Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Aug. 14 to Sunday, Aug. 16.
Friday
Entertainment
Early Birds Club: This touring event is described by organizers as “a dance party designed for women and gender-expansive folks that starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.” and “a judgment-free dance floor built on joy, kindness, and connection.” 6 p.m. Friday. musicboxsd.com/event/14988403/earlybirds-club-dance-party
North Park Film Festival: The North Park Film festival will cover a range of genres, lengths and styles of filmmaking throughout August, starting this Friday with shorts, continuing with abstract filmmaking and music videos. Each style will be presented at a different venue. northparkfilmfest.com
Music
“The Gershwins in Hollywood with Michael Feinstein”: The San Diego Symphony, conducted by Rob Fisher, will be joined by the New York singer-pianist Feinstein and vocalist Scarlett Strallen in a concert program of film score songs and music by brothers George and Ira Gershwin. 7:30 p.m. Friday. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. $39-$124. theshell.org
Theater
‘Hell’s Kitchen’ tour continues through Sunday: Broadway San Diego presents the national touring production of Alicia Keys’ musical loosely inspired by her adolescence in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. 8 p.m. today; 2 and 8 p.m Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $68 and up. ticketmaster.com
“Cyrano”: The Old Globe premieres Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 French play “Cyrano de Bergerac.” 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 23. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $44 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
“Scapin”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell’s zany adaptation of Molière’s 17th-century comedia delle-arte farce about a schemer who helps two young men marry the women of their dreams. 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday. Through Aug. 23. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $63.50-$85.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
“The Family Album”: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of this musical by MILCK, AG and Sam Chanse about an aspiring singer-songwriter whose responsibilities to her family put an unexpected roadblock in her life and career. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 23. Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $74 and up. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org
“Guys and Dolls”: Moonlight Stage Productions presents the classic 1950 Frank Loesser musical comedy about gamblers, showgirls and missionaries in 1930s Manhattan. 8 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Through Aug. 29. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $39.25 and up. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com
“Much Ado About Nothing”: The Old Globe presents Broadway veterans Tally Sessions and Eden Espinosa in William Shakespeare’s witty romance about two couples whose love is thwarted, one by pride and the other by jealousy. 8 p.m. Fridays through Sundays. Through Aug. 30. Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $38 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
“American Rhythm”: 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. Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 4. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $48-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org
Saturday
Communities
Lemon Festival: Downtown Chula Vista hosts its 29th annual celebration of the locally grown citrus. Third Avenue will be blocked off for lemon-themed events, including a lemon pie-eating contest, food booths, a street fair, two music stages, a kids zone, arts and crafts and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Third Avenue, from Madrona to E streets, Chula Vista. Free. downtownchulavista.com/events/lemon-festival
San Diego Dark Sky Festival: Locals can take time to appreciate the night sky and view the annual Perseid Meteor Shower at San Diego’s Dark Sky Festival. The event includes astronomy activities, telescope viewing, guest speakers, food vendors and other activities. 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday. Julian Union High School, 1656 State 78, Julian. Free for youths, $8 for adults. eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-dark-sky-festival-julian-ca-tickets-1990614010090
Museums
Balboa Park women’s history walking tour: Every third Saturday of the month, the San Diego History Center and Forever Balboa Park host a walking tour about the influence of women throughout history on Balboa Park. Before and after the tour, attendees can also learn about San Diego women in the museum’s galleries. Meet at the history center to start the tour. Register online. 10:30 a.m. Saturday. San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado, San Diego. $20. sandiegohistory.org/event/balboa-park-womens-history-tour-17
World Lizard Day: Living Coast Discovery Center is celebrating World Lizard Day Saturday and Sunday with a focus on the lizards and reptiles on exhibit. There will also be presentations throughout the day on eagles, sharks, rays and sea turtles, as well as a wildlife surprise and arts and crafts. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Living Coast Discovery Center, 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista. thelivingcoast.org/programs-events-upcoming-events/world-lizard-day/2026-08-15/
Bookstores
