A new year offers the opportunity to try new things or revisit favorite haunts.
In 2026, San Diegans can celebrate the centennial of a local museum, watch parades, see circus performers, learn local history and much more. Here’s a list of just 70 of the options for exploring the region this year.
Some of these annual events do not yet have official dates. Check back for details.
Only in 2026
A group of people walk out of the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park in San Diego on Nov. 11, 2025. (Brittany Cruz-Fejeran / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
San Diego Museum of Art 100th birthday celebration: On Saturday, Feb. 28, SDMA celebrates is 100th birthday with free admission from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be music performances, gallery activations and hands-on activities throughout the day and visitors can check out the exhibit “SDMA 100 Years.” 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 28. San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. sdmart.org
— Kelly Davis
Annual events
ArtWalk: For more than three decades, ArtWalk has brought visual and performing arts to the streets of San Diego, and the dates are already set for 2026. Find Mission Fed ArtWalk in Little Italy on April 25 and 26; ArtWalk Liberty Station on July 31, Aug. 1 and 2; ArtWalk Carlsbad on Sept. 19 and 20; and Bella Vita Fest in Little Italy on Oct. 18 and 19. artwalksandiego.org
— Abby Hamblin
Avocado Festival: Launched in 1987 as a free street fair honoring the community’s best-known crop, the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce’s annual Avocado Festival returns this spring. Besides a bounty of merchants selling ripe avocado fruit and avocado-centric foods, there are booths selling avocado oil, soap, seedlings, candles, sauces, body wash and more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 6, 2026. Main Street, from Ivy to Ash streets, Fallbrook. 760-728-5845, fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/avocado-festival
— Pam Kragen
Barona Powwow: A celebration of the Barona Band of Mission Indians takes place at the Barona Sports Park on the Barona Indian Reservation. The annual event features a dance contest in various categories and drummers and dancers are welcomed to join. Late August. 1095 Barona Road, Lakeside. facebook.com/BaronaPowwow
— Carlos Rico
Fireworks explode over San Diego Bay during the Big Bay Boom fireworks show in San Diego on Friday, July 04, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Big Bay Boom: One of California’s largest fireworks shows takes place in San Diego. The annual Big Bay Boom is a fireworks show over San Diego Bay that can been seen from Coronado, Harbor Island, North and South Embarcadero, Shelter Island and downtown San Diego. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and boats to designated watch areas. 9 p.m. July 4. bigbayboom.com
— Carlos Rico
Enaya Thomas at a booth at Black Comix Day 2025 at the World Beat Center in Balboa Park on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in San Diego. (Sandy Huffaker / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Black Comix Day: For the eighth time, San Diego will be the scene for a showcase of Black creators in film, comics and animation. This is a family-friendly event with activities for kids and there will be a panel on afrofuturism. This year Black Comix Day takes place on Feb. 14. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. WorldBeat Center, 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego. Free. worldbeatcenter.org/event/black-comix-day-2026
— Abby Hamblin
Chinese New Year Fair: The two-day celebration will include lion and dragon dancers, lantern parades, martial arts performances, a children’s activity area, vendors selling Asian food and live music. The fair is organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association. Feb. 28 and March 1. 428 Third Ave., San Diego. Free. chinesenewyearfairesandiego.godaddysites.com
— Carlos Rico
The Conrad Holiday Open House: At last year’s open house, artisans and artists sold their handcrafted ceramic and wooden objects, kids crafted, Santa posed for photos, puppies played with potential future pet parents, a musical “petting zoo” welcomed little hands to test bows and woodwinds and faux snow drifted from above. The annual event is free, with snacks, hot chocolate and holiday cocktails available for purchase. December. Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
— Roxana Popescu
Kids stand in front of the history wall during the Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the Cooper Family Foundation in Logan Heights on June 21, 2025. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Cooper Family Juneteenth: The Cooper Family Juneteenth has been a San Diego can’t-miss event for more than 50 years. The event is held in memory of Sidney and Thelma Cooper and their contributions to the community. It typically includes live music, educational programming, family activities, food and other activities and is usually held the weekend before or after Juneteenth, which is June 19. Memorial Park, 2975 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego. cfjuneteenth.com/events
— Abby Hamblin
