Much as you’ll want to, you can’t move into Thread Spun, a sustainably minded Encinitas boutique on North Coast Highway. But you can stock up on beautifully made, thoughtfully curated homewares, apparel, accessories, personal care items, and goodies for kids to turn your own abode into the closest approximation, knowing you’re doing good in the process—Thread Spun donates two percent of its sales to charitable causes. Excellent excuse to pick up a seabuckthorn facial serum for yourself when you grab beaded coasters for your bestie’s birthday.
Best Retail Relocation
REI
Every climber’s favorite store just got fresh digs: North County’s REI moved from Encinitas to Carlsbad in the La Costa Town Square in February. The grand-opening ceremony included free camping mugs, activities, and a ribbon-chopping ceremony (starring an axe instead of scissors)—a fitting debut for an adventure-focused outpost in one of America’s outdoorsiest cities. Stop by for anything you might need to live your best life al fresco, whether that means an off-the-grid camping trip or a day at the beach with a reusable water bottle and a nice, new umbrella.
Courtesy of Architectural Salvage
Best Spot to Source Century-Old Doorknobs
Architectural Salvage
Egyptian doors from the Napoleonic era, North Park street lamps from the early 1900s, and 100-year-old Hungarian workbenches are just a few of the eclectic treasures you’ll find at Architectural Salvage. Walking into the home and building materials shop feels like stepping into a real life I Spy book—a world of whimsy packed with storied relics. Formerly located in Little Italy, the beloved store reopened this past November in a new Barrio Logan location. Whether you’re giving an antique a second life or hunting for a hidden gem, this spot delivers surprises you didn’t know your home needed.
In February, heaven on earth for toy lovers and collectors—Replay Toys—moved from Ray Street into a newer and larger location on University Avenue in North Park. Mom of two Kim Nabours started selling her kids’ old playthings at the swap meet 14 years ago. Her side hustle turned to a permanent brick-and-mortar where kids can pick out new and used toys and grown-ups can chase down rare collectibles and nostalgic mementos.
Get out your grimoire—North Park’s Datura (named after a lovely but hallucinogenic and potentially deadly f lower) carries everything you need for witchy business: candles and crystals, incense and oils, plus more than 200 different dried herbs and plants. Seeking shatavari for boosting libido? Gentian root for better intuition? Frankincense for warding off the haters? It’s all here.
People call Uniqlo the “Japanese Gap” for a reason: It’s an affordable, reliable, wildly popular source of wardrobe staples. So, last year, when the first San Diego location opened at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, the 1,000-person crowd that gathered at its grand opening celebration came as no surprise. The store had a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a taiko drum performance, and even Japanese pastries and tea. Now, the beloved store will unveil an outpost at Fashion Valley Mall later this year. Get in line early.
Courtesy of Maxwell’s House of Books
Best Bookshop That’s Old Enough To Drink
Maxwell’s House of Books
Maxwell’s House of Books’ 22-year tenure in La Mesa makes perfect sense once you learn that owner Craig Maxwell’s grandpa Vernon Wahrenbrock ran the iconic Wahrenbrock’s Book House in downtown for more than seven decades. Maxwell’s packed used book emporium stocks rare editions and budget-friendly finds alike across genres. While you’re digging for your next read, don’t forget to say hi to the shop’s most esteemed bibliophile: its chubby resident cat.
Best Rose-Scented Ode
David’s Daughter
A surefire way to brighten a loved one’s day? Flowers—especially ones as thoughtful and artfully arranged as the bouquets at David’s Daughter in North Park. Owner Chandler Rossi named the chic, welcoming shop in memory of her father, a fellow florist and lifelong inspiration. Offering custom or premade arrangements, floral subscriptions, cute knick-knacks, and collaborative workshops like Pilates & Petals, David’s Daughter purveys everything you need to express sympathy, say thank you to a devoted family member, or help a new romance bloom.
Juneteenth, sometimes called Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, has grown from a local Texas tradition into a nationwide celebration. It marks the moment in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the freedom of around 250,000 enslaved people—symbolizing the end of slavery in one of the most remote parts of the former Confederacy.
