Free events in Chula Vista, CA

At the MCAS Miramar Air Show at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, visitors can receive free skin cancer screenings and learn practical sun safety tips. Screenings and education are provided by board certified dermatologists with support from supervised trainees. Open to all.

Santee Cars & Coffee brings car owners and enthusiasts together in the Pathways Center parking area in front of Coffee Corner. Hosted by The Mopar Club San Diego and coordinated by Sheri Hendrickson, it welcomes all kinds of vehicles, from classics to modern builds, with motorcycles included. Coffee Corner and Estrada’s Mexican food shop are located in the same lot for convenient refreshments. Attendees are expected to follow site guidelines. There is no alcohol or smoking, including vaping, on the premises, and burnouts are not permitted. Posts claiming to handle registration or sell tickets from anyone other than Sheri Hendrickson are scams. There is no registration or ticketing because it is free, and vendors are not typically part of this gathering.

Enjoy a special Wave-In Day with free admission for everyone, made possible through a collaboration with the Heritage of the America's Museum. The museum will host a Peruvian Showcase in partnership with Balboa Park's House of Peru, featuring Peruvian cuisine, alpacas, and performances. All activities take place at the museum, with musical performances presented in the large amphitheater in the Garden.

A free, beginner friendly nature journaling class led by naturalists Angelina Keselburg and Lauren Lucek invites participants to slow down and see the outdoors with fresh attention. Through simple practices that blend words, quick sketches, measurements, and thoughtful notes, attendees learn to record what they notice and what sparks their curiosity. No artistic experience is needed, just bring a notebook and something to write with. Expect to sharpen observation skills, nurture a sense of wonder, and build a more meaningful connection to the natural world, then walk away with new perspectives and pages of discoveries. The session unfolds in an open air canyon classroom for a relaxed morning of casual learning. It is free to attend and no RSVP is required. During warmer months, a hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended. To keep the main lot available, those who are able are encouraged to use nearby street parking, with a loading zone available afterward for easy loading.

Experience Lane Field Park Markets in downtown San Diego, a lively open-air gathering filled with street food, artisan goods, and live music. More than 30 food and craft vendors dish out diverse flavors, including barbecue, beef and chicken bulgogi over rice, bao, dumplings, Thai chicken with rice, New York-style spiedies, specialty grilled cheese, empanadas, papas con chorizo, and sweets like homemade crepes and beignets. Cool off with an ice-cold smoothie, browse unique crafts, and relax under umbrella-shaded seating while the music sets the vibe.

This annual health-focused gathering at Parkway Plaza brings together a wide range of vendors and resources. Explore booths from healthcare and wellness providers, insurance representatives, and lifestyle services. Free health screenings are available, and live, hands-on demonstrations take place throughout the promenade. Admission is free and open to all ages. The event offers guidance on preventive care and practical steps to support a healthier lifestyle for the future.

Karaoke takes center stage in a daytime setting at The Brass Rail, led by hosts Big Mike and Gerald and supported by a welcoming crowd. Every genre is encouraged, a full bar is available, and there is no cover charge. Guests can choose their favorite songs, step up to the microphone, or simply enjoy the performances in a laid-back atmosphere that sets a cheerful tone for the weekend.

The Chula Vista Farmers Market welcomes the community and visitors regardless of weather, creating a friendly scene alongside Memorial Park with bites, sips, and handcrafted finds from local vendors. Wander through more than 60 tents featuring local produce, baked treats, fresh flowers, salsa, and other goods from the region. This California Certified market is run by the Downtown Chula Vista Association in partnership with market veteran Catt Fields White and San Diego Markets.

shore and sage is a free monthly wellness and makers market in San Diego that highlights local creators and holistic practitioners. Visitors can explore healing experiences, take part in activations and yoga, and connect through community fitness. This recurring pop up gathers in Normal Heights along lively Adams Ave, surrounded by restaurants, breweries, bars, and shops, creating an easy place to stroll between offerings. The focus is to make wellness accessible and visible while bringing small businesses and neighbors together in one intentional space.

Build confidence and enjoy movement in a welcoming Salsa and Bachata series at Infinity Dancesport Center. Sessions are designed for newcomers and Level 2 dancers, and no partner is needed. Instruction covers both styles in a supportive, beginner-friendly format. Participation is complimentary for veterans, service members, and their families. The cost for others is $10 per week or $50 for a six-week series.

Enjoy a free weekend concert at Coronado Ferry Landing with live music by The Ideas. This family friendly performance makes it easy to grab a meal during the show, with dining options available at Coronado Ferry Landing.

Enjoy complimentary dance sessions for youth and adults, featuring a beginner youth class followed by beginner hip hop choreography with Jaami. Drop-ins are welcome. Please bring water and wear comfortable clothing.

A cozy, community-centered book and clothing swap with Jessica Ullyott invites neighbors to refresh shelves and wardrobes at no cost. Bring books you have finished and clothing in good condition to pass along, then browse the selection others contribute to find your next read or a new-to-you outfit. The focus is on reuse, community connections, and giving items a new life. Coordinated by Nature Needs SD. Free to attend and no RSVP is required.

Community members in Allied Gardens who are experiencing food insecurity can access a drive-thru food pantry at Ascension Lutheran Church. Individuals and families can pick up groceries. The site is across from Foster Elementary School in Allied Gardens.

Experience Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance, also known as Tai Ji Quan, a gentle program focused on improving balance and mobility while helping lower the risk of falls. All ability levels are welcome. Movements can be practiced seated or standing to match individual comfort. The class is free and open to the public, and no preregistration is required.

Warwick's hosts an in-store conversation and signing with Elizabeth Letts as she shares her new book, Fallen for France. Letts, the number one New York Times bestselling author of The Eighty-Dollar Champion and The Perfect Horse, will speak with Melanie Benjamin, a New York Times bestselling author of California Golden and The Children's Blizzard. This free event offers a chance to hear their discussion and have books signed.