December 2 & 3, 2011 – Free Community Festival & Free Museum Admission
San Diego’s favorite kick-off to the holiday season, December Nights 2011 takes places this year on Friday, December 2, 2011 and Saturday, December 3, 2011 in Balboa Park. Celebrating its 34th consecutive year, this event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park and kick-off the “most wonderful time of the year.”
The more than 300,000 visitors who are expected to attend San Diego’s largest free community festival can look forward to a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world. Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California, unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village, musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.
And once again this year, in the spirit of the holidays, participating Balboa Park museums will open their doors to the public free of charge from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm both evenings.
With so much to do and see, be sure to arrive early and plan to stay late – this one of a kind free event is a family favorite and should not be missed!
Parking During December Nights 2011 –
Wondering where to park when attending December Nights in Balboa Park?
Park for free at the Zoo Parking Lot in Balboa Park, the County Administration Building North Lot (1600 Pacific Highway, at the corner of Grape Street) or the City College Parking Lots (between 16th and B Streets) and take a free shuttle to the Event. Or, you can park at one of 2,000 parking spots at Petco Park’s Tailgate Park (Imperial Avenue and 13th Street) for $3.00 per vehicle and take a free shuttle to the Event.
The December Nights Free Shuttle runs on Friday from 4:30 pm to 11:00 pm and on Saturday from noon until 11:00 pm in all locations. The last shuttle leaves all sites at 8:45 pm and the last shuttle from the Park is at 10:45 pm.
Other Parking Options:
Only the Zoo Lot will be available for free parking. Historically, this lot will be filled by 6:00 pm on Friday and by 4:00 pm on Saturday. If you plan on arriving after these times, you should:
- Look for parking on the West side (6th Avenue side);
- Go directly to the shuttle stops; or
- Take public transportation.
All of the other lots along Park Boulevard are designated as follows:
- $20.00 Preferred Parking – on the East side of the Park (at Park Boulevard and Village Place adjacent to the Cascades Holiday Marketplace and the San Diego Natural History Museum)
- $10.00 Parking – in the Inspiration Point parking lot at Park Boulevard and President’s Way.
- Handicap Designated Parking - available at: Park Boulevard and Space Theatre Way; Park Boulevard and President’s Way; and, Laurel Street and Balboa Drive. These areas have limited space, so plan on arriving early. Vehicles entering these areas must have a valid placard and identification card. Handicap parking is also available in the Zoo Lot.
- By permit only – spots designated for event permit holders only.
Balboa Park’s December Nights 2011 takes place on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday, December 3, 2011 from noon to 10:00 pm. Admission to this family friendly event is free. Free admission to the Balboa Park Museums is offered on both nights from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Enjoy, San Diego!
November 30th, 2011
October 29, 2011 – Free Child Admission To Select Museums in Balboa Park
Put on your costume and celebrate Halloween in Balboa Park at the 3rd Annual Balboa Park Halloween Family Day on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Over a dozen museums are treating families to free admission for children 12 and under during this family friendly event. In addition to free children’s admission with a paid adult, participating museums and cultural attractions will present a spooky array of hands-on activities, crafts, special tours, storytelling, and other free goodies from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Adults also receive discounted admission when they pick up a Stay-for-the-Day Pass, a one-day excursion pass allowing one adult admission to five park museums for a low price of $35.00.
Among the highlights of this year’s park-wide Halloween Family Day is a doggie costume contest at the Spanish Village Art Center, a Great Pumpkin parachute drop at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, a creepy nocturnal Critter Cavern at the Natural History Museum, a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Xochitl at the Mingei Museum and activities that explore local cemeteries and gravestones at the San Diego History Center.
