Random Things to Do : August 20 & August 21, 2011

August 18th, 2011

August 20 & 21, 2011 – Check out these Family Friendly Events in San Diego

Although Summer is coming to a close, the fun is nowhere near done! This weekend is full of many fun and exciting things to do in San Diego: the Padres honor one of their own – Trevor Hoffman – at a special retirement ceremony before Sunday’s baseball game; Storm Chaser Sean Casey blows into the Science Center; the horses race at Del Mar, and the wiener dogs race at Qualcomm Stadium!

Check out our list of random things to do – many of which are free, family friendly or simply a great deal – taking place in and around San Diego this weekend, Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2011:

Featured Events:

Padres’ Trevor Hoffman Retirement Ceremony (Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The Padres honor all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman in a special pregame retirement ceremony before the game against the Marlins. Trevor’s family, friends and former teammates will be on hand for this special milestone in Padres history, which will include the official retirement of Trevor’s iconic number 51. The ceremony is free to all fans with a ticket to the game. Also, all fans in attendance will receive an exclusive Trevor giveaway to commemorate their attendance.

Storm Chaser Sean Casey at Science Center (Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Climb inside a 14,000 pound armored Tornado Intercept Vehicle, meet Sean Casey, take a photo, get an autograph and ask him all of your questions about chasing some of the world’s largest tornados. It’s an exciting day of family fun that no extreme weather enthusiast will want to miss! Event is free with admission to the Science Center.

Things To Do This Weekend:

San Diego Padres vs. Florida Marlins (Friday, August 19, Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The Padres host the Marlines for a 3-game bout at Petco Park. Special giveaways and promotions for these games are as follows: Friday – Friday Night Fireworks and Tony Hawk Foundation Night; Saturday – post game concert featuring Dierks Bentley (free with game ticket); Sunday – Trevor Hoffman Pregame Retirement Ceremony and Padres Backpack giveaway, free to the first 8,000 kids aged 14 and younger.

Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals (Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Cheer on your favorite Weiner dog as it competes for the title of “San Diego’s Fastest Weiner Dog” at Qualcomm Stadium. The San Diego champion will compete in the national championship race which will take place at the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade (part of the Holiday Bowl festivities) in December. Admission is free for all humans and non-racing dogs.

Fairy Tales in the Park (Saturday, August 20, 2011) – The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet invites you to walk through a dreamlike maze to a magical wishing well and gingerbread house, with storybook characters. Enjoy the beauty of ballet with narrated excerpts from Sleeping Beauty, Peter and the Wolf, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and more!

Movies and Music at Grape Day Park (Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Bring your low back chairs and blankets and enjoy a summer full of free, family friendly outdoor movies, music and activities in Grape Day Park in Escondido. The theme of this week’s concert: Caribbean Dance Night.

San Ysidro Summer Music Series (Saturday, August 20, 2011) – Take a break from your Outlet Mall shopping and enjoy some free live music. This week’s concert features acoustic-electric music by Band Diego.

Garden Expressions 2011 at the San Diego Botanic Garden (Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The Garden will be buzzing with art, crafts, food, music activities. Selected regional artists of all kinds – sculptors, painters, glass artists, potters, gourd artists, fiber artists, and more – will be on hand creating and selling their work, much of it inspired by nature. This family friendly event is free with admission.

Coronado Ferry Landing Concert Series (Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2011) – Enjoy free outdoor concerts in Coronado.

La Jolla Concerts By the Sea (Sunday, August 21, 2011) – Gather your friends and family, your blankets and chairs, your food and drinks…and don’t forget your dancing shoes! Scripps Park at La Jolla Cove is the place to be on Sunday afternoons for great, free, live music and fun in the sun. This week’s band: Lao Tizer (Contemporary Jazz).

Free Open House: House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park (Sunday, August 21, 2011) – The International Cottages spread multicultural goodwill every Sunday in Balboa Park. Stroll in and out of the cottages for free and enjoy tasty treats from many lands along the way. This week’s special lawn program hosted by the House of Hungary.

Ongoing Events:

Del Mar Thoroughbred Horse Races (ongoing, until September 7, 2011) – Enjoy great events, concerts and of course races at the Del Mar Race Track. A perennial crowd favorite is the Summer Concert Series (free with paid admission). This year’s line up includes Ziggy Marley, Weezer, Devo, The Bravery and more! Click on the link for a full concert schedule.

San Diego Zoo – Nighttime Zoo (ongoing, until Labor Day, September 5, 2011) – The San Diego Zoo celebrates summer with extended hours and exciting entertainment all summer long. The theme of this year’s Nighttime Zoo event is China Celebration, with Chinese acrobats, a new animal show and robotic actors.

Free Admission to Select Museums for Military & Their Families (ongoing, until September 5, 2011) – The Blue Star Museums program returns for another summer of free museum admission. Active duty military personnel and their immediate families are invited to enjoy free admission to over 1,300 museums nationwide, including 22 museums in the San Diego area. Free admission offer is from May 30, 2011 (Memorial Day) to September 5, 2011 (Labor Day).

Summer Movies in the Park (ongoing, until September 23, 2011) – With 40 movies screening at various public parks and venues all around San Diego County, this outdoor summer film festival is free and family friendly! Follow our link to check out the schedule to see when a movie is coming to a Park near you!

Free Organ Concert in Balboa Park (ongoing, every Sunday) – Free outdoor organ concert in the heart of Balboa Park.

Free Admission to Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park (ongoing) – Duck in to the Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park and take in their current exhibit for free!

New Movie Releases: Conan The Barbarian; Fright Night; One Day; Spy Kids 4 (ongoing) – There’s something for everyone at the movies this weekend! Click on the above link for movie ticket deals and discounts and more.

Have a great weekend, San Diego!

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