Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28.
Friday
Point Loma Summer Concerts: The 22nd annual Point Loma Summer Concerts are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 9 at Point Loma Park, 1049 Catalina Blvd., with junior bands starting at 5:30 p.m. and headliners at 6:15 pm. The July 26 concert features DSB, a Journey tribute band. There is entertainment for all ages, a raffle that benefits school music programs, and food vendors. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. Admission is free. Visit www.pointlomasummerconcerts.org.
Free music education events: The La Jolla Music Society will offer free learning and engagement activities from July 26 to Aug. 24 as part of the SummerFest 2024 at The Conrad in La Jolla, including open rehearsals, artist lounges, encounters, coaching workshops and musical preludes that are all open to the public. The theme is “Inside Stories” and the festival will include 21 performances and 50 free education activities over four weeks. Education events are free, but space is limited and advance registration is required for some events. Single tickets for other events are $30 to $115. Register at TheConrad.org.
Coast to Crest Challenge: The Coast to Crest Challenge starts its eighth year this month for hikers to sample San Dieguito River Park’s trail network by finishing a series of five hikes, organized by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. For some of the hikes, the conservancy organizes “Walk N Talk” outings for groups. A Bernardo Mountain Lake View Trail Walk N Talk is July 26. The deadline to complete this year’s series is June 30, 2025. Visit sdrvc.org.
Free movie screening: A free movie night featuring Disney’s “Moana” starts at 5 p.m. July 26 at North City’s plaza, 251 North City Drive. Highlights include special appearances from movie characters Moana and Maui, games, and family activities at 5 p.m., followed by the movie screening at 6:30 p.m. Limited seating; bring low chairs and blankets to the open-air, pop-up theater.
Patch Your Clothes: As part of its summer reading adventure series, the Carlsbad City Library will host an event encouraging locals to repair their damaged clothing, cushions and bags rather than discarding them. Participants can learn to iron on patches and repair clothes with a Silhouette Cameo machine. This event is for people 13 and older. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday. Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. Free. carlsbadca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/10344/6795
Ramona Country Fair: All the staples of a country fair can be found in Ramona this weekend, including carnival rides (5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), Western shows, live music, a cornhole competition, food and drink vendors, a car show and other family-friendly activities. There will be live music each night with a lineup of banda performers on Sunday. Parking passes are available for $15 per day and $20 for unlimited parking. 4 to 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 421 Aqua Lane, Ramona. Free. ramonachamber.com/ramona-country-fair
San Diego County summer movies: San Diego County’s series of more than 100 summer movie screenings continues this weekend with showings Friday in Cadman Community Park, La Mesa Municipal Pool, Bay Terraces Community Park, Dusty Rhodes Community Park and Sweetwater Summit Regional Park. Saturday, find moves such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Kung Fu Panda 4” playing at El Monte County Park, Collier County Park, Poway Community Park, Pacific Highlands Ranch Recreation Center, Hilton Head County Park and University Gardens. Movies start 15 minutes after dusk. Full schedule at summermoviesinthepark.com
“Garry Winogrand: Man of the Crowd”: The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art is now exhibiting photography by this prolific street photographer, who captured more than 300,000 black-and-white images of American life and social problems in all its gritty detail before his death in 1984. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays. Through Jan. 12, 2025. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. Admission is pay what you wish. (619) 232-7931, mopa.org
Comic-Con: Comic-Con kicked off Wednesday with a preview night and continues through the weekend. Badges are sold out for panels and events inside the San Diego Convention Center, but locals can still get in on the fun through various pop-up activities throughout the Gaslamp District and beyond. And with thousands of people roaming the area in high-quality costumes known as “cosplay,” the people-watching is top-tier. See more coverage of the convention at sandiegouniontribune.com/tag/comic-con. Today through Sunday. San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego. comic-con.org
‘Duel Reality’ now playing at the Old Globe: The Old Globe presents Montreal’s the 7 Fingers troupe performing a show that mixes acrobatic theater with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. 8 p.m. Fridays. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays. 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through 2 p.m. Aug. 4. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $39 and up. (619) 234-5623, theoldglobe.org
“Don’t Dress for Dinner”: North Coast Rep presents this French farce about philandering spouses. 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays. Through Aug. 18. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $54- and up. (858) 481-1055, northcoastrep.org
“Tick, tick … BOOM!”: Cygnet Theatre presents Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical about a young theater composer’s anxiety over not being a big success by age 30. 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 4. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego. $30 and up. (619) 337-1525, cygnettheatre.com
‘Peanuts’ pop-up experience: Fans of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the “Peanuts” franchise can stop by this pop-up experience in the Gaslamp Quarter. There will be photo opportunities from “The Great Pumpkin Patch,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and other well-known features, as well as meet-and-greets with Snoopy, merchandise for sale and displays of behind-the-scenes information. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 200 J. Street, Suite 105, San Diego. Free.
