Spend the upcoming weekend in San Diego enjoying everything California’s Beach City has to offer including these top things to do.
San Diego Surf Film Festival
The 2016 SDSFF will highlight over 35 international films, dozens of filmmakers and producers in attendance, intimate Q&As, filmmaker panel and workshops, an amazing surf art gallery, surf legends and shaping demos, beach clean-ups and expression sessions, incredible live music, serendipitous live art, book-signings, rad folks and raging after-parties. We welcome surf enthusiasts and filmmakers from around the world to come celebrate the art of surf cinema in the heart of San Diego.
Where: Various Locations
When: May 18 – 28, 2016
Cost: $5-$200
> Find out more about the San Diego Surf Film Festival
Ramona Rodeo
The Ramona Rodeo offers top-notch PRCA rodeo. One of the country’s top PRCA sanctioned full-scale pro rodeos, competitive events include barrel racing, tie-down roping, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and bareback riding. Other activities include a cowgirl fashion show, cowboy and cowgirl mixer, Kid’s Day clowns, rodeo queens, and photo and autograph opportunities.
Where: Fred Grand Arena, Ramona Outdoor Community Center – 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona, CA 92065
When: May 19 – 22, 2016
Cost: Free-$41.99
> Find out more about the Ramona Rodeo
Downtown at Sundown
Visual and performing arts converge at MCASD Downtown’s after-hours offering: Downtown at Sundown. Enjoy free Museum admission, exhibition tours, music by The Roots Factory Art Collective, free entry at SDSU Downtown Gallery, drink specials at Stone Brewing Company and The Flight Path Wine Bar & Bistro, The Book Truck, a food truck, and more!
Where: 1001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 19, 2016
Time: 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Downtown at Sundown
Tower After Hours: Philippines
Immerse yourself in the traditions unique to this island nation, from delicious foods to stunning performances of music and dance. Enjoy a night out with family and friends at this party celebrating the beauty of the Philippines!
Where: San Diego Museum of Man – 1350 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 19, 2016
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Cost: $15-$30
> Find out more about Tower After Hours: Philippines
San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Catch the San Diego Padres take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park! Game day promotions and events include: Friday – Cocktailfest; Saturday – Post Game Fireworks; and Sunday – Reusable Bag Giveaway and KidsFest.
Where: Petco Park – 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 20-22, 2016
> Find out more about the San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Sorrento Valley Beer Festival
The festival’s goal is to always balance scale with quality. That’s why participation is capped at 500 guests and 20 breweries. They want to be an event you really look forward to! Sorrento Valley Beer Festival is not your typical “drink and leave” event. The festival features games, comfortable seating, fire pits, excellent food trucks and great live music. This means guests stay around for hours and have an amazing time!
Where: 10427 Roselle St., San Diego, CA 92121
When: May 20, 2016
Time: 5:00 to 8:30 PM
Cost: $10-$35
> Find out more about the Sorrento Valley Beer Festival
National Parks BioBlitz
Come learn about the unique ecosystems of the Cabrillo National Monument, participate in science-based activities, and help park biologists in quantifying the plants and animals that call Cabrillo home. More than 22 exhibitors and Cabrillo’s Artists-in-Residence will provide hands-on activities for all ages and local scientists will talk about their research. Guided Walks are scheduled throughout the day using the program iNaturalist (available for Android and Apple).
Where: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Cost: Included with entrance fee
> Find out more about National Parks BioBlitz
Explore Mission Trails Day
Connecting with Nature is the theme for the 2016 Explore Mission Trails Day and features free guided nature walks, talks and programs throughout the park, including live animals and special programs for children. The San Diego Natural History Museum and Scholastic Publishing’s Ms. Frizzle™ and The Magic Schoolbus will present a special program featuring coyotes for children in the amphitheater at the Visitor and Interpretive Center. There will also be free pony rides, a mini mountain bike track, a climbing wall, crafts for children, and many Discovery Stations at the East Fortuna Staging Area.
