Arts

Balboa Park
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15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
August 28, 2025 06:44 AM
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Monica Garske
The grandstand stage at the San Diego County Fair with the ferris wheel and other rides in the background.
Music
San Diego County Fair unveils Grandstand Stage lineup for summer 2024
The fair — which returns June 12-July 7 — will boast headliners like Ludacris, Jay Leno, Pepe Aguilar, and TLC.
February 21, 2024
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Monica Garske
Drapes and construction signs cover the new Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station; signs wrapped around the site show renderings of the vision for the venue.
Development
It’s showtime: New performing arts center coming to Arts District Liberty Station in 2025
The landmark’s historic Naval Building 178 will become the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center — the future permanent home of Cygnet Theatre.
February 12, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
SD UCSD Sojourner Truth statue
History
Honoring Black history in San Diego
From murals and public artworks to museums and cultural centers, local Black history is all around us.
February 6, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A dark room at the WNDR Museum San Diego displays the "INSIDEOUT" exhibition featuring structure surrounded by glowing lights.
Arts
San Diego Museum Month returns — here’s what’s new
The 35th annual celebration of SD’s arts and culture scene will offer half-off admission at 70+ participating cultural attractions Feb. 1-Feb. 29, 2024.
January 29, 2024
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Monica Garske
High surf waves crashing on the Ocean Beach Pier, causing some damage to the pier's railing with the OB Pier Cafe in the background.
Culture
See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest
And the winner is...
January 22, 2024
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Emily Shea-Owen
The tan exterior of Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego with it Spanish Colonial style architecture and people walking in the foreground.
Arts
Downtown San Diego’s Balboa Theatre turns 100 in 2024
The historic venue on Fourth Avenue debuted in March 1924 as a vaudeville and movie theater.
January 19, 2024
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Monica Garske
ODESZA performs at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre with DJ tables and glowing blue lights.
Entertainment
24 San Diego concerts we’re excited to see in 2024
These shows prove that San Diego is a great city for live music, and they’re just a sample of the shows coming this year.
January 17, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The OB Playhouse stage with red lighting set up for "The Rocky Horror Show."
Arts
The OB Playhouse will remain open after announcing its closure
The local theater signed a new, three-year lease thanks to community support, with a new production coming this month.
January 16, 2024
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Michael Beausoleil
SD San Diego Natural History Museum
Culture
Museum milestone: The Nat celebrates 150th anniversary in San Diego in 2024
The museum in Balboa Park will debut a new exhibit, plant garden, film, and special events to ring in the milestone throughout 2024.
January 11, 2024
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Monica Garske
MLK promenade in the Gaslamp Quarter.
City
Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in San Diego
Where to remember the civil rights leader and event to observe MLK Day
January 9, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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What’s May Gray and June Gloom in San Diego?
Locals know it’s not always sunny in San Diego — especially in May and June.
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The grandstand stage at the San Diego County Fair with the ferris wheel and other rides in the background.
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This tracks: Big concerts coming to 2025 San Diego County Fair
From Maxwell and Zedd to 2 Chainz + Lil’ Jon, the Toyota Summer Concert Series is going to rock the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
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What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
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Balboa Park architecture
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15 interesting facts about San Diego
Test your knowledge of America’s Finest City
April 11, 2025
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Guy Fieri tray at Nola on Fifth
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San Diego restaurants featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’
The Mayor of Flavortown has gotten a taste of San Diego on many occasions.
April 10, 2025
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Michael Beausoleil
A rendering of a museum studio space filled with children and adults painting and enjoying art activities.
Arts
New Children’s Museums expands with