Father’s Day is often the overlooked summer holiday that doesn’t quite get the extravagant brunch treatment or overflowing bouquets that Mother’s Day does. Sure, there’s the annual pair of socks, Padres hat you’re convinced he doesn’t already own, beer subscriptions, phone case doubling as a wallet, plus the classic “Best Dad” keepsakes. But this year, let’s flip the narrative with events, activities, and specials made with Dad in mind.
Whether he wants a quiet dinner, a big screen full of San Diego sports and wings, or a weekend that somehow includes NASCAR, a jazz festival, and a Broadway reimagining, there is something for every dad. Here’s your guide to a memorable Father’s Day in San Diego.
Nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” like the sound of engines ripping across Naval Base Coronado. NASCAR is turning this into a historic race weekend that feels less like a casual outing and more like a full-scale San Diego moment people will be talking about long after June is over. This is the first time a NASCAR Cup Series race has ever taken place on an active military base, which instantly puts it in “you had to be there” territory.
It’s fast, loud, and very on-brand for a Father’s Day where Dad suddenly becomes an expert on tire strategy, pit stops, and track positions. The bar might be set unreasonably high for every Father’s Day that follows, but that’s a next-year problem, right?
At Humphreys, Father’s Day gets a little more sophisticated. Roger Friend and an all-star lineup of jazz musicians bring decades of international experience to the bay, where dads can lean into their musical side with head nods and shoe taps. It’s smooth, layered, and exactly the amount of jazz you didn’t realize your playlists were missing.
Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Address: 241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego
Belmont Parkis rolling out a Father’s Day lineup that basically turns Mission Beach into a living garage scene, with a free car show featuring everything from polished 1960s Camaros to classic Bel Airs and lowriders. If he has a ride of his own, vintage car owners can join the lineup for $35 per vehicle. After the chrome tour, it’s straight into a Mission Beach classic: boardwalk strolls, fish tacos on the sand, and rides at Belmont Park.
Price: Free to attend | Register vehicle here Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Address: Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego
Bob Dylan at The Rady Shell
I think it’s an unspoken rule that dads love Bob Dylan. Mine is already figuring out how he’s getting to San Diego for this. But this isn’t just a Father’s Day activity, it’s a cultural event that happens to land on Father’s Day weekend and immediately becomes the plan. Bob Dylan at The Rady Shell means you’ll be surrounded by city lights sparkling across the harbor, legacy music, and at least one moment where Dad leans over and whispers, “You know, this guy wrote everything.” And honestly? He’s not wrong.
Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster Time: 6:30 p.m. Address: 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego
San Diego County Fair
The San Diego County Fair returns with fried everything, questionable decisions, rides that definitely looked safer in the 2000s, and Dad’s very confident plan to “just walk around for an hour” that somehow turns into an entire day. It’s also the biggest, longest-running community event in San Diego County, running Wednesday, June 10 through Sunday, July 5, with a “Once Upon a Fair” theme. It basically becomes part of the Father’s Day season whether you planned it or not. So, consider this your annual reminder that “happily ever after” can, in fact, involve Cajun honey dogs, cinnamon rolls, a Ferris wheel you swore you wouldn’t go on, and Dad somehow knowing exactly which booth has the best Spam wonton tacos.
Price: Tickets available here: website Date & Time: June 10 – July 5 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) | 11 a.m. Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
RENT at Diversionary Theatre
For the thespian Dad, the patron of the arts Dad, and the one who still refers to every stage as “the theater,” Diversionary’s reimagined RENT is intimate, raw, and guarantees Dad will be quietly humming on the drive home. This bold, stripped-down production leans fully into chosen family, resilience, and all the feelings that land a little deeper than expected in the best possible way. There is even an optional immersive moment, which is a polite way of saying yes, you may become part of the show now. Break a leg!
Price: Tickets available here Time: 2 p.m. Address: 4545 Park Blvd #101, San Diego
Madison Beer at Gallagher Square
Girl dads, this one’s for you. For those who sing along during pop-playlist car rides, Madison Beer: The Locket Tour at Gallagher Square at Petco Park is the move. It’s a full-production night out with special guests Thủy and Lulu Simon, and the perfect excuse for matching concert shirts. A Father’s Day pick with a little more glitter than expected, and that’s exactly the point!
Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster Time: 7 p.m. Address: 840 K St, San Diego
Courtesy of San Diego Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tours
San Diego Beer, Wine and Spirits Tour for Dad
For the dad who already owns everything except a very well-planned afternoon, this Father’s Day calls for a “tasty adventure” on a San Diego Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tour, running throughout June. It’s basically an excuse to hand him a glass and a scenic view. Guests must be 18+ for the tour and 21+ for tastings, and yes, Dad does still need to show ID for this one. But that’s really all the planning required.
Price: $197.35 per guest 21+ (Guests 18-20 are permitted on tours) Date & Time: Throughout summer | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Address: Meeting & Dropoff: 805 W. Harbor Dr. Ste B, San Diego
Take Dad to Harrah’s Resort SoCal
Whether you’re celebrating Dad on Father’s Day or gifting him the “casino resort” experience for later, Harrah’s Resort Southern California is basically built for him. Ditch the Vegas flight and drive to Funner, CA, where it’s all high-energy action, from the expanded High Limit gaming floor with 100 slot machines and table games like Baccarat and Blackjack, to Easy Speak for barrel picks and rare spirits. Head over to Dive for swim-up bars, DJ sets, and a 400-foot lazy river that dares Dad to actually relax, all rounded out by Hell’s Kitchen, because of course it is.
