Imagine San Diego circa 1939—an underground jazz club south of Broadway, where drinks flow freely, cigarette smoke swirls through a dimly lit room, and the moody riff of a saxophone serves as the soundtrack for romance, bar brawls, and more. This is the inspiration for The Federal Jazz Project, a new world premiere production opening April 6 at the San Diego Repertory Theatre.
Fast-forward to the late ’90s, in a speakeasy-type joint near 15th and Market streets, and that’s where playwright/actor Richard Montoya got an idea. The San Diego native was struck by the nightly jam sessions that showcased amateur musicians improvising alongside the regulars—sort of like an open-mic night for jazz lovers.
“Some of the side men, the players who showed up at all hours carrying their axes, were military cats, some in uniform, and some catching the last cab back to base before reveille,” he says. “Playing jazz was more precious than sleep!”
All That Jazz
Montoya set out to honor those stories and the stories of his Navy father, who believed “the coolest sailors went to old jazz haunts like the Green Door on Ash Street and more nefarious places in Tijuana.”
He eventually met celebrated trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, whose weekly jam sessions have developed a cult following (check him out on Wednesdays at Seven Grand in North Park). Castellanos composed all of the music for The Federal Jazz Project, and is currently recording an album of the score, which will be available once the play opens.
“This play is really going to showcase the deep rich history of San Diego’s music scene in a way that hasn’t been done before,” Castellanos says.
The plot follows two sisters named San Diego and Tijuana, who get a shot at stardom in 1939. One sister’s misfortunes lead her to the bowels of Mexicali, while the other rises to the top. The play travels through decades and across the Mexican border, with jazz becoming, as Montoya says, “the vehicle across those borders.”
But don’t expect storytelling in the traditional sense. There will be some spoken dialogue blended with poetry and some singing blended with improvisational jazz tunes.
“It’s a mixture of how one tells a story,” says Sam Woodhouse, artistic director of the San Diego REP, who is also directing the show. “The challenge is how to fuse all of these styles.”
The Federal Jazz Project is funded in part by the San Diego Foundation and the National Endowment from the Arts, which shelled out $40,000 and gave the work recognition on a national level. Woodhouse has committed his theater company to representing “the place we call home,” and over the years his team has produced about 50 original works by Latinos. “There are maybe two other theaters in America that can say that.”
The San Diego Foundation (SDF) celebrated its 50th anniversary with proclamations from 15 cities and the County of San Diego, declaring May 28 as San Diego Foundation Day and launching a new campaign. It was also named Nonprofit of the Year by State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson. To date, SDF has granted over $1.8 billion to nonprofits across the region—its new Fifty & Forward campaign aims to raise $1 billion and award $500 million towards initiatives targeting education, climate resilience, and family well-being over the next decade.
Courtesy of Future is Color
Best Chance to Discover Your New Favorite Album
Future is Color Studio & Cafe
Tucked in the heart of Barrio Logan, Future is Color Studio & Cafe is cultivating community through clothing, conversation, coffee, and music. Focused on collective liberation, the space explores cultural tensions through dialogue; creative workshops; and Studio Sessions, weekly events like jazz nights, DJ sets, and album listenings. Swing by Fridays and Saturdays to browse the latest collection, dig into the reference library, or vibe in the Hi-Fi Listening Space. (The best part? It’s free.) Tuesdays offer intimate, ticketed listening sessions, and you can visit on Sundays with a reservation.
Best Botanical Grow-up
Botanical Building
One of Balboa Park’s most photogenic gems got a serious makeover. The iconic Botanical Building, originally built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, had weathered decades of wear and termite damage until a glamorous $28 million, 32-month renovation brought it back to life. Phase one restored its signature redwood lathework and added sleek new irrigation systems, making the once overgrown space shine. Phase two is underway, with new gardens set to bloom and complete the fairytale-worthy transformation.
Courtesy of OpenTable
Best Lounge to Light Up In
Sessions by the Bay
Sessions by the Bay opened this year as San Diego County’s first licensed cannabis lounge. The National City spot features a large dispensary downstairs and a sleek second-floor lounge serving real-deal restaurant food and non-alcoholic drinks that you can dose yourself. Guests are actively consuming cannabis—smoking, vaping, dabbing, sipping—in a space that feels more boutique hotel lobby than head shop. It’s polished, thoughtful, designed for lingering. Finally, San Diego has a legal, regulated, public place to smoke weed.
