This weekend, San Diego presents a myriad of activities and events for residents and visitors alike from Friday, August 25, to Sunday, August 27.
Highlights include outdoor exhibitions, cultural festivals, and live performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
On Friday, the Jurassic Beach activation at South Carlsbad State Beach beckons families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.
This interactive exhibit, open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and a range of educational stations, including a 5.2-foot-tall volcano and fossils.
Admission is free at The Camp Store, located at 7201 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad. Visitors can explore the wonders of the prehistoric world until May 5.
Car enthusiasts will revel in the 19th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance, which showcases over 170 classic and modern cars.
The event kicks off with a VIP party from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, where guests can enjoy food from local restaurants, live music, and a glimpse of vintage cars displayed at Ellen Browning Scripps Park.
Saturday is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday features an impressive collection of over 120 rare automobiles from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
La Jolla also hosts the WOW Festival, running Friday through Sunday at UC San Diego.
This immersive festival will present 25 different shows, showcasing theaters, music, puppetry, and more, with most performances being free.
From 4 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, and concluding with performances on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., festival-goers can indulge in the arts.
For rodeo fans, the Lakeside Rodeo offers thrilling competitions including bull riding and barrel racing starting 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
The event will continue on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Lakeside Rodeo Arena; tickets range from $15 to $25.
Musical aficionados can enjoy performances like “La traviata” by the San Diego Opera at the Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The opera tells the poignant story of a courtesan who must confront love and sacrifice, with tickets priced between $35 and $260.
At UC San Diego, the Meta4 Finnish Quartet will perform compositions inspired by Arctic themes at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
The concert will bring together works by various composers, with tickets starting at $40. For jazz enthusiasts, the American Patchwork Quartet will be presenting performances at The JAI in La Jolla at 6 and 8:30 p.m. on Friday.
Moving to the theater, Loud Fridge Theatre Group is set to stage “Gruesome Playground Injuries”, exploring a complex bond over 30 years at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Scripps Ranch Theatre will present “Mary’s Wedding”, which captures a World War I era love story, on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, with ticket prices ranging from $29 to $49.
The Old Globe Theatre unveils “Regency Girls”, a world premiere about women’s rights during the Regency era, with performances every Friday to Sunday until May 11.
Other theatrical performances include “Peril in the Alps” at North Coast Repertory Theatre and “The Hot Wing King” at Cygnet Theatre.
Those who appreciate Broadway can catch “Bright Star” at Lamplighters Theatre, an uplifting musical showcasing a unique love story.
As the weekend progresses into Saturday, the Encinitas Spring Street Fair invites visitors to explore local talents and crafts.
Food vendors and artists will line South Coast Highway 101 with entertainment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.
Little Italy is bustling with creativity through the Mission Fed ArtWalk from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, showcasing over 250 visual artists.
Art lovers will have the opportunity to meet artists and purchase their artworks, all while enjoying food and music along India Street.
The Escondido Renaissance Faire transports attendees back to the 16th century, featuring activities like jousting and food from that era.
Tickets allow access to a full roster of events from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Art aficionados should mark their calendars for the San Diego Museum of Art’s Art Alive exhibition.
Running from noon to 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, this event showcases floral displays derived from art in the museum’s collections, including some inspired by architecture for the first time in 44 years.
Another tantalizing event, the Tequila and Tacos Music Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m., promises live music along with delicious food and drink.
The festival features headliners like Timbaland and B.o.B, offering attendees a flavorful experience.
For families, the San Diego Symphony presents “The Mountain that Loved a Bird” at 11 a.m. Saturday, featuring narratives paired with musical compositions suitable for ages 6 to 12.
Over at Visions Museum of Textile Art, the “Threads of Time” auction and wearable art event occurs from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Guests can experience hands-on activities while participating in unique silent and live auctions.
The San Diego Book Crawl invites locals to explore independent bookstores across San Diego, encouraging community support of local authors and shops.
On Sunday, Marine Science Day at San Diego State University offers various family-friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including interactive marine life exhibits.
Visitors can explore live demonstrations and engage with local scientists, with this free event promising to be both educational and entertaining.
For a more relaxed afternoon, catch the Wake ‘n Bacon Brunch at Barleymash featuring live music and a delicious menu designed for a laid-back Sunday experience.
The brunch, which starts at 10 a.m., coincides with Padres home games, ensuring a festive atmosphere.
Another unique experience awaits aboard the steam ferryboat Berkeley, where the Hausmann Quartet will perform works by Beethoven and others at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
With so many options, the weekend of August 25-27 blossoms with opportunities for entertainment, culture, and gastronomic delights across San Diego, ready to cater to all interests.
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