Major Events

The San Diego County Fair, the largest annual event in the county, takes place June 2–July 4, 2017, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year’s theme, “Where the West is Fun,” celebrates the legendary rough-and-tumble Wild Wild West and will be fused with influences from cowboys to gold miners. The fair features top performing artists and popular attractions like the International Beer Festival, deep-fried food novelties, livestock exhibits, home and hobby displays, woodworking and an award-winning flower show. The fair is closed Mondays (except July 3), and the first three Tuesdays.  

San Diego celebrates Independence Day with a variety of Fourth of July celebrations throughout the county. Coronado's popular Independence Day Celebration features a two-hour parade followed by a family concert in Spreckels Park and spectacular fireworks over Glorietta Bay. The Port of San Diego celebrates with its Big Bay Boom fireworks extravaganza over San Diego Bay, the largest fireworks display in the county. LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad celebrates July 4th with Red, White and BOOM! Special family activities are available throughout the day with the fireworks starting at 8:30 p.m.   

During the weekends of July 8 and 16, Fiesta Island on Mission Bay plays host to the annual World Championship Over-the-Line Tournament. A San Diego original, this boisterous, rowdy, fast-paced beach softball tradition is played by adults ages 21 to 80-plus.  

On July 9, 2017, San Diego hosts an opening round double-header of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup. This soccer championship is played at Qualcomm Stadium featuring the Mexican national team as the seeded nation of Group C.   

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is again planning two racing seasons in 2017: the traditional summer season kicks off with the traditional hat contest on opening day of the season, July 19 and runs through Sept. 4. The summer meet will offer racing Wed.-Sun. with an additional race day on Labor Day.  

Residents and visitors alike celebrate with pride during the annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade and Festival, July 14-16, 2017. The second largest event of its kind on the West Coast, San Diego’s Pride Festival includes a mile-long parade through Hillcrest and two-day music festival in Balboa Park. The celebration begins the evening of July 14 with a Spirit of Stonewall Rally.  

On July 29, 2017, dozens of dogs take to the waves during the annual Surf Dog Competition in Imperial Beach. Visitors can take in the fun as more than 70 dogs compete in small dog, medium dog, large dog, extra-large dog and tandem surfing challenges.  

During July 19-23, 2017, San Diego becomes the center of the pop culture universe during Comic-Con International, America’s longest continuously-run comics and popular arts convention.  

On Aug. 10-13, 2017, the largest and longest-running tiki gathering in the world, Tiki Oasis, returns to Mission Valley. Each year, about 3,500 attendees enjoy a tiki-tastic art and fashion marketplace, live tropical-jazz music, go-go dancers, a classic car show, pool parties and more. This year’s theme is “International Espionage.”  

During Sept. 1-4, 2017, more than 300 tons of sand will be carved and molded into beautiful sculptures for the annual U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition. Held at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal alongside San Diego Bay, the event features live entertainment, food trucks and unique experiences for kids.  

The 22nd Annual San Diego Festival of Beer takes place Sept. 22, 2017, on San Diego’s downtown bayfront at The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. More than 60 breweries provide up to 120 samples and tastings of brews alongside live musical performances, vendors and food.