April has arrived in San Diego—and with it, a host of fun activities for longtime locals and weekend visitors alike. From a boot-scootin’ country fest to a couple of car shows, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego this weekend. Check out our full list of the best events, festivals, and activities to enjoy below:
Food and Drink | Concerts and Theater | Festivals and Art | More Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego
North Park Festival of Beers
April 6
Taking place in front of the LaFayette Hotel, the 14th annual North Park Festival of Beers, presented by 91X, will feature 50 alcohol brands and breweries. Attendees ages 21 and up can rock out with San Diego musicians at the live music stage; shop from local food, craft, and artisan vendors; and explore sips from Thr3e Punk Ales, Societe Brewing Co., and other SD brewers. Proceeds go toward the San Diego Music Foundation’s Taylor Guitars for Schools program. General admission ($45) comes with unlimited beer samples, while VIP admission ($65) gets you an extra hour of sampling. There are also designated driver tickets ($30) for those who just want to hang.
2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park
Tequila & Taco Music Festival
April 6–7
Though the Tequila & Taco Music Festival stops at several California cities throughout the year, it’s fitting that its first destination would be San Diego—the home of the best Mexican cuisine this side of the border. This Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. at Thrive Park, enjoy top-shelf tequila tastings and mouth-watering street tacos. There will also be live music from artists such as Warren G and Shaggy, pop-up dance clubs, a vendor village, and craft beer (just in case tequila isn’t your thing). Tickets for the festival range from $30 to $70.
2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
Concerts & Theater in San Diego
Without Walls (WOW) Festival
April 4–7
The La Jolla Playhouse’s eclectic performing arts festival returns with four days of interactive, site-specific theater performances that transform any setting to a stage. Local and international artists stage shows and exhibitions at venues around UC San Diego, including Revelle Plaza, the Epstein Family Amphitheater, and La Jolla Playhouse. Experience over 25 unique offerings, from immersive ocean soundscapes to colorful art installations. All performances are free to enjoy; some shows require RSVPs ahead of time, while most welcome walk-ups. See our complete guide here.
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla
Boots in the Park
April 6
Craving more country after listening to Cowboy Carter? This Saturday, lace up your boots and don a 10-gallon hat for all-day country festival Boots in the Park. At Waterfront Park from 1 to 11 p.m., enjoy a lineup that includes Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery, and Alana Springsteen, plus art installations, craft food, cocktails, line dancing, and more. Ticket options include general admission ($129), GA Pit Pass+ ($199), and VIP ($299).
1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero
San Diego Sings! Festival
April 6
Fifteen San Diego County choirs will flex their chops this Saturday at Baker-Baum Concert Hall for San Diego Sings!, a three-concert, single-day singing extravaganza from the Choral Consortium of San Diego. Each show features five choirs who perform individually and collectively. Tickets for each of the three performances (taking place at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.) are available for $23.
7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Mariachi Festival
April 7
Route 78 Rotary Club’s 10th annual Mariachi Festival celebrates the rhythms and traditions of mariachi music with a spirited concert at California Center for the Arts Escondido from 3 to 6 p.m this Sunday. The festival will begin with a tacos-and-tequila pre-show reception for VIP attendees, followed by a 3 p.m. concert with Mariachi Los Camperos and ballet folklórico dancers from Tierra Caliente Academy. Proceeds from the festival go towards Route 78’s educational and charitable programs in North County. Standard tickets are available from $25 to $50, while VIP tickets are $100.
340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido
Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego
San Diego Writers Festival
April 6
The 2024 San Diego Writers Festival will host several free events—including panels, workshops, performances, and awards—from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Coronado Public Library. The fifth annual festival will feature literary giants like writer/director Ed Zwick; best-selling authors Dr. Judith Orloff, Anita Moorjani, and Matthew Quirk; and several local writing talents (like SDM’s own Jackie Bryant!), plus food and live music. Whether you’re a mystery buff, a historical biography fan, or a writer looking to bolster your skills, there are plenty of offerings to choose from, with 90 speakers and 40 events to enjoy throughout the day.
640 Orange Avenue, Coronado
San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Festival
April 7
The 33rd annual San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Festival takes place this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing together more than 200 local and nationwide vendors, including artisan, craft, and food sellers. This free, community-focused event features local wine and craft beer, a food court, a kids’ fun zone with carnival rides, and two stages of live entertainment. The Spring Fling’s local musician lineup includes Eric Clapton tribute band Clapton Hook, Soul to Soul: The Stevie Ray Vaughan Experience, and Dueling Pianos & Friends with Danny DiCarlo and Brian Wahlstrom.
Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego
GoodGuys Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals
April 5–7
Returning to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for yet another automotive spectacle, GoodGuys Meguiar welcomes hot rods and American muscle cars made through 1999. Vintage car fans and nitro junkies can scope out more than 2,500 classic cars and enjoy a variety of activities, including a kids’ zone, swap meet, and lowrider showcases. Catch several competitions, like the illustrious “Street Rod d’Elegance,” which celebrates the best pre-1949 street rods. Single-day spectator tickets are $25 for Friday and Saturday and $20 for Sunday; single-day youth tickets for ages 7 to 12 are $10, while children ages 6 and under get free entry.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
626 Night Market
April 5–7
This iconic Asia-inspired, Arcadia-based night market returns bigger and better than ever at San Diego’s Mission Valley Mall. This Friday from 3 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m., shop more than 100 local vendors selling a wide variety of merchandise, from stickers to jewelry. Explore rows of food options—like Hawaiian honey cones and potato swirls—and jam out to live music. Ticket options include single-day general admission passes for $3 and three-day weekend passes for $6.
1640 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley
Dodo & Cars
April 6
From 7 to 10 a.m. this Saturday, Dodo Bird Donuts hosts its second Dodo & Cars event. The variety of cars on display will entice any local gearhead. Plus, attendees get free coffee and donuts, enjoy limited edition merchandise giveaways, and can participate in a raffle to earn car-themed prizes.
369 Bird Rock Avenue, La Jolla
Fun 5Ks
April 6–7
The 20th annual Race for Autism Superhero 5K and one-mile family walk invites all San Diegans to channel their inner avenger and take part in a community event for Autism Acceptance Month. This family-friendly event will feature a post-race party with music, activities, and an information resource fair hosting more than 50 autism-related vendors. Looking for a classic morning road race? Sunday’s Carlsbad 5000 takes runners to the edge of the ocean in Carlsbad with several 5K race divisions for all ages and abilities, plus a post-race health and fitness expo that includes a beer garden and live music and entertainment. Registration for the Carlsbad 5000 comes with two Pizza Port beers (for racers aged 21 and up), a race shirt, a finishers medal, and a race photo, plus access to the afterparty.
Race for Autism: 6th Avenue & Laurel Street, Balboa Park | Carlsbad 5000: Roosevelt and Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad
