WEEKEND FUN GUIDE
Your Guide to FUN this weekend in San Diego: August 1 – 4.
Looking for fun things to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered with our all-new Weekend Fun Guide featuring amazing events and new exhibitions across the San Diego/Tijuana Region.
Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4.
Thursday
Culture & Cocktails: American Summer at San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park / August 1 (6 – 10 p.m)
Culture & Cocktails returns this summer! Revel in art, soak in shared good vibes, and explore the philosophy of fun. Culture & Cocktails is The San Diego Museum of Art’s sophisticated cultural and social event featuring fine art, trendy food and beverage offerings, thrilling interactive experiences, hands-on art making, musical and artistic performances, and much more.
Enjoy an American Summer night at the Museum themed on one of the most renowned and enduring American artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, Jasper Johns. Stay bright and breezy in the open-air activity terrace in front of the Museum or head indoors for a jaunt through the galleries and to relax in the red, white, and blue lounge upstairs. You won’t want to miss this multisensory summer evening at the Museum! Get your ticket to Culture & Cocktails now! Learn more and find tickets here.
Thursday
Public Safety Appreciation Month at Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, Balboa Park / August 1-31
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc. is proud to announce that August will be Public Safety Appreciation month! As a thank you to all who serve in Public Safety, all law enforcement, fire, or EMS personnel who visit the museum will receive 4 complimentary train ride tickets and museum admission. *Please note: Qualified persons must be in attendance and show proof of badge or department/employee ID card.
The Museum in Campo will be open Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Golden State Train Rides depart Saturdays ONLY at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Friday
Tijuana Triennial: 2. International Pictorial” exhibition at the Centro Cultural Tijuana – CECUT / August 2 (7 p.m.)
Happening This Friday! Inspired by a project conceived by painter and muralist Alvaro Blancarte Osuna, the “Triennial of Tijuana” returns to the Centro Cultural Tijuana – CECUT. Join this World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024-inspired celebration on Friday, August 2 beginning at 7 p.m.
The international contest was designed to present cutting-edge art and culture and features established and emerging artists. Selected works by artists from 15 countries will be exhibited in a magnificent exhibition at the facilities of the Tijuana Cultural Center. The “Tijuana Triennial: 2. International Pictorial” exhibition will run till February 2025. Discover more about CECUT, one of the most important hubs of arts and culture in the northwest region of Mexico, here.
Friday
A Songwriter’s Serenade at Maritime Museum of San Diego / August 2 (6- 9 p.m)
A Songwriter’s Serenade features an evening blend of acoustic singer/songwriter talent Friday, August 2nd from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. performing at the Maritime Museum of San Diego aboard the elegant Victorian-era 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley. The audience will enjoy an evening of Pop, Folk, Alternative and Americana music genre performances featuring longtime Maritime Museum of San Diego leader, curator, muse and master songwriter Mark Montijo, professional and songwriting power duo Stucky Leigh and international performing songwriter, maker of movies and music Gregory Page. Find tickets and more information here.
FUN TIP: Plan now for the 2024 Maritime Museum Of San Diego Family Overnight Aboard The Star Of India on Friday, August 9. Discover more here.
Friday
Nat at Night at San Diego Natural History Museum / August 2 (5 – 10 p.m.)
Kick off your weekend at the rooftop bar that offers one of the best views in Balboa Park! Join the FUN on Friday, August 2 for Nat at Night. The San Diego Natural History Museum will be open until 10 p.m. with half-price admission after 5 p.m. (Members are FREE). The Museum is packed with immersive exhibitions, cool pop-up programming and more.
Grab your friends and indulge in the ultimate fall experience. Enjoy refreshing drinks and delectable small plates curated by Wolf the Woods. Sip a signature cocktail as you leisurely explore the Museum. Find the FUN at www.sdnhm.org/calendar/nat-at-night/.
Friday/Saturday/Sunday
ArtWalk Liberty Station / August 2, 3 & 4
ArtWalk Liberty Station is back for its 19th year, bringing a weekend-long celebration of arts and culture to San Diego’s Liberty Station, August 2-4. ArtWalk Liberty Station showcases the creativity of more than 175 artists from various states and Mexico, featuring a wide range of artistic mediums such as paintings, photography, glass and ceramic art, jewelry, and sculpture. It celebrates both local and international talent, highlighting the cultural diversity of the region.
Fun Tip: ArtWalk kicks-off with a Preview pARTy, sponsored by Ranch & Coast Magazine, where guests can get early access to meet the artists and view art pieces before the crowds. The $25 ticket includes a drink. The sneak peek event will feature “the nation’s foremost Jimmy Buffett tribute band,” Mark Wood and The Parrot Head Band, tasty festival food available for purchase and a variety of beverage options. Tickets are available at artwalklibertystation.org.
Saturday
2024 Veranda Sale at Visions Museum of Textile Art, Arts District Liberty Station / August 3
Find cool buttons, beads, textiles and more at the Annual Veranda Sale at Visions Museum of Textile Art on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 pm. There will also be unique jewelry, fashion and fashion accessories, embellishments, thread, lace, working sewing machines/tools, trims, yarns, and arts and craft supplies. Step inside for a look at the three new exhibitions in the galleries (no admission charge) before exploring ArtWalk San Diego on the lawns of Liberty Station.
