Things to Do in San Diego in August
August is packed with reasons to get out and explore San Diego!
From the tropical vibes of Tiki Oasis and the lively streets of Hillcrest CityFest to the pours at San Diego Brew Fest and the waves of the Super Girl Surf Festival, there’s plenty to look forward to all month long.
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.
Break out the Paddles for Another Round of Urban Pickleball
Every Thursday
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.
Step Into Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World
Now on view
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.
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.
Spend Monday Night Under 5,098 Pipes in Balboa Park
Every Monday
The San Diego International Organ Festival fires up all 5,098 pipes at Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion every Monday through September 7. Expect international organists, a not-so-silent movie night, and a Labor Day rock set – all free. The pavilion also hosts weekly Sunday concerts at 2 PM.
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.
Explore Art Through a New Lens at Signals in the Noise
Now on view
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.
Shop Third Avenue Like a Local
Every Sunday
Fill your tote at Chula Vista Farmers’ Market, where 100-plus vendors bring produce, flowers, wine, skincare, artisan goods, and ready-to-eat bites to Third Avenue. Bring cash, arrive hungry, meet local makers, and turn Sunday shopping into a community ritual.
Join the Fight at Curebound
August 1
Join the Curebound Cancer Challenge at UC San Diego with cycling routes, a 10K, family-friendly 5K, fitness classes, and cheering opportunities. Every participant-raised dollar supports cancer research, making each mile, stride, and show of support count for the San Diego community
Experience Dance in the Gardens
August 1
Experience LITVAKdance’s Dancing Outdoors: Take 4 at ICA San Diego’s North Campus gardens, featuring seven dance styles, local performers, live music from the Montalban Quintet, cocktails, and gallery access. Choose your showtime and enjoy movement under the Encinitas sky.
Explore Lavande’s New Healing Spaces
August 1
Step inside Lavande Vitality House’s renovated Bird Rock sanctuary for a free grand reopening with pop-up vendors, live music, mini tarot readings, healing sessions, giveaways, and a new organic café. Register early for wellness gift bags, reflection, and community connection.
Experience Three World Premieres at DEBUTS
August 1 – 2
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.
Dive Into 40 Years of SummerFest at The Conrad
Until August 9
La Jolla Music Society is turning 40, and SummerFest’s opening week is going all out to prove it. Under the theme “Making History,” Music Director Inon Barnatan leads seven concerts at The Conrad, plus free listening sessions, an open rehearsal, and a curator-led tour through MCASD.
Explore Nature With Nature Collective’s Outdoor Adventures
August 1, 2, 5, 15
Discover the beauty of San Diego’s wild spaces with Nature Collective’s August lineup of guided hikes, family programs, volunteer opportunities, and nature experiences. Get outside, connect with local habitats, and enjoy fun, educational activities designed for all ages.
Bring Your Pup to Play
August 2
Bring your pup to Encinitas Community Park for Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, featuring 100+ vendors, Rescue Row, Maker’s Market Row, dog contests, kids’ activities, Dachshund and Corgi races, and a Libation Lounge for a full day of tail-wagging fun.
Dig Through the Crates
August 2
Dig through thousands of records, CDs, and tapes at Vinyl at the Market, featuring 15+ regional vendors, live vinyl DJ sets, free admission, and Liberty Public Market’s food and drink options. Bring friends and find your next favorite spin there.
Reset Your Beach Day
August 2
Spend a full day at RESET in Mission Beach with beach runs, yoga, Pilates, cold plunges, saunas, massage, mindset programming, games, and sunset music from Big Gigantic. Move, recover, connect, and close the day with high-energy coastal San Diego vibes.
Escape Into Tiki Oasis
August 5–9
Grab your Hawaiian shirt and head to Town and Country Resort for Tiki Oasis’ Psychedelic Tiki celebration, featuring tropical cocktails, luau feasts, bartender battles, mixology seminars, live entertainment, themed dining, and five nights of island-style fun in Hotel Circle.
