Featured Events
‘A Beautiful Planet’
Friday, July 1
This new IMAX film will begin showing at Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (1875 El Prado, Balboa Park) today in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. The film, directed by Toni Meyers and made in cooperation with NASA, offers stunning views of Earth with footage shot by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In addition to showcasing beautiful images, the film also highlights the impact of humans on Earth showing the effects of deforestation, fracking fires and glacial melting — all visible from the ISS. The film is rated G and is narrated by Jennifer Lawrence. Visit rhfleet.org for showtimes and tickets.
Yankees vs. Padres
Friday, July 1 – Sunday, July 3
The San Diego Padres will kick off Fourth of July weekend with a series against the New York Yankees at Petco Park (100 Park Blvd., East Village). Friday’s game is at 7:40 p.m. and features a Padres Hall of Fame coffee table book giveaway and a “Party in the Park”; Saturday’s is 7:10 p.m. and features a postgame laser show; and Sunday’s is 1:40 p.m. with a military salute, KidsFest and more. Visit bit.ly/28ZisUr for more information.
Big Bay Boom
Monday, July 4
San Diego’s biggest Fourth of July fireworks show returns with four barges on San Diego’s Big Bay launching fireworks. Viewing locations include: Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Seaport Village/South Embarcadero, and Coronado Ferry Landing. The show starts at 9 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Fox 5 along with a musical simulcast on The Mighty 1090 AM and Max FM 105.7. Visit bigbayboom.com for more information including details on free parking and shuttles.
Free blues music with Robin Henkel
Tuesdays, June 5, 12, and 26
Local legend Robin Henkel has won the San Diego Music Award for “Best Blues” artist three times — and with good reason. Henkel’s celebrated guitar playing remains true to the classic genre while also incorporating innovative styling. These free shows at House of Blues (1055 Fifth Ave., Downtown) will start at 7 p.m. Visit houseofblues.com/sandiego for more information.
Third annual ‘Sounds of Summer’ pop-up concert series
Friday, July 7 – Friday, Sept. 9
This concert series by the Downtown San Diego Partnership is already under way with many more dates to come. These free shows feature local musicians at three various Downtown locations on Fridays from noon – 2 p.m. Artists to be featured in July include: Anna Vaus, Ezekiel Jay and Jon Campos on July 8; Neil Selinger, Anna Vaus, and Tony Palkovic on July 15; Ezekiel Jay, David Maldonado, and The Heart on July 22; and Tony Palkovic, Pat Dowling, and Tori Roze with Johnny Alexander on July 29. Visit bit.ly/293iUE5 for specific locations of each performance.
Yoga for a Happy Back: Master Class & Book Signing with Rachel Krentzman PT
Friday, July 8
Treat your spine to a yoga practice session including postures and techniques from Rachel Krentman’s recently released book “Yoga for a Happy Back: A Teacher’s Guide to Spinal Health through Yoga Therapy.” The event will be held from 6 – 8 a.m. at Yoga One (1150 Seventh Ave., Downtown). Visit bit.ly/28ZIoPU to register.
All-Star concerts
Friday, July 8 – Saturday July 9
Multi-platinum recording artists Gwen Stefani, OneRepublic and Tori Kelly will be performing free concerts at San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park South in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week. The shows will take place as follows with gates opening 90 minutes before showtime:
- Friday, July 8: OneRepublic with opener NEEDTOBREATHE at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, July 9: Tori Kelly with opener All Time Low at noon.
- Saturday, July 9: Gwen Stefani with opener Eve at 7 p.m.
Fans can obtain free tickets via allstargame.com/concerts. Note: Free tickets, which may not be sold, must be downloaded, printed and brought to Embarcadero Marina Park South for entry to the concert. Limit two tickets and one show per individual request.
MLB All-Star FanFest
Friday, July 8 – Tuesday, July 12
This interactive baseball theme park will open leading up to the MLB All-Star Game to be played at Petco Park on Tuesday, July 12. FanFest will take place at the San Diego Convention Center (111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown) and feature more than 40 attractions for fans of all ages. There will be opportunities for fans to take photographs with and get autographs from former Padres players, MLB legends and Hall of Famers. There will be clinics taught by former and current players on baseball and softball skills. There will also be MLB trophies on display and other exhibits. Tickets are $35 for adults; $30 for children 12 and under (under 2 years old are free); and $30 for seniors and military personnel. Visit allstargame.com for more information.
San Diego Pride weekend
Friday, July 15 – Sunday, July 17
San Diego Pride will begin with events on Friday night. The Pride of Hillcrest Block Party from 6 – 11 p.m. will feature DJs, go-go dancers, carnival ridges and more. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $45 for VIP tickets. The Spirit of Stonewall Rally will be held at Marston Point in Balboa Park from 6 – 7 p.m. and feature guest speakers honoring leaders in the LGBT community. It is a free event. The Pride Parade will be held Saturday, July 16 starting at 11 a.m. taking contingents from the Hillcrest Pride Flag (University Avenue and Normal Street) to the site of the San Diego Pride music festival in Balboa Park 1.1 miles away. The festival continues to 10 p.m. that night and picks back up from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday. This year’s headliner will be Kesha with a full lineup to be announced. Visit sdpride.org for passes and more details.
