Below are just some of the fun, educational and entertaining events in San Diego County and especially North County for July.
Kiss Me, Kate
July 1 – August 2
Location: The Old Globe, Balboa Park
Fresh off his Tony Award-winning smash, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Darko Tresnjak returns to the Globe to helm one of the greatest romantic musical comedies of all time. Cole Porter’s witty and high-spirited songs will transport you into the wings as a touring company gets ready to open a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew, starring a divorced couple whose offstage battles threaten to bring down the curtain. Get ready for a sizzling summer evening that’s simply “Too Darn Hot”!
Oceanside Fireworks Show
July 3
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: El Corazon at Rancho Del Oro Road, Oceanside
Spectators are encouraged to arrive anytime after 6:00 PM, park in the nearby lots, bring a beach chair, and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro Road. Festivities will begin at 6:00 PM, and the fireworks display will be at 9:00 PM. Food trucks will be parked on Rancho Del Oro and will be selling wide variety of foods.
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Location: various parks, Carlsbad
TGIF Concerts in the Parks celebrated 30 years of music, fun and community this year. Carlsbad holds concerts in its parks Fridays from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The field opens at 4 PM for you to be able to set up your area. Food can be purchased on site or you may bring your own picnic. Remember low back chairs only, no smoking and no dogs allowed. The concert is free.
Family Open Studios at TGIF returns with free, hands-on art activities for all ages, now offered at each TGIF concert. Art educators and talented volunteers will help the entire family create art at TGIF. All materials are provided. Don’t miss buying your opportunity drawing tickets from the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts, with terrific prizes and funds going to the city’s local arts and cultural programs.
Fourth of July Fireworks Displays, Parades and Festivals
Red, White and BOOM!
Time: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad
The summer heats up at LEGOLAND with a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, “Red, White and Boom!.” The awe-inspiring fireworks show begins at 8:30 PM and blends patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics.
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Time: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista
For more than 45 years, the City of Vista’s Independence Day celebration has illuminated the night-time skies over Vista with one of the most spectacular fireworks displays. This year will be no exception when the annual event on July Fourth returns to the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park. As part of the celebration, the City will honor three local heroes with military service.
The Independence Day Celebration schedule at the Moonlight Amphitheatre includes the military salute at 7:15 p.m., the Mar Dels performing at 7:35 p.m., and the fireworks display at 9 p.m. The Amphitheatre opens at 5 p.m. Admission to the Amphitheatre is $5 per person. Admission for children five and under, active and retired military members and their family is free. Parking in the park is $15 per car and $30 per recreational vehicle.
Escondido Independence Day Festival & Fireworks
Time: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Great Green, California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Join 20,000 patriotic festival-goers for the 52nd Annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks. This free community event features rockin’ live music, fabulous food vendors, and a wealth of children’s activities and games for everyone to enjoy. The day’s festivities will conclude with a special performance by Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division Band and, of course, a dazzling fireworks display! You won’t want to miss this annual North County tradition!
San Marcos This Is My Country 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Bradley Park, San Marcos
Celebrate the 4th of July in San Marcos with carnival games, jumpers, food, live music with The Polyester Express and fireworks! Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating.
Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: 16948 Avenida De Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe
Floats, clowns, face painting, fire trucks & vintage cars, honor guard, horses, live music & food.
Rancho Bernardo The Spirit of the Fourth
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Webb Park, Rancho Bernardo and various venues
The Spirit of the Fourth festivities take place throughout the day at various venues in our community. Festivities include a pancake breakfast, mini golf, a beer garden, motor show, a veterans’ memorial, a parade and fireworks.
Fallbrook Grand Tradition 4th of July Celebration
Time: 2:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: 220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook
The Fallbrook Beautification Alliance is most grateful to The Grand Tradition Estate family for taking this amazing event to the next level. Fireworks start at 9:00 PM. Activities include popular water activities, a children’s fun zone, a live band at Arbor Terrace stage: Euphoria Brass Band, a live band at Beverly Mansion stage: Baytown Band, a wine and beer garden, food and beverage vendors, a silent auction, Rubber Raft Regatta, Quack-Up Cup, a rubber duck race (pre-order duck entries), children’s crafts, games and activities.
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festivities
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Hoyt Park, 10158 Aviary Dr, San Diego
Come and enjoy a fun filled day for family and friends at the annual Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festivities. Festivities include children’s activities, air jumps by SD Bouncer, fun photo op characters, board games, clowns, balloon art and face painting.
Poway Old Fashioned Fourth of July & Fireworks
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: 14134 Midland Road and 15500 Espola Road, Poway
Bring your family and friends to Old Poway Park and celebrate our country’s independence turn-of-the-20th-century-style. This event will feature patriotic entertainment, gun fighting re-enactments, free crafts, and old-fashioned games. Tasty treats and rides aboard the 1907 Baldwin Steam Engine will be available for a nominal fee. The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is free.
Gates open at 6:00 PM at Poway High School Stadium for the fireworks celebration. There will be DJ music and games. Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM. There is a $5 suggested donation. $3 goes to support Host Town Poway.