The following exciting activities are scheduled for the 2011 Balboa Park Halloween Family Day:
- Balboa Park Visitors Center: Free gift to kids in costume who are accompanied by an adult (while supplies last). Enter a drawing to win: Passports to Balboa Park; Old Town Trolley/Seal tickets, Junior Theatre tickets to Annie and Old Globe Family 4-pack to How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
- Japanese Friendship Garden: An interactive scavenger hunt will teach families about Japanese culture and gardening. Stay for lunch as the Chop Soo-ey food truck, featuring the creations of San Diego’s celebrity chef, Deborah Scott, will be parked in the Garden.
- Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre: Free puppet making for all kids accompanied by an adult at 11:45 am and 1:45 pm; show ticket not required.
- Mingei International Museum: Take part in a skull-making craft activity with Amalia Menchaca and a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Xochitl at 1:00 pm, in collaboration with the House of Mexico.
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: Participate in toddler-themed (ages 5 and under) activities at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm in the Kid City exhibition; discounted IMAX admission all day (regular admission applies to accompanying parents).
- San Diego Air & Space Museum: Make Great Pumpkin parachutes in preparation for the pumpkin drop off of the museum roof at 2:30 pm; enjoy kid-friendly 3-D films. Special admission price of $5.00 to see the Space Exhibition.
- San Diego Automotive Museum: Discover your inner (scary) car designer with ghost car coloring sheets in the Children’s Art Gallery.
- San Diego Hall of Champions: Children 12 and under free with paid adult.
- San Diego History Center: Explore gravestone symbols from San Diego’s historic cemeteries, read epitaphs, and design creative funerary art for the future. Learn the history of various local cemeteries.
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum: Make haunted train trick-or-treat bags and enjoy a Thomas the Tank Engine bounce house. Treats provided for all children.
- San Diego Museum of Art: Children 12 and under free with paid adult. The SDMA Sculpture Court Café by Giuseppe will offer a warm apple cider station with candy for the kids, while quantities last.
- San Diego Museum of Man: Learn about Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, with local artist and expert Mary Lou Valencia! Make a calavera mask and learn about sugar skulls, or make a paper flower to honor friendly spirits! Sample authentic “Bread of the Dead” and hot chocolate. Explore the museum with a spooky tour of our mummy collection, presented in ghostly rhyme!
- San Diego Natural History Museum: Grab a flashlight and visit the Critter Cavern to learn about bats and other nocturnal creatures, meet the staff animal expert and join in a costume parade lead by Ms. Frizzle at 2:30 pm! Take part in hands-on activities and create crafts to take home.
- San Diego Zoo: Free admission to all children through 11 years of age, regardless of adult ticket purchase as part of Kids Free Days promotion.
- Spanish Village: Doggie Costume Contest beginning at 1:00 pm. Doggie treats for the winners and first place receives a $25.00 Spanish Village Gift Certificate. Also, free art activities, including trick-or-treat bag decorating, trick-or-treating at the studios, entertainment, art and food booths.
- The Old Globe: The Old Globe’s popular class for children, Theatre Tots, will take place at 10:00 am in Hattox Hall at the Karen and Donald Cohn Education Center. Theatre Tots is a Creative Dramatics program for children ages 4, 5 and 6. This ninety-minute session takes children from storybook to performance while they learn how to use their voices, bodies and imaginations to bring a story to life. Spaces are limited so please sign up by emailing: GlobeLearning@TheOldGlobe.org.
- Timken Museum of Art: Revel in ghostly giggles at a Family Storytelling at 11:00 am that will give ages five and up “just the teeniest bit of shiver.”
- UNA International Gift Shop: Pick up a Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box for kids to take along with them as they go trick-or-treating this Halloween. The money they collect will be sent to UNICEF to help children around the world who need clean water, food, school supplies, etc. One free flag per family while supplies last.
Additional Halloween Family Day Booths along the Prado:
- Balboa Park Online Collaborative: See the Park’s exciting new technology-related projects, including mobile apps and a forthcoming online library featuring content from 20 Balboa Park cultural institutions.
- Marston House: Mask making and coloring. Receive a vintage, c. 1900 style, treat bag full of various goodies, including coupons and candy (while supplies last).
