Family events in San Diego, CA

Sounds of the Square brings live music to the Clairemont Town Square Food Court for a relaxed evening of classic rock and surf favorites. Look for songs by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Canned Heat, Dick Dale, The Doors, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Santana, Tom Petty, Traffic, The Ventures, The Zombies, and more. The band features Jackson Hines on keyboard and vocals, Travis Gooden on guitar and vocals, Chris Martinez on drums and vocals, Billy Jolt on bass and vocals, and Carly Hines on flute and vocals. Attendees are welcome to bring family, friends, and lawn chairs, and arriving early to pick up food from the center’s restaurants is a great way to settle in before the music starts.

At The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, this high-energy concert salutes Disney and Pixar music from the 1980s and 1990s. Broadway veterans lead the evening with powerhouse vocals, arena-style lighting, and towering animation that fills the stage. The program journeys through songs and moments from Hercules, A Goofy Movie, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, The Lion King, Tarzan, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, and favorites from The Disney Afternoon. Featured performers include Jared Dixon, known for portraying Simba in The Lion King and Aaron Burr in Hamilton. Alyssa Fox brings credits as Elsa in Frozen and Elphaba in Wicked. Arielle Jacobs is celebrated for Jasmine in Aladdin and performances in Wicked and Here Lies Love. Josh Strickland originated Tarzan on Broadway and appeared on American Idol. Raena White adds roles such as Serabi in The Lion King and Mama Morton in Chicago.

Presented by Mopar Club San Diego, this All-American car show welcomes vehicles of every type and model year, including domestic, foreign, and exotic entries. Proceeds benefit San Diego’s active duty military community and their families through STEP and Fleet Week San Diego. Attendees can look forward to music, vendors, prize drawings, a 50/50, and an awards program featuring both People’s Choice and judged trophies. Vehicles are expected to remain parked until the event concludes. Registration is available online, and there are no refunds. Vendor details and contact information are provided on the event flyer.

New anglers and anyone seeking a refresher on catching fish at Santee Lakes can take part in a ranger-led class held just outside the General Store. Please arrive with a rod, a fishing permit, and bait, with permits and bait available for purchase in the General Store. This session is for participants over the age of 5, and children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Class size is limited to 10 participants.

A casual Jeep-focused beach picnic on Fiesta Island in Mission Bay continues a long-running SoCalXJ tradition that has been merged with NAXJA for years. The gathering takes place on the west shore near the shortcut from the east side, where there is plenty of flat, hardpacked sand for parking. Space will not be reserved in advance, so arriving earlier can help secure a spot since the area is popular. Attendees can bring their rigs or come in any vehicle. Plan to bring your own food and beverages, and feel free to bring something to share. Pack chairs, shade, hats, sunscreen, beach and water toys, bikes, and firewood if staying after dark. Well behaved dogs are welcome, as Fiesta Island is off leash, and there is a dog park just south of the typical hangout area. Small boats and personal watercraft can be launched from the sand with a capable 4x4. The perimeter road is also suitable for biking, walking, running, and skating, and there is ample room to spread out for anyone who prefers extra distance. The SeaWorld drone show is visible from the area later in the evening. Please follow SDPD beach rules, including no glass and no alcohol.

Explore the San Diego Zoo after dark during its Nighttime Zoo, when the park shifts into a lively celebration with live music, pop and rock sets, interactive dance moments, acrobatic and cultural performances, wildlife themed entertainers and puppets, and a festive evening parade. Cooler temperatures often spark more animal activity, offering a fresh way to see the exhibits while catching special shows, enjoying a drink, or taking a sunset stroll through the grounds. The plan allows flexible arrival, and participants may wander separately and reconnect later. Tickets are available at a retail price of 78 dollars, with a group discount option of 65 dollars. Parking is 16 dollars per vehicle, with free parking available for those who carpool. Carpool spots are offered at 5 dollars per person. A 15 percent discount on in park food and beverages can be shared by the organizer. This gathering follows community guidelines that emphasize an inclusive, respectful environment and personal responsibility for safety. Disruptive or unsafe behavior is not permitted, and organizers and hosts are not liable for injuries, accidents, or incidents.

