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San Diego Events

Local Events near San Diego, CA

San Diego events offer entertaining activities for all residents and visitors. Whether you're enthusiastic about local festivals, San Diego Legion Rugby games, other sports, or art, there are plenty of events in San Diego to appreciate and enjoy.

SD Legion Rugby Games

The San Diego Legion invites dedicated rugby enthusiasts and new fans to experience the exhilaration of rugby at Snapdragon Stadium. Hosting matches that captivate thousands from San Diego and its surrounding areas, the stadium buzzes with energy. The Legion aims to invigorate and inspire with every match, showcasing top-tier rugby skills in a dynamic, family-friendly environment. Join in the excitement and cheer on the Legion, immersing yourself in the community spirit and fellowship that San Diego rugby fosters.

College Sports

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - La Jolla, CA

UCSD offers a wide range of sports, including basketball, soccer, and swimming.

San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztecs:

SDSU has competitive teams in basketball, football, baseball, and soccer. The Aztecs play at Viejas Arena and Snapdragon Stadium.

University of San Diego (USD)

The USD Toreros have strong programs in football, basketball, baseball, and rowing. Football games are held at Torero Stadium, which also hosts soccer matches.

Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU)

PLNU has excellent teams in sports like baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Their campus offers stunning views, enhancing the experience of attending games.

California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM): CSUSM hosts teams in sports like soccer, basketball, and cross country. Their growing athletic program is becoming a significant part of the local sports scene.

High School Sports

Notable San Diego high schools have competitive sports teams that are popular with local sports enthusiasts:

  • Cathedral Catholic High School: Football

  • Torrey Pines High School: Basketball, Volleyball, Golf

  • Helix High School: Football

  • St. Augustine High School: Basketball, Football

  • La Jolla High School: Water Polo, Swimming

  • Poway High School: Wrestling

  • Rancho Bernardo High School: Baseball, Soccer

Community Festivals and Fairs by San Diego

San Diego community festivals and fairs celebrate the diverse culture of its residents:

San Diego County Fair: This annual fair, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, is one of the largest in the U.S., offering entertainment, rides, animals, and exhibits. The fair runs from June to July and features concerts, food pavilions, and competitions.

San Diego International Film Festival: This film festival showcases independent and international films.

Adams Avenue Street Fair: Held in Normal Heights, this free two-day music festival is one of the largest free music street fairs in California with multiple stages.

Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-off: This popular event in Ocean Beach offers a fun-filled day of arts, crafts, music, and an eagerly anticipated chili cook-off.

Little Italy Festa: As one of the largest Italian American festivals on the West Coast, this event in San Diego’s Little Italy district celebrates Italian culture with music, crafts, and food. Highlights include a Sicilian Festival and a bocce ball tournament.

Cultural and Arts Events around San Diego

Live Music and Concerts

San Diego's live music scene caters to various musical tastes:

Humphreys Concerts by the Bay: Enjoy performances from jazz to comedy at this outdoor venue on Shelter Island.

The Observatory North Park: This historic venue in North Park hosts emerging indie and hip-hop artists and bands.

Belly Up Tavern: Known for its relaxed vibe and live performances in Solana Beach, it includes acts from reggae to rock.

The Casbah: Bands play live punk, rock, and alternative music near downtown.

San Diego Symphony: At Jacobs Music Center, enjoy classical concerts and pop performances.

Art Exhibitions and Gallery Openings

San Diego's art scene is dynamic, featuring art exhibitions and gallery openings to stimulate the senses and provoke thought:

San Diego Museum of Art: In Balboa Park, this museum hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD): With locations in La Jolla and downtown, MCASD offers cutting-edge exhibitions of contemporary art, including multimedia installations and performances.

Lux Art Institute: Lux focuses on the artistic process and the finished product, allowing visitors to interact with artists and observe their creative process.

Bread & Salt: A former bread factory in Barrio Logan, now a gallery space hosting exhibitions of local and experimental art.

Sparks Gallery: Nestled in the Gaslamp Quarter, Sparks Gallery shows Southern California curated exhibitions.

Thumbprint Gallery: This La Jolla gallery specializes in contemporary pop art, street art, and non-traditional media.

Other Cultural Events in San Diego

Old Globe Theatre Productions: The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park is one of the most esteemed regional theaters in the country, producing plays and musicals.

San Diego Pride: One of the largest pride events in the United States promoting LGBTQ rights and culture.

San Diego Family-Friendly Activities

San Diego Farmers Market: Explore local produce and crafts in a community atmosphere.

Summer Movies in The Park: Families gather on picnic blankets to watch free films under the stars in public parks throughout the summer.

Outdoor and Nature Activities

Hiking Trails and Parks

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Scenic coastal hikes with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Mission Trails Regional Park: For adventurous hikers with challenging trails through rocky hills and valleys.

Balboa Park: Combines cultural attractions with leisurely walking paths through expansive greenery.

Cowles Mountain: A popular hike leading to the highest point in the city, and panoramic views.

Cabrillo National Monument: Historical insights with trails and breathtaking overlooks of San Diego’s harbor and skyline.

San Diego Food and Drink Events

Food Truck Gatherings: San Diego's food truck scene brings culinary experiences to locals and visitors. with a chance to sample a mix of gourmet foods.

Local Brewery Tours: San Diego is renowned for its craft beer scene, considered one of the best in the U.S.. These tours are educational experiences about the art and science of brewing.

Tips for Attending Events Near San Diego

Parking and Transportation: When attending San Diego events, plan your parking in advance and consider using public transportation or rideshare services.

Best Local Eateries and Cafes

The Cottage La Jolla: Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, this beloved eatery offers an excellent menu that includes brunch favorites.

Las Cuatro Milpas: A Barrio Logan institution that’s famous for homemade tortillas and traditional Mexican fare, drawing long lines of devoted fans.

Hodad’s in Ocean Beach: Known for serving monstrous, deliciously messy burgers, Hodad’s has a laid-back beach vibe.

Upcoming SD Legion Matches by San Diego

Game Schedule and Tickets

In 2025, the San Diego Legion Rugby Team will play eight home games at Snapdragon Stadium.

How to Get to the Stadium from San Diego

Snapdragon Stadium is accessible by car and located just off Interstate 15. For those coming from downtown San Diego, take I-5 North, merge onto I-8 East, and then take the exit for I-15 North. Follow the signs directing you to the stadium. There are also options for the bus, rideshare, and the trolley.

Explore Other Rugby Locations in San Diego:

Other places to play or watch rugby include:

Rugby in San Diego

  • Ocean Beach: Robb Field is a prime location for local rugby clubs to host games.

  • Balboa Park: Fields are used for rugby practices and competitive matches.

Near La Mesa:

  • Dixon Lake Youth Fields: Supports youth and amateur rugby activities.

  • Harry Griffen Park: Regularly used for rugby practices and games.

Near La Jolla:

  • La Jolla High School: Home to the La Jolla Rugby Club.

  • Kellogg Park: Informal rugby practices and games.

Near Carlsbad:

  • Poinsettia Community Park: A venue for local rugby club practices and matches.

  • Alga Norte Community Park: Hosts rugby games and tournaments.

To purchase tickets to San Diego Legion games and watch them play live, visit: https://sdlegion.com/tickets

For additional information about rugby, visit: https://sdlegion.com/rugby-101