- San Diego Civic Youth Ballet: Information on upcoming programs including The Nutcracker.
- SDG&E: Learn how to slay energy vampires in your home. Free workbooks for kids with energy-saving tips and information about other SDG&E programs and services.
- San Diego Natural History Museum: Hands-on activity; information on upcoming programs.
- San Diego Youth Symphony: Performances by student musicians; raffle give-away; musical petting zoo – students will demonstrate and teach visitors how to play an instrument; information on concert season, membership, and community programs.
- San Diego Zoo: Pins, decals, magazines and Halloween candy will be handed out to everyone. Zoo animals at the booth.
Halloween Family Day 2011 takes place on Saturday, October 29, 2011 in San Diego’s Balboa Park. This family friendly event is open to the public. Costumes are encouraged.
Happy Halloween, San Diego!
October 22nd, 2011
Explore San Diego Through Interactive Walking Tours With Your Cell Phone As Your Guide!
If you love scavenger hunts, you’ll really love San Diego: The Game! It combines the fun of a scavenger hunt with the sights and history of a tour to create a self-guided, interactive experience.
A refreshing alternative to traditional tours that rush you through the highlights with dull commentary, San Diego: The Game uses mobile technology to immerse players in enjoyable and informative self-guided, interactive tours. The tours combine the fun of a scavenger hunt with the sights, history and insider knowledge of a top-notch tour.
It’s a unique opportunity to explore the coolest parts of San Diego while learning interesting tidbits about the city along the way.
Presented by Stray Boots, San Diego: The Game is easy to play and works by text message, so customers can play using virtually any US mobile phone. Players are guided with text messages that include riddles, puzzles, photo opportunities and trivia questions as they tour the points of interest along the route. Each response earns the urban explorer points, making it possible to compete between groups of friends, family members, or pre-assigned teams. And since San Diego: The Game is a completely self-guided experience, players can start whenever they want, take breaks as they wish and set their own pace as they go. Each tour takes about two to three hours to complete.
For San Diegans looking for something different to do, it makes a great date, family outing, or just a day out on the town with friends. San Diego: The Game offers two meticulously researched tours designed to delight San Diego locals and tourists alike with intriguing facts and amusing activities. The Gaslamp Quarter tour takes players on a trek through the beating heart of San Diego known for boisterous entertainment and historic sights. The tour includes beautiful Victorian buildings, famous saloons, the William Heath Davis House, Joseph Jessup Clock and a host of historic hotels and marvelous monuments; the Balboa Park tour offers stunning vistas and awe-inspiring architecture. Players take a scenic stroll that treats them to beautiful botanical gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe, stunning sculptures, the Timken Museum of Art and even the world’s largest organ.
Discount Tickets – For a limited time, tickets to San Diego: The Game is being offered at a special discount price of $12.00 per ticket for adults and $7.20 per ticket for children. For more information about San Diego: The Game and to purchase tickets, visit the Stray Boots website.
Looking for other Discounts in San Diego?
GO San Diego Card holders can enjoy free admission to over 48 San Diego area attractions, activities and tours – including Balboa Park Museums, Legoland California, the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park – for one low price. You can also build your own custom pass and enjoy discounts to the places you want to see! The GO San Diego Card is available in 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 day increments. For more details click here to visit the GO San Diego card website.
Happy touring, San Diego!
October 20th, 2011
October 1 – 31, 2011 – Free Child Admission All Month Long!
It’s that time of the year again! From October 1 to October 31, 2011, in honor of our Zoo’s founding, children ages 3 to 11 receive free general admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park when accompanied by an adult.
Note: The Zoo’s Guided Bus Tour and the Skyfari Aerial Tram are not included with Kids’ Free entrance and must be purchased separately at the Zoo. The Safari Park’s Africa Tram Safari and the Conservation Carousel are not included with Kids Free entrance and must be purchased separately at the Park.
For more information about Kids’ Free Days, visit the San Diego Zoo website.
Enjoy, San Diego!
