North County and San Diego County Events – July 2016 will keep you busy. There are so many fun things to do in July.
TGIF Concerts in the Parks
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, various parks
For over 30 years, the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office has presented live music events throughout the city. When summer rolls around in Carlsbad, everyone gears up for TGIF Concerts in the Parks! The 2016 season runs Friday nights from June 24 through Aug. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. (all fields open at 4 p.m.) and features great music, food and a chance to dance the night away with friends and neighbors in a beautiful outdoor setting.
This year’s band lineup offers a music genre for everyone, from country to rock, cover bands to spicy Latin and world grooves. Concerts are free and open to the public and move across the city, from Stagecoach to Alga Norte, Poinsettia and Calavera Hills community parks. A free shuttle service is available at most concert locations, as onsite parking is limited.
The music at TGIF is just the beginning. A variety of food vendors are onsite at the events, or you can bring your own feast from home. Family Open Studios is back with free, hands-on art making activities for all ages. And of course, there will be plenty of chances to enter the Opportunity Drawing from the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts. There are prize packages each night, all to support future arts and cultural events in Carlsbad.
22nd Annual Oceanside Independence Parade
July 2
Location: Oceanside, Coast Hwy from Wisconsin Ave to Civic Center Dr
Join us for the 22nd Annual Oceanside Independence Parade on July 2, 2016 as it marches up Coast Highway from Wisconsin Ave to Civic Center Dr. Come see floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars and much more. Our theme this year is “VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF OUR CITY.” First unit steps off at 10:00 a.m. Running time from beginning to end is about two hours.
Viewing of the parade is available from the sidewalks along the entire route. Spectators are encouraged to bring folding chairs. The highest concentration of viewers will be on the north end of the route past Seagaze Avenue.
Street parking is available on the residential side streets that run parallel to the entire route (Freeman and Tremont Streets). Over 1,000 parking spaces are available in the downtown parking lots and the parking structure. (To enter the downtown area from the east on parade morning, you will have to cross Coast Highway at Oceanside Blvd. or Surfrider Way.) Parking time limits may be enforced for street parking and parking lots – watch for the signs.
Sunday Summer Concerts by the Sea
July 3, 17
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Encinitas, Moonlight Beach, 400 B St
This summer, Encinitas Parks and Recreation brings more fun to our beach concert experience. Each concert date features cool, hands-on exhibits, demos, concerts and free stuff! All you need to do is show up, how cool is that? There are two concert dates in July and two in August. July 3 features The Routine playing Funk Rock. July 17 features Simpkin Project playing Reggae.
Summer Concerts are held right on the sand at beautiful Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Come enjoy fun at the beach. Remember that glass, alcohol, smoking and dogs are prohibited on our beaches.
Oceanside Fireworks Show
July 3
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Oceanside, El Corazon at Rancho Del Oro Road
The City of Oceanside Fireworks Show is on Sunday, July 3, 2016. The fireworks will be staged north of the El Corazon Senior Center, located at 3302 Senior Center Drive. Rancho Del Oro Boulevard will be closed from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fireworks display will be at 9:00 p.m. There will be music and food trucks from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Limited parking will be available in the Ocean Ranch Business Park. No parking will be available at the El Corazon Senior Center.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive anytime after 6:00 p.m., park in the nearby lots, bring a beach chair, and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro Road.
Overflow parking will be available at El Camino High School. Spectators are encouraged to take the Sprinter Train. This event is free and open to the public. Please carpool, as parking is limited.
Fourth of July Fireworks Displays, Parades and Festivals
Below are North County fireworks displays, parades and festivals along with several in San Diego. I’ve listed them alphabetically by city.
Red, White and BOOM!
Time: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Carlsbad, One LEGOLAND Dr
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. All Red, White and BOOM! activities are included in the cost of admission to LEGOLAND California.
San Diego County Fair Fireworks Display
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Location: Del Mar, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
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.