An Aztec dancer during Chicano Park Day in Barrio Logan on April 19, 2025. (Ariana Drehsler / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Chicano Park Day: Every year, Barrio Logan and Logan Heights neighbors and friends gather to remember the efforts that went into establishing Chicano Park in the 1970s and to celebrate the Chicano community. All are welcome at to the park for food, music, dancing and other performances, education, lowrider showcases and other cultural activities. Chicano Park Day typically takes place in April. Chicano Park, 1949 Logan Ave., San Diego. Free. chicano-park.com
— Abby Hamblin
December Nights: The city of San Diego’s largest two-day holiday gathering happens yearly in Balboa Park. December Nights is a festival full of food from around the world, holiday music, lights, attractions, rides, a family zone and the infamous tree lighting ceremony at the Organ Pavilion. The public can also visit Balboa Park museums for free. First weekend in December. Balboa Park. sandiego.gov/december-nights
— Carlos Rico
Divina Rodriguez of Chula Vista tried her luck at baseball pitching while at the 13th Annual East Village Block Party on Saturday, March 29, 2025. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
East Village Block Party: It’s hard to image the return of baseball season without the East Village Block Party. San Diegans can celebrate Padres baseball here with or without tickets to the game. Visitors will find good food, music, family-friendly activities, vendors and other offerings from the East Village community. 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 28. J Street from 6th to 10th avenues. eastvillagesandiego.com/events/east-village-block-party
— Abby Hamblin
Encinitas Spring Street Fair: This is one of the biggest events of the year for Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association. Just a few blocks from the beach, visitors to the street fair can enjoy an artisan market, food, music and other entertainment, family-friendly activities and more. 2026 date TBD. South Coast Highway 101. encinitas101.com/spring-street-fair
— Abby Hamblin
Fiesta Del Sol: For two days, Solana Beach celebrates the sun with a festival of art, food, drinks and more than 14 live bands. Guests to the festival can dance along to the music, shop from local vendors and there will be a kids zone. May 30 and May 31. Fletcher Cove Park, Solana Beach. fiestadelsol.net
— Abby Hamblin
Hillcrest CityFest: This annual block party in August is part music festival, part arts and vendor fair. Thousands of people gather over 9 blocks and visitors can find live bands and DJs as well as a wide variety of food and drink options. Expect drag performances, music, kids crafts and other activities. Fifth Avenue near University Avenue in Hillcrest. fabuloushillcrest.com/cityfest-street-fair-music-festival
— Abby Hamblin
Holiday Bowl Parade: The Holiday Bowl is typically one of the last big events of the year, though this year it’s taking place in January. The parade goes along Pacific Highway and spectators can watch for free or pay extra for grand stand tickets. 10 a.m. Jan. 2. Pacific Highway near the County Administration Building. holidaybowl.com/holiday-bowl-parade
— Abby Hamblin
International Children’s Film Festival: The San Diego International Children’s Film Festival is an annual, multi-day event showcasing short films and animations from around the world by youth filmmakers. In previous years, the event also incorporated workshops and seminars that are headlined by the animators and filmmakers at the festival, talking about their work. August. San Diego Central Library. 330 Park Blvd., San Diego. childrensfilmsd.org
— Carlos Rico
Las Posadas: This December event highlights the travels of a pregnant Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, looking for shelter. A community procession, a nativity, a live choir, hot cocoa, s’mores and a bonfire were part of the festivities in previous years. The 2026 Las Posadas event will be the 68th version. La Plaza de Armas, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. parks.ca.gov/eventdetails/17943
— Carlos Rico
Attendees take photos along Third Avenue during the Chula Vista Lemon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Sandy Huffaker / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Lemon Festival: The annual Lemon Festival in downtown Chula Vista is a summer celebration, centered around lemons. It features a mix of live entertainment and music on two stages, arts and crafts vendors, a lemon cook-off competition, a children’s area at Memorial Park and lemon-inspired food, beverages and treats. August. Third Avenue, downtown Chula Vista. downtownchulavista.com
— Carlos Rico
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade: Organized by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., this is one of the largest parades of the year. See drill teams, high school bands, fraternities and sororities, churches and other organizations and groups marching as the parade travels along Harbor Drive South. 11 a.m. Jan. 18. sandiegoalphas.com/mlk-parade
— Abby Hamblin
MCAS Miramar Air Show: The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show showcases aerial performances, military vehicles, old school aircraft, flight simulators and more. Some of the scheduled performances annually include the Navy’s Blue Angels and Marine Corps Marching Band. September. MCAS Miramar, Miramar Way, San Diego. miramarairshow.com
— Carlos Rico
Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off: Combining food, shopping, art, entertainment and beach vibes, this annual street fair brings thousands of people to Ocean Beach. Amateur chefs will compete in a chili cook-off for prizes, including people’s choice award and hottest chili. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 27. Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach. Free. oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/annual-events/ob-street-fair-chili-cook
— Abby Hamblin
San Diego EarthFest: Focusing on sustainability, this event features educational panels and speakers, yoga and wellness classes, activities for kids and options to buy from sustainable vendors. The festival seeks to be a zero-waste event. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25. Presidents Lawn, Balboa Park. sandiegoearthfest.com
— Abby Hamblin
San Diego Pride Parade: Approximately 250,000 people gather for the annual San Diego Pride Parade. This free event invites the community to watch various floats, marching bands and groups walk in the parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. All age groups can watch the parade from any spot along the parade route for free. July. Hillcrest. sdpride.org/pride
— Carlos Rico
Padres Fanfest: Usually in the first quarter of the year, the Padres throw a free event at Petco Park for fans. Get autographs, run around the field, hear from the players and shop special merchandise and fan gear. 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. mlb.com/padres/fans/fanfest
— Abby Hamblin
San Diego Tet Festival: Watch lion dances, drummers and other cultural performances at this annual celebration of Lunar New Year. The festival typically crowns a Miss Vietnam of San Diego and there are markets for artisan creators and food sellers. Feb. 20-22. NTC Park, Liberty Station. sdtet.com
— Abby Hamblin
San Diego Writer’s Festival: Organized to celebrate writing, this is a chance to meet and hear from local and best-selling authors. The festival hosts a kids writing contest as well as author talks, performances and other activities related to storytelling. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 28. Coronado Public Library, 640 Orange Ave., Coronado. sandiegowritersfestival.com
— Abby Hamblin
San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering: Some of the best and brightest in science and engineering gather to teach and engage the community at this annual event at Petco Park. This year’s scheduled exhibitors include Illumina, KPBS Kids, Qualcomm, Sally Ride Science Summer Academy, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Halicioğlu Data Science Institute at UC San Diego. March 7. Petco Park. lovestemsd.org
— Abby Hamblin
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: For two Sundays in December, the San Diego Bay waters light up for the holidays. The parade brings together close to 80 boats that are decorated with lights and holiday decorations. The parade starts at Shelter Island and flows around the bay through Harbor Island, Seaport Village, The Embarcadero, Crosby Park and Observation Pier near Barrio Logan, and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing. San Diego Bay. sdparadeoflights.org
— Carlos Rico
Starlight Parade: This yearly holiday event features a parade, vendor market, children’s train rides, a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment and photos with Santa. The parade goes from H Street to E Street on Third Avenue and spotlights marching bands, decorated floats, automobiles and dance teams. December. Memorial Park, 373 Park Way, Chula Vista. starlightparade.com
— Carlos Rico
Summer Movies in the Park: The San Diego Foundation and the County of San Diego host and sponsor outdoor family-friendly movie nights throughout May through October. This free event series is held at various parks around the county and features new and classic movies, intended for children and families. May through October. summermoviesinthepark.com
— Carlos Rico
One of the performers with the ODDISEA: A Puppet Procession entertains the crowd at the WOW festival with the rhythms of the Chunky Hustle Brass Band playing at UC San Diego on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
WOW Festival: Each spring, La Jolla Playhouse puts on a mostly free four-day festival. Each year’s offerings vary, but the festivals feature an international mix of site-specific and immersive live theater performance, dance, puppetry, art installations and hands-on activities for children. The 2025 festival featured 25 different shows presented at indoor and outdoor locations. Come prepared to experience interactive, unusual and creative works that stretch the boundaries of traditional sit-down-and-watch theater. April 23-26, 2026. UC San Diego’s new Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood in La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org/wowfestival
— Pam Kragen
Seasonal activities
The “Abbott Elementary” activation on Thursday outside the San Diego Convention Center. (Jemma Stephenson/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Activations outside of Comic-Con: As San Diego Comic-Con has gotten older, more free activities have blossomed. During the four-day pop culture convention, many video game, movie studios and various other businesses build activations around the San Diego Convention Center to promote their product and services. These activations include free activities and games such as carnival rides, giveaways, concerts and more for the public to see and experience. July 23-26. Around the San Diego Convention Center.