October 17th, 2011
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!
August 18th, 2011
August 20, 2011 – Meet and Greet is Free with Admission
IMAX filmmaker Sean Casey and his one-of-a-kind Tornado Intercept Vehicle will be making a special appearance in San Diego at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park this Saturday, August 20, 2011.
Named one of the “Fifty Best Minds of the Year” in 2008 by Discover magazine, Casey currently stars in Discovery Channel’s Storm Chasers reality series, one of the highest-rated cable shows on television. In addition, Casey is an inventor of sorts, having designed two tornado intercept vehicles, or TIVs, the second of which was used in the filming of the IMAX film Tornado Alley.
During the event on Saturday, guests will be able to climb inside the 14,000 pound armored vehicle that Casey and his team navigated into the center of a tornado. Guests will also have the opportunity to Meet 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!
The Meet and Greet with Casey is planned in conjunction with the IMAX film Tornado Alley, which is currently playing at the Science Center’s IMAX Theater. Directed, written and featuring Sean Casey, Tornado Alley takes viewers on an epic chase through the “severe weather capital of the world” and for the first time in film history – straight into the heart of an actual tornado!
Sean Casey and his TIV will be at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on Saturday, August 20, 2011. The Science Center is located in Balboa Park at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Boulevard. This family friendly event is free with admission to the Science Center. Advance ticket purchases for the Tornado Alley screenings are recommended.
August 17th, 2011
The last few weekends of summer are packed with many fun and exciting things to do in San Diego: the Children’s Museum opens its doors with free admission; the best of the best “20 and under” female surfers in the world take to the waves in Oceanside in the Supergirl Pro Junior Surf Contest; San Diego celebrates Latino culture with the Fiesta del Sol; Hillcrest comes alive to celebrate CityFest; and special events are planned in Balboa Park to commemmorate the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
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 13 and Sunday, August 14, 2011:
Featured Events:
Free Admission to the San Diego New Children’s Museum (Sunday, August 14, 2011) – Children and families can enjoy the Museum’s entire exhibition and hands-on art projects for free all day!
Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive! – WWII Memorial Event (Sunday, August 14, 2011) – Commemorate the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II with a day of remembrance at the Veterans Museum and Veterans Memorial Garden in Balboa Park. Listen to the stories of WWII Veterans, hear the music of that era and see newsreel footage in the museum. The Veterans Museum is free to all guests during this commemorative event.
Things To Do This Weekend:
Circus Family Day at the Model Railroad Museum (Saturday, August 13, 2011) – Circus trains of all sizes will be pulling circus animals and traveling across all areas of Balboa Park’s Model Railroad Museum. There will also be great Circus craft activities, face painting and balloon animals for all to enjoy. Free admission for children under 15 who are accompanied by an adult.
Supergirl Pro Junior Surf Contest (Saturday, August 13, 2011) – The 4th annual Supergirl Pro Junior surf contest will hit the waves in Oceanside with one of the biggest contests in Pro Junior history. Sixteen of the best “20 and under” female surfers in the world – including three of the top ten female surfers on the ASP Women’s World Tour – will be competing for one of the largest prize purses on the Circuit (and the coveted Supergirl cape) in the only 6-Star Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Pro Junior contest in North America. Spectators are free.
Movies and Music at Grape Day Park (Saturday, August 13, 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. This week’s movie: Babe.
San Ysidro Summer Music Series (Saturday, August 13, 2011) – Take a break from your Outlet Mall shopping and enjoy some free live music. This week’s concert features “Rock en Espanol” by Castillo.
FinnFest 2011 (Wednesday, August 10 to Sunday, August 14, 2011) – FinnFest 2011 brings together everyone with a connection to Finland and all those interested in Newsweek magazine’s #1 ranked “Best Country to Live In.” This event offers four days of activities spanning the spectrum of entertainment, cultural, educational, sport, and family-focused and business programs. Thousands of North American, local and international visitors are expected to attend.
