From cultural festivals to surfing competitions to spending the day under the San Diego sun, here are 20 of the top things to do in California’s Beach City this weekend.
San Diego Padres vs. Tampa Bay Rays
When: August 12-14, 2019
Catch the San Diego Padres take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Petco Park! Game Day promotions and events include: Monday – Friar Family Days; Tuesday – Taco Tuesday, Friar Family Days; Wednesday – Friar Family Days.
> Everything Happening for the Padres’ 50th Anniversary
Tenderly
When: August 15-25, 2019
Tenderly is based on the life of Rosemary Clooney, who was hailed as America’s favorite girl singer. In this exhilarating and inspiring new musical biography, it offers a fresh, personal and poignant picture of the woman whose unparalleled talent and unbridled personality made her a legend. We learn both the story of her successes on film, radio and TV, as well as her personal struggles. The show features many of her signature hits, including “Hey There (you with the stars in your eyes),” “Tenderly,” and “Come On-A My House.” Indulge yourself in a musical that will leave you cheering at her triumphant comeback and singing these unforgettable songs.
Flicks on the Bricks
When: August 15-29, 2019
Flicks on the Bricks Year 12! Another tantalizing offering of outdoor cinema and wine on the Athenaeum patio in the heart of La Jolla each Thursday in August. Enjoy mismatched pairings on the screen and for the wine tasting! Come join the Athenaeum for hot summer fun!
Drink Play Create: Brews + Bonfires
When: August 15, 2019
The quarterly 21+ event at The New Children’s Museum is back this summer for a glamping-inspired evening of Brews + Bonfires! Think twinkly summer nights, cozy fire pits and roasted marshmallows. Enjoy live music, food and drinks from local restaurants, a hands-on art activity, access to the many art installations and more.
¡Latin Food Fest!
When: August 16-17, 2019
¡Latin Food Fest! celebrates its sixth annual Hispanic culinary celebration on August 16-17 at Marina Park, San Diego Bay.
Some Enchanted Evening: The Broadway Hits
When: August 16-17, 2019
Bayside comes alive with the sound of Broadway’s most famous music including “My Favorite Things,“ “Where or When,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” and more. Featuring two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes (Cinderella, Bonnie and Clyde) and Jason Danieley (Candide, The Full Monty, Pretty Woman), who The New York Times hailed as “the most exquisite tenor on Broadway.” Conducted by Rob Fisher.
26th Annual Luau and Legends of Surfing Invitational
When: August 16, 2019
Surfers, scientists and survivors come together to support the fight against cancer at the annual Luau and Legends of Surfing Invitational at the beach near Scripps Pier in La Jolla.
San Diego Magazine’s Best of San Diego Party 2019
When: August 16, 2019
The Best of San Diego Party presented by Valley View Casino & Hotel is the ultimate summer celebration. The event brings together the top local restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries and businesses as featured in San Diego Magazine’s Best Restaurants and Best of San Diego issues. Guests can expect unlimited bites and sips from more than 100 vendors along with live bands and entertainment, interactive art installations, lounges, aerialist acrobats, fire performers, pop-up shops, dancing and more.
43rd Annual World Bodysurfing Championships
When: August 17-18, 2019
During the World Bodysurfing Championships, 350-400 bodysurfers from around the world compete in their respective age divisions for trophies and prizes.
11th Annual Fairy Tales in the Park
When: August 17-18, 2019
Join the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet for the 11th Annual “Fairy Tales in the Park,” a whimsical, magical dance performance that merges the beauty of ballet with the excitement of four classic, unforgettable stories – all right within the cultural heart of Balboa Park! Featuring a professional storyteller, an interactive experience in the lobby of the historic Casa del Prado Theater, and all tickets priced at $12, it is perfect for families of all ages!
> An Insider’s View on Things to do in August in Balboa Park
San Diego Carnival
When: August 17, 2019
The stage will be jammed packed with vibrant performers. There will also be delicious food and vendors of all kinds. You do not want to miss the Parade of the Bands. Parade will have hundreds of masquraders in beautiful feathered & bedazzled costumes.