Julian 4th of July Parade
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Main Street, Julian, from Julian High School to Frank Lane Park
The stars and stripes will move down Main Street during this year’s Julian Fourth of July parade, prompting the selection of It’s Star Spangled Salute as the theme for the annual patriotic celebration.
Pre-parade events include a gunfight and bank robbery, patriotic musical presentations, two flyovers by vintage aircraft, unfurling an enormous flag by volunteer audience members, 2015 Parade T-shirts on sale in front of the bank and town hall, raffle for a ride in one of the vintage aircraft, and glider ride with Sky Sailing at Warner Springs.
Post-parade events include a barbecue, music and dancing at the American Legion; Julian Woman’s Club Historic Quilt Show.
San Diego County Fair
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
What better place is there to spend Independence Day than at the San Diego County Fair? Highlighting the day will be the traditional fireworks display, which will happen at approximately 9:00PM. The fireworks display is visible throughout the Fairgrounds, so as long as you’re outside, there’s no better place to watch! The cost is included with fair admission.
There are activities planned throughout the day starting with a patriotic opening ceremony at the O’Brien Gate at 9:30 AM and ending with entertainment on most of the stages after the fireworks.
SeaWorld Sea to Shining Sea 4th of July Fireworks
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Location:
Don’t miss this spectacular display of sparkle and excitement. Fireworks will start at 10:30 PM. The best places to experience the sights and sounds are in Shamu Stadium, along the bay near Mission Bay Theater, and at the park entrance. The cost is included with admission.
Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: San Diego Bay
The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from four different barges placed strategically around the Bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero North, Seaport Village, Embarcadero South Marina Park and Coronado Ferry Landing. Listen to the musical simulcast on The MIGHTY 1090 AM and MAX FM 105.7.
11th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am
July 11
Location: Moonlight Beach, Encinitas
The 11th Annual Switchfoot Bro-Am surf contest and concert, presented by iHeart Media San Diego and Hurley, returns to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas on July 11, 2015.
An annual event near and dear to Switchfoot’s heart, the Bro-Am was created to give back to the San Diego community while benefiting local children’s charities through funds raised at a pre-event auction night soiree, as well as from vendors on the beach day-of, corporate surf team entries, and sponsorships.
Since its inception in 2005, the Bro-Am has raised more than $1,150,000 for San Diego-based children’s charities. The members of Switchfoot recently created the Switchfoot Bro-Am Foundation to continue their mission of giving back to our local community through music, surfing, and youth development programs.
Annual Over-The-Line-Tournament®
July 11 – 12, July 18 – 19
Location: Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, San Diego
Over the Line (OTL) is a bat and ball game played with 2 teams of 3 players each. The court is approximately 55′ wide with foul lines that extend to infinity. Teammates pitch to their own players. Fly balls hit into fair territory without being caught are considered hits. The first three hits in any one inning scores a run with additional hits scoring additional runs for each hit.
Games last 3-4 innings unless extra innings are needed for tie-breakers and after two extra innings, the team with the most hits wins. Also, if a team gets an 11 or more run lead, the game is over and they are declared the winner. Gloves for the most part are not used and only official wooden softball bats can be used.
Del Mar Racing Season
July 16 – September 7
Location: Del Mar Race Track
San Diego horse racing takes place where the “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, mid-July – early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation’s top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.
Don’t miss the Del Mar Summer Concert Series. Concerts are free with racetrack admission purchased prior to the last race.
San Diego LGBT Pride Rally, Festival and Parade
July 17 – 19
Location: Hillcrest and Balboa Park, San Diego
The Pride Rally is July 17 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at University Avenue and Normal Street in Hillcrest. It will celebrate the eventful evening of June 28, 1969 when patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York City said, “No more!” to the harassing tactics of the New York Police. That protest has grown to annual events held in major cities throughout the world. In San Diego, our first rally was held in 1975.
San Diego Pride’s famous cultural festival will be held in the southwest portion of Balboa Park on July 18 through 19 and includes multiple stages of entertainment, more than 80 musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers, 300 participating vendor booths, an art exhibit, cultural presentations, and great food!
On July 18, the parade begins at 11:00 AM at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Avenue and Normal Street, proceeds west on University Avenue, turns south on 6th Avenue, turns left onto Balboa Drive, and ends at Laurel Street.
Vista BBQ Classic
July 24 – 25
Location: Downtown Main Street, Vista
The Vista BBQ Classic is an official Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned event in Historic Downtown Vista. For the past 6 years, teams have traveled from all over the state to compete for prize money, trophies, points and bragging rights.
BBQ teams will descend on Historic Downtown Vista on Friday afternoon to spend up to 24 hours seasoning, smoking, and grilling their choice cut of meats for competition day on Saturday, July 25th. Our 2015 Teams will compete for a guaranteed $10,000 of prize money, KCBS points and trophies.
There is something for everyone at the Vista BBQ Classic! Featured at the Vista BBQ Classic are 2 oz BBQ Tastes for purchase, a street fair, live entertainment and a refreshing beer garden with a featured concert at the end of the night.
Insect Festival 2015
July 25 – 26
Location: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
This one-of-a-kind event features thousands of fascinating creepy-crawlies including live insects, lizards, snakes, and the famous “Madagascar hissing cockroaches.” Free with paid admission, for members and children 12 and under.