It's the first weekend since California officially reopened, so many of us are likely looking for some local events to kick off summer. If you are, don't worry -- there's plenty of fun things to do this weekend.
Whether you want to commemorate Juneteenth (now a federal holiday) on Saturday, celebrate Father's Day on Sunday, or just would like an interesting event to attend, here are nine things you can do in San Diego this weekend.
9. Padres BeerFest
When: 5 p.m. Friday, June 18
Where: Petco Park
Sample some tasty beer while catching a Padres game on Friday, June 18. The first Padres BeerFest of the season will feature a sampling of local craft brews and live music before the first pitch. Admission to the event is included with your game ticket, and beers are $5 each. Tickets and more information can be found here.
8. Juneteenth Freedom Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 19
Where: Memorial Park, 2975 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego 92113
Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery, is officially a federal holiday. You can take part in the celebrations at the Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Memorial Park on Saturday, June 19. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival will host performances, vendors, and discussions on African American culture and history. The event is free to attend, and more information is available here.
7. Vista Strawberry Festival
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 20
Where: Downtown Vista
If you're looking for a family-friendly event in the North County area, consider the Vista Strawberry Festival -- "A Berry Sweet Market." It'll feature hundreds of vendors, various kinds of food, and other activities between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Downtown Vista. For more information, you can check out this link.
6. Art Alive
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on various days
Where: San Diego Museum of Art
A long-standing tradition in San Diego, the Art Alive event is back and celebrating its 40th anniversary. The fundraising event sees the San Diego Museum of Art filled with expertly designed floral arrangements inspired by the museum's collection. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost between $25 and $40 a person, and more information can be found here.
5. Father's Day Brunch Cruise
When: Multiple start times on Sunday, June 20
Where: 990 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Celebrate dad by taking him on a food- and drink-filled cruise around San Diego Bay. Flagship Cruises & Events is hosting a series of Father's Day Brunch Cruises, which feature locally prepared cuisine like Carnitas Chilaquiles and Chicken and Waffles. Best of all, dad can get complimentary ice-cold beer. Need plans for dinner? Flagship is hosting Father's Day Prime Rib Cruises, too. For more information, check Flagship's website.
4. Juneteenth Wellness Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, June 19
Where: 901 Bayfront Ct., San Diego, CA, 92101
The Juneteenth Wellness Festival, a collaboration between InterContinental San Diego and The Yoga bus, is an event highlighting Black-owned businesses, artists, and live music. In addition to vendors, you'll find yoga and fitness classes, plant-based food, art, and wellness and fashion vendors. While entry is open to the public, classes must be reserved in advance. For tickets and more information, head to this link.
3. "Summer in Bloom" Market
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturady, June 19 to Sunday, June 27 (opens at 11 a.m. on Sundays)
Where: 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Shop local at San Diego Made's Summer in Bloom market, which runs from Saturady, June 19 to Sunday, June 27 at The Forum Carlsbad. The weeklong event will showcase local handmade vendors and entrepreneurs. On Saturday, June 19, there will also be a runway fashion show with free grab bags for the first 200 guests, as well as a DJ, prizes, and more. For more information, go to San Diego Made's website.
2. Barks, Brews & Mews
When: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m Saturday and Sunday
Where: 5238 Banks St, San Diego, CA 92110
If you're like to drink some beer while supporting a great cause, then the 4th annual Barks, Brews & Mews event might be up your alley. The event, located at Deft Brewing and hosted in partnership with Lost Cause Meadery and Cucina Caprese, will feature live music, pet-related vendors, and plenty of brews and food. Best of all, the event benefits the SD Humane Society. For more information, check this link.
1. Putt-Putt at Barleymash
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 20
Where: 600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101
Barleymash is celebrating both the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course and Father's Day with a putt-putt course sponsored by Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey. Located next to Barleymash at the outdoor parklet, dad will have the opportunity to show off his short game and win prizes while watching the U.S. Open. For more information, check Barleymash's website. https://www.barleymash.com/