Imperial Avenue Street Festival
When: August 17, 2019
The Imperial Avenue Street Festival is a multicultural street scene that celebrates the rich history, arts and culture of the Greater Logan Heights community.
Chula Vista HarborFest
When: August 17, 2019
Chula Vista HarborFest is a family-friendly celebration that welcomes everyone to enjoy a classic summer festival with breathtaking ocean views as a backdrop.
TVG Pacific Classic
When: August 17, 2019
Watch many of the country’s top horses compete at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles in the 29th running of Del Mar’s signature event, the TVG Pacific Classic. The Pacific Classic will anchor a stakes triple header program that includes the Gr I Del Mar Oaks and the Gr II Del Mar Handicap. Del Mar’s richest and most prestigious race, the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic (Gr. I), takes place on Saturday, August 17.
Ferragosto 2019: Pirates Invade Sicily
When: August 17, 2019
San Diego’s Little Italy brings you “Pirates Invade Sicily”– a blockbuster, fun-filled wild, wild romp—our biggest neighborhood bash yet—and the last! A Pirate’s bounty of food, wine, beer, cocktails and—yes, there will be RUM awaiting you as you set sail.
Stone Brewing 23rd Anniversary Grand Celebration
When: August 18, 2019
Stone Brewing celebrates its 23rd Anniversary with a three-day festival taking place at all of it’s locations across the country. Join independent craft beer fans for tasters from more than 50 breweries and craft beer camaraderie in the San Diego sunshine. Expect incredible beer, fantastic food, live music, a cigar lounge and more.
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, summer food and drink specials, and more top things to do 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 top things to do in the Zoo!
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 top things to do, Balboa Park is the destination for summer fun – all day and into the night.
More Top Things to Do in San Diego this Weekend
- The San Diego Surfing Hall of Fame Induction – August 13, 2019
- San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament – August 14, 2019
- JRDN Summer Wine Series – Peay Vineyards – August 14, 2019
- Max Weinberg’s Jukebox at Belly Up – August 14, 2019
- The Mother Hips Live at Birch Aquarium – August 14, 2019
- Beer & Wine Fest at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar – August 15, 2019
- The Fabulous Thunderbirds at Belly Up – August 15, 2019
- Sunset Poolside Jazz with Lorraine Castella – August 15, 2019
- Screen on the Green: Spellbound – August 15, 2019
- Open Cockpit Days at The Flying Leatherneck Museum – August 17-18, 2019
- Scholareshare 529 Toddler Time: Make Friends – August 16, 2019
- Siembra Agave Spirits Chef’s Table – August 16, 2019
- The Devastators at Belly Up – August 16, 2019
- Fairy Tale Village in Balboa Park – August 17-18, 2019
- Yoga Mornings at The New Children’s Museum – August 17, 2019
- Liberty Station Family Movie Night: How to Train Your Dragon 3 – August 17, 2019
- Plant Nite: Square Glass Driftwood Terrarium – August 17, 2019
- Wild Child with Band of Gringos at Belly Up – August 17, 2019
- America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K – August 18, 2019
- Blues Traveler with the San Diego Symphony – August 18, 2019
- “Starburst Night” Painting Event – August 18, 2019
- Julian Marley and the Uprising Band at Belly Up – August 18, 2019
Long Term Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Cajon Classic Cruise – Thru October 30, 2019
- Educational Wine Classes with Orfila – Thru September 23, 2019
- Romeo and Juliet at The Old Globe – Thru September 15, 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
- All Shook Up at San Diego Musical Theatre – Thru September 1, 2019
- Wonderspaces San Diego – Thru September 1, 2019
- International Summer Organ Festival – Thru August 31, 2019
- Sunset Luau on the Bay – Thru August 31, 2019
- Borrowing from the Past, An Art Exhibition – Thru August 31, 2019
- Hops on the Harbor with Ballast Point – 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
- La Jolla Music Summerfest – Thru August 23, 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
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame at San Diego Junior Theatre – Thru August 11, 2019
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
