As Summer rolls in so do tons of events and festivals that capture the essence of San Diego. Here is our list of events in San Diego for the summer of 2018.
BALBOA PARK AFTER DARK
This summer, Balboa Park comes alive after dark every Friday. At Balboa Park After Dark, enjoy extended evening hours at select museums, as well as food trucks and entertainment throughout the Park.
When: June 1- August 31st, 2018
ART AROUND ADAMS
Enjoy Adams Avenue in a friendly, relaxed and carefree environment where taste-makers and free thinkers mix freely with family and friends. Experience exhibits and performances that will dazzle the eye and stir the senses.
When: June 2, 2018 Time: 12-8pm
GREEN FLASH CONCERT SERIES
This is where the sunset rocks! Now in its 13th season, the Green Flash Concert Series combines music with panoramic views of the Birch Aquarium's stunning Tide Pool Plaza. Attendees might also get a glimpse of the real "green flash, a rare optical phenomenon caused by the refraction of light as the sun sets on the horizon. This year's lineup includes: Jumping Jack Flash (May 16); Steve Poltz (June 20); The Fixx (July 18); August TBD; and Pine Mountain Logs and Venice (September 26). Must be 21 to attend. Doors open at 5:30pm at Birch Aquarium - Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
When: May 16 - September 26
SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR
How Sweet It Is! The 2018 San Diego County Fair wants you to get ready for treats that will tempt all of your senses! Leave the ordinary behind and step into a magical sweet spot overflowing with opportunities to savor summer: sample chocolate bubbling from a fountain, soak up the glittery ocean views from atop the Ferris wheel, or discover how nature's sweet fruits grow and ripen, plus 4,187 attractions, 1,879 concerts! All this and more awaits at this year at the Del Mar Fairgrounds!
When: May 26- July 4, 2018
STREET FOOD CINEMA SERIES
It's more than just an outdoor movie - it's an experience! Street Food Cinema brings pop culture films, gourmet street food and progressive music together in an al fresco setting at a variety of San Diego parks. Check out the complete list of Street Food Cinema movies, food and locations.
When: June 2 - October 27, 2018.
RB ALIVE! STREET FAIR
Celebrate the annual RB Alive! Street Fair with more than 300 booths, Kids Zone with rides, games and special carnival foods, cultural stage, classic car show and more.
When: Sunday, June 3, 2018 Time: 10am-4pm
San Luis Rey 22nd Annual INTER-TRIBAL POWWOW
Join the San Luis Rey Band of Luiseño Mission Indians for the Annual Inter-Tribal Powwow with arts and craft booths, food, dancers, drums, an opportunity drawing and contest dancing.
When: June 9-10, 2018 Time: 9a-11p (Saturday), 9a-6p (Sunday)
Twilight In The Park Summer Concert Series
Beginning June 19, Twilight in the Park free concerts are held at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday summer evenings in Balboa Park.
When: June 19 - August 30, 2018
39th OB STREET FAIR & CHILI COOK-OFF
The 39th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival will offer attendees eclectic fun in the sun for all ages. Join more than 70,000 visitors from 10am to 8pm on Saturday, June 23, 2018, for tasty festival nosh, art, beachfront entertainment, shopping, and more. Entry to the Street Fair is always free! The Chili Competition featured tastings from amateur entrants competing for the titles of Hottest Chili, Judges' Award, and Grand Prize: People's Choice Award. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free admission. Newport Ave., Ocean Beach.
When: June 23, 2018 Time: 10a-8p
BEACH CLEAN UPS
For those of us who call San Diego home, our beaches and the plant and animal life that live along our coast are important. So we've joined I Love a Clean San Diego and the San Diego County Toyota Dealers to host beach clean ups throughout the summer. Join us for a fun morning at Mission Beach!
When: June 23, July 14, and August 11, 2018
INTERNATIONAL SUMMER ORGAN FESTIVAL
Delight in beautiful organ music from the world's largest outdoor organ on Monday evenings during the International Summer Organ Festival, as well as Sunday afternoon concerts year-round at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park.
When: June 25 - September 3, 2018
SWITCHFOOT BRO-AM
The ultimate family friendly music beach party, the 14th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am features an awesome surf competition and free concerts on the sand at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, while raising money for local community and youth programs.
When: June 30, 2018
FOURTH OF JULY
Join the festivities at San Diego's many Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations, held in numerous communities throughout the county. The Port of San Diego celebrates with the Big Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay, the largest fireworks display in the county. More info to come!
STAGECOACH DAYS: CELEBRATING THE WILD WEST IN SAN DIEGO
Visit the past during summer afternoons at San Diego's Old Town, filled with activities that reflect life in early San Diego and celebrate the West on the move.
When: July 7 - August 18, 2018
IMPERIAL BEACH SUN & SEA FESTIVAL
Superheroes In The Sand is the theme for this year’s Festival. The 2018 Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival will feature world-class sandcastle sculptors creating some of the best sand creations on the West Coast as well as a community parade and pancake breakfast, live music, children’s craft activities and a Kids ‘n Kastles competition.
When: July 13-14, 2018 Time: Friday (7/13) 8am-dusk, Saturday (7/14) 7a-5p
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP OVER-THE-LINE TOURNAMENT
Two weekends each July, watch the annual World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament, San Diego's original boisterous beach softball event at Fiesta Island on Mission Bay.
When: July 14-22, 2018
SAN DIEGO LGBT PRIDE PARADE
The annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is among the largest in the United States attracting over 100,000 cheering spectators and significant media participation.
When: July 14, 2018 Time: 11am
FESTIVAL OF THE BELLS
Festival of the Bells is a weekend celebrating the anniversary of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, California's first Mission, with the blessing and ringing of all five Mission bells.
When: July 14-15, 2018
DEL MAR THOROUGHBRED CLUB
It's as "Cool as ever" where the turf meets the surf at Del Mar! Racing season makes its annual return to the Del Mar Fairgrounds - a San Diego tradition since 1937. Along with exciting thoroughbred horse racing, enjoy concerts, food, and fun!
When: July 18 - September 3, 2018
SUPERGIRL SURF PRO
Join thousands of fans to watch more than 100 of the world's best female surfers compete and be a part of the Supergirl Surf Pro Festival Village in Oceanside, CA!
When: July 27-29, 2018
IMPERIAL BEACH SURF DOG COMPETITION
Get stoked! It's time for the most adorable surf event of the year. At the Imperial Beach Surf Dog Competition, the most fearless dogs will jump on their boards, paddle out and hang 20!
When: July 28, 2018 Time: 8a-2:30p
SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVAL
Now in its tenth year, the San Diego Spirits Festival brings the best of cocktails to the Port Pavilion at Broadway Pier. The two-day event will boast more than 70 alcohol brands while heightening all of the senses with chef demonstrations, bartender competitions, dance performances and live music. 2 to 6 p.m. Aug. 25; 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 26. Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N. Harbor Drive, downtown.
When: August 25-26, 2018