A Vibrant San Diego Summer: Art, Theater, Brews, and Coastal Charm

Listeners looking for truly memorable things to do in San Diego this week and beyond will find a vibrant mix of art, culture, outdoor fun, live music, and unique local flavor. For those in San Diego today, July 31st, the city’s calendar is packed.

Tonight, art lovers can join the San Diego Museum of Art’s “Art Party: Eduardo Chillida,” a 21+ after-hours celebration running from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Expect Basque-inspired food, drinks, entertainment, interactive activities, and a first look at the exceptional Chillida exhibition. This marks the most expansive survey of the celebrated Spanish sculptor’s work in the US in nearly fifty years—plus there’s a virtual reality experience that transports guests to the cliffs of San Sebastián. It’s a rare, one-night-only event for anyone wanting an immersive art-and-culture fix.

For a taste of theater under the stars, Shakespeare’s uproarious classic “The Comedy of Errors” is live at the Old Globe through August 24th. The atmospheric open-air venue within Balboa Park is a quintessential San Diego experience, with performances offering merriment, mayhem, and some of the city’s most accomplished acting talent.

Wine lovers and foodies should mark their calendars for the Uncorked Wine Festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, happening Saturday, August 2nd. Over 100 wines await alongside gourmet food trucks, live music, and the thrill of horse races—a lively summer gathering where every sip supports Urban Surf 4 Kids. It’s a ticketed, 21-and-over event with early access at 1 p.m. and general admission from 2 to 5 p.m. If you want the local wining-and-dining scene in a party setting, this festival is hard to beat.

Musical highlights abound. While the Magic of Motown tribute concert at San Diego Theatres is rescheduled for October 11 this year, listeners still have plenty of ongoing live music options thanks to the city’s local breweries, outdoor venues, and pop-up events, all listed in SanDiegoVille’s ultimate August 2025 events roundup. For example, head to the lively waterfront at Seaport Village, where you can sample local brews, find buskers, and enjoy sunset views from the boardwalk according to the Seaport Village’s recent highlights on Instagram.

Those craving hidden gems and unique adventures have a wealth of options. Architectural Salvage in Barrio Logan is a treasure trove for design lovers, featuring century-old doorknobs, Egyptian doors, and whimsical oddities—walking through its aisles feels like a real-life I Spy book, making it a must-see even for those not currently renovating.

For a uniquely San Diego scenic experience, follow the city’s famed 59-Mile Scenic Drive. Stop six on the route, Ocean Beach, offers a laid-back surfy vibe, iconic piers, vintage shops, and some of the best people-watching in the city. Another favorite: the waterside Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten, known for its craft beers and stunning coastal views.

Families and outdoor lovers can spend a day at Mellano Farm Stand in Oceanside, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Activities include pick-your-own strawberries and wildflowers, tractor rides, and animal encounters with pigs, goats, and chickens. Festival weekends feature bounce houses, lawn games, and old-fashioned rock mining—the epitome of screen-free fun for all ages.

For a health and wellness escape, Club House Encinitas has become the new hub for athletic recovery, offering cutting-edge amenities like red light therapy, compression boots, infrared saunas, and cold plunges. Listeners can wind down in their lounge with tequila or join a rotating schedule of fitness classes, making for a refreshing counterpoint to San Diego’s lively entertainment scene.

And, of course, no visit would be complete without exploring Balboa Park—the city’s cultural heart—where listeners will find the San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, and...