Spend

Labor Day

in San Diego Treasuring the Last Days of Summer

Don't Miss these Labor Day Weekend Events

Cap off the perfect summer by spending Labor Day weekend in San Diego enjoying the warm weather, cool beaches and everything the city has to offer including amazing sandcastles, 1812 Overture with fireworks, evening concerts, extended museum hours and more.

US SAND SCULPTING CHALLENGE AND DIMENSIONAL ART EXPOSITION

Photo By Brent Bernasconi

On the Embarcadero

US Sand Sculpting Challenge and Dimensional Art Exposition

When: August 31 - September 3, 2018
Hundreds of thousands have come each year to see master-class sculptors build beautiful 3-dimensional works of art. Now many of the world's finest artists will come to create the most amazing sculptures ever. And they'll do it on a unique site with our beautiful bay on the West and downtown's sandcastles in the sky on the East. It's a 4-day extravaganza for the whole family.

Bayside Summer Nights - 1812 Tchaikovsky Spectacular

When: August 31 - September 2, 2018
San Diego's glorious summer winds down but not before the cannons and fireworks light up San Diego Bay to Tchaikovsky's awesome '1812 Overture'. Join the San Diego Symphony as they celebrate summer's end in spectacular style!

At the Attractions

SeaWorld's Electric Ocean

When: Thru September 2, 2018
Surf beyond your expectations as the sea comes alive at night and dive into Electric Ocean, SeaWorld's fantastic summer nighttime celebration! Make plans to celebrate summer with nine amazing experiences, including two shows, Cirque Electrique and Illuminight, and an end-of-night laser light spectacular. Give yourself permission to voyage into exotic underwater worlds that come alive as the sun sets with brilliant energy, electrifying dance music, and dazzling light. Join live performers inspired by playful sea creatures at the party along the shore where world-class DJ's transform the night into an all-ages club beneath the waves.

Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

When: Thru September 3, 2018
Stay after dark and help us celebrate summer during Nighttime Zoo, brought to you by your San Diego County Toyota Dealers. Come "rock and roar" with live music and a variety of surprise encounters. Evenings at the Zoo will be filled with plenty of toe-tapping, body-moving music, special shows, and tons of fun!

Del Mar Racing Season

When: Thru September 3, 2018
San Diego horse racing takes place where the "turf meets the surf" at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation's top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.

Summer in Balboa Park

When: Thru September 28, 2018
Summer is a time to relax, explore and enjoy – and there’s no better place to experience all summer has to offer than Balboa Park. From evening concerts to extended museum hours to food truck feasts to gardens and picnics and more, Balboa Park is the destination for summer fun – all day and into the night.

Throughout the County

Annual Barona Powwow

When: August 31 - September 2, 2018
Join the Barona Band of Mission Indians for a weekend of contest dancing in all categories, camping, drums and cultural immersion. Dancers will be competing for over $60,000 in prize money!

Julian Grape Stomp Festa

When: September 1, 2018
Tons of grapes are blessed then poured into the barrels. The atmosphere is created with Italian music by Roman Holiday, dancing, Bocce Ball competitions, stomping, wine tasting, a Jumbo Jump for the kids and a variety of food and crafts for sale. Situated in rolling hills covered with vineyards and apple orchards, the Menghini Winery offers an ideal setting for the Festa.

LITTLE ITALY LABOR DAY STICKBALL TOURNAMENT

When: September 1-2, 2018
Watch teams from New York or Puerto Rico (in alternating years) challenge the San Diego Stickball teams as they take a broom stick, table leg or any other kind of bat-like stick to a rubber Wilson ball, as the Stickball Tournament takes over the streets of Little Italy, allowing players and fans to revisit some childhood memories.

Big SoCal Euro

When: September 2, 2018
One of the largest all European car events on the west coast, the Big SoCal Euro features more than 3,000 European cars from throughout the region. Bring your family to meet other car enthusiasts, and enjoy raffles, drag racing, great food, automotive vendors, swap meet, afterparty and more.

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Labor Day Weekend Inspiration Board

Family Fun|

Adult Indulgence|

Labor Day Happenings

Welcome to the Kid Kingdom

Whether you love theme parks, state parks or water parks, building sandcastles or beach bonfires, exploring kid-friendly museums or hiking trails, families always have a blast in San Diego.

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Find The Perfect Family Beach

Discover beaches perfect for families and off-leash dogs, beaches coveted by the world's top surfers and beaches for bonfires, bike rides, tide pooling and more. So grab your beach towels, slather on the sunscreen, and get out to explore some of the finest beaches and bays in the world.

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World-Class Attractions

The only hard part is choosing what to do first! San Diego is home to many of Southern California’s top attractions, with plenty of options for adventure-seeking, fun-loving explorers. Have a close encounter with an exotic animal. Take a wild ride down a 375-foot water slide. Step aboard a real aircraft carrier. Or even take a day trip to Disneyland, just a short drive north to Anaheim.

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Discover San Diego's Craft Beer Scene

San Diego's meteoric rise as a craft beer capital has added an exciting element to the community, with more than 130+ breweries, plus brew pubs and tasting rooms scattered across the county.

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The Cali-Baja Flavor Revolution

There has been a flavor revolution in San Diego, and it has a name: Cali-Baja. The cuisine came to life with a collaboration of chefs from both sides of the border, combining Mexico's Baja-Med scene with California's emphasis on fresh and local ingredients.

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Ultimate Night Downtown

This Ultimate Night Downtown will guide a reader from happy hour to dinner, then maybe a craft cocktail lounge, a rooftop bar and finally a pulsing nightclub.

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Rooftop Bars

With year-round beautiful weather, a glittering skyline and breathtaking views, there is no better place to enjoy a libation than high atop a roof in San Diego.

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Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise

Jan 23 - ongoing

Hop aboard a Flagship luxury yacht to have the ultimate San Diego Sunday brunch cruise experience. This two-hour brunch cruise will take you around the beautiful Downtown San Diego bay while you enjoy a gourmet buffet, complimentary champagne, mimosas and live music all while soaking in gorgeous views of the harbor. Catch the Flagship Brunch Cruise for a relaxing and delicious time.

Highlights:

Two-hour scenic cruise
Gourmet brunch buffet
Complimentary boarding mimosa
Live music

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Welcome to the Kid Kingdom

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Find The Perfect Family Beach

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World-Class Attractions

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Discover San Diego's Craft Beer Scene

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The Cali-Baja Flavor Revolution

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Ultimate Night Downtown

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Rooftop Bars

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Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise

Jan 23 - ongoing

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Visitor planning guide

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