In San Diego, Juneteenth stretches beyond the history books. It spills into parks, libraries, beaches, and backyards. It sounds like live jazz, spoken word, and open mics. It reminds you that liberation looks like a community in motion. There’s no one way to observe Juneteenth. From North Park block parties and dance floors to art exhibitions and Oceanside festivals, here are 12 events that all orbit the same idea: celebration with intention.
Courtesy of Cooper Family Foundation
How to Celebrate Juneteenth in San Diego
Cooper Family Juneteenth Celebration
June 21
For more than 50 years, the Cooper Family Foundation has been at the heart of San Diego’s Juneteenth celebrations, turning remembrance into one of the city’s most anticipated cultural events. It all began with Sidney Cooper Sr., a businessman and cornerstone of the Black community, who championed Juneteenth long before it became widely recognized.
Today, that legacy continues in full force, carried on by his family and held in loving memory of both Sidney and Thelma Cooper. This free, family-friendly celebration blends history with joy. Prepare for over 100 vendors, five food trucks, a domino tournament, multiple stages featuring live music, African drumming and dance, educational programming, and a dedicated kids’ zone. It’s a day of culture, connection, and community, all rooted in the belief that “We know the past. We shape the future.”
11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. | 2975 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego
Financial Literacy Pancake Breakfast
June 19
Because financial freedom is part of the conversation, too, this $5 community breakfast pairs syrupy stacks with real talk about generational wealth, investing, and how to build a thriving Black economy. Come for the pancakes, stay for flipping the script on financial education. Bonus: every donation supports 7th and 8th graders who participate in a financial literacy course, and helps kick-start their futures with a $25 boost.
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa
Inaugural Juneteenth San Marcos
June 19
It’s freedom, flavor, and firsts in San Marcos this year with its inaugural Juneteenth celebration at Cal State University San Marcos. The Student Union will host an afternoon of live music, local vendors, family-friendly fun, and community spirit. The standout is the Emancipation Lounge VIP Culinary Experience, a rooftop tasting featuring upscale small bites from top Black chefs like Kelston Moore, Tony Bennett Jr., and DuVal Warner. Guests will enjoy handcrafted mocktails, goodie bags, a red carpet, and stunning views, plus a chance to connect with the chefs behind the dishes. With just 250 VIP tickets available, this exclusive event is expected to sell out fast. Proceeds benefit Bad Boyz of Culinary and AIM: Achievement in Motion.
3 – 8 p.m. | 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, San Marcos
Courtesy of Rhythm & Brunch
Rhythm & Brunch Juneteenth Celebration
June 19
With great food and smooth R&B, Rhythm & Brunch SD’s Juneteenth celebration is the perfect way to spend your Thursday. From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m, toast to a delicious, boozy brunch with a soulful soundtrack that celebrates culture and community. It’s casual, celebratory, and something you won’t want to miss.
3 – 9 p.m. | 401 G Street San Diego
Louisiana Purchase Juneteenth Block Party
June 19
Louisiana Purchase isn’t just hosting a party, it’s celebrating history, resilience, and freedom with a vibrant block party that puts culture front and center. Enjoy exclusive Juneteenth menu specials featuring New Orleans-inspired bites alongside a selection of Black-owned local vendors. The soundtrack flows with Afrobeats, R&B, and Hip-Hop, creating the perfect backdrop for a night honoring Black excellence through music, food, and community. The celebration kicks off at 12 p.m.
12 – 7 p.m.
2305 University Ave, San Diego
Juneteenth Spoken Word Open Mic!
June 19
Maybe you’re a poet, or maybe you’re just a really good listener. Either way, this celebration night invites you to grab the mic or settle in for something real. You’ll hear raw, poetic, and often hilarious takes on freedom, gratitude, resilience, hope and identity from some of San Diego’s most compelling storytellers. It’s an open space for local voices to share original pieces and reflect on what Juneteenth means right now.
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.
