Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon by the pool with jazzy tunes, a movie by the bay or salsa dancing under the stars, this weekend has it all. Get out there and enjoy another weekend in America's Finest City.
Thursday, Aug. 18
4th Annual Bar of the Year Challenge
11 a.m., George’s at the Cove
Come out and enjoy the lovely view of La Jolla Cove and sip a drink – all for a good cause. Bars across San Diego are competing in the fund raising challenge, helping raise money for kids affected by cancer. A portion of every drink sold will benefit the Seany Foundation. The Cove will have specials.
Sunset Poolside Jazz Series
6:30 p.m., The Westgate Hotel
What’s better than relaxing by the pool as you listen to jazz? This week, listen to the Holl Hoffmann Group with the San Diego skyline as a backdrop when the sun sets. A selection of traditional and craft cocktails as well as tapas and appetizers will be available. Tickets are $20; there is a food and beverage minimum per person.
Flicks at the Fountain
6 p.m., Fountain Parking lot on State Street and Grand Avenue
Sit under the stars and watch the evening turn to night as you watch a movie. Feel free to bring a low-backed chair or a picnic dinner; you may claim your spot before you grab takeout from a local eatery as well. Seating starts at 6 p.m., but the movie starts at dusk, or approximately 8 p.m. All movies are rated PG or G.
Thursday Family Fun Nights
4:30 p.m., San Diego Botanic Gardens
Every Thursday throughout the summer, the San Diego Botanic Gardens hosts a family-friendly event for kids of all ages. It’s the second to last Thursday fun night of the summer, so bring the whole family out to enjoy The Boo Hoo Crew, a kid band for all ages.
Sunset Tour
6 p.m., San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Take a guided stroll around the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve at golden hour this Thursday and start off your weekend early with a peaceful moment of zen. Naturalists lead the tours. Tours are free for members and cost $5 for the individual tour of $12 for the series.
Friday, Aug. 19
Zumba Gold
1:30 p.m., Mission Valley Library on Fenton Parkway
If you’re looking for an easy way to get fit, come out to the Mission Valley Library to join the Zumba Gold workout class, a lower impact version of their Zumba Basic class. San Diegans of any age or fitness level can partake in the class – organizers say it will be easy to follow. The class is free.
Summer Movies in the Park: Inside Out
8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Waterfront Park
Scoop up the kids and head over to downtown’s Waterfront Park for a screening of the cute animated flick, “Inside Out,” as part of the Summer Movies in the Park series. Get there early, grab a spot on the grass and enjoy some games and activities before the movie starts. Food trucks will be there selling dinner and drinks, too.
Salsa Under the Stars
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Cut a rug to Salsa tunes played live by the Manny Cepeda Orchestra in the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport. This free dance session under the stars is open to all – no experience or partner required!
Park After Dark
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Balboa Park
This summer, Balboa Park comes alive after 5 p.m. with extended evening hours at 10 museums, plus food trucks and entertainment throughout the landmark. The “Park After Dark” series runs every Friday through Labor Day weekend. Participating museums include the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Mingei International Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Automotive Museum just to name a few.
Thievery Corportation
4 p.m., Del Mar Racetrack
The Del Mar Racetrack’s Seaside Stage will groove with this 4 O’Clock Friday Summer Concert featuring the bossa nova-inspired music of Washington D.C.-based duo, Thievery Corporation. There aren’t many Friday evening concerts at the track left for this season, so get yourself there.
Muay Thai & MMA: Best of Both Worlds
7 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
This jam-packed event at Harrah’s Resort Southern California brings the No. 1 sport in Asia, Muay Thai, to the MMA cage. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the fights start at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40 per person.
Saturday, Aug. 20
TwainFest
11 a.m., Old Town San Diego State Historical Park
Spend your Saturday remembering one of America’s greatest authors: Mark Twain. This San Diego festival, perfect for the book lover in your life, celebrates Twain and other 19th century writers. San Diego actors will read Twain, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman and more aloud. There will also be games, giant puppets, music, prizes and free books. The event is free to attend.