Browse Local Finds in the Gardens
August 6
Spend a summer evening at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens in Escondido, browsing over a dozen local artists and vendors. Grab a cold beer, wander the open-air market, catch sunset in the gardens, and support San Diego’s creative community.
Taste Your Way Through Logan Heights
August 7
Grab a tasting map and explore Imperial Avenue with 20+ food vendors, signature bites, drinks, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and a community marketplace. Come hungry, support Logan Heights small businesses, and celebrate the neighborhood’s culture one stop at a time.
Toast the Giants Sendoff
August 7
Celebrate GIANTS’ final weekend at MCASD with Joe Kay of Soulection and DJ Sasha Marie soundtracking the sendoff. Explore monumental works from the Dean Collection, toast the exhibition’s West Coast run, and close the night with art, music, and community.
Float a Lantern in Remembrance
August 7 – 8
Honor loved ones at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum’s Toro Nagashi Festival, where candle-lit lanterns float through the serene lower garden. Enjoy live performances, food vendors, sake and beer, artisan booths, and a meaningful day of remembrance, peace, and connection.
Toast San Diego’s Craft Beer Scene
August 8
Sample your way through San Diego Brew Fest at Liberty Station, featuring 60+ breweries, 150+ beers, food trucks, live music, lawn games, and corn hole. Grab your crew, use the thereSD discount, and toast San Diego’s craft beer scene together.
Crack Into Trackside Flavor
August 8
Reserve your spot at Del Mar’s Turf & Surf Festival for fresh Maine lobster, Brandt Beef steak, five drink tasters, craft beer, cocktails, and seaside cabana vibes. Grab tickets, pre-order the feast, and savor summer at the racetrack.
Tee Off for the Trophy
August 8
Grab a partner and tee off at The Loma Club’s Summer Classic, a two-person scramble with shotgun-start energy, a trophy up for grabs, and a custom tournament hat included with registration. Lock in your spot and play Point Loma’s favorite.
Celebrate Hillcrest in Full Color
August 9
Celebrate Hillcrest CityFest beneath the iconic Hillcrest sign with live music, food, vendors, and community joy at San Diego’s biggest free street festival. Bring friends, explore the neighborhood, and soak up an all-day celebration of art, culture, and LGBTQ+ pride.
Dance Through Cross Pollination
August 9
Head to Waterfront Park for FNGRS CRSSD x Cross Pollination, a phone-free day of melodic house featuring Lane 8 B2B Sultan + Shepard, Yotto B2B Kasbo, Massane B2B Qrion, and Ashibah B2B Grigoré. Bring friends and stay fully present.
Feel the Fire on Stage
August 11–16
Experience Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen at San Diego Civic Theatre, where Ali’s coming-of-age story unfolds through new songs, greatest hits, Broadway-caliber direction, and electric choreography. Grab tickets, bring your theater crew, and feel the rhythm, heart, and fire live onstage.
Dance the Night Away at Salsa Under the Stars
August 11 & 25
Hit the dance floor at Otay Ranch Town Center for free live Latin music from the Manny Cepeda Orchestra. Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome, with basic instruction, no partner required, plus the nearby farmers market for food and shopping.
Give Back Aboard the Midway
August 14
Support Shelter to Soldier aboard the USS Midway Museum with live music, dinner, drinks, auctions, and powerful moments with veterans and service dogs. Reserve your seat, give back, and help fund the mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
Celebrate Chula Vista’s Lemon Festival
August 15
Squeeze the most out of summer at Chula Vista’s annual Lemon Festival, where Third Avenue comes alive with lemon-inspired treats, live music, arts and crafts vendors, family activities, photo ops, and plenty of citrus-filled fun celebrating the city’s rich agricultural heritage.
