What to do in America's Finest City Aug 3rd - 7th

TGI Weekend! With perfect summer weather, there are plenty of things to do in San Diego this weekend. From horse racing or a Friday concert in Del Mar to beach parties, live music, outdoor movies, and art, start making your plans to enjoy everything America’s Finest City has to offer. Get up. Get out. Play!

Thursday, Aug. 3

Nighttime Zoo 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo has extended its hours to 9 p.m. now through Sept. 4 so families can enjoy the annual “Nighttime Zoo.” Visitors can hear live music, check out special keeper talks and entertainment, and end the night by watching a parade of elaborate animal puppets. Nighttime Zoo activities are included with paid admission or zoo memberships.

Del Mar Racing
12 p.m., Del Mar Racetrack
Still “cool as ever,” the Del Mar Racing season returns to the seaside track in the North County. Gates open daily at 12 p.m., with the first post at 2 p.m. The season runs through Sept. 4, with track closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Once again, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s racing season will also include concerts and other fun festivities. General admission is between $6 and $10.

Group Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel

The San Diego-based nonprofit organization, Friends of Balboa Park, recently purchased the historic Balboa Park Carousel located off Park Boulevard. The group plans to restore the ride to its glory days and keep it running for generations to come. The carousel was built in 1910 and boasts all of its original parts. It first came to Balboa Park in 1... 

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(Published Tuesday, July 25, 2017)

Liberty Public Farmers Market
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Near Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station
Liberty Station’s brand-new weekly farmers market goes down every Thursday near Liberty Public Market, off Perry Road. The farmers market features more than 60 vendors, from local produce growers and specialty food purveyors, to artisan gift merchants. While you peruse vendors, enjoy live performances from local musicians.

California Dreaming Beach Party 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Bahia HotelEvery Thursday this summer – through Aug. 31 – The Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay will host its “California Dreaming” Beach Party, which includes a clam bake, BBQ, brews and live beachside concert performed by The Mar Dels. Tickets are $49 for adults and $26 for kids ages 5 to 12; children age 5 and under get in free. This is summer, SoCal style, that’s for sure.

Santee Summer Concerts
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Town Center Community Park East
Country band Three Chord Justice take the stage for Santee’s weekly summer concert series this Thursday. The event is free; there will be food trucks on-hand selling dinner and family-friendly activities for the kids. Bring a blanket or chairs and snag a spot on the grass.

Cardiff Music Nights 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pappalecco in Cardiff-by-the-SeaItalian eatery Pappalecco is hosting “Cardiff Music Nights” this summer at its Cardiff-by-the-Sea location (2101 San Elijo Ave.), showcasing free concerts each Thursday evening. Guests can enjoy the tunes al fresco as if they were in Italy. A different artist is featured each week.

Sunset Poolside Jazz Series
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Westgate Hotel
Downtown’s Westgate Hotel continues its “Sunset Poolside Jazz Series,” a summertime series featuring a different performance every Thursday night, through Aug. 31, from Southern California’s finest jazz talents at the hotel’s pool. The event includes drinks and appetizers, available for purchase. Attendees are asked to spend at least $25 on drinks and food; the entertainment is free. The Charlie Arbelaez Quartet performs on Aug. 3.

Flicks at the Fountain
8 p.m., Carlsbad Village
Every Thursday night in July and August, the Carlsbad Village Association will host a free outdoor movie screening behind the famous fountain at the corner of State Street and Grand Avenue. The community’s annual summer movie series continues Thursday night with a screening of “Rudy.” Bring blankets, low-back lawn chairs, a picnic and enjoy the entertainment under the stars. Films begin at dusk – between 7:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.; seating starts at 6 p.m.

San Diego's Top Breweries

Latin Thursdays 9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Enjoy live Latin music at Harrah’s Resort Southern California every Thursday night this month at this 21+ fiesta. The shows cost $10 and are available at the door.

Friday, Aug. 4

Coronado’s Free Summer Shuttle Service 8:57 a.m. to 9:42 p.m. (shuttle service times), CoronadoCoronado’s free summer shuttle service is back, running now through Labor Day. The service aims to make it easier for locals and visitors to cruise around Coronado and catch a ride to popular spots during the busy summer months. Hop on!

Latin American Festival & Mata Ortiz Pottery Market
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), Bazaar Del MundoLatin American folk artists will bring their masterpieces to Bazaar Del Mundo in Old Town San Diego this weekend for this free colorful marketplace and cultural festival. The fest will showcase the works of artists from across Latin America, including Mexico, Peru El Salvador and Guatemala – from art, collectibles and pottery to clothing, textiles and jewelry. Visitors can peruse the goods at booths in the marketplace from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The event will also include live art demonstrations, entertainment by Latin American folk band, TINKU, and food for sale.

Eagles of Death Metal
4 p.m., Del Mar Race Track
This week’s “4 O’Clock concert” at the Del Mar Race Track features the Eagles of Death Metal. The group takes the Seaside Stage after the last horse race of the day. The 18+ show is free with paid admission to the track.

