Best events in
San Diego

There's no shortage of events and things to do in San Diego, CA. The city's social calendar is driven by its coastal setting, with gatherings ranging from beachside wellness sessions to packed concerts in historic downtown theaters. From the bustling nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter to the art-focused scene in North Park, each neighborhood offers a different pace and flavor.

North Park's artsy vibe draws crowds to its craft breweries and live music spots like The Observatory North Park.
Comedy is a mainstay in the Gaslamp Quarter, with venues like The Mad House Comedy Club and American Comedy Co. hosting shows.
Waterfront experiences range from San Diego Symphony performances at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park to the annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival.

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Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Today • 10:00 AM

Handlery Hotel San Diego

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Jodi Picoult discussing HOLLOW BONES

Monday • 7:00 PM

Shiley Theatre - University of San Diego

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The Music of Ennio Morricone: A Candlelit Piano & Strings Experience

Sat, Oct 31 • 7:30 PM

St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral

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The Creepy Retreat: Thriller Book Lover's Weekend with Bestselling Authors

Fri, Apr 23 • 10:00 AM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

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Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Today • 10:00 AM

Handlery Hotel San Diego

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Jodi Picoult discussing HOLLOW BONES

Monday • 7:00 PM

Shiley Theatre - University of San Diego

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The Music of Ennio Morricone: A Candlelit Piano & Strings Experience

Sat, Oct 31 • 7:30 PM

St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral

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The Creepy Retreat: Thriller Book Lover's Weekend with Bestselling Authors

Fri, Apr 23 • 10:00 AM

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

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After 8pm

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Eli-Mac with Cruz Roots and Lowtide

Sat, Oct 24 • 8:00 PM

The Harp

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Sabbat Halloween • Spin San Diego

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

Spin Nightclub

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Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Fri, Nov 6 • 8:00 PM

El After Social Club

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Bachata Sensual Festival SoCal 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 9:00 PM

Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine

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Eli-Mac with Cruz Roots and Lowtide

Sat, Oct 24 • 8:00 PM

The Harp

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Sabbat Halloween • Spin San Diego

Sat, Oct 31 • 9:00 PM

Spin Nightclub

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Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Fri, Nov 6 • 8:00 PM

El After Social Club

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Bachata Sensual Festival SoCal 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 9:00 PM

Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine

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Popular in San Diego

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STUDIO SESSIONS presents CURE FOR PARANOIA

Today • 4:00 PM

Soap Factory

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Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Today • 10:00 AM

Handlery Hotel San Diego

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Touching Minds Shaping Futures XXXVIII

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 AM

Logan Memorial Educational Campus

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Dailard D.A.D.S. Campout 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 4:00 PM

Ralph Dailard Elementary School

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32nd Annual Breakfast with Industry at UCSD

Wed, Oct 28 • 7:00 AM

Price Center - East Ballroom at UCSD

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SOLIXEmpower 2026 San Diego

Wed, Oct 28 • 8:00 AM

Qualcomm Institute

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Noise Complaints Presents: The Haunted Factory

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

The Soap Factory

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聖地亞哥 San Diego | 讚美之泉敬拜讚美節慶

Sat, Nov 14 • 7:00 PM

聖地亞哥西區主恩堂 LWBC

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STUDIO SESSIONS presents CURE FOR PARANOIA

Today • 4:00 PM

Soap Factory

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Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Today • 10:00 AM

Handlery Hotel San Diego

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Touching Minds Shaping Futures XXXVIII

Sat, Oct 17 • 8:00 AM

Logan Memorial Educational Campus

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Dailard D.A.D.S. Campout 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 4:00 PM

Ralph Dailard Elementary School

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32nd Annual Breakfast with Industry at UCSD

Wed, Oct 28 • 7:00 AM

Price Center - East Ballroom at UCSD

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SOLIXEmpower 2026 San Diego

Wed, Oct 28 • 8:00 AM

Qualcomm Institute

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Noise Complaints Presents: The Haunted Factory

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

The Soap Factory

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聖地亞哥 San Diego | 讚美之泉敬拜讚美節慶

Sat, Nov 14 • 7:00 PM

聖地亞哥西區主恩堂 LWBC

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thursday • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:30 AM GMT+4

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Eleve'

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

750 Sixth Ave

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San Diego Speed Dating Ages 55-69 | 3 MEN'S SPOTS LEFT, SOLD OUT FOR WOMEN

Tomorrow • 4:00 PM

Ballast Point Brewing

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Fashionable Halloween

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

North Park Recreation Center

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Puras Quebraditas en el Rancho

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Rancho La Laguna, Sunset Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA

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SOULEIL: Tortured Soul Live with DJ ALA, Cris Herrera + more

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Quartyard

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SOULEIL 16 Year Anniversary: Tortured Soul Live

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Quartyard

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Flamenco Intimo at Charade

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Charade Speakeasy

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Halloween Costume Paw-ty

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

Pure Pawsh

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Eleve'

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM

750 Sixth Ave

Check ticket price on event

San Diego Speed Dating Ages 55-69 | 3 MEN'S SPOTS LEFT, SOLD OUT FOR WOMEN

Tomorrow • 4:00 PM

Ballast Point Brewing

Check ticket price on event

Fashionable Halloween

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

North Park Recreation Center

Check ticket price on event

Puras Quebraditas en el Rancho

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Rancho La Laguna, Sunset Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA

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SOULEIL: Tortured Soul Live with DJ ALA, Cris Herrera + more

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Quartyard

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SOULEIL 16 Year Anniversary: Tortured Soul Live

Tomorrow • 3:00 PM

Quartyard

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Flamenco Intimo at Charade

Tomorrow • 6:30 PM

Charade Speakeasy

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Halloween Costume Paw-ty

Tomorrow • 12:00 PM

Pure Pawsh

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Frequently asked questions about San Diego

Where can I find live music events in San Diego?

