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Next Weekend · Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6
Things to Do in San Diego Next Weekend
Plan ahead for next weekend in San Diego. 71 events on the calendar plus the evergreen playbook locals follow.
Get ahead of next weekend
Book dinner now
The best Saturday-night tables in Little Italy, North Park, and the Gaslamp are gone by Wednesday. If you're planning next weekend, reserve tonight.
Best restaurantsPadres or concerts?
Check the Padres schedule and concert calendar. Petco Park home games and major tours sell out closer to game day; buy tickets now if either is on the list.
Padres ticketsPlan a day trip
Next weekend is the perfect window for Julian apple pie, Temecula wine, or a Valle de Guadalupe lunch. Book the driver or designated navigator now.
12 best day tripsBeach logistics
Parking at La Jolla Cove, Sunset Cliffs, and Coronado fills 45–60 minutes before peak. Plan a morning arrival or use rideshare to avoid the hunt.
Beach guideEvents next weekend
Dated events for the upcoming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets are usually cheaper earlier in the week.
Friday, Sep 4
Materials Lab: Paper
The New Children's Museum · Downtown
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Toddler Time
The New Children's Museum · Downtown
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Park and Beach Calendar (15)
Coronado · Coronado
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Nat at Night
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
On Fridays, the San Diego Natural History Museum is open until 11 PM just for you. Enjoy access to all open exhibitions and our rooftop deck for good views and great vibes. The rooftop is open to all visitors and serves beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks , and food from Wolf in the Woods. Take a selfie with a megalodon shark, see scientists at work in our Paleo Center , admire glittering gems, get a close up look at spiders and snakes, and so much more. Best of all, get a look at our brand-new exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea and grab a drink in the dive bar while chatting with a s
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San Diego Padres vs. New York Yankees
Petco Park · East Village
Padres home game at Petco Park against the New York Yankees — first pitch 6:40 PM.
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Salsa Under the Stars w/ Manny Cepeda Orchestra Quartet
San Diego
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Club 90's Presents Ariana Grande Night
San Diego
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Waterfront Camping, Live Music and Family Fun Labor Day Weekend
2211 Pacific Beach Drive San Diego CA 92109
Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending. Families looking to squeeze in one more summer camping getaway can spend Labor Day Weekend along the shores of Mission Bay. Campland on the Bay and Mission Bay RV Resort will welcome campers September 4–7, 2026, for a long weekend of waterfront camping, live entertainment, outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities. Campsites are still…
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Artist Leslie Pierce- And Something Different Studio Gallery
San Diego
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The Famous Mad House Weekend Showcase Special
The Madhouse Comedy Club · Gaslamp Quarter
Stand-up comedy at The Madhouse Comedy Club in San Diego on 2026-09-04 at 8:00 PM.
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Gaslamp Experience 10 CLUBS IN 1 NIGHT
San Diego
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Pacific Beach Experience Party Pass 5+ CLUBS IN 1 NIGHT
San Diego
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Fngrs Crssd X Known Unknown: Partiboi69
San Diego
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Super Nacho
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$8
Karaoke Night
Diversionary Theatre · University Heights
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Sing your heart out, icon! Grab friends and warm up those vocal chords for a fun night of singing all your faves! And don’t forget your tips! It's all going down on the ruby red stage, see you there!</p> <p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This event is FREE!</p>
$
BETAMAXX, So Madonna - Madonna Tribute
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$21
Alex Bergan, Sutton James, Justin Rodriguez, Jesse Lamonaca
The Casbah · Little Italy
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Party in the Park
100 Park Blvd. San Diego CA 92101
Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending. City Connect Fridays return to Petco Park, and every Friday home game, it’s a Party in the Park, presented by Southwest Airlines! Starting from the time gates open until first pitch (approximately 4-6:30 PM), join us for a pregame happy hour in the fully transformed Gallagher Square where fans can enjoy drink specials starting at $5, live…
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Ni Mi Madre - Trans & GNC Community Night
Diversionary Theatre · University Heights
<p>Trans & GNC Community Night is Friday, Sept 4 at 7 PM! Get read for a dedicated theater night for our trans and gender-nonconforming community. Get $35 tickets to see <em>Ni Mi Madre</em> with code TRANSGNC26. After the show, join us for a lively discussion on queer Latinidad with trans performance scholar Dr. M. Myrta Leslie Santana (UCSD).</p>
$
Justin Rodriguez / Jesse Lamonaca / Sutton James / Aly Rowell
The Casbah · Little Italy
Justin Rodriguez / Jesse Lamonaca / Sutton James / Aly Rowell live at The Casbah in San Diego on 2026-09-04.
