23 Things You Have to Do in San Diego This Year, from a Tiki Party to a Brand-New Music Fest

Perfect weather and nearly endless activities make San Diego one of the country’s top vacation destinations. Love being outdoors? San Diego has over 70 miles of dazzling coastline, sparkling beaches for surfing and basking and plenty of picturesque hikes. If hanging out in a craft brewery, lounging at a vibey rooftop bar, or checking out the buzziest restaurants is more your style, we’ve got that covered too. So grab the sunscreen and get ready to slurp the most succulent oysters, groove to the hottest bands, chomp the spiciest tacos, and guzzle the hoppiest IPAs on the planet. Let our handy guide direct you to all the events that make San Diego America’s Finest City.

January 22–January 25, 2025
Torrey Pines Golf Course
The Farmers Insurance Open Golf Tournament, held at Torrey Pines Golf Course, showcases a who’s who of the world’s top golfers. Get up close to the likes of Rory McElroy, Keegan Bradley, Jason Day and J​​ustin Rose as you enjoy panoramic ocean views on the world-class course. Tickets are available as single day or multiple day passes and with various levels of VIP-ness.

February 1–February 28
Various locations
Download or head to one of eighty San Diego Public Library for your free Museum Month Pass, which will grant you half-price admission at more than 60 museums during the month of February. Each pass admits up to four people for half-price at participating venues. Participants include WNDR Museum San Diego, the California Wolf Center, the Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum, LEGOLAND® California Resort and its SEA LIFE® Aquarium and dozens more.

2025 dates TBD
Waterfront Park
Dance till you drop at CRSSD Festival, returning to Waterfront Park with three stages of dynamic live acts. The 2025 artists lineup hasn’t been released, but 2024’s included bands like Lane 8, Tale Of Us, Red Axes, Roosevelt, WhoMadeWho, sultry house vibes from Loco Dice, East End Dubs, Maz, and Sofia Kourtesis, and nearly 40 more. The CRSSD experience extends beyond the stages, with craft food and cocktails from a variety of vendors, and CRSSD After Dark, where you can continue the party at venues all around the city. CRSSD always sells out, so stay on top of the latest news and ticket release info here.

Friday, April 25–Sunday, April 27
La Jolla
At the 19th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, guests can gaze upon historic cars and premier collections, showcasing some of the most exquisite automobiles in the world, all against the backdrop of beautiful La Jolla Cove. The weekend begins with the Concours opening party on Friday that includes an exclusive display of rare vintage automotives from the 1920s and 1930s, followed on Saturday by a showcase of 75 incredible Porsches along La Jolla’s Prospect Street, and concludes on Sunday with the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, where you’ll enjoy seeing over 150 vehicles, a full hosted bar with premier cocktails, wines, a champagne and honey tasting garden, craft beers, a VIP lounge, and hospitality suites.

2025 dates TBD
Various locations
The Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival takes over the waterfront with 80+ bands at multiple venues, from Embarcadero Marina Park North to Seaport Village. Your RFID wristband gets you in-and-out privileges so you can enjoy a full-city experience, freely coming and going between stages, as well as exploring more than 250 restaurants, breweries, and bars throughout the neighborhood. Sign up for ticket release dates and other info online.

2025 dates TBD
Encinitas
Join Grammy award-winning rock band Switchfoot for their 21st annual Bro–Am Benefit Party 2025, North County’s annual community-oriented event benefitting San Diego’s local youth initiatives including Monarch Schools, Feeding San Diego, A Step Beyond, Save the Music Foundation, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation. You’ll enjoy an intimate concert by Switchfoot and some surprise guests, as well as drinks and bites from San Diego’s buzziest restaurants. There’s also a silent auction for some epic prize packages. Three ticketing options include general admission, reserved seating, or a VIP lounge for groups of 10-16 people with band meet and greets available. On Saturday, the party continues with BRO-AM 2025 Beach Fest, a free day of surfing and music at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. For updates, registration and VIP options, visit the Bro-Am website.

