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11 great things to do across San Diego this weekend

Catch the Padres, sip local beer and dance at CityFest across San Diego from Friday through Sunday.

Things to Do

Who&#x27;s ready for the weekend?The big picture: There are tiki bars and cat videos. What more could you ask for?

America's blood supply is alarmingly low, Red Cross says

The supply of blood donations is not keeping up with hospital demand.

Health

The U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" data-vars-content-id="749f1925-d521-4802-93fa-63dd8b9db347" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s blood supply is alarmingly low, Red Cross says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" target="_self">blood</a> supply has reached crisis levels, prompting the American Red Cross and the Surgeon General&#x27;s Office to urge people to donate.Why it matters: A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.

Mission Bay bathrooms reopen after outcry

The city found new funding to restore 13 restrooms a month after budget cuts shut them down in July.

News

After just a month, the closed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bathrooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/06/mission-bay-bathrooms-closed-san-diego-budget-cuts-park-restrooms" data-vars-content-id="52ba1060-436f-46eb-8c57-6de1f258331d" data-vars-headline="Mission Bay bathrooms reopen after outcry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/07/06/mission-bay-bathrooms-closed-san-diego-budget-cuts-park-restrooms" target="_self">bathrooms</a> in Mission Bay Park will be open once again.The big picture: Mayor Todd Gloria reversed the closures of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="13 park bathrooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/san-diego-budget-public-bathrooms" data-vars-content-id="52ba1060-436f-46eb-8c57-6de1f258331d" data-vars-headline="Mission Bay bathrooms reopen after outcry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/05/14/san-diego-budget-public-bathrooms" target="_self">13 park bathrooms</a> after public outcry.

Zuma chooses San Diego for its first California location

The global Japanese brand opened downtown, drawn by San Diego's appetite for fine dining and luxury.

Food and Drink

The luxury Japanese restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zuma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zumarestaurant.com/en/san-diego/menu" data-vars-content-id="61596156-dfa8-4b4f-8e31-f4df4ab90e32" data-vars-headline="Zuma chooses San Diego for its first California location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zumarestaurant.com/en/san-diego/menu" target="_blank">Zuma</a> is coming to San Diego.Why it matters: Zuma has spread to high-end cities throughout the world, and picked San Diego as its first California location because of locals&#x27; appreciation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fine dining" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/25/michelin-guide-2026-lucien-la-jolla-valle-star-california-awards" data-vars-content-id="61596156-dfa8-4b4f-8e31-f4df4ab90e32" data-vars-headline="Zuma chooses San Diego for its first California location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/25/michelin-guide-2026-lucien-la-jolla-valle-star-california-awards" target="_self">fine dining</a>, vice president of operations Nick Fielding told Axios.

San Diego Magazine's new editor bets on a print revival

Her second full issue has the magazine's highest page count in five years, showing faith in print.

The new editor of San Diego Magazine thinks there is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still life in print" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/complex-magazine-print-returns" data-vars-content-id="84ce19e4-ea09-427f-b9a9-e7774d594aa5" data-vars-headline="San Diego Magazine&#x27;s new editor bets on a print revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/04/complex-magazine-print-returns" target="_self">still life in print</a>.The big picture: The magazine has a long history in the city, publishing lifestyle, real estate and dining stories and documenting local character for about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="40,000 subscribers" data-vars-click-url="https://citymag.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-SDM-Media-Kit_Local-Net.pdf" data-vars-content-id="84ce19e4-ea09-427f-b9a9-e7774d594aa5" data-vars-headline="San Diego Magazine&#x27;s new editor bets on a print revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://citymag.org/wp-content/uploads/2019-SDM-Media-Kit_Local-Net.pdf" target="_blank">40,000 subscribers</a> and a larger digital audience.

San Diego restricts rideshare pickups in Gaslamp

The new zones restrict pickups along 5th Avenue downtown on weekends.