Food Truck Friday 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s “Food Truck Friday” is a summertime event that brings more than a dozen food trucks to the Plaza de Panama and El Prado walkway every Friday evening through Sept. 29. As you grab some food, you’ll also be able to enjoy live entertainment at the park. Stick around and check out “Balboa Park After Dark” (see below), happening simultaneously at the park Friday nights this summer.

Things to Do in Old Town

From free museums and historical demonstrations to food, NBC 7's Monica Garske takes a look at some things to do when visiting Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

(Published Thursday, June 1, 2017)

Cruisin’ Grand Escondido 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Downtown Escondido(235 East Grand Ave.)
Downtown Escondido’s free, weekly vintage car show continues, running every Friday night through Sept. 29. Cruisin’ Grand Escondido takes over historic Grand Avenue, with more than 500 cool cars lining the streets. The event, now in its 18th year, draws thousands of attendees. Each Friday night, awards are given to the most impressive pre-1973 American-made cars. Musical entertainment includes performances across four stages: Broadway; Juniper Street; Maple Street Plaza; Kalmia & Grand.

Friday Night Liberty
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Arts District at Liberty Station The Arts District at Liberty Station (2640 Decatur Rd.) hosts Friday Night Liberty, a free, monthly art walk showcasing the working artists, dance, music, and theatre that are helping the district grow in its mission to highlight the arts culture in San Diego.

Balboa Park After Dark 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s sundown summertime program continues, with eight museums offering extended late-night hours every Friday through Sept. 29. Some museums are even offering $5 admission deals. Food vendors and live entertainment will also fill the landmark during this “Balboa Park After Dark” series.

Summer Movies in the Park
5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Multiple Locations
San Diego’s fun and free “Summer Movies in the Park” presents family-friendly movies Friday night at several locations across the county, usually at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. This week, the lineup includes: “Moana” at Montgomery-Waller Community Park; “Sing” at Rolling Hills Neighborhood Park; “Inside Out” at Felicita County Park. 

Sunset Luau on the Bay 6 p.m., Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Dreaming of Hawaii? The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Pacific Beach hosts its 16th season of Sunset Luaus on the shores of Mission Bay, a Friday night event complete with tropical drinks, Polynesian cuisine, and authentic island-inspired music and dancing. The Sunset Luau series runs through Sept. 1; tickets are $69 for adults, $32 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for little one 5 and younger.

Legally Blonde: The Musical
7 p.m., Lyceum Theatre
The Young Actors’ Theatre tells the story of the ambitious and bubbly Elle Woods and her journey from the sorority house to the courtroom. The musical runs through Aug. 13; tickets to the Friday night performance are $32.

Things to Do at Balboa Park

Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s best-known landmarks. NBC 7's Monica Garske speaks with Balboa Park Conservancy CEO and president Tomas Herrera-Mishler about a few of the things you should do when you visit the sprawling urban park in the hear of America's Finest City.

(Published Thursday, April 20, 2017)

A Hard Day’s Night
7:30 p.m., Museum of Photographic Arts
In partnership with Film Geeks SD, the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) will host a screening of Richard Lester’s 1964 Beatles film, “A Hard Day’s Night.” Relive the fandom of Beatlemania and the magic of the Fab Four via the classic rock ‘n’ roll comedy. Tickets to the screening are $10, or $5 for MOPA members.

Joel McHale
7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
Actor, comic, and host Joel McHale (“The Soup,” “Community”) performs his stand-up act at downtown San Diego’s American Comedy Co. Friday and Saturday with two shows each night – at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30.

Saturday, Aug. 5 

DayBreak
8 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
It can be difficult to wake up early on a Saturday morning. But here’s something to help get you out of bed this Saturday morning: DayBreak at the racetrack. Grab some breakfast while watching morning workouts at the racetrack. Horse racing fanatics will also be able to pick the brain of former jockey and event announcer Jeff Bloom. Bloom will be there answering questions. Tickets cost $10.

Trek with the Trackers
8:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor’s Center
The Tracking Team at Mission Trails Regional Park takes you on an adventure this Saturday. Follow tracks, track bed lays and other critter evidence as you track lesser-seen animals in the park. The team recommends you wear long pants to enable you to get up close. The trek is free. 

Sip of Julian
11 a.m., Julian Town Hall
Julian is about more than just cider and apple pies. This Saturday, spend the day getting a taste of the town’s best wine, beer, craft cocktails and hard cider. A "Sip of Julian" runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving guests time to sample all the wine, beer and liquor they want, paired with small bites at each stop. Tickets cost $25.

Things to Do in Old Town

Monica Garske

Stagecoach Days: Trades That Shaped the West
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego continues its summer “Stagecoach Days” celebration with more historical demonstrations in the plaza, in the heart of the park. On Saturday, the "Trades That Shaped the West" theme will explore the development of artisans and trades that helped shape the community of San Diego in the 19th century. The event is free. 