Everything SD
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 (Updated Aug 21, 2023)
The Best Independent Local Bookstores in San Diego
From new and used books to classics, modern romances, memoirs, and sci-fi, discover your next favorite read at these local gems
Courtesy of Verbatim Books
By Jenna Miller, Cole Novak
San Diego is a haven for book lovers. How do we know? It’s full of charming, local bookstores whose shelves sag under the weight of literary treasures new and used. Stephen King nailed it when he said that “books are a uniquely portable magic.” So, whether you’re heading to the airport, your couch, or the beach, stop by one of these bookshops and pick up a bit of magic. Just make sure to pack extra sunscreen if you’re beach bound—there’s no telling how long you might be under the spell of a good read.
Courtesy of Bluestocking Books
Bluestocking Books
Hillcrest
This quirky Hillcrest establishment is a go-to for used books, from Shakespeare and Atwood to contemporary titles. Bluestocking also offers a trade-in program, letting you swap old reads for store credit to fuel your next literary adventure. Time to start rummaging!
Tucked away in Point Loma, La Playa Books has been a bookworm’s paradise since 2016, offering a trove of new, used, and antique books. The store also hosts a variety of community events, including the Cookbook Club; Shhh, We’re Reading quiet book club; and a virtual book club where caffeinated discussions unfold via Zoom every first Monday of the month.
Located in the heart of North Park, Verbatim Books is the local epicenter for book lovers. Marked by an eye-catching mural of the shop’s name spelled in worn volumes, the shop is home to a diverse mix of used titles, including a handful of local authors looking to build a readership. Stop by for its monthly poetry open mics and its Books in the Park til Dark meetup every third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bird Park. Verbatim also buys used books and hosts book fairs, so consider trading in those tattered, secondhand Kurt Vonnegut copies… for some more Kurt Vonnegut?
As one of San Diego’s oldest family-owned bookshops, Warwick’s deserves its own history volume: It debuted in Minnesota in 1896; reopened in Waterloo, Iowa in 1916; and finally made its way to La Jolla in 1939. Today, this iconic shop frequently hosts author events, book signings, and readings with renowned authors, including Pulitzer-Prize winners and former presidents. Local book clubs can also score discounts by purchasing their reading lists in-store!
Few bookstores can say they started off as a book lover’s blog, as this South Park shop did. Owner Seth Marko went from chronicling 117 days of reading James Patterson on his site, now titled The Old School Book Catapult, to launching a bookstore seven years later. The Book Catapult slings a variety of new titles, like Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s Long Island Compromiseand, soon, Sally Rooney’s highly anticipated Intermezzo. The shop also partners with businesses like Communal Coffee to host informal, java-fueled book discussions each month.
Meet Cute is a queer-owned bookstore specializing in romance novels from writers like Gabrielle Zevin, Rebecca Yarros, and Bonnie Garmus. After outgrowing its original North Park location, the shop relocated to a more spacious spot in La Mesa earlier this year. Outside of books, the shop offers an array of chic stationary including notebooks, totes, mugs, and greeting cards, in a variety of pastel colors. For a literary surprise, try out their mystery book specials or their surprise care package tailored to your reading interests. And that’s not all—the shop boasts its own podcast, the Meet Cute BookPod, featuring in-store interviews and panels with like-minded authors and editors.
Located in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood, Libélula Books & Co stands as an independent bastion, dedicated to fostering representation, accessibility, and community empowerment through literature. Owners Jesi and Celi have curated a collection of new and used books in both English and Spanish, echoing the diversity of their local community. Peruse an array of books, graphic novels, and social justice literature that reaches to the ceiling, accompanied by the charming presence of the store’s friendly resident cats. In an era where giants like Barnes & Noble and Borders have faded, Libélula shines as a refreshing beacon, giving voice and power to local communities, indigenous stories, LGBTQ voices, and independent writers.
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Address: 950 South 26th Street, Barrio Logan
Camino Books
Del Mar
Founded in 1989, Camino Books (formerly DIESEL) originated in Northern California and has brought its love of reading to Brentwood and Del Mar. A sanctuary for readers of all ages, the store features an expansive children’s section, inviting young minds to immerse themselves in the world of literature. Camino also offers a captivating selection of signed books and frequently hosts author meet-and-greets and book fairs and even orchestrates virtual events for its wider audience.
Bay Books, a staple in Coronado, ought to be on your San Diego book crawl itinerary. With a wide selection of books, journals, greeting cards, and magazines, you’ll find plenty more than beach reads to stuff into your bag. If your hands aren’t completely occupied with reading material on the way out, grab an iced coffee or a tea latte from the hole-in-the-wall cafe next door. Island residents, you’re in luck: Bay Books shop provides free shipping to your door.
Lose yourself in a galaxy far, far away… as far as the Midway District, anyway. Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore transports you to worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery at this habitat for bookworms. Delve into fictional worlds with the shop’s monthly Young Adult book club (every fourth Friday), General Book Discussion (every third Wednesday), or Romance book club (every second Sunday) to get your literary discussion fix.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Get ready to paint the town red, white, and blue this Fourth of July at these patriotic celebrations around San Diego County. While fireworks displays are, of course, the main attraction on this summer holiday, several events offer family-friendly fun before the pyrotechnics start. From early morning races and neighborhood parades to theme park activities and live outdoor concerts, spend the day and night celebrating the land of the free and home of the brave.
Courtesy of Visit Oceanside
4th of July Events in San Diego
Oceanside Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display
June 29 & July 3
Start the festivities a little early in Oceanside with the annual Independence Day Parade on Coast Highway. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, cheer on the floats, bands (including the 1st Marine Division Band), walking groups, and decked-out cars. Then, on July 3, witness a spectacular fireworks show, hosted by the Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department. The pyrotechnics start at 9 p.m. at the SoCal Soccer Complex, but the gates open at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities and food trucks.
3300 Dr Hugh La Bounty Dr, Oceanside
SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks
June 30–July 4
Oh, say, you can see some glimmering pyrotechnics after a day of sea-themed fun. The week of June 30 through July 4, view nightly SeaWorld fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from around the park. The festive explosives show is synced to music to ring in another year of America’s independence.
500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay
Chula Vista 4th Fest
July 4
BYO blankets and chairs to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center for a free fireworks display set to a bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Get to South Bay early—the gates open at 7 p.m., and free parking is limited to 600 spots. There will be food trucks onsite to enjoy while you wait for the show to start. If you miss out on the training center parking, you can still get a great view of the fireworks from nearby Mountain Hawk Park.
2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista
Courtesy of Crown City Classic
Crown City Classic Run
July 4
Burn off some pre-barbecue calories with a patriotic 12K or 5K run on Coronado Island. (Why 12K? A nod to America’s birthday—it equates to 7.4 miles.) The out-and-back race, now in its 51st year, starts in Tidelands Park, wraps around the golf course and Glorietta Bay, and heads out onto the Silver Strand with scenic views of the Coronado Bridge. You can bring the whole family—there’s a Crown City Half Mile race for kids. Then stick around after your run for more star-spangled Coronado festivities (see below).
2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado
Coronado Fourth of July
July 4
From sunup to sundown, celebrate our nation’s independence with a packed schedule of patriotic events for the whole family. The 75th annual parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue doesn’t set out till 10 a.m., but spectators start saving their spots at 5 a.m., and the pre-parade entertainment begins at 7:30. Afterward, catch a demonstration by the US Navy parachute team, live musical performances in Spreckels Park, and a colorful fireworks show you can watch from the Coronado Golf Course at 9 p.m.
Various locations, Coronado
El Cajon Fourth of July Fireworks
July 4
East County’s Kennedy Park hosts this patriotic fireworks display starting at 9 p.m., but the family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. Arrive early to the park to enjoy free train rides, arts and crafts, and games and watch live music from two bands. Then sit back to ooh and ahh as the fireworks light up the sky.
1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon
Courtesy of Big Bay Boom
Big Bay Boom Firework Show
July 4
The Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks display in California. Bring lawn chairs to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, the Marina District, or the Coronado Ferry Landing at 9 p.m., or get a closer view from your own vessel on the bay. To avoid parking downtown, consider taking advantage of the expanded trolley service that night.
Various locations
Maritime Museum July 4th BBQ Dinner & Fireworks Viewing
July 4
The San Diego Maritime Museum opens up the McKinney Deck of the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley and the waterfront barge behind it for visitors to enjoy a barbecue dinner along the water starting at 7 p.m., then a front-row seat to the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the bay. Purchase your tickets online in advance, and bring a blanket for the first-come, first-serve seating on the boat.
1492 North Harbor Drive, Waterfront
Old Town Historic 4th of July Celebration
July 4
Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s staff and volunteers to experience an 1800s-style Independence Day celebration. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event offers games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. Previous years’ activities have included potato sack races, tug-of-war, and folk dances.
San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town
Courtesy of Poway-Midland Railroad
Old-Fashioned Fourth of July
July 4
Flash back to the turn of the 20th century at Old Poway Park’s Independence Day celebration. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy train displays, children’s crafts, old-fashioned games, patriotic entertainment, train rides, and tasty food. Follow that up with two glimmering fireworks displays illuminating the sky over the Poway High School Stadium and the Poway Sportsplex. The high school gates open at 6 p.m., and for $6 per adult (kids 11 and under are free), you can enjoy games, activities, and music leading up to the big show.
The Del Mar Fairgrounds has hosted the San Diego County Fair—the unofficial summer kick-off in SD—since 1936. Spend the day riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on piglets in the Swifty Swine Pig Races, or housing fried chicken sandwiched between two hot honey–drizzled funnel cakes. Then, head to the Corona Grandstand Stage to watch the dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m. General admission (standing room only) is free, or you can pay to reserve a seat.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Escondido Independence Day Festival
July 4
Let freedom ring in the heart of Escondido at this annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m. in Grape Day Park, you can explore the artisan market; order eats from local food trucks; drink local craft beers and spirits; and listen to live performances, including one from the Navy 32nd Street Brass Band, hosted by the adjacent California Center for the Arts. Then settle down on a blanket or lawn chair for the spectacular fireworks finale at 9:05 p.m. For the first time this year, the Center for the Arts is extending the celebration to a four-day free concert series, so come back on July 5, 6, or 7 for more live shows.
321 North Broadway, Escondido
Courtesy of Legoland
Legoland’s Red, White & Boom!
July 4
Spend Fourth of July at Legoland with a full schedule of USA-themed activities—DJ dance parties, limited-edition treats, lawn games, and meet-and-greets—in addition to the normal brick-building fun and rides. Then put on magic glasses to see a spectacular show: fireworks exploding into 3D Lego bricks. The special event is included with regular park admission.
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
Santee Salutes
July 4
Enjoy an all-American afternoon in East County at Santee’s Town Center Park. The gates open at 2 p.m., inviting guests to partake in amusement rides and food trucks in between performances by the US Marine Corps Band Popular Music Group and country band Whiskey Ridge. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and will be synced to the fireworks soundtrack on SanteeTV.
550 Park Center Drive, Santee
Julian 4th of July Parade
July 4
Experience small-town charm in the Cuayamaca Mountains with this annual patriotic parade. For more than 20 years, Julian residents and their friends have lined up on Main Street to wave their flags and cheer on local school marching bands. Pre-parade activities include musical performances, an Old West reenactment, pie-eating contests, and a vintage airplane fly-over before the main event starts at noon.
Bethany Mavis is a writer, editor and aficionado of hiking, crafting and thrifting. She is an adjunct professor in journalism at Point Loma Nazarene University, and she lives in Escondido with her husband and three daughters.
Goodbye May gray, hello June gloom. If it isn’t evident from lengthy bar lines, weekend traffic on the 5, and calls from the ‘Zonies in your extended family, tourist season is officially here. June is packed with plenty of fun things to do this year, including another exciting music festival, county fair festivities in Del Mar, and plenty of food and beer happenings to indulge in. Mark your calendars and attend these 12 San Diego events in the sun (or shade) this month.
