Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 10.
Friday
Taylor Tomlinson: Comedian Taylor Tomlinson, a native of Temecula, is bringing her “Save Me Tour” to the San Diego Civic Center for three shows. The Cal State San Marcos attendee hosted the “After Midnight” late-night television series for two seasons on CBS before it was canceled. It was announced on March 26 that her show would end in June and she would return to performing stand-up comedy. 7 p.m. tonight. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. San Diego Civic Center, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. 619-615-4000, sandiegotheatres.org
Tiki party: Tiki Oasis is celebrating its 25th birthday with multiple days of entertainment and educational attractions. Each day, there are various activities such as live music, educational seminars, health and wellness workshops, vendors, art exhibits and sunset dinners. Plus, various bars will serve tropical cocktails. 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Today through Sunday. Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego. 619-291-7131, tikioasis.com
“Strung Together”: La Jolla Music Society SummerFest presents this concert featuring composer-in-residence Jessie Montgomery’s Concerto Grosso, Ysaÿe’s Sonata for Two Violins, and Dvořák’s Piano Quintet in A Major. 7:30 p.m. Friday. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $60-$90. theconrad.org
Row in the Dark: Kayak paddleboard, or aquacycle in the dark at this special summer outing at the Carlsbad Lagoon. Bring your own gear. Guests will be given a glow stick kit. 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. California Watersports, Carlsbad Lagoon, 4215 Harrison St., Carlsbad. $49. carlsbadlagoon.com/summer-camp/row-in-the-dark
Saturday
Book Fair at the North Park Vegan Market: Book lovers can mingle and browse used books at this fair. Among the list of participants are Joyride Bookshop, The Book Catapult and The Feminist Bookstore. Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St., San Diego. Free. eventbrite.com/e/book-fair-at-the-north-park-vegan-market-tickets-1361336828099?
Health and wellness workshops: City Farmers Nursery in City Heights is hosting two free educational workshops to help the community through herbs and soil. On Saturday, the public can learn how certain herbs and plants can help the body stay cool and hydrated and the mind stay calm. On Sunday, attendees can learn how to identify their soil type, improve fertility and boost structure for better plant growth. 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday. 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday. 3110 Euclid Ave., San Diego. Free. 619-284-6358, cityfarmersnursery.com
Two new photography exhibits in Balboa Park: The San Diego Museum of Art and MOPA@SDMA museum have new related photography exhibits this month that will both run through Jan. 11. On Aug. 2, MOPA@SDMA at 1649 El Prado opened “Shifting Visions: Photographs from the Collection of Ken and Jacki Widder. It’s a comprehensive survey of mid-20th-century American photography, including photojournalism, architectural studies and abstract work. It runs through Jan. 11 at 1649 El Prado. On Saturday, the San Diego Museum of Art opens “John Gutmann & Max Yavno: California Photographers,” chronicling mid-20th-century life in California. 1450 El Prado. mopa.org, sdmart.org
Free community event: The Downtown San Diego Partnership is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a free community event at Children’s Park. There will be family-friendly activities such as a caricature artist, face painting, live music, food and beverages. The Downtown San Diego Partnership will also unveil its clean and safe program, which arranges community events, activations and improvement efforts in parks and green spaces throughout downtown San Diego. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Children’s Park, 326 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. Free. downtownsandiego.org/events/pbid-bash
Photography workshop: Photographer Mickey Strand is hosting a photography class at Balboa Park. Participants will learn how to capture portraits outdoors with people of all ages. Guests will shoot at three to four locations, during golden hour, using several lighting techniques. Attendees will meet in front of the Fleet Science Center and are asked to bring their camera. 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, San Diego. $119.22. georgescamera.com/photo-classes
The Beach Boys: The Sound of Summer Tour Though The Beach Boys fandom is still mourning the loss of Brian Wilson, some of its members are on tour this summer. The crew, which won’t include Al Jardine or David Marks, will include an appearance by John Stamos. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. Tickets start at $75. theshell.org/performances/the-beach-boys-2025
Sunday
Hillcrest CityFest: For the 40th time, Hillcrest will be the scene of a large street festival, with multiple stages, vendors, crafts and lots of dancing. Noon to 11 p.m. Sunday. Fifth Avenue between University and Brookes avenues. Free. fabuloushillcrest.com/event-calendar/2023/8/13/cityfest-8x22j-ld5lj
“Homage”: SummerFest presents Purcell’s Chacony in G Minor (arr. Britten), Britten’s String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir d’un Lieu Cher, and Arensky’s String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor. 3 p.m. Sunday.. Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. $60–$95. theconrad.org
Originally Published: August 6, 2025 at 1:25 PM PDT