Sparkle for a Meaningful Cause
August 15
Step into Haute with Heart at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, where “Hidden Diamonds” shines through a fashion show, luncheon, boutique shopping, auction, and champagne reception. Dress up, give back, and support SMSC’s programs for local adults with developmental disabilities.
Sip Into Something New
August 15
Discover your new favorite pour at Mission Bay Beach Club with 10 premium wine tastings led by sommelier Charlotte Randolph. Browse the Artisan Market, enjoy live music, soak up bay views, and bring home a bottle worth sharing with friends.
Celebrate Ferragosto Under the Stars
August 15
Celebrate Italy’s beloved midsummer holiday at Convivio’s Ferragosto: Sotto Le Stelle in Little Italy, with live music, heavy appetizers, drinks, and community connection. Secure tickets, gather friends, and support cultural programs, scholarships, and Italian heritage.
Feed the Plant at Balboa Theatre
August 15
Celebrate Little Shop of Horrors’ 40th anniversary at Balboa Theatre with a special screening hosted by Ellen Greene, the original Audrey. Upgrade to VIP for premium seats, a meet-and-greet, signed memorabilia, and photo ops with the cult classic’s star herself.
Shop Small at Summer Market
August 15–16
Shop small at the San Diego Made Summer Market with 130+ local makers, artisans, live music, gourmet food trucks, interactive art, workshops, kids’ activities, and a scavenger hunt. Head to Liberty Station, browse one-of-a-kind finds, and support San Diego creatives.
Treat Your Pup to Resort Fun
August 16 – 31
Treat your pup to Dog Days of Summer at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, featuring waived pet fees, discounted stays, morning strolls, Pup Pilates, Zumpaw, crafts, pup cups, Yappy Hour, spa treatments, outdoor movies, and tail-wagging resort fun together.
Cheer on Super Girl Surf
August 21–23
Head to Oceanside Pier for Super Girl Surf Festival’s 20th anniversary, featuring world-class women’s surfing, free concerts, sports, wellness classes, speakers, art, food, and beachside festival energy. Bring the crew and celebrate female strength, confidence, and community.
Celebrate Filipino Culture at SamaFest
August 22 – 23
Samahan Arts’ 39th Annual Philippine Cultural Arts Festival takes over Balboa Park’s President’s Way Lawn for two free, family-friendly days of Filipino music, dance, and food. Bring a blanket and settle in for a weekend celebrating Filipino heritage and community.
Get on the Water at HarborFest
August 22
Head to Chula Vista Bayfront for HarborFest’s long-awaited return, featuring on-the-water experiences, live music, food, drinks, family activities, local vendors, and waterfront views. Bring the whole crew, explore the bay, and celebrate South Bay summer energy for free all day.
Watch America’s Best Breakers Battle
August 22
Catch Red Bull BC One USA National Final at Port Pavilion Broadway Pier, where top B-Boys and B-Girls battle 1v1 for national titles and World Final spots. Grab tickets, feel the music, and cheer on San Diego’s vibrant breaking scene.
Dress Up for Garden Tea
August 23
Step into Estancia La Jolla’s gardens for A Gilded Garden Tea, a high-tea afternoon filled with culinary creativity, golden-hour elegance, fanciful ambiance, and polished summer style. Reserve tickets, wear your best garden party look, and savor the series’ glamorous opener.
Celebrate 70 Years Under the Stars
August 29
Celebrate Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s 70th anniversary with Cabrillo Under the Stars, an after-hours fundraiser featuring local food, craft drinks, live music, and sweeping views of the night sky, downtown, and Pacific Ocean. Grab tickets and support this coastal treasure.
Score Rare Finds at the Frontwave Arena Collectibles Expo
August 29
Browse hundreds of vendor tables packed with sports cards, Pokémon, trading card games, memorabilia, and collectibles at the Frontwave Arena Collectibles Expo. Meet fellow collectors, enjoy interactive experiences, enter raffles, and hunt for your next prized addition.
Get out there and enjoy our amazing city!
See you there, San Diego!
