Weekend Activities in San Diego: August 15–17
San Diego offers a wide range of exciting events this weekend, from sports to cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re looking for something to do on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, there’s something for everyone.
Friday Events
Pickleball Playoffs
For the first time, Major League Pickleball is bringing its 2025 playoffs to San Diego at the Barnes Tennis Center. This three-day tournament features professional players such as Gabriel Tardio and Jorja Johnson, who have been standout performers this season. The event runs from 9 a.m. on Friday through 9 a.m. on Sunday. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks while watching the action. Tickets range from $25 to $750. The venue is located at 4490 West Point Loma Blvd., San Diego. For more details, visit majorleaguepickleball.co.
Nat at Night
The San Diego Natural History Museum extends its hours on Fridays during the summer with “Nat at Night,” an event that runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can explore the museum after hours, enjoy rooftop access, and purchase food and drinks from local vendors. Admission is half-off, making it an affordable option for families. The event takes place at 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park. Ticket prices vary by age group, with youth tickets at $7, seniors, military, and students at $10, and adults at $12. More information is available at sdnhm.org/calendar/nat-at-night.
Saturday Events
Lemon Festival
Downtown Chula Vista is hosting its 28th annual Lemon Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This vibrant street festival includes live entertainment, music on two stages, arts and crafts vendors, a children’s area, and a lemon cook-off competition. Attendees can also find lemon-themed food, beverages, and treats. The event is free and takes place on Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista. For more details, check out downtownchulavista.com/events/lemon-festival.
Film Festival
The San Diego International Children’s Film Festival returns for its 21st year on Saturday. This all-day, free event showcases short films and animations from around the world, created by young filmmakers. Notable films include Ashley Maria’s “Super Human Anxiety” and Hailey Johnston’s “Life After the Storm.” There will also be an animation workshop and a behind-the-scenes look at film production. The festival takes place at the Neil Morgan Auditorium, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit childrensfilmsd.org for more information.
Sky Festival
The San Diego County chapter of DarkSky International is celebrating the Perseid meteor shower with a series of family-friendly activities on Saturday. The event includes afternoon educational exhibits, solar telescope viewing, and a panel discussion on light pollution. In the evening, guests can participate in guided night sky tours, observe star clusters through telescopes, and hear from Robert Quimby, director of the Mount Laguna Observatory. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars, a blanket or chair, and warm clothing. Food and drinks will also be available. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian. For more details, visit darkskysandiego.org.
Movie Night
Media Arts Center San Diego is hosting an outdoor film screening at Chicano Park on Saturday night. The featured film is the 1980s classic “La Bamba,” starring Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, and Rosanna DeSoto. The event also includes a screening of “Barrio,” a short narrative directed by Sydney Villa, along with performances by Ana Brown and Cumbia Machin. The movie starts at 6 p.m. at 1949 Logan Ave., San Diego. For more information, visit mediaartscenter.org.
Sunday Events
Comedy Night
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, a former NFL cheerleader, actress, and “MADtv” cast member, is bringing her all-ages comedy tour, “The Family Reunion Tour,” to San Diego on Sunday. She will perform two shows, one at 5 p.m. and another at 8:30 p.m. Her set includes topics about family, parenthood, and life experiences. Johnson-Reyes has also hosted several comedy specials and currently hosts a podcast called “Funjelah.” The event takes place at Humphreys Concert By the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego. Contact 619-224-3577 or visit humphreysconcerts.com for more details.
