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 Pride parties and cool ways to explore Balboa Park, there is a lot to do across the county this weekend. Get up. Get Out. Play!
Thursday, July 13
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 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.
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 as 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.
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.
Music in the Gardens: Levi Dean & The Americats
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 13, Levi Dean & The Americats take center stage.
The Temptations & the Four Tops
7:30 p.m., Humphreys by the Bay
The multi-platinum Motown group performs at Humphreys by the Bay Thursday night, bringing beloved hits like “My Girl,” “Baby, I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) to the seaside stage. Tickets are $72.
The Velveteins
8:30 p.m., Soda Bar
Canadian indie-rockers, The Velventeins, play Soda Bar. Tickets are $10. Not bad, eh?
Friday, July 14
Sun & Sea Festival
8 a.m. Friday & 7 a.m. Saturday, Portwood Pier Plaza in Imperial Beach
This long-standing tradition in Imperial Beach returns Friday and Saturday to the Portwood Pier Plaza, showcasing the talents of world-class sandcastle sculptors. The free, two-day festival includes a community parade, live music, arts and crafts for the kids, an international food fair and a sand sculpting competition for children ages 5 to 12. The Sun & Sea Festival runs from 8 a.m. to dusk Friday, with a Sandcastle Ball for the 21+ crowd from 6 p.m. to midnight ($15 per person). This year’s theme is “Pirates in Paradise,” so those attending the ball are encouraged to wear their best pirate garb. On Saturday, the festival runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is limited but festival organizers say there are three paid lots near the festival: Mar Vista High School ($10); Imperial Beach Boulevard and Seacoast Drive ($20); Imperial Beach Charter West Campus ($10).
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.
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.
Pride of Hillcrest Block Party
5 p.m. to 11 p.m., University Avenue & Normal Street
Hillcrest kicks of Pride weekend with its annual 21+ Block Party along University Avenue and Normal Street. The night includes the Stonewall Rally at the Hillcrest flag pole (this rally is free), plus food and art vendors, full-service bar areas, local DJs spinning tunes, and headliners DJ Nina Sky and “American Idol” alum David Hernandez. Pre-sale tickets cost $20.
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” series presents family-friendly flicks Friday night at five locations across the county. “Lilo & Stitch” will screen at Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Highway; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). “Moana” will play at Berry Street Park (7071 Mt. Vernon; 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) and at Ocean Air Community Park (4770 Fairport Way; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). “Trolls” will play on the big outdoor screen at Pine Valley County Park (28810 Old Hwy. 80; 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.), while “Zootopia” screens at 4S Ranch Patriot Park (10502 Paseo de Linda; 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) 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.
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.
The Dirty Heads & Soja
7 p.m., Mattress Firm Amphitheater
Feel some summertime vibes as The Dirty Heads and Soja perform at Chula Vista’s Mattress Firm Amphitheater. Lawn seats start at $28.
San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants
7:10 p.m., Petco Park
The San Diego Padres host the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park, swinging into their 3-day series. BeerFest also goes down at the ballpark Friday night, for the 21+ crowd. Tickets to the game start at $17.
Air Supply
7:30 p.m.(Friday and Saturday), Embarcadero Marina Park South
Air Supply (“All Out of Love,” “Lost in Love,” “The One That You Love”) bring their 1980s hits to the stage along San Diego’s waterfront, part of the San Diego Symphony’s annual “Bayside Summer Nights” concert series. The group’s core duo, Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell, will perform both Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will close out the concert. Tickets range between $23 and $88.
Shawn Mendes & Charlie Puth
7:30 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Hit-makers Shawn Mendes (“Mercy,” “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back”) and Charlie Puth (“One Call Away,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore”) perform Friday night at the Valley View Casino Center. Tickets to the all-ages show start at $47.50.
Stars at Mission Trails
8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Mission Trails Regional Park
The San Diego Astronomy Association leads another stargazing session at Mission Trails Friday night, this time at the east end of the Kumeyaay Lake Campground’s day use parking lot. The three-hour event is free; the Astronomy Association will provide telescopes for those in attendance to use during the event.
Schizophonics & The Creepy Creeps
9:30 p.m., The Casbah
The two of top-notch, local live bands land on the same bill at The Casbah Friday night. Tickets start at $15.
Saturday, July 15
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 wraps up Sunday.
Youth Football Clinic
8 a.m., Qualcomm Stadium
Former NFL players will host a free youth football clinic inside Qualcomm Stadium, the former home of the San Diego Chargers, this Saturday. The clinic is open to both boys and girls aged six to 14 years old. Kids will partake in offense, defense, agility and tackling drills run by university coaches.
Healthy Living in the City: Yoga
9 a.m. to 10 a.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Stretch, breathe and center yourself at this free yoga class in the courtyard of The Headquarters at Seaport Saturday morning. All levels are welcome; bring water and a yoga mat, and register for the class ahead of time here.
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
10 a.m., Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station
More than 100 vintage, antique and handmade vendors will open shop at San Diego’s Liberty Station. As you browse, listen to live music, or grab nearby food and drinks. Additionally, there will be photo opportunities and plenty of design inspiration. Tickets start at $10.
PAWmicon
10 a.m., Hazard Center
San Diego International Comic-Con may be right around the corner, but dog lovers and Comic-Con goers may want to check out this Comic-Con-themed convention for their furry friends. Catch some of the cutest – and snugglist – superheroes in San Diego at this family-friendly event, which features carnival games, snack options, booths and, of course, the PAWSplay Contest. Contest participants can dress up with their furry friends, or just enter their pups. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Stagecoach Days: Women of 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 “Women of the West” demo will celebrate stories of settlers who made the frontier home and the role the women played in Old Town San Diego. The event is free.
San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants
5:40 p.m., Petco Park
The Padres take on the Giants in game two of this weekend’s series at Petco Park. There will be a post-game fireworks display Saturday night. Tickets to the game start at $22. Play ball!
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.
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.
Sunday, July 16
Ice Cream Day 5K
7 a.m., The Art Institute of California, San Diego (Mission Valley Road)
We all scream for ice cream! So why not celebrate one of the sweetest desserts? This Saturday, celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a virtual 5K run or walk. 15 percent of registration proceeds will be donated to Operation Smile, a non-profit which helps children with a cleft palate get surgical care. Registration starts at $17.
Barefoot Music Cruise
3 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and Events
Here’s a unique way to enjoy happy hour in San Diego: a two-hour cruise along the San Diego Bay, featuring live music, cocktails and snacks. Tickets start at $25 per person.
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 (oftentimes slightly raunchy and outrageous) lives of the neighborhood’s residents. The show is billed as a Sesame Streets for adults. Tickets start at $29.
Summer Sundays
5 p.m., Village Walk at Eastlake in Chula Vista
Come out and enjoy your summer evening with music from Lady J and Soulful knights at this family-friendly event. For kids 12 and under, there will be craft activities, free face painting, and free balloon sculptures. Merchants will be giving away free food samples and giveaways.
At The Old Place
2 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
"At The Old Place", written by Rachel Bonds, makes its world premiere at the Playhouse this summer, one of five world premieres at the theater during their 2017-2018 season. The play follows a woman in her mid-40s who returns to her childhood home as she faces her breaking point. The show runs until July 30. Buy tickets here. http://www.lajollaplayhouse.org/at-the-old-place
Guys and Dolls
2 p.m., The Old Globe Theater
This 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 until Aug. 13.
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: San Diego Pride/Facebook