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Discover San Diego's

Arts & Culture Scene

Creativity Around Every Corner

Photo By Eric Scire
Celebrate the Arts

Known as the Smithsonian of the West, Balboa Park hosts an incredible concentration of arts and culture offerings including 17 museums and performing arts venues. San Diego is also home to two Tony® Award-winning theaters, historic sites, public art, music venues, dance performances, film festivals, galleries, missions and much more to explore.

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San Diego's Rich and Diverse Culture

From Balboa Park to Chicano Park to Oceanside, San Diego is home to three state-designated cultural districts that embody the very best of the region.

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

Landmarks, City Scapes and Animals Make Great Subjects

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

Just minutes from downtown, explore the history, legacy, and future of this ever changing, always amazing cultural park.

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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024

✨23 YEARS OF FILM, CONVERSATION & CELEBRATIONS✨

The 23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ’Celebrating the Power of Film’ October 16-20!  Film Lovers and Filmmakers from around the world will come together to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling.

The 5-day festival will feature Red Carpet events, including the Opening Night Film Premiere and Reception in Balboa Park and the Night of the Stars Tribute in La Jolla. Enjoy Studio and Independent Features, Documentary and Short Film screenings along with Filmmaker Q&As and Panels at AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC.   

Attendees can also look forward the ‘always sold out’ Culinary Cinema as well as the Fest Lounge, VIP exclusives, parties, food, drinks and networking events!

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December Nights

Dec 6 - Dec 7, 2024

Join us on Dec. 1 and 2 for the City of San Diego's largest free holiday festival in beautiful Balboa Park. The family friendly event brings San Diegans together to enjoy the lights, the sounds, the attractions and of course, the amazing food.

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Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024

Experience one of San Diego’s largest Military events featuring Military Displays, High Tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, Active Navy & Coast Guard Ship Tours, Live Music, Food, and Fun for the whole family!

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Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book. Back for another incredible year, the family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze),” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.

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San Diego's Rich and Diverse Culture

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Favorite Spots to Take Pictures in San Diego

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Balboa Park, The Cultural Heart of San Diego

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What's On

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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
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December Nights

Dec 6 - Dec 7, 2024
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Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024
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Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Nov 6 - Dec 31, 2024
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Deals just for you

Activity

Kids Visit Free at Birch Aquarium in October

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Valid: Oct 1 - Oct 31, 2024

Dive into the world of sharks, seahorses, and Little Blue Penguins at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch...

Theatre

Kids See SPIDER-MAN In Concert Free

Broadway San Diego
Valid: Sep 4 - Oct 23, 2024

Get one kids (12 & under) ticket for FREE with the purchase of an adult ticket to see SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE In Concert! Use code KIDSFREE Show duration is approximately 2...

Galleries & Museums

Kids Go Free

Museum of Us
Valid: Jul 30, 2024 - ongoing

Kids age 5 and under enjoy free admission to the Museum of Us, a cultural anthropology museum located in Balboa Park. Experience a variety of interactive exhibits that highlight human stories that...

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