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Saturday, Sep 5
North Park Community Fair: Crafted by Hand
3793 30th St. San Diego CA 92104
Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. North Park Way (29th St. to Ray St.) Free Admission | All Ages | Dog Friendly Verbatim Books and the North Park Community Fair are taking over North Park Way for a full day of creating and getting your hands a little messy. Crafted by Hand is a hands-on community craft event where every booth, ran by local creatives and…
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Storytime Studio
The New Children's Museum · Downtown
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Substack 101: From Setup to Your First Post
2730 Historic Decatur Rd #204 San Diego CA 92106
Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending. Have a story to tell or an audience you’ve been meaning to build? This hands-on workshop gets you up and running on Substack — a powerful platform that puts your writing directly in readers’ inboxes, no algorithm required. No Substack yet? We’ll build one together — name, bio, and theme. Then we’ll write and publish your first post, so you…
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Julian Grape Stomp Festa
Menghini Winery · Julian
Old-fashioned wine grape stomping party.
$20+
House of Ukraine Lawn Program
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
Celebrate Ukrainian culture with a day full of music, dance, and delicious traditional food! Food Court (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.): Treat yourself to famous Ukrainian varenyky (potato & cheese), kovbasa sandwich, fresh salads, hand-made cookies, watermelon, ice cream, and cotton candy! Lawn Program (2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.): Enjoy an exciting lineup of performances featuring: • Special guests – Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre (Calgary, AB, Canada) • Chervona Kalyna Dance Group (Los Angeles) • Namysto Dance Group • The Beacons of Light (children’s vocal group) • Vydelka (Ukrainian/American ethnic m
Free
Chanoyu Tea Ceremony Demonstrations
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
Join us Monthly to experience Chanoyu through our monthly demonstrations: Location: Exhibit Hall Date : 9/5, 10/3, 11/7 Time: 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM (Each demonstration lasts about 30mins) Ticket: JFGM Member - $10 / Non-member - $15 Urasenke will serve you tea and Japanese sweets. *Registration required, does not include admission. To purchase admission, please click here
$10.00 – $15.00
Ukrainian Festival & Free Lawn Program
667 Pan American Rd W San Diego CA 92101
Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending. House of Ukraine, part of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, presents Ukrainian Festival 2026. Celebrate Ukrainian culture with a day full of music, dance, and delicious traditional food! Food Court (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.): Traditional Ukrainian homemade food will be sold. Treat yourself to potato and cheese varenyky with sour…
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Del Mar Powwow
Del Mar Fairgrounds · Del Mar
Kumeyaay-led intertribal powwow with dancing and food.
Free
Sona Movsesian
925 W. Washington St. San Diego CA 92103
Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending. Join Library Shop favorite and co-host of the Conan Needs A Friend podcast, Sona Movsesian, as she shares absolutely terrible parenting advice from her new book, "THE WORLD’S WORST MOM." Sona’s visit will be a fun brunch hour of questionable parenting, baby races, and virgin mimosas, followed by a book talk and signing. This is a fun day out…
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Sunset Cliffs Music Festival
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park · Point Loma
Local bands play reggae, rock, and surf rock on a cliffside stage with ocean views. Food trucks and vendor village.
$25–$45
Tequila & Mezcal Festival
Waterfront Park · Downtown
100+ agave spirits with cocktail demos and taco pairings.
$65–$145
San Diego Padres vs. New York Yankees
Petco Park · East Village
Padres home game at Petco Park against the New York Yankees — first pitch 4:15 PM.
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SDSU Aztec Football vs. Portland State University Football
San Diego
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It's Just Noize Presents HEATWAVE HORIZONS 20226
San Diego
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Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, and Dizzy Gillespie at The Shell: A Night in Tunisia and More
San Diego
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SDSU Football Home Opener
Snapdragon Stadium · Mission Valley
San Diego State Aztecs open the season at home.
$25+
SDSU Aztecs Football vs Utah State
Snapdragon Stadium · Mission Valley
SDSU Aztecs home opener under the lights.
$25–$95
The Charlatans UK - North American Tour 2026
House of Blues San Diego · Downtown
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The Famous Mad House Weekend Showcase Special
The Madhouse Comedy Club · Gaslamp Quarter
Stand-up comedy at The Madhouse Comedy Club in San Diego on 2026-09-05 at 8:00 PM.
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Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, ZB Savoy
Belly Up Tavern · Solana Beach
$27
Reason to Rebel / Fenix*TX
The Casbah · Little Italy
Reason to Rebel / Fenix*TX live at The Casbah in San Diego on 2026-09-05.
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OHGEESY / Lou Deezi / Lil Maru / Bravo the Bagchaser / Peysoh / Malaynah / 03 Greedo / Mike Sherm
Viejas Arena · College Area
OHGEESY / Lou Deezi / Lil Maru / Bravo the Bagchaser / Peysoh / Malaynah / 03 Greedo / Mike Sherm live at Viejas Arena in San Diego on 2026-09-05.
