Here are some of the best things to do this week in San Diego, from Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3.
Check back Wednesday for our guide to things to do this weekend.
Monday
San Diego County Fair: This year’s fair theme is “Once Upon A Fair,” and attendees can expect the usual classic activities, such as carnival games, amusement park rides, livestock shows and various concerts. Some of the new food items include a Korean churro, a cinnamon crunch cheesecake rice crispy cone and a crispy chicken shawarma wrap. There will also be a variety of cultural events. Through July 5. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com
Mission Beach World Cup watch parties: San Diego FC and Fit Social are teaming up to host watch parties during the first four days of the World Cup at Belmont Park. Watch parties are free to attend, but attendees are asked to RSVP. 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego. 858-228-9283, sandiegofc.com/club/fifa-world-cup
“America at 250: San Diego 1776-2026: San Diego History Center has opened an ongoing exhibit celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary from a local perspective, with more than 100 objects revealing the people, places and moments that shaped San Diego’s history from a Spanish settlement to a frontier town to the vibrant city it is today. 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, Balboa Park, San Diego. 619-232-6203, sandiegohistory.org
Free Valley Vibes concerts: Mission Valley Mall’s free Valley Vibes summer concert series continues at 5 p.m. June 29 with Orion Song featuring ukulele, R&B and pop; 5 p.m. July 1 with David Rosales featuring surf rock, folk Americana and country music; and 3 p.m. July 4 with Freddie Walton featuring soul, blues, folk, pop and beach vibe. The free concerts are from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 7. Visit mission-valley.com/event/38454-valley-vibes-summer-concert-series.
Tuesday
Mexico World Cup watch party: Frontwave Arena is among the many venues hosting World Cup Watch parties. Tuesday, fans can cheer on Mexico. There will be raffles and giveaways, as well as inflatables and health screenings by sponsor TrueCare. RSVP online. 6 p.m. Tuesday. PALA Casino Starlight Lounge, West Side of Frontwave Arena, near San Diego Zoo Safari Park Plaza. Free. frontwavearena.com/events/detail/fifa-world-cup-2026-mexico-round-of-32-watch-party
“Measure for Measure”: The Old Globe presents an outdoor production of William Shakespeare’s drama about complications that arise when a duke leaves his community in the hands of a puritanical deputy with twisted morals. 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.Through July 12. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $38 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
“Where the Sea Meets the Sky”: San Diego artists Ira Cosmos, Karen Haub and Elena Miller are hosting a joint exhibition of their nature-inspired work, including ceramics, paintings and mixed-media pieces. Opens Tuesday and runs through July 13. Reception, 3-5 p.m. July 5. Gallery 21, Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park, San Diego. 858-668-8301.
Wednesday
Navy Band Southwest: The Navy Band Southwest Wind Ensemble, one of seven ensembles within the Navy’s oldest musical organization, will perform a free public concert at the Embarcadero. The performance will feature a mix of classics and solo band showcases in commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. 7 p.m. Wednesday. 999 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. Free. cnrsw.cnic.navy.mil/About/Navy-Band
An’s Gelato giveaway: To celebrate being named America’s No. 2 ice cream shop in a USA Today contest last month, the San Diego company’s restaurants in Normal Heights, Ocean Beach and Del Mar will give away one free scoop in a cup or cone per person from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, while supplies last. The shops will close at 3 p.m. to give employees the evening off. For locations, visit ansgelato.com.
Team USA World Cup watch party: Frontwave Arena is among the many venues hosting World Cup Watch parties. Fans can cheer on the U.S. on Wednesday. There will be raffles and giveaways, as well as inflatables and health screenings by sponsor TrueCare. RSVP online. 5 p.m. Wednesday. PALA Casino Starlight Lounge, West Side of Frontwave Arena, near San Diego Zoo Safari Park Plaza. Free. frontwavearena.com/events/detail/fifa-world-cup-2026-usa-round-of-32-watch-party
Cajon Cruise Celebrating America’s 250th with American Muscle: On Wednesdays this summer, downtown El Cajon will be the location for a weekly car show. Each week has a different theme, including American Muscle on July 1. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Downtown El Cajon at Main Street and Magnolia Avenue. Free. sandiegoassociationofcarclubs.org
Fourth of July Carnival: The National City Lions Club and the City are hosting the annual Fourth of July Carnival from Wednesday to Sunday at Kimball Park. The carnival features rides and games, food and drink and entertainment. The Miss National City Pageant is slated for 7 p.m. July 3. There will be fireworks at the park at 9 p.m. Saturday. 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to midnight Saturday and 1 to 11 p.m. Sunday. 12th and D streets. nationalcityca.gov.
‘American Rhythm’ now playing in Coronado: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Lamb’s Players Theatre has revived its high-energy musical celebration of 100 years of American music, from ragtime to swing, jazz and rock and roll. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 27. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $48-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
“The Most Happy Fella”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents an intimate production of Frank Loesser’s 1956 musical about an aging vineyard farmer who falls for a much-younger woman and uses deception to win her heart. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Sunday. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Suite D, Solana Beach. $68.50-$90.50. northcoastrep.org
“The SpongeBob Musical”: Cygnet Theatre presents this musical comedy based on the animated TV series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through July 12. Joseph Clayes III Theater at The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $54 and up for adults. Children 5 to 15 are half-off. No children under 5 will be admitted. cygnettheatre.org
Thursday
Honky Tonk Night: The local award-winning band Brawley will play at the San Diego Botanic Garden as part of the Summer Nights series. There will also be family friendly activities and a chance to enjoy the gardens at night. Doors open at 4 p.m. 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday. San Diego Botanical Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas $20 for adults, $12 for ages 3-17, $10 for members, $5 for youth members, free for 3 and under. sdbg.org/exhibitions-public-programs/summer-nights
“The Rise & Fall of Little Voice”: Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents Jim Cartwright’s play about a shy teen who finds her voice imitating the singing styles of Judy Garland and others. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Through July 3. 10th Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown. $15-$50. 760-975-7189. backyardrenaissance.com
Free concert at Fletcher Cove: The Concerts at the Cove series, hosted by the city of Solana Beach and the Belly Up, features local musicians. The Thursday concert features Betamaxx from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Atomic Groove from 6 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. The public is encouraged to bring low-back beach chairs, ground cover and picnics. No alcohol, tobacco, pets or personal barbecues are allowed during concerts. 6 to 7:45 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 6. Fletcher Cove Park stage, 111 S. Sierra Ave., San Diego. cityofsolanabeach.org.
