12 things to do in San Diego this hot summer weekend
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Get some cool breezes in Chula Vista. Photo: Courtesy of Chula Vista Harborfest
Hip hip hooray! The weekend is here!
The big picture: It's going to be a hot one, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer sun.
🏄♀️ Super Girl Surf Festival: Women’s surfing, skateboarding, beach volleyball and other sports take over Oceanside Pier Friday through Sunday, alongside a free concert lineup featuring Iration, Hippie Sabotage, B.o.B and K.Flay.
🎺 California Coast Jazz Festival: KSDS Jazz 88.3 celebrates the centennial of Miles Davis with 16 concerts, plus films, panels and presentations Friday through Sunday at the Wyndham San Diego Bayside.
⚡ "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in Concert: Watch the first Harry Potter movie while the San Diego Symphony performs John Williams' score live Friday and Saturday at 7pm at The Rady Shell.
🎪 "Water for Elephants": The Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling circus-set novel plays Friday through Sunday at the San Diego Civic Theatre, with evening shows Friday and Saturday and weekend matinees.
⚾ Padres vs. Minnesota Twins: The Padres host the Twins all weekend at Petco Park, with first pitch Friday at 6:40pm, Saturday at 5:40pm and Sunday at 1:10pm. Saturday also features a postgame fireworks show.
📚 KPBS San Diego Book Festival: Book lovers of all ages can catch author panels, readings, independent booksellers, kids activities and live entertainment Saturday 10am-4pm at the University of San Diego.
⚓ Chula Vista HarborFest: The free waterfront festival returns Saturday 10am-6pm at Bayside Park with live music, Lucha Libre, a classic car expo, food, kayaking, paddleboarding, mermaid performers and more.
🌺 San Diego Hoʻolauleʻa Hawaiian Festival: Hawaiian music, hula, traditional games, a cultural village, island food and local vendors fill NTC Park at Liberty Station Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
🇵🇭 SamaFest 2026: The free Philippine Cultural Arts Festival brings Filipino dance, live music, martial arts, crafts and plenty of food to the Presidents Way Lawn in Balboa Park Saturday and Sunday 11am-5pm.
🕺 Red Bull BC One USA National Final: Some of the country’s top B-Girls and B-Boys battle one-on-one Saturday at Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier for a spot in the world final. Doors open at 2pm and the competition starts at 4pm.
🚴 Bike the Bay: Cyclists get the rare chance to ride across the Coronado Bridge Sunday morning, with 5-, 25- and 50-mile routes starting from Embarcadero Marina Park South and a post-ride festival waiting at the finish.
🎹 Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: Goldblum brings his jazz band to The Rady Shell Sunday at 7:30pm for a waterfront concert with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.