Here are some of the best things to do this weekend in San Diego from Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26.
Friday
‘Mahler’s Love Letter to Nature’: San Diego Symphony, conducted by music director Rafael Payare, with Scottish mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill, the San Diego Symphony Chorus and San Diego Children’s Choir will perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 in D minor with no intermission. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 2 p.m. Sunday. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown. $39-$120. 619-235-0804, sandiegosymphony.org
Valley Center Stampede: Expect all the classic rodeo competitions at this event, including barrel racing. There’s a memorial festival as well, with line dancing, live music, food, and tributes to fallen military service . 3 p.m. Friday. noon Saturday. Free for festival, $35 for rodeo general ission. 29902 Valley Center Road, Valley Center. vcstampede.com
Sunset sips: On the ninth floor of Hotel Indigo, summer is kicking of early at Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails’ Sunset Sessions. The weekly Friday evening event spotlights signature cocktails and live music. Some of the drinks on the menu include the $15 carajillo, a mix of Licor 43 and cold brew, the $16 Juniper Spring, which mixes vodka and elderflower liqueur and the $18 Brushfire, a blend of sage and serrano-infused mezcal and tequila. There will also be two sets of live musicians, from 5 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. As the music transitions, customers 21 years and older can participate in a sunset toast with a free sampling of one of Borrego’s signature cocktails or the rotating punch. 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays. 509 Ninth Ave., San Diego. 619-727-4000, borregorooftopsandiego.com
Lebanese Festival celebrates culture and cuisine over Memorial Day weekend
Lebanese Festival: This festival, organized and run entirely by church volunteers, celebrates the heritage of the small Middle Eastern country that fronts on the Mediterranean and rises into the mountains, traversing rich agricultural regions that helped shape the cuisine. Memorial Day weekend, May 23, 6 to 10 p.m. (limited menu only); May 24-25, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. St. Ephrem Maronite Catholic Church, 750 Medford Street, El Cajon. lebanesefestivalsandiego.com
“Sangre, Sudor, y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre”: On Thursday, Comic-Con Museum opened this multimedia exhibit celebrating the culture of Mexican masked wrestling. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Tuesdays. 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego. $20-$30. comic-con.org/museum
Dr. Seuss: A limited-time Dr. Seuss exhibit has just landed in the Gaslamp Quarter. The Cat Behind the Hat pop-up is a collection of secret art and illustrations from the life of Theodor Seuss Geisel. Throughout his life, Dr. Seuss created sculptures and paintings, which he hid at the Dr. Seuss Estate in La Jolla, according to EC Gallery. These art pieces. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Now through June 13. 621 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Free. 800-599-7111, ecgallery.com
Fringe Festival: San Diego International Fringe Festival returns with a slightly scaled-down version of the annual indie theater event taking place in eight locations around San Diego through May 25. See schedule online. Shows are taking place at eight venues citywide. $13 per show; $35 for three-show ; $55, five shows; $104, 10 shows. A Fringe tag ($7 one-time purchase) is also required to enter venues. sdfringe.org
San Diego’s Fringe fest is back with 48 shows from around the world
“House of India”:The Old Globe presents Deepak Kumar new play about an immigrant family in Ohio fighting to keep their Indian restaurant alive, or change with the times. 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Through June 8. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $41 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org
Birch Aquarium’s Living Seas: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography will open its newest exhibit, Living Seas, after more than nine months of construction. Living Seas allows visitors to explore the Pacific Ocean via habitats with live animals such as the giant Pacific octopus. It will also feature a giant kelp forest habitat, a Scripps Pier habitat and an expanded tropical coral habitat which is over four times larger than the previous one, according to the Birch Aquarium. In addition, Living Seas features digital projections that add immersive elements to the walls between habitats. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. aquarium.ucsd.edu/exhibits/living-seas
‘The Prom’: San Diego Musical Theatre will present the first professional adult-cast production of this hilarious 2016 musical about a group of washed-up, publicity-hungry Broadway stars descend on a small Indiana town to fight for a student’s right to bring her girlfriend to the high school prom. The musical features an upbeat score by Matthew Sklar with book and lyrics by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin. Through June 1. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $37.50-$75. sdmt.org/shows/the-prom
Nat at Night: The San Diego Natural History Museum stays open until 10 p.m. on during Nat at Night for late-night exploration of the museum. Guests can enjoy rooftop access and can purchase food and drinks from various local vendors. ission is also half-off. Nat at Night runs weekly on Fridays during the summer. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park. $7 for youth, $10 for seniors, military and students, $12 for adults. sdnhm.org/calendar/nat-at-night/
These San Diego museums have later hours for night owls and after-work exploring
Strawberry Festival Carnival: Ahead of the Strawberry Festival on Sunday, a carnival will offer rides such as a carousel, a Ferris wheel and super trucks. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Vista Magnet Middle School field. Free entry, tickets required for rides. $2 per ticket, $45 for wrist bands. vistastrawberryfest.com
“Glimpses, An End of Residency Showcase”: Arts District Liberty Station presents a free showcase of works by 2024 Emerging Artists in Residence Micah Parra, Joyce Lien Kushner, and Lexii Regina. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Light Box Theater, Dorothea Laub Music and Arts Center, 2590 Truxtun Road, #205, Liberty Station, San Diego. Free. libertystation.com/do/glimpses-an-end-of-residency-showcase
“hapa.me— 25 Years of the Hapa Project”: The Museum of Us presents an exhibit of exhibit of portraits by photographer Kip Fulbeck of individuals who self-identify as multiracial, including San Diego residents. Since 2001, Fulbeck has photographed more than 1,200 subjects for the Hapa Project. The exhibit opens today for an extended run. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego. $16.95-$19.95. museumofus.org
“Peril in the Alps”: North Coast Repertory Theatre presents the final weekend of htis world premiere comedy by Steven Dietz based on Agatha Christie’s Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. $57-$69. 858-481-1055, northcoastrep.org
‘Unnecessary Farce”: Scripps Ranch Theatre presents Paul Slade Smith’s comedy two cops, three crooks and eight doors. Opens Saturday and runs through June 15. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University, 10755 Scripps Poway Parkway, San Diego. $29-$49. 858-395-0573, scrippsranchtheatre.org
Air & Space Museum offers May discounts: The San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park is offering discounts throughout May, including Kids Free May where up to two children age 12 and younger get in free with one full-price paid adult and buy-one-get-one simulator rides, new Military Family Fun Card beginning May 6 and Golden Ticket raffle for a behind-the-scenes Tour for Ten along with special discounts at the Flight Path Grill and Gift Shop for museum and Balboa Park Explorer Holders and the annual Space Day on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit sandiegoairandspace.com/madness or call 619-234-8291.
“The Counter”: Moxie Theatre presents Meghan Kennedy’s play about strangers discovering their best selves at an American diner. 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Through June 1. Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., Ste. N, Rolando. $20-$48. 858-598-7620, moxietheatre.com
“World of Orchids”: San Diego Botanic Garden will host its annual spring orchids showcase, “World of Orchids,” an immersive display in its 8,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed facility — the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. In addition to the orchids that typically grow in the garden’s conservatory, displays will include plants on loan from private growers belonging to two local groups — the San Diego County Orchid Society and the Palomar Orchid Society — as well as orchids and materials from local businesses. Vendors on select weekends will sell unusual orchids and other merchandise. Hands-on classes will accompany the exhibition. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Tuesdays). 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. Reservations highly recommended for “World of Orchids” and will designate an entry time. $18 general ission, $15 military/student/senior 60-plus, $10 ages 3 to 17, free for under 3. hips start at $55 individual, $105 family. sdbg.org/world-of-orchids
Saturday
Motocross championship: The Pro Motocross Championship circuit is kicking off its 54th season at the Fox Raceway near Pala Casino. Professional off-road motorcycle riders will be competing in various racing competitions. A few San Diegans will be at this event, including Christian Craig and Dilan Schwartz. Practice and qualifying races start at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the last races kicking off at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Fox Raceway, 12799 State Route 76, Pala. $41.51-$676.07. promotocross.com
Asian Pacific Cultural Festival San Diego: Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, this festival will feature food and live entertainment throughout, including lion dancers, the San Diego Korean American Folk Dance Association and the Karen Organization of San Diego. Noon Saturday. International Cottages at Balboa Park, 2191 Pan American W Road, San Diego. asianculturalfestivalsd.com
Latin dance party yacht: Fans of salsa, bachata and reggaeton music can dance the night away aboard the Sabor on the Bay. This Latin boat party will have three levels of live music and DJs, including a salsa band and bachata dance shows on the boat’s rooftop. The yacht has a capacity of approximately 1,200 people, according to event organizers, and guests are invited to dress in all white. This is a age 21 and older and over event. 8 p.m. to midnight. Saturday. 1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego. $79-$90. saboronthebay.com
Guided Walking Tour of Cabrillo: On Saturdays, Cabrillo National Monument hosts a free walk (though park entree fees are required) for one hour. Participants will visit the Cabrillo Statue and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. All ages are invited. Meet at the visitor center. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego. nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=26BA6AC9-95F4-7112-2A42004A31472DC5
“Latin History for Morons”: Oceanside Theatre Company presents actor Rick Najera in John Leguizamo’s solo play about a Latino father searching for the missing history of Hispanic people’s contributions to the U.S. Opens at 8 p.m. Saturday and runs through June 8. 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. 760-433-8900. $20-$45. oceansidetheatre.org
Annual Bouquet Ride: The fifth annual Bouquet Ride is May 24 to honor heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. More than 200 cyclists are expected to the Fallen Hero Honor Ride, which starts at 9 a.m. from California Bicycle, 7462 La Jolla Blvd., and heads to Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma. Kevin, Jill and Jason Millard, owners of California Bicycle, are among the Gold Star Families that will be recognized at the event. There will be a laying of wreaths and flowers for all of the fallen, followed by brief comments. Ride time to the site is about one hour. Refreshments will be provided. On May 26, all are invited to the national Memorial Day honor ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Visit fortrosecransmemorialday.com.
Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival: This annual festival is celebrating 15 years. Find art displays, live music and entertainment, a kids zone, vendor booths here. There’s also a beer garden featuring East County brewers. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway Santee. Free. Beer garden $25. santeestreetfair.com
Summer concert series starts: A free summer concert series kickoff is from noon to 3 p.m. May 24 at AMC Court-Mission Valley mall, 1640 Camino Del Rio N. Highlights of the family-friendly Hawaiian-themed celebration include hula dancers, live reggae and beach music along with a hula-hoop contest, free gelato and giveaways. For other concerts in the series, visit facebook.com/events/542413601932203.
Cactus & Succulent Club holds spring festival: The Palomar Cactus & Succulent Club’s spring festival plant show and sale will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1450 E. Vista Way. The sale includes plants and pots. There will be workshops on succulent and cactus growing. ission is free. Visit palomarcactus.org.
Nighttime Zoo: The San Diego Zoo will host live entertainment in the late afternoons and evenings during the return of the annual Nighttime Zoo attraction. Visitors will hear rock and roll bands and see interactive dances, acrobatic performances, wildlife puppets, brass bands, wildlife presentations and African dances, music and performances. Nighttime Zoo is included with regular ission and hip. 3:30 to 8 p.m. May 24 through Aug. 10, except June 21. 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. 619-231-1515, zoo.sandiegozoo.org/nighttimezoo
Sunday
Strawberry Festival: As is the tradition in Vista during Memorial Day weekend, thousands of folks will take part in festivities at a street fair centered around strawberries, from pie eating to ice cream sundae contests and beer stein holding competitions. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Vista’s Main Street Historical area. Free. vistastrawberryfest.com
Food competition: Calling all french fries fanatics, El Chingon is hosting its All-in Fries Face-Off for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights. This new eating challenge entails teams of two consuming El Chingon’s new loaded fries with al pastor, carne asada, carnitas, pollo asado, jalapeños, pico de gallo, cheese, Mexican crema and avocado cream. The two-person team to finish first will be crowned the champions. 3:30 p.m. Sunday. 560 Fifth Ave., San Diego. 619-501-1919, elchingon.com
Snoop Dogg: Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg will get behind the decks and DJ at the Oxford Social Club. Snoop Dogg, also known as DJ Snoopadelic, is expected to play a mix of old-school hip-hop, funk, soul and club hits, according to event organizers. 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Oxford Social Club, 435 Fifth Ave., San Diego. $37-$3,000. 619-738-7040, theoxfordsd.com
Memorial Day weekend: Travel tips if you’re going by plane, train or car
“I Can Cook, Too!”: San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents a limited run of her cabaret show featuring jazz and Broadway songs, stories and cooking tips. 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday. New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $20-$30. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org
Annual Vintage Car Show: The Fallbrook Vintage Car Club’s 58th annual Car Show is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 25 in downtown Fallbrook. This year’s featured car will be the Porsche. Highlights include music, entertainment and food trucks. ission for spectators is free. Visit fallbrookvintagecarclub.org/carshow.
