North County and San Diego Events July 2019
North County and San Diego events in July are full of concerts, festivals and fireworks! If that’s not enough to keep you busy, there’s the start of Del Mar racing season, great plays, triathlons, surf contests, over-the-line and parades. Want to find fireworks near you? Keep reading!
San Diego County Fair
May 31 – July 4
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
The 2019 San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Vons, invites guests to skip down the yellow brick road and enter into an “Oz-some” world inspired by L. Frank Baum’s classic tale, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
This year the Fair opens at 4:00 PM on Friday, May 31 and continues through Thursday, July 4. The Fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in June. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for seniors ages 62 and older and kids ages 6 through 12. Kids 5 and under are free. Albertsons and Vons stores offer discount tickets. Check online for other discounts and passes.
Oceanside Fireworks Show
July 3
6 – 10 PM
Location: Oceanside, El Corazon Park, 3302 Senior Center Dr
July 3
The City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Division will host a Fireworks Show on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at El Corazon, in celebration of Oceanside’s 131st anniversary. Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. The recommended viewing area is on Rancho Del Oro Drive, which will be closed at 5:00 p.m. from Oceanside Boulevard north to Mesa Drive. There will be music, entertainment and food trucks beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Please take public transportation or carpool and park in the business park area between Ocean Ranch and Seagate Way to Corporate Center Dr. Here’s a map. Bring a beach chair/blanket to sit on. No alcohol or dogs are permitted at this free, family-friendly event.
Fourth of July Fireworks Displays, Parades and Festivals
Below are most of the North County fireworks displays, parades and festivals along with several big ones in San Diego. I’ve listed them alphabetically by city.
Camp Pendleton Beach Bash
Time: 8 AM – 10 PM
Location: Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Beach
This event is for authorized military personnel with valid DOD ID card (active duty, retirees, reservists, and family members) and their sponsored guests. All sponsored guests must be with the authorized military ID card holder at all times.
The day includes DJ Mike and lots of great giveaways. There will be a Family Fun Zone, Margaritaville, food trucks and specialty vendors. Fireworks are at 9 pm.
Red, White and BOOM!
Time: 1 – 9 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 PM
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 9:00 PM at the Corona Grandstand Stage. The fireworks display is visible from many areas in the Fairgrounds, with favorite viewing areas including reserved Terrace seating and 2nd and 4th levels of the Grandstand, Family Funville, and the Fun Zone.
Fireworks Spectacular
The show includes more than 3,600 aerial display counts, with 500 shells in the Grand Finale alone! These aren’t wimpy fireworks either — shells are up to 8 inches and include titanium flash salutes, color changing aerial displays, distinctive and unique display shells, and the popular streaking comets and tiger tails! Come blast off with us as we celebrate America!
Escondido Independence Day Festival & Fireworks
Time: 4 – 9:30 PM
Location: Escondido, 340 North Escondido Blvd, Great Green, California Center for the Arts
Join 25,000 patriotic festival-goers for the 56th 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 the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and, of course, a dazzling fireworks display starting at 9 pm. You won’t want to miss this annual North County tradition!
Parking
Thanks so much to our generous sponsors! Parking is extremely limited. Please carpool or plan accordingly. No alcohol, barbeques, pop-up tents or dogs allowed in the park.
Julian 4th of July Parade
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Julian, Main Street, from Julian High School to Frank Lane Park
This year Julian salutes July Fourth with the theme, “Historic Julian Celebrates the 4th”. Julian honors our nation’s birthday with a salute to the men and women who made our country great, both domestically and militarily.
For more than twenty years, Julian residents, their friends and parade lovers from all over have lined up at on the town’s main street to wave their flags, cheer the marching bands, salute the Marine Color Guard, and carry a giant American flag down the thoroughfare.
There will be events before and after the parade including fly-overs, a gunfight, musical presentations, and a barbecue. The parade will start at noon and last about an hour. This home town parade includes marching bands, antique cars, vintage tractors, belly dancers, World War II submariners, several comedy entries and local dignitaries.
