12 things to do in San Diego this Labor Day weekend
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If swimming around the Oceanside Pier sounds fun to you, you're in luck. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images
It's a holiday weekend! Make some plans.
The big picture: There are plenty of things to do before we officially kick off Locals' Summer next week.
⚾ Padres Labor Day home stand: The Padres host the Yankees Friday through Sunday, then open a series against the Nationals on Labor Day Monday at Petco Park. Sunday also brings KidsFest and Kids Run the Bases.
🪶 54th Annual Barona Powwow: Native American dancers, drumming, food and artisan vendors take over the Barona Sports Complex in Lakeside Friday through Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
🌴 Keep the Party Going Benefit Concert: Margaritaville Hotel San Diego marks Jimmy Buffett Day with Buffett Beach Band, tropical drinks and a silent auction Friday 5–9pm at its 5 o'Clock Somewhere rooftop bar in the Gaslamp. A portion of the proceeds benefits the San Diego Music Foundation.
🍖 BBQ & Beer Festival: Local pitmasters, craft beer, live music and horse racing come together Saturday 12:30–5:30pm at the Del Mar Racetrack.
🇺🇦 Ukrainian Festival 2026: Ukrainian music, dance and traditional foods fill the House of Ukraine in Balboa Park Saturday 11am–5pm. Free.
🎷 Pacific Soul Jazz Festival: A two-day lineup of jazz, soul and R&B artists hits UC San Diego's Epstein Family Amphitheater Saturday and Sunday, with programming starting at noon.
🎬 Rooftop Cinema Club Labor Day Weekend: Catch a packed slate of outdoor movies Friday through Monday atop the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy, including "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Goodfellas" and "Interstellar." Saturday also brings a pet-friendly "Wooftop" screening of "Moana."
🎭 "The Phantom of the Opera": Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical plays Friday through Sunday at the San Diego Civic Theatre, with matinee and evening performances over the weekend.
🏴☠️ Pirates Take the Waterfront: The Maritime Museum gets a pirate-themed makeover Saturday through Monday 10am–5pm, with activities and waterfront adventures. Costumed visitors can get discounted walk-up admission.
🚗 Big SoCal Euro: Hundreds of European cars, vendors, food trucks and a Porsche concours roll into Frontwave Arena in Oceanside Sunday 11am–4pm. Spectator admission is free.
🏊 Oceanside Labor Day Pier Swim: Swimmers tackle a 1-mile course around the Oceanside Pier on Monday, with check-in starting at 7am and race waves beginning at 8:30am.
🎹 Labor Day Classic Rock Concert with Organ-ism: Close out the long weekend with classic rock powered by the Spreckels Organ and a full band Monday at 7:30pm in Balboa Park. Free.