San Diego Strike Force Aloha Night: San Diego’s professional indoor football team will celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month at its game this Sunday. Fans can see cultural performances and other entertainment as well as giveaways. 6:05 p.m. Sunday. Frontwave Arena, 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside. Tickets start at $27. frontwavearena.com/events/detail/san-diego-strike-force-aloha-night
Agua Dulce Creek Birding Outing: The San Diego Bird Alliance hosts regular birding trips and will go this weekend to an area near Mount Laguna to a forest habitat. The hike has a registration cap so online registration is required. 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday. Read online instruction for directions. Free. National Forest Adventure Required. secure.sandiegobirdalliance.org/np/clients/sandiegobirdalliance/event.jsp?event=14990
Monday
Memorial Day community events across San Diego County: 2025 guide
Memorial Day at Mt. Soledad: The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will honor the nation’s heroes in a tribute event. The event will honor in particular Seaman Lakiba Nicole Palmer and her 16 fellow sailors who lost their lives during the terrorist attack on USS Cole on Oct. 12, 2000. The ceremony will honor veterans, former prisoners of war, and those still listed as Missing in Action along with the USS Cole heroes. Command Master Chief of the USS Cole at the time of the attack, retired Navy Command Master Chief Petty Officer James Parlier, and the ship’s Executive Officer, retired Navy Captain Chris Peterschmidt, will deliver remarks before the names of the 17 sailors will be read. Highlights will include musical performances by Marine Band San Diego, a wreath laying and a missing-man flyover. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, May 26 at Mount Soledad, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive S., La Jolla. Free parking is at Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church and the French American School. memorialdaylive.com
USS Midway Museum: A series of events will take place as part of the USS Midway Museum’s annual Legacy Week lineup. The Imperial Valley Master Chorale will sing on the flight deck at noon on May 24. Meet former military aviators and see the planes they flew from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 25. On May 26, a wreath ceremony is at 9 a.m. in remembrance of service who died in the line of service. The event will include guest speakers, a flyover and ceremonial tossing of a memorial wreath over the ship in honor of the fallen. Also that day, there will be patriotic music by the ensemble of U.S. Coast Guard Arizona Band at 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. and patriotic entertainment will start at 12:30 p.m. with Bonita Vista High School’s internationally known show choir, Music Machine, performing on the flight deck. A moment of remembrance will be observed with a moment of silence at 3 p.m. Monday on the flight deck to honor those who have fallen while serving in the U.S. military. A remembrance wall and temporary exhibit with photos will be displayed May 23-26 in the Hangar Bay honoring military . midway.org/legacy-week
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery hosts a Memorial Day service and Day of Remembrance. The program also features patriotic music performances. It is recommended to arrive early. 10 a.m. Monday, May 26 at the cemetery at 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Drive. Parking is off-site in the Navy parking lot east of the traffic light at Electron Drive and right off Catalina Boulevard. cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftrosecrans.aspMemorial Day discount: Active duty military and retired veterans can get 20% off their bill at Duck Dive on Memorial Day. The Pacific Beach bar and restaurant offers a variety of food and beverage items, including a breakfast burrito with chorizo, potatoes, poblanos, roasted corn, queso fresco, cheddar cheese, scrambled eggs and cilantro in a spinach tortilla. Also on the menu are burgers, seafood, tacos, salads, cocktails and craft beer. Duck Dive will also be extending its bottomless mimosa service until 2 p.m. on Monday. Guests must show proof of military service for the 20% discount. 10 a.m. to midnight. Monday. 4650 Mission Blvd., San Diego. 858-273-3825, theduckdive.com
Memorial Day in Escondido: This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1513 and 1513 Auxiliary, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 70 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1147. Highlights will include posting of colors, singing of the national anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops along with a bugler. 9 a.m. May 26 at Oak Hill Memorial Park, 2640 Glenridge Road. Visit northcountycemeterydistrict.com.
Craig Robinson and friends: Comedian Craig Robinson is headlining a night of comedy at the Belly Up. Robinson was a teacher in Chicago before starting his comedy career full-time. He has performed on numerous stages such as the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal, “The Jimmy Kimmel Show” and on “Real Time with Bill Maher.” He also appeared on the television show “The Office.” Sharing the stage at the Belly Up with Robinson at this show are Jessimae Peluso, Ryan Niemiller, Eddie Ifft, Mark Serritella, Gordon Downs, Alex Akins and Chynna. 6 p.m. Monday. Belly Up, 143 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. $49.80 – $82.55. 858-481-8140, bellyup.com
Wave Waterpark: A Memorial Day Military, Fire and Law Appreciation Day will be observed Monday. ission is free for active or retired military, fire or law enforcement officers on Memorial Day as a thank you for their service. Valid active-duty or retired ID must be shown at the ticket booth to receive one free ission for each ID and up to six additional tickets may be purchased for $10 each with each valid ID. Dependent IDs are valid for discount ission only, not free ission offer. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, May 26 at The Wave Waterpark, 101 Wave Drive. thewavewaterpark.com
Belmont Park 100: Belmont Park is celebrating its 100th birthday with a lineup of specials and activities starting on Memorial Day and going through Sept. 2. The park will be giving away lifetime es, and offering various deals such as $1 tacos and $1 rides on the Giant Dipper on Tuesdays. Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego. belmontpark.com/centennial-100-day-of-belmont