Late-night Uber and Lyft pickups won&#x27;t be happening on Fifth Avenue in Gaslamp anymore. They&#x27;re now restricted to certain areas in downtown San Diego.Why it matters: The new designated rideshare locations are meant to ease traffic and the scramble to find your ride on busy nights.<ul><li>They arrived just in time for Comic-Con crowds.</li></ul>

One of Us gives San Diego women's sports fans a home

Fans won't have to fight to get women's games on TVs.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego&#x27;s first women&#x27;s sports bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/02/san-diego-womens-sports-bar-one-of-us-north-park-opening-watch-parties-wave-wnba" data-vars-content-id="2d8a9990-4aec-4f46-97f7-a6acff53ae01" data-vars-headline="One of Us gives San Diego women&#x27;s sports fans a home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/02/san-diego-womens-sports-bar-one-of-us-north-park-opening-watch-parties-wave-wnba" target="_self">San Diego&#x27;s first women&#x27;s sports bar</a> opens Thursday after years operating as a pop-up.Why it matters: One of Us, in North Park, finally gives locals a permanent place where women&#x27;s games are the priority, not an afterthought.

Social events are enticing San Diegans to use public transit

Beer, hikes and ice cream are helping San Diegans choose public transit over driving.

Transit

If it&#x27;s been a while since you&#x27;ve hopped on a city bus, local organizers are hoping a beer will entice you.Why it matters: Advocacy groups are trying to convince locals that just because we live in a sprawling, car-centric city doesn&#x27;t mean driving is the only option, especially with more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing near transit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-san-diego-038e29ea-537d-4fc2-9886-fe0eac326e20.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="649c451a-7f21-4c73-91c0-d61deb454cbd" data-vars-headline="Social events are enticing San Diegans to use public transit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-san-diego-038e29ea-537d-4fc2-9886-fe0eac326e20.html?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_self">housing near transit</a> on the horizon.

Volunteers wanted for the 2028 LA Olympics

Applications are open for roles at Olympic events, including soccer and surfing in San Diego.

Sports

You don&#x27;t need to be an elite athlete to participate in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2028 Summer Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/03/san-diego-to-host-la28-olympic-soccer-at-snapdragon" data-vars-content-id="a14d51a1-ac75-4285-a601-2f29d49eb43c" data-vars-headline="Volunteers wanted for the 2028 LA Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/02/03/san-diego-to-host-la28-olympic-soccer-at-snapdragon" target="_self">2028 Summer Olympics</a>. <ul><li>You can now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="apply to be a volunteer" data-vars-click-url="https://la28.org/en/volunteer.html" data-vars-content-id="a14d51a1-ac75-4285-a601-2f29d49eb43c" data-vars-headline="Volunteers wanted for the 2028 LA Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://la28.org/en/volunteer.html" target="_blank">apply to be a volunteer</a> for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="games in Los Angeles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/12/los-angeles-prepare-2028-olympics" data-vars-content-id="a14d51a1-ac75-4285-a601-2f29d49eb43c" data-vars-headline="Volunteers wanted for the 2028 LA Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/12/los-angeles-prepare-2028-olympics" target="_self">games in Los Angeles</a> and San Diego.</li></ul>Why it matters: This is your moment to be part of the world&#x27;s largest sporting event as more than just a fan.

Dyke March Kicks off San Diego Pride Week

Pride Month is over around the U.S., but the LGBTQ+ celebration is just getting started here.

Pride Month is over in most of the country, but it&#x27;s just getting started in San Diego. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dyke March " data-vars-click-url="https://sdpride.org/san-diego-dyke-march/" data-vars-content-id="7c80358e-2c33-47f5-b81c-829816390168" data-vars-headline="Dyke March Kicks off San Diego Pride Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sdpride.org/san-diego-dyke-march/" target="_blank">Dyke March </a>through Hillcrest kicks off <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Diego Pride Week" data-vars-click-url="https://sdpride.org/pride/" data-vars-content-id="7c80358e-2c33-47f5-b81c-829816390168" data-vars-headline="Dyke March Kicks off San Diego Pride Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sdpride.org/pride/" target="_blank">San Diego Pride Week</a> on Saturday, making <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a bold return" data-vars-click-url="https://timesofsandiego.com/arts/2026/06/27/dyke-march-comeback-san-diego-pride/" data-vars-content-id="7c80358e-2c33-47f5-b81c-829816390168" data-vars-headline="Dyke March Kicks off San Diego Pride Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://timesofsandiego.com/arts/2026/06/27/dyke-march-comeback-san-diego-pride/" target="_blank">a bold return</a> to the city&#x27;s official celebration after a long hiatus.