Fiesta del Sol on San Diego Bay (Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, 2011) –Attracting over 75,000 visitors over two days, Fiesta del Sol is a Latino Family Festival which celebrates the richness of the region, while honoring Latino communities’ contributions to San Diego. This fun, free, family friendly, alcohol and tobacco free event focuses on creating positive change by empowering local communities.
Coronado Ferry Landing Concert Series (Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, 2011) – Enjoy free outdoor concerts in Coronado.
Free Admission to Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park (Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, 2011) – Duck in to the Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park and take in their current exhibit (“George Inness in Italy”) for free!
Art in The Village (Sunday, August 14, 2011) – Stroll through Carlsbad Village and enjoy the works of over 150 local and regional fine artists who work in a variety of mediums. Guests will also enjoy live acoustic music, Artist demos and instruction throughout the day.
CityFest in Hillcrest (Sunday, August 14, 2011) – CityFest takes place in the heart of Hillcrest and is a huge celebration of community spirit through music, arts, crafts and food. Games, activities, over 250 vendors, live headliner music, a beer garden and much more will be on hand to entertain the over 150,000 guests that attend this event each year.
2nd Sunday Family Puppet Shows (Sunday, August 14, 2011) – Monthly family friendly puppet performance and workshop hosted by the San Diego Guild of Puppetry.
La Jolla Concerts By the Sea (Sunday, August 14, 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: Big Time Operator (Swing).
Free Organ Concert in Balboa Park (Sunday, August 14, 2011) – Free outdoor organ concert in the heart of Balboa Park.
Free Open House: House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park (Sunday, August 14, 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 Palestine.
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!
New Movie Releases: The Help; 30 Minutes or Less; Final Destination 5; Glee the 3D Concert Movie (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!
August 12th, 2011
It’s a great weekend to be in San Diego! With so many fun things to do this weekend, you may want to try to pack a couple of events into each day – pucker up for the Lemon Festival, channel your inner artist at the Free Family Art Day at the Oceanside Museum of Art, scope out close to 200 Porches at the Car Show in National City or just kick back and catch a free outdoor concert or movie!
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 6 and Sunday, August 7, 2011:
Featured Events:
Free Family Art Day at the Oceanside Museum of Art (Sunday, August 7, 2011) – Bring the whole family to this fun-filled free event where children are encouraged to view the artwork featured in the Museum’s Exhibitions (with special kid-friendly docent guided tours) and participate in hands-on art activities that reflect concepts and themes from the Exhibits. This free, family friendly event is open to the public. All materials are included; no art experience required. Healthy refreshments are provided.
Lemon Festival in Chula Vista (Sunday, August 7, 2011) – The 15th Annual Lemon Festival celebrates Chula Vista’s heritage as the “Lemon Capital of the World.” Filled with activities and attractions for children and adults alike, this event features live entertainment on 3 stages, hand crafters, international foods, contests…and lemons galore! This is a free, family friendly event.
Things To Do This Weekend:
Movies and Music at Grape Day Park (Saturday, August 6, 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 for this week’s concert: Youth Music Night.
San Ysidro Summer Music Series (Saturday, August 6, 2011) – Take a break from your Outlet Mall shopping and enjoy some free live music. This week’s concert features the Andean, Latin, Folk and World music of Tinku.
Free Admission to Select Museums (Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7, 2011) – Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can enjoy free admission to over 150 museums nationwide, including 3 museums in San Diego, plus a few others a short drive away.
Coronado Ferry Landing Concert Series (Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7, 2011) – Enjoy free outdoor concerts in Coronado.
Free Admission to Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park (Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7, 2011) – Duck in to the Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park and take in their current exhibit (“George Inness in Italy”) for free!
Automobile Heritage Day, Car Show & Parade in National City (Sunday, August 7, 2011) – This year’s Car Show features close to 200 Porsches, with a dazzling display of those cars from the very early models to the latest Super Cars. Live music, entertainment, food and more round out the day. This is a free, family friendly event.