Escondido Independence Day Festival & Fireworks
Time: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Escondido, Great Green, California Center for the Arts
Join 20,000 patriotic festival-goers for the 53rd 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!
As a special treat, the Center’s Museum will be open from 4:00-8:00pm with FREE admission to our two current exhibitions.
Welk Resorts Independence Day Spectacular!
Time: 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Escondido, 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr
Spectacular! Spectacular! No words of the vernacular can describe this great event! You’ll be filled with wonderment!
Pies to throw and carriage rides! Hot dog eating, bona fide! Men on stilts and thrilling rides! BBQ with all the sides!
A fire show! A rolling globe! Dixieland band and lights that strobe! Bring the family; bring your friends. Excitement that pays dividends!
Mark your calendars and see that entrance to this thrill is FREE!
Fallbrook Grand Tradition 4th of July Celebration
Time: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Fallbrook, 220 Grand Tradition Way
Grand Tradition offers a 4th of July experience like no other. You have the option of bringing in a blanket or low-back lawn chair and selecting that perfect spot on the rolling lawns, reserving a theatre seat for the concert, or enjoying the full VIP experience inclusive of a hosted happy hour, gourmet traditional dinner buffet, dessert, and theatre seats for the concert and fireworks! The night is yours to create the evening of your choice.
Ticket prices vary from $25 for general admission with kids 10 and under free, to $150 for a VIP dinner package.
Julian 4th of July Parade
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Julian, Main Street, 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. This year’s patriotic celebration honors Independence Day: the Julian Way.
For more than 20 years, Julian residents, their friends and parade lovers line Main Street to watch what is widely known as “the best little town parade in America.” The Julian 4th of July Parade honors stars, stripes and pioneers… it’s a homegrown event that celebrates the town’s gold rush era history, the dedication of veterans and active duty military who serve our country, and local residents who cherish the special qualities of the little town tucked into the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego.
In Julian you’ll see high school kids leading their animals down Main Street, equestrian groups in full dress, Grand Marshal for 2016 Jim Baker, locals riding in spiffy cars or vintage vehicles, the newly crowned Miss Julian and her entourage, the town doctor getting applause and town fire fighters getting cheers. There are bands (four this year marching and riding), Mountain Tribal Gypsies dancing down Main Street, WWII Submariner Veterans, bunting, banners, flags, color guards, and patriotic songs.
Fireworks at La Jolla Cove
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: La Jolla, 1133 Coast Blvd
Come celebrate 4th of July with friends, family, and fireworks at La Jolla Cove! Ellen Browning Scripps Park is free and open to the public. Come early to find your spot and enjoy some of the best sunset views in America’s Finest City! Fireworks begin at 9:00pm.
Oceanside Fireworks Show
July 3
6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Oceanside, El Corazon at Rancho Del Oro Road
This is not on July 4th. It is on July 3rd. I have only listed it here so you don’t miss it.
The public is invited to the City of Oceanside Fireworks Show on Sunday, July 3, 2016. The fireworks will be staged north of the El Corazon Senior Center, located at 3302 Senior Center Drive. Rancho Del Oro Boulevard will be closed from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fireworks display will be at 9:00 p.m. There will be music and food trucks from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Limited parking will be available in the Ocean Ranch Business Park. No parking will be available at the El Corazon Senior Center.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive anytime after 6:00 p.m., park in the nearby lots, bring a beach chair, and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro Road.
Overflow parking will be available at El Camino High School. Spectators are encouraged to take the Sprinter Train. This event is free and open to the public. Please carpool, as parking is limited.
Poway Old Fashioned Fourth of July & Fireworks
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: Poway, 14134 Midland Rd and 15500 Espola Rd
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 train rides 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. $5 per person at the gate. Children 11 and under are FREE.
Rancho Bernardo The Spirit of the Fourth
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Rancho Bernardo, Webb Park and various venues
The Spirit of the Fourth festivities take place throughout the day at various venues in our community. Festivities include a patriotic pet contest, magic show, black belt academy, auto show, a veterans’ memorial, a parade and fireworks.
Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic
Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, 16948 Avenida De Acacias
Floats, clowns, face painting, fire trucks & vintage cars, honor guard, horses, live music & food.
SeaWorld Sea to Shining Sea 4th of July Fireworks
Time: 9:40 PM
Location: San Diego, 500 Sea World Dr
Don’t miss this spectacular display of sparkle and excitement. Fireworks will start at 9:40 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, 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, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Seaport Village/South Embarcadero and Coronado Ferry Landing. Listen to the musical simulcast on The MIGHTY 1090 AM and MAX FM 105.7.
San Marcos Celebrate Freedom, A Fireworks Extravaganza
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: San Marcos, Bradley Park, 465 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd
Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Carnival games, jumpers and food sales available on-site. Live music by Beta Maxx at 6 pm. Fireworks at 9 pm. Funded entirely by donations from the businesses and citizens of San Marcos.
Scripps Ranch 4th of July Parade and Festivities
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Scripps Ranch, Hoyt Park, 10158 Aviary Dr, San Diego
Come and enjoy a fun filled day for family and friends at the annual Scripps Ranch All-Star 4th of July Parade and Festivities. As a spectator you can cheer on your neighbors and friends who are in the parade. But, why not dress up as well and join in the fun? The theme is “All-Star.”
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Time: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Vista, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive
The City of Vista is proud to present the 4th of July celebration every year held in Brengle Terrace Park. We honor those that serve and have served our country and thank them for their sacrifice.
The evening also includes the Light Up the Night Patriotic BBQ catered by When Pigs Fly barbecue restaurant. Seating for the BBQ starts at 5:15 p.m. and is served at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $60 for adults and $40 for children ten and under. A table of eight may be purchased for $450. Reservations are required by June 27 by calling 760.643.5263. The menu includes beef brisket, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, BBQ beans, macaroni salad, fresh green salad and famous smoked peach cobbler. Beverages are included.
The Independence Day Celebration schedule at the Moonlight Amphitheatre includes the military salute at 7:15 p.m., the Mar Dels performing at 7:30 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.
12th Annual Switchfoot BRO-AM
July 9
Location: Encinitas, Moonlight Beach, 400 B St
The 12th Annual Switchfoot BRO-AM surf contest and concert returns to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas on July 9, 2016. 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.
This year’s BRO-AM will feature a team surf contest and Rob Machado Bro junior surf contest, a Junior Seau Foundation Adaptive Surf Program presented by Challenged Athletes Foundation, a surf joust expression session and, of course, a music festival.
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 9 – 10, July 16 – 17
Location: San Diego, Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park
The 63rd Annual World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament® is back at Fiesta Island on July 9 – 10 and July 16 -17.
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.
Carlsbad Triathlon
July 10
Location: Carlsbad, Tamarack State Beach, 3901 Carlsbad Blvd
Celebrating 35 years, the Carlsbad Triathlon course begins at Tamarack Surf Beach, and follows the coastline of Carlsbad, past scenic beaches, lagoons and a wildlife preserve. This sprint triathlon boasts a 1k ocean swim, a 25k rolling bike course and a 5k smooth run for the finish.
This race is for everybody: from first-timers to the elites, and their friends and family! The race is done in heats with the first start time of 7:30 a.m. and begins with an open-water ocean swim, which is well-marked with buoys. A bike course follows the swim, and the race finishes with a run along the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. The roads are wide and completely closed to traffic. The course is mostly flat with a couple of rolling areas.
Del Mar Racing Season
July 15 – September 5
Location: Del Mar, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
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 if you purchase racetrack admission prior to the last race.
Rubio’s CoastFest
July 15 – September 5
Location: Oceanside, Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater
On July 16, Rubio’s invites Southern California residents to its 5th annual Rubio’s CoastFest in Oceanside, Calif. One of the largest organized beach cleanups in San Diego, CoastFest includes a celebration of the ocean with live music, complimentary food and drinks, a beer garden, and dozens of activities for guests of all ages.
