Things to Do in San Diego in July
July is packed with reasons to get out and explore San Diego!
Kick off the month with Fourth of July celebrations featuring spectacular fireworks, festive food and drink specials, and patriotic fun across the county. Then dive into the excitement of San Diego Comic-Con and the return of the iconic Del Mar Racing Summer Season.
Keep checking back…we’ll update it as we hear about more (there’s always more!).
Catch the Hottest Concerts in San Diego
Want to know where to find amazing artists in concert every week in San Diego? This is your go-to list!
Eat, Drink, and Enjoy the Best of San Diego
The Craving is your source for the latest menu updates, new cocktail programs, happy hours, and special offers from San Diego’s best restaurants and bars.
11 Things to Do in San Diego for 4th of July
Make the most of Independence Day with fireworks, beach celebrations, parades, concerts, festivals, family fun, and patriotic festivities happening across San Diego. Whether you’re planning a day by the coast or a night under the fireworks, there’s something for everyone.
Watch San Diego’s Most Spectacular 4th of July Fireworks
Light up your Independence Day with San Diego’s best fireworks displays, from waterfront spectaculars to family-friendly celebrations across the county. Gather your crew and find the perfect viewing spot.
Celebrate the 4th With Festive Food and Drinks
Raise a glass and dig into patriotic specials at restaurants and bars across San Diego. From festive cocktails and barbecue feasts to waterfront dining and holiday celebrations, these limited-time offerings are the perfect way to savor the Fourth of July.
Find the Ultimate Spots to Watch the World Cup
San Diego is going all in for the FIFA World Cup this summer. Watch parties, drink specials, and fan activations are popping up across the city. Here are the best spots to catch every match.
Cruise Into Summer Nights at Cajon Cruise in El Cajon
Every Wednesday
Rev up your midweek plans at this summer tradition where classic cars, modern rides, and gleaming chrome line the streets. Enjoy live music, local eats, and a welcoming community vibe as Main Street transforms into a gathering spot for families, car lovers, and anyone chasing fun summer nights.
Discover Science, Cocktails, and Fun at The Nat After Dark
Every Friday
Every Friday night, the San Diego Natural History Museum stays open late for Nat at Night – five floors of exhibits, rooftop drinks, small bites from Wolf in the Woods, tacos from The Craft Taco, and admission that drops to half price after 5 PM. Science has never looked this good.
Glide Through the Coronado Cays on a Private Gondola Cruise
Summer Evenings
Euro Summer vibes without the flight – The Gondola Company’s private Venetian-style cruises through the Coronado Cays are one of San Diego’s most underrated evening experiences. Sunset or after dark, it’s the kind of night that’s hard to top for a date or a celebration.
Check Out the San Diego County Fair
Until July 5
Planning a trip to the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar? Here’s what you need to know before you go. Because we want to keep your summer stress to a minimum (we care!), we’ve narrowed it down to a list of seven simple things you need to know.
Enjoy Free Summer Concerts Under the Stars at Twilight in the Park
July 1 – 30
Twilight in the Park returns to Balboa Park with a season of free outdoor concerts featuring everything from big band and jazz to Latin, rock, and community ensembles. Bring a blanket, settle in under the trees, and enjoy one of San Diego’s favorite summer traditions.
Catch a Movie Under the Stars With Rooftop Cinema Club
July 1 – 31
Little Italy’s rooftop movie experience atop the Porto Vista Hotel is heading into one of its biggest stretches of the year, and the lineup is stacked.
Dive Into Shark Summer at Birch Aquarium
July 1 – 30
Celebrate Shark Summer with hands-on activities, shark feedings, expert talks, themed dive presentations, and interactive exhibits for all ages. Discover the vital role sharks play in our oceans while enjoying jaw-some family fun and supporting marine conservation efforts.