— Carlos Rico
Books in the Park til Dark: On certain Thursdays in the summer and fall, Verbatim Books hosts a meet-up event to encourage reading. Book lovers gather at Bird Park to get to know new people and read silently together. Picnics are encouraged. verbatimbooks.com
— Abby Hamblin
Dance classes: Majesty in Motion offers free, one-hour introductory bachata and salsa classes at its dance studio on Saturdays. There is one class for adults and one for children that occur simultaneously. The classes are taught by professional dance instructors David Stein. RSVP is required. 11 a.m. to noon, Saturdays. 6380 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. 619-917-1721, majestyinmotion.com
— Carlos Rico
Fern Street Circus Neighborhood Tour: Each year, the Fern Street Circus takes it artistic and acrobatic circus show across the county. Watch for scheduled dates and locations, usually in local parks, in April and May of 2026. fernstreetcircus.com
— Abby Hamblin
Visitors enjoy Nat at Night at the San Diego Natural History Museum Dec.19, 2025. (Photo by Denis Poroy)
Free museum entry for kids: In October, more than 50 local museums, cultural institutions, gardens, attractions and parks open for free access for kids aged 12 or under. Last year’s participants included Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego Museum of Art and more. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/specials/kidsfree
— Carlos Rico
PAWmicon: The Helen Woodward Animal Center’s annual PAWmicon is essentially Comic-Con for pets. There are photo opportunities, art vendors and activities for children. Typically the weekend before Comic-Con. Balboa Park on the President’s Way Lawn. animalcenter.org/events/pawmicon
— Abby Hamblin
Point Loma Summer Concerts: This is just one of the many communities that hosts free summer concerts during the summer in San Diego. Food and drink are available for purchase. Music lovers are invited to bring their own chairs or blankets. Point Loma Park, 1049 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. pointlomasummerconcerts.org
— Abby Hamblin
Try any time
Balboa Park history tour: There’s more to Balboa Park than meets the eye. Learn more by attending a guided tour of Balboa Park’s central mesa. Participants will learn about the park’s history and park events and activities as well as information on the surrounding buildings and gardens. 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Meet in front of the visitor’s center. foreverbalboapark.org/events-2/guided-park-tour
— Abby Hamblin
Birding: Birders in San Diego County have recorded over 500 species and there are many ways to get involved with the local birding community, whether in groups on on a solo adventure. Organizations like the San Diego Bird Alliance and Buena Vista Audubon Society host free outings and educational events.