Where: Mission Trails Regional Park – One Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about Explore Mission Trails Day
Festival of the Arts in North Park & Craft Beer Block
On the forefront of the art scene, the SDCCU Festival of Arts in North Park celebrates all types of art forms including a live art element. There will be something for everyone, including the kids. Our hands-on Kids Art Block offers children the chance to participate in a variety of interactive activities designed to stimulate and inspire their imaginations and create their own masterpieces. Come thirsty to the Craft Beer Block and sample brews from San Diego’s favorite breweries.
Where: University Avenue & 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free. Craft Beer Block – $30
> Find out more about Festival of the Arts in North Park & Craft Beer Block
Pirate Days
Pirate Days, a two-day celebration for kids of all ages, will include kids costume contests, carnival games, cannon firings, weapon demonstrations, sword fights, scary stories, and a scavenger hunt for Pirate Treasure. Plus new this year our add-on show “BOARDED! A New Pirate Adventure!” Each child receives a pirate booty bag with admission while supplies last!
Where: Maritime Museum of San Diego – 1492 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 21-22, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $9-$37
> Find out more about Pirate Days
San Diego Taco Fest
The San Diego Taco Fest is a food, music, and cultural celebration of all that makes San Diego America’s Finest City. Twenty of the region’s best taco-centric restaurants will offer a wide range of mouth-watering taco creations.
Where: San Diego County Waterfront Park – 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $20-$85
> Find out more about San Diego Taco Fest
Bacon & Barrels
The Bacon & Barrels festival is back, and this time it’s better than ever. The hottest chefs from the finest local restaurants will prepare and serve small plates starring bacon in its most inventive forms. The best mixologists, brewers and wine makers will quench your thirst with refreshing bacon-based and bacon-inspired cocktails and brews. The event will feature equally impressive views, as it will be held on the waterfront at Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South – 1 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $20-$90
> Find out more about Bacon & Barrels
Cellar 3 First Year Anniversary Party
This party will be packed with live music and art, rare beer tasting paired with delicious bites from local vendors, and the release of Lustrous Frumento with Coffee – the first release in our Barrelmaster’s Reserve series. This delicious bourbon barrel-aged delicacy is only available at Cellar 3 on the day of the anniversary, with only 600 bottles available.
Where: 12260 Crosthwaite Cir, Poway, CA 92064
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 12:00 to 9:00 PM
Cost: Free admission
> Find out more about Cellar 3 First Year Anniversary Party
D6 Night Market
D6 Night Market, named for San Diego’s City Council District 6 (“D6”), perhaps the most culturally diverse district in San Diego, will have all the elements of a successful night market including a mix of food and beverage stands, vendors, and entertainment.
Where: Mira Mesa Community Park – 8575 New Salem St, San Diego, CA 92126
When: May 21, 2016
Time: 4:00 to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
> Find out more about D6 Night Market
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Food Festival – Thru June 12, 2016
- Camp David – Thru June 19, 2016
- San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants – May 17-19, 2016
- Think and Drink with Legendary Zoo Leaders – May 18, 2016
- Eat Drink Read – May 18, 2016
- Art Auction 2016 – May 18, 2016
- Canine Cocktails at Level 9 Rooftop Bar – May 19, 2016
- Cinema@The Balboa – Amadeus: Director’s Cut – May 20, 2016
- Jeff Dye – May 20-21, 2016
- Tour the USS Lake Erie – May 21-22, 2016
- San Diego Century – May 21, 2016
- Cycle Eastlake and EastLake Half Marathon – May 21, 2016
- My Hero: Contemporary Art & Superhero Action – May 21 – August 14, 2016
- Foodie Fest Encinitas – May 21, 2016
- OMBAC Classic Beach Party – May 21, 2016
- 8th Annual Ping Pong Tournament – May 21, 2016
- Cinema@The Balboa – Walt Disney’s Fantasia – May 21, 2016
- Beer and Ballet – May 21-22, 2016
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
