The nation’s 8th largest city, San Diego may be known for its great weather, beautiful beaches and laid-back residents, but this dynamic urban metropolis is hosting so many exciting events in 2019 that visitors might forget all about its relaxed Southern California character and vibe.
From top music festivals and the world’s leading pop culture celebration to the 250th commemoration of San Diego’s establishment, the following 6 events are certain to guarantee epic excitement for San Diego visitors in 2019.
250th Commemoration of San Diego
During 2019, San Diego will commemorate its establishment as the first settlement of Alta California in 1769. The first settlement of Alta California included Mission San Diego de Alcala, the first of California’s 21 missions, and a neighboring presidio, originally built above the area now known as Old Town San Diego.
The City of San Diego and Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce will mark the 250th commemoration with planned activities including special events and other family friendly activities held in Old Town San Diego and nearby locations. These events include the Festival of the Sea occurring May 25-27; San Diego 250, Where California Began on July 16, and Founders’ Day Old Town San Diegooccurring September 14-15. More information about these exciting special events are available at https://sandiego250.com/events.
San Diego Pride
One of the West Coast’s largest Pride celebrations, San Diego Pride weekend, held July 13-15, features a colorful lineup of festivities including a headlining parade through Hillcrest and two-day festival in Balboa Park with exciting live musical performers like TLC and Kesha. San Diego Pride is the city’s largest civic event attracting more than 250,000 people annually. Additional events include the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, Pride of Hillcrest Block Party, SheFest, annual Pride 5K Race and an exciting calendar of Pride parties and dances.
50th Anniversary of Comic-Con
Others will come and go, but the original Comic-Con started and remains in San Diego. The largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, Comic-Con International attracts thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture during July 18-21 to the San Diego Convention Center in downtown.
KAABOO Del Mar
Held Sept. 13-15 at the seaside Del Mar Fairgrounds, KAABOO Del Mar was created by music lovers for music lovers. KAABOO features seven stages and more than 100 musical acts, plus a dedicated comedy stage and food and beverages from local and celebrity chefs, craft breweries and local wineries. Past performers include the Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, Billy Idol, Jewel, Blondie and Earth, Wind & Fire, just to name a few.
USA Ultimate National Championships
Elevating frisbee playing to a whole different level of sport, the USA Ultimate National Championships represent the pinnacle of elite ultimate frisbee competition in North America. Held Oct. 24-27 at the Surf Cup Sports Park in scenic Del Mar, 16 teams from across North America including Boston, New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin and Vancouver B.C. compete to be crowned champions in three divisions: men’s, mixed and women’s.
Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival
Wonderfront, a new music and arts festival, will debut November 22-24, 2019 along San Diego Bay. The first annual event is a celebration of San Diego’s arts, culture and beach lifestyle and plans to integrate the festival into San Diego’s vibrant waterfront, including ferry and yacht tours of the bay and after-parties in downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Anticipating 70 artists on seven stages, the musical lineup will feature new breakout artists as well as career bands including rock, indie, hip hop, rap, EDM, adult alternative, reggae, Americana and Latin artists.
For even more event listings and up-to-the-minute additions and changes, visitwww.sandiego.org/eventcalendar.