— Abby Hamblin
County Operations Center art installations: A government facility might seem like an odd place to view art, but the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa includes a collection of works by world-reknowned artists, many with San Diego ties. Five buildings feature stunning large-scale installations in their lobbies, two include collections of paintings and photography and in elevator lobbies throughout the complex, you’ll find Jay Johnson’s Artifact Display Project, a collection of memorabilia, ephemera and vintage items related to San Diego history. 5520 Overland Ave., Kearny Mesa. sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/common_components/images/dgs/Documents/COC_Art_Map.pdf
— Kelly Davis
People go to the beach with their dogs at Ocean Beach on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. (Michael Ho / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Dog beaches: Dogs can visit at least six public beaches where they are allowed to walk and play in the water: Cardiff State Beach, Coronado, Del Mar, Fiesta Island, Imperial Beach and Ocean Beach. Each beach has different times and rules for dogs.
— Carlos Rico
Dog Day Out: Get a pup out of the shelter environment for a few hours and let it romp at the beach, the park or your backyard as part of the San Diego Humane Society’s Dog Day Out program — no strings attached. The outing helps release energy, provides one-on-one attention and hopefully helps the dog find a home more quickly. Pick up times are 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Humane Society’s campuses in San Diego, Oceanside, El Cajon or Escondido. 619-299-7012, sdhumane.org/support/volunteer/dog-day-out
— Kristina Davis
Jose Perez of Normal Heights shopped for fresh produce at one of the vendors during the Farmers Market at Little Italy on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Farmers markets: This could be a mini challenge in itself, to try to make it to all the different farmers markets in San Diego. There are more than three dozen of them across the county, and at least one each day of the week. These markets present a range of local produce and other food products, as well as food trucks and other vendors. sdfarmbureau.org/san-diego-grown
— Abby Hamblin
Goat Canyon train trestle: Deep in the Carrizo Gorge and high above the desert floor soars the Goat Canyon train trestle — the world’s largest such bridge made entirely of wood, the better to withstand the harsh conditions of the Jacumba Mountains. The hike out to it is one of San Diego County’s most famous, and most forbidding. But if you’re more fond of toy-sized trains than all-day treks, head to the San Diego Model Railway Museum in Balboa Park to check out a precise but much smaller-scale replica of that feat of engineering. Free to San Diego County residents the second Thursday of every month. 1649 El Prado in Balboa Park. 619-696-0199, sdmrm.org
— Sam Schulz
Heritage County Park: Located near Old Town, Heritage County Park is small but holds great historic significance — literally. Spread among the park’s eight acres are six restored Victorian-era homes that were moved to the park from downtown San Diego in the 1970s to save them from demolition. The park also includes Temple Beth Israel, the city’s first synagogue. 2454 Heritage Park Row, Old Town. 619-260-6401, sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/Heritage.html
— Kelly Davis
Host a clothing exchange: Have your friends (and their friends) bring their gently loved clothing to a clothing swap party. Arrange the items like a boutique, then “shop” for free! Have guests bring drinks and/or appetizers to share. You clean out your closet and also get to take home new-to-you goodies. You can also include children’s items, holiday decor, household goods, books, etc.
— Kristina Davis
Improv class: Take a free improv workshop at a local theater — you won’t regret it. Improv is a great way to meet new people and it gives you a chance to step out of your comfort zone. It’s not about how funny or talented you are; it’s about being brave — and sometimes laughing so hard it hurts. Mockingbird Improv Theater and Finest City Improv both offer free introductory classes, and if you really love it, you can sign up for paid classes and workshops, too. mockingbirdimprov.org/workshop; finestcityimprov.com/classes/discover-improv/
— Maura Fox
Gallagher Square: When there are no events at Petco Park, locals can access this public park. Gallagher Square was renovated in 2024 and several new amenities were added. These special features include a children’s playground, a dog park, a viewing deck, an artificial turf picnic space and mobile pickleball courts. Dates vary. 840 K St., San Diego. mlb.com/padres/ballpark/gallagher-square
— Carlos Rico
Kids crafting at Liberty Station: As part of the First Friday activities at the ARTS DISTRICT in Liberty Station, the San Diego Craft Collective offers a free crafting opportunity. Kids of all ages and their caregivers are invited to participate. One upcoming example is a rain cloud craft. 5 to 6 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. 2590 Truxtun Road Studio 106, San Diego. 619-273-3235, sandiegocraft.org/product/first-friday-free-kids-craft
— Carlos Rico
Little Free Library book crawl: Go on a used book treasure hunt at Little Free Libraries in your neighborhood or another community. Only take what you want to read. Bring along a stack of books you want to get rid of, and leave one behind for every “new” book you take. Find registered Little Free Libraries near you at littlefreelibrary.org/map/ or download the app.