Pacific Classic Day
11:30 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
The season’s most prestigious race takes off this Saturday at the Del Mar Racetrack. Horses will race one mile and a quarter at the 26th inning. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy more than 100 different brews paired with a selection of delicious pizza offerings at the Pizza and Beer Festival at the track.
Sip N’ Ship Beer Festival
1 p.m., Maritime Museum of San Diego
Beer aficionados won’t want to miss this historical tasting experience, located right on the San Diego Bay in the Maritime Museum. Enjoy live music as you sip from a variety of craft beer vendors throughout the museum. For those looking for a snack, there will be assorted food trucks on site. Tickets start at $35.
Sounds of Summer
3 p.m., La Plaza La Jolla
Summer may be coming to an end, but the fun doesn’t have to. Stop by La Plaza La Jolla’s summer music concert series this Saturday and enjoy a pleasant evening in the warm weather. This Saturday, Ian Tordella, a saxophonist, will play contemporary and jazz sounds for visitors. Concert is free.
Chula Vista Harbor Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Bayside Park
Live music, performances, food and activities make the Chula Vista Harbor Festival at Bayside Park a favorite among families. The event includes the “Tacos & Spirits Revolution,” a feast of the best street tacos in the South Bay, as well as sampling of spirits. The showdown will feature 15 of the community’s tastiest tacos and 10 spirits battling out for supremacy. Entry to the Harbor Festival is free, but tickets to the Taco & Spirits Revolution portion cost $25-$30. The festival will also give locals a chance to test drive electric vehicle models during a demo hosted by SDG&E.
Little Italy Summer Film Festival
7:30 p.m., Amici Park Amphitheater
The Little Italy Association’s annual Little Italy Summer Film Festival continues with an 8 p.m. screening of “Malavoglia” Saturday at the community’s Amici Park Amphitheater (W. Date and State streets). The film will include English subtitles; bring a light jacket and blanket to sit on. A $5 donation gets you in. No alcoholic beverages or animals allowed.
Visit the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chula Vista OTC
Feeling patriotic as Rio winds down? Celebrate the end of the 2016 Olympic Summer Games by paying a visit to the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center (OTC), located at 2800 Olympic Parkway. On Saturday, one-hour guided tours are available to the public, ansd visitors can also take self-guided tours through the facility. Maps with points of interest are also available. If you're looking to stock up on some Olympic souvenirs, check out the OTC's Olympic Spirit Store, too, located in the lobby. The OTC is dedicated to developing America's Olympic athletes, and features numerous sport venues and support facilities for archery, beach volleyball, BMX, canoe/kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, rugby, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, triathlon, and cross-training abilities for various winter sports. More than 4,000 athletes a year come to the 155-acre complex for coaching, support, and facilities. After the Rio Games, some OTC athletes are bringing home hardware, too.
Sunday, Aug. 21
Aaron Watson Live in Concert
8 p.m., Moonshine Beach
Country music artist Aaron Watson will stop by Pacific Beach to strum his guitar and sing some of his sweet tunes. Watson became the first solo artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums with his album The Underdog.
House of Hungary Lawn Program
2 p.m., International Cottages at Balboa Park
Travel around the world without ever leaving San Diego by heading over the International Cottages at Balboa Park. Each Sunday, the House of Pacific Relations hosts its “Lawn Program,” showcasing the music, food and traditions of a particular country. This week, the Lawn Program is hosted by the House of Hungary. Bring a blanket and enjoy the culture.
Greg Fitzsimmons
7 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
A regular on the late-night talk show circuit, funnyman Greg Fitzsimmons will perform his stand-up act at downtown San Diego’s American Comedy Co. this weekend. Sunday’s show starts at 7 p.m.; tickets are $15. He’s also scheduled to perform there on Friday and Saturday.
Photo Credit: Balboa Park