“School of Rock”: Moonlight Stage Productions presents the stage adaptation of the 2003 Jack Black film about an out-of-work musician who starts a rock band with his fifth-grade students at a prestigious prep school. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $15-$60. (760) 724-2110, moonlightstage.com
“Henry 6”: The Old Globe presents the world premiere of Barry Edelstein’s two-play adaptation of William Shakespeare’s three “Henry VI” history plays, which tell the story of England’s War of the Roses. “Part One: Flowers and France” and “Part Two: Riot and Reckoning” are playing in rotating repertory through Sept. 15. All performances at 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $35-$116. (619) 234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Comic-Con Interactive Zone at Petco Park: This area is a place to find activations and food trucks spread out across a parking lot and representing multiple different brands. Picture a street fair for pop culture. Find a giant statue from the series “Exploding Kittens” along with a plushie giveaway for the first 250 people each day. Draw with “Sharpie” products and take home free samples. More details may be announced. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park, 58 Eleventh Ave., San Diego. Free.
Comic-Con events at Park & Market: Over the multiple days of the convention, UC San Diego will host a series of free and paid events at Park & Market in the downtown area. Friday from 2:20 to 4:30 p.m., Rachel Costello, from UC San Diego’s Innovating for National Security Academic Program, will host an event celebrating Japanese manga pioneer Osamu Tezuka. Later that night at 8 p.m., Border X will host a “Fronte Risas” binational comedy show with $15 entry. Sunday, families can attend a free interactive event led by Scott Paulson from the UC San Diego Library and a puppet parade from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a full list of activities and details, go to parkandmarket.ucsd.edu/series/comic-con-themed-events-at-park-market.
‘Doctor Who’ trivia: San Diego Who Con is hosting a “Doctor Who” trivia night at Shakespeare Pub. Teams of up to five players will compete for prizes including weekend badges to Comic-Con. Extra points will be given to attendees dressed up in cosplay. The event will be hosted by Alexandra Song and Sandro Monetti. A $5 donation per player is suggested, with money going to fundraising for the San Diego Who Convention in October. 8 p.m. 3701 India St., San Diego. July 26. facebook.com/events/s/whocon-presents-a-doctor-who-t/994509995303634
Saturday
Day of Play: Find lawn games, prizes, music, snacks and educational activities at this family-friendly event. The event is billed as an effort to educate on the subjects of food, health and the environment. Online registration is required. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Free. Olivewood Gardens, 2525 North Ave., National City. discovernationalcity.org/event/day-of-play-olivewood-gardens
“The Evolution of Gospel Music”: The 11th annual Bayside Gospel Concert Aboard the USS Midway starring Beverly Crawford, with Robert Earl Dean, Tinika Wyatt, the Full Gospel Ensemble, Greater Life Church Dance Ministry, Vibe Experience, Ivey Conerly, Eddie Baltrip and more. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. USS Midway Museum, 90N. Harbor Drive, downtown. $23.11 and up. (858) 650-3190, godradio1.com
“Danse Macabre”: La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest presents an all-star concert of works by Schubert, Ravel, Butler, Saint-Saens and more featuring Thomas Adès, Inon Barnatan, Simon Callow, Jay Campbell, Nicholas Daniel, Augustin Hadelich and more. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $78-$118. (858) 459-3728, theconrad.org
Summer Band Festival: The free Summer Band Festival, an annual celebration of community bands, is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 27 at Civita Park Amphitheater on Civita Boulevard. The free event features bands from San Diego County and beyond. The event is hosted by the Kearny Mesa Concert Band and San Diego Concert Band. Attendees can stop by the Mission Valley Farmers Market at Civita Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is parking available in the dirt lot at Civita Boulevard and Community Lane. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-band-festival-tickets-919192538627.
