As the summer season gradually comes to a close, San Diego is not short of exciting outdoor activities and events this weekend.
With plenty of warm days ahead, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to embrace the beautiful weather and explore what the city has to offer.
Starting with cycling enthusiasts, Bike the Bay is set to take place on August 24, offering participants a scenic 25-mile ride around San Diego Bay, including the iconic Coronado Bridge.
This community event begins and concludes at Embarcadero Marina Park South, providing a safe route through National City and Chula Vista.
A festival awaits at the finish line, complete with food vendors, a beer garden, and live entertainment, as well as proceeds benefiting the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition.
Bike registration costs $97 for general participants and $176 for VIP riders.
For sports fans, the San Diego Padres will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in a highly anticipated three-game series from August 22 to 24 at Petco Park.
This showdown is particularly thrilling given the Padres’ efforts to claim victory after last weekend’s match-up did not go in their favor.
Tickets for the series start at $81.
Additionally, art and food enthusiasts have a plethora of options available.
In Oceanside, the Oceanside Vegan Food Festival is on the agenda for August 23, appealing to the plant-based community with 70 vendors offering diverse vegan options including mushroom tacos and dairy-free desserts.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Oceanside Civic Center Plaza and features live DJs, games, and adoptions through local rescue organizations, making it a family-friendly outing.
Meanwhile, Cutwater’s Beach Bash promises an island-themed celebration at the Cutwater Tasting Room and Kitchen on the same day.
From 4 to 7 p.m., attendees can enjoy cocktail tastings and live music courtesy of Jason Lee and the Dark Entities.
Tickets range from $20 for general admission to $45 for VIP access, which includes a welcome cocktail and a tasting of cask-strength Cutwater Bali Hai Barrel Aged Rum.
Noteworthy concerts are also taking place this weekend, with Japanese Breakfast performing on August 20 at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.
The band, led by Michelle Zauner, will showcase music from their latest project, and tickets start at $21.
On August 21, fans of ’80s music can relive nostalgic hits during Lost ’80s Live, featuring acts like A Flock of Seagulls and Big Country, starting at 6 p.m.
Tickets for this trip down memory lane begin at $18.
Film lovers are invited to the San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival, running from August 21 to 24, celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The opening night film and afterparty at the Natural History Museum set the stage for three days filled with screenings at the Museum of Photographic Arts.
Highlights include world premieres and engaging panel discussions, with tickets for individual screenings available for $17.50.
On August 23, readers of all ages can enjoy the inaugural KPBS San Diego Book Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of San Diego.
Expect activities, panels, book signings, and lively entertainment, all centered around a love for literature.
This free festival features a variety of authors, local poets, and food trucks, aiming to foster community engagement through storytelling.
Another engaging festival is SamaFest, held on August 23 and 24 at Balboa Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This festival will showcase live entertainment, dances, and delicious Filipino food and crafts, all while promoting Filipino culture in a welcoming atmosphere.
For pop music fans, Big Time Rush will perform at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on August 24, bringing their ‘In Real Life Worldwide Tour’ to life.
Starting at $40, this concert welcomes Katelyn Tarver and Stephen Kramer Glickman as they bring together former Nickelodeon stars for an enchanting evening.
In the realm of theater, the La Jolla Playhouse is showcasing ‘The Heart’, a world-premiere musical inspired by the French novel Réparer les Vivant.
The production runs from August 19 to September 28, and although August performances have sold out, tickets ranging from $30 to $109 are available for September shows.
Art enthusiasts can explore ‘Alex Katz: Theater and Dance’ at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, an exhibition running until January 4, 2026.
This showcase captures Katz’s artistic journey through theater and dance, revealing his keen observation of New York’s artistic scenes.
The Oceanside Museum of Art and the California Surf Museum are collaborating on ‘Surf Art: Exploring Southern California’s Coastal Culture’, a group exhibition running through to February 1, 2026.
A celebratory event for this exhibition is scheduled for August 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., welcoming admission-free entries for members and $15 for visitors.
This Sunday, the LeucadiART Walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring around 100 artisans and craftspeople displayed along Highway 101.
With live demonstrations, activities for kids, and various beer garden options, it’s a vibrant artistic community event not to be missed.
Further entertaining activities include the Compressed Zine & Music Fair on August 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bread & Salt Gallery, where vendors and exhibitors will celebrate creative expression through zines and music.
This free event features panel discussions and performances, enhancing local artistic dialogue.
Sporting events continue with a soccer doubleheader at Snapdragon Stadium on August 23 and 24, as both San Diego FC and Wave FC gear up to celebrate Pride Night with their fans.
Ticket prices for these matches start at $22, providing an opportunity to cheer on the home teams while enjoying a celebratory atmosphere.
With an array of engaging activities, from food festivals to concerts and theater productions, this weekend in San Diego is ripe for exploration and fun.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to connect with the community and enjoy the star-studded lineup of events.
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