Main Street closes to traffic at 9 A.M. Follow directions to the nearest parking lot. FREE Public toilets are available at the bank parking lot and behind the town hall.
Oceanside Fireworks Show
July 3
6 – 10 PM
Location: Oceanside, El Corazon Park, 3302 Senior Center Dr
July 3
The City of Oceanside Parks and Recreation Division will host a Fireworks Show on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at El Corazon, in celebration of Oceanside’s 131st anniversary. Fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m. The recommended viewing area is on Rancho Del Oro Drive, which will be closed at 5:00 p.m. from Oceanside Boulevard north to Mesa Drive. There will be music, entertainment and food trucks beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Please take public transportation or carpool and park in the business park area between Ocean Ranch and Seagate Way to Corporate Center Dr. Here’s a map. Bring a beach chair/blanket to sit on. No alcohol or dogs are permitted at this free, family-friendly event.
Poway Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks
Time: 10 AM – 4 PM, 6 – 10 PM
Location: Poway, 14134 Midland Rd and 15500 Espola Rd
Festival
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, western re-enactments, free children’s crafts, train displays, 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.
Fireworks
Gates open at 6:00 PM at Poway High School Stadium, 15500 Espola Road, for the fireworks celebration. There will be DJ music, games and activities. 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 Fair, Parade and Fireworks
Time: 9 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Rancho Bernardo, Webb Park at 16826 Bernardo Center Dr and Bernardo Heights Middle School at 12990 Paseo Lucido
The Spirit of the Fourth festivities include a community fair, parade, evening entertainment and fireworks. The community fair will have a patriotic pet contest, a classic motor show, a magic show, a rubber ducky race, a veterans’ memorial service, and a parade. The parade will start at 3:30 pm.
Fireworks & Entertainment
The evening entertainment and fireworks show will open at 6:00 pm at the athletic field of Bernardo Heights Middle School at 12990 Paseo Lucido with live music. The lavish fireworks display begins at 9 pm. Seating is on the grass. Please bring blankets or lawn chairs. A donation of $10 per person or $20 for a family is requested at the entrance of the event to support the Fireworks Show. Spirit of the Fourth Celebration hats, t-shirts and blankets are also available for an additional $20 donation. There is reserved seating and parking for Freedom Club members. Parking is free in the student parking lot off Avenida Venusto. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at the event.
Rancho Santa Fe’s Annual 4th of July Parade & Picnic
Time: 1 – 5 PM
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, 16948 Avenida De Acacias
The parade starts at 1:00 pm and includes floats, fire trucks, vintage cars, equestrians and parade princesses. There is a picnic and live concert at 1:30 pm with a barbecue and live music.
Fireworks at SeaWorld
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. Reserved seating is available. Fireworks shows will be held July 4 at 9:40 pm, every Saturday until August 31 and on Sunday, September 1 at 9:50 pm.
Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!
Time: 9 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.
Four Locations
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 all iHeartRadio San Diego stations, including 101.5 KGB FM, Channel 93.3 FM, Star 94.1 FM, Rock 105.3 FM, JAM’N 95.7 FM, KOGO 600 AM, XTRA Sports 1360 AM, and streamed on the iHeartRadio app.
San Marcos Fireworks Extravaganza
Time: 6 – 10 PM
Location: San Marcos, Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Dr
Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. Children’s activities and food sales will be available on-site. Live music by Liquid Blue 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 AM – 1 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 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? This year’s theme is Sounds of Freedom.
The parade starts at Red Cedar Drive and Ironwood Road and ends at Hoyt Park where the after-parade festivities will be held.
Vista Independence Day Celebration
Time: 5 – 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 at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park. We honor those that serve and have served our country and thank them for their sacrifice.