July 4, 2024
Various locations
Billed as the largest display on the West Coast, the Big Bay Boom’s pyrotechnic artists put on a dazzling show from four barges strategically located around the North San Diego Bay, choreographed with music broadcast “live” on two local radio stations. Taking advantage of the natural amphitheater formed by the bay, there are plenty of free, prime viewpoints from Point Loma, Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Liberty Station, Little Italy, the North Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the South Embarcadero to the Coronado Ferry Landing. Be prepared for the unexpected, and don’t forget to pack a light jacket or sweater; even though you’ll be warm enough during the day, it can get chilly along the water’s edge once the sun sets.

July 13–July 21, 2024
Multiple locations
The annual Pride celebration is one of the best parties in San Diego! She Fest opens San Diego Pride 2024 with a full day of live entertainment, workshops, food, and the best LGBTQ+ owned businesses. She Fest is “a LGBTQ+ volunteer committee that centers the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people, and welcome all who find community amongst these identities.” On July 17, join The Very Reverend Penny Bridges, Dean of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, and other faith leaders for Light Up The Cathedral, a celebration of community, resilience, and faith. After the ceremony, the cathedral will be lit in rainbow colors.
Kick the weekend off at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, June 19 at 6 pm, under the Hillcrest Pride Flag, followed by the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party at Pride Plaza, with go-go dancers, a massive cocktail bar, a giant ferris wheel, beer garden, food trucks, and drag shows.

Saturday, July 20 events include the San Diego Pride Parade, one of the largest in the United States, attracting over 300,000 attendees, as well as the legendary Pride 5K Run and Walk, which raises funds for San Diego Pride and The LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Project. Head down to Marston Point in Balboa Park both Saturday and Sunday for the Pride Festival, summer’s biggest dance party with multiple stages of entertainment, dozens of vendor booths, exhibits, cultural presentations, delicious food, and more than 40,000 of your closest friends! I find using public transportation far easier than navigating Hillcrest’s notoriously difficult parking, but if you must drive, this guide to parking and shuttles, MTS schedules, and most importantly, street closures and no parking zones is indispensable.

July 16, 2024
La Jolla
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, George’s at the Cove is hosting a monthly dinner series, featuring alumni chefs from the beloved restaurant’s history. This month welcomes Elizabeth Murray, former sous chef who’s since worked as Executive Chef at Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur and chef at Littler in Durham, NC, and former pastry chef Yulanda Santos, who now fills that position at Michelin starred Aubergine in Carmel. Together, they'll create an eight-course, prix fixe menu that honors their unique contributions to George’s legacy. Reservations are required, and each guest receives a parting gift from the chefs and kitchen team, while each party receives complimentary valet parking for one car.

July 18, 2024
Rady Shell
Fit Athletic, San Diego’s top luxury fitness club, is hosting a free Pride-themed yoga class, complete with cocktails, food and music at the beautiful Rady Shell along San Diego’s waterfront. The doors (and bars) open at 6 pm, followed by an all levels yoga class on the lawn led by Fit Athletic’s Viktoria Talbot at 7 pm. After class, groove with DJ Sassy and DJ Dova for a post-yoga dance party! It’s all free and open to the public, but space is limited and entry is first come, first served, so be sure to sign up online.

July 20, 2024
Alesmith Brewing Company
If you didn’t score tickets to ComicCon 2024 you and your pet can get still get in on the fun at the 11th annual PAWmicon, a free, family friendly cosplay and pawsplay event for humans and their furry, feathered and scaled friends, hosted by Helen Woodward Animal Center and Alesmith Brewing Company. The pawsplay contest is divided into three fun categories—Superheroes & Super Villains, Pop Culture Pups, and Dynamic Duos, Trios and More. Entry into the costume contest is $20, and you can upgrade your free festival entry to VIP status ($35), and get a Raising Canes lunch box, sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes, premium viewing and a brew from Alesmith. Although entry to PAWmicon is free, attendees are asked to register online to gauge attendance.

July 27, 2024
Julian
Not all of the apples grown in Julian are destined for their famous pies—some are pressed and fermented into delicious hard cider. At the 8th Annual Sip of Julian, you can taste offerings from places like Julian Hard Cider and Calico Cidery, plus samples of beer, wine, craft cocktails, and small food pairings from some of the best tasting rooms in Julian. Purchase tickets online in advance; options include a self-guided day, or add shuttle service and relax between stops. 21+ only. And if you need more ideas for things to do while in Julian, we’ve got you covered.

July 31–August 4, 2024
Mission Valley
Tiki culture has always been a big part of San Diego's culinary landscape, and San Diego Tiki Oasis is the world’s original and largest tiki event, happening at the beautiful, mid-century Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley. Join them for five nights of live music, dancing, pool parties, sunset dinners, and the most delicious tropical cocktails from top mixologists. There’s also educational seminars, a marketplace, art exhibit, book signings, and more. Reserve your spot online.

August 3, 2024
Waterfront Park
Outriders West debuts its inaugural music festival, Endless Sunsets, against the stunning backdrop of San Diego’s iconic Waterfront Park. The one-day, all ages event showcases an eclectic lineup featuring co-headliners Thee Sacred Souls, San Diego’s own '60s soul and '70s R&B faves, and Trampled by Turtles, known for their mix of bluegrass, folk, and rock, who are just off a 40,000 sold-out show with Zach Bryan last winter. Opening acts include The Dip, a funk and R&B band with a three-part horn section and Creature Canyon, a local San Diego indie/alternative rock band that weaves in modern psychedelic influences. Tickets are on sale now, doors open at 3 pm, welcoming all ages, with VIP 21+ tickets also available.

August 17–August 18, 2024
Oceanside Pier
Head to the Oceanside Pier to cheer on 350-400 world class bodysurfers from all over the globe competing in their age groups for trophies and prizes at the Annual World Bodysurfing Championships. The contest starts at 6:30 am each morning, and will feature the quarter, semi, and finals for all age brackets. The Men and Women's Grand Championship Final will follow the last age group final. This is a free, family-friendly event that showcases what the Encyclopedia of Surfing calls “one of Southern California’s most consistent surf spots''.

August 28–August 29, 2024
East Village
This mid-week food festival is one you don’t want to miss! For two consecutive days, local East Village restaurants will open their doors from 4–8 pm. Eat, sip and stroll your way through the neighborhood sampling appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages from more than 35 of San Diego’s most popular restaurants. While the list of participating venues will be unveiled in late July, past restaurants have included Casa Octavio, Tavern + Bowl, Wicked Chicken, Doggos Gus, Moniker Cocktail Co., StoryHouse Spirits and more. Ticketholders will receive a Taste Passport at check-in to use as a guide for mapping out all participating restaurants and their menu offerings. Check out the daily schedule and purchase tickets here.

September 22, 2024
Mission Beach
Runners, walkers, and families are invited to a fun-filled day of fitness and community spirit at
Belmont Park’s 2nd Annual Community 5K, proudly supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with proceeds benefiting Team Parker for Life, a local charity dedicated to supporting children and families affected by cancer. Participants will enjoy the picturesque route along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, receive a complimentary race t-shirt designed by a local artist and a cool finisher’s medal to commemorate the achievement, plus a complimentary park pass to enjoy early access to rides and attractions on race day and a free item from select Belmont Park food locations. The year’s event also introduces the “Kids Loop,” a mini lap around Belmont Park designed for the youngest runners to partake in the excitement! Register online.

September 22–September 29, 2024
Multiple locations
For eight glorious days, nearly 100 eateries all over the county will be participating in the bi-annual San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW). There are delicious options for every taste and budget—restaurant offerings will include two-course prix-fixe lunch menus and three-course prix-fixe dinner offerings for $10-$60. Use the interactive website to plan your food odyssey, and be sure to make reservations at your favorite participating places early; tables will fill up quickly. Karma tip: Your servers will be extra busy during SDRW, so exercise patience, thank profusely, and tip generously.

September 27–29, 2024
Mission Bay
Hit Mission Bayfest for a reggae-centric lineup that includes at least a half-dozen bands appearing on one stage, so you don’t waste time running between stages to see your fave acts. This year’s headliners include Stick Figure, Tribal Seeds, Iration, Pepper, Cypress Hill and Wiz Khalifa. There’s also a host of regional San Diego food vendors including taco stands, local bartenders pouring craft beer and cocktails, and an assortment of local crafts and vending booths. Grab tickets for one, two, or all three days online. 21+, no children or pets.

October 11–October 12, 2024
Ocean Beach
San Diego’s wildest Oktoberfest is always a celebration to remember. The two-day event features live music, a liquid brunch with drag performers, twofer beer happy hours on Friday from 4-6 pm and Saturday from 12-2 pm, along with plenty of Oktoberfest fun, contests, and games. Ocean Beach’s Veterans Plaza will be home to the family-friendly area organized by the Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association (OMBA), with vendors and a variety of Oktoberfest activities, while the 21+ crowd can head to the beer garden featuring traditional German brews, local beer, wine, and spirits. German-themed games including a Mr. and Ms. Oktoberfest competition, the traditional stein holding contest, a cornhole tournament, brat eating, and more. VIP tickets include entrance, a custom one-liter “OB Oktoberfest” mug filled with two beers, and access to an exclusive VIP area with a bar, lounge, and upgraded restrooms.

October 16–October 20, 2024
Various locations
The 23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival offers world-premiere films, never-before-seen studio releases, new and unique independent filmmaking, as well as elegant soirées and up-close and personal events with the filmmakers. Choose from single-day passes, five-day fest passes to all the films, or full VIP passes for access to all parties, screenings, panels, and events, VIP lounges, and more. Pass packages are available to preorder online.

November 1-November 11, 2024
Various Locations
Hopefully you have plenty of vacation days saved up because this is the best ten days for beer drinking in America’s Finest City. San Diego Beer Week kicks off with events happening at breweries and beer bars all over town, and with over 120 participating breweries, that’s a lot of hop-centered celebrations. Check the SDBW website to get updates on events happening all week long.

November 3–November 10, 2024
Various locations
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is back for its 20th year as the largest culinary and wine gathering on the West Coast. The award-winning festival features dozens of food and drinking experiences, including events that highlight beer, wine, and spirits, luncheons and dinners, wine education, and more. Flagship events include The Grand Decant, featuring dozens of international and domestic wineries and hundreds of wines, presented by some of the world’s top sommeliers and winemakers; The Grand Tasting, a food festival with more than 60 top chefs from all over the West Coast and Baja, plus over 200 beer, wine, and spirit vendors; and The Grand Fiesta, the festival’s final event showcasing some of Mexico’s most awesome wines, spirits, and cuisines, plus Taco TKO, where you can vote for your favorite tacos as the city’s finest taco wranglers compete in a take no prisoners taco showdown. Tickets are available online.

December 31, 2024
Downtown
Give 2024 the heave-ho aboard City Cruises’ luxurious VIP New Year’s Eve Premier Dinner Cruise. It includes a four-hour cruise around San Diego Bay, with spectacular 360-degree views of the glittering skyline, a four-course seated dinner, and a top shelf open bar. Not into late night celebrating? They also have a New Year’s Eve Brunch Buffet Cruise and a New Year’s Eve Sunset Dinner Cruise with a buffet dinner on a 2.5-hour tour of the bay at the golden hour. Book your cruise online.

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