San Diego in August 2026: Top Events and Things to Do
August brings a full calendar of concerts, outdoor festivals, surf competitions, food events, theatre performances and sporting events to San Diego County.
Major touring artists are performing at Petco Park, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Viejas Arena, Waterfront Park and North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. Coastal communities including Oceanside, Encinitas, Leucadia and Chula Vista are also hosting some of the region’s most anticipated summer events.
Whether you are looking for a waterfront concert, a neighborhood festival, a day at the beach or a family-friendly weekend activity, this guide covers some of the top events happening in San Diego in August 2026.
Things to Do in San Diego in August
There are many things to do in San Diego in August beyond attending a traditional concert. Visitors can spend a day at a wildlife park, enjoy dinner with no-cover entertainment, watch a professional surf competition, explore a street festival, attend outdoor theatre, shop a seasonal sale or join a local community event.
Here are some of the best attractions, dining experiences, festivals, sports events and cultural activities currently featured on ConcertsEvents.
Spend a Day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Location: Escondido
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a strong daytime option for families, couples and visitors looking for an outdoor activity away from the concert venues.
The park features wildlife habitats, animal experiences, walking areas and conservation-focused attractions. ConcertsEvents lists the Safari Park at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road in Escondido and notes that it operates daily, although visitors should confirm current summer hours before travelling.
Because August afternoons can be warm in inland North County, arriving earlier in the day may provide more comfortable conditions for walking around the park.
View the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on ConcertsEvents
Explore SeaWorld San Diego Beyond the Concerts
Location: Mission Bay
SeaWorld San Diego can be treated as a full-day attraction rather than only a concert venue.
Visitors can experience animal encounters, educational presentations, rides, seasonal food and summer entertainment throughout the park. ConcertsEvents recommends combining the scheduled August entertainment with the park’s attractions before and after the evening programming.
SeaWorld’s Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ experience also runs during August, giving visitors access to food, beverages, park attractions and scheduled entertainment in one location.
View SeaWorld San Diego on ConcertsEvents
Have Dinner at Le Papagayo
Locations: Carlsbad and Leucadia
Le Papagayo offers an alternative to attending a formal ticketed concert. Visitors can have dinner while enjoying live entertainment in a restaurant setting.
The Carlsbad location combines coastal Mediterranean and New American food with regular evening music. ConcertsEvents lists Clay Colton at the Carlsbad restaurant on August 25 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM and notes that there is no separate door time.
ConcertsEvents also features Le Papagayo locations in Carlsbad and Leucadia as dining and nightlife destinations with music from Tuesday through Saturday and no standard cover charge. Specific August performers should be checked through the latest restaurant calendar.
This is a suitable option for visitors who want food, drinks and casual entertainment without planning an entire evening around an arena or amphitheatre show.
Attend Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
Date: August 2, 2026
Location: Encinitas Community Park
Cardiff Dog Days of Summer gives dog owners and families a community-focused way to start the month.
The event is listed on the ConcertsEvents August calendar for August 2 at Encinitas Community Park. It offers a different experience from the month’s stadium and amphitheatre schedule and can work well for families looking for a daytime outdoor activity.
Shop the Hansen Surfboards Back-to-School Sale
Dates: August 8 to 16, 2026
Location: Encinitas
Hansen Surfboards’ seasonal sale gives visitors an opportunity to shop for surf gear, swimwear, footwear, clothing, accessories and coastal lifestyle products.
The sale is listed on the ConcertsEvents August calendar from August 8 through August 16 at the Hansen Surfboards store on South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas.
This stop can be combined with time at Swami’s, Downtown Encinitas, Leucadia or one of the month’s North County events.
View the Hansen Surfboard Back-to-School-Sale
See Guys and Dolls Under the Stars
Dates: August 12 to 29, 2026
Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista
Visitors interested in theatre can attend an outdoor production of Guys and Dolls at Moonlight Amphitheatre.
The musical runs on selected dates from August 12 through August 29, with performances scheduled for 8:00 PM. The amphitheatre is located in Brengle Terrace Park and presents Broadway-style productions in an outdoor summer setting.
This gives readers a cultural option that is clearly separate from the article’s concert listings.
View Guys and Dolls on ConcertsEvents
Visit the Chula Vista Lemon Festival
Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Downtown Chula Vista
The Chula Vista Lemon Festival is one of the month’s major community events.
The annual downtown celebration includes food, vendors, entertainment, local businesses and activities connected to Chula Vista’s lemon-growing history. ConcertsEvents lists the 29th annual event for August 15.
It is a practical option for families and visitors looking for a walkable street festival.