You’ve heard of Comic-Con, but does the name TwitchCon ring any bells? How about Ninja, Ludwig, or Pokimane? Even if those aren’t your personal lexicon, every day, millions of people tune in to watch these streamers share video gameplay, life updates, and real-time reactions to the internet’s biggest trends on the platform Twitch. Quickly becoming one of the San Diego Convention Center’s largest annual events, TwitchCon brought together nearly 22,800 fans and creators this past year. With its 10-year anniversary on the horizon and a return slated for October, TwitchCon may have finally found its forever home in America’s Finest City.
Photo Credit: Richard Barnes
Best Tune-Up
Jacobs Music Center
After a $125 million, four-year transformation, the historic Jacobs Music Center struck a new chord this last year. Once a 1929 movie palace, the venue is now an ornate, state-of-the-art concert hall with upgraded acoustics (including a design-forward tunable canopy), lush new seating, and a choral terrace that puts some lucky audience members right onstage. It’s an acoustically brilliant home for the musical gifts of the SD Symphony. Goodbye, old HVAC system; hello, musicians who can actually hear themselves play.
Noticed something new in downtown’s skyline? A $511 million, 37-story tower at 1011 Union Street is the city’s first true mixed-use skyscraper. Developed by Holland Partner Group, the building combines office spaces, trendy retail, and luxury apartments and tops ’em with a rooftop pool and deck. This vertical neighborhood aims to create a more dynamic and walkable community, elevating San Diego’s lifestyle to new heights.
Courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Best Conservation Wins
The San Diego Zoo, a pioneer in wildlife research and protection for nearly a century, has been up to some seriously exciting things lately, from innovative conservation efforts to welcoming new furry friends.
The Return of the Giant Pandas
Giant pandas are finally back at the San Diego Zoo. Yun Chuan and Xin Bao are the first two pandas to enter the US in 21 years. Go visit these adorable, fuzzy legends at the new Panda Ridge habitat.
The fourth annual Wonderfront Festival returns to San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina from May 16–18 this year. Since launching in 2019, the festival has grown steadily—bringing bigger names, wider audiences, and more reasons for San Diego music lovers to celebrate.
Its inaugural year featured Slightly Stoopid, MGMT, and Ben Harper as headliners, while this year’s top ticket names include Peggy Gou and Daniel Caesar on Friday; Anderson Paak & The Free Nationals and Foster the People on Saturday; and Khruangbin, Jason Mraz, and Gary Clark Jr. closing out Sunday night.
But beyond the mainstream acts, this year’s Wonderfront Festival also delivers a stacked undercard of emerging talent. To help you map out your plans for the weekend and ensure you don’t miss some of the lesser-known artists, too, we put together a list of 10 bands you can’t miss this year.
Courtesy of Khruangbin
Khruangbin
Sunday @ 8:35 p.m. | Events.com Stage
Must Listen Track: Maria También
“Where are the lyrics?” “What’s with the wigs?” You’ll likely ask yourself these questions while listening to Khruangbin. Khruangbin—which means “airplane” in Thai—gained recognition in 2022 with their EP featuring Leon Bridges (which does have lyrics, though much of their music does not). They were also recently featured in the third season of TheWhite Lotus.
But even if you’ve never heard of them before, avid fans know that nearly a decade after their debut and six subsequent albums they’re finally getting the recognition they deserve. The Grammys, fashionably late as always, finally nominated the group for “Best New Artist” last year. They might just be this generation’s Grateful Dead, with their sprawling, instrumental sets and international influences. Guitarist Mark Speer’s dreamy guitar takes center stage, supported by bassist Laura Lee and drummer Donald Johnson Jr., creating a lush, meditative groove that’s irresistible.
Courtesy of Magdalena Bay
Magdalena Bay
Saturday @ 3:20 p.m. | Cypress Ascendant Stage
Must Listen Track: Killshot
If you’re into Charli XCX and FKA Twigs, check out Magdalena Bay, an LA-based indie pop band making waves. Comprised of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, the duo began creating music together in high school, crafting mixtapes and eventually full-length albums with a sound and aesthetic that nods to early internet culture.
Their sophomore album, Imaginal Disk, blends futuristic pop and electronic dance music with touches of funk. The album cover—a CD being inserted into Tenenbaum’s forehead—perfectly captures the 2000s influence. Their sound is futuristic and pulsing, yet deeply nostalgic. The duo’s music videos extend this vibe with a DIY aesthetic—not as chaotic as 100 Gecs, but with a charming green screen visual that pairs with their Y2K electronica. If they’re not already on your radar, they will be soon.
Courtesy of Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar
Friday @ 7:30 p.m. | Cypress Ascendant Stage
Must Listen Track: Best Part
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Daniel Caesar is one of R&B’s hottest artists today. With an upbringing shaped by the gospel music at his father’s church, Caesar broke into the mainstream with his 2017 debut album Freudian, earning widespread acclaim and Grammy nominations. Caesar’s blend of gospel with modern ballads produces music that feels both timeless and contemporary. While rap and pop dominate the mainstream currently, it seems that R&B may be experiencing a comeback thanks to artists like Caesar.
Courtesy of Orion Sun
Orion Sun
Saturday @ 5:05 p.m. | Hazy Stage
Must Listen Track: Antidote
If you like SZA and Frank Ocean, you’ll probably like Orion Sun, the moniker of Tiffany Majette. Her music bridges R&B and indie rock with a sound rooted in personal struggle and resilience. After being kicked out for coming out to her parents, she turned to music, drawing influence from Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, whose struggles enriched their art. Her 2013 debut track “Voicemail” gained traction on YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp, and her 2020 album A Collection of Fleeting Moments and Daydreams introduced her soulful lyricism to a wider audience. In 2023, she opened for Daniel Caesar’s Superpowers tour and followed up with a self-titled album in 2024 that further fuses indie rock with her signature lo-fi beats.
Courtesy of XL Recordings
Peggy Gou
Friday @ 8:40 p.m. | Events.com Stage
Must Listen Track: (It Goes Like) Nanana
For electronic music fans, Peggy Gou is a must-see. The South Korean DJ and producer has been gaining the attention of EDM fans worldwide, first with mixtapes and remixes before putting out her 2024 studio debut album I Hear You. Her music channels ’90s nightclub vibes—glowsticks, zebra prints, high-BPM loops—while resonating with millions worldwide and has massive hits including “(It Goes Like) Nanana” which has over 600 million streams.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
May in San Diego means longer days, blooming flowers, and a calendar full of can’t-miss events. This month, locals can sip bottomless mimosas at San Diego Magazine’s Brunch Bash or crack crawfish shells at Gator by the Bay. Music lovers can two-step their way through The Outlaw Festival or vibe with R&B trio Flo, while beachgoers flock to Fiesta Del Sol or the annual Mission Beach Over-the-Line tournament. For fans of the arts, there’s a packed lineup of theater productions and exhibits—including one celebrating the surprisingly adorable armadillo. So grab your tickets, gather your crew, and explore all the best things to do in San Diego this May.
Gator by the Bay, a spectacle of the sounds and eats—like beignets, gumbo, and 10,000 pounds of crawfish—that define Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole culture, brings the bayou to Spanish Landing Park on Harbor Island.
The Outlaw Music Festival at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 15
The Outlaw Music Festival will celebrate giants of Americana sound—including Billy Strings, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson—at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista.
Louis at the Balboa Theatre
May 18
At the Balboa Theatre, an 11-piece jazz ensemble will perform an immersive score to soundtrack Louis, a silent film based on the life of legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong.
Fiesta Del Sol at Fletcher Cove Park
May 31 – June 1
Hit the beach for Fiesta Del Sol, returning for a sunny weekend at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. Enjoy free entry, more than 200 vendors, and live music from several local bands.
“Sweet Caroline” singer Neil Diamond’s journey from Brooklyn beginnings to musical superstardom unfolds throughout A Beautiful Noise, coming to the Civic Theatre in downtown.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
Ahhh, St. Patrick’s Day, the day many of us use as an excuse to drink a green lager, claim any ounce of Irish heritage found in our 23andMe report, and wear all your favorite green clothing at once. From corned beef hash and green hops to yacht parties, shamrock runs, and family-friendly festivals, there is something for everyone to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day this year. If you’re looking for an excuse to wear that “Kiss Me I’m Irish” t-shirt, now’s your time to shine.
