Enjoy car shows this summer such as the Encinitas Classic Car Show. Photo ©2012 Kathie Zaccaria
By Kathie Zaccaria
Consistently rated as a favorite family destination for summertime vacations, San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, blue skies, and perfect weather conditions. Tourists come in droves, visiting such places as Old Town San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND® California.
In addition to these major attractions, San Diego also offers a bevy of free family fun during the summer. Here’s a list to get you going. Make sure to check the SoCal Kids San Diego event calendar often as it is updated on a daily basis.
Twilight in the Park 2013 – Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park
Live music from such artists as Screamin’ Primas, San Diego Youth Symphony, and Mariachi Chula Vista.
Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:15-7:15 p.m.
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Botanical Gardens in Balboa Park-Check out on of the jewels of San Diego, Balboa Park and leisurly walk through and enjoy the mix of horticulture and culture
2013 Krikorian Kids Series – Vista Metroflex 15
A 10 week series of kid’s movies that are fun for the whole family.
Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
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Cajon Classic Cruise 2013 – East Main Street, Downtown El Cajon
Check out over 200 cars lining Main Street every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.
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Santee Summer Concert Series – Town Center Community Park East, Santee
Live music from the likes of Rockola, Mercedes Moore Band, and Len Rainey.
Every Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m.
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Dinner and a Concert – Prescott Promenade, Downtown El Cajon
Live music from a variety of artists including Danielle Tucker Band, The Heroes, Bill Magee Blues Band, and Upstream.
Every Friday from 6-8 p.m.
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TGIF Jazz in the Parks – Three locations in Carlsbad
Featuring an eclectic mix of bands including Brave Combo, Cafe R&B, The Bayou Brothers, and Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars. Locations: Stagecoach Park, Poinsettia Park, Calavera Hills Park.
Every Friday from 6-8 p.m.
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Sunset Summer Concert Series – Grossmont Center, La Mesa
Local bands perform live in Macy’s Courtyard in July and August. Featuring such artists as Charly & Calico Ridge, Graceland, Manny Cepeda, and Bayou Brothers.
Every Friday from 6-8 p.m.
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Movies in the Park – Various locations throughout San Diego
Family-friendly movies at a park near you.
All movies start at dusk.
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Bird Park Summer Concert Series – 28th Street, San Diego
Listen to such local bands as Todo Mundo, Kanan Road, and Big Papa and the TCB.
Every other Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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Sunday Lawn Programs – International Cottages, Balboa Park
Member houses of the House of Pacific Relations feature music, dance, traditional costumes, arts, crafts, and ethnic foods.
Every Sunday from 2-3 p.m.
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Sundays at Six Summer Concert Series – Harry Griffen Park, La Mesa
Featuring such artists as Coolish, Jazz West, and Sonic Epidemic.
Sundays from 6-7 p.m.
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Sunset Celebration Mini-Concerts – Portwood Pier Plaza, Imperial Beach
Enjoy a local band in the park the first Friday of the month from 5-7 p.m.
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Cruisin’ Grand – East Grand Avenue, Downtown Escondido
Over 500 cars will line the streets of historic downtown Escondido.
Every Friday from 5-9 p.m.
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Summer in the Park Concert Series – Trolley Barn Park, University Heights
Concerts featuring such locals as Stoney B Blues Band, Theo and the Zydeco Patrol, and Sue Palmer & her Motel Swing Orchestra.
Fridays at 6 p.m.
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La Jolla Concerts by the Sea – Ellen Browning Scripps Park, La Jolla
Enjoy performances by Big Time Operator, Bill Magee Blues Band, and Benny Hollman Big Band.
Sundays from 2-4 p.m.
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26th Annual Summer International Organ Festival – Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park
Featuring internationally celebrated organists such as Jane Watts, Robert Plimpton, and Keith Hearnshaw.
Every Monday from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
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Classic Car Nights – Highway 101, Downtown Encinitas
Hot rods, Woodies and other classic and vintage cars will line S. Coast Highway 101.
Third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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Summer Twilight Walks – Mission Trails Regional Park
One and a half hour interpretive walk at sunset.
Next date: July 20th at 7:15 p.m.
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