La Jolla Concerts By the Sea (Sunday, August 7, 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: Blue Breeze Band (Motown, R&B and Soul).
Free Organ Concert in Balboa Park (Sunday, August 7, 2011) – Free outdoor organ concert in the heart of Balboa Park.
Free Open House: House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park (Sunday, August 7, 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 Peru.
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!
New Movie Releases: Rise of the Planet of the Apes; The Change-Up (ongoing) – Two more summer flicks hit the big screen this weekend. Click on the above link for movie ticket deals and discounts and more.
Have a great weekend, San Diego!
August 4th, 2011
Looking for something to do this weekend? There’s plenty to choose from – the Padres are back for a series of home games against the Rockies, the horses are hot at the Del Mar Races, Cowboys and Aliens and The Smurfs make their debut on the silver screen and free outdoor concerts and movies abound!
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, July 30 and Sunday, July 31, 2011:
Featured Events:
Bridal Bazaar Bridal Show and Wedding Expo (Sunday, July 31, 2011) – Ease your way from “I will” to “I do” with the help of the elite service providers you will meet at San Diego’s largest, most complete Bridal Event. Don’t pay full price: click on the link for great admission coupons and discounts.
San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies at Petco Park (Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31, 2011) – The Padres host the Rockies for a 3-game bout at Petco Park. Special giveaways and promotions for these games are as follows: Friday – discount tickets ($8.00 each) for College Night (use promo code COLLEGE), Country Night and Friday Party at the Park; Saturday – the first 25,000 fans in attendance get to take home their very own Padres Rally Towel; Sunday – the first 8,000 kids aged 14 and younger will receive a Padres Mini Bat. Sunday is also Military Appreciation Day, honoring the CA National Guard.
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July 27th, 2011
Wondering what to do this weekend? There’s plenty to choose from – this weekend you can check out your favorite comic book heros at Comic-Con, get inside the cockpit of a vintage warplane at the Flying Leathernecks Aviation Muesum, root for your favorite horse at the Del Mar Races, travel the world in a single afternoon at the International Cottages in Balboa Park, discover sandy masterpieces at the U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition in Imperial Beach, watch Captain America save the world on the silver screen or catch a free outdoor concert or movie!
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, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 2011:
Featured Events:
Comic-Con 2011 (Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24, 2011) – Was that a Stormtrooper you saw walking down the street? It probably was! A San Diego summer staple, Comic-Con takes over the Convention Center this weekend. Click on the link to check out our list of restaurants and eateries offering discounts, deals and specials to Comic-Com badge holders.
Opening Weekend: Del Mar Thoroughbred Horse Races (July 20 to September 7, 2011) – And they’re off! It’s the opening weekend of the world renowned Del Mar Races! 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.
U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition (July 22 to 24, 2011) – Enjoy a weekend full of free, family friendly fun, frolic, entertainment, a Street Fair and sandy masterpieces at the largest sandcastle building competition in the nation, held this weekend in Imperial Beach.
Things To Do This Weekend:
Movies and Music at Grape Day Park (Saturday, July 23, 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 for this week’s concert: Classic Hits Night.
San Ysidro Summer Music Series (Saturday, July 23, 2011) – Take a break from your Outlet Mall shopping and enjoy some free live music. This week’s concert features salsa and jazz by Café Moliendo.
Open Cockpit Days at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum (Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 2011) – Climb aboard and get inside the cockpit of several of the Museum’s vintage aircraft. Free, family friendly fun for the whole family!
Coronado Ferry Landing Concert Series (Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 2011) – Enjoy free outdoor concerts in Coronado.
Free Admission to Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park (Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24, 2011) – Duck in to the Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park and take in their current exhibit (“George Inness in Italy”) for free!
Encinitas Summer Concerts By the Sea (Sunday, July 24, 2011) – Head over to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, lay out your blanket and kick back in the sun and enjoy some great live music by The Styletones (Soul/Funk). This is a free, family friendly event.
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July 21st, 2011
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