Price:Book a night | Hell’s Kitchen OpenTable Address: 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center
Father’s Day Treatment at Spa Pendry
Yes, this is Father’s Day. Yes, Dad is getting a massage. No, he will not admit he enjoyed it that much. Spa Pendry leans fully into restoration mode with deep tissue everything, HydraFacials, and a complimentary IPA at the end because dads also deserve a little pampering every once in a while.
Father’s Day at the Bay turns San Diego Mission Bay Resort into a full day, no-excuses celebration of Dad, where the agenda is “Dad’s ideal Sunday.” Start at Covewood with World Cup matches and NASCAR coverage paired with Shake and Bake Chicken Wings and cold beer specials, including the signature Noble Wolf Pilsner, then head bayfront for beach volleyball, remote-control boat races, cornhole, and every other resort activity that somehow turns Dad into an unexpected champion. It’s structured fun disguised as spontaneity.
Time: Brunch: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Last bites: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Address: 1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego
Estancia La Jolla Father’s Day Cabana
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa leans into a quieter kind of Father’s Day, where families settle into a private cabana at The Palma and the resort’s reimagined poolside oasis. Each cabana includes shaded lounge seating, a stocked mini fridge, a fruit platter, Coola sun care products, and poolside food and drink service. It’s low-effort in the best way.
Father’s Day gets a slow ride through the Coronado Cays with a private 50-minute gondola cruise, drifting through canals and waterways. Along for the ride: a six-pack of Ballast Point beer or a bottle of house wine, mini sparkling apple ciders, a heart-shaped box of “#1 Dad’s Edition” Meathearts, honey roasted peanuts, and complimentary corkage if you want to bring your own bottle.
Price: Starting at $215 Time: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Address: 503 Grand Caribe Causeway Suite C, Coronado
Rooftop Cinema Club on Father’s Day
Who says you can’t spend all of Father’s Day with buttery popcorn, fruity candies, an oversized soda, and even a cocktail or two (it is a movie marathon after all) at Rooftop Cinema Club in Little Italy? The city glow replaces the usual theater lights as the Father’s Day lineup rolls out: The Sandlot at 12:45 p.m., Raiders of the Lost Ark at 3:00 p.m., Interstellar at 6:30 p.m., and Big Daddy at 10:15 p.m.
Price: Starting at $19 for adults | $12 for children (12 and under) Address: 1835 Columbia St., 5th Floor, San Diego
Just give Dad a golf course, beer, and absolutely no reason to leave. Opened just in time for Father’s Day, Harland Clubhouse brings smashburgers, breakfast burritos, tacos, and deli sandwiches to the fairway like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Harland beers—Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, Japanese Lager—are made with care by dads, for dads. It’s a celebration intertwined with a beer vacation, which is really all anyone was aiming for anyway.
Time: Initial operating hours are 7 a.m. – 10 p.m Address: 2702 N Mission Bay Dr, San Diego
Happy Does Does Father’s Day
Happy Does is all games, drinks, and childhood nostalgia, just with better lighting and significantly more tequila. Built for a Father’s Day that’s really about hanging out, this retro indoor-outdoor Gaslamp bar keeps things easy with free games all day and food that does exactly what it needs to do: the Smash San Diego Burger, Big Kenny Chicken Sandwich, plus jalapeño poppers, beef sliders, and chicken sliders for good measure. And once Dad gets a little too invested in foosball (it will happen), there’s always a reset button in liquid form.
Time: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Address: 340 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
A Far Corner Father’s Day
Don’t sleep on East Village this Father’s Day. Far Corner is just steps from Petco Park, which means you can do the very responsible thing of over-ordering gourmet wings and seriously good pizza first, then casually “walk it off” in one of the best stadiums in the MLB. Start with a spinach ricotta calzone with garlic confit and marinara, play a round of pool, sip a “Raddy Daddy” (Paulaner Radler, campari, mezcal) out on the patio, then head straight into a sunset lap around Petco Park. Dad gets a meal, a stroll, and the illusion of balance, all within two blocks.
Time: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m Address: 410 Tenth Ave, San Diego
Father’s Day at Brewery X
Set along Harbor Island, this waterfront hangout delivers craft beer, live music, trivia nights, and an atmosphere where no one is really checking the time. It’s casual in the best way… like Father’s Day put on flip-flops, disappeared for the afternoon, and forgot to tell anyone where it went. Keep an eye on their website for seasonal specials and fun treats made just for Dad.
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m Address: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego
Courtesy of Kona Kai Resort
Father’s Day Restaurants and Dining Specials in San Diego
Father’s Day Weekend at Solare Ristorante
For the dad who insists grilling is the same as professional cooking, Solare is here to test that theory in real time. This Father’s Day Weekend cooking class drops him straight into a working kitchen with Executive Chef Denice Grande, where he’ll attempt (lovingly) to master Italian-style meat cookery. Expect La Fiorentina, Agnello Scottadito, and techniques that suddenly make Dad very confident about hosting Sunday dinner. Secure a spot on OpenTable or Tock.
Price: $118 per person (plus tax) Date & Time: June 20 | 10:30 a.m. Address: 2820 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego
Rancho Bernardo Inn Fathers Day BBQ
Rancho Bernardo Inn keeps Father’s Day easy, with a relaxed afternoon built around a BBQ buffet stacked with bold flavors and timeless favorites, live music setting the pace, and classic lawn games turning the whole thing into a low-effort, high-reward kind of celebration that feels exactly right for Dad. Reserve now.
If you want to take it up a notch, gift him a Del Mar Racetrack ticket while they are on sale, then casually suggest a drive-by on the way home to really sell the vision.
Price: $75 per adult | $40 per child Time: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego
Lumi’s Cheers to Dad with Sushi & Stars
Lumi is what happens when sushi decides it deserves a skyline. In partnership with chef Akira Back, Lumi brings Japanese and Nikkei fare, a serious sake program, and Father’s Day specials. The Robatayaki Flight is stacked with skewers like yuzu kosho shrimp, miso eggplant, and Wagyu meatball. Pair it with something strong like the Ka “Fire” or Midori Yutaka, and somewhere along the way, this turns Dad from a sports bar loyalist into a rooftop patio regular. You’re welcome.
Price: À la carte Time: 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. Address: 366 Fifth Ave, San Diego
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Every family has a Mastro’s dad. The one who orders steak like it’s their main personality trait and considers seafood towers a reasonable life decision. This year, their must-try is the Winter Frost Wagyu Ribeye topped with Lobster Oscar. Add old fashioneds, live music, and harbor views, and you’ve basically built a Father’s Day that will be referenced unprompted until next June.
Price: À la carte Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Address: 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, San Diego
Mister A’s turns Father’s Day into the kind of rooftop cookout that makes everyone sit up a little straighter. Between the city’s silhouette, cocktails, and a 3-course prix fixe brunch menu that’s significantly more polished than anything happening in your backyard, the whole day feels effortlessly impressive. Reserve your table now for a morning of Dad confidently identifying every building on the skyline.
Price: $95 per adult | $45 per child (12 and under) Date & Time: June 20 & 21 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Address: 2550 Fifth Avenue, Ste 406, San Diego
Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar Father’s Day Brunch
Bonne Vie is for dads who think they have strong opinions about eggs benedict (they’re out there, trust me). This brasserie leans into polished French energy, with a chef-attended omelet station, an indulgent dessert display, a tableside Bloody Mary cart, and rotating draft beer specials. It’s the kind of brunch where Dad gives the nod of approval at least three separate times, each one more reassuring than the last. Time slots are still available.
Price: $59 per adult | $35 per child (12 and under) Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Address: 1055 2nd Ave., San Diego
ARLO’s Talladega Nights Father’s Day Brunch
Finally, a brunch that understands Dad has seen Talladega Nights more than once and quotes it unprompted. ARLO’s themed Father’s Day brunch leans fully into racing energy, where whiskey is sipped and cigars are rolled from Glenfiddich. The real experience, however, is everyone pretending they’re not about to get competitive over the King Muffuletta Sandwich, the Big Daddy Brookie, or the Dad’s Day Steak and Fries. If you ain’t first, you’re last—so book your table now.
Price: À la carte Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Address: 500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego
Father’s Day Brunch Sail
This is brunch, but with nowhere to escape—and somehow that’s the appeal. You board a boat, someone hands you elevated French-inspired bites like a wagyu slider, brûléed French toast, and Lyonnaise potatoes from Little Frenchie. Suddenly, Father’s Day becomes a slow-motion tour of the coastline where absolutely nobody wants to head back to shore. All of it unfolds on a 2.5-hour San Diego Bay cruise aboard the largest catamaran yacht in San Diego.
Price: $75 per adult | $40 per child (12 and under), not including fees Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Address: 2700 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego
Europa Village Sunset Sips family BBQ
If Dad’s looking for a wine country escape, Europa Village is the perfect setting. Set across 45 acres of vineyards in Temecula, it leans into the charm and character of an old-world Europe fantasy. For Father’s Day, the Sunset Sips family BBQ brings it all together with filet mignon arrosticini, chicken spiedini, grilled artichokes, and plenty of wine. Live music, gelato, and vineyard views do the rest. Reservations are encouraged.
Price: À la carte Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 41150 Via Europa, Temecula
Courtesy of Garibaldi
Garibaldi
Garibaldi doesn’t do subtle. Perched on the third floor of the InterContinental San Diego, it pairs sweeping bay views with a Father’s Day spread that goes all in. The 32oz porcini-dusted Omaha tomahawk steak comes with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, Lyonnaise potato, Comté cheese, maitake mushrooms, herb-parsley butter, and a rich shallot bordelaise. To match, there are bold Italian reds from Sicily and Sardinia poured at special pricing, made for slow sipping. Secure reservations via OpenTable.
Price: À la carte Time: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Address: 901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego
Morena Provisions
For the dad who works all day and, if he’s being honest, would rather spend Father’s Day horizontal on the couch in pajamas, Morena Provisions totally understands. From the team behind Urban Kitchen Group, it’s a chef-prepared, fully to-go spread where “setup” basically means opening containers and claiming your spot on the couch. Think meatballs, shrimp, tri-tip, brisket, and desserts that keep him exactly where he wants to be: horizontal. It’s essentially a Father’s Day picnic, but strictly indoors, under fuzzy blankets, surrounded by pillows, and shared with the family.
