Things to Do in San Diego

Things to do this weekend: Lemon Festival, SoCal Taco Fest and more

There’s always something fun to do in America’s Finest City. Our Weekend events guide is here to help

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There’s always something fun to do in America’s Finest City. Our Weekend events guide is here to help. Get up. Get out. Play!

What to Know

  • Our Weekend Events guide is published every Thursday in our In Your Neighborhood section of NBC7.com
  • Like our mission always, our guide will do its best to span the county -- north, south, east, and west — to bring you fun, fresh and affordable things to do in San Diego
  • Have any events to share? Please send them to Brenda.Gregorio-Nieto@nbcuni.com

Friday, Aug. 16

Hidden City Sounds: The Farmers
7 p.m. at Lyric Court | Free
This event includes inclusive catering from popular vendors, Boneheadburgers known for their burgers, and Mr.Mexicaliroll, known for their fusion of Asian and Mexican flavors.

Totally '80s with the San Diego Symphony
7:30 p.m. at The Rady Shell | $47+
Performance at the San Diego Symphony Orchestra with conductor Stuart Chafetz and featuring vocalists Nicole Parker and Aaron Finley.

Sebastian Maniscalco
7:30 p.m. at Viejas Arena | $90+
See American comedian and actor, Sebastian Maniscalco with Pete Correale and Pat Mcgann live at the Viejas Arena.

Area Rug Comedy
7:30 p.m. at Studio Casually | $15
Area Rug Comedy features headliner Tatyana Guchi (Netflix is a Joke, Laugh Factory, BMC Improv), Cameron Frost (Ca$h Grab Podcast), and Connor Castello (Don't Tell Comedy). After the show, there's an art market and DJ performances.

San Diego Vegan Night Market
5 p.m. at AleSmith Brewing Company | Free
San Diego's biggest vegan night market, hosted at AleSmith Brewing Company. Indulge in an epic selection of food & drinks, featuring a rotating lineup of over 40 diverse vendors from San Diego, Orange County and LA.

Saturday, Aug. 17

Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival
10 a.m. at Imperial Beach | Free
One of San Diego County’s largest festivals held annually on the sand at Portwood Pier Plaza is back this year featuring a gigantic monument castle, a street fair, live entertainment, and the Kids-n-Kastles competition.

27th Annual Lemon Festival
11 a.m. in Downtown Chula Vista | Free
This year’s Lemon Festival includes two stages of live music, zesty photo ops, a lemon cook-off competition, a kids zone for the Lil’ Lemons, delicious food options, arts and crafts vendors and a wine and beer garden.

SoCal Taco Fest 2024
12 p.m. at Waterfront Park | $49
This event brings over 25 taco shops, wrestling, DJ sets all day, and Micheladas.

Summer Food Festival
4 p.m. in Bates Nut Farm | Free
This food festival includes live music, food vendors varying from BBQ to French Crepes, and a Kid Zone with pony rides, farm zoo, and a bounce house.

TEDxEscondido
10:30 a.m. at California Center for Arts | $120
The inaugural TEDxEscondido event will present a selection of live presenters mixed with TED talk videos and performances – sparking deep conversation and meaningful connections.

SeaWorld San Diego Summer Concert: Montell Jordan
6 p.m. at Bayside Amphitheater| $50+ (admission not included)
R&B icon Montell Jordan has left an unforgettable mark with his smooth vocals and timeless hits, including the classic anthem "This Is How We Do It." With a career spanning decades, Jordan continues to mesmerize audiences with his soulful tunes and undeniable stage presence, making each performance a journey through the best of R&B.

Sunday, Aug. 18

America's Finest City Half Marathon and 5K
6 a.m. at the Historic Cabrillo National Monument | $62+
Take a 13.1-mile tour of San Diego on foot! The 47th annual America's Finest City Half Marathon is run on a fast, scenic, point-to-point course.

'Love, Loss and What I Wore'
3 p.m. at Portuguese Hall | $22
Catch a Star Theater Company announces it’s upcoming production of Love, Loss and What I Wore from the acclaimed writers of when Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. A heart warming play based on Iileen Beckermans memoir.

Bryan & Friends Courtyard Concert
5 p.m. at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church | Free
Enjoy an evening of pop, jazz, and classical music on the plaza with Bryan Verhoye and Friends, featuring guest, Tripp Sprague on saxophone. And a reception following the concert.

The Marias
8 p.m. at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Theatre | $100+
The Marías is an American indie pop band from Los Angeles, California. They are known for performing songs in both English and Spanish, as well as infusing their music with elements like jazz percussion, guitar riffs, smoke-velvet vocals, and horn solos.

Correction: A previous version of this story state Taste of Adams Avenue was on Saturday, Aug. 18. It was held Sunday, June 30th. We regret the error.

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