View Chula Vista Lemon Festival
Watch the World Bodysurfing Championships
Dates: August 15 and 16, 2026
Location: Oceanside
The World Bodysurfing Championships bring more than 350 competitors to the Oceanside coastline.
Visitors can watch the competition from the beach and combine it with time at Oceanside Pier, nearby restaurants and other coastal attractions. ConcertsEvents lists the championship for August 15 and 16.
Explore Encinitas Cruise Night
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Downtown Encinitas
Encinitas Cruise Night fills South Coast Highway 101 with classic cars, hot rods, imports, Woodies, custom vehicles and local car clubs.
The August event is free to attend and includes vehicle displays and live music throughout Downtown Encinitas. Visitors do not need a ticket to walk through the event area.
This is a strong choice for families, automobile enthusiasts and visitors searching for a free evening activity.
View Encinitas Cruise Night on ConcertsEvents
Attend the Super Girl Surf Pro
Dates: August 21 to 23, 2026
Location: Oceanside Pier
The Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro combines professional surfing with beach activities and a festival-style atmosphere.
Visitors can watch leading female surfers compete while also enjoying the Oceanside coastline and nearby businesses. ConcertsEvents lists the event for August 21 through August 23.
Spend a Day at the Pacific Classic
Date: August 22, 2026
Location: Del Mar Racetrack
The Pacific Classic is one of the major dates on Del Mar’s summer racing calendar.
Guests can spend the day watching horse racing, exploring the racetrack, dining and enjoying the trackside atmosphere. ConcertsEvents lists the Pacific Classic for August 22.
Visitors should review admission, seating, parking and race-day requirements before attending.
Sample Local Restaurants at Taste of Encinitas
Date: August 25, 2026
Location: Downtown Encinitas
Taste of Encinitas gives visitors a walkable way to experience restaurants, drinks, local businesses and the coastal downtown area.
The 35th annual event is listed on ConcertsEvents for August 25. It is particularly suitable for couples, groups of friends and food-focused visitors.
View Taste of Encinitas on ConcertsEvents
Finish the Month at LeucadiArtWalk
Date: August 30, 2026
Location: Leucadia
LeucadiArtWalk closes the August calendar with local art, food, creative businesses and community entertainment along the Highway 101 corridor.
The event gives visitors an opportunity to walk through Leucadia, view artists’ work, visit nearby shops and dine at local restaurants. ConcertsEvents lists the 2026 event for August 30.
View LeucadiArtWalk on ConcertsEvents
Quick Guide to Non-Concert Activities
| Activity | Date | Type |
| San Diego Zoo Safari Park | Throughout August | Wildlife attraction |
| SeaWorld San Diego | Throughout August | Theme park and animal attraction |
| Le Papagayo | Selected August evenings | Dining and casual entertainment |
| Cardiff Dog Days of Summer | August 2 | Community and pet event |
| Hansen Surfboards Sale | August 8-16 | Shopping and surf lifestyle |
| Guys and Dolls | August 12-29 | Outdoor theatre |
| Chula Vista Lemon Festival | August 15 | Community festival |
| World Bodysurfing Championships | August 15-16 | Beach sport |
| Encinitas Cruise Night | August 20 | Classic-car event |
| Super Girl Surf Pro | August 21-23 | Surf competition and festival |
| Pacific Classic | August 22 | Horse racing |
| Taste of Encinitas | August 25 | Food and drink event |
| LeucadiArtWalk | August 30 | Art and community event |
Featured August Events
SeaWorld Summer Concerts and Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ
Dates: August 1 through August 29, 2026
Location: SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego continues its summer concert programming throughout August with pop, hip-hop, country and rock performances at the Bayside Amphitheater.
Jordin Sparks performs on August 1, followed by West Coast hip-hop artists Too $hort and Warren G on August 8.
The Bayside Bands, Brews & BBQ concert lineup begins later in the month:
- August 15: Saliva
- August 22: Uncle Kracker
- August 29: Skillet
Visitors can combine a concert with SeaWorld’s rides, attractions, animal presentations and seasonal food offerings. Park admission is required, and visitors should review the individual event listing for concert entry information.
View SeaWorld events on ConcertsEvents
Oceanside Longboard Surfing Contest and Beach Festival
Dates: August 7 to 9, 2026
Location: Oceanside
The Oceanside Longboard Surfing Contest and Beach Festival brings several days of surfing and coastal activities to Oceanside.
The event highlights the region’s longboarding culture and gives spectators an opportunity to watch experienced surfers compete near the beach. Its festival setting also makes it a strong weekend option for visitors interested in surf culture, outdoor entertainment and the North County coastline.
The contest is one of several major surfing events scheduled in San Diego County during August.