Schedule
The Independence Day Celebration schedule at the Moonlight Amphitheatre includes a Light Up the Night dinner at 6:30 p.m., a military and sponsor recognition ceremony at 7:15 p.m., the Sensation Show Band performance at 7:35 p.m., and the fireworks display at 9 p.m. The Amphitheatre opens at 5 p.m. Admission to the Moonlight Amphitheatre is $5 per person. Admission for children five and under, active and retired military members and their immediate families is free. Parking in Brengle Terrace Park is $15 per car and $30 per recreational vehicle.
TGIF Concerts in the Parks
July 5, 12, 19, 26
6 – 8 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 2019 season runs Friday nights through August 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. It features great music, food and a chance to dance the night away with friends and neighbors in a beautiful outdoor setting. All fields open at 4 p.m.
Music for Everyone
This year’s band lineup offers a music genre for everyone, and includes rock, funk, soul, pop, hip-hop, jazz-funk, Latin, ska, reggae, and 80s and 90s fun. Concerts are free. They are open to the public and will take place in four beautiful Carlsbad community parks. As onsite parking is limited, a free shuttle service is available at most concert locations.
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.
San Diego LGBT Pride Rally, Festival and Parade
July 6 & 12 – 14
Location: San Diego, North Park, Community Park, Hillcrest and Balboa Park
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally. Below are just some of this year’s events.
SheFest
SheFest is on July 6 from 11 am to 6 pm. It is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women while fostering meaningful connections within the LGBT and larger San Diego community. It features workshops, games and mobile pet adoption through the Humane Society. SheFest will be held at North Park Community Park at 4044 Idaho Street.
Spirit of Stonewall Rally
The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is part of PBP and will start at 6:00 PM on July 12 at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at 1500 University Avenue. 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.
Pride 5K Walk and Run
The Front Runners & Walkers Pride 5K Run and Walk is the most fun and wacky event of the summer. Come join the fun at 8 AM on July 13. It’s a great way to kick off the LGBTQ Pride Parade with a healthy activity and a lot of fun – and do some good for our charity partners while you’re at it!
Parade
On July 13, the parade begins at 10:00 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 Quince Drive. The San Diego Pride Parade is among the largest in the United States, attracting over 250,000 cheering spectators.
Music Festival
San Diego Pride’s famous music festival will be held at Marston Point in Balboa Park at 6th Avenue and Laurel Street on July 13 and 14 starting at 11 AM and includes multiple stages of entertainment, more than 100 musicians, bands, comedians and dancers, marvelous shopping at dozens of vendor booths, exhibits, cultural presentations, and great food!
Sunday Summer Concerts by the Sea
July 7, 21
3 – 5 PM
Location: Encinitas, Moonlight Beach, 400 B St
This summer, Encinitas Parks and Recreation brings more fun to our beach concert experience. Summer Concerts are held right on the sand at beautiful Moonlight Beach. All you need to do is show up. How cool is that? There are two concert dates in July and two in August. July 7 features Cold Duck with old school, 70s and 80s music. July 21 features Kings of 88 with classic piano rock.
Free Admission
Come enjoy fun at the beach. Admission is free! Remember that glass, alcohol, smoking and dogs are prohibited on our beaches.
Summer Fun Fest & Movie in the Park
July 13
5:30 PM
Location: Vista, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr
Summer Fun Fest: Kids’ face painting, crafts, activities, bounce houses, and more from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
Free Movie in the Park: Incredibles 2 (PG). Movie begins at 8 pm.
Annual Over-The-Line-Tournament®
July 13 – 14, July 20 – 21
Location: San Diego, Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, 2688 E Mission Bay Dr
The 66th Annual World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament® will be held on Fiesta Island.
Over-The-Line (OTL) is a bat and ball game played with two teams of three players each. OTL is a public event and requires no ticket or entrance fee to watch the games and enjoy the tournament.
Games start at 7:30 AM promptly and continue until dark on both weekends of OTL. First weekend games are three innings only. 2nd weekend games are four innings.
Rules
Rules will be strictly enforced: No Bottles, No Bicycles, No Bowzers (dogs), No Babies, No Boas, No Bad Attitudes, No Battles (fighting). OTL is a public event. However, it is not appropriate or safe for children due to crowds, bat and ball related games and language.