Price: Family style à la carte Time:Order online(48 hours notice required) Address:Pickup from 1122 Morena Boulevard, San Diego
Kona Kai
Kona Kai takes Father’s Day seriously in a very specific way: whiskey, chef bites, and bottle engraving. The resort is teaming up with Angel’s Envy for an early toast on Thursday, June 18 from 6–8 p.m., featuring pours of Angel’s Envy, Angel’s Envy Rye, and Angel’s Envy Triple Oak, paired with light bites from the culinary team. There’s also an on-site engraving station, so Dad leaves with a custom bottle and a very personal reason to bring it up at every future dinner.
Price: Starting at $81 per ticket Date & Time: June 18 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been planning your wedding your entire life. The impromptu daydreaming usually comes at the most inconvenient times: during a meeting or right as you’re falling asleep after watching too many episodes of TLC’s Four Weddings.
In those imagined scenes, there is always a sunset. Usually some kind of impossible garden that feels like Alice in Wonderland meets The Secret Garden. There are soft pinks and climbing greens, florals that look like they grew a little too perfectly on purpose, and somewhere in the distance, water that catches the light. It’s dramatic in the best way.
Perched on Harbor Island, Sheraton San Diego Resort feels like a tucked-away bayside escape. But the real centerpiece of its $123 million transformation is the new Garden Terrace, a private green oasis that feels like it was designed specifically for the dream wedding replaying in my head. This is what I had been imagining all those years. White tea roses, lavender, gardenia, jasmine, and magnolia trees line the space, creating a fragrance that feels like it’s part of the architecture.
Courtesy of Sheraton San Diego Resort
Sheraton San Diego Resort has always had the advantage of its location, but what stands out now is how intentionally the indoor and outdoor spaces coexist. Panoramic harbor views stretch across the property, shifting from soft blue mornings to golden-hour glow and a nighttime skyline that feels almost cinematic. Of course, there are other ceremony and event spaces across the resort, too—including the Lanai Lawn, Harbor Vista Lawn, and Eventide Gardens—each offering its own variation of open-air beauty. But the Garden Terrace is the one that feels like it was made for vows.
I arrived on a Tuesday afternoon with a suitcase slightly overpacked, the result of not knowing what to fully expect from a resort doubling as a wedding venue. I tried to cover every possible version of the trip: a handful of summer dresses, a few breezy pants, marina-esque tank tops, sandals for everything, and accessories meant to sparkle in the sun (seven different earring and necklace options was probably unnecessary, though).
I did, however, underestimate the swimsuits, especially once I saw the paddleboards, endless water activities you’d want to try at least once, and pools and jacuzzis practically whispering your name. Business casual never made it out of the suitcase, replaced instead with easy cover-ups, pinks and greens, and airy button-ups that felt more in tune with the setting than structured jackets ever could.
The resort has been reimagined across rooms, dining areas, and outdoor spaces, with thoughtfully layered tile textures, lighting that shifts with the time of day, warm-toned palettes in the dining rooms, and fresh blues in the bedrooms that complement the views pouring in through the windows. The foyer feels expansive, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and designed to bring a little bit of San Diego inside with you, rather than shut it out.
Courtesy of Sheraton San Diego Resort
By late afternoon, I was sitting by the marina watching the water shift colors in real time, the kind of view that makes everything feel slower without trying. Dinner at Rumorosa brought the first real taste of the resort’s Cali-Baja identity, starting with a trio of margaritas—passion fruit, spicy watermelon, and creamy coconut—that made it impossible to pick a favorite and slightly dangerous to have them all in front of you at once.
The table opened with guacamole layered with spicy cotija, radish, pomegranate seeds, candied serranos, cilantro, limes, duritos, and warm tortilla chips, followed by Mexican street corn with sweet kernels, spiced aioli, cotija, and more candied serranos that hit just enough heat to keep you absolutely addicted.
For my main, I went with the roasted organic chicken breast with buttered jasmine rice, mole negro, and roasted cauliflower, which felt familiar in structure but elevated in small details like the cilantro and pickled onions. And then the Carajillo tres leches cake, a vanilla sponge layered with coffee and Licor 43 mousse, praline, and caramel sauce, arrived and disappeared faster than it probably should have.
What made it feel so curated wasn’t just the menu, but how intentional everything felt without ever feeling fussy: bright flavors balanced against rich ones, heat against sweetness, and plates that arrived right as the light over the marina started to soften. The next morning carried that same energy. Breakfast could unfold at your own pace, whether that meant taking a Zoom call in your room, heading downstairs for a sit-down meal with friends at Rumorosa, or grabbing something quick from Strada Italian Market. I opted for a vanilla latte from La Colombe at Strada before heading out for the morning.
Courtesy of Sheraton San Diego Resort
I made it just in time for the resort’s complimentary morning yoga on the lawn, boats just visible beyond the stretch of green. The Sheraton offers it daily as part of the stay, a low-pressure option for anyone looking for an easy reset rather than a full workout, which I wasn’t expecting to take part in on this trip but ended up glad I did. The class itself was beginner-friendly, with slow flows and a few optional deeper stretches for anyone who wanted to push into more advanced poses.
Afterward, stand-up paddleboarding shifted everything into a different perspective. My small group launched from the resort’s private dock, boards wobbling slightly as we found our balance, then drifted out into the marina where the water opened up in every direction. We paddled past rows of docked boats, slipped alongside houseboats with their shaded decks and string lights, and followed the gentle curve of the harbor as it widened and narrowed again.
The afternoon transitioned into poolside lounging at Sunglow Cabana Bar, where cabanas, cold drinks, and a poolside lunch had me so relaxed I didn’t even realize my phone had died. Sunglow is open to the public, so if you’re looking for a quick day getaway, you can dock and settle in for SoCal-style shareables and frozen drinks.
Courtesy of Sheraton San Diego Resort
Dinner at the Garden Terrace kind of shifted everything for me. In the daytime it just feels like a nice open space, but at night it becomes something else entirely: more intentional, more “put together” in a way I didn’t really clock at first. As the sun went down over the marina, everything turned warm and the garden lit up in this soft glow that was staged under fairy lights. It was as if you were meant to experience it in this very certain way.
It was easy to picture it then: the quiet before guests arrive, the moment someone steps forward, the pause right before “I do.” There’s often a specific kind of silence right before a ceremony begins. And, at the Garden Terrace, that feeling is built into the space itself. You are standing in a garden wrapped in white blooms and soft greenery, with the harbor stretched out just beyond it. The sun is low enough to turn everything gold. Someone is standing across from you, close enough that everything else fades into background noise.
That evolution, according to Sean Clancy, Vice President and General Manager of Sheraton San Diego Resort, has been years in the making. He describes the property as having been “completely transformed,” from the rooms to the restaurants and everything in between, with new spaces like the Garden Terrace designed to highlight the marina backdrop in a way that feels “naturally stunning” and “magical,” not just scenic.
By the time I checked out on Thursday, watching the sun rise over the marina, empty in the early light, I understood why someone would choose this exact spot to say something they mean forever.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to perform on one of San Diego’s most iconic stages, here’s your shot. The Old Globe is looking for local singers, songwriters, and musicians to take the spotlight before performances of its upcoming musical Begin Again—and the gig comes with a chance to perform on the theater’s main stage and at a new community music event, Begin Again: San Diego Sessions.
Inspired by the opening scene of Begin Again, which makes its pre-Broadway premiere at The Old Globe this fall, the open mic–style performances celebrate local talent while giving audiences a taste of San Diego’s music scene before the curtain rises.
Solo artists and duets ages 18 and older can submit video entries here through Friday, July 10. Selected performers will be notified by July 14.
The public is also invited to Begin Again: San Diego Sessions, a free event on Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. in the Globe’s Copley Plaza. Attendees can catch performances from top contest participants while enjoying discounted drinks from the theater’s pub.
“Begin Again is a story about hope and someone finding their light,” says Adena Varner, Director of Arts Engagement at The Old Globe. “The opening moment, which is what we’re excited about with this contest, is about an artist who’s unknown taking a chance at an open mic night—and then their life changes.”
“What I love about San Diego is it’s a space where hopes and dreams seem to actually be able to come true, and people get to find themselves, find their light and their voice, so I think the spirit of the show really resonates with who we are as San Diegans,” she says.
For director Lorin Latarro, the pre-show performances are a chance to weave San Diego into the production. While the musical has been developed in New York with New York–based musicians and actors, these performances create a direct connection between the show and the city’s local music community.
“One of the things Lorin is passionate about is wanting these performances to feel like San Diego, so we want them to be diverse,” Varner says. “We want these moments to look like us and all that that means… We have submissions from artists based in Tijuana, North County, and East County, so it’s geographically diverse, ethnically diverse, and we’re looking at age diversity as well.”
The Old Globe has hosted community engagement opportunities tied to past productions—including an art contest and walk-on performances—but nothing quite like this.
“We’ve also never had an open mic night on the plaza, so we’re excited, and we really want the music community to know that they’ve got a place at The Old Globe, too,” Varner says. “We’re getting in the practice of making sure our community feels connected to our shows and have an opportunity to contribute in a way that’s meaningful and impactful for them.”
Begin Again is based on the 2013 film starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, with a book by Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy and music and lyrics by Pat Monahan of Train. Performances run September 6 through October 11, with opening night on September 17.
At the time of publication, The Old Globe had received nearly 100 video submissions.
Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a San Diego-based writer who covers travel, dining, events, and culture. Her writing has been published in USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, Marie Claire, and HuffPost, among others.
Growing up in Carlsbad, I never quite understood why people vacationed there. What, so you want to check out the field where I have soccer practice? Pay my orthodontist a visit? Carlsbad just felt like a town by the beach, no better or worse than any other in the country. It took going to college out of state for me to actually understand just how rare a place like Carlsbad is.
Thanksgiving break my freshman year, my first time coming home after three months in the Midwest, my shoulders dropped. I rolled down the windows and drove to lifeguard tower 37—the hangout magnet for Carlsbad’s youths (and, in the summer, tourists)—and the smells of the ocean woke me right up like smelling salts do. I finally got it.