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Sunday, Sep 6
A Space for All of Us
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
Sensory-Friendly Quiet Mornings at the Museum The Museum's sensory-friendly quiet hours are held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This time is dedicated to creating a calmer, quieter museum experience. We remain open to the public during this time, and all are welcome to visit the Museum. During this time, specific exhibit features in the main Museum building will be turned off to minimize audio and visual stimulation. Noise-blocking headphones are free for check-out at the main Admissions desk and the entrance to the Cannibals: Myth & Reality exhibition, Exhibit features in the Cannibals:
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Begin Again
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
Based on the film written and directed by John Carney Book by Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy Music and lyrics by Train Music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Brian Usifer Choreography by David Neumann Directed by Lorin Latarro Based on the Exclusive Media motion picture Begin Again Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage Old Globe Theatre Conrad Prebys Theatre Center When Gretta, a gifted but heartbroken songwriter, crosses paths with Dan, a record producer on the brink of burnout, their chance encounter sparks an unexpected collaboration that transforms them both. Begin Aga
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Del Mar Racing Season Closing Day
Del Mar Racetrack · Del Mar
Closing day of summer meet with fireworks.
$10+
Materials Lab: Paper
The New Children's Museum · Downtown
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Bounce House
3796 Fifth Ave San Diego CA 92103
Dates and times of events are subject to change without notice. Always check the event organizer's website for the most updated schedule before attending. SUNDAY FUNDAY, NO WORK MONDAY! Sun. Sept. 6, @djmyyon and @skellltin will be pumping nothing but bass heavy beats for the ultimate Sunday Funday, no work Monday, basement party. If you got a twerk in your heart, this is your moment! Ghetto Tech Jersey Club Twerk NOLA Bounce Visit: https://thebrassrailsd.com/
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Sunday Concert
Balboa Park · Balboa Park
SUNDAY CONCERTS A relaxed and fun way to enjoy one of San Diego´s most iconic venues. One hour performances all year-round shine or rain.
Free
The Mad House Favorites Show!
The Madhouse Comedy Club · Gaslamp Quarter
Stand-up comedy at The Madhouse Comedy Club in San Diego on 2026-09-06 at 8:00 PM.
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DJ Saul Q / Chulita Vinyl Club
The Casbah · Little Italy
DJ Saul Q / Chulita Vinyl Club live at The Casbah in San Diego on 2026-09-06.
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The no-fail next weekend plan
If the event calendar is light, this is the highest-hit-rate two-day itinerary. It works for first-timers, locals hosting guests, and anyone who wants the classic San Diego weekend.
Saturday
- Morning: Little Italy Mercato (8am–2pm) for coffee, breakfast tacos, and people-watching.
- Afternoon: Balboa Park — pick two museums or just walk the gardens.
- Golden hour: Sunset Cliffs or Mt. Soledad.
- Evening: Dinner in Little Italy or a rooftop bar before a show.
Sunday
- Brunch: Morning Glory, Snooze, or Great Maple. Book ahead.
- Morning: La Jolla Cove for sea lions and the coastal walk.
- Afternoon: Zoo or Coronado Beach.
- Evening: Early dinner in Gaslamp or a quiet night in Coronado.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do in San Diego next weekend?
Start by checking the live event calendar for next weekend, then layer in evergreen moves: Saturday morning at Little Italy Mercato, Saturday afternoon at Balboa Park, Saturday sunset at Sunset Cliffs, a Saturday night dinner reservation, and Sunday brunch. Book dinner by Wednesday for the best tables.
When should I book a restaurant for next weekend in San Diego?
Most hot reservations open 30 days out on Resy and OpenTable. For next weekend, book by Wednesday at the latest — the best Saturday slots in Little Italy, North Park, and the Gaslamp are usually gone by Thursday.
What's the weather like next weekend in San Diego?
San Diego averages 68–72°F year-round. In May/June, morning marine layer can linger until noon. July through October is the clearest. Winter weekends are crisp but sunny. Check our weather-by-month guide for seasonal specifics.
Are there family-friendly things to do next weekend?
Yes — the Zoo or Safari Park (pick one), Legoland, SeaWorld, the New Children's Museum, Belmont Park, and Coronado Beach all run weekends. If Padres are home, a Sunday afternoon game is a great family move.
Where should I stay next weekend in San Diego?
Little Italy and the Gaslamp are best for walkable dining and nightlife. Coronado is best for a beach resort weekend. La Jolla is ideal for a quieter, upscale weekend. Mission Bay and Pacific Beach suit families and active groups. See our best-area-to-stay guide.
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About this guide
Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .