Whatever your vibe this weekend, there are things to do in San Diego for you: Music lovers have a half-dozen concerts and festivals to choose from, while art aficionados can hit two exhibitions in one go. Dig pale ale and SD sports? Say feliz aniversário at Novo Brazil Brewing’s 10th birthday party. You’re a grom? The Hotel Del’s streaming a surf film. If none of that strikes your fancy, worry not—we’ve got more San Diego events where they came from.
Food & Drink | Festivals & Concerts | Art Exhibits & Theater | More Fun Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego
Chef’s Table Dinner at Dockside 1953
August 9
This Friday from 6 to 8 p.m., executive chef Bryan Stuppy has a fab meal in store for the first of two Chef’s Table Dinners at the Bahia Resort’s Dockside 1953 restaurant in Mission Bay. After sipping a welcome drink, diners will feast on four courses—each with a wine pairing—including a buttery lobster gnocchi to go with a delectable waterfront view. Tickets for a seat at Friday’s dinner are $140 per person.
998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay
SummerFest Gala 2024
August 10
The La Jolla Music Society’s fundraising fête will commence on the shore of Windansea Beach this Saturday. Hosted at the home of Maureen and Tom Shiftan, the SummerFest Gala raises money for the society’s learning and engagement programs. Gala tickets are $1,500 per person and get you access to a cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception, a brief concert from a capella octet VOCES8, and a seated sunset dinner, followed by a scrumptious gelato bar. Cocktail attire is requested. For further ticket inquiries, including gala tables, sponsorship, or underwriting, visit here.
Private Residence, La Jolla
Novo Brazil Brewing Co. 10th Anniversary Block Party
August 10
Novo Brazil Brewing Company is commemorating a decade of beers with a massive free party at its Otay Ranch brewery. Starting at 4 p.m., the festivities will include appearances from the Pad Squad and the Swinging Friar, autograph signings from San Diego State men’s basketball players, several giveaways, live music, and a 10th anniversary pale ale on tap. Kiddos can enjoy a bouncy castle and a chance to play soccer with players from San Diego Wave FC. RSVP here.
2015 Birch Road, Otay Ranch
The Future of Food Panel at The Soap Factory
August 10
Explore San Diego’s innovative culinary landscape this Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. at The Soap Factory. The Future of Food will feature panel discussions on food and sustainability; a resident artist showcase; live music from Nightshade Navarro & Los Salvajes; Hawaiian and Baja Californian cuisine; and spirit, beer, and wine tastings. This event from The Soap Factory, Gray Area, and World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 aims to reimagine the future of food with experimental flavors, cutting-edge techniques, and strategies to become more sustainable. Entry to The Future of Food is free; reserve a spot here.
2995 Commercial Street, Logan Heights
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Luke Bryan at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 8
On Thursday, country singer Luke Bryan brings his tour Mind of a Country Boy to San Diego. Presented by Live Nation, Bryan will take the stage with special guests George Birge, Meghan Patrick, Josh Ross, & DJ Rock. Tickets start at $60 for general admission and pit access starts at $112.
2050 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Schoolboy Q at SOMA
August 8
The new album Blue Lips has added several new crowd-pleasers and rowdy bangers to Schoolboy Q’s catalog. Hear ’em this Thursday at SOMA. (A word to the wise: If you find yourself at the front of the pit, get ready mosh.) Tickets to this concert are available for $56.34 here.
3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway
O.A.R. with Fitz and The Tantrums at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
August 9
Alternative rock band O.A.R. appears at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre this Friday, playing hits like “Love and Memories” and the group’s eight-minute calling card “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.” This performance will also feature Fitz and the Tantrums, known for pop radio staples like “Out of My League” and “Hand Clap.” Tickets start at $30.
5500 Campanile Drive, El Cajon
SummerSplash Reggae Festival at the Epstein Family Ampitheater
August 10
Now in its 13th year, Makeda “Dread” Cheatom’s annual celebration of roots reggae will take place at the Epstein Family Amphitheater this Saturday at 3 p.m. This year’s SummerSpash Reggae Festival, presented by WorldBeat Cultural Center, features Jamaican artists like Mykal Rose and Warrior King, plus an international vendor market. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $48 with parking included, and $20 for kids ages 2 to 12 years old.
