Events
San Diego Pride 2026
July 11-19. San Diego’s annual Pride celebration is among the largest in the U.S., spanning eight days this year. Festivities include “Light Up the Cathedral” at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral on July 15; the Spirt of Stonewall Rally and Arko Park Pride Block Party on July 17; the Pride 5K Run & Walk on July 18; the annual Pride Parade on July 18; and the Pride Festival in Balboa Park, July 18-19; plus myriad community happenings. See website for details and full schedule of events; as well as locations and addresses around Hillcrest. sdpride.org
Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party
July 11. The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego presents its weekly installment of Liquid Sunshine Dayclub—where the mantra is “dance, splash, drink, repeat.” The signature Saturday pool party includes music by top local DJs; plus a full bar featuring giant slushies and other colorful cocktails; unique vendors; and cabana/daybed/table reservations and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. 1-6 p.m. See website for all details and ticket pricing (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
“Nighttime Zoo” at San Diego Zoo
Through Aug. 9. Experience the San Diego Zoo in the evening, thanks to extended hours and family-friendly festivities. Enjoy performances by Jambo Dunia! (pictured), featuring wildlife puppets, dancers and acrobats; The Chameleons brass ensemble; the Rock & Roar pop band; The Explorers a capella group; Bounce-a Roo Bonanza; the Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania; the interactive Zoolamoves; and more. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. through Aug. 9; “Nighttime Zoo” entertainment begins at 3:30 p.m. daily (see website for exceptions). 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. Details
Shark Encounter at SeaWorld
Now Open. Come “face to fin” with the world’s most fascinating ocean predators at SeaWorld San Diego’s new habitat: Shark Encounter. The immersive experience takes guests on a journey deep into the ocean via a “shark tunnel,” a moving walkway that takes guests through a transparent passage beneath the habitat, creating the sensation of being surrounded by sharks; and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall incorporating multimedia technology that illuminates the life of sharks. Elevate your visit with the Shark Up Close Experience. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay. Details
Food + Drink
Candy Land Café Pop-Up
July 9-Oct. 4. The iconic Candy Land board game comes to life in the form of an immersive café experience, created in collaboration with Hasbro. Step inside the game, complete with paths leading to King Kandy’s Candy Castle and Jolly’s Gumdrop Mountains. A “Sweet Adventure Checklist” guides you through the space, which includes a café serving rainbow burgers, chocolate BBQ sliders, “Chocolate River” fondue, milkshakes and cocktails; oversized candy-inspired photo ops; DIY cookie decorating; and exclusive Candy Land merchandise. 2137 Pacific Hwy., Little Italy. Details
New Cocktail Menu at Communion
Now Available. Mission Hill’s popular rooftop restaurant and bar, Communion, has unveiled a new lineup of seasonal cocktails, created by Eliza Woodman. Sip on the Golden Temple, a margarita infused with grilled peach and Japanese citrus; Green Thumb (pictured), a garden-inspired gin sour; Bitter Ritual, a citrus-forward amaro cocktail; and more. Nestled on the eighth floor of the Sasan building, Communion boasts views of Mission Hills, a glass enclosed-dining room and heated patio. See website for hours. 901 W. Washington St., 619.606.5568. Details
First Michelin Star for Lucien
Open. Lucien has been awarded its first Michelin star for 2026. The elegant dining destination joins a select few Michelin-starred restaurants in S.D. County. The 30-seat tasting menu restaurant by chef Elijah Arizmendi offers a guided multicourse dinner experience that begins in its quaint courtyard, flanked by an indoor/outdoor bar. Its low-lit interior is literally cave-like (reminiscent of La Jolla’s sea caves), with cozy leather booths and an open kitchen—leading out to a private dining room with ocean views. 7863 Girard Ave., Suite 308, La Jolla, 619.708.3082. luciensd.com
Arts + Culture
S.D. Natural History Museum: Nat at Night
July 10. Nat at Night runs at the San Diego Natural History Museum every Friday—when the museum stays open until 11 p.m., with half-price admission after 5 p.m. (free parking after 6 p.m.)—continuing through the summer. You’ll get access to the rooftop patio, offering views overlooking Balboa Park, libations, and food from Wolf in the Woods and The Craft Taco. Plus: pop-up programming and access to the museum’s exhibitions. (Don’t miss Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea.) 5 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org
MOPA@SDMA: New Cecil Beaton Exhibit
Opens July 11. MOPA@SDMA presents an iconic exhibition dedicated to British fashion and portrait photographer, Cecil Beaton (1904-1980). On view through Jan. 10, 2027, Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World showcases 100-plus works capturing Beaton’s career, from 1920s London, to his World War II documentary work, to his Academy Award-winning designs for My Fair Lady, to fashion photography for Vogue. (Pictured: Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews in costume for My Fair Lady on Broadway, 1956.) 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
Cygnet Theatre: The SpongeBob Musical
Through July 12. Catch it before it closes! Cygnet Theatre invites us to “dive into the underwater world of Bikini Bottom” with The SpongeBob Musical, based on the popular Nickelodeon series by Stephen Hillenburg and book by Kyle Jarrow. The family-friendly production takes us on a wild adventure with SpongeBob SquarePants and friends in a race to save Bikini Bottom—featuring songs by the likes of Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, John Legend and more. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2880 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.org
Photo credits: Lucien is by Kimberly Motos. MOPA@SDMA is by Cecil Beaton / © Condé Nast. Cygnet Theatre is by Karli Cadel Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