Carlsbad Triathlon
July 14
Location: Carlsbad, Tamarack Surf Beach, 3901 Carlsbad Blvd
The Carlsbad Triathlon ranks among the nation’s longest running triathlons. It is for everybody from first-timers to elites, and their friends and family. It is a sprint and a sprint plus distance race with multiple triathlon and duathlon options. The roads are wide and closed to traffic making it very safe! The course is mostly flat with a couple of rolling areas.
Course
The course begins at Tamarack Surf Beach and follows the coastline of Carlsbad, past our scenic beaches, lagoons and wildlife preserve. It boasts an ocean swim, a rolling bike course and a run along the beautiful coastline for the finish.
Moonlight Amphitheatre Matilda
July 17 – August 3
Location: Vista, 1250 Vale Terrace Dr
The Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl-power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
Del Mar Racing Season
July 17 – September 2
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 through 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.
Concert Series
Don’t miss the Del Mar Summer Concert Series. Concerts are free with racetrack admission purchased prior to the last race.
Comic-Con International San Diego
July 18 – 21
Location: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Dr
Comic-Con was founded in 1970 and has become the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture.
Mission Statement
Comic-Con International: San Diego is a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular artforms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.
Aloha Plunge
July 20
5 – 9 PM
Location: Carlsbad, Alga Norte Aquatics Center, 6565 Alicante Rd
Bring a swimsuit and join us as we say Aloha to school and Aloha to summer 2019! Enjoy fun, island themed pool games and activities, giant inflatables and key logs and more. End the night with a special Polynesian dance performance where the audience can learn the hula.
Admission
Admission is $10 per person. Kids ages 3 and under are free. Register now. Event maxes at 600 participants.
Enjoy dinner at the Dive in Grill open during the event. Menu includes made-to-order grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza, shaved ice, ice cream and other tasty treats.
Insect and Ladybug Festival
July 20 – 21
10 AM – 4 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, spiders, lizards and snakes. Some of them you can even touch! Taste a spicy fried mealworm (delicious!), make an insect-inspired craft to take home, and try to stump our bug experts by asking them your toughest questions.
Entrance to the Insect Festival is included with paid admission or SDBG membership.
Supergirl Pro
July 26 – 28
Location: Oceanside, Oceanside Pier, 300 The Strand N
The Supergirl Pro is the only 6-star WSL sanctioned Women’s Surf Contest in the world, with more than 100 of the planet’s top pros expected to compete.
In addition to the best surfing talent in the world, the Supergirl Pro features an action-packed Festival Village with 20 top musical artists performing live on the Supergirl Music Stage. There will also be autograph signings, vendor booths and activities, beauty makeovers, giveaways, celebrities, fitness, dance, yoga, esports, a DJ contest, speakers, a beer and wine garden and so much more! Admission to the event is free.
Cause Partners
Since the beginning, the Supergirl Pro has been partnered with Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC), a youth-focused breast cancer education and prevention foundation. B4BC will be present at the event to promote early detection and a healthy, active lifestyle as the best means of breast cancer prevention. Supergirl is also partnered with Earth’s Oceans Foundation the ADL’s No Place For Hate.
The event will be filmed and turned into docu-drama style programming to be aired on FOX Sports. Tune into the event’s live webcast on July 27th and 28th!
Solana Beach Triathlon & Duathlon
July 28
Location: Solana Beach, Fletcher Cove, 111 S Sierra Ave
The surf-entry ocean swim is supported by lifeguards and swim buddies. The bike and run courses cruise down the world-famous Pacific Coast Highway. Finally, a tunnel of high-fives awaits you at the finish line – a gauntlet of excitement. This sprint triathlon/duathlon/aquabike is an event that will be remembered forever.
This is a USAT sanctioned event. There will be a continental breakfast, beer garden, commemorative tech t-shirt and entertainment. The expo is located at the corner of Plaza and Acacia streets.
Do you have North County or San Diego events in July or any other month that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.