!
Marine Band San Diego Summer Concert
When: August 3, 2019
Come out for an evening of amazing live music by the 45-piece Marine Band San Diego, as well as their popular music group, “Sound Strike,” and New Orleans-style brass band, “Double Time Brass Band.” These talented Marines will get you pumped with several numbers that will be sure to keep you swaying – ooh-rah!
Chula Vista Lemon Festival
When: August 4, 2019
Lemon Festival celebrates Chula Vista’s heritage as the “Lemon Capital of the World” and will feature live entertainment, a kids’ fun zone and lemons galore.
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 through September 1, you can stay until 7:00 PM 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.
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. 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.
Del Mar Racing Season
When: Thru 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.
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
- Educational Wine Classes with Orfila – Thru September 23, 2019
- Legendary Drag Queens of San Diego – Thru September 8, 2019
- Summertime Sailor Days – Thru September 2, 2019
- Coronado Summer Concert Series – Thru September 1, 2019
- International Summer Organ Festival – Thru August 31, 2019
- Sunset Luau on the Bay – Thru August 31, 2019
- Movie Nights at Jim Watkins Amphitheater – Thru August 30, 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
- The Underpants at The Old Globe – 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
- The Tale of Desperaux at The Old Globe – Thru August 11, 2019
- Another Roll of the Dice at North Coast Repertory – Thru August 11, 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
- San Diego Aviators World Teamtennis – Thru July 31, 2019
- San Diego Padres vs. Baltimore Orioles – July 29-30, 2019
- Love Jones at Rooftop Cinema Club – July 30, 2019
- Live Music: Robin Henkel – July 30, 2019
- JRDN Summer Wine Series – Broadbent Selections – July 31, 2019
- Stranger with Iron Sage Wood at Belly Up – July 31, 2019
- Pizza & Wine Pairing at Orfila Vineyards & Winery – July 31, 2019
- Tim Dillon at The American Comedy Company – August 1-3, 2019
- The Comedy of Errors at NCRT Theatre School – August 1-3, 2019
- Wine Dinner at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse – August 1, 2019
- 2nd Annual Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration at Bellyup – August 1, 2019
- Sunset Poolside Jazz Series with Robert Dove Trio – August 1, 2019
- Third Eye Blind & Jimmy Eat World – August 1, 2019
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame at San Diego Junior Theatre – August 2-11, 2019
- C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band – August 2-3, 2019
- Scholareshare 529 Toddler Time: Story Time – August 2, 2019
- SDMA + The San Diego Ballet: Don Juan – August 2, 2019
- Billy Joel Tribute – The Stranger ft. Mike Santoro at the BellyUp – August 2, 2019
- Rascal Flatts with Morgan Ecans – August 2, 2019
- Open Cockpit Days at the Flying Leatherneck Museum – August 3-4, 2019
- The Great Inflatable Race San Diego – August 3, 2019
- Planter Nite: Pick Your Planter – August 3, 2019
- The Pettybreakers – Tribute to Tom Petty – August 3, 2019
- “Weird Al” Yankovic The Strings Attached Tour 2019 – August 4, 2019
- Beethoven by the Bay – August 4, 2019
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
