Last updated on July. 16, 2025
The city of San Diego, famous for its stunning coastlines, its lively culture, and sun all day long, is all set to welcome summer in its entirety. With July 2025 already at the doorstep, the city is gearing up to welcome a busy events calendar from the 18th to the 20th, with something magical for each type of interest. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a culture enthusiast, a food connoisseur, or simply looking to soak in the Californian charm, this weekend in San Diego is set to be unforgettable. Prepare to immerse yourself in a diverse tapestry of celebrations, from grand festivals and major sporting events to bustling markets and intimate live performances. Let’s explore the specifics of the top 15 events that will make this weekend truly remarkable.
Top Weekend Must-See Moments:
1. San Diego Pride Festival & Parade
San Diego Pride is a historic celebration of community acceptance and diversity, attracting hundreds of thousands of traveling friends from around the world. As one of the largest Pride parades in America, it offers entertainment, community education, and delicious food on multiple stages, creating a life-changing experience that embodies the vibrant spirit of San Diego. In order to view the parade and accompanying festival in all its glory, lease our luxury SUV rentals for convenient group transportation, getting there in high fashion with ample space to carry any parade equipment or festival booty.
- Date:
- Spirit of Stonewall Rally: Friday, July 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Parade: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Festival: Saturday, July 19, 2025, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, July 20, 2025, 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location:
- Spirit of Stonewall Rally: Location TBA
- Parade: Hillcrest (route TBD, generally along University Ave and 6th Ave)
- Festival: Marston Point, Balboa Park (6th Ave & Laurel St)
- Tickets:
- Rally & Parade: Free admission. Pride Festival – San Diego Pride
- Festival: Early Bird 1-Day: $28.83; Early Bird Weekend: $44.13; VIP Weekend: $181.89 (Prices rise closer to the event). Youth (<18) and Seniors (65+) can possibly get a discount price or free admission at the box office. Buy Tickets to San Diego Pride Festival 2025 in San Diego on Jul 19, 2025 – Jul 20,2025
- What to do there: Bring your favorite colors, march or sit on bleachers, hear live acts and shows, browse community vendors, and consume food of any sort. This is a journey to take for the person who wishes to be part of San Diego’s laid-back culture.
2. Annual Over The Line Tournament (OTL)
The Over The Line Tournament is a San Diego tradition for over 70 years, a two-weekend beach softball tournament held on two consecutive July weekends. The tournament is known for its tongue-in-cheek atmosphere, adults-only atmosphere, side-splitting team names, and offbeat costume design, with thousands of participants and onlookers attending on Fiesta Island.
- Date: July 19-20, 2025 (Second Weekend)
- Time: Men’s Division games at 7:30 AM; Women’s Division times to be determined. Games played until dark.
- Location: Fiesta Island Park, 1590 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
- Tickets: Free public viewing admission. Team entry fees for participants.OMBAC Annual Over The Line Tournament in July
- What to do there: Pack a picnic, mark your spot on the beach, watch the goofy game, and bask in the wild crowd and creative team celebrations. Remember “No ‘B’s”: No Bottles, No Bicycles, No Bowzers (canines), No Babies, No Bad Attitudes, and No Battles (brawls).
3. Del Mar Racing Season
“Where the turf meets the surf” is the much-ballyhooed motto of the Del Mar Racetrack, and rightly so.Del Mar, a popular social event, hosts thoroughbred horse racing on July 18th. Located in beautiful coastal scenery, it attracts celebrities, fashionistas, and horse-racing enthusiasts, offering a glamorous experience for those who appreciate flair and track excitement. If you are attending the races with a group of people, think about our luxury bus rentals or take a limo service for an effortless and comfortable arrival, befitting the grandeur of the occasion.
- Date: Ongoing from July 18, 2025
- Time: Grandstand Gates open at 11:30 AM; First Post (first race) at 2:00 PM.
- Location: Del Mar Racetrack, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
- Tickets: Vary depending on seat and day. Reserved, general admission, and dining tickets are available. Kids under 17 usually enter for free. 2025 Season
- What to do there: Dress up (especially on Opening Day), place your bets, enjoy gourmet food and beverages, and soak up the celebratory atmosphere. Don’t miss the famous Hats Contest!
4. The California State Games
The California State Games is the largest amateur sport festival in the state, featuring thousands of athletes in various events. The city festival transforms San Diego into a sports stadium, offering spectators the chance to witness future sporting legends perform. The Opening Ceremonies, featuring an athlete parade, cauldron lighting, and fireworks, mark the year’s climax. With activities separated by location, our car rentals, particularly our luxury sedans, are the perfect way to get around from destination to destination in comfort and convenience.
- Date: July 17-20, 2025 (Opening Ceremonies on July 18)
- Time: Varies by sport and location. Opening Ceremonies: July 18, 2025, 6:30 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM).
- Location: Throughout the city. Opening Ceremonies: Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110.