Carlsbad isn’t just a stopover town on your way to something better. It is the destination. Travel + Leisure named Carlsbad one of the top 50 places around the world to travel in 2026. From the whole globe, the travel magazine picked my home. Sure, we’ve got the Flower Fields and Legoland—but now it’s the smaller ships and indier dreams that are giving it street-level character.
It’s not just Carlsbad, either. People have talked about the “North County bubble” for decades—a force field that prevents its residents from traveling south of the 56. It’s often used derogatorily, and it’s a fairly accurate burn.
For decades, living up in North County meant giving up on culture, or at least culture within close proximity. But now, the main expansion of San Diego culture is happening up north. Central San Diego restaurants have started taking notice and are expanding into the area—spurred no doubt by Oceanside’s food boom and the Jeune et Jolie–Campfire–Wildland–Lilo constellation in Carlsbad. City Heights burger joint Key & Cleaver opened a new spot in Oceanside; the owners of Parc Bistro-Brasserie in Bankers Hill opened Parc Lounge in Rancho Santa Fe. Possibly the strongest market indicator is that Sam Fox—one of the most successful restaurateurs west of the Rockies—has started focusing on North County for his concepts. In 2025, he opened both The Henry in Carlsbad and Culinary Dropout in Del Mar.
For the ultimate insider guide, we found a handful of inspiring people who live and create and truly know six North County neighborhoods—San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, Leucadia, Rancho Santa Fe, and Vista—and asked them how they’d spend a dream day out and about in their town.
Courtesy of North City Farmers Market
San Marcos
San Marcos is in full renaissance mode. The biggest story is that the grand North City vision is starting to peek through the scaffolding. It’s essentially the North County Downtown that’s been written in the tea leaves and discussed whenever someone gets stuck in traffic at the 5/805 merge: a 200-acre, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use face-changer that’s slated for 2,600 homes, 350,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, 250 hotel rooms, and about a million square feet of offices and labs. Its most recent manifestation is 222 North City—a 12-story residential tower with over 450 residences, rooftop garden, pool cabanas, art installations, and almost 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail (Necessity Coffee, Buona Forchetta, Draft Republic, Milonga Empanadas, and a grocery store anchor on its way).
Which means Restaurant Row is no longer burdened with being the primary caregiver for the hungry or the socially inclined. Patricia Prado-Olmos has watched the city morph during her nearly three-decade tenure at CSUSM, having spent the past six years as the school’s chief community engagement officer. She also just announced her forthcoming retirement at the end of the 2026–2027 school year, so she’ll have even more time to haunt local haunts.
Meet the Local: Patricia Prado-Olmos
Those in the know call the university “Cal State StairMaster” from the Sisyphean amount of stairs on the hillside campus. So, any day at or around CSUSM should start with a homestyle carbo-load (biscuits and gravy) from Mama Kat’s.
“There’s something about this breakfast spot that immediately puts me in a good mood,” she says. Mama Kat’s is also known for its pie (strawberry-rhubarb), which is breakfast if you change your perspective.
After a few hours on campus—with a break to pet the university’s official therapy goldendoodle, Frank, who helps ease finals tremors or apprehension of on-campus stairs—Prado-Olmos will wander into North City, just steps away. She says the almond croissant and coffee at Christophe Rull Patisserie rival Parisian cafés: “It feels like the kind of place you’d stumble across in a much bigger city.”
Rull, a Michelin-trained pastry chef who’s done stints on Netflix (Bake Squad) and Food Network (Super Mega Cakes, Halloween Wars), opened his patisserie last fall. The hype hasn’t cooled off yet: Get there early because the crowds do.
Emma Veidt is an editor at San Diego Magazine. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Missouri School of Journalism. She loves running, hiking, and rock climbing, but really, she mostly loves encounters with the street cats around North Park.
Entrepreneurs typically launch businesses because they’re passionate about a product or service, not because they want to manage its finances. While working to carve out a niche in their respective industries and drive their companies forward, many business owners find themselves bogged down by day-to-day accounting. Their existing accounting tools don’t provide the necessary visibility or insight, and they don’t have the time or resources to hire additional staff or a chief financial officer. That’s where NOW CFO comes in.
For more than 20 years, NOW CFO has been pairing businesses across the country with experienced accounting and finance professionals. Its outsourced model allows clients to customize solutions that match their individual needs, size, and financial challenges, whether that’s fractional or interim support, project-based services, or full-time placement.
NOW CFO’s clients range from startups preparing for rapid growth to established companies that need additional financial leadership without the commitment or expense of building an in-house team. However, many of these companies don’t fully understand their needs until they experience a “trigger” event: preparing for an acquisition or capital raise, navigating a first-time audit, or another period of transition. With a team of over 300 consultants nationwide, NOW CFO can start quickly and match the right expert to the right business.
“It’s important for companies to have financial visibility, and we can help them avoid a lot of the potholes that companies often run into,” says Mariah Block, a partner at NOW CFO’s San Diego branch. “Roughly half of our clients have an in-house finance person or department, and we’re resourced for more bandwidth when they need an extra set of hands at the staff or senior accountant level, or the controller or CFO level. Some clients use this a few hours a month and others use multiple people close to full-time. Our model is solution-based and customizable. We’re like a faucet you can turn on and off.”
