San Diego is booming this July, literally. Whether it’s fireworks lighting up the bay on the 4th, the San Diego Pride Parade dancing through Balboa Park, or waterside concerts at the Shell, the city’s summer energy is in full swing. Check out Independence Day festivities, sip wine at USD’s dreamy campus, or don your most extravagant derby hat for Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack—this month is stacked with can’t-miss events. Here are the best things to do in San Diego this July.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month
USD Wine Classic
July 12
Sip for student scholarships at the all-inclusive USD Wine Classic. This fundraiser on the University of San Diego campus in Linda Vista will feature a gourmet menu, live music, and tastings from over 20 wineries.
Best of San Diego Party
July 18
Stop by Liberty Station in Point Loma to celebrate more than 100 fabulous local restaurants, drink makers, and more at San Diego Magazine’s annual Best of San Diego Party. Tickets start at $99
Beck
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month
Earth, Wind & Fire at the Rady Shell
July 6
Do you remember? Well, then dance like it’s the 21st night of September—because Earth, Wind & Fire has a funk-filled night in store at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
San Diego Pride
July 16–20
The county’s LGBTQ community and its allies will show up and show out for a series of San Diego Pride festivities, including an electric two-day festival at Balboa Park.
Father John Misty at CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
July 23
Absurdity, existentialism, and poetic romance are all the hallmarks of a Father John Misty record. See him perform the transcendent Mahashmashana at the CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre on SDSU’s campus.
Beck with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra at the Rady Shell
July 29
One of alternative rock’s biggest and most beloved weirdos, Beck, teams up with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra for a career retrospective performance at The Rady Shell.
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
Cats & Castles: A Studio Ghibli Fan Art Show at Thumbprint Gallery
July 11–26
Inspired by the animations of visionary Japanese filmmakers Studio Ghibli, Cats & Castles:
A Studio Ghibli Fan Art Show will showcase magical creatures and wondrous visions at Thumbprint Gallery in La Jolla.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at North Coast Repertory Theatre
July 16–August 10
In the musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, a rags-to-riches romp coming to the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, one man launches an audacious power grab.
Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen at the Epstein Family Amphitheater
July 22
Composer Michael Giacchino—whose music appears in Up and The Batman—will perform his scores throughout Exotic Themes for the Silver Screen at the Epstein Family Amphitheater in La Jolla.
Fabulous Fiber at Oceanside Museum of Art
July 26–November 2
Take a closer look at the textiles that blanket our lives with Fabulous Fiber, an exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art exploring the art form’s finer details.
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
Big Bay Boom Firework Show
July 4
Here come the fireworks! Shooting off from the San Diego Bay, the Big Bay Boom will set the city’s shores aglow.
Opening Day at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
July 18
It doesn’t get much classier than Opening Day with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Watch racehorses gallop around the track—and don’t forget to wear your finest hat.
