Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, July 1 to Friday, July 5.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
Monday
Valley Vibes Summer concerts: The Valley Vibes Summer concert series continues through Sept. 2 at Mission Valley mall. The free concerts are from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays. No tickets are needed. The July 1 concert features Farrah Camu; July 3, David Shyde; and July 6, Blaise Guld. 1640 Camino del Rio, San Diego. mission-valley.com/event/valley-vibes-summer-concert-series/2146500835
Coast to Crest Challenge starts new year: The Coast to Crest Challenge starts its eighth year on July 1 for hikers to sample the San Dieguito River Park’s trail network by finishing a series of five hikes, organized by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. The deadline to complete this year’s series is June 30, 2025. For some of the hikes, the conservancy organizes “Walk N Talk” outings for groups. For example, a Bernardo Mountain Lake View Trail Walk N Talk will be held July 26. sdrvc.org.
Tuesday
Twilight in the Park Free Concert series: The Twilight in the Park Free Concert Series continues with a performance by Coronado Big Band on Tuesday, BREEZ’N on Wednesday and IB Waves Band on Thursday. Guests can bring food but alcohol and smoking are not permitted. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Balboa Park Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American E. Road. Free. balboapark.org/twilight-concerts
Wednesday
Cajon Classic Cruise Show continues: The Cajon Classic Cruise Car Show features classic cars and typically draws crowds from across Southern California. This week’s theme is Off Road Madness. There are restaurants along the street to grab a bite. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Magnolia Avenue and Main Street. downtownelcajon.com/cajon-classic-cruise-car-shows
Fourth of July Carnival returns: The National City Lions Club hosts its annual Fourth of July Carnival starting Wednesday and running through the weekend. It features food, rides and games and a fireworks show will take place at the carnival Saturday at 9 p.m. Kimball Park, 12th and D streets. 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, 1 to 11 p.m. Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. nationalcityca.gov
Movies on the Beach at Hotel del Coronado: At the Hotel del Coronado, guests can watch this week’s screening of “Top Gun: Maverick” by the ocean. The hotel will be setting up an outdoor theater on the beach. General admission guests will be able to watch from the rowsof chairs in the sand, while guests who purchase the Roast Family Movie Package, will have a private movie experience which includes a separate bonfire and s’mores. 8 p.m. Wednesday. 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado. General admission is $26.50 and the Roast Family Mlovie Package is $330. hoteldel.com/events/movies-on-the-beach
Mission Bay Fireworks: To start off the Fourth of July festivities a day early, Mission Bay will be collaborating with SeaWorld San Diego to fill the night sky with fireworks. There are ten viewing spots where the public can watch the fireworks show for free, including Sunset Point Park, Mission Bay Beach Club, Crown Point, Ski Beach, Bonita Cove, Mariner’s Point, Mission Point, Model Yacht Pond, Vacation Isle and Ventura Cove. 9 p.m. Wednesday. Mission Bay. Free. discovermissionbay.org/3rd-of-july-firework-show
Thursday
For a full list of Fourth of July events, go here: Where to go for Fourth of July fireworks, parades and festivities
Fourth of July pancake breakfast: The Rotary Club of Fallbrook puts on its annual pancake breakfast and celebration. There will be a dog show from 11 a.m. to noon and a Fourth of July celebration is from noon to 3 p.m. with live music, entertainment, including ballet folklorico, a display of fire and police vehicles, and food vendors. 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. Tickets are $12; $5 for children ages 4-12; free, ages 3 and younger. Proceeds benefit community programs. fallbrookrotary.org.
Legoland’s “Red, White and BOOM!”: Throughout the day on July 4, kids of all ages can participate in themed entertainment. lawn games, building activities and DJ dance parties at Legoland California, 1 Legoland Drive. The evening fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. combines music with fireworks; included with cost of park admission. The fireworks display will explode into 3D Lego bricks with special viewing glasses. legoland.com.
Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade:: The annual Yankee Doodle Dinghy Parade starts at the Oceanside Harbor at the Oceanside Yacht Club and continues on to the south end of the harbor. Decorate a patriotic dinghy 12 feet and under to enter the parade. Trophies will be awarded. Register at the skippers meeting at 10 a.m. July 4 at the yacht club. 1 p.m. Thursday. 1950 Harbor Drive North. Entry fee is $5. Call (760) 722-5751 or visit oceansideyc.net.
Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration: The annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration will feature patriotic entertainment, old-fashioned games, children’s crafts and model train displays. Treats and train rides will be sold. VFW Post 7907 and the Poway Veterans Park Committee host a ceremony honoring service members at Veterans Park, next to Old Poway Park, beginning at 11 a.m. Free shuttles will be available starting at 9:30 a.m. from Poway Adult School and Poway City Hall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. poway.org.
Fourth of July Carnival: Lakehouse Resort is hosting a carnival with children’s games, a bounce house, food and drinks. A patriotic dog contest will start the event. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Lakehouse Resort Lakeside Lawn, 1105 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. $5 for adults, free for children under 10. thelakehouseresort.com/4th-of-july-carnival
The Wave salutes military with free admission: The Wave Waterpark offers free admission July 4 to active or retired military, firefighters and law enforcement personnel for its Public Safety and Military Appreciation Day. Valid ID is required at the gate. Up to six dependents can buy tickets for $10 each. 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Thursday. thewavewaterpark.com/home.
Independence Day Parade: Coronado’s Independence Day Parade features bands, floats, performers and community groups.10 a.m. to noon July 4 heading south on Orange Avenue, beginning at First Street and Orange and ending at Churchill Place and Ocean Boulevard. Pre-parade entertainment is from 7:30 to 10 a.m. on Orange Avenue. coronadofourthofjuly.com
Fourth of July celebration at San Diego County Fair: Patriotic celebration all day on July 4 topped off with fireworks at 9 p.m., which can be viewed throughout the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. On-site parking is $15, if purchased in advance online; $20 at gate. Free parking at Canyon Crest Academy and $10 parking at Del Mar Horsepark, with free shuttles. Admission is $12-$20 for ages 6 and older. Visit sdfair.com.
Concerts in the park: Several concerts will be held July 4 at Spreckels Park. A Public Kids Concert is from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. with Katleen Dugas performing children’s songs. The Coronado Concert Band will perform a Patriotic Concert from 4 to 5 p.m., and a public concert featuring The Mighty Untouchables is from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. Spreckels Park, 601 Orange Ave Visit coronadofourthofjuly.com/schedule.
Crown City Classic race takes off July 4: The Crown City Classic 12K & 5K Run is from 7 to 9 a.m. July 4, starting and finishing at Coronado Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Drive. Register at crowncityrun.com.
Star Spangled Extravaganza at park: El Cajon’s Star Spangled Extravaganza will feature free live entertainment with a DJ and family games. 3 p.m. July 4 at Kennedy Park, 1675 E. Madison Ave., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Pack a picnic. Visit elcajon.gov or call (619) 441-1676.
Arts center hosts free concerts, fireworks: The California Center for the Arts, Escondido hosts free outdoor concerts July 4-7 with food vendors on the Great Green at Grape Day Park, 321 Broadway. The concert on July 4 features Daring Greatly, Ian Moore and the Navy Band Southwest’s 32nd Street Brass Band and festivities from 4 to 10 p.m. The event culminates in the fireworks display at 9 p.m., which can be seen from central Escondido. There will be food trucks, an artisan market and games along with craft beer. artcenter.org/event/59th-annual-independence-day-festival.
Red, White & Boom: Entertainment starts at 6 p.m. and fireworks go off at 9 p.m. July 4 at Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Drive. Festivities include live music by Detroit Underground at 6 p.m., jumpers and food sales. Bring beach chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Visit www.san-marcos.net/july4th.
Fireworks and celebration: Hosted by the city of Chula Vista and Seven Mile Casino at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, 2800 Olympic Parkway, gates open at 7 p.m. July 4. Fireworks shoot off at 9 p.m. with a custom bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Bring a blanket or chair. Food trucks will be there. Parking is free at the center and the adjacent New Hope Community Church, 2720 Olympic Parkway. Another recommended viewing location is at Mountain Hawk Park, 1475 Lake Crest Drive. Admission is free. Visit chulavistaca.gov/4thfest.
Friday
Final weekend for the San Diego County Fair: The San Diego County Fair will conclude on Sunday. Visitors can spin and swirl on various carnival rides, play games for prizes, see concerts, hang out in a disco speakeasy, meet alpacas, learn about beer, make crafts, eat whacky fair foods and try any number of other activities. The schedule for this weekend also includes various musical performances along with a hypnotist and a comedy show. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Tickets start at $20 and youths under 12 can visit for free on Fridays. Children ages 5 and under can attend for free all weekend. sdfair.com
San Diego Black Pride Festival: Throughout this weekend, a series of events are scheduled to celebrate a theme of “Unity in Color.” Starting Friday at Gossip Grill, a kick-off party will be hosted by Amber St. James from 6 to 10 p.m., followed by the Express Your Essence Mini Ball. Saturday’s events lineup features a beach barbecue and beach party, with the weekend ending with a Decadent Day Party at Rich’s in Hillcrest. Friday through Sunday. Weekend passes to all events are available for $95. Single event prices vary. instagram.com/sdblackpride
Night at the Natural History Museum: The San Diego Natural History Museum will be open for extended hours on Friday, allowing visitors to explore all four floors of the museum, test their knowledge in trivia and visit the Giant Screen Theatre. The rooftop patio will also offer a “Wolf in the Woods” dining experience. On select days, guests can also engage in art activities hosted by Sketchparty San Diego on the second floor. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. 1788 El Prado, San Diego. Tickets are half-price of admission. Entry is free for members and Balboa Park Explorers. sdnhm.org/calendar/nat-at-night
Comedy Heights live standup: Hosted in the Lestat’s coffee shop, comedy lovers can see stand-up shows featuring headliners from Comedy Central, HBO or America’s Got Talent. This week, stand-up comedians Patrick Deguire and Danny Dunn will perform their act alongside Rich Greene, Geoff Grooms and Al Gavi. Comedy Heights is a clean comedy company which invites families of all ages to be able to watch the show. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday. 3343 Adams Ave., San Diego. General admission is $5 which converts to Cafe Credit. comedyheights.com/coming-up