This year’s event is expected to be even larger than years past and will include live performances by one of Billboard magazine’s chart-ranking artists, The Mowgli’s, as well as the popular San Diego children’s band Hullaballoo, among others.
The festivities at the Oceanside Pier will kick off at 10 a.m. with community members going the extra nautical mile at a beach cleanup hosted by I Love a Clean San Diego. To get in on the cleanup action, participants should plan to bring a bucket, gloves, sun protection and a reusable water bottle.
Following the beach cleanup, the CoastFest celebration includes:
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Music festival
- Beer Garden
- Kids’ Zone
- Activities and Games
Summer Fun Fest & Free Movie: Star Wars
July 16
5:30 PM
Location: Vista, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr
Summer Fun Fest: Kids activities, booths, games, fire and sheriff demos, and more (5:30 to 7:30 pm).
Free Movie in the Park: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13) Movie begins at 8 pm.
San Diego LGBT Pride Rally, Festival and Parade
July 15 – 17
Location: San Diego, Hillcrest and Balboa Park
The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is July 15 at 6:00 PM at Marston Pt. (Balboa Dr. & 8th Dr.). 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 music festival in Balboa Park on July 16 through 17 will include multiple stages of entertainment, more than 200 musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers, marvelous shopping at dozens of vendor booths, an art exhibit, cultural presentations, and great food!
On July 16, 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.
Craft Classic Half Marathon & 5K
July 17
6:30 AM
Location: Mira Mesa, Green Flash Brewery, 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd
Green Flash Brewing Co. is bringing the Craft Classic to you. The event will consist of a half marathon and 5K finishing at the Green Flash Brewery in Mira Mesa followed by a rockin’ after party with free beer, live music and fun festivities. The beer garden at the post race festival is a 21+ event.
All participants will receive a commemorative pint glass to sample our limited edition special release of craft brew! You will also receive an official event shirt and a unique custom finisher medal. Runners 21+ will enjoy a free craft beer or 4 free tastings from Green Flash!
Supergirl Pro
July 22 – 24
Location: Oceanside, Oceanside Pier
Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro returns to Oceanside, California July 22-24. It’s the only 6-star USL sanctioned Women’s Surf Contest in the world. 112 of the planet’s top pros will be competing.
In addition to the best surfing talent in the world, the Supergirl Pro features an action-packed Festival Village with nine musical artists performing live on the Supergirl Music Stage, art, yoga, fitness, dance, seminars, autographs from the pros, hair styling by Paul Mitchell, a skateboarding competition, a food truck experience and many other activities. Admission to the event is free.
Two of the headline artists performing in the Supergirl Concert Series include multi-platinum singer, song-writers Cody Simpson and Daya, who between them have eight songs that have entered the Billboard Top 200.
New to the event in 2016 will be a Celebrity Surf Invitational to raise money and awareness for event charities, an all-female DJ Competition and a Female Leadership Summit panel discussion featuring successful women in entertainment, sports, media, education and business.
Insect and Ladybug Festival 2016
July 23 – 24
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Encinitas, San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr
This one-of-a-kind event features thousands of fascinating creepy-crawlies including live insects, lizards, snakes, and the famous “Madagascar hissing cockroaches.” Children can practice bug collecting, hands-on insect arts and crafts, and even taste cooked mealworm larva (in various flavors such as mesquite, teriyaki, and barbecue!). Entomologists and other bug experts will be available for questions and more than 20 informational booths will teach and entertain children and adults alike.
Free for members and children 12 and under. Included with paid admission for non-members.
Vista BBQ Classic
July 29 – 30
Location: Vista, Downtown Main Street
The Vista BBQ Classic is an official Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned event in Historic Downtown Vista. For the past 7 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 30th. Our 2016 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 tickets for purchase, a street fair, live entertainment and a featured concert at the end of the night.