Courtesy of Patch
St. Patrick’s Day Events in San Diego
The 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
March 15
On Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. this family-friendly parade will start on Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street for its 43rd year in San Diego. The parade is free and open to all and features high school marching bands, police and fire department units, dancing groups and more. Throughout the day, enjoy more fun in Balboa Park featuring an all-ages festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy food booths, live performances and craft vendors. Admission into the festival is $10 for adults 21 years and older and free for anyone under 21 and active duty military with I.D.
Lace up your running shoes and join San Diego Running Co. on Saturday, March 15 for their 7th Annual San Diego Leprechaun Run 5K & Kids 1K. Participants will run through downtown Pacific Beach and receive a complimentary Leprechaun Run t-shirt, medal upon finishing, photo and a complimentary drink at the finish. The Leprechaun Run 5K will begin at 9 a.m. and the Kids 1K Run will begin at 10:30 a.m. Registration for the Leprechaun Run 5K is $59 and $35 for the Kids 1K Run.
Pacific Beach
Courtesy of Lamb’s Player Theatre
Lamb’s St. Patrick’s Cabaret Show
March 16-17
For a night of Irish tunes, head to Lamb’s annual St Patrick’s Day Cabaret. Attendees can enjoy a night at the Lamb’s Player Theatre complete with 100 minutes of uninterrupted Irish music. The annual St. Patrick’s Day concert will be on Sunday, March 16 and Monday, March 17 and begins at 7 p.m.
Leprechauns & Live Music at Seaport Village
March 16
Show off your best green garb at Seaport Village’s Leprechauns & Live Music on Sunday, March 16. Here, you can enjoy a bite to eat at a restaurant in the west courtyard, listen to some live music, and hunt for leprechauns. The event runs from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Irish Music at Conrad Preby’s Performing Arts Center
March 16-17
Looking to hear some authentic Irish music this St. Patty’s Day? Check out the Irish band Goitse. Snag tickets to watch this quintet of Irish musicians play traditional tunes that will surely have you doing a jig. Goitse will be performing at the Conrad Preby’s Performing Arts Center Sunday, March 16 from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Monday, March 17, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day at the Fleet Science Center
March 15
Looking for a more kid-centric option for St Patrick’s Day, you’re in luck! At the Junior Science Club, kids can work a little science magic and learn how to change the color of cabbage or experiment with potatoes. Head to the Fleet Science Center on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Courtesy of the Gaslamp Foundation
St. Patrick’s Day Parties & Pub Crawls in San Diego
2025 Irish 4 A Day Pub Crawl
March 14 & 15
St. Patrick’s Day will be taking over the historic Gaslamp Quarter for a weekend-long Irish 4 A Day celebration. The festivities will take place across various bars and restaurants downtown on March 14 and March 15. Tickets to this annual event include admission to more than 20 bars in the area, live music, drink and dining deals, hotel deals, and perks from respective bars. Tickets start at $35 a day on Friday and $39 a day on Saturday.
628 5th Ave. San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter
29th Annual ShamROCK
March 15
St. Paddy’s Day Music and Beer Festival, best known as ShamROCK, is returning to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for the 29th year. The festival will be on Saturday, March 15 from 2-8 p.m. and will feature live performances from the nation’s top Irish and Celtic Rock bands, Irish dances and tribute performances. General admission tickets start at $50 for adults and go up in price on March 2. Free admission is offered for children under 4 and general admission tickets for ages 5-17 start at $30.
Gaslamp Quarter
Kiss Me, I’m Irish: San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
March 15 & 17
The Kiss Me, I’m Irish bar crawl will take place this year in Pacific Beach on Saturday March 15 and Monday March 17. Participating bars include: Flamingo Deck, Baja Beach Cafe, The Beverly Beach Garden, Moonshine Beach, The Sandbox, Thrusters Lounge, Truckstop, and Woodstock’s Pizza Pacific Beach. General admission each day is $25 and is open to anyone ages 21 and older.
A plethora of bands call San Diego home, plucking out the diverse soundtrack to our laidback lifestyle. But where do all of our super sick guitarists go to obtain their axes—and to fix them up after those especially rowdy gigs? Across the county, San Diego guitar shops serve seasoned shredders and newbie musicians alike with instruments and accessories that help drive the city’s joyful noise. Here are 11 of the best.
