Welcome to July in San Diego! The city is buzzing with excitement and vibrant events, ensuring there’s something for everyone. From the iconic Comic-Con to the thrilling Opening Day at the Races, and the colorful celebrations of Pride, July in San Diego is anything but dull. This is your ultimate guide to experiencing the best events, savoring delicious bites and sips, and uncovering hidden gems throughout the city. Get ready to immerse yourself in all the amazing activities that July in San Diego has to offer!

The Ecology Center
Photo Credit: The Ecology Center

The Ecology Center: Community Table Summer Series (July 5, 12, 19, 26)

Join The Ecology Center for an unforgettable experience as the Community Table series returns this Summer. They’re bringing together a new lineup of world-class chefs to create an edible conversation between a farm, a chef, and the community. This series celebrates a seasonal palette of fruits, vegetables, herbs, berries, and flowers, all grown on their 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm.

San Diego LGBT Pride (July 13-21)

San Diego Pride’s mission is fostering pride in and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, locally, nationally, and globally.  It is in serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally communities that put on the largest civic event in the region, Pride Weekend, attracts 250,000 people a year. This event consists of the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, Pride of Hillcrest Block Party, Pride Parade, and Pride Festival.

Annual Over The Line Tournament (July 13-21)

The 71st Annual World Championship Over-the-Line (OTL) Tournament will take place on July 13-14 and July 20-21 at Fiesta Island on Mission Bay. Over 1,000 teams will hit the sand at sunrise on Saturday morning, July 13, with their bats, balls and most creative team names to kick-off 69 years of San Diego tradition.

This summertime staple draws teams from all over the world, but Over-the-Line originated right here in San Diego. The sport has grown dramatically from a few friends playing ball in the sand to an annual two-weekend tournament that attracts thousands of players and spectators.

Sweet Petite Confections: A Midsummer’s Chocolate and Wine Pairing (July 19)

Sweet Petite Confections invites you to a Midsummer’s wine and chocolate pairing event showcasing seasonal favorites paired with a complimentary wine tasting.

The evening will see SPC chocolatier Michelle Lomelin and independent wine consultant Kim Knouse, guide guests through five distinct flavors of chocolates that have been specifically paired to complement or contrast a selection of wines from around the world.

Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack: The Party on Opening Day (July 20)

Thrill seekers wanted for a day of style, fun, and racing. Come to Del Mar for the ultimate Opening Day Experience at The Party presented by Coors Light.  Tickets include Opening Day Admission and exclusive access to The Party complete with world-class DJs, craft beers & cocktail bars, photo booths and private wagering. Tickets are 21 & up only.  Make sure to put your best hat forward and participate in the famous Opening Day Hats Contest tradition where contestants can enter to win cash prizes.

Corkfire Kitchen: Live Fire Festival (July 21)

On Sunday, July 21st, Temecula Creek Inn & Cork Fire Kitchen will host a food-centric extravaganza outdoors at the historical Stone House site, featuring renowned chefs from LA, SD, and local talents from the Temecula Valley. This live fire event will showcase the artistry of cooking over fire pits, grills, and open flames, highlighting exceptional talents and sponsor-provided products.

Enjoy beverages from local wineries, breweries, and distilleries. This 21+ event promises a high-end guest list, perfect for connecting with Chefs, VIPs, winery owners, and developers. Plus live music!

Photo Credit: Cork Fire Kitchen

Comic-Con International: San Diego (July 25-28)

Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities, fans of comic books, movie memorabilia, and all things related to pop culture.

Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at Comic-Con International at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego.

Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films, portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies, and such evening events as awards ceremonies and the Masquerade; a costume contest, and the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, which showcases shorts and feature length movies that do not have distribution or distribution deals.

Broadway San Diego: Peter Pan (July 30 – August 8)

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro. The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!