Lane 8 with Sultan + Shepard at Waterfront Park
Date: August 9, 2026
Location: Waterfront Park, San Diego
Electronic music artist Lane 8 performs with Sultan + Shepard and additional artists at Waterfront Park.
The event begins at 3:00 PM and is presented as a 21-and-over FNGRS CRSSD event. Waterfront Park’s downtown location places attendees close to San Diego Bay, Little Italy and other restaurants and nightlife destinations.
Visitors should check the ticket listing for entry requirements, event rules and the latest lineup details.
View Lane 8 with Sultan + Shepard on ConcertsEvents
Guys and Dolls at Moonlight Amphitheatre
Dates: August 12 to 29, 2026
Location: Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista
Moonlight Amphitheatre presents Guys and Dolls under the stars from August 12 through August 29.
The outdoor production gives audiences an alternative to San Diego’s concert and festival calendar. The amphitheatre is located inside Brengle Terrace Park in Vista and regularly presents Broadway-style musicals and concerts during its summer season.
Performances are scheduled for 8:00 PM. Visitors should confirm the performance calendar because the musical may not run every night during the listed period.
View Guys and Dolls on ConcertsEvents
Chula Vista Lemon Festival
Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Downtown Chula Vista
The annual Chula Vista Lemon Festival returns for its 29th year on August 15.
The community celebration highlights Chula Vista’s history and connection to lemon agriculture. Visitors can expect a lively downtown atmosphere with food, vendors, entertainment and activities.
The Lemon Festival is a strong option for families and visitors searching for a local community event rather than a stadium concert or ticketed performance.
Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro
Dates: August 21 to 23, 2026
Location: Oceanside Pier
The Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro returns to Oceanside Pier for three days of professional surfing and beachside entertainment.
The event brings leading female surfers to the Oceanside coastline and combines competitive surfing with music, activities and a festival-style atmosphere.
Because the event takes place near Oceanside Pier, visitors can also explore nearby restaurants, shops and beach areas before or after the competition.
Taste of Encinitas
Date: August 25, 2026
Location: Downtown Encinitas
Taste of Encinitas returns for its 35th year on August 25.
The event gives visitors an opportunity to sample food and drinks while exploring Downtown Encinitas. Participating restaurants and local businesses help turn the downtown district into a walkable evening tasting experience.
Taste of Encinitas is especially suitable for couples, groups of friends and visitors interested in San Diego’s coastal dining scene.
View Taste of Encinitas on ConcertsEvents
LeucadiArtWalk
Date: August 30, 2026
Location: Leucadia
LeucadiArtWalk closes out the month with a community celebration of local art, food, music and coastal culture.
The annual event transforms the Highway 101 corridor into a walkable art experience featuring local artists and creative businesses. Visitors can spend the day exploring exhibits, listening to entertainment and visiting nearby shops and restaurants.
LeucadiArtWalk is one of the strongest end-of-month options for anyone searching for community-focused San Diego events in August 2026.
View LeucadiArtWalk on ConcertsEvents
More Awesome August Events
The Rady Shell August Concert Schedule
Dates: Throughout August 2026
Location: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has one of the busiest August concert schedules in San Diego.
| Date | Performance |
| August 1 | St. Vincent with the San Diego Symphony |
| August 2 | Sarah McLachlan |
| August 7 | Disney’s ’80s and ’90s Celebration |
| August 8 | Stayin’ Alive |
| August 9 | Gipsy Kings |
| August 14 | The Gershwins in Hollywood |
| August 15 | Interpol |
| August 16 | Tedeschi Trucks Band |
| August 18 | Mt. Joy |
| August 21 | Harry Potter in Concert |
| August 23 | Jeff Goldblum |
| August 28 | Pirates of the Caribbean in Concert |
| August 29 | Classic Albums Live performs The Beatles |
| August 30 | Tchaikovsky Spectacular |
The waterfront venue overlooks San Diego Bay and hosts concerts ranging from rock and pop to orchestral performances and film screenings with live music.
View The Rady Shell on ConcertsEvents
Death Cab for Cutie at Gallagher Square
Date: August 4, 2026
Location: Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Death Cab for Cutie performs at Gallagher Square as part of San Diego’s August outdoor concert calendar.
Gallagher Square offers an open-air concert environment next to Petco Park in downtown San Diego. The location also gives concertgoers access to nearby Gaslamp Quarter restaurants, bars and hotels.
Visitors should check the event listing for the final performance time, ticket information and entry procedures.
ZZ Top and Cheap Trick
Date: August 4, 2026
Location: North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
ZZ Top and Cheap Trick share the stage at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre on August 4.
