Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26.<\/p>\n
Friday<\/p>\n
Comic-Con: Comic-Con International, the massive annual conference and outdoor festival celebrating pop culture, returns to downtown San Diego this weekend. Today is the second full day of activities, and badge holders will be able to see panels about the latest TV and movies, shop for exclusive merchandise, learn about the comic book industry and compete in video and board games. San Diegans without badges can also get in on the fun by visiting the Gaslamp Quarter and areas around the San Diego Convention Center to participate in immersive experiences set up by TV and film studios and other brands. The convention also brings out crowds of cosplayers dressed up in movie quality and often homemade costumes. Friday through Sunday. San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego. Times and prices vary for activities inside and outside the convention center. comic-con.org<\/p>\n
Interactive Zone: One of the easiest ways to get involved at Comic-Con is at Petco Park\u2019s interactive zone. In a parking lot outside the ballpark, various brands will set up activities, photo opportunities and food trucks. This year\u2019s participants include Labu\u2019Tique Shop, KAYOU and the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck. Visitors can also shop for exclusive merchandise. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Lexus Premier Lot. Free.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/sut-l-operaneo1.jpg\")
A scene from Opera Neo\u2019s 2024 production of Mozart\u2019s \u201cCosi fan tutte\u201d at the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. The company returns to the outdoor venue with the Rossini opera \u201cIl turco in Italia\u201d classic in July. (Gary Payne)<\/p>\n
\u201cIl turco in Italia\u201d:\u00a0Opera Neo closes its 2026 season with an outdoor production of this rarely performed Gioachino Rossini opera about an encounter between Selim, a Turkish traveler, and Fiorilla, a free-spirited Italian woman.\u00a08 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park. $10-$75. 858-888-2231, operaneo.com<\/a><\/p>\n Your guide to events outside Comic-Con that don\u2019t require a badge<\/a><\/p>\n Mini Garden Art Mart:\u00a0In honor of Comic-Con, the San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum will host a mini mart with pop culture vendors, meet and greets with writers and artists and a live portrait. There will also be a prize raffle and crafts.\u00a02 to 6 p.m. today. San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum, 404 Third Ave., San Diego. Free. sdchm.org<\/p>\n Elizabeth Helen author event: Meet Cute Romance Bookstore is hosting a\u00a0book release party for Elizabeth Helen\u2019s \u201cStolen by Shadows.\u201d 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday. $19.99. Meet Cute Romance Bookstore, 8235 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, 619-228-9548, meetcutebookshop.com<\/p>\n Julie Fiveash author events: The San Diego Library Foundation will host two free book events on Friday where young readers can meet former librarian Julie Fiveash, the author of the children\u2019s graphic novel \u201cThe Froggy Library.\u201d Fiveash will speak at 1 p.m. at the Skyline Hills library branch at 7900 Paradise Valley Road in San Diego, and then at 4:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., downtown. libraryfoundationsd.org\/news-events<\/p>\n Peanuts Pop-Up: The Peanuts pop-up will have exclusive merchandise especially highlighting Snoopy and his siblings. There will be a puppy-themed adoption area by Super7 and each purchase will come with additional certifications designed by Best Friends Animal Society.\u00a010 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Noelle. 200 W. Harbor Drive, No. 105., San Diego. Free. super7.com\/pages\/peanuts-pop-up<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSay \u2018NO\u2019 to One Paseo\u201d:\u00a0Moxie Theatre presents a free staged reading of Siena Marilyn Chongchua-Morris\u2019 play about three friends who watch their city, and theirselves, evolve oer two decades. The reading, which includes appetizers and refreshments, is being presented free in honor of Pride Month.\u00a07 p.m. tonight. 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Free.\u00a0moxietheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n Southwest Summer Shakespeare Festival: Southwestern College\u2019s Theatre Arts Department presents its fourth annual festival, which this year includes \u201cTwelfth Night\u201d and translingual adaptation of \u201cAs You Like It\u201d (\u201cComo Gustes\u201d) by local playwright Mabelle Reynoso. \u201cAs You Like It\u201d\/\u201dComo Gustes\u201d: 7 p.m. Friday, Monday and July 30 and Aug. 1; 2 p.m. July 25. \u201cTwelfth Night\u201d: 7 p.m. Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday and July 31; 2 p.m. Aug. 1. Southwestern College Performing Arts Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista (free parking in lot \u201cO\u201d). $16.38. swctheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cCyrano\u201d: The Old Globe premieres Jason O\u2019Connell and Brenda Withers adaptation of Edmond Rostand\u2019s 1897 French play \u201cCyrano de Bergerac.\u201d 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 16. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $44 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cCharlie and the Chocolate Factory\u201d: Moonlight Stage Productions presents the San Diego regional premiere of this musical inspired by Roald Dahl\u2019s dark children\u2019s novel about a poor boy who wins the opportunity to visit a mysterious chocolatier\u2019s candy factory. 8 p.m. today and Saturday. Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista. $21-$71. 760-724-2110, moonlightstage.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cArcadia\u201d: Cygnet Theatre presents Tom Stoppard\u2019s mystery drama that alternates between 1809 and the present day at a grand English country estate. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 9. The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $32.50 and up. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cDive Bar Time Machine\u201d: Blindspot Collective presents this new play with music by Blake McCarty and Shellina Hefner set in a dive bar where human stories are told through songs by artists who definevd their eras, including Frank Sinatrao, Donna Summer and Billie Holiday. 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 9. The Loft, 4151 Matthews Lane, La Jolla. $35. blindspotcollective.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cNorth by Northwest\u201d: The Old Globe presents the North American tour of this London-born stage comedy based on filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock\u2019s 1959 mistaken-identity thriller about a man pursued across the country by a mysterious group of criminals. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 2. Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $43 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAmerican Rhythm\u201d: In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre has revived its high-energy musical celebration of 100 years of American music, from ragtime to swing, jazz and rock and roll. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 27. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $48-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday Bucket hat giveaway: San Diego FC is doing a bucket hat giveaway for the Saturday game against FC Dallas. The first 25,000 fans will receive one. 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego. Tickets start at $30. sandiegofc.com\/tickets\/single<\/a><\/p>\n Military Heroes Festival:\u00a0For the eighth time, Liberty Station is joining with the Rock Church to host a military heroes festival for active military families, gold-star families and active-duty reservists. They can receive free backpacks, groceries, haircuts and other gifts of appreciation. There will also be live entertainment, a kids zone, a sports zone and prizes. RSVP online. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Liberty Station Lot J, (one block south of Ingram Plaza) 2670-2798 Cushing Road, San Diego. Free. brushfire.com\/sdrock\/events\/629545<\/a><\/p>\n Caitlin Rother author event: Caitlin Rother will discuss and read from her new book \u201cStaged.\u201d 3 p.m. Saturday. Barnes and Noble, 10775 Westview Parkway, San Diego. stores.barnesandnoble.com\/store\/2984<\/a><\/p>\n Orchid summer sale: The San Diego County Orchid Society will host an exhibition and summer sale in Balboa Park. Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Casa del Prado, Room 100, Balboa Park. sorchids.com\/up-coming-show<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cCelebrate Summer in Harmony\u201d: The California Note Catchers, a women\u2019s a cappella four-part harmony chorus, and other small groups, will perform in concert. 2 p.m. Saturday. Fletcher Hills Presbyterian Church, 455 Church Way, El Cajon. Donations accepted at the door. 619-248-9599, californianotecatchers.com<\/a><\/p>\n Nickelodeon \u201cFun Flows Here\u201d:\u00a0The event at The New Children\u2019s Museum\u2019s children\u2019s park will feature an interactive stage show with live performances modeled after series like \u201cPAW Patrol,\u201d \u201cTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,\u201d \u201cThe Thundermans\u201d and \u201cStar Trek: Scouts.\u201d Guests can also enjoy a slime booth, themed photo installations and a family movie night on Friday, July 25, from 7 to 9 p.m.\u00a011 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The New Children\u2019s Museum, Children\u2019s Park, 326 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego. thinkplaycreate.org\/event\/fun-flows-here<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cHarvesting Hope\u201d: TranscenDANCE Youth Arts Project will perform a dance theater program of contemporary and hip-hop choreography, poetry and visual art featuring more than 60 local youths ages 9 to 19. 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hoover High School Performing Arts Center, 4474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. $20-$45. tdarts.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Scapin\u2019 opens Saturday in Solana Beach: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents Bill Irwin and Mark O\u2019Donnell\u2019s zany adaptation of Moli\u00e8re\u2019s 17th-century comedia delle-arte farce about a schemer who helps two young men marry the women of their dreams. Opens Saturday and runs through Aug. 16. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8\u00a0 p.m. Fridays; 2\u00a0 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $63.50-$85.50. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org<\/a><\/p>\n Sunday Bigger Than You Think! Tour \u2013 The Sequel!:\u00a0Bowling For Soup, Simple Plan and 3OH!3 are joining together for the Bigger Than You Think! Tour \u2013 The Sequel!\u00a0 Harrah\u2019s Resort Southern California, Events Center, 777 Harrah\u2019s Rincon Way, Valley Center. $98.20. officialsimpleplan.com\/tour<\/a><\/p>\n The Athenaeum\u2019s 27th Annual Summer Festival \u2014 Gustavo Romero plays Franz Liszt: The fest continues with the final concert by the famed San Diego-raised pianist. 4 p.m. Sunday. 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. $55-$60. ljathenaeum.org\/events\/summer-festival-2026-0726<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Family Album\u201d: La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of this musical by MILCK, AG and Sam Chase about an aspiring singer-songwriter whose responsibilities to her family put an unexpected roadblock in her life and career. Opens Sunday and runs through Aug. 23. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. $74 and up. 858-550-1010, lajollaplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, July 24…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":408373,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[74,76,75,420,1696],"class_list":["post-408372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news","tag-things-to-do","tag-top-stories-sdut"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/408372","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=408372"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/408372\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/408373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=408372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=408372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=408372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Harper](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784749568_170_sut-l-stage-arcadia2_7ee0d6.jpg\")
Harper Haden, left, as Thomasina Coverly and Corydon Melgoza as Septimus Hodge in Cygnet Theatre\u2019s \u201cArcadia.\u201d (Karli Cadel)<\/p>\n
\n![\"SDFC's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SUT-L-sdfcxol-0601-20.jpg\")
SDFC\u2019s fans showed support during SDFC’s MLS match against Austin FC, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Xavier Hernandez for the UT)<\/p>\n
\n![\"Jeff](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/SUT-L-SIMPLE-PLAN.jpg\")
Jeff Stinco of Simple Plan performs during Sonic Temple Art and Music Festival. Simple Plan will perform at Harrah\u2019s on Sunday. (Photo by Amy Harris\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\n