Wondering what to do this weekend in San Diego? We got you. Try your teeth at competitive eating with El Chingon’s watermelon-eating contest in the Gaslamp, see the Old Globe take on all three parts of Shakespeare’s Henry VI, or catch Sublime at Bayfest—plus 10 more San Diego events.
Food & Drink | Festivals & Art | Concerts & Theater | More Fun Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend
Watermelon-Eating Contest at El Chingon
July 21
Gaslamp restaurant El Chingon invites aspiring champion chompers to a watermelon-eating contest this Sunday at 4 p.m. Contestants will devour their watermelon wedge as fast as possible without the use of their hands. The top three finishers will receive prizes—the first-place reward is a $100 El Chingon gift card, plus the winner’s pick of a mimosa, paleta, or beer tower to wash down the fruit.
560 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp
Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Robin North’s Rewoven Narratives: Cotton, History, Modernity, and the Black Southern Experience
Through August 17
Art Produce presents the 2024 SDSU Grad Award Exhibit from artist Robin North. A deep dive into the historical, economical, and societal impact of the Deep South, Rewoven Narrative includes photography, artifacts, and more. The gallery is open to the public Thursdays and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. or by appointment.
3139 University Avenue, North Park
San Diego Bayfest
July 20
Long Beach legends Sublime (now led by vocalist Jakob Nowell, who honors his late father’s legacy alongside original members Eric Brown and Bud Gaugh) headline this all-day festival at Waterfront Park. The event will also feature arts and craft vendors and tacos and ice-cold beverages from local food sellers. San Diego Bayfest tickets cost $85.58 for general admission, $339.24 for VIP, and $3,398.34 for the extra-scenic Platinum VIP. For more details, see our guide to the fest.
1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero
Spare Parts Opening Reception
July 20
On view now through August 6 at the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, Sherman Heights–based artist Marino Gomez’s new exhibition showcases his funny and fascinating art toys, a mashup of new and found materials inspired by bootleg action figures. An opening reception for Spare Parts will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, with tacos, drinks, and music from Angel Roots of Rasta Nation Posse and Nate Abaurrea. RSVP for the reception now to nab free admission and a complimentary beverage and food; the price of entry rises to $8 at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
1960 National Avenue, Barrio Logan
San Diego Pride Festival
July 20–21
Todrick Hall, Rico Nasty, and dozens of other artists will perform this weekend at the San Diego Pride Festival at Balboa Park’s Marson Point. Ticket options include 2-day GA passes for $38 and $219 VIP passes that come with access to an exclusive lounge, catered food, four hosted drinks per day, and much more. Youth high school–aged and younger will receive free admission at the box office. Additional Pride festivities to check out include the director’s-cut screening of the parody film Another Gay Movie at Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas (July 17), the annual Pride Block Party (July 19), the Spirit of Stonewall Rally (July 19), and Hillcrest’s massive Pride Parade (July 20).
6th Avenue & Laurel Street, Balboa Park
Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend
Don’t Dress for Dinner at North Coast Repertory Theatre
Through August 11
Penned by playwright Marc Camoletti and directed by Christopher Williams, Don’t Dress for Dinner is a funny feast for audiences at the North Coast Repertory Theatre. Previews run Wednesday through Friday, followed by opening night and a post-show reception on Saturday, then two more performances on Sunday. Purchase tickets for all shows here.
987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
Henry 6 at The Old Globe
Through September 14
Audiences at The Old Globe can witness a true Shakespearean triumph during the theater’s largest adaptation of The Bard’s work yet: the two-part Henry 6. Parts one (“Flowers and France”) and two (“Riot and Reckoning”) of this dramatic and bloody tale of the rule of England’s King Henry VI will run through mid-September in the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Tickets start at $40 for this weekend’s performances.
1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park
Live Arts Fest
July 18–21
This four-day performing arts festival at the Light Box Theater will feature choreography from the theater’s students and work-study artists. Live Arts Fest 2024 closes out on Sunday with a performance from the SDDT Company, followed by a Cabaret Night with live music and vaudeville acts. Tickets for individual nights can be purchased here.
2590 Truxtun Road, Point Loma
Field of Dreams in Concert
July 19
The baseball movie that’s made (at least) a million men cry comes to life in full orchestral glory for the first time at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Starring Kevin Costner, this uplifting classic revolves around an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball diamond in his cornfields. The San Diego Symphony will play James Horner’s instrumental soundtrack along with the film this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $33 to $119.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
EA Sports College Football 25 Launch Event
July 18
Toast the monumental release of EA Sports College Football 25 alongside the San Diego State football team this Thursday at Novo Brazil Brewing Co.’s Mission Valley location. At this free launch party from 4 to 7:30 p.m., attendees will get to try out the video game on huge screens at the brewery. Enjoy playing as your beloved Aztecs, receive player autographs and complimentary EA posters, compete for prizes, and enter giveaways. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP here.
1640 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley
All Blacks vs. Fiji Rugby at Snapdragon Stadium
July 19
The All Blacks (New Zealand) and the Water Flying Fijians (Fiji) arrive at Snapdragon Stadium for the rival teams’ first-ever matchup on neutral soil. This heavyweight bout is a can’t-miss event for any stateside rugby fan, and it’s currently the hottest ticket in town, with admission starting at $126.
2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
Del Mar Racetrack Opening Day After Party at L’Auberge Del Mar
July 20
After rooting for your favorite equestrian on the Del Mar Fairground racetrack at the summer season kickoff this Saturday, head over to L’Auberge Del Mar for a classy Opening Day afterparty. From 5 p.m. to midnight, there will be bites, cocktails, music from Saved by the 90s, and tunes from the hotel’s resident DJs on L’Auberge’s outdoor terrace. Afterparty tickets are $300 per person.
1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
July 21
Dogs always make the ruff times easier, so what better than a whole day dedicated to them? Cardiff Dogs Days of Summer invites dog lovers to Encinitas Community Park for a community canine party featuring adoptions, activities, and eight pup-themed contests. This free event will also include various local pet-supply vendors, live music, food trucks, and pet health tips.
425 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas
