Masks off – summer on! July is full of annual San Diego events and special re-opening events and parties too. Keep in mind though that July is one of the city’s most expensive months for accommodations, so use these money saving tips and affordable hotel options in your planning process. These July Events in San Diego will have you booking real fast!

1. Del Mar Racing Season

Get your Kentucky Derby hats ready! Opening day at the Del Mar Racetrack is July 16th! A San Diego cultural staple since 1937, the Del Mar thoroughbred races are returning for the 2021 season. Attendees can enjoy grandstand seating, betting, and trackside tables at the various restaurants. Tickets start at as little as $8 per person and go up to $40 per person for restaurant VIP seating.

2. San Diego Pride Events

Pride in San Diego usually runs all year round but due to health and safety regulations, the programming has been on a long hiatus this year. But they’re BACK! There are events for all ages and hobby groups too. Here’s some of my favorites on the list of July Events in San Diego.

Black Pride Rooftop Pool Party – July 17th at Hotel Solamar
Pride in Business Networking Mixer – July 14th at Rich’s Outdoor Lounge
San Diego Pride Weekend – July 17th – 18th City-wide
LE Pool Parties – July 16th, 17th, and 18th at the Double Tree Hilton Mission Valley
Pride Senior Coffee – July 17th in Hillcrest
Pride Youth Picnic – July 17th at Pioneer Park (Hillcrest)

3. Balboa Park Summer Camps

The Balboa Park Museums are looking forward to welcoming kiddos back through their doors for all sorts of summer programming. Choose from half-day 1 time camps or week long experiences. There’s something for every kiddo from pre-K – 12th grade! Here’s some of the coolest ones:

• San Diego Air and Space Museum STEM Summer Camp for Grades 1-12
• San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Camp for ages 4-10
• San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts Camp for Grades 4-6 and 7-10

If you’re looking for a week long local summer camp experience, check out the offerings for kids at the San Diego Zoo or Sea World. While these programs are more expensive, they are longer full-day camps with meals included. This is a once in a lifetime experience for your kids to be up close with the animals for 4 days in a row!

4. North Park Book Fair

Saturday July 17th from 10am – 5pm, take the book lovers in your life to the North Park Book Fair hosted by Verbatim Books. While you browse through the used books, you can enjoy food trucks, live poetry readings, and craft vendors. The event is free to attend but bring cash and get an extra discount on any books that you want to purchase!

5. Art Markets in Barrio Logan and Little Italy

For cultural July events in San Diego, check this out! Every Saturday, all summer long, the Barrio Logan ChicanX community is hosting local artesian “Walk the Block” markets. The event is hosted on Logan Ave. between Chicano Park and 26th Street. Bringing the San Diego community into this area is a pathway to revitalize the area’s business after the affects of COVID-19 closures. Local restaurants, artists, and small businesses will be displaying their items outdoors and joining the block party.

You can also stop by the Little Italy Art Walk event on July 11th and 26th and additional bimonthly dates through September. Local artists will present their work in the Piazza Della Famiglia from 11am-6pm. A perfect way to end your weekend or wait for your dinner reservations!

6. Sip of Julian

Saturday, July 31st take a trek up to the mountains in East County San Diego for this annual beer, wine, and cider festival! The city of Julian is home to more than just apple pie, it’s home to some of the best small craft breweries and wineries in the county!

Each $35 / ticket includes a commemorative glass, a wine tote, as well as sips and small bites from 10 different establishments! This event is self-guided anytime between 11am – 5pm. If you’re willing to pay a little extra, for $50 your ticket will also include shuttle service from each location.

7. Padres BeerFest

Baseball season is in full swing! Buy tickets online for as little as $15/ person as the stadium returns to full capacity. On July 9th and July 30th Petco Park will be hosting Beer Fest Events where you can sample beers from more than a dozen local breweries. Tastings start at 5pm and continue until the first pitch. There’s also goin to be a Tatis Bobblehead giveaway on July 31st!

If you’re looking for other things to do during your San Diego summer, check out these ocean activities! Save up that summer travel money with these tips and free activities too!