Check Out the Best San Diego Things to do in July
Bring on the summertime and San Diego heats up with a lineup of events you don’t want to miss. From outdoor concerts, costumed comic enthusiasts, theater performances and the Del Mar races, to festivals to fit every foodie’s tastes, we’ve rounded up the best San Diego things to do in July.
EVENTS
Summer Pops
Through Labor Day. Take in the sights and sounds of San Diego as the San Diego Symphony presents their annual outdoor summer concert series at Embarcadero Marina Park South. Performance highlights include LeAnn Rimes, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Ben Folds, and hot tributes to the Divas of Disco, Journey, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Frank Sinatra. See full lineup and schedule on the website. 206 Marina Park Way, San Diego Marina. sandiegosymphony.org
Big Bay Boom
July 4. The Port of San Diego presents this annual festive display of fireworks from four strategically placed barges in the bay. Best viewing sites include Harbor and Shelter Islands, Coronado and Imperial Beach. 619.686.6200. bigbayboom.com
Comic-Con International
July 9-12. The nation’s largest convention celebrating comics and the popular arts features comic-book publishers, game companies, film studios and toy makers. Sold out. San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero. comic-con.org.
62nd Annual World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament
July 11-12;18-19. Three-member teams compete in San Diego’s original beach softball tournament, a colorful event stretching from 7:30 a.m.-dark. Over the line is a free event, recommended for mature audiences. Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, 619.330.2227. ombac.org
Del Mar Racing
July 16-Sept. 7. Catch thoroughbred racing five days a week (dark Monday and Tuesdays). Post time most days is 2 p.m. and special events include the Four O’Clock Friday concert series, Beer Festival, family weekends and the $1 million Pacific Classic on Aug. 22. Check out the website for event dates and times. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. dmtc.com
Sun & Sea Festival
July 17-18. Head to Imperial Beach and witness the “Original Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition” with world-class sandcastle sculptors creating some of the best sand creations on the West Coast. Also enjoy a pancake breakfast at Portwood Pier Plaza, a community parade, live music and farmer’s market. Pier Plaza, 10 Evergreen Ave., Imperial Beach. sunandseafestival.com
Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest
July 18. New to San Diego, the Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest welcomes attendees to vote for their favorite foods and featured vendors. Also check out the craft beer and wine tastings at the Beer Garden, enjoy live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, contests and activities. 12-5 p.m., San Diego Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., Harborview. lzgfsd.com
Chef Appetizer Competition
July 18. As San Diego renowned chefs compete for the “Chefy” award, guests get to enjoy the fruits of their labor at the 6th annual Chef Appetizer Competition. The Gala will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina and will take on a Bollywood Bash theme. Attendees will get the chance to taste the appetizers and vote for their favorite offerings. The evening will include silent auction, a 3-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing. $175/pp. 1380 Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island, 619.278.4041. meals-on-wheels.org
Art in Bloom
July 24-26. Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park hosts a free event showcasing the works of artists and floral designers as they create bouquets of fun and beauty, displayed throughout the courtyard. The works will be displayed starting with the opening reception at 4 p.m. on Friday, and available for viewing Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Pl, Balboa Park, 619.233.9050. svacartinbloom.blogspot.com
THEATER
Kiss Me, Kate
July 1-Aug. 2. A touring company gets ready to open a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew, starring a divorced couple whose offstage battles threaten to bring down the curtain in this beloved classic that features show-stopping dance numbers, Shakespeare-quoting mobsters and a knockout score. Shirley Stage at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Side by Side by Sondheim
July 15-Aug. 9. Revel in the innovative and influential genius of Broadway composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim in this musical, featuring familiar favorites from such shows as Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Gypsy and more. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Dogfight
July 16-Aug. 23. It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble in this Lucille Lortel Award-winning musical. Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com
Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
July 24-Aug. 23. A wildly inventive adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mystery The Hound of the Baskervilles makes its West Coast premiere. White Theatre at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