Sip N’ Ship Beer Festival
1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Maritime Museum of San DiegoThe Maritime Museum of San Diego will host its 5th annual Sip N’ Ship Beer Festival on Saturday, a daytime event featuring craft brews, live music, and food – with spectacular views of the San Diego Bay. Local breweries pouring sips include Second Chance Beer Company, Mike Hess, and Longship Brewery. Tickets to the 21+ event cost $35.

San Diego Sights and Sips
5:30 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and EventsSunshine, sailing, and cocktails come together on this Hornblower cocktail cruise. Hop on board for a two-hour cruise with champagne, light Hors oeuvres and more as you enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay during sunset. The boat leaves at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $37.50 per person.

Spirits at Sunset: Summer Cocktail Cruise 5:30 p.m., Flagship Cruises and EventsTreat yourself to a lovely evening on the Bay this Saturday for the all-new Spirits at Sunset cruise. Board an 82-foot yacht for an evening for 360 views of the beautiful San Diego and bay and your favorite cocktails. Tickets start at $42.50. 

Del Mar Summer Concert Series: Billy Currington
7 p.m., Del Mar Racetrack
After the races end on Fridays and Saturdays this summer, artists from all genres will take the stage to close out a day of summer fun. This week, local country bands will play throughout the day for the track’s Country Fest! The day ends with Georgia-born Country star Billy Currington, who will take the stage around 7 p.m. The concert is included with the track’s $6 admission.

High Tide Dinner
8 p.m., The Marine Room (La Jolla)
Enjoy dinner as waves crash right against the windows next to you at The Marine Room’s High Tide dinner hours. This Saturday, expect high tide around 9 p.m. San Diegans can experience the wonder of tides nearly at their table. This special event only happens certain days a year.

Things to Do at Balboa Park

Monica Garske

Little Italy Summer Film Festival8 p.m., Amici Park Every Saturday night this summer (through Aug. 26), stop by San Diego’s Little Italy Amici Park and enjoy a series of Italian films with English subtitles. The screenings start at 8 p.m. The entry fee is a $5 donation. 

Sunday, Aug. 6

Dog Days of Summer
11 a.m., Horton Plaza Park
Stop by Horton Plaza Park this Sunday for a fun, art-filled day of events, all dog-friendly. Listen to a jazz quartet play, learn about San Diego’s professional performing artists and take part in hands-on activities, including an art station. The day is free.

Guys and Dolls 2 p.m., The Old Globe TheaterThis Broadway classic, considered one of the greatest musicals of all time, comes to San Diego's Old Globe Theatre. The show follows Nathan Detroit, New York's infamous game organizer, who makes a bet with a notorious gambler: take mission girl Sarah Brown to dinner in Cuba. The beloved upbeat musical is directed by rising director and choreographer Josh Rhodes, who tells NBC 7 he went back to basics for his fresh take of a classic musical. The show runs through Aug. 13. 

Avenue Q 3 p.m., OB Playhouse A bright-eyed Princeton graduate comes to New York City with big dreams and a small bank account in this Tony Award-winning musical, back by popular demand. Laugh and cry-laugh as you follow the (often slightly raunchy and outrageous) lives of the neighborhood’s residents. The show is billed as a Sesame Streets for adults. Tickets start at $29; its run at the OB Playhouse ends Aug. 13.

Full Moon Dinner
5 p.m., Coronado Island Marriott Resort
The Coronado Island Marriott Resort, located across the bay from Downtown San Diego, kicks off their Lunar Feast Dinner series this Sunday. The series takes place on their private pier and features food cooked by Chefs Michael Poompan and Aaron Obregon. This week, the chefs team up with Anthony Pascale of Saiko Sushi for a seven-course meal. The dinner costs $125 and includes cocktail pairings, parking, tax, and gratuity.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego

Friends of Balboa Park

Sergio Mendes 7 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park SouthBrazilian bossa nova master Sergio Mendes stops by the San Diego Symphony’s summer series “Bayside Summer Nights” to play his chart-topping songs, including “Mas Que Nada,” “The Look of Love,” “The Fool on the Hill” and more. Tickets start at $18. 

Ken Ludwig’s "Robin Hood" 
7 p.m., The Old GlobeSee the timeless story of hero Robin Hood in a new light: on stage, in this brand-new, Globe-commissioned play by Ken Ledwig. Ludwig, a playwright whose works have appeared on Broadway and London's West End ("Crazy For You," "Lend Me a Tenor," "An American in Paris," and more), comes back to The Globe for this world premiere comedy. Ludwig most recently premiered "Baskerville" at the Globe, bringing Sherlock Holmes to San Diego. The piece promises thrills, romance, laughter and more. The piece runs through Aug. 27. 

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego Times and locations vary
Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.

Source: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/san-diego-weekend-events-204328381.html#ixzz4ojBto1Q6