#BalboaParkAfterDark Is Getting A Serious Summer Upgrade

It’s that time of year – when no matter how crazy your work week has been, you owe it to yourself to get out for a Friday load-off.

BECAUSE IT’S SUMMER!

Seriously, let’s talk about this. Summer is important. It is the season of the sun, the season of the beach, the season of the laid-back. 

So no matter where you find yourself on a summer day – as long as it’s not at the office – you have a duty to uphold: to enjoy yourself!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTHz8UUjy8u/?taken-by=thevineaffair

And one of the most leisurely spots in the city has got you covered: Balboa Park.

https://www.instagram.com/p/_DfWpAF75t/?tagged=balboaparkafterdark

We all know #BalboaParkAfterDark brings the park alive on Friday nights – with 8 of the gardens and museums staying open until 8pm:

  • Fleet Science Center *
  • Japanese Friendship Garden
  • Mingei International Museum **
  • San Diego Art Institute
  • San Diego Museum of Man ***
  • San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT)
  • The San Diego Museum of Man ****

But starting June 2nd through Labor Day Weekend, #BalboaParkAfterDark is upgrading their summer status, launching Food Truck Fridays.

So now you get your museums, one killer date night, live entertainment and food trucks, too!

Perhaps we’ll give this one an “A” on the date-night scale.

Speaking of the date-night scale, June 2nd might just get an “A+” with The Vine Affair. The Vine Affair is Balboa Park’s first annual celebration of wine – and we’re pretty sure it won’t be the last.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUN1MWqjFzG/?taken-by=thevineaffair

For tickets to Balboa Park After Dark, The Vine Affair, and more, check out the link below.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUbhIgIAeYJ/?tagged=balboaparkafterdark

Regular museum admission rates apply unless otherwise noted. Balboa Park Explorer Passholders receive free general admission to all participating museums.

* Open until 8 PM. Fridays, with half-price admission (including a 7 PM. IMAX® film) after 6 PM. through June 23! Open extra late on Fridays starting June 30 for video game madness in Game Masters.
** Mingei will be participating in Balboa Park After Dark from Friday, July 7 to September 1. Special $5 admission after 5pm!
*** The San Diego Museum of Man is open until 8:30 PM every Friday – Sunday, including Memorial Day and Labor Day. Enjoy special sunset tours of the California Tower (timed tickets required) and the newly opened Living With Animals exhibit.
**** The San Diego Museum of Art holds Art After Hours every Friday with a special $5 admission price.

Share This Event
Event Details
The Latest
Ales N' Rails bringing craft beer and trains together
Craft beer and model trains are teaming up again for Ales N’ Rails, and tickets are officially on sale. This annual evening at the San...
hotel del holiday special
Hotel del Coronado has been doing the holidays for over 135 years, and this season’s theme – “A Holiday Through Time” – leans into exactly...
OB Oktoberfest has been going strong for over 20 years and somehow keeps getting more unhinged – in the best way. This year, the festival...
Sake Bar Gaga hosting its latest chef collaboration dinner
Sake Bar Gaga’s Chef Collaboration Series is back for round two, and this time it’s bringing together two very different culinary worlds under one roof....
San Diego Coffee Festival
Explore the best coffee at the San Diego Coffee Festival. Sample brews from renowned roasters at Broadway Pier this fall.
La Jolla Art and Wine Festival
Experience the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival with over 170 artists showcasing fine art in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Event Details
Upcoming Events
MANIA The ABBA Tribute bringing the magic of ABBA to life at The Magnolia
February 10, 2027
7:30 pm
  • The Magnolia
If you’ve ever wanted to relive the magic of ABBA live on stage, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute is as close as it gets. The world’s...
Ales N' Rails bringing craft beer and trains together
November 21, 2026
6:00 pm
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Craft beer and model trains are teaming up again for Ales N’ Rails, and tickets are officially on sale. This annual evening at the San...
November 1, 2026
12:00 pm
  • San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is throwing a taco party in its sculpture garden, and honestly, it’s one of the most fun things on...
Halloween at the Station
October 25, 2026
12:00 pm
  • Ingram Plaza
Liberty Station is throwing its annual Halloween bash, and it’s free, family-friendly, and packed with enough activities to fill your whole afternoon. Costumes are strongly...
Celebrate the Craft festival at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
October 18, 2026
11:30 am
  • The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Celebrate the Craft is back for its 23rd year, and honestly, it just keeps getting better. This is The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ signature culinary...
Event Search: