San Diego's Vibrant Weekend: From Cultural Celebrations to Outdoor Adventures

Listeners looking for fun things to do in San Diego this weekend are in for a treat, with a refreshing mix of one-of-a-kind events, iconic attractions, and quirky hidden gems to enjoy.

Kick things off with this weekend’s cultural celebrations. According to CBS 8 San Diego, the Philippine cultural arts festival Fest is happening at Balboa Park on Saturday and Sunday, featuring live performances, delicious Filipino food vendors, and festive energy on the President's Way lawn—admission is free. Over at Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, Taste of New Orleans spices up the scene with Cajun cuisine like gumbo and jambalaya, daiquiris, and live music. For something truly unique, Sunday brings Bike the Bay, the only day all year cyclists can cruise across the Coronado Bridge above San Diego Bay, passing through scenic neighborhoods and ending with a festive gathering on the Embarcadero Marina.

Art and culture lovers should not miss the opening of "Alex Katz: Theater and Dance" at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla, which showcases massive, vibrant works reflecting decades of set design and avant-garde theater collaborations. Drop by during the free Third Thursday for extra perks. In Logan Heights, Helena Westra’s “Lying Fallow” at the Athenaeum Art Center invites visitors into an immersive, room-sized maze of native California grasses, a sensory and meditative experience on display through October. Over in Rancho Santa Fe at Oolong Gallery, artists Ivan David Ng and Sergio Suárez are hosting a dynamic opening with an artist walkthrough on Saturday.

Listeners who enjoy a creative afternoon can join Painting in Sidro—a friendly drop-in painting club—Saturday afternoon at The Front Arte y Cultura in San Ysidro, welcoming all skill levels to get inspired in an artsy community setting.

As the sun sets Friday, Balboa Park’s Nat at Night transforms the Natural History Museum into a rooftop lounge with panoramic views, live music, cocktails, and small bites from Wolf in the Woods. Admission is half-price after 5 PM, and guests are free to wander all the exhibits while mingling with other nature lovers.

For live music and nightlife, Urban MO’s Bar & Grill in Hillcrest hosts its famed Sassy Sunday Funday, where top local DJs and drag hosts Mariam T and Glitz Glam guarantee energy and good vibes. At the Magnolia Theater in El Cajon, Motown music fans can see Nathan Chester & The Old Souls Motown Revival live on Saturday night. Looking ahead, Kali Uchis brings The Sincerely, Tour to Pechanga Arena San Diego on August 24.

Outdoor adventurers have countless options, too. Explore La Jolla’s dramatic coastline, kayak through sea caves or snorkel with leopard sharks. Join whale watching tours off the coast to spot marine giants, or opt for sightseeing cruises that pass under the iconic Coronado Bridge and by local sea lion colonies, as recommended by Tripadvisor’s top activities in San Diego.

Don’t overlook classic highlights like the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, where animal encounters are always a hit. The USS Midway Museum on the waterfront is a must for anyone interested in history, offering a fascinating journey aboard a legendary aircraft carrier. Baseball fans might catch a Padres game at Petco Park, widely loved for its downtown ballpark atmosphere, craft beer, and local eats.

Locals and visitors alike can discover fascinating free exhibits this weekend on the UC San Diego campus, including “Campus Critters at Work and Play” and “Mapping San Diego” at the Geisel Library, or experience the hands-on “Creative Correspondence: The Mail-Art” exhibit and get a taste of work by Surrealist artist José Chávez Morado—no registration required.

Even small details make San Diego memorable. Refuel with California burritos from hole-in-the-wall taquerias or explore independent coffee shops in North Park and Ocean Beach. Surf lessons in...