TGI Weekend! The summer rolls on in San Diego with plenty of ways to enjoy our picture perfect city. From outdoor movie screenings and concerts to beach parties and car shows, there is a lot to do across the county this weekend. Get up. Get Out. Play!
Thursday, July 6
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.
Music in the Gardens: Miles Moynier
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido
Enjoy craft beer, live music and lush gardens at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Escondido (1999 Citracado Parkway) during the brewery’s summer music series. All season long, patrons can groove to all kinds of musical styles – from folk and soul, to rock and pop. On July 6, Miles Moynier takes the mic.
California Dreaming Beach Party
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Bahia Hotel
Every Thursday this summer – tonight 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; kids age 5 and under get in free. This is summer, SoCal style, that’s for sure.
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 Robert Dove Group performs on July 6.
Herb Alpert + Lani Hall
7:30 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park South
Trumpet master Herb Alpert and his musical and life partner, Lani Hall (vocals), take the stage along San Diego’s waterfront Thursday night, part of the San Diego Symphony’s annual “Bayside Summer Nights” concert series. (http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Bayside-Summer-Nights-2017-San-Diego-Symphony-Embarcadero-Concerts-431621013.html) Alpert and Hall will be joined by musicians Bill Cantos, Hussain Jiffry, Michael Shapiro and conductor Richard Kaufman. Tickets (on the lawn) start at $28.
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 begins Thursday night with a screening of “The Secret Life of Pets.” 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.
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, July 7
Coronado’s Free Summer Shuttle Service
8:57 a.m. to 9:42 p.m. (shuttle service times), Coronado
Coronado’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!
Food Truck Friday
4 p.m. to 8 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.
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 historical 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.
First Friday Oceanside Art Walk
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Downtown Oceanside
Downtown Oceanside hosts its “First Friday Art Walk,” featuring local artists, music and dancing. This time, the theme is “Stars & Arts,” a patriotic nod to America. The event is free and, as the name suggests, takes place every first Friday of the month.
Summer Movies in the Park
5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mountain View Community Park
San Diego’s fun and free “Summer Movies in the Park” presents family-friendly movies Friday night at three different locations across the county. “Sing” will screen at Mountain View Community Park (641 S. Boundary St.; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and also at Hilton Head County Park in El Cajon (1605 Hilton Head Rd.; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.). Meanwhile, over at Penn Athletic Field (2555 Dusk Dr.; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.), “Trolls” will play on the big outdoor screen. Bring a blanket and a picnic and you’ve got yourself a nice little summer night.
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.
Friday Night Liberty
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Arts District at Liberty Station
The Arts District (2640 Historic Decatur Rd.) at Liberty Station hosts its monthly art walk, “Friday Night Liberty,” a free event showcasing the working artists of this up-and-coming hub. The event also features live entertainment, including dance, theatre and music.
Tequila Tasting
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Galaxy Taco
Galaxy Taco is celebrating its 2-year anniversary in La Jolla this weekend. On Friday, patrons can celebrate with a toast at a 21+ Tequila Tasting event. At the mixer, keep an eye on Galaxy’s cocktail special for this month, “Peachy,” which combines Don Fulano Blanco, Giffard peach, fresh peach puree, passion fruit and lime.
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 Luaus run through Sept. 1; tickets are $69 for adults, $32 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for little one 5 and younger.
Leslie Odom, Jr.
7:30 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park South
Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr., the breakout star of Broadway’s smash hit, “Hamilton,” will show off his pipes for two nights this weekend – Friday and Saturday – during the San Diego Symphony’s “Bayside Summer Nights” series along the Embarcadero. Odom will be joined on stage by conductor Scott Dunn; fireworks will follow the show. Tickets range between $23 and $88.
Saturday, July 8
64th Annual Over-the-Line Tournament
7:30 a.m., Fiesta Island
San Diego’s summertime tradition, the Over-the-Line (OTL) Tournament, returns for its 64th year. Hosted by the Old Mission Bay Athletic Club (OMBAC), the annual tournament typically gathers about 1,200 teams from around the world to play Over-the-Line, a bat and ball sport first played in Mission Beach in the 1950s. The rules are simple: games last three innings, no one had to run bases and the main goal is to hit the ball “over the line” about 55 feet in front of the batter. Teams dress up in wacky costumes and bring tents, chairs, beer and hilarious signs to the beach for the carefree, daytime tournament. OTL goes down Saturday and Sunday, and comes back on July 15-16, same time, same place.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
10:30 a.m., North Embarcadero Marina Park
The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival returns to the Bay after a 12 year hiatus. The three day event will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, when a lineup of some of the year’s top artists perform soothing summer jazz. The festival will also have delicious local food and alcoholic beverages for those of age. General admission tickets start at $65.
Duck Foot Second Anniversary Party
11 a.m., Duck Foot Brewing Company (8920 Kenamar Drive, Ste. 210)
Duck Foot Brewing celebrates two years brewing beers with the release of a brand-new IPA this Saturday. The Mega-Duckzilla Triple IPA will be on tap, poured straight from the fermenter, for all attendees. Tickets start at $35 and include one bottle of the IPA, a commemorative taster glass and ten tasters.
Stagecoach Days
12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town's annual summer celebration kicks off Saturday, bringing free, family-friendly fun to the central plaza each Saturday in July and August. From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can check out historical demonstrations, partake in activities, listen to stories and songs, and learn all about the mid-1800s history that shaped San Diego. This year, “Stagecoach Days” will focus on early modes of transportation so visitors can learn about what it took to get around back in the day. Saturday's theme is “Games & Amusements,” showcasing the games San Diegans played in the 19th century.
The Old Man and The Old Moon
2 p.m., Old Globe Theatre
Cinematic shadow puppetry meets exuberant folk music and fantastical fables in “The Old Man And The Old Moon.” PigPen Theatre Co. comes sailing into San Diego with this imaginative new production, fresh off award-winning runs in New York, Chicago and Boston. When The Old Man's wife unexpectedly leaves home one day, The Old Man leaves his post refilling The Old Moon's light that spills out each night and goes on a journey to find his love.
Spirits at Sunset: Summer Cocktail Cruise
5:30 p.m., Flagship Cruises and Events
Treat yourself to a nice 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.
Little Italy Summer Film Festival
8 p.m., Amici Park
Every Saturday night this summer, 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
Second Saturday Cinema: The Lego Batman Movie
8 p.m., Liberty Station North Promenade (2848 Dewey Road)
San Diego’s Liberty Station will moonlight as an outdoor movie theater for the next six months as the venue hosts a series of free outdoor film screenings focused on heroes of the silver screen. This week’s movie? The Lego Batman movie.
Tour de Fat: San Diego
4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Waterfront Park
The San Diego Bike Coalition will lead thousands of bicyclists in crazy costumes on a parade from Panama 66 in Balboa Park to downtown’s Waterfront Park to partake in Tour de Fat, a festival brimming with live music, circus performers, vaudeville-inspired acts, comedians and brews. The 21+ event benefits the San Diego Bike Coalition and the San Diego Mountain Bike Association; tickets cost $25.
Summer Movies in the Park
7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Las Palmas Pool (National City)
The free “Summer Movies in the Park” series offers these screenings Saturday night: “The Jungle Book” at Las Palmas Pool (1800 E. 22nd St.) in National City; “The LEGO Batman Movie” at Presidio Park (2811 Jackson St.); “The Sandlot” at Felicita County Park (742 Clarence Lane) in Escondido; “The Jungle Book” at Los Penasquiots Adobe (12122 Canyonside Park Driveway).
San Diego Balboa & Lindy Exchange
12 p.m., Crown Point Park
The San Diego Balboa & Lindy Exchange goes down Friday through Sunday, with plenty of chances to cut a rug. The event highlights swing-era dance styles, including the Balboa and Lindy Hop, and brings together people from across the world for three nights of non-competitive social dancing. Saturday’s schedule includes a beach potluck and casual dancing at Crown Point Park from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; a Saturday Night Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight at Infinity Dance Sport Center (4428 Convoy St., #288; cost: $35); a Saturday Late Night Dance from midnight to 4 a.m. at Infinity Dance Sport Center (cost: $15). Tickets for all three days of fun cost $65, or you can buy individual tickets to the events you want to attend from $12 to $35
Sunday, July 9
“Escape to Margaritville”
2 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
Don’t miss the final performance of the world premiere of “Escape to Margaritaville” at the Playhouse. The production features some of Jimmy Buffett’s best-known hits, in addition to new songs written especially for the musical. The story follows a part-time bartender, part-time singer on a Caribbean island who falls for a beautiful tourist, a woman who makes him question the life he thought he had figured out. Playwrights Greg Garcia ("My Name Is Earl", "Raising Hope") and Mike O'Malley ("My Name Is Earl", "Justified", "Glee") blend a story in the works for years with Buffett classics, under the direction of award-winning director Christopher Ashley. Read more about how the cast and crew paid tribute to Buffett’s music here.
Prince Royce
7:30 p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
Singer and songwriter Prince Royce brings his “Five Tour” to San Diego Sunday night; tickets start at $29.
The Old Globe’s “King Richard II”
8 p.m., Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park
Shakespeare favorite “King Richard II” continues its run at The Globe. Actor Robert Sean Leonard takes on the title role in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. The play runs through July 15.
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.
Photo Credit: Monica Garske