The concert begins at 8:00 PM at the large outdoor amphitheatre in Chula Vista. The pairing brings together two established rock acts for one of the month’s major classic-rock concerts.
Attendees should allow additional time for parking, security screening and walking to the venue entrance.
View ZZ Top and Cheap Trick on ConcertsEvents
O.A.R. at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Date: August 9, 2026
Location: Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
O.A.R. performs at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre on the San Diego State University campus.
The open-air setting makes the concert another strong outdoor music option during August. Visitors should check venue policies for parking, allowed items and entry requirements before arriving.
Meghan Trainor at Viejas Arena
Date: August 11, 2026
Location: Viejas Arena
Meghan Trainor brings her pop tour to Viejas Arena on August 11.
Located at San Diego State University, Viejas Arena hosts major touring performers and indoor entertainment events. Concertgoers should review parking options near the campus and arrive early enough to account for traffic and security checks.
Santana at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Date: August 11, 2026
Location: North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
Santana performs in Chula Vista on August 11.
The outdoor concert adds another major rock performance to the venue’s August schedule. Fans should confirm the official show time and ticket conditions before travelling to the amphitheatre.
TOTO at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Date: August 12, 2026
Location: North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
TOTO performs at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre one night after Santana.
The back-to-back concert dates make August 11 and 12 a particularly active period for classic-rock fans in San Diego County.
Goose at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Date: August 13, 2026
Location: Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Goose performs at the outdoor theatre at San Diego State University on August 13.
The concert falls during a busy week that also includes Santana, TOTO, Guys and Dolls and the opening weekend of several mid-August events.
World Bodysurfing Championships
Dates: August 15 and 16, 2026
Location: Oceanside
The World Bodysurfing Championships bring competitors to Oceanside for two days of ocean competition.
The event is a strong option for spectators interested in surfing, beach sports and outdoor activities. It also takes place shortly after the Oceanside Longboard Surfing Contest and before the Super Girl Surf Pro, making August an especially active month for surf events in Oceanside.
Noah Kahan at Petco Park
Date: August 17, 2026
Location: Petco Park, San Diego
Noah Kahan performs at Petco Park on August 17.
The stadium concert is one of the month’s largest music events in downtown San Diego. Its location makes it convenient to combine the performance with dinner or drinks in the Gaslamp Quarter or East Village.
Encinitas Cruise Night
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Downtown Encinitas
Classic cars, hot rods, imported automobiles and Woodies line South Coast Highway 101 during Encinitas Cruise Night.
The August event includes live performances by Blame Betty and The Linda Berry Band. North County Cruisers, Locals Car Club, Samurai Club and a Porsche Night display are also scheduled to participate.
The community event is free to attend, although parking may be limited in Downtown Encinitas.
View Encinitas Cruise Night on ConcertsEvents
Pacific Classic at Del Mar
Date: August 22, 2026
Location: Del Mar Racetrack
The Pacific Classic is one of the major events of the Del Mar summer racing season.
The event attracts horse-racing fans to Del Mar for a full day of racing and trackside entertainment. Visitors should check the official schedule for race times, admission options, parking and reserved seating.
Bike the Bay
Date: August 23, 2026
Location: San Diego Bay area
Bike the Bay gives cyclists an opportunity to ride through the San Diego Bay area and across routes that are not normally accessible to bicycle traffic.
Participants should review registration requirements, start times, route information and bicycle safety rules before the event.
Live From La Costa Jazz Concert Series
Date: August 29, 2026
Location: La Costa
The Live From La Costa Jazz Concert Series continues on August 29.
The event offers another option for visitors who prefer a smaller live-music experience instead of a stadium or amphitheatre show. Concert details and performer information should be confirmed through the event listing.
My Chemical Romance at Petco Park
Date: August 30, 2026
Location: Petco Park, San Diego
My Chemical Romance performs at Petco Park on August 30, creating one of the biggest concert finales of the month.
The performance takes place on the same date as LeucadiArtWalk and The Rady Shell’s Tchaikovsky Spectacular, giving visitors several very different options for the final Sunday of August.
Plan Your August in San Diego
The event calendar for San Diego in August includes something for almost every type of visitor.
Concert fans can choose between major stadium tours, waterfront performances, amphitheatre shows and electronic music events. Families can attend neighborhood festivals, theatre productions and coastal events. Sports enthusiasts can watch surfing, bodysurfing and horse racing or take part in Bike the Bay.
Before attending an event, verify the date, time, ticket requirements and venue rules through the individual ConcertsEvents listing. Outdoor events may also be affected by weather, transportation conditions or schedule changes.
Browse ConcertsEvents regularly for updated concerts, festivals and other things to do in San Diego in August 2026.
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