— Elizabeth Marie Himchak
Marine Corps Mechanized Museum: The Marine Corps Mechanized Museum, also known as “The MECH,” houses what is billed as the world’s largest collection of U.S. Marine Corps vehicles from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism. There’s also a cannon and ambulance from World War I. Camp Pendleton: Building 2612 on Vandegrift Boulevard. camppendletonhistoricalsociety.org/marine-corps-mechanized-museum
— Linda McIntosh
Josh Mouzakes, who works as a chef, gets his workout in running the steps at Mount Helix Park on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, in La Mesa. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Mount Helix Park: Mount Helix offers more than just stunning 360-degree views. There’s the quarter-mile Yawkey Trial with its abundance of native plants and a 1,600-seat amphitheater carved out of stone that’s got something of an ancient Rome vibe and offers an ideal setting for a picnic or a good workout climbing from top to bottom. The Mt. Helix Park foundation also offers free yoga classes on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m. 4901 Mt. Helix Drive, La Mesa. 619-741-4363, mthelixpark.org
— Kelly Davis
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego offers complimentary admission to the public twice a month. The museum spotlights modern art with an emphasis on current issues, the “binational region” and artists who are “visionary thinkers and innovators,” according to its website. Every second Sunday and third Thursday of the month. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. 858-454-3541, mcasd.org
— Carlos Rico
Palomar Observatory: Located atop Palomar Mountain in North County, the Palomar Observatory is home to the 200-inch Hale Telescope, one of the most important telescopes in the history of astronomy. Admission to the art deco-style building is free and there’s a free audioguide to listen to on your tour (so bring headphones). Once the world’s largest observatory, Palomar remains an active research site and is one of the few major observatories open to the public. 35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain. 760-742-2119, sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/homepage.html
— Kelly Davis
Pioneer Park: “You moved the cemetery, but you left the bodies!” is considered one of the more famous reveals in the horror-film genre. But unlike Poltergeist, there haven’t been any reports of malicious supernatural activity at Pioneer Park in Mission Hills — as far as we know. Originally a cemetary, the headstones were removed in the late 1960s to make way for a park. A few dozen headstones were moved to the east end of the park, some were moved elsewhere and some were destroyed. But the bodies remained were they were buried. Nighttime visitors have reported seeing a ghostly woman walking among the trees and what appear to be floating lights. Park closes at 10 p.m. 1521 Washington Place, Mission Hills.
— Kelly Davis
Resident Free Days: On a rotating basis, various museums in Balboa Park offer free admission one Tuesday a month to San Diego city and county residents, active military and their dependents. If Tuesdays don’t work with your schedule, the SDPL offers free passes to various attractions (not just Balboa Park museums) through its Discover & Go program open to those with an SDPL card. balboapark.org/resident-free-days
— Elizabeth Marie Himchak
A group of children passing by the main entrance at the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park on June 24, 2025. (Alejandro Tamayo / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
San Diego Zoo: Children under 12 years old can visit the San Diego Zoo for free throughout October, when accompanied by an adult. Each adult with a valid entree can bring up to six kids for free. Oct. 1-31. 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. 619-231-1515, zoo.sandiegozoo.org/kids-free
— Carlos Rico
San Diego College of Continuing Education: Free career training is available at the San Diego College of Continuing Education in a variety of industries and career fields, including hospitality, digital media, entrepreneurship and child development. sdcce.edu/free
— Abby Hamblin
Jim Conley reads a book in the temporary Escondido Public Library located in the Mershops North County Mall in Escondido on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
San Diego Public Library and San Diego County Library Reading programs. Both library systems offer their Summer Reading Programs for all ages, including adults, who can earn prizes for reading 10 books, 10 hours or completing other milestones. The SDPL is also offering a Winter Reading Program in January. Prizes in the past have included museum passes, books and other items such as tote bags, mugs and gift cards. sdcl.org; sandiego.gov/public-library
