Hello July! Summertime is officially upon us and we welcome this month with open arms. Late sunsets, beach weather and BBQ’s galore! We’ve got a variety of activities for adults, kiddos and everyone in between. From a sandcastle competition to Del Mar race season to a ladybug festival. There is so much to enjoy about San Diego!
San Diego County Fair Through July 4
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Deep fried-food-on-a-stick, rides, animals, and games. World-class exhibits in fine art, photography, woodworking, jewelry/gems & minerals, and home & hobby, and the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower & Garden Show. The Toyota Summer Concert Series features nationally recognized entertainment.
Del Mar Fairgrounds 858-755-1161
My Yard Live – San Marcos opens 7/1
North County’s newest music venue that’s family friendly with a park-like setting with tons of outdoor activities and fun for all ages. A beer garden, diverse menu and weekly live entertainment. Located off Rancheros Rd in the old Hometown Buffet building. This place has been transformed! Check out their website for more info: myyardlive.com
Food Truck Friday’s – California Center of Arts, Escondido
The California Center for the Arts, Escondido and Phatties brings back Food Truck Fridays every Friday starting this Summer from 6pm-10pm on the Great Green (lawn area) of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido campus. A family-friendly event, choose from a rotating lineup of food trucks while being able to listen to free live music and play corn hole, giant Jenga and free inflatables for the kids!
A great way to cool off from the Summer heat – Center Museum open to the public and offer free admission from 5pm to 7pm prior to Food Truck Fridays. More info: www.artcenter.org
Berry- you-pick at Stehly Farms in Valley Center July 6th
Saturday 7/6 from 9am-4pm for a day filled with berry picking, tractor rides, petting zoo, kids train ride. It is a fun filled day at Stehly Farms. $8 admission, kids 4 yrs & younger are free. Each paid admission comes with all access to all attractions and one-1lb container for picking.www.stehlyfarmsorganics.com/shop
SheFest July 6
A woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within the LGBT and larger San Diego community.
11am-6pm / North Park Community Park
Tanabata Festival July 7
Originating from Chinese folklore, Tanabata is a holiday that celebrates the meeting of Orihime and Hikoboshi! Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy the summer sun with festival foods, carnival games, cultural performances and demonstrations as well as partake in the Tanabata celebration by creating kazari.
12-6pm / Japanese Friendship Garden of SD, Balboa Park
619-232-2721
San Diego Pride Business Mega-Mixer July 11
Mix and mingle during a festive happy hour with a diverse group of LGBT and allied business professionals, E.R.G.’s, and organizations at the 3rd Annual Pride Business Mega-Mixer & Pride Kick Off Ribbon Cutting!
5:30-8pm / San Diego LGBT Visitors Center: 529 University Ave.
619-432-5428
Pride of Hillcrest Block Party July 12
A diverse line up of local and international talent. The festival features a craft cocktail bar and beer garden sponsored by Miller Coors, food trucks, a go-go dances, a DJ dance party, and YOU aboard our giant Ferris-Wheel as your take in the views of Hillcrest’s giant 65 foot high- 20’ x 30’ foot Rainbow Pride Flag!
2-11pm / Hillcrest Pride Flag at Pride Plaza
619-299-3330
Movies & More by the Lake July 12
Bring your blankets and join us for a movie under the stars! Food Trucks and snack bar treats will be on site. Parking is $10 per carload of movie goers and movie is free.
6-10pm / Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
619-596-3141
Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival July 12-13
World-class sandcastle sculptors creating some of the best sand creations on the West Coast as well as a community parade and pancake breakfast, live music, children’s craft activities, a Kids ‘n Kastles competition, Farmer’s Market and International Food Fair.
Fri 8am-Dusk, Sat 7am-6pm / Pier Plaza
Mission San Diego de Alcala Festival of the Bells July 13-14
Food, live entertainment, dancing, and traditional activities like the Blessing of the Bells and the Blessing of the Animals. All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festivities. 10am-5pm / 10818 San Diego Mission Road 619-281-8449
Over The Line Tournament July 13-14 & 20-21
Over 1,000 teams will hit the sand at sunrise on Saturday morning with their bats, balls and most creative team names to kick-off 66 years of San Diego tradition
7:30am-6pm / Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park
Craft Classic Half Marathon & 5K July 14
Sweeping views, challenging hills and a delicious craft beer reward at the finish line at Green Flash Brewing Co.
6:30am-12pm / Green Flash Brewery: 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd.
Del Mar Racing Season July 17-Sept. 2
Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation’s top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Stone Brewing Hop-Con 7.0 July 18
Your $75 ticket includes: Fifteen 3oz tasters, 3 specialty casks of w00tstout, Commemorative glassware to take home, Gourmet food, Lawn games, Silent Disco, Interactive Art Wall, Our famous churros for dessert, Costume contest.
7-11pm / Liberty Station
Movies in the Park – San Marcos July 19th
June 21: Madagascar (Woodland Park)
July 19: Ralph Breaks the Internet (Bradley Park)
August 23 – Dive in movie: Aquaman (Las Posas Pool)
September 13: Homeward Bound (Richmar Park)
For more information visit, www.san-marcos.net/specialevents
Burgers and Brews Invitational July 20
Pass includes a ticket to the races, access to an exclusive trackside viewing area, access to the Del Mar Concert Series performance following the event featuring Ziggy Marley, gourmet fries & tater tots, five (5) 5oz. beer tastings & UNLIMITED samples of the BEST burgers SD has to offer!
1:30-5:30pm / Del Mar Racetrack
Cabrillo Sunset 5K July 20
The route passes the park’s most important landmarks before linking with the road down to the tidepools – where participants can enjoy spectacular views as the sun sets below the horizon.
6:30-8:30pm / Cabrillo National Monument
Insect and Ladybug Festival July 20-21
Features thousands of fascinating creepy-crawlies including live insects, lizards, snakes, and the famous “Madagascar hissing cockroaches.” Children can practice bug collecting, hands-on insect arts and crafts, and even taste cooked mealworm larva.
10am-4pm / San Diego Botanic Garden
Supergirl Surf Pro July 26-28
The weekend will be jam-packed with world-class competition that will have you on your toes and a festival village loaded with female-inspired vendors, activities and entertainment. 8am-6pm / Oceanside Pier
4o’clock Friday’s at Del Mar Racetrack
Free concert with racetrack admission. Checkout line up on website: www.dmtc.com/concerts.
SIP of Julian July 27
Julian Tasting Rooms offering samples of their wine, beer, hard cider, mead or craft cocktails.
11am-5pm / Julian Town Hall
Live Well San Diego 5K July 28
This year’s event will celebrate the hero in all of us with a superhero-themed race and activities throughout the morning. Includes a Kids 1-Mile Fun Run.
7:30am / SD County Waterfront Park
Nat Diego July 28-29
Come taste the exciting world of natural wine and learn about what you drink at a weekend festival packed with winemakers, importers and advocates of Natural wine.
See website for schedule.
