Celebrate the arrival of summer with a weekend under the San Diego sun enjoying everything California’s Beach City has to offer including these top things to do.
U.S. Soccer Summer Showcase and Playoffs
When: June 17 – June 29, 2019
A culminating event for the Boys’ and Girls’ 2018-19 Season, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy will host the 12th Summer Showcase and Playoffs for the second time in San Diego.
San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers
When: June 17-19, 2019
Catch the San Diego Padres take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park!
Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts
When: June 18 – August 29, 2019
For 38 years, Twilight’s live music under the stars has been delighting visitors. The music program ranges from military bands and Dixieland jazz to big band swing and Latin salsa.
Taste of Little Italy
When: June 19, 2019
Calling all food lovers, come experience Taste of Little Italy! Walk along Little Italy’s charming flower and tree-lined sidewalks enjoying bites from San Diego’s top eatery hub, all while enjoying live music scattered throughout the 48-square-block neighborhood and spectacular views of San Diego’s sparkling embarcadero.
California Dreaming Beach Party
When: June 20 – August 29, 2019
California Dreaming is the beach party of the summer and is back just in time to celebrate warm nights at the Bahia Resort Hotel on Mission Bay. Watch the sunset with family and friends while enjoying the fresh clam bake and fiery BBQ on the sand with a cocktail in hand.
Summer Solstice
When: June 20, 2019
Enjoy Del Marʼs favorite local eateries and Californiaʼs best wineries, breweries and distilleries. With balmy ocean breezes, amazing front-row sunset views, and live music, this is the way Del Mar celebrates the arrival of summer!
Legendary Drag Queens of San Diego
When: June 21 – September 8, 2019
LGBTQ+ San Diego: Stories of Struggles + Triumphs, the San Diego History Center will shine the spotlight on the performance art of drag. We invite you to experience Legendary Drag Queens of San Diego and help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion–a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history.
Little Italy Summer Film Festival
When: June 22 – August 24, 2019
Watch a summer night movie at the annual Little Italy Summer Film Festival every Saturday night this summer from June through August. You’ll feel like you’re being transported to Italy for the night as you enjoy these wonderful Italian films, complete with English subtitles.
United States Police & Fire Championships
When: June 22-29, 2019
United States Police & Fire Championships brings together law enforcement and fire athletes from across the country to compete in Olympic-style sports.
46th Annual San Diego Scottish Highland Games
When: June 22-23, 2019
Highlights include massed bagpipe bands, Scottish athletics, kid’s area, sheepdog trials, Highland dancing, foot and arts, Scottish clans area, and more!
Distilled: San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Festival
When: June 22, 2019
At Distilled, we raise our glass to honor the best distillers and mixologists throughout San Diego and beyond! Learn who is serving it up neat, and who is shaking it up in our cocktail competition.
40th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
When: June 22, 2019
Oceanfront chili cook-off, an array of food and merchandise vendors, 4 stages of continuous music, the Community Mural Project, a Local Art & Artisans showcase, and more. The one-of-a-kind Hodad’s Burger-Eating Competition will offer contestants a chance to be featured on the Hodad’s Wall of Fame in Ocean Beach and the Beachside Bar will be rockin’ all day for guests 21+ looking to enjoy an ice-cold brew or cocktail with an ocean view and live music.
Summer Fun on the 101
When: June 22, 2019
Summer Fun on the 101 is the annual musical celebration taking place just a block from Beacon’s Beach in beautiful Encinitas, California at the Leucadia Roadside Park (860 N. Coast Hwy 101). Summer Fun on the 101 is Encinitas’ most epic music festival and is free and open to the whole community!
Festival of Yoga
When: June 23, 2019
This free, all-ages event will feature guided yoga, meditation, music, a vendor marketplace, and other activities intended to instill peace and to inspire and empower people of all ages and walks of life.
San Diego County Fair
When: Thru July 4, 2019
Visitors will journey to the Emerald City, meeting magical new friends along the way. Channel your inner courage in our whirlwind of carnival rides. Expand your brain by immersing yourself in creative and educational exhibits. Warm your heart creating new memories with your friends and family. With all of the adventures you’ll encounter, you’ll discover, “There’s no place like the Fair.”
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.
Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo
When: June 16 – 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.
Food Truck Fridays
When: Thru September 27, 2019
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.
More Top Things to Do in San Diego
- Cajon Classic Cruise – Thru October 30, 2019
- Coronado Summer Concert Series – Thru September 1, 2019
- Santee Summer Concert Series – Thru August 22, 2019
- Stone Liberty Station Movie Nights – Thru August 13, 2019
- Rooftop Cinema Club – Thru July 31, 2019
- Athenaeum Summer Festival – Thru July 28, 2019
- As You Like It at The Old Globe – Thru July 17, 2019
- Andaz Sundays? – Thru July 1, 2019
- Put Your House in Order at La Jolla Playhouse – Thru June 30, 2019
- What You Are at The Old Globe – Thru June 30, 2019
- Put Your House in Order at La Jolla Playhouse – Thru June 30, 2019
- Capturing Local Color, an Art Exhibition – Thru June 29, 2019
- Hops on the Harbor with Pariah Brewing Company – Thru June 29, 2019
- A Walk in the Woods at North Coast Rep – Thru June 23, 2019
- Mainly Mozart Festival – Thru June 23, 2019
- Avant School of Cooking – Thru June 19, 2019
- Del Mar Summer Twilight Concert – June 18 – August 20, 2019
- Searsupper Club with Cambria Winery – June 18, 2019
- No Chance at North Coast Repertory Theatre – June 18, 2019
- Lucinda Williams & Her Band Buck 6 – June 18, 2019
- Taste of Vista – June 19, 2019
- Mezcales de Leyenda Mezcal Talk – June 19, 2019
- Green Flash Concert Series: Wild Child Live – June 19, 2019
- Brian Posehn – June 20-22, 2019
- Corks for Cause: Surfrider Foundation – June 20, 2019
- Sunset Poolside Jazz Series with Dennis Gittens – June 20, 2019
- Mattson 2 – June 20, 2019
- Amorri Che non Sanno Stare al Mondo – June 20, 2019
- Make Music San Diego – June 21, 2019
- Make Music Day – June 21, 2019
- Guest Lecture & Tour Series: The Golden Age of Spain – June 21, 2019
- Hootie & The Blowfish – June 21, 2019
- Movies & More by the Lake – June 21, 2019
- Antibalas – June 21, 2019
- Maryland-Style Crab Cakes and Award Winning Wine – June 21, 2019
- TGIF Concerts in the Park – June 22 – August 17, 2019
- Mission Hills Summer Concerts in the Park – June 22 – August 16, 2019
- Coronado Rotary Club Low Tide Ride & Stride – June 22, 2019
- Fairy Festival – June 22, 2019
- Mass Creativity Day at the New Children’s Museum – June 22, 2019
- Full-Day Symposium for Art and Empire: The Golden Age of Spain – June 22, 2019
- Plant Nite: Wine Therapy – June 22, 2019
- Star of India Family Overnight – June 22, 2019
- America with Special Guest Formerly Alien – June 22, 2019
- Desperado with Santanaways – June 22, 2019
- San Diego International Triathlon – June 23, 2019
- The Alexander Project – June 23, 2019
- Santana: Supernatural Now Tour – June 23, 2019
- An Evening with Raul Midón & Lionel Loueke – June 23, 2019
> Find more Top Things to Do on the San Diego Event Calendar
