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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2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Liberty Station

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For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

Sunday • 11:00 AM

SideYard Coffee

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Bonnie Garmus discussing PECK & PECK

Sun, Nov 15 • 4:00 PM

Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice

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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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2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Liberty Station

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For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

Sunday • 11:00 AM

SideYard Coffee

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Bonnie Garmus discussing PECK & PECK

Sun, Nov 15 • 4:00 PM

Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice

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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

Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

El After Social Club

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Kyle Smith with JWADI

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

The Harp

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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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Adam Hawley Christmas in San Diego

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:00 PM

Restoration Church

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Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

El After Social Club

Check ticket price on event

Kyle Smith with JWADI

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

The Harp

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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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Adam Hawley Christmas in San Diego

Fri, Nov 20 • 8:00 PM

Restoration Church

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Popular in San Diego

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Fit Yoga at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Saturday • 9:30 AM

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

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2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Liberty Station

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Wescon Regional Cheer and Dance Championship

Sunday • 7:00 AM

San Diego Convention Center

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San Diego Anime Convention 2026

Fri, Nov 13 • 3:00 PM

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego - Mission Valley

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ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Fashion Valley x Honor Pilates

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 AM

Vuori Fashion Valley

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SoulSearch San Diego Enlightenment Expo - Psychic & Healing Fair

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 AM

Marina Village Conference Center

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Book Lovers Holiday Market - presented by You Should Read

Sat, Dec 5 • 10:00 AM

Liberty Public Market

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Chick-fil-A Ocean View Hills Winter Wonderland

Sat, Dec 5 • 3:00 PM

Chick-fil-A Ocean View Hills

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Fit Yoga at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Saturday • 9:30 AM

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

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2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Liberty Station

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Wescon Regional Cheer and Dance Championship

Sunday • 7:00 AM

San Diego Convention Center

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San Diego Anime Convention 2026

Fri, Nov 13 • 3:00 PM

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego - Mission Valley

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ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Fashion Valley x Honor Pilates

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 AM

Vuori Fashion Valley

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SoulSearch San Diego Enlightenment Expo - Psychic & Healing Fair

Sat, Nov 21 • 10:00 AM

Marina Village Conference Center

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Book Lovers Holiday Market - presented by You Should Read

Sat, Dec 5 • 10:00 AM

Liberty Public Market

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Chick-fil-A Ocean View Hills Winter Wonderland

Sat, Dec 5 • 3:00 PM

Chick-fil-A Ocean View Hills

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Online Events

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Can You Read Cursive? Transcribing Chattel Enslavement Archives

Today • 6:30 PM EST

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Saturday • 10:00 AM GMT

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Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross

Tuesday • 7:00 PM GMT

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wed, Nov 11 • 7:30 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Can You Read Cursive? Transcribing Chattel Enslavement Archives

Today • 6:30 PM EST

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Saturday • 10:00 AM GMT

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Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross

Tuesday • 7:00 PM GMT

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wed, Nov 11 • 7:30 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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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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Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

El After Social Club

Check ticket price on event

Kyle Smith with JWADI

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

The Harp

Check ticket price on event

San Diego Plant Bingo

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Societe Brewing Company

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Victory At Sea Day 2026

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Ballast Point Brewing

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San Diego Singles Event: Speed Dating (Ages 22-30) at Coffee Shop

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Subterranean Coffee

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Trauma Recovery as a Spiritual Journey: The Healing Power of Compassion

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Pacific Beach Christian Church

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For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

Sunday • 11:00 AM

SideYard Coffee

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San Diego Singles Speed Dating Ages 40-54 [ ONLY 1 MEN'S TICKETS LEFT]

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Ballast Point Brewing

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Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

El After Social Club

Check ticket price on event

Kyle Smith with JWADI

Tomorrow • 8:00 PM

The Harp

Check ticket price on event

San Diego Plant Bingo

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

Societe Brewing Company

Check ticket price on event

Victory At Sea Day 2026

Saturday • 12:00 PM

Ballast Point Brewing

Check ticket price on event

San Diego Singles Event: Speed Dating (Ages 22-30) at Coffee Shop

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Subterranean Coffee

Check ticket price on event

Trauma Recovery as a Spiritual Journey: The Healing Power of Compassion

Saturday • 9:30 AM

Pacific Beach Christian Church

Check ticket price on event

For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

Sunday • 11:00 AM

SideYard Coffee

Check ticket price on event

San Diego Singles Speed Dating Ages 40-54 [ ONLY 1 MEN'S TICKETS LEFT]

Sunday • 4:00 PM

Ballast Point Brewing

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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

2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

Bonnie Garmus discussing PECK & PECK

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

2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

Bonnie Garmus discussing PECK & PECK

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

After 8pm

Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Kyle Smith with JWADI

Bachata Sensual Festival SoCal 2026

Adam Hawley Christmas in San Diego

Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Kyle Smith with JWADI

Bachata Sensual Festival SoCal 2026

Adam Hawley Christmas in San Diego

Popular in San Diego

Fit Yoga at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

Wescon Regional Cheer and Dance Championship

San Diego Anime Convention 2026

ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Fashion Valley x Honor Pilates

SoulSearch San Diego Enlightenment Expo - Psychic & Healing Fair

Book Lovers Holiday Market - presented by You Should Read

Chick-fil-A Ocean View Hills Winter Wonderland

Fit Yoga at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

2026 Great Big Family Play Day San Diego presented by Tonies

Wescon Regional Cheer and Dance Championship

San Diego Anime Convention 2026

ACTV Studio IRL: Vuori Fashion Valley x Honor Pilates

SoulSearch San Diego Enlightenment Expo - Psychic & Healing Fair

Book Lovers Holiday Market - presented by You Should Read

Chick-fil-A Ocean View Hills Winter Wonderland

Online Events

Can You Read Cursive? Transcribing Chattel Enslavement Archives

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Lean Global Connection 2026

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Can You Read Cursive? Transcribing Chattel Enslavement Archives

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Managing Your Emotions - Prof Ethan Kross

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Lean Global Connection 2026

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

This Weekend

Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Kyle Smith with JWADI

San Diego Plant Bingo

Victory At Sea Day 2026

San Diego Singles Event: Speed Dating (Ages 22-30) at Coffee Shop

Trauma Recovery as a Spiritual Journey: The Healing Power of Compassion

For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

San Diego Singles Speed Dating Ages 40-54 [ ONLY 1 MEN'S TICKETS LEFT]

Deftones fan meet up / comedy night

Kyle Smith with JWADI

San Diego Plant Bingo

Victory At Sea Day 2026

San Diego Singles Event: Speed Dating (Ages 22-30) at Coffee Shop

Trauma Recovery as a Spiritual Journey: The Healing Power of Compassion

For New Friends: Coffee + Conversation Cards with The Skin Deep

San Diego Singles Speed Dating Ages 40-54 [ ONLY 1 MEN'S TICKETS LEFT]

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?