With NOW CFO, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Solutions are based on the client’s individual goals, challenges, needs, and budget, meaning a client never pays for more than they need. Whether it’s a few hours of executive-level guidance or a full accounting team to support daily operations, NOW CFO meets businesses where they are and grows alongside them.
“We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the right resources at the right rate and being able to evolve as their needs evolve,” says Block.
And clients appreciate on-demand access to cost-effective support designed to improve performance and profitability.
Luxury car storage service Auto Concierge has partnered with NOW CFO to support growth over the past year. The arrangement began with a staff accountant who covered a leave of absence, but as the client’s needs changed, they also added a controller role. This allowed Auto Concierge to put effective processes in place and navigate operational challenges. Lori Church, Auto Concierge’s chief operating officer, says NOW CFO has been an “outstanding resource” and a “true strategic partner.”
“From the controller to the bookkeeper, every professional they’ve placed has brought a high level of expertise, responsiveness, and professionalism to our organization. Their team took the time to understand our business of high-profile clients and needs, adapted quickly to our fast-paced environment, and became a trusted extension of our team,” she says. “As Auto Concierge continues to grow, having a reliable financial partner like NOW CFO has allowed us to strengthen our financial and business operations while remaining focused on delivering exceptional service to our clients.”
It’s happening, San Diego. The pre–Comic-Con excitement jitters begin to creep in as soon as July hits the calendar. But for those who forgot to set an alarm on registration day, whose batteries died or whose luck ran out in the virtual waiting room, or who simply prefer to soak up the fandom frenzy from the outside, we’ve got the best ways to experience Comic-Con weekend—no badge required.
Ready Party One: The Final Level 2026 SDCC Kickoff Party
Ain’t no party like an after-hours party, and XLE Productions’ Ready Party One is definitely one for comic book fans. Kick-start your convention weekend at Parq Nightclub and enjoy music by fan-favorite ’80s tribute band The Flux Capacitors, along with enough fandom fun, cosplay, retro gaming and pop-culture nostalgia to satisfy your inner geek. At least for the night.
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 22, 8 p.m. Location: Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Tickets start at $34
Interactive Zone at Petco Park and Gallagher Square Events
With more than a dozen activities and brand activations, Petco Park’s Interactive Zone is a badgeless fan’s playground, bringing together brands, games, celebrity appearances and immersive experiences all in one place. On Friday, July 24, Funko’s beloved annual party, hosted by Funko founder Mike Becker, returns to Gallagher Square. This year’s “Quest for the Grail” event will take guests on a journey to the sunken city of Atlantis. Expect themed décor, food, drinks, games and special guest appearances.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Sunday, July 26 (times TBD) Location: Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park Price: Free; Funko Funday event is ticketed
Cartoon and art lovers can celebrate the work of Chuck Jones, creator of some of animation’s most iconic characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote and Pepé Le Pew, at Seaport Village’s Chuck Jones Gallery. During Comic-Con weekend, the showroom will also host meet-and-greets with talented artists including Disney artist and seascape painter Steve Barton, The Simpsons animator Stephen Reis, and licensed Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera and Disney fine artist Ben Olson.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25, 2026 (times TBD) Location: Chuck Jones Gallery, 809 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA Price: Free
PAWmicon Pet Cosplay
Get your pup’s—and your own—cosplay game ready because Helen Woodward Animal Center’s PAWmicon is back. Enjoy a Comic-Con-themed outing with the whole family while raising awareness for orphaned pets in San Diego. Divided into three categories—Flying Solo, Dynamic Duos & Trios & More, and Fantastic Floats—the event is a paw-fect way to jump-start the festivities.
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 4:30–7 p.m. Location: Presidents Way Lawn at Balboa Park Price: Free
Comic-Con-Themed Bar Crawl
Why leave all the fun, mischief and mayhem to badge holders when you can join more than 300 partygoers and crawl through some of downtown San Diego’s top bars and nightclubs? Whether you’re called to save the universe or have an allegiance to the dark side, the annual Comic-Con Bar Crawl gives attendees exclusive access to more than 20 venues throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, with free welcome shots, exclusive drink discounts and complimentary entry along the way. This event for ages 21 and older is a fun way to celebrate your fandom outside the convention center.
Date & Time: Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26, 2026, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Location: Check-in at Toro, 672 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, from 8–9 p.m. Price: $13–$30
Her Universe Fashion Show
Geek out over couture at the annual Her Universe Fashion Show at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Hosted by founder and Star Wars: The Clone Wars actress Ashley Eckstein and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, this year’s show will feature a selection of designers showcasing one-of-a-kind DC-inspired creations as they compete for a $2,000 cash prize.
Note: Wristbands are traditionally distributed the morning of the event on a first-come, first-served basis, but official details have not yet been announced.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23, 6 p.m. Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Seaport Ballroom, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Comic-Con Museum
A destination for all things fandom, Balboa Park’s Comic-Con Museum brings world-premiere and exclusive exhibits and events to the heart of San Diego, giving fans a place to geek out all year long. The museum is currently featuring the U.S. debut of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, showcasing 17 of the Doctor’s most iconic costumes, a full-size TARDIS and a collection of original sonic screwdrivers used on-screen. Visitors can also explore Sangre, Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre, featuring rare collectibles and authentic masks and costumes worn by legendary luchadores.