East Village Residents Group general membership meeting and candidates’ forum
Thursday, July 21
Councilmember Todd Gloria and Kevin Melton will face off and outline their visions for California, highlighting how they would each represent residents of East Village in Sacramento. A question and answer portion will follow where residents can inquire about specific areas of local concern. This event will be held at 6 p.m. at East Village Community Church (1374 Island Ave.). Visit evrgsd.org for more on the group.
Comic-Con International: San Diego
Thursday, July 21 – Sunday, July 24
This annual convention for comic and popular arts returns for the 47th year starting July 21 at the San Diego Convention Center (111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown). The huge event includes exhibitors, special guests, films, and usually a few surprises. The full schedule can be found on comic-con.org. Other non-official parties and events will pop up all around town as well.
‘Meteor Shower’
Starting Saturday, July 30
The world premiere of Steve Martin’s new play will begin previews tonight at The Old Globe (1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park) with opening night on Sunday, Aug. 7 and closing on Sunday, Sept. 11. The adult comedy focuses on a married couple who invite another couple to their Ojai backyard to view a meteor shower where “conversation gets rolling, cocktails flow, tempers flare, and sparks fly — literally.” Tickets start at $29. Visit theoldglobe.org for more information.
FOR DOWNTOWN LIVE MUSIC LISTINGS, VISIT DOWNTOWNSANDIEGOLIVE.COM
RECURRING EVENTS
TUESDAY
Residents Free Tuesdays in Balboa Park: Participating museums change the first four Tuesdays of the month. Free for San Diego city and county residents with ID, active military and dependents. Hours vary by museum. Visit balboapark.org/visit/Tuesdays.
Coronado Certified Farmers Market: 2:30 – 6 p.m. First and B streets at Coronado Ferry Landing. Visit welcometocoronado.com.
WEDNESDAY
Weichelt Wednesday: Come eat, drink and mingle with East Village residents and visitors. Happy hour prices, appetizers, $5 beer and wine. 5 – 7 p.m. Dragon’s Den, 315 10th Ave., East Village. Visit WeicheltWednesday11.eventbrite.com.
THURSDAY
Gaslamp Quarter Historical Walking Tour: Stops on this tour include architecturally significant structures from the 1800s including Old City Hall, the Keating Building, William Heath Davis House Museum and more. 1 p.m. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp. Visit gaslampfoundation.org.
Sunset Trivia: Bring a team or play alone. 7 – 9 p.m. 98 Bottles, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. Visit 98bottlessd.com.
FRIDAY
Weekly Downtown Clean & Safe walkabouts: Join DSDP’s Clean & Safe program at 10 a.m. in alternating neighborhoods: Cortez Hill, Core/Columbia, Gaslamp Quarter, Marina and East Village. For more info, call 619-234-8900, visit downtownsandiego.org or sign up for their newsletter.
Take a bite out of Downtown: Hosted by food tour service Bite San Diego, join fellow foodies and winos for a historical walking tour sampling some of Downtown’s finest restaurants. 21-plus. Noon. Tickets are $45. Tours also on Saturday. Visit bitesandiego.com/index.php.
SATURDAY
East Village walking tour: First Saturday of each month. Take a tour of the village’s best residential buildings, condos and see their amenities. 10 a.m. – noon, Urbana Apartment Lofts lobby, 450 10th Ave., East Village. Visit WeicheltWalkingTour6.eventbrite.com.
East Village Community Clean Up: Second Saturday of each month. Help keep the village clean. This month, free rooftop lunch for all participants, sponsored by the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Meet at Urbana Apartment Lofts, 410 10th Ave., East Village. RSVP EastVillageCommunityCleanUp7.eventbrite.com
Little Italy Mercato: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rain or shine, visit over 100 booths on West Cedar Street between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street. Visit littleitalysd.com/mercato.
Gaslamp Quarter Historical Walking Tour: Stops on this tour include architecturally significant structures from the 1800s including Old City Hall, the Keating Building, William Heath Davis House Museum and more. 11 a.m. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp. Visit gaslampfoundation.org.
SUNDAY
Walk-in eReader and device assistance: Free and open to the public. Bring your Android and iOS devices for hands-on learning. 2 – 4 p.m. Room 222, San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd., Downtown. Visit sandiegolibrary.org.
Outdoor organ concert: The San Diego Organ Society presents a free organ concert. With over 4,500 pipes, this organ is one of the largest organs in the world with a wonderful sound, playing classic and popular hits by Dr. Carol Williams. Enjoy free parking, lots of seating. Balboa Park’s Organ Pavilion. 2 p.m. Visit balboapark.org.
—Compiled by Jen Van Tieghem. Send items for inclusion to editor Morgan M. Hurley at [email protected].