Waymo's fully driverless cars are hitting San Diego streets

The human test drivers will be gone, but only Waymo employees can get rides for now.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo&#x27;s driverless cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/03/waymo-san-diego-self-driving-cars" data-vars-content-id="b7ec26ab-5496-4c9c-902a-3091ae5b9fb7" data-vars-headline="Waymo&#x27;s fully driverless cars are hitting San Diego streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/11/03/waymo-san-diego-self-driving-cars" target="_self">Waymo&#x27;s driverless cars</a> will soon be cruising around San Diego, the company announced Wednesday.The big picture: Waymo has been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing its autonomous vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/01/29/waymo-autonomous-vehicles-testing-drivers-san-diego-las-vegas" data-vars-content-id="b7ec26ab-5496-4c9c-902a-3091ae5b9fb7" data-vars-headline="Waymo&#x27;s fully driverless cars are hitting San Diego streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/01/29/waymo-autonomous-vehicles-testing-drivers-san-diego-las-vegas" target="_self">testing its autonomous vehicles</a> with drivers locally for over a year, but there won&#x27;t be a human behind the wheel anymore.

How San Diego's drone shows come to life

From months of planning to launch night, here's how hundreds of drones light up San Diego skies.

More drones are lighting up the night sky this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July Fourth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/01/july-fourth-fireworks-san-diego-2025" data-vars-content-id="77c67855-ca3a-42dc-956f-1705a5d3ebe2" data-vars-headline="How San Diego&#x27;s drone shows come to life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/07/01/july-fourth-fireworks-san-diego-2025" target="_self">July Fourth</a> and throughout the summer across San Diego, from SeaWorld to La Jolla to Oceanside.<ul><li>We&#x27;re taking a closer look at how these synchronized substitutes for traditional fireworks shows are designed and flown.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Drone shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/01/fireworks-drones-july-4th-independence-day" data-vars-content-id="77c67855-ca3a-42dc-956f-1705a5d3ebe2" data-vars-headline="How San Diego&#x27;s drone shows come to life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/01/fireworks-drones-july-4th-independence-day" target="_self">Drone shows</a> have been taking off over the last few years at local venues as event organizers face pressure to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scale back fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/02/06/pressure-builds-from-coastal-commission-to-trim-san-diegos-big-bay-boom-fireworks/" data-vars-content-id="77c67855-ca3a-42dc-956f-1705a5d3ebe2" data-vars-headline="How San Diego&#x27;s drone shows come to life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/02/06/pressure-builds-from-coastal-commission-to-trim-san-diegos-big-bay-boom-fireworks/" target="_blank">scale back fireworks</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="replace explosives with drones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/05/18/seaworld-agrees-to-settle-suit-over-its-fireworks-shows/" data-vars-content-id="77c67855-ca3a-42dc-956f-1705a5d3ebe2" data-vars-headline="How San Diego&#x27;s drone shows come to life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/05/18/seaworld-agrees-to-settle-suit-over-its-fireworks-shows/" target="_blank">replace explosives with drones</a> due to wildfire, water pollution and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildlife concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/why-lake-murray-wont-have-a-fireworks-show-this-year" data-vars-content-id="77c67855-ca3a-42dc-956f-1705a5d3ebe2" data-vars-headline="How San Diego&#x27;s drone shows come to life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/why-lake-murray-wont-have-a-fireworks-show-this-year" target="_blank">wildlife concerns</a>.

New gray trash bins are now required for pickup

Gray is the new black when it comes to curbside trash collection.