Meet us at the Carlsbad Flower Fields, where we’ll gather our favorite restaurants, distilleries, and businesses from up north for SDM’s annual Best of North County Party. Wear your cutest stretchy pants—you’ll need the extra room to indulge in all the bites and sips that await. Must be 21 to attend.
5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad
Wildcoast’s 12th Annual Baja Bash Fundraiser
June 8
Dive into a sea of tacos and tequila at Wildcoast’s 12th annual Baja Bash on World Oceans Day. Help wildlife in Baja and beyond while feasting on delectable bites from some of SD’s top names in sustainable seafood, including Roberto Alcocer (Malva and Valle) and Emiliano Safa (Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa) at the Montbleau Estate in Solana Beach.
Montbleau Estate, Solana Beach
Taste of Little Italy
June 18-19
Save your appetito for two days of Italian delicacies at Taste of Little Italy. Head to the Piazza della Famiglia to pick up your Taste Passport and make your rounds at some of our favorite Italian cucinas, sampling pasta, pizza, and pesto to your heart’s content.
Some of SoCal and Baja’s favorite musicians are appearing at the North Park Music Festival for another year of amps, bites, and brews. All ages are welcome to enjoy live performances and check out installations from binational artists, including Tijuana’s Parque de Cometas. More than 15 local food vendors and craft breweries will join the scene.
3812 29th St, North Park
Alison Brand Concert at Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
June 12
Catch Banjo Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner Alison Brown at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center for a bluegrass-jazz concert benefiting the Rotary Club of La Jolla. Top-tier ticketholders get access to a pre-concert reception and a Q&A session with Jamie Deering, CEO of the SD-based Deering Banjo Company.
7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla
Courtesy of Sarah Stieber
Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This June
The Art of Experience Art Exhibit at Union Hall Gallery
June 1-16
Golden Hill has a new kid on the block: Union Hall Gallery, an offshoot of the Santa Ysabel Art Gallery. The space launches its inaugural exhibit, The Art of Experience, this month. Ponder the works of sculptor Ted Berryman and his late wife, abstract painter Martha Moramay Cuevas, and take advantage of a rare opportunity to touch the art in this interactive showcase.
2323 Broadway # 201, Golden Hill
Integration Series Pop-Up Art Gallery
June 1-17
A kaleidoscopic experience awaits at Sarah Stieber’s experiential pop-up gallery in Little Italy. The shimmering hues of her Integration Series echo the transparent acrylic displays and furniture throughout the space, immersing visitors in Stieber’s joyful world.
1943 India St., Little Italy
San Diego County Fair at The Del Mar Fairgrounds
June 12-July 7
If you haven’t stuffed your face with deep-fried everything at the San Diego County Fair, have you really experienced summer here? Dig up your vintage threads—shoulder pads, neon colors, and clashing prints—for this year’s “Let’s Go Retro” theme at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Courtesy of The San Diego Symphony
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This June
Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5K
June 1-2
On your marks, get set… ROCK! San Diego’s highly anticipated Rock ‘n’ Roll race is back, inviting distance runners to test their mettle with a marathon, half-marathon, and 5K. Those without a need for speed can gather on the sidelines to cheer the athletes on and help them re-up on electrolytes.
Citywide
Free Yoga Class at The Rady Shell
June 8
Zero experience necessary, but yoga mat, SPF, and sunnies encouraged. Namaste your way to the Rady Shell, where FIT Athletic and longtime yogi Viktoria Talbot leads a free flow amid picturesque views of the bay. Registration required.
222 Marina Park Way, Downtown
Anchored in Wellness, A Day of Movement and Mindfulness at Liberty Station
June 29
Don your athleisure for Anchored in Wellness, a day of movement and mindfulness at Liberty Station. Try a fitness class (like yoga with Yoga Six, or Pilates with Club Pilates), then find that mind-to-body connection with a post-workout ice bath, meditation, or breathwork. Finally, fuel up with local food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and more.
Roxana Becerril is a Mexican-American writer living in San Diego. When she's not traveling or checking out the newest restaurant in the city, she covers art, culture, lifestyle and Latino topics.
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.