Major concerts happen at venues like the House of Blues San Diego and The Observatory North Park. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a popular waterfront option for symphony performances. Many smaller bars in North Park also host live music events.

What are some good spots for comedy shows in the Gaslamp Quarter?

The Gaslamp Quarter is the city's hub for comedy clubs. The Mad House Comedy Club features national headliners and open mic nights, while American Comedy Co. offers a more intimate speakeasy setting. Both venues are central to the neighborhood's nightlife.

Are there any notable food and drink events in San Diego?

San Diego hosts major annual food and drink festivals. The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival brings culinary experts to the waterfront, and the bi-annual San Diego Restaurant Week offers special menus. Food halls like Little Italy Food Hall also hold smaller pop-up food events.

How can I find free things to do outdoors?

Many outdoor gatherings in San Diego are free to attend. Consider visiting a neighborhood farmers market like the one in Ocean Beach, which includes live music. Exploring the public art and murals in Barrio Logan is another great free activity.

Which neighborhood is best for nightlife and entertainment events?

The Gaslamp Quarter is downtown's primary entertainment district. The historic 16-block area is packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs. It's also home to venues like the Balboa Theatre, making it a hub for a wide array of nightlife events.

What kind of family-friendly activities does Balboa Park offer?

Balboa Park hosts large-scale community festivals suitable for families. The park is a central location for the annual San Diego Pride festival and hosts the large December Nights event, which transforms the grounds with festive activities and entertainment.

Does San Diego have recurring art and artisan markets?

Yes, several neighborhoods host regular artisan markets. The Gaslamp Artisan Market happens weekly, showcasing handcrafted goods and art. The farmers markets in Hillcrest and Ocean Beach also feature local artists alongside food vendors, blending commerce with creativity.

What are some date night ideas in Little Italy?

Little Italy offers a romantic and walkable atmosphere for a date night. Start with dinner at one of the many restaurants, visit the Little Italy Food Hall, or browse the large Little Italy Mercato farmers market on a Saturday for a daytime date.

Explore by neighborhood

Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Jodi Picoult discussing HOLLOW BONES

The Music of Ennio Morricone: A Candlelit Piano & Strings Experience

The Creepy Retreat: Thriller Book Lover's Weekend with Bestselling Authors

Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Jodi Picoult discussing HOLLOW BONES

The Music of Ennio Morricone: A Candlelit Piano & Strings Experience

The Creepy Retreat: Thriller Book Lover's Weekend with Bestselling Authors

After 8pm

Eli-Mac with Cruz Roots and Lowtide

Sabbat Halloween • Spin San Diego

Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Bachata Sensual Festival SoCal 2026

Eli-Mac with Cruz Roots and Lowtide

Sabbat Halloween • Spin San Diego

Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Bachata Sensual Festival SoCal 2026

Popular in San Diego

STUDIO SESSIONS presents CURE FOR PARANOIA

Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Touching Minds Shaping Futures XXXVIII

Dailard D.A.D.S. Campout 2026

32nd Annual Breakfast with Industry at UCSD

SOLIXEmpower 2026 San Diego

Noise Complaints Presents: The Haunted Factory

聖地亞哥 San Diego | 讚美之泉敬拜讚美節慶

STUDIO SESSIONS presents CURE FOR PARANOIA

Holistic Healing Expo - San Diego, October 10-11, 10 am - 6 pm

Touching Minds Shaping Futures XXXVIII

Dailard D.A.D.S. Campout 2026

32nd Annual Breakfast with Industry at UCSD

SOLIXEmpower 2026 San Diego

Noise Complaints Presents: The Haunted Factory

聖地亞哥 San Diego | 讚美之泉敬拜讚美節慶

Online Events

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Witch hunts and real lives

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Biodiversity Law and Governance Day 2026

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Witch hunts and real lives

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Lean Global Connection 2026

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Eleve'

San Diego Speed Dating Ages 55-69 | 3 MEN'S SPOTS LEFT, SOLD OUT FOR WOMEN

Fashionable Halloween

Puras Quebraditas en el Rancho

SOULEIL: Tortured Soul Live with DJ ALA, Cris Herrera + more

SOULEIL 16 Year Anniversary: Tortured Soul Live

Flamenco Intimo at Charade

Halloween Costume Paw-ty

Eleve'

San Diego Speed Dating Ages 55-69 | 3 MEN'S SPOTS LEFT, SOLD OUT FOR WOMEN

Fashionable Halloween

Puras Quebraditas en el Rancho

SOULEIL: Tortured Soul Live with DJ ALA, Cris Herrera + more

SOULEIL 16 Year Anniversary: Tortured Soul Live

Flamenco Intimo at Charade

Halloween Costume Paw-ty

Points of Interest near San Diego

Where can I find live music events in San Diego?

What are some good spots for comedy shows in the Gaslamp Quarter?

Are there any notable food and drink events in San Diego?

How can I find free things to do outdoors?

Which neighborhood is best for nightlife and entertainment events?

What kind of family-friendly activities does Balboa Park offer?

Does San Diego have recurring art and artisan markets?

What are some date night ideas in Little Italy?