Celebrate 100 Days of Summer Fun at Belmont Park
July 1 – 31
Belmont Park is going all out with 100 Days of Belmont, a season-long celebration packed with ride specials, food deals, birthday-themed treats, live music, and boardwalk fun. Whether you’re chasing thrills or soaking up the beachside atmosphere, there’s something happening all summer long.
Crack the Code in Decoding DaVinci
July 2 – 12
Step into a real-life mystery where UC San Diego becomes your game board. Part scavenger hunt, part immersive theater, and part outdoor escape room, Decoding DaVinci challenges participants to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and outsmart secret enemies in a thrilling adventure.
Join the Party and Dance Along With Hairspray at New Village Arts
July 2 – 19
Step into 1960s Baltimore and become part of the action in Hairspray at New Village Arts. Follow Tracy Turnblad’s journey to stardom in this Tony Award-winning musical filled with laughter, romance, unforgettable songs, and a powerful message of inclusion.
Spend Your Summer Fridays at Downtown El Cajon’s Music on Main
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Downtown El Cajon is turning up the energy with the return of Music on Main, a beloved outdoor concert series bringing live music, community vibes, and warm summer nights to Prescott Promenade. Expect rotating performances, local flavor, and plenty of reasons to keep coming back all season.
Dance Under the Stars With Daybreaker
July 4
Trade crowded fireworks for an evening of music, movement, and connection at Daybreaker’s outdoor celebration. Expect world-class DJs, joyful dancing, wellness-inspired experiences, and a vibrant community gathering beneath the stars at Progress Park.
Dive Into Ocean Discovery With Birch Aquarium’s Summer Camps
July 6 – 31
Birch Aquarium’s Summer Camps blend marine science, outdoor exploration, and hands-on fun for young ocean lovers. From aquarium adventures and animal encounters to surfing, snorkeling, and beach discoveries, these immersive programs turn San Diego’s coastline into the ultimate classroom.
Celebrate the Magic of Tanabata at the Japanese Friendship Garden
July 7
Experience the Japanese tradition of Tanabata with cultural performances, hands-on crafts, family-friendly games, and delicious traditional foods. Celebrate the timeless story of Orihime and Hikoboshi while enjoying a day filled with culture, community, and summer fun.
Step Into Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World
On view starting July 11
Experience the glamour and artistry of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated photographers. Featuring iconic fashion and portrait photography, this rare exhibition offers an intimate look at Cecil Beaton’s work.
Compete for Cornhole Glory on Fiesta Island
July 12
Grab a partner and put your cornhole skills to the test at the OTL Cornhole Tournament. Enjoy friendly competition, beach vibes, food, drinks, and a lively community atmosphere while battling for bragging rights and tournament prizes.
Make a Splash All Summer Long at Ponyboy
July 13
Ponyboy is turning summer into one long poolside celebration with its Summer Splash series. Expect rotating takeovers from San Diego favorites and visiting crews, plus music, cocktails, and laid-back vibes that bring a fresh energy to every event throughout the season.
Create, Record, and Produce Music This Summer
July 13 -17
Give aspiring young musicians a hands-on introduction to music and media production at SoundLab. Teens will collaborate in small groups to write, record, edit, and produce original tracks and videos while learning from industry professionals in a real recording studio.
Stretch, Celebrate, and Connect at Free Pride Yoga
July 14
Flow into an uplifting evening of movement and community at The Rady Shell’s free Pride Yoga celebration. Enjoy a sunset yoga class, embrace the spirit of Pride, and connect with others in one of San Diego’s most scenic waterfront settings.
Move Your Feet for Free at Salsa Under the Stars
July 14 & 28
Salsa Under the Stars returns to Otay Ranch Town Center this summer with free live music from the Manny Cepeda Orchestra. All skill levels welcome, no partner needed – just show up, catch a lesson, and dance the evening away.
Ditch the Dating Apps for Love Isn’t Blind Live in San Diego
July 17
A live comedy dating show where men compete for a bachelorette without speaking a word – their moms get called live on stage, their phones get unlocked, and the winner walks straight to the bar for an immediate date. Somehow it works every time.
Dress Up for Del Mar’s Beloved Racing Season
Opening Day July 17
Don your favorite race-day attire and head to Del Mar for another unforgettable summer of thrilling horse racing, seaside style, and iconic traditions. From Opening Day festivities to world-class stakes races, the season delivers excitement both on and off the track.
Keep the Celebration Going at The After Pony Party
July 17
Keep the Opening Day excitement alive at Rancho Valencia’s signature after-party. Dance to live DJ sets, enjoy a welcome cocktail and endless five-star buffet, and celebrate in style with an evening of luxury, music, and vibrant social energy.
Spend a Magical Evening With Verbatim Books’ In the Park ’Til Dark
July 17
Verbatim Books invites readers, writers, and curious minds to gather for In the Park ’Til Dark – a charming outdoor experience celebrating books, community, and connection. Expect an evening filled with literary conversation, creative energy, and the simple joy of lingering outdoors with fellow book lovers.
Kick Off Pride Weekend at the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party
July 17
Celebrate the start of San Diego Pride with a night of live entertainment, DJs, dazzling performances, craft cocktails, and nonstop dancing. Join the community in Hillcrest for an energetic celebration of love, diversity, and Pride that lights up the neighborhood.
Experience an Unforgettable Evening at OMA’s Illuminate Gala
July 18
Celebrate art, community, and creativity under the stars at Oceanside Museum of Art’s signature fundraising gala. Enjoy a cocktail reception, open-air dinner, dancing, immersive art experiences, and live auctions while supporting exhibitions, arts education, and community programs.
Shop the Harbor at the Markets for Makers San Diego Summer Market
July 18
Broadway Pier is hosting 120+ independent makers for a two-day summer market right on the harbor. Browse handcrafted goods, stop by the free DIY station, grab a free market tote, and fuel up at the food trucks on-site. VIP tickets available for early access. Kids under 12 get in free.
Find Your Island Groove at Holo Holo Music Festival
July 18
Immerse yourself in a celebration of island culture with live reggae and Polynesian-inspired music, incredible local food, and vibrant community spirit. Holo Holo Music Festival brings together top artists, unforgettable performances, and the laid-back aloha energy that defines the West Coast favorite.
Explore Art Through a New Lens at Signals in the Noise
On view starting July 18
Discover thought-provoking contemporary works that examine perception, technology, and the patterns hidden in everyday life. Signals in the Noise invites us to engage with immersive installations and compelling artwork that challenge how we see and interpret the world.
Celebrate Love and Unity at the San Diego Pride Parade
July 18
Join thousands of supporters as the San Diego Pride Parade fills Hillcrest with colorful floats, inspiring marchers, and community spirit. Experience one of the region’s biggest celebrations of diversity, inclusion, and equality in an unforgettable display of Pride.
Soak Up Summer at the Sun and Sea Festival
July 18
Head to Imperial Beach for a weekend of spectacular sand sculptures, live entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly fun. Celebrate the Southern California coast while exploring incredible beachside art, enjoying ocean breezes, and making summer memories.
Immerse Yourself in Puccini’s Powerful Il Tabarro
July 19
Immerse yourself in Giacomo Puccini’s gripping one-act opera, where love, jealousy, and betrayal unfold aboard a barge on the Seine. This emotionally charged production delivers soaring vocals, dramatic storytelling, and an evening of world-class live opera.
Catch the Pacific Records Festival at Kate Sessions Park
July 19
Celebrate California’s coastal music scene with an afternoon of live performances, island-inspired sounds, and laid-back summer vibes. Discover emerging artists, enjoy food and drinks, and soak in sweeping ocean and skyline views at this free, family-friendly festival.
