The mid point of June is the time to celebrate Juneteenth, and festivals, cultural events, block parties and more will take place this weekend ahead of its official date on Monday.
Check out this guide to Juneteenth events:
It’s also Pride Month, and we have a guide to local events here:
Sunday is also Father’s Day, so check the events below for those who want to celebrate. Here’s your weekend lineup.
Thursday
“Love All”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of Anna Deavere Smith’s play about tennis icon Billie Jean King and her efforts to change the world of sports for women athletes. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through July 2. Mandell Weiss Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $25-$85. (858) 550-1010. lajollaplayhouse.
Communal Nue Wilde wine tasting: Communal in North Park will host an interactive tasting with Ben Herod of Nue Wilde winery in California’s Russian River Valley, with housemade pizzetta and live music. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 15. 2335 University Ave., San Diego. $45. (619) 363-7737, communalcoffee.comcq
“Sharon”: Cygnet Theatre presents the world premiere of Keiko Green’s comedic thriller about a mother and her son who live in a rundown apartment building they manage together. 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through July 2. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town State Historic Park, San Diego. $32 and up. (619) 337-1525. cygnettheatre.com
A scene from the Old Globe’s “Twelfth Night.”
(Courtesy of Jim Cox)
Shakespeare under the stars: ‘Twelfth Night’: The Old Globe’s outdoor Shakespeare season has begun with William Shakespeare’s comedy about twin siblings, separated in a shipwreck, who both find unexpected love in ancient Illyria. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays and July 3 (no performance July 4). Through July 9. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $29 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra: “Shostakovich & Mozart”: The orchestra performs an outdoor concert featuring Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro” and “Magic Flute” overtures, Beethoven’s “Leonore” overture and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2, with pianist Chelsea Guo. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Epstein Family Amphitheater, UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla. $30-$160. mainlymozart.org
“Public Enemy”: New Fortune Theatre Company presents Scottish playwright David Harrower’s contemporary, 90-minute adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s five-act play “Public Enemy.” 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Through July 2. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3598 Talbot St., Point Loma. $10-$30. (602) 380-3706. newfortunetheatre.com
“Eleanor”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Mark St. Germain’s solo play about influential First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays. Through July 9. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $54-$65. (858) 481-1055. northcoastrep.org
“The Wedding Singer”: Moonlight Stage Productions presents this musical stage adaptation of the Adam Sandler romantic comedy about a wedding singer falling in love with one of his engaged clients. 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Through June 24. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1250 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $14 to $58. (760) 724-2110. moonlightstage.com
Friday
“Oz”: Kidz Danz Kompany will present the story of Dorothy’s great-great grandson Donny from La Mesa as he navigates today’s world. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. SDMT Theater, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. visionarydancetheatre.org/2023-KDK-Oz
“Head Over Heels”: Diversionary Theatre presents Jeff Whitty’s Go-Go’s jukebox musical about unconditional love in a kingdom where an unhappy royal family explores the true meaning of self-acceptance. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 25. 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. $25-$60. (619) 220-0097. diversionary.org
Dancers with Hiva Katoa perform during a media preview for the 2023 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 in Del Mar, CA.
(Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
San Diego County Fair: This year’s fair got under way on June 7 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a 21-day run that concludes July 4. The theme is Get Out There, which celebrates San Diego County’s parks, trails, ecosystems, wildlife and outdoor activities. There are also livestock shows, animal encounters, rides, concerts, a speakeasy, merchandise vendors, culture and musical festivals and more. Runs through July 4. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except July 3 and 4. Gates open at 11 a.m. daily and close at 10 p.m., except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the gates close at 11 p.m. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Tickets start at $12. sdfair.com
Street Level Vol 1: City Music This new concert series kicks off Friday, showcasing dancers, spoken word artists, musicians and other performers from across the region. Food and drinks will be available from a food truck. 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays. Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. $10 for general admission, free for members. oma-online.org/events/street-level-16june2023
Saturday
Mike Coots leaps from his surfboard in an attempt to knock Switchfoot band member Jon Foreman of his board as they compete in the surf joust during the Switchfoot Bro-Am music and surf festival at Moonlight Beach on Saturday, June 29, 2019 in Encinitas, California.