— Elizabeth Marie Himchak
Seven Bridges Trail: Hidden in central San Diego are a collection of trails with intriguing bridges. This trail combines them and ventures through multiple neighborhoods. 2125 Park Blvd, San Diego. sdnhm.org/education/canyoneer-hikes/pedestrian-bridge-tour-seven-bridges
— Abby Hamblin
Spanish Village Art Center: The colorful stone courtyard here is one of the biggest draws, but it’s the working artists who make the Spanish Village Art Center sing. Shop from their latest work or take a lesson in the arts. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some of these professionals in action. 1770 Village Place, San Diego. spanishvillageartcenter.com
— Abby Hamblin
A community band performs a free concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park on April 14, 2024. (John Gastaldo / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Spreckels Organ: Each summer, the Spreckels Organ Society presents a free series of weekly concerts performed by an international slate of professional organists on the historic 1914 Austin pipe organ at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in the heart of Balboa Park. July and August. Spreckels Organ Pavilion, 2125 Pan American Road, Balboa Park, San Diego. spreckelsorgan.org
— Pam Kragen
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge: Hidden in Bankers Hill, this 375-foot suspension bridge hangs 70 feet above Kate Sessions Canyon. Also known as the “Wiggly Bridge” because it sways as you walk, it was built in 1912 as a pedestrian path between trolley lines on Fourth and Fifth avenues. Spruce and Front streets, Bankers Hill.
— Kelly Davis
Star Party: The county’s Department of Parks and Recreation department joins forces with the San Diego Astronomy Association to host star parties, typically in Oakoasis County Preserve or Sycamore Canyon. Participants go on a short, ranger-led evening hike and then look through telescopes at the night’s sky. The first one of 2026 is scheduled for Jan. 10. tockify.com/sdparkscalendar
— Abby Hamblin
Timken Museum of Art: It’s dubbed as the “jewel box of Balboa Park,” and this beautifully designed museum lives up to that nickname every single visit. It opened in 1965 after years of planning by sisters Anne and Amy Putnam and Henry H. Timken. The museum’s collection is one of the most stunning examples of European old masters, American art and Russian icons in the region. The building itself is a gem, too: It was designed by John Mock and continues to be one of the best examples of midcentury modernist building designs in Southern California. Timken Museum of Art, 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619-239-5548, timkenmuseum.org
— Michael James Rocha
A hiker walks on Fortuna Saddle Trail on the west side of Mission Trails Regional Park on Nov. 30, 2025. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Trail Tykes at Mission Trails: Kids from age 2 to 5 can learn about nature, sing, dance and try other fun activities at Trail Tykes at Mission Trails Regional Park. Participants can explore the visitor’s center, do nature-themed crafts, enjoy a story time and more. Registration required. 10 a.m. on the second and fourth Sunday and Monday of each month. 3:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Mission Trails Regional Park, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego. 619-668-3281, mtrp.org/events
— Abby Hamblin
In an aerial photo, the campus of UC San Diego is seen on Oct. 7, 2025. (K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
UC San Diego campus: On weekends, UC San Diego’s campus is far quieter than on weekdays, and its artfully landscaped walkways and natural spaces are a nice spot for a bike ride or stroll. Visitors do have to pay for parking, even on weekends, but given that free parking is on the way out at Balboa Park and paid hours have recently expanded on some San Diego streets, being asked to cough up $2.25 an hour on weekends is par for the course these days. 9500 Gilman Dr., San Diego. transportation.ucsd.edu/visit/parking.html#la-jolla-academic-campus
— Roxana Popescu
Yoga at Rady Shell: Once a month, Fit Athletic hosts a free yoga class at the Rady Shell. The public is asked to bring a mat and sunblock and RSVP ahead of each class due to limited space. 9:30 a.m. Third Saturdays of the month. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
— Carlos Rico