- Tickets: Tickets are available on AXS.com, with current listings generally ranging from $65-$70. Registered athletes marching in the Parade of Athletes and up to two coaches per team receive free admission. Parents wishing to sit with their registered athlete must purchase a ticket for the athlete. 2025 California State Games Opening Ceremonies tickets in San Diego at Pechanga Arena San Diego on Fri, 18 Jul 2025 – 6:30pm
- What to do there: Cheer on your favorite athletes, get amped up by hot competition, and be energized by the uplifting Opening Ceremonies.
5. Incubus with special guest Manchester Orchestra
For rock music lovers, Manchester Orchestra and Incubus’ co-headline concert is definitely one of the most looked-forward-to activities this weekend. Incubus, with their alternative rock style and powerful live performance, guarantees a night to be remembered. The event is supported by the award-winning Manchester Orchestra, and the event guarantees a double bill with bite. Pre-booking of tickets is strongly advised for this popular event.
- Date: July 19, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM (Gates typically open earlier than this)
- Location: North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, 2050 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 92014
- Tickets: Prices vary, with General Admission Lawn tickets starting at $30.00 (plus fees) and other standard tickets available at $54.50 (plus fees) and higher for various seating sections. INCUBUS – Performing MORNING VIEW In Its Entirety + The Hits Tickets Jul 19, 2025 Chula Vista, CA | Ticketmaster
- What to do there: Arrive early and enjoy the atmosphere, grab a snack, and rock out to two excellent bands.
6. Iration – Summer 2025
Reggae-rock fans will be treated to live performances by Iration at Petco Park with their soothing, island-sounding tunes. With its chill vibe and sing-alongs, an Iration concert is the ideal San Diego summer night chill-out. Petco Park, where the Padres otherwise play ball, is transformed into a great outdoor concert setting, giving concert-goers a unique experience. Our sedan car rental choice would be the ideal option for a hassle-free drive to the park, avoiding parking hassles.
- Date: July 20, 2025
- Time: 3:45 PM
- Location: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
- Tickets: General Admission tickets range from $30-$68 (with fees). Purchase on Ticketmaster. IRATION – Summer 2025 Tickets Jul 20, 2025 San Diego, CA | Ticketmaster
- What to do there: Appreciate the laid-back vibe, sing the words to your favorite Iration tunes, and enjoy having a concert venue in a baseball stadium.
7. Little Italy Mercato
Treat yourself to a little European flair in downtown San Diego at Little Italy Mercato. The city’s weekly Saturday farmers’ market is a downtown institution that spreads out across six city blocks. It’s where locals and visitors alike can browse an incredible array of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty foods, baked goods, fresh flowers, and local handmade goods. It’s as much a place to shop as it is to mingle.
- Date: July 19, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: West Date Street (between Kettner Blvd and Front Street), Little Italy, San Diego
- Tickets: Admission is free. Little Italy Mercato (Saturdays & Wednesdays) / Little Italy San Diego
- What to do there: Sample delicious prepared foods, purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, browse for unique artisan goods, and bask in the lively atmosphere of one of San Diego’s most pleasant neighborhoods.
8. Hillcrest Farmers Market
The Hillcrest Farmers Market is San Diego’s largest and oldest farmers’ market with over 175 vendors. This giant Sunday market captures the vibrant spirit of the locals. Look for a fantastic array of organic fruits and vegetables, gourmet prepared foods, specialty gifts, and local artisanship. It’s an ideal place to meet the local farmers and artisans, and catch some live tunes while you shop.
- Date: July 20, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: University Ave (between Herbert St. & Park Blvd.), Hillcrest, San Diego (new temporary location because of Normal St. Promenade construction).
- Tickets: Admission is free. Parking remains available at the DMV. Hillcrest Farmers Market
- What to do there: Buy fresh fruits and vegetables, enjoy international food from food vendors, buy handcrafted items, and watch the performances. Free parking is provided at the California DMV location.
9. Gaslamp Artisan Market
Stir your juices of imagination at San Diego’s Gaslamp Artisan Market. Housed in the lively and historical Gaslamp Quarter, the market features the work of over 70 local artisans. With beautiful jewelry and private, handmade goods, home decor, and fresh flowers, it’s a shopper’s paradise for specialty goods. It’s a nice place to stroll through, with sitting areas, shade, and live music to further enhance your shopping experience.
- Date: Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Fifth Avenue between Island Ave and J St., Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego
- Tickets: Free admission. Gaslamp Quarter ⋆ Artisan Market
- What to do there: Buy specialty gifts, view street performers, and dine at neighborhood restaurants and boutiques of the Gaslamp Quarter. After a day of Browse, our luxury vehicle rental would be happy to transport you to one of the Gaslamp’s many fine dining restaurants.
10. Mission Valley Farmers Market
As a convenient and interesting mid-week market excursion, Mission Valley Farmers Market is a local favorite. The friendly market offers carefully curated displays of delicious fresh vegetables and fruits, specialty items like creative popcorn flavors, and international food solutions, including under-the-radar foods from around the globe. It’s the perfect place to buy ingredients to prepare a healthy meal or snack.