Twilight in the Park Free Concert series: The Twilight in the Park Free Concert Series continues from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 27-28 at Balboa Park Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American E. Road. The series runs Tuesdays to Thursdays through Aug. 29. For the schedule, visit balboapark.org/twilight-concerts.
Food equity summit and resource fair: The Feast: Food, A Human Right Summit and Resource Fair is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27 at the Logan Heights Library, 567 S. 28th St. Highlights include a resource fair with booths featuring community food resources, panel discussion with food system leaders, a nutrition and exercise class, community discussion with refreshments and food distribution. Free admission. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/the-feast-food-a-human-right-summit-and-resource-fair-tickets-919904157097.
Square dance party: The Sandpipers Square Dance Club puts on a Beach Dance Party from 6 to 7 p.m. July 27 at St. James Parish Hall, 625 S. Nardo Ave, Solana Beach. The event offers an introduction to square dancing. Singles, couples and families welcome. Casual attire. Ice cream and watermelon refreshments will be served. Donation is $10; free for children 10 and younger. Visit SandpipersSquareDanceClub.org.
Ink and Legends: The San Diego Chinese History Museum is hosting a meet and greet with comic book artist of artists and creators. The Ink and Legends pop-up event will also feature comic book author Amy Chu. This free event will be held in the garden area. 5 to 8 p.m. July 27. 404 Third Ave., San Diego. sdchm.org
“Gloria”: OnStage Playhouse presents the San Diego premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins play about the explosive interpersonal dynamics among the competitive writers at a Manhattan magazine. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 5 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 4. 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista. $25 and up. onstageplayhouse.org
“American Agitator” exhibit at SDMA: This weekend, the San Diego Museum of Art will open an exhibition of works by prolific New York artist William Gropper (1897-1977), who chronicled the absurdities and injustices of American political life in his paintings and cartoons. Runs Saturday through Jan. 26, 2025. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. (619) 232-7931,sdmart.org
Sunday
Summer Sundays concerts: This is the final weekend for the Summer Sundays series in Chula Vista. Each week features a different band, car club and kids craft. This Sunday, The Joe Rathburn Band will play, with the San Diego MG Car Club making an appearance. Kids can make ceramic tile coasters and there will also be food and product samples from Village Walk businesses. 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Free. Village Walk, 884 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista. shopvillagewalk.com/special-events
Moonlight Beach concerts: The free Moonlight Beach Concert series features a performance by Ash Easton from 3 to 5 p.m. July 28 at 400 B St. The Flailing Idiots, a pop punk trio from Vista, will perform from 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. Visit encinitasca.gov.
Movies on the Beach: The Hotel del Coronado, as part of its summer movie series, will screen a Comic-Con-worthy film on the beach: “Captain America: The First Avenger.” Reservations are required. Food and drink will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink permitted. 8 p.m. Sunday. 1500 Orange Ave., San Diego. General admission starts at $26.50. A family package is available. hoteldel.com/events/movies-on-the-beach
Family Day Fiesta: A Family Day Fiesta is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28 at UC San Diego’s Park & Market. The event will feature mini-sessions and a puppet parade. Visitors can hear Short Tales from the Mothership, a science-fiction storytelling inspired by the architecture of Geisel Library. The UC San Diego Bookstore will offer a selection of graphic novels and other sci-fi/fantasy books for purchase. Free admission. Visit library.ucsd.edu/news-events/events/family-day-fiesta-at-park-market.
“Passions and Storms”: La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest presents violinists Tessa Stark, Augustin Hadelich and Alexi Jenney performing Janacek’s Kreutzer sonata and more. 3 p.m. Sunday. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $48-$90. (858) 459-3728, theconrad.org
H20 Dance Company: Mojalet Dance Company presents this program featuring “Jubilee” and “Cuban Swing and Dance.” 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. The Vine, 12540 Oaks North Drive, San Diego. $16-$21. (858) 243-1402,mojalet.com
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