Women of the Weird West: Authors KC Grifant, Sarah Faxon and Jendia Gammon will discuss “Women of the Weird West,” a collection of speculative poems and short stories based in the old West. There will also be a Q&A and a signing. 2 p.m. Saturday. Mysterious Galaxy Books, 3555 Rosecrans St. Suite 107A, San Diego. mystgalaxy.com/62026Grifant
Bookstore Romance Day: San Diego’s romance bookstore, Meet Cute Romance Bookshop, will host a celebration of the genre with sales, giveaways and a prize wheel with $20 purchases. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Meet Cute Romance Bookshop, 8235 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. Free. meetcutebookshop.com/events/5983120260815
Trade shows
Monster Mall: Want to start spooky season early? Monster Mall will bring together more than 70 goth, spooky and pop culture vendors. All ages are invited to attend, and there will also be music, art and food. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Handlery Hotel San Diego, 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. Free. eventbrite.com/e/monster-mall-san-diego-tickets-1984724145346
San Diego Made Summer Market: This summer market will bring together more than 130 craft vendors and feature workshops, photo opportunities and workshops. It’s described as a family-friendly event and highlights local small businesses. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station. Free. sdmademarkets.com/summer-market-2026
Sports
USA Volleyball Women’s National Team: USA Volleyball will play against Canada in the first game of the new USA Volleyball Cup. 7 p.m. Saturday. University of San Diego’s Jenny Craig Pavilion, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego. Tickets start at $38.25. usdtoreros.evenue.net/event/SE26/USAVB
Open Air Yoga: Locals wanting to exercise and find peace among plants can participate in the Botanic Garden’s open air yoga sessions. Bring your own mat and sun protection to wear during an hour of gentle movement. Register by 5 p.m. Friday for a discounted rate. 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $17 for members and $20 for general public with pre-registration. tickets.sdbg.org/saturdayyogafy27/2766
Food and restaurants
Taste of New Orleans Food & Music Festival: For the sixth time, the Del Mar Racetrack will host a Taste of New Orleans festival featuring themed food and music. Guests can expect food options such as jambalaya, gumbo, po’boys and beignets, as well as live music from the Euphoria Brass Band. Tickets, which cover admission to the races and a track-side viewing area, also include drink samplers. 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $43. sdseventsusa.com/taste
Music
Rüfüs Du Sol: The Australian alternative dance music group will perform with special guest Ben Böhme. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. Sold out. mlb.com/padres/tickets/concerts/rufus-du-sol
“Waves of Harmony”: Pacific Coast Harmony chorus will present a concert of modern four-part a cappella harmony music from the Great American Songbook, Broadway, films and more. 2 p.m. Saturday. Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad. $25-$30. Reserve at treasurer@pacificcoastharmony.org.
Classical
“The Complete Brandenburgs (Part I)”: La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest presents J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-Flat Major, BWV 1051; Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048; Paul Wiancko’s Vox Petra; and J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major, BWV 1050. Featuring: Rebecca Albers, Doug Balliett, David Belkovski, Emi Ferguson, Coleman Itzkoff, Ela Kodžas, Ayane Kozasa, Daniel McCarthy, Aisslinn Nosky, Edson Scheid, and Paul Wiancko. 7 p.m. Saturday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall at the Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $75-$115. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org
Theater
“We Will Rock You”: New Village Arts presents the San Diego premiere of this Queen jukebox musical featuring characters inspired by some of the English rock band’s songs. Opens Saturday and runs through Sept. 20. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $45-$85. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
Sunday
Outdoors
Picnic with goats: Locals are invited to bring a picnic for a pen-side session where park rangers will talk about Nubian goats, animal care and 1860s ranch life. Participants will also get to interact with the goats and tour the historic ranch house. Noon to 1 p.m. Los Penasquitos Ranch House, Canyonside Park, San Diego. Free. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/285/1786906800000
Music
Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan: The country music stars are doubling up for the Double Down tour at Petco Park. The show includes special guests Gavin Adcock, Chase Matthew, Dee Jay Silver and DJ Rock. 4 p.m. Sunday. 100 Park Blvd, San Diego. $74.10. ticketmaster.com/event/0A00649BD81D60FA
Classical
“The Complete Brandenburgs (Part II)”: La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest presents Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F Major, BWV 1046; Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F Major, BWV 1047; Shawn Okpebholo’s Selections from Rise; Taylor’s “I Wish I Knew How It Feels to Be Free” (arr. Dover); and J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G Major, BWV 1049. Featuring: Doug Balliett, David Belkovski, Mark Dover, Monica Ellis, Emi Ferguson, Mekhi Gladden, Brandon Patrick George, Coleman Itzkoff, Ela Kodžas, Daniel McCarthy, Kevin Newton, Aisslinn Nosky, Brandon Ridenour, Edson Scheid, Sarah Skuster, and Kaylet Torre. 3 p.m. Sunday. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall at The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $40-$115. 858-459-3728, theconrad.org