- Date: July 19, 2025 (Mostly also on Fridays, but verify local listings for Saturday designation)
- Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Note: many shops have Friday afternoon hours; verify for Saturday)
- Location: 1288 Camino Del Rio N (parking area in front of Target), Mission Valley, San Diego
- Tickets: Admission is free. Farmers Markets in San Diego, CA
- What to do there: Shop local farmers, discover specialty foodstuffs, and take in the laid-back atmosphere.
11. THE CRXSSXVER – HIP HOP, EDM, & REGGAETON FESTIVAL
Join us here, all music lovers! THE CRXSSXVER festival is a multi-genre, high-energy festival for Hip Hop, EDM, and Reggaeton fans. The world’s first-ever live music performance and high-energy atmosphere festival create an unparalleled “movie-theater-styled Boiler Room experience.” A great place to discover new stars and dance the night away.
- Date: July 19-20, 2025
- Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM, The Show starts at 5:30 PM (July 19)
- Location: Mr. Tempo in San Diego, CA (associated with National Lampoon The Yellow Door)
- Tickets: Available from $23.57 (all fees included) on Tickeri.com. It’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance as they may sell out.THE CRXSSXVER – HIP HOP, EDM, & REGGAETON FESTIVAL Tickets | Boletos – Mr tempo, San Diego | 2025-07-19 – Tickeri.com
- What to do there: Allow the beats to take over, watch the thumping light displays, and interact with other music enthusiasts. For groups of travelers coming to this energetic music festival, our passenger van rentals would be ideal for group transport and ease.
12. The Dinner Detective True Crime Mystery Dinner Show
Prepare to have a night of intrigue, suspense, and fine dining with The Dinner Detective. The nation’s largest one-man murder mystery dinner theater places you in the center of a side-splitting crime to solve. In contrast to other murder mystery productions, suspects are dinner guests, so you never know what will happen. It’s a good option for a night you’ll never forget on a date or with the crew.
- Date: Confirm all showtimes for Saturday, July 19, 2025
- Time: Doors typically open 6:00 PM, show time is approximately 6:30 PM.
- Location: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown, 530 Broadway Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
- Tickets: The cost is around $99.95 per person, which includes a four-course plated meal and the interactive mystery show. Reservations are required, and shows do tend to book up in advance. San Diego, CA Tickets | The Dinner Detective Mystery Show
- What to do there: Pack your detective brain, have a gourmet lunch, and be ready for twists and turns as you try to solve the case.
13. Tierrasanta Concerts in the Park
Experience community pride at the Tierrasanta Concerts in the Park. These free concerts are a summer-long tradition, performed free, for a relaxed and family-oriented evening of live music. Picnic, spread out the blankets and chairs, and relax to live music by local bands in the warm neighborhood park setting. It’s the epitome of San Diego’s relaxed community spirit.
- Date: July 19, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92124.
- Tickets: Free admission. Tierrasanta Concerts in the Park | City of San Diego Official Website
- What to do there: Bring your family and friends with you, sit on the lawn, enjoy the music, and have fun at the kid zone with face painting and jumpers.
14. Ocean Connectors Bird and Brews Eco Tour
Combine your outdoor interests with regional craft beverages on the Ocean Connectors Bird and Brews Eco Tour. This specialty guided nature stroll along the South San Diego Bay is an opportunity to see native wildlife, including varied bird life, in combination with sampling Trident Coffee nitro cold brew. The tour is a lively and informative way to experience San Diego’s outdoor views and learn about regional conservation initiatives.
- Date: July 19, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Location: San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 501 Florence St, Imperial Beach, CA.
- Tickets: Range from $25-$35. Birding & Brews – Ocean Connectors
- What to do there: Pack binoculars, walking shoes, and an open mind to discover the bay ecosystem. Enjoy a great combination of nature-viewing and local coffee.
15. George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Get ready to be treated to a night of blues and rock courtesy of rock icon George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Their scorching live stage performance history and all-time classics like “Bad to the Bone” assure an unforgettable night of fun. This show is perfect for old-time rock lovers of yesteryear classics and collectors who want to see new generations appreciate an original legend doing their work. For your night out where your only concern can be the show, treat yourself to our chauffeured luxury sedan for transportation there and back.
- Date: July 20, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Location: Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA (21+ venue)
- Tickets: General Admission is around $101 (plus fees), and Reserved Loft Seating is around $176 (plus fees). Total prices, including fees, can reach approximately $117-$227 depending on the ticket type and vendor. Tickets for GEORGE THOROGOOD and THE DESTROYERS “THE BADDEST SHOW ON EARTH” w/ Alastair Greene | TicketWeb – Belly Up in Solana Beach, US
- What to do there: Get an early start to reserve a fantastic spot, appreciate the intimate ambiance of the Belly Up Tavern, and belt out your lungs to the classic rock ballads.
San Diego in mid-July 2025 simply has an unbeatable mix of things to do. From Pride and OTL’s flashy pomps and old-fashioned playfulness to concert music and horse racing excitement, there’s something for every enthusiast. And to drive from one of these awesome events to the next in luxury and without a worry, come visit our fleet of luxury car rentals, ranging from stylish sedans to spacious SUVs, and even bespoke limousines, so your San Diego getaway is as easy as it is memorable. Reserve your ideal car today and make your America’s Finest City getaway one to remember!