(Hayne Palmour IV/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Switchfoot Bro-Am Beach Fest: This annual family-friendly beach party features live concerts with Grammy Award-winning rock band Switchfoot and other artists, as well as all-day surf contests, food and retail vendors, green initiatives and more. Surf contests from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; local musicians start playing at 11 a.m. The Switchfoot show starts at 4 p.m. Donations welcome. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Moonlight Beach, 400 B St., Encinitas. Free. broam.org
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra: “Mozart & Brahms”: The orchestra performs an outdoor concert featuring Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 25 with pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, Beethoven’s String Quartet in F minor and Michael Abels’ “Delights and Dances.” 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Surf Cup Sports Park, 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar. $30 and up. mainlymozart.org
Juneteenth Multicultural Celebration: This annual event is hosted by the North San Diego County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It brings together Black storytellers, vendors, food, jazz music, a youth zone with face painting, games and other entertainment throughout the day. There will also be informational booths, including one from the North County African American Women’s Association. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17. Civic Center Plaza, 300 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. Free. ci.oceanside.ca.us/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/800/96667
The Cooper Family Foundation Juneteenth Art & Cultural Celebration on Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Nancee E. Lewis/© 2021 Nancee Lewis)
Cooper Family Foundation Juneteenth Art & Cultural Celebration: This event, started by San Diego businessman and community leader Sidney Cooper Sr., is continued by his family and is one of the largest such events in the region. There will be live music and entertainment, an educational program, food trucks, live gospel and jazz, health and wellness resources, a history wall, a kids zone and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs. 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June 17. Memorial Park, 2975 Ocean View Blvd. Free. cfjuneteenth.com
Juneteenth Celebration at The Old Globe: This outdoor event is a collaboration with the George L. Stevens Senior Center. See music and poetry performances, storytelling, comedy, a choir performance and a presentation by The Old Globe. Noon to 2 p.m. June 17. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe. 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org/pdp/arts-engagement/2022/axis-juneteenth-celebration#?startDate=2023-06-01&?endDate=2023-06-30
West Coast Hot Sauce Experience: Hot stuff is the order of the day at this celebration featuring snappy sauces and other spicy products to sample. Enjoy live music, eating contests, Best Dad Bod Contest on Sunday, food trucks and selection of local craft beers and specialty cocktails. Must be 21 and older to order from bar and enter VIP area. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. Broadway Pier, downtown San Diego. Tickets $10 (military family discount with ID), age 12 and younger free with paid adult. westcoasthotsauceexperience.com
San Diego Lao Food Festival: This two-day event showcases the diverse cuisine of Laos. Food stalls will be selling a range of traditional Laotian fare, from savory to sweet. The festival also features live music, cultural performances, cooking demos and cooking competitions. Presented by Lao Americans Organization of San Diego. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575 New Salem St., San Diego. Tickets online for $5 guests over 12, $3 for ages 5-12 and free for kids under 5. laofoodfestival.org
Baja Bash: Wildcoast will host this 11th annual fundraising culinary event to raise money for ocean conservation and climate action programs. Featured chefs preparing bites include JoJo Ruiz of Lionfish; Greg Frey Jr. of Golden Door; Aly Land of George’s at the Cove; Kelli Crosson of the Lodge at Torrey Pines; Brad Wise of Rare Society; and Marissa Williams and Carlo Guardado of Herb & Sea. 6 to 9 p.m. June 17. Montbleau Estate, Solana Beach. $200. one.bidpal.net/bajabash2023/welcome
Sunday
Kelsea Ballerini poses in Nashville, Tenn., on Jan. 30, 2020.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Kelsea Ballerini, with Chris Janson and Thompson Square: Kelsea Ballerini headlines Country on the Coast, billed as an “immersive countr festival experience.. Noon June 18. San Diego Waterfront Park, downtown. $69 (general admission), $145 (VIP). tickets.countryonthecoast.com/event/country-on-the-coast-2023
San Diego Civic Youth Orchestra Concert Finale: The organization’s symphony and symphonic orchestra ensembles will perform. 3 p.m. Sunday. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $25. civicyouthorchestra.org
Opera NEO Aria Gala: San Diego’s Opera NEO will present a gala performance of up-and-coming opera singers followed by hosted hors d’ouevres, wine and dessert with the artists. 6 p.m. Sunday. Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $47 to $88. operaneo.com/aria-gala
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra: “Mozart Piano Concerto”: The orchestra performs an outdoor concert featuring Mozart’s Grand Fantaisie in C minor and Brahms’ Violin Concerto featuring violinist Karen Gomyo. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Surf Cup Sports Park, 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar. $30 and up. mainlymozart.org
Father’s Day Microbrew and Chili Cook Off Festival: Pechanga Resort Casino will host its 12th annual festival, featuring samples of premium beers, chilis made by Pechanga chefs, a silent auction and live entertainment. Proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley. Tickets range from $60 for general admission to $80 for VIPs, and $40 for designated drivers. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. (877) 711-2946 or pechanga.com
Juneteenth in La Mesa: Local businesses, churches, writers, educators, community leaders, elected officials and performers will join together to present this event. Music, food, art, dancing, crafts, activities for children and a community marketplace will all be available. Noon to 4 p.m. June 18. MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa. lamesajuneteenth.org
Ongoing events
Catamaran kicks off luau season: The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on Mission Bay has launched it summerlong Sunset Luaus on the Bay season. The events include an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet featuring kalua roast pig, huli huli chicken, roast salmon, vegetables, fried rice, children’s menu and dessert display. The evening also includes live music, hula dancing and fiery torch dancing by Pride of Polynesia. All guests receive a silk lei and mai tai cocktail (or choice of soft drink). 6 p.m. Tuesday and Friday evenings, June 13 through Sept. 1. $50 to $110. 3999 Mission Blvd., San Diego. catamaranresort.com/sunset-luaus