“Hairspray”: New Village Arts presents the musical comedy about a spunky 1960s Baltimore teen aiming to integrate the city’s TV dance party show. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through July 19. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $35-$70. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
“Decoding DaVinci”: ArtPower at UCSD presents this interactive, mystery-solving experiential theater show, where groups of ticket-holders will explore the campus deciphering codes, uncovering hidden symbols and outwitting enemies to solve a Renaissance-style mystery. Tours take place beginning at 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through July 19. UCSD, La Jolla. $30-$40. artpower.ucsd.edu/decoding-davinci
Discovery Days at mall: Discovery Days with free family-friendly entertainment and activities are back. On Thursday, a patriotic celebration will feature Captain America and vocal performances by the Star-Spangled Sisters along with a patriotic bracelet craft in honor of Independence Day. 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays throughout July at The Forum Carlsbad, 1923 Calle Barcelona, in the garden area near Yeti. theforumcarlsbad.com.
Friday
Lakehouse Resort Carnival: The Lakehouse Resort will host its annual family carnival on Lake San Marcos, open to both hotel guests and the public. The event will include carnival food, games and rides, along with contests and family-friendly activities. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Lakehouse Resort, 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. $5 for adults. Free admission for children 10 and under. thelakehouseresort.com/Independence-Day-Carnival
Fireworks show: Mira Mesa will throw its own Fourth of July celebration on Friday. The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. over Wangenheim Middle School, 9230 Gold Coast Drive. A community picnic is from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Hourglass Field Community Park, 10440 Black Mountain Road. A car show will be in the parking lot on the north side of the field. There will be food trucks, vendor and craft booths. Admission is free. miramesatowncouncil.org/fourth-of-july
Oceanside fireworks and drone display: Gates open at 4 p.m. for the celebration of Independence Day, America’s Semiquincentennial and the 138th anniversary of the City’s incorporation on July 3, 1888. There will be family-friendly lawn games and crafts along with food trucks. At 6 p.m., a DJ will start spinning dance music. Parking at the SoCal Soccer lot is $15 per car; parking lot entry closes 8 p.m. Free parking at Ocean Ranch Business Park. RVs and buses are not permitted. Picnics allowed; but no alcohol or dogs. From 8 to 10 p.m. July 3, Rancho Del Oro will be closed from Oceanside Boulevard to Mesa Drive and Ocean Ranch Boulevard will be closed from Rancho Del Oro to Corporate Centre Drive. 9 p.m. Friday. SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon, 3300 El Corazon Drive. ci.oceanside.ca.us.
Lemon Grove celebrates 250: The City of Lemon Grove will host a celebration in a local park featuring vendors, games, live music and more. “The Sandlot” will be shown at 7:45 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets. 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 3. Treganza Park, 3200 Main St., Lemon Grove. Free. lemongrove.ca.gov/parks-events
Anchored in Freedom: Liberty Station will host a community celebration for the 250th and to recognize the nation’s Navy history. The day will start with the Fleek Week 5K, followed by a parade along Cushing Road from 1 to 3 p.m. A community festival from 3 to 5 p.m. will feature a chicken wing-eating contest, live music from the Navy Band and other family-friendly activities. July 3. Liberty Station, San Diego. libertystation.com/events/freedom-parade
How San Diego County is celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States
“Boy My Greatness”: Loud Fridge Theatre Group presents the West Coast premiere of Zoe Senese-Grossberg’s play that explores how male actors played women’s roles in the plays of Shakespeare and others during the 1500s and 1600s. Preview, 8 p.m. Friday. Opens Sunday and runs through July 19. 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Loud Fridge at Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Rolando. Free; donations of any amount encourage. loudfridge.com
San Diego Symphony presents ‘Blockbuster Broadway!’ at The Shell: The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Evan Roider, will present a musical celebration of the Great White Way at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The program features songs and music from the Broadway shows “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys,” “Cats,” “Chicago,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and more. Vocalists include Jessica Hendy, Alex Getlin, Scott Coulter and John Boswell. 7:30 p.m. Friday. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $39-$129. theshell.org
“Stories Worth Telling”: Photographer and painter Kim Hannan is featured in a solo exhibition of artworks that combine nature-inspired photography with impressionistic realism. The exhibit features paintings of the San Diego’s wildlife and botanical collections, as well as American and international landscapes. Opening reception, 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Runs through July 31. Hours, 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. East County Art Assocation Gallery 2, 124 Main St., El Cajon. kimhannanfineart.com
Street Level X Art Walk: Oceanside Museum of Art will host a free, all-ages reception in connection with the city’s art walk. There will be docent-led tours of the museum’s exhibits, artists’ work for sale, and cocktails for sale for ages 21 and up. 5-8 p.m. Fiday. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Free but RSVPs requested. oma-online.org/events/street-level-x-art-walk-jul-3/