9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla
Island Vibe Music Festival 2024 at the Embarcadero Marina park
August 10
Reggae fans who prefer the romantic ukulele licks of island reggae artists like Hirie, EKOLU, and Jason J, head to Embarcadero Marina Park from 1 to 7 p.m. this Saturday. Island Vibe Music Festival will also highlight Pacific Islander dancers and offer a vendor row with island-themed crafts, clothing, and food. Tickets are $15 for children ages 6 to 12 years old and general admission is $45.
400 Kettner Boulevard, Embarcadero
COMPRESSED: Zine & Music Fair 2024 at the San Diego Central Library
August 10
Have a DIY day at the San Diego Public Library’s downtown location from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday. COMPRESSED: Zine & Music Fair will welcome 65 local exhibitors, with vinyl vendors, zine makers, and underground artists and publishers showing off their collections in the library’s Shiley Suite. This free event for all ages will also include speakers, DJs, a beginner zine workshop, and a deep dive on queer zine history.
330 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Hillcrest CityFest Street Fair
August 11
Hillcrest’s annual all-day music festival, one of San Diego’s best free parties, returns bolder than ever with 20 artists on this year’s lineup performing pop, R&B, big band classics, and more. Beginning at noon, stroll to the stages at University Avenue and Robinson Avenue to enjoy live music and food and retail from the hotspots of Hillcrest. From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., make your way to the Hillcrest Sign for CityFest After Dark, where drag and DJ performers will lead a thrilling night on the dance floor.
5th Avenue and University Avenue, Hillcrest
Jane’s Addiction & Love and Rockets at Gallagher Square
August 11
When Jane’s Addiction dropped “Nothing’s Shocking” in 1988, it was a watershed moment, becoming a piece of essential listening and a precursor to the Los Angeles alt-rock movement. Now, the recent release of the album Imminent Redemption and a nationwide tour marks a thrilling new era for the band. British rock band Love and Rockets will open at the band’s concert at Gallagher Square this Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $87.75.
840 K Street, Downtown
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
CV ArtFest at the Chula Vista City Hall
August 10
This Saturday, South Bay’s standout artistic talents will stop by CV ArtFest at Chula Vista City Hall. Over 60 local creatives—including painters, sketch artists, and photographers—will sell and showcase their finest work from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees can also enjoy live music and painting, food trucks, and an interactive art project at this free festival.
276 4th Avenue, Chula Vista
Hugo Crosthwaite: Tijuacolor & What’s Your Type? Group Exhibition Opening Receptions
August 10
This Saturday, as part of the Barrio Art Crawl, peruse the free opening receptions for a pair of new exhibitions at Bread & Salt from 5 to 8 p.m.. Tijuana-born Hugo Crosthwaite’s multi-hued Tijuacolor, on display through October, marks a departure from the artist’s black-and-white charcoal drawings. Visitors can also check out What’s Your Type? at the Athenaeum Art Center within Bread & Salt, an interactive group exhibition exploring regional typography through October 25.
1955 Julian Avenue, Logan Heights
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
Jamie O’Brien’s Chasing the Dream Premiere at Hotel del Coronado
August 10
The Hotel del Coronado is home to the Jamie O’Brien Surfing Experience, the only place outside of Hawaii to learn the art of surfing from instructors under the tutelage of seasoned professional O’Brien. It is also the site where O’Brien will premiere his newest surfing film Chasing the Dream this Saturday. Starting at 5 p.m., this free event will give fans the chance to mingle and surf with O’Brien and other pros at Coronado Beach before catching an outdoor screening of the film at sunset.
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
San Diego Made Summer Market at Liberty Station
August 10–11
Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts and goodies at the San Diego Made Summer Market, a seasonal shopping pop-up featuring more than 120 local craft vendors. This free event, taking place in Liberty Station’s North Promenade from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, will also have art workshops, craft stations, food trucks, live music, bars, and a complimentary photo booth. Visitors to the market will receive a free gift (while supplies last) if they donate $5 or more to San Diego Made when they RSVP.
2875 Dewey Road, Point Loma