Fun Tip: Guild & Members Only Preview – Friday, August 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. Learn about all the member benefits and join here.
Saturday
Farm to Bay Annual Fundraiser at Living Coast Discovery Center, Chula Vista / August 3 (4 – 7:30 p.m)
Join the Living Coast Discovery Center on Saturday, August 3 for an exclusive evening supporting coastal wildlife, education, and sustainability at the 2024 “Farm to Bay”!
The Discovery Center’s annual fundraising event is back for its 15th year featuring food & beverage samplings from sustainably minded restaurants, breweries, wineries, and more, animal encounters, silent & live auction, musical entertainment, and sunset views on San Diego Bay! Get your tickets here.
Saturday
Apollo 13 Movie Night at San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park / August 3 (7 p.m.)
Immerse yourself in the gripping true story of ‘Apollo 13’ amidst the rich history of aviation and space exploration! The San Diego Air & Space Museum transforms into an inspiring cinema for one night only for ‘Apollo 13 Movie Night‘ on Saturday, August 3 at 7 p.m.. Secure Your Spot! Admission to the museum is your ticket to this special evening.
Dive into space-themed treats available at the concession stand and enjoy special space ice cream and other NASA-inspired snacks! Every attendee receives a complimentary bag of popcorn, free lemonade and the Museum Flight Path Grill has more tasty treats for sale. Find tickets and more information here.
Saturday
Border Blasters at Bonita Museum & Cultural Center / August 3 (10a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Border Blasters is an exhibition and programming exploring the impact of Tijuana and San Diego radio/television/music in the region. Curated by Diana Benavídez, Bill Perrine and Itza Vilaboy, the exhibition presents Baja and San Diego-based artists using sound and visuals to transcend the physical border. It will be on display at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center through Aug. 17 before moving to the Tijuana History Museum on Aug. 22.
Saturday
Haunted Night Tour at Whaley House Museum, Old Town San Diego / August 3 (5 – 9 p.m.)
Experience the mystery and legends of the Whaley Family’s historic legacy on a 30 to 40-minute guided evening tour of the Whaley House Museum and its grounds. As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel, you’ll hear tales of past spirits and may even have a paranormal encounter. Explore the FUN this weekend in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park at San Diego’s most haunted attraction! Find tickets and more details at www.whaleyhousesandiego.com/haunted-night-tour-tickets/.
FUN TIP: The Whaley House Museum is thrilled to announce a special exhibit in partnership with the San Diego County Parks & Recreation! For a limited time, precious family items from the Whaley family are making a grand return to their historic Old Town residence. Take a day time self-guided tour and dive into 19th-century life with business ledgers, books, sheet music and other treasured pieces, giving us a glimpse into the lives of the popular Whaley family and early San Diego.
Saturday/Sunday
Let’s Get Loud with the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus at Balboa Theatre / August 3 & 4
This fun-filled Pride-infused show will be full of pop anthems, sure to get your hips moving and your arms pumping. ‘Let’s Get Loud‘ sets from sibling choruses, the San Diego Women’s Chorus and Coro Diversidad Tijuana, over 200 singers will unite in song in a spectacular all-gender choral community. They will “get loud” together in joy and celebration! Featuring songs by: Beyonce, Billie Eillish, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, and Many More! Find tickets here.
Sunday
Celebrate Great American Outdoors Act anniversary with free entrance to Cabrillo national Monument / August 4 (9 a.m – 5 p.m.)
Happening Sunday!!! Cabrillo National Monument is offering FREE admission to celebrate the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. Visiting San Diego’s only National Park offers tremendous views of the San Diego region.
Cabrillo commemorates Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s West Coast exploration, Point Loma’s 19th century lighthouses and San Diego’s WWII coast defenses, and protects sensitive tide pools and coastal sage scrub habitat. Plan your trip and learn more at www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm.
FUN TIP: All National parks are free Sunday, August 4. Read more about free park access at www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2023/08/03/national-parks-are-free-friday-heres-how-else-you-can-enjoy-free-parks-access-around-san-diego/.
Sunday
Sunday Funday Wine Tasting at Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum, Escondido / August 4 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
When it comes to museums, there are many to choose from in San Diego County. However, not far from the city, there’s one you might not have heard of, even though it’s been around for 45 years. KPBS reporter John Carroll takes us to the Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum with hundreds of rare, classic cars — and much more.
Deer Park is family-owned for 50 years and is the fifth oldest winery in the S.D. region. Deer Park annually produces and releases Award-Winning Estate Wines available for wine tasting on the weekends, as one of the top things to do in San Diego County. Come for the wine & stay for the vintage autos. Or vice versa. Both are worth visiting the unique Deer Park Winery & Auto Museum in Escondido. Explore the FUN here.
Sunday
Sunday with Sacred Architecture of San Diego/Tijuana at La Jolla Historical Society / August 4 (noon – 4 p.m.)
This World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 inspired photography show is curated by St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla pastor Mark Hargreaves. Sacred Architecture of San Diego/Tijuana,” which will be on view through Sunday, Sept. 1, at Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street features photographic works that leads viewers through the major architectural movements of the twentieth century and introduce ideas and theology which have shaped sacred buildings in the region.
In addition to the show, the La Jolla Historical Society will host public programs inspired by the exhibition, including a stained-glass workshop, free school tours, tours of area sacred architecture, talks with a church architect, an architectural photography workshop and more. Discover more here.