Date & Time: Open Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays), 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: $15–$30; free for children younger than 6
Comic-Con Art Show
Browse an extensive collection of original drawings, paintings, jewelry and other whimsical creations from more than 100 professional and amateur artists at the Comic-Con Art Show. Many pieces will be available for purchase through the silent auction or Quick Sale, giving fans the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind Comic-Con souvenir while supporting talented artists.
Dates & Times:
Thursday, July 23: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, July 24: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Grand Hall CD, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Looking for a supercute way to fuel your Comic-Con adventures? Swing by the Hello Kitty Café Truck. This traveling pink café on wheels will be parked at Petco Park’s Interactive Zone, serving up tasty treats and exclusive merchandise. From limited-edition tote bags and hats to mugs and T-shirts, it’s the perfect stop to grab a snack and a little extra kawaii cuteness.
Date & Time:
Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 10 a.m. (closing time TBD)
Location: Petco Park Interactive Zone, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Menu items vary
PopUp Bagels, Spider-Man and Donut Bar Activations at Pendry San Diego
Get ready to fuel up and hype up. Whether you’re a plain-bagel purist or an everything-bagel fan, don’t miss your chance to grab breakfast or recharge at PopUp Bagels’ Volkswagen bus parked outside Pendry San Diego. Then satisfy your sweet tooth at Provisional with a rotating selection of character-themed doughnuts from Donut Bar. Both are available throughout the weekend beginning at 7 a.m. until sold out.
On July 24 and 25 from noon to 4 p.m., head to Nason’s Beer Hall for photo ops to celebrate Sony Pictures’ upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Guests can sample Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer brand, BERO, served in limited-edition themed cans available exclusively during the event.
Camila Ibarra Gallego is a CaliBaja native pursuing a master's degree in culinary journalism at the Basque Culinary Center. Shaped by the culturally rich, bicultural megaregion, she's passionate about sniffing out stories that connect people, territory and culture through food. When she's not tumbling down internet rabbit holes, you can find her pretending to be a wine connoisseur at a local wine bar or nose-deep in a good book.
Before, during, and after the Fourth of July, San Diegans can commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with an abundance of stars, stripes and local celebrations. America The Beautiful: 250 at The Rady Shell and Lamb’s Players Theatre’s revival of American Rhythm will look back at the many songs which define our country. Liberty Station’s Anchored in Freedom celebration and the Independence Day Carnival offer community-centered fun and loads of family-friendly activities. And who can possibly forget the Big Bay Boom, which will resume its reign over San Diego Bay as the state’s biggest fireworks show. Outside of the holiday festivities, this week brings the yearly return of Little Italy’s Summer Sera and the Athenaeum Summer Festival, as well as a slate of championship matches for All Elite Wrestling.
Sip on refreshing beverages and savor a panoramic rooftop view this Friday from 6-8 p.m. during the 21-plus Sunset & Spritz at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. There will be a live DJ (until 9 p.m.), appetizers, pool and cabana access, a photo booth, and a cash bar (until 11 p.m.). To accentuate the summer theme, guests are invited to dress in white, pink, and orange attire. Tickets are $29 and come with a welcome aperol spritz.
616 J Street, Gaslamp
The 250 Grand Tasting Menu at Amaya
July 3 & 4
Bring a patriotic palette to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar for The 250 Grand Tasting Menu at Amaya this Friday and Saturday from 5-8:30 p.m. Patrons will be treated to a five-course tasting menu, curated to exhibit a selection of standout regional flavors and culinary concepts that have shaped our country’s distinct food heritage. The meal will also include beverage pairings with each course, such as wine, cocktails, and artisanal drinks. Reservations are $330 per person (with tax and 20% gratuity) on OpenTable.
Don Toliver thrives at being the life of the party (and the “After Party”). His fifth album Octane, released in February, is indicative of his thrill-seeking nature. As with his earlier releases, Octane sees Toliver operating in the space between hip-hop and R&B, with warbling vocals and blaring beats that are best heard at a high volume. This Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Toliver will play at Pechanga Arena, with rappers SoFaygo, Chase B and SahBabii—who had a guest verse on Octane standout “K9”—as special guests. Tickets start at $156 for this concert.
What makes musicals like Wicked, Cats, Chicago, and Jersey Boys so timeless is the legion of excellent songs that makes fans out of those who’ve never even watched the show. This Friday at 7:30 p.m. during Blockbuster Broadway! at The Rady Shell, conductor Evan Roider, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and veteran vocalists Alex Getlin, Jessica Hendy, Scott Coulter, and John Boswell (also on piano) will perform an all-star theater soundtrack. In addition to the shows named above, audiences can expect songs from A Chorus Line, The Phantom of the Opera, Annie,and more. Tickets range from $57 to $129 for this concert.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
America The Beautiful: 250 at The Rady Shell
July 4
One night after recognizing the brilliance of Broadway, The Rady Shell will ring in the United States’ landmark anniversary with America The Beautiful: 250 this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Conductor Byron Stripling, joined by a five-performer ensemble and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, will lead a night of ballads that best resemble the red, white, and blue, including songs sourced from the Great American Songbook. After the show, concertgoers are invited to watch the nearby Big Bay Boom from their seats. Tickets range from $71 to $139 for this concert.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
Athenaeum Summer Festival at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
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.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