Music Mart
Long gone are the days of trying out an instrument that caught your eye… only to be met with a scoff of disdain from a 20-year-old Guitar Center employee. North County’s Music Mart understands that a test drive is critical to finding your six-stringed soulmate and encourages shoppers to jam accordingly.
If your dad’s midlife crisis involved the purchase of some old guitar with a cracked neck that he insists he’ll learn to play, take him to this spot to finally get it repaired. Kearny Mesa’s Imperial Vintage Guitars specializes in second hand axes, so the store maintains its carefully curated instruments with a little more TLC than your average curio shop would.
Address: 7878 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 5, Kearny Mesa Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Wednesday by appointment only; Closed Sunday.
Have you ever considered starting a Hank Williams cover band but then didn’t take the plunge because you had no idea where to buy a steel guitar or banjo? Just me? Either way, Moze Guitars in La Mesa offers a niche selection of lap steel, mandolins, banjos, and of course, gorgeous guitars. Throw in a harmonica and your extra starched blue jeans, and you’re set.
Address: 8415 La Mesa Boulevard, Suite 1, La Mesa Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.
Courtesy of Mark’s Guitar Exchange
Mark’s Guitar Exchange
Mark’s Guitar Exchange offers perhaps the most expansive selection in the city. Conveniently, their superstore-sized selection on Midway Drive is a 10-minute walk away from teen rock haven SOMA. Go straight from the pit to the store to blow your paycheck on your new favorite guitar.
Guitars are cool and all, but have you ever wanted to add an obscene number of pedals to your stage just to give yourself a reason to explain where shoegaze got its name from? Pitbull Audio in National City carries not only a multitude of guitars, but also specific audio accessories to give your music the extra oomph you need to craft your totally-not-Slowdive-inspired sound.
Address: 300 West 28th Street, Suite 101, National City Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.
Courtesy of Harper’s Music Store
Harper’s Music Store
Recommended by San Diego’s new generation grindcore and metalcore scene, Harper’s Music Store has remained a South Bay institution since 1962. A rent-to-own system starting at $19 makes all the offered instruments that much more accessible to your average high school garage band scraping together their allowance to pay for equipment.
Address: 627 H St. #B, Chula Vista Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Courtesy of Music Store Live
Music Store Live
Have you ever needed a guitar delivered straight to your house? Music Store Live is the place for that. Although it has an in-person location in National City, the guitar shop is praised online for its free shipping and 30-day returns. Guitars, pianos, basses, and drums can all be delivered right to your doorstep.
Address: 300 W 28th St Ste #102, National City Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday; Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Courtesy of Top 40 Guitars
Top 40 Guitars
Top 40 Guitars sources those hard-to-find items at the top of your wishlist. With a team of buyers, this guitar shop has a more curated inventory. If nothing suits you or you have your eye on another model, Top 40 Guitars will hunt down your dream guitar for you.
Dusty’s Guitars in Oceanside calls itself “North County’s favorite guitar shop.” And it just might be because Dusty’s has been around since 1979. More than 40 years later, the family-owned guitar shop still specializes in guitars but it is also a full-service music store, offering repairs, lessons, and appraisals.
Since 1991, Moonlight Music has been slinging guitars and hosting children’s rock bands at their Encinitas shop. A local favorite for its guitar selection, they also offer music lessons and in the summer, a weeklong children’s rock camp. Don’t forget to grab a free pick on the way out.
Address: 467 South Coast Highway, Encinitas Hours: 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday; Closed Sunday and Monday.
Courtesy of Music Central
Music Central
With a hefty selection of guitars, ukuleles, and every accessory to pair with, Music Central is a small-business favorite. Along with instruments for purchase, this family-owned music shop sells instructional lessons and lesson books so you can become the musical savant you’ve always wanted to be.
Address: 8139 Mira Mesa Blvd, Mira Mesa Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let theBalboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
16 Museums, One Pass
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:FleetScience.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Phone: 619-238-1233
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:Niwa.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m. Phone: 619-232-2721
The Old Globe
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:TheOldGlobe.org Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-234-8291
San Diego History Center
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SanDiegoHistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Phone: 619-232-6203
San Diego Junior Theatre
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:JuniorTheatre.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-239-1311
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SDNat.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer Phone: 619-232-3821
WorldBeat Cultural Center
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Website:WorldBeatCenter.org Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone: 619-230-1190
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
