San Diego County offers an eclectic weekend lineup that spans from intimate artistic experiences to large-scale sporting events, with a celestial bonus overhead.
Latin jazz on a yacht? Check. Bodysurfing? Check. UFC title fights? Check. And the family-friendly San Diego Dark Sky Festival, perfectly timed for viewing the Perseid meteor shower, could offer some of the best free entertainment of the year.
You can check out renowned San Diego-based dance photographer Doug McMinimy’s new exhibit at Art Produce, 3139 University Ave., in North Park. “A Body of Work” features a collection of photographs captured over three years, showcasing more than 20 local dancers. The series highlights a diversity of ages, body types, cultural backgrounds and dance styles. Gallery hours with the artist are available Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. The exhibit runs through Sept. 6.
Zolna Yachts is launching Nerissa Sounds, an intimate live music series, from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday aboard its 73-foot yacht, limited to 49 guests per cruise. The experience departs from the San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Resort on Harbor Island and features local artists, including San Diego Music Awards-nominated saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez and his Latin jazz ensemble. Guests will also enjoy a curated coastal dinner by Chef Joann Stabile, champagne toasts and sunset views for a “secret concert at sea” experience. Tickets start at $185.
The 48th annual World Bodysurfing Championships hit the waves Saturday at Oceanside Pier, featuring 350-400 competitors from around the globe. Prelims for all age divisions start around 6:30 a.m., with semifinals, finals and the crowning of men’s and women’s Grand Champions on Sunday.
When life gives you lemons, Chula Vista throws a party! The 28th annual Lemon Festival returns Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., transforming Third Avenue into a “lemon-filled oasis that pays tribute to the city’s rich agricultural history.” Fun fact: Chula Vista was once known as the “Lemon Capitol of the World.” This year’s festival includes live music on two stages, zesty photo opportunities, a kids zone, arts and crafts and plenty of food.
Perfect for viewing the Perseid meteor shower, the family-friendly San Diego Dark Sky Festival is set for Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m. at Menghini Winery in Julian, an International Dark Sky Community. Highlights include featured speaker Dr. Robert Quimby, director of the Mount Laguna Observatory and professor of astronomy at San Diego State University, telescopes, a sky tour using laser pointers and kids’ activities.
Enjoy a summer evening at the Bates Nut Farm Summer Food Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. in Valley Center with delicious fare from favorite San Diego food vendors and live music by the Smokin Guns. Kids can join the fun with pony rides, hayrides, a bounce house, face painting and the Bates Farm Zoo. Activity prices vary, but admission and parking are free.
Reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend his title for the second time this year Saturday night, facing undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 319. The title bout kicks off at 7 p.m. and two downtown venues are ready for the action. The Smoking Gun has TVs surrounding its bar, an arcade, craft beers and its signature Butter Burger, while sister spot Hasta Mañana Cantina offers 29 TVs and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection.
The Padres and Dodgers are tied atop the NL West and this weekend’s showdown at Dodger Stadium could decide the division leader going forward. Fans can sweat it out together at watch parties throughout San Diego County: Friday 6:30 p.m. at Tom’s Watch Bar in Gallagher Square with a Jackson Merrill signed ball raffle; Saturday 2 p.m. at AleSmith Brewing Company in Miramar for Tony Gwynn Day and the official launch of limited-edition Mr. Padre beers, and Sunday 1:10 p.m. at Rookies Sports Bar in Oceanside with a jersey and Padres basket raffle.
Suenami alert! Coronado continues its free Sunday concert series with one of the community’s newest local music groups. The Suenamies will take the stage at 6 p.m. at Spreckels Park to deliver rock classics with soulful energy. You can bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the music, and parking is available in the surrounding area.
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