Skate the Bay at Ringer’s Roller Rink’s Seaport Village Grand Opening
July 21
Ringer’s Roller Rink is opening a second location right on the San Diego Bay at Seaport Village, and the grand opening includes free public skating, live DJ sets, skate performances, and giveaways. An open-air rink with harbor views – this one’s hard to pass up.
Swap the Late Night for the Dance Floor at Earlier
July 21
Dance-focused, wrapped-early, and built for those of us who want the full night out without the next-morning tax. Earlier lands at the Belly Up in Solana Beach with Senzø, Mr. Bold, and KOKO handling the decks. Twenty-one and over only. Round up the crew, grab your tickets, and get moving.
Rock Out at Summer Nights at the Garden
July 23
Trade the usual Thursday plans for live surf rock surrounded by lush gardens and scenic pathways. Wander 37 acres, spread out a blanket, enjoy a picnic, and soak up classic hits from The Surf Birdz in one of San Diego’s most relaxing outdoor concert settings.
Step Into the World of Comic-Con
July 23 -26
Step into the world’s biggest celebration of comics, movies, TV, gaming, and fandom. Explore immersive exhibits, attend exclusive panels and screenings, admire incredible cosplay, and discover unforgettable experiences that make Comic-Con an iconic San Diego tradition.
Savor the Best of Eastlake While Giving Back
July 24
Treat your taste buds to an evening of bites and sips from local restaurants, breweries, and wineries while supporting EastLake schools. Enjoy live entertainment, community spirit, and an unforgettable culinary experience that helps fund innovative education programs.
Run for a Cause at the Joggin’ for Frogmen 5k at Liberty Station
July 25
A family-friendly 5k honoring Naval Special Warfare service members and veterans, with proceeds supporting fallen heroes’ families. Walkers, runners, and strollers all welcome, plus a Tadpole Trot for kids, a Vendor Village, and a post-race beer courtesy of Mike Hess Brewing.
Wander the Japanese Friendship Garden After Dark at Natsu Nights
July 25
On select Saturdays through August, Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden stays open late for Natsu Nights – a themed night market series with rotating vendors, discounted evening admission, and winding garden pathways after dark. Three different themes, three completely different evenings.
Pedal Into the Bicycle Film Festival
July 25
Discover inspiring cycling stories from around the world as the Bicycle Film Festival returns to San Diego. From adventure documentaries to urban bike culture and powerful community stories, this global celebration brings together filmmakers, cyclists, and anyone who loves the freedom of two wheels.
Score Vinyl, Eat Well, and Catch All-Day DJs at This Free Summer Market
July 26
Four of San Diego’s top HiFi collectives are taking over The Woo SD for a free, all-ages Summer Market. Expect 40+ vendors, vinyl records to dig through, Japonesia goods and food, coffee and matcha, and all vinyl DJs spinning on the Ohmega HiFi sound system all day long.
Break out the Paddles for Another Round of Urban Pickleball
Kicks off July 30
Serve, rally, and socialize at Downtown San Diego’s first-ever street-style pickleball series. Play beneath the skyline, enjoy live DJs, browse the Game Day Market, score Paddle Hour specials, and soak up the lively Gaslamp atmosphere—all skill levels are welcome.
Explore 175 Artists and Live Music at ArtWalk Liberty Station
July 31
Now in its 21st year, ArtWalk Liberty Station takes over the Arts District with over 175 fine artists, live music, interactive KidsWalk activities, and food and drinks all weekend. Kick things off Friday night at the Preview pARTy for first access to the art and live tribute bands before the weekend crowds arrive.
Experience Three World Premieres at DEBUTS
Starts July 31
See the future of contemporary ballet unfold as The Rosin Box Project presents three world premieres from acclaimed choreographers Jennifer Archibald, Christian Denice, and Carly Topazio. Bold new works, exceptional artistry, and an unforgettable evening await at The Joan.
Get out there and enjoy our amazing city!
See you there, San Diego!
