North County and San Diego Events for August
North County and San Diego events in August bring lots of summer fun for the whole family. You’ll find concerts and outdoor movies, Del Mar racing, surfing and bodysurfing contests, a car show, an art walk, a family campout, golf events, and even a rodeo.
Nighttime Zoo
Through August 9
From global rhythms and spectacular entertainment to one-of-a-kind moments with your favorite wildlife after dark, join us under the stars for wild and unforgettable experiences—perfect for the whole family.
3:30-8pm / San Diego Zoo
sandiegozoo.org
Del Mar Racing
Through September 7
The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) hosts world-class thoroughbred horse racing, welcoming the industry’s top athletes to the Del Mar Racetrack.
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
858-755-1141 / www.dmtc.com
Star of India Family Overnight Experience
August 1-2
An unforgettable opportunity to stay aboard the iconic 1863 bark Star of India and step back in time. Families sign on as crew and take part in an immersive living history adventure led by our costumed, in-character instructors. This special overnight program is usually reserved for student field trips, but this summer, it’s open to families looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
2pm-8am / Maritime Museum of San Diego
619-234-9153 x101 / sdmaritime.org
San Marcos Family Campout
August 1-2
Families will enjoy a night of camping fun! The campout includes games, hot dog dinner, crafts, s’mores, campfire songs, a flashlight hike and a movie on the big screen!
Walnut Grove Park, 1950 Sycamore Dr, San Marcos
760-744-9000 / www.san-marcos.net
Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
Aug. 2
This free event features numerous dog-related vendors, rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies. Activities include dog contests, live music, a ticketed libation lounge, food trucks, and more!
10am-3pm / Encinitas Community Park
760-436-0431 / www.cardiff101.com
Mickey Cafagna Memorial Golf Classic
August 3
The Mickey Cafagna Memorial Golf Classic was established to honor Mickey Cafagna, former Mayor of Poway. He was one of the most loved and respected elected officials in the city’s history, and distinguished himself by his thoughtful leadership and enthusiastic support of numerous nonprofit organizations.
In keeping with Mickey’s charitable spirit, a portion of the event proceeds will be donated to a non-profit beneficiary.
The Heights Golf Club, Rancho Bernardo
www.poway.com
Vista National Night Out
August 4
Meet your local sheriff’s deputies and receive public safety resources. Crime prevention specialists will share tips on how to keep your families safe. Get to know members of our sheriff’s specialized and volunteer units.
5-7pm / Vista Civic Center
760-726-1122 / www.vista.gov
TGIF Concerts in the Parks Carlsbad
August 7, 14, 21
Carlsbad’s TGIF concert series has been a summer tradition since 1986 and was recognized as one of the top five outdoor concert series in the nation by USA TODAY’s 10Best 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
- August 7: 4-8pm, B.I.G. – R&B, smooth jazz and old school funk / Calavera Hills Community Park
- August 14: 4-8pm, FlashPants – synth-infused rock / Alga Norte Community Park
- August 21: 4-8pm, Daring Greatly – classic 70s rock with modern soul, folk, and country influences / Alga Norte Community Park
Carlsbad Lagoon Row In The Dark
August 7
Your $49 ticket grants you a three-hour glow in the dark themed adventure on a paddleboard, kayak or aquacycle. Join us at the Carlsbad Lagoon and enjoy live music around the campfire, beach games and memories that will last a lifetime!
7-10pm / California Watersports, 4215 Harrison St, Carlsbad
carlsbadlagoon.com
Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club Contest and Beach Festival
August 7-9
Join us for an action-packed, three-day, family friendly extravaganza featuring some of the best surfers in the world. Contest will include a Pro/Am Invitational and offers live music and vendors with unique products.
Oceanside Pier and Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre
oceansidelongboardsurfingclub.org
Poway Summer Movies In The Park
August 8
Bring a blanket and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars. The Parent Trap (1961) will be shown. Bring your favorite snacks or a picnic dinner. Food will NOT be available for purchase. Movie begins 15 minutes after sunset.
6:30-9:45pm / Old Poway Park
858-668-4671 / poway.org
Nights at the Mission
August 8
Mirage: Visions of Fleetwood Mac. Happy Hour 5-6pm. Arrive early for preferred seating.
7-9pm / Fallbrook Mission Theater
fallbrookmissiontheater.com
Vista Movie in the Park
August 8
Gather your family and friends and head out for a free movie under the stars. Relax on your blankets or lawn chairs, enjoy your picnic and snacks, and soak up the warm summer breeze as you watch Superman (2025), rated PG-13.
Starts at dusk. / Brengle Terrace Park Ball Fields
www.vista.gov
Beach Blanket Movie Night Solana Beach
August 8
This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. The evening begins with live music by Billy Watson and his International Silver String Submarine Band, followed by the feature presentation North Shore. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic, or buy refreshment tickets for pizza, popcorn, cookies, and brownies. There’s even a free giveaway with great prizes.
6-10pm / Fletcher Cove Park, Solana Beach
858-720-4430 / www.cityofsolanabeach.org
Moonlight Beach Concerts
August 9, 23
Summer Concerts are held right on the sand at beautiful Moonlight Beach. All you need to do is show up. How cool is that? All bands are supported by a local youth band.
- August 9: Gate 5 / ZB Savoy
- August 23: Steal Euphoria / Sabrosas Latin Orchestra
Summergrass San Diego
August 14-16
Since 2003, Summergrass has featured some of the best bluegrass music west of the Rockies, from seasoned touring acts to up-and-coming bands and regional acts.
See website for hours and pricing. / Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista
summergrass.net
Dark Sky Festival
August 15
Featured speakers on natural darkness, stargazing with binoculars and telescopes, hands-on activities for kids, and exhibitor booths. Tickets on Eventbrite or at the gate. 18 and under are free. Check the website for items you should bring.
3-11pm / Julian Union High School
www.juliandarkskynetwork.com/
Art Night Encinitas
August 15
August Art Night will be held across four locations: City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library and the Pacific View Arts Center, with free shuttle services connecting additional partner locations at nearby businesses and galleries. Experience an evening filled with captivating art exhibitions, live musical performances and immersive workshops. Engage with artists through artist talks, meet-and-greets and music. Art Night is a family friendly event that invites people of all ages to appreciate and connect with the creative expressions.
6-8pm / Multiple locations
www.encinitasca.gov
August Trail Talk
August 15
Join us for a walk around Lakeview Park as we dive into the native plants that call San Marcos home, their unique adaptations that allow them to thrive and how some of these plants were used in the past. After the walk, stick around to plant native plants in your very own pot!
9am / Lakeview Park, San Marcos
www.san-marcos.net
World Bodysurfing Championships
August 15-16
This is the 49th Annual World Bodysurfing Championships. Approximately 350–400 bodysurfers from around the world compete in their respective age divisions for trophies and prizes. The grand champions will be crowned on Sunday afternoon. The contest is projected to start at 6:30 am each morning. Prelims for all age divisions will be held on Saturday. All semifinals and finals will run on Sunday.
6:30am / Oceanside Pier
worldbodysurfing.org
America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K
August 16
Run from the Cabrillo National Monument atop the tip of Point Loma, along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to a rousing finish in historic Balboa Park. The 5K is a flat and fun course through Balboa Park.
6:15am / Balboa Park
inmotionevents.com
San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival
August 20-23
FilmOut’s mission is to empower LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, and to amplify LGBTQ+ voices in film and media by providing an inclusive space for diverse and impactful storytelling in San Diego.
See website for schedule and locations.
filmoutsandiego.com
Super Girl Surf Festival
August 21-23
This free event brings together elite competitors in World Surf League surfing, skateboarding, beach volleyball, soccer, and BMX, all set against a lively beachside atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy live music, inspiring leadership panels, fitness classes, and a marketplace featuring women-owned businesses.
Oceanside Pier
supergirlsurfpro.com
San Diego Kids’ International Film Festival
August 21-23
Celebrates global storytelling by presenting culturally diverse films created for children and youth. The festival encourages young filmmakers and highlights positive media and inspiring role models.
See website for schedule and locations. / Carlsbad and Oceanside
www.sdkidsfilms.org
Taste of Encinitas
Aug. 25
The Taste of Encinitas is a culinary extravaganza that transforms the streets of downtown Encinitas into a food lover’s paradise. Local restaurants, cafes, and eateries come together to showcase their culinary prowess, offering attendees a taste of the diverse and delectable offerings that define Encinitas’ culinary landscape.
5:30-8:30pm / 818 South Coast Highway 101
www.encinitas101.com
Ramona Rodeo
August 27-29
The Ramona Rodeo is a cherished tradition, bringing together the heart and spirit of our community for an action-packed celebration of Western heritage. Set against the picturesque backdrop of R-Town, this annual event features thrilling rodeo competitions, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities, offering something for everyone.
See website for schedule. / Fred Grand Arena, Ramona
ramonarodeo.com
Escondido Chamber Cup Challenge Golf Tournament
August 28
Brace yourselves for an epic day of golf, camaraderie, community spirit, and helping others. Not a golfer? Sponsor a hero, donate a raffle item, or join us for lunch and networking. Breakfast, lunch, raffles, and auction prizes. Beat the LPGA Pro challenge with BackSwing Golf Events. Sponsor-a-Hero opportunities. Business networking. A full shotgun start at 9am.
7:30am-2pm / Native Oaks Golf Club, Valley Center
birdease.com/35614
LeucadiART Walk
August 30
A fine arts event with no corporate vendors or imported goods. This free event brings 8,000 people to Leucadia for the day to enjoy and purchase fine art. This event features live art demos, live music, dancers, activities for kids, a makers market, a 21+ beverage garden, and more!
10am-5pm / North Coast Highway 101
760-436-2320 / leucadia101.com
Vista Rod Run
August 31
Hundreds of classic cars and vintage trucks. Car owners compete for the best of the best to win one of 40 trophies. Live music, specialty auto vendors, great downtown shopping, restaurants and breweries.
9am-2pm / Historic Downtown Vista
downtownvista.org
Farmers’ Markets
Buy local San Diego produce by visiting one of the Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFM) in San Diego County. Farmers’ Markets provide venues for farmers to sell directly to consumers and support small farming operations. Click on the link to find the markets and schedules throughout the county.
www.sdfarmbureau.org/farmers-market
Enjoy August’s North County and San Diego events! Do you have North County or San Diego events that you’d like included here? Just let me know, and I’ll add them for you.
Please excuse any errors or omissions and let me know if there’s anything that needs fixing. Check with the organizations holding these events for costs, tickets, availability, changes, limitations and important details.