Living somewhere with great weather all year round is hard to beat…but there’s still something special about summer. With August here, there’s one more month to make the most of the season. From live music festivals to fun community celebrations, here are some of the best things to do in San Diego this August.
Tthe 39th annual Philippine Cultural Arts Festival takes over the Presidents Way and Park Boulevard lawns of Balboa Park on August 22 and August 23, 2026. The free, family-friendly festival runs 11 AM – 5 PM each day and features regional folk and indigenous dance, cultural exhibitions, arts-and-crafts, and authentic Filipino cuisine.
Head to Chula Vista for the Annual Lemon Festival
The Chula Vista Lemon Festival is a much-awaited annual summer celebration, honoring the city’s historical roots as the ‘Lemon Capital of the World’ .The 29th edition, scheduled for August 15, transforms 3rd Avenue into a vibrant, citrus-themed street fair. The family-friendly event features multiple stages of live music, a kids zone in Memorial Park, artisan vendors, and an abundance of lemon-inspired sweet treats and savory foods. Don’t forget about the ‘Lemon Pie Eating Contest’ and the ‘Best Dressed of the Lemon Fest’!
The Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac is a multi-sensory, 60-minute musical experience held at the stunning Hotel del Coronado’s Crown Room. Under the glow of candlelight, the string quartet performs instrumental renditions of classic hits like Go Your Own Way, Landslide, Dreams, and The Chain. More info & tickets below!
From ABBA to Sinatra and everything in between, music is simply even more magical on a summer, starry night. Enjoy live concerts on San Diego’s most beautiful rooftops! Needless to say – the experience comes with stunning views. Click below to explore all concerts and grab your tickets!
Secret, free pop-up DJ sets take place at Sunset Cliffs a few times a month with no official schedule; DJs usually announce on social media. But there’s a good chance you’ll catch one if you visit on a Friday after 5 PM! Follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ rules to protect the fragile sandstone bluffs.
If you’re looking for a fun, interactive outing to add to your August plans, there’s a real-world Clash of Clans pop-up at Seaport Village this whole month. Expect interactive challenge rooms, limited-edition merch, themed refreshments and exclusive in-game rewards. Grab your tickets below!
The Conrad Prebys summer season at the Rady Shell (home of the San Diego Symphony) delivers a full 2026 lineup of orchestral, pop and film-concerts. Here’s what you can see in August:
- August 1: St. Vincent with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra (plus guest Arooj Aftab)
- August 8: Stayin’ Alive: The Bee Gees & Beyond with RAJATON & the San Diego Symphony Orchestra
- August 9: Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes
- August 14: The Gershwins in Hollywood (featuring Michael Feinstein, piano & vocals)
- August 16: Tedeschi Trucks Band: Future Soul 2026 Tour
- August 18: Mt. Joy: Celebrating 10 Years
- August 21 & 22: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in Concert
- August 23: Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
- August 28: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in Concert
- August 29: Classic Albums Live performs The Beatles (The White Album)
- August 30: Tchaikovsky Spectacular (Featuring pianist Joyce Yang and concluding with the 1812 Overture pyrotechnic finale)
The Serial Killer Speakeasy is a super fun immersive true-crime experience held at Boulevard Hall in San Diego. Tailored for those with a morbid curiosity, the event combines live, theatrical storytelling detailing the chilling histories of infamous serial killers – Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, and Ed Gein – with a curated menu of 4 themed cocktails (or mocktails). Dive deep into these notorious cases while enjoying expertly crafted drinks, paired specifically with each terrifying tale! Grab your ticket below.
Wing Fest San Diego (Wing Wars) is a chicken wing crawl across the Gaslamp Quarter on August 15. You check in at Tivoli Bar and Grill, and start sampling wings from local chefs. Afterwards, you vote for your favorites, and enjoy an after-party (where the champion is crowned).
A summer must this August in San Diego: Del Mar Racing
The iconic Del Mar summer racing season continues throughout August, bringing top-tier horse racing to the famous seaside oval where “the turf meets the surf”. Running primarily on a Thursday through Sunday, the track offers thrilling competition alongside lively weekend events, such as the Turf & Surf Fest on August 8 and the Taste of New Orleans on August 15.
The highlight of the month is the prestigious $1 million Pacific Classic, which takes place on August 22, drawing elite older horses and massive crowds.
Throughout the month, SeaWorld San Diego’s Bayside Amphitheater will host performances as part of its Summer Concert Series and Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ. The waterfront lineup starts with throwback and pop acts like Jordin Sparks and Too $hort & Warren G, then transitions into rock and country sets from Saliva, Uncle Kracker, and Skillet later in the month.
This month, Advanced Air is operating seasonal nonstop flights from Carlsbad and Hawthorne-LA to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) – flying Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Fares start around $230 one-way and include snacks, beverages, and 2 checked bags. Skip the 5 hour drive, and hop on a 1-hour flight, straight to this natural wonder!
Explore the newly reopened Crystal Cave, with its glittering calcite, ‘cave bacon’ and fairy pools. This million-year-old marble cave beneath giant sequoias has reopened after a 4 year closure. Guided tours run daily right now, with advance tickets required through the Sequoia Parks Conservancy.
Don’t miss San Diego Soul Food Fest
Taking place on Saturday, August 1 in North Park, this beloved festival celebrates delicious cuisine from across the African diaspora. Running from 11 AM to 4 PM, the event supports local Black-owned eateries and features a wide variety of food vendors, live entertainment, and engaging talks with authors.
Check out Tiki Oasis
Running from August 5 through August 9, at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley, Tiki Oasis is the largest and longest-running tiki festival in the world. It draws over 4,000 attendees to celebrate retro tiki culture with live music, cocktail tastings, art exhibits, and a massive marketplace featuring over 150 crafters and artists. You can’t miss it!
Sip delicious ales at San Diego Brew Fest this August in San Diego
The 15th annual San Diego Brew Festival returns to Liberty Station’s NTC Park on Saturday, August 8. Running from noon to 4 PM, beer lovers can enjoy unlimited samples from over 70 breweries pouring more than 200 beers. You’ll also find 10 of the city’s best food trucks, lawn games, and live cover bands. GA is $50.
This 3-day community fair at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center features carnival rides, family-friendly attractions, craft vendors, food stalls, and daily live music themes. There’s a Rhythm & Roots night, a Rock & Reggae night, a Blues Brunch, and Country Night. Admission is free, so go check it out!
San Diego’s Arts District hosts the 21st Annual ArtWalk Liberty Station from July 31 to August 2, 2026. Enjoy this free, open-air gallery showcasing more than 175 local and international artists, live music, food vendors, and a family-friendly KidsWalk area.
If you’re looking for a can’t-miss August festival, Hillcrest CityFest – San Diego’s largest free music festival – returns on Sunday, August 9. It will take over 5th Avenue from noon to 11 PM across 9 blocks with 2 stages, vendors, family activities, and a brand new wine garden.
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (La Jolla campus) hosts the official closing celebration for “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection” – a collection by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. It takes place on August 7, featuring a lowrider showcase, performances by Joe Kay and DJ Sasha Marie, and a curator conversation presented by ArtLeadHer. More details below!
