TGI Weekend! Celebrate Pride month in Hillcrest with one of the largest Pride parades on the West Coast. Or watch the competition as dozens of matching teams compete in the annual Over the Line Tournament. Those are just a few of the fun happenings this weekend in San Diego. Get up. Get out. Play!
Thursday, July 12
California State Games
Times Vary (through Sunday), SDCCU StadiumThis non-profit sports festival aims to provide a U.S. Olympic-style experience amateur athletes. The event has run since 1988 and features sports like archery, BMX and robotics. This year’s opening ceremony is on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and will begin with a torch run and cauldron lighting -- just like in the U.S. Olympics -- before a fireworks display fills the sky. Ahead of the opening ceremonies, an obstacle course and a Stone Brewing Beer Garden will be open to guests.
California State Games
Times Vary (through Sunday), SDCCU StadiumThis non-profit sports festival aims to provide a U.S. Olympic-style experience amateur athletes. The event has run since 1988 and features sports like archery, BMX and robotics. This year’s opening ceremony is on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and will begin with a torch run and cauldron lighting -- just like in the U.S. Olympics -- before a fireworks display fills the sky. Ahead of the opening ceremonies, an obstacle course and a Stone Brewing Beer Garden will be open to guests.
Wonderspaces: With Creative License10 a.m. to 10 p.m., B Street Pier (San Diego)A unique type of art gallery has moved into an inconspicuous building on the waterfront. It’s the second year the traveling art exhibit called Wonderspaces has stopped in San Diego. This time, Wonderspaces has curated 15 installations from different artists for an immersive experience that takes guests inside the art. With a $24 ticket ($14 for children over three) guests will experience a short virtual reality thriller, walk through thousands of light points, leave their mark on the art, and more as they wander through the rooms of wonder. Tickets for July just became available and guests will need to reserve a spot in advance to attend.
Rum Runner Night5 to 8 p.m., Maritime Museum San DiegoExplore the history of rum -- from the 17th-century sugar cane plantations to modern-day cocktail lounges -- at a new interactive exhibit aboard steam ferryboat Berkeley. This one-night-only event in partnership with the Gaslamp Quarter restaurant Havana 1920 transports guests to the era of Cuban rum running. A mixologist will create specialty rum cocktails as guests nibble on authentic Cuban cuisine. A $30 ticket to the event comes with one drink ticket and unlimited appetizers.
Things to Do at Balboa Park
Night Fishing 5 to 11:30 p.m., Santee LakesSantee Lakes’ seasonal night fishing is back. Adults and kids can enjoy a serene evening as they try to hook catfish and bluegill lingering along the shoreline of Santee Lake. A fishing permit from Santee Lakes’ general store is required and costs $9 for adults and $6 for kids.
Santee Summer Concert Series5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Town Center Community Park EastHave a bluesy evening at Santee’s Summer Concert Series this Thursday. Blues groups Mercedes Moore Band and Bill Magee Blues Band will both take the stage for a summer concert under the stars. Bring a blanket and grab a bite from one of the evening’s featured food trucks like smoked barbecue from Super Q, or Oggi’s Pizza from the event’s beer garden, at this free, family-friendly event.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Balboa ParkAs summer returns, Balboa Park will be filled with music for the Twilight in the Park concert series. A concert will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August featuring an array of artists -- from big bands like the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble and the San Diego Youth Symphony to groups like bluegrass artists Back Pocket Whiskey Fellas and Mexican musical group Mariachi Estrellas de Chula Vista. This Thursday, Zydeco group Bayou Brothers will play for a special Family Day in the park. Guests are encouraged to come an hour early for themed events at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and to bring a picnic to enjoy during the free, family-friendly concert.
San Diego Padres v. Los Angeles Dodgers
7:10 p.m., Petco ParkSoCal rivals face off for their final game of the series this Thursday in downtown San Diego. The Padres are celebrating Christmas in July this game and will be giving away "ugly" Christmas t-shirts to ticket holders ($15 and up). While at the ballpark, try an array of craft brew and tastes of some of this year’s new local grub-- like Seafood Tacos from Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill or a Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog from Carnitas' Snack Shack.h
7:10 p.m., Petco ParkSoCal rivals face off for their final game of the series this Thursday in downtown San Diego. The Padres are celebrating Christmas in July this game and will be giving away "ugly" Christmas t-shirts to ticket holders ($15 and up). While at the ballpark, try an array of craft brew and tastes of some of this year’s new local grub-- like Seafood Tacos from Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill or a Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog from Carnitas' Snack Shack.h
8 p.m. (through Sunday), The American Comedy Co.Funnyman Marlon Wayans acts, produces, writes and directs for television but is still makes time for stand up shows at various venues across the country. This week, he makes a stop in San Diego for four nights of performances. Tickets to the show cost $40. Wayans has a recently-released comedy special on Netflix called "Naked" and is the star of NBC’s comedy sitcom "Marlon,"loosely based on his life.
Friday, July 13
Sun and Sea Festival8 a.m. to dusk (Friday and Saturday), Pier Plaza (Imperial Beach)Imperial Beach’s largest annual event brings dozens of artists to the beach to create sculptures in the sand. The theme for this year’s Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival is "Super Heroes in the Sand." On top of the competition, the two-day festival will feature a morning paddle out, a beach run and a pancake breakfast on Friday and a superhero parade and an interactive kids zone on Saturday. There will also be a farmer’s market and an international food fair, plus stages with live musical performances.t
Food Truck Fridays4 to 8:30 p.m., Balboa Park
Delectable treats will once again flood historic Balboa Park every Friday night this summer for the popular Food Truck Fridays series. A lineup of about a dozen food trucks will rotate each week through September 28 at Plaza de Panama ready to feed hungry guests as a variety of live music, like Mariachi and orchestral sounds, waft through the air. Some of the dining possibilities include Bosnian Grill, Monster Crafts, Pierogi Truck, Super Q and Yo Yo Bento, Beachin’ Boba, Devil Dogs BBQ, Sushi Uno and more. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit in front of the Botanical Building as they eat, or enjoy craft beer, wine and cocktails inside nearby restaurants. Booths will be set up with activities for kids and Balboa Park will introduce a "living room" area filled with giant lawn games. Surrounding museums will extend hours to accommodate guests and the San Diego Museum of Art will offer $5 admission after 5 p.m.
Delectable treats will once again flood historic Balboa Park every Friday night this summer for the popular Food Truck Fridays series. A lineup of about a dozen food trucks will rotate each week through September 28 at Plaza de Panama ready to feed hungry guests as a variety of live music, like Mariachi and orchestral sounds, waft through the air. Some of the dining possibilities include Bosnian Grill, Monster Crafts, Pierogi Truck, Super Q and Yo Yo Bento, Beachin’ Boba, Devil Dogs BBQ, Sushi Uno and more. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit in front of the Botanical Building as they eat, or enjoy craft beer, wine and cocktails inside nearby restaurants. Booths will be set up with activities for kids and Balboa Park will introduce a "living room" area filled with giant lawn games. Surrounding museums will extend hours to accommodate guests and the San Diego Museum of Art will offer $5 admission after 5 p.m.
Cruisin’ Grand5 to 9 p.m., Grand Avenue (Escondido)It’s opening night for the free auto festival that has taken over downtown Escondido for nearly two decades. Hundreds of vintage cars line Grand Avenue for seven blocks every Friday night from April to September for the event that seems to transform the city into a retro paradise. Along the route, enjoy dinner or browse local goods at one of the many restaurants and shops that extend their hours during the car show.
Clear the Shelters: Save the Date
Summer Movies in the ParkTimes Vary, Locations VaryAcross the county this summer, cities are taking part in movie screenings at their local outdoor parks. Almost every day of the week, San Diegans can find a different free outdoor movie screening thanks to the county-wide initiative. The full calendar of screenings for the summer can be found here. Bring a picnic, chairs and a blanket to enjoy the movie of your choice typically starting at sunset.
Dr. Seuss's 'The Lorax'7 p.m., The Old GlobeThe Old Globe’s talented cast and crew brings to life Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax," the story of-of a small, fuzzy creature, The Lorax, who decides to speak up for the voiceless -- all the trees in his Truffula Forest. Tickets to the colorful and upbeat performance on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, which runs through August 12, start at $30 for children and $40 for adults. iego
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.
Courtesy of NBC San Diego
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