San Diego&#x27;s black trash bins are officially out. The new gray bins are now the only ones that will be picked up starting Wednesday.Catch up quick: The city recently finished rolling out new trash bins of different sizes with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RFID chips" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://link.axios.com/click/44745632.34489/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cua3Bicy5vcmcvbmV3cy9lbnZpcm9ubWVudC8yMDI1LzEwLzEzL2RlbGl2ZXJ5LW9mLXNhbi1kaWVnb3MtbmV3LWhpZ2gtdGVjaC10cmFzaC1iaW5zLWhhcy1iZWd1bj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmRpZWdvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/69656478b56c8961c10c80e4B1a2c5902__;!!OBed2aHXvKmHymw!z8TfhqoCTU2xB1ex29ixYvCoa3YIZEpLfKK8jKySDrm6-XzSJEuOcgS4Y8i9HdxFBJIV4AclNplcmxsqKjtV$" data-vars-content-id="4fa12357-0130-4dc7-a181-c79660c80ee4" data-vars-headline="New gray trash bins are now required for pickup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://link.axios.com/click/44745632.34489/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cua3Bicy5vcmcvbmV3cy9lbnZpcm9ubWVudC8yMDI1LzEwLzEzL2RlbGl2ZXJ5LW9mLXNhbi1kaWVnb3MtbmV3LWhpZ2gtdGVjaC10cmFzaC1iaW5zLWhhcy1iZWd1bj91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX3NhbmRpZWdvJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/69656478b56c8961c10c80e4B1a2c5902__;!!OBed2aHXvKmHymw!z8TfhqoCTU2xB1ex29ixYvCoa3YIZEpLfKK8jKySDrm6-XzSJEuOcgS4Y8i9HdxFBJIV4AclNplcmxsqKjtV$" target="_self">RFID chips</a> that track if the bin has been picked up.<ul><li>They&#x27;re part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new trash fee" data-vars-click-url="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://link.axios.com/click/44745632.34489/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1kaWVnby8yMDI1LzA0LzA5L3Nhbi1kaWVnby1vZmZpY2lhbHMtdG8tdm90ZS1vbi1sb3dlci10cmFzaC1waWNrdXAtZmVlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuZGllZ28mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/69656478b56c8961c10c80e4Bb3d73fa2__;!!OBed2aHXvKmHymw!z8TfhqoCTU2xB1ex29ixYvCoa3YIZEpLfKK8jKySDrm6-XzSJEuOcgS4Y8i9HdxFBJIV4AclNplcm5iKSm2U$" data-vars-content-id="4fa12357-0130-4dc7-a181-c79660c80ee4" data-vars-headline="New gray trash bins are now required for pickup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://link.axios.com/click/44745632.34489/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3Nhbi1kaWVnby8yMDI1LzA0LzA5L3Nhbi1kaWVnby1vZmZpY2lhbHMtdG8tdm90ZS1vbi1sb3dlci10cmFzaC1waWNrdXAtZmVlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfc2FuZGllZ28mc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/69656478b56c8961c10c80e4Bb3d73fa2__;!!OBed2aHXvKmHymw!z8TfhqoCTU2xB1ex29ixYvCoa3YIZEpLfKK8jKySDrm6-XzSJEuOcgS4Y8i9HdxFBJIV4AclNplcm5iKSm2U$" target="_self">new trash fee</a> that went into effect last year. </li></ul>

💸 We're top 10 in rents again

San Diego returns to top 10 for most expensive U.S. rents

A line chart that tracks San Diegoâs median one-bedroom rent from January 2021 to June 2027. Rent rose from $1,800 in January 2021 to a peak of $2,620 in September 2022, then eased. It was $2,200 in February through May 2026 and $2,220 in June 2027.

Median rent in San Diego

🦝 Adorable trash panda to go

San Diego raccoon season brings mothers and kits out at night

🍺 We found $5 beer!

San Diego happy hour find: $5 craft beers are still out there

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News 🗞

Mission Bay bathrooms reopen after outcry

San Diego Magazine's new editor bets on a print revival

San Diego returns to top 10 for most expensive U.S. rents

San Diego raccoon season brings mothers and kits out at night

San Diego happy hour find: $5 craft beers are still out there