Band Overboard brings its Southern California yacht rock vibe back to Campland on the Bay for an evening of smooth sunset tunes. The performance is free and open to the public.

Celebrate the neighborhood’s biggest street and music celebration in the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ Cultural District. For one lively day, Hillcrest transforms into a festival with live performances and DJ sets across two stages, local vendors and community booths, food and drinks, art, and special activations. Admission is free and all ages are welcome, with a Kids Zone and family activities alongside a wine garden and full bar. Stroll the streets, dance to the music, browse goods from local makers, support nearby businesses, meet new people, and soak up the colorful, welcoming energy that defines Hillcrest.

Live music happens three days each week with a mix of soulful soloists, lively duos, and terrific trios, offering something for a wide range of musical tastes. Performances are free and open to the public, and no tickets are required, creating an easygoing setting where good vibes and dancing fit right in. Weekdays also feature happy hour at Yard House and NOVO Brazil Brewing. Each Saturday, the Valley Vibes Farmers Markets bring together local vendors, fresh finds, and plenty of feel good energy all season long.

Filipino Heritage Celebration 2026 returns to Petco Park for a second night, presented by the San Diego Padres in partnership with Silk Road Productions. A special Theme Game package includes a bomber jacket and a ticket to the Brewers vs. Padres game, with a portion supporting a local community group. A pregame show is planned, and the entertainment lineup will be announced soon for a ballpark experience that blends baseball and Filipino pride.

Bucket Listers and Hasbro introduce a Candy Land Café in San Diego, inviting fans to step into a vibrant, candy coated setting filled with immersive scenes and playful interactions inspired by the classic board game. This family friendly pop up blends imaginative design with a themed menu, creating a colorful backdrop for families, date nights, and summer hangouts with friends. Tickets start at $24.50 per person including fees and include a 90 minute seating, a $10 food credit, and a $5 merchandise credit. All ages are welcome, and children under 2 do not need a ticket. Activities span all ages, from DIY cookie decorating to a Sweet Adventure Checklist that guides guests through the space. Visitors can follow a life size board path toward King Kandy’s Candy Castle, capture photos with oversized Jolly Gumdrops, and wander through a Lollipop Woods tunnel. Exclusive Candy Land merchandise is available. The chef driven, fast casual menu leans whimsical with colorful smashburgers, lollipopcorn chicken, over the top ice cream flights, and a shareable chocolate experience. Drinks include both mocktails and cocktails with colorful, interactive elements made for groups to enjoy. A 20 percent service gratuity is automatically added to the final bill on site. All sales are final with no exchanges or refunds. Pricing may change and reflects current market rates, and the total due at checkout includes all applicable taxes and fees whether itemized or embedded in the ticket price. Tickets are for personal use only and cannot be resold, transferred, or used commercially, and the organizer may limit purchase quantities, cancel orders, refuse entry, or revoke tickets without refund for violations of these terms.

Kids can dive into art and play through a rotating series of hands-on activities led by Ms. Maureen. Each session introduces something new, like coloring, painting, folding paper airplanes, playing games, or creating a self-portrait. Crafts and games nurture creativity, problem solving, and teamwork, and all supplies are provided. This program is geared toward elementary and middle school students. It is held on the second Wednesday of each month.

Rooted in San Diego’s summer scene along Mission Bay, this annual luau brings together the tastes, sounds, and dance traditions of Polynesia for families and friends. Guests are greeted with a lei and a welcome Mai Tai, then enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet while kids explore a special activity bag. Live entertainment carries the night as Pride of Polynesia presents traditional island music and dance, featuring graceful hula and thrilling torch dancers.

Settle in for a monthly movie night that pairs a self-guided after-hours visit to the Davis-Horton House with a courtyard screening of a different classic film each month. The series takes place on the third Thursday throughout 2026. Tickets are $10, and advance purchase is recommended since seating is very limited. Popcorn and other refreshments will be available to buy. Bring a jacket or a blanket for extra comfort.