Start Your Weekends with FUN FRIDAYS at Balboa Park
Friday nights come alive this summer in Balboa Park! It’s the perfect spot for date nights, family fun, art exhibitions, big-screen movies, live music, and fabulous foods. Check out our museum guide here for great ideas and details.
San Diego Museum of Art
You can now enjoy late-night access to the San Diego Museum of Art. SDMA will be open until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays through August 5. See all the Museum has to offer, including new contemporary art; TERRA, the first US solo exhibition by Chilean ceramicist Fernando Casasempere; special exhibition Monet to Matisse: Impressionist Masterpieces from the Bemberg Foundation ($5 surcharge for nonmembers); and great gift items at The Museum Store.
Make the evening even better with cocktails, dinner and live music at Panama 66, located in the San Diego Museum of Art May S. Marcy Sculpture Court.
Mingei International Museum
The newly renovated Mingei International Museum offers a great Friday night experience at the Park. ARTIFACT at Mingei features craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals. Located on the Commons level of the Museum, enjoy indoor or outdoor seating options surrounded by inspiring art. Dinner and drinks are served from 5 to 8 p.m. and Reservations are strongly recommended. See the latest menu here.
Plus you can start your Fridays off right each month with Meet Me at Mingei! Get creative with friends against a backdrop of park views from the terrace. Each first Friday, through October, features an inspired craft, cocktail (over 21) and tunes to set the scene for memorable summer weekends. Find info about the next Mingei at Night here.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Nat at Night 2022 is calling all night owls or summer wolves — kick off your weekends at the San Diego Natural History Museum this summer with NAT at Night on Fridays with drinks, bites from Wolf in the Woods. The Museum is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, with half-price admission after 4 p.m. The roof top deck offers beer and wine (over 21), and non-alcoholic drinks including kids’ beverages and offers one of the best views in Balboa Park.
Enjoy all exhibitions including their newest: Expedition Baja. As always, members of The Nat and Explorer pass holders receive free general admission.
Japanese Friendship Garden
Hit the Park before the sun sets on Friday evening and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the Japanese Friendship Garden. The garden was established as an expression of friendship with our first sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Design elements stem from ancient principles of Japanese garden design and express an appreciation for our two cultures through nature. The garden is open until 7 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.).
Fleet Science Center
See the first horror epic to be shot with IMAX film cameras premiering July 22 on the Fleet’s Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. Experience the awe, fear and wonder of NOPE on the 76-foot dome theater screen with Next-Generation IMAX featuring laser system and surround sound. Get your tickets here for showtimes at 5:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Prado Restaurant
Another great Friday night dining option is the Prado in Balboa Park. The Prado is an award-winning, full-service restaurant located in the heart of the Park and offers charming indoor and outdoor dining. Join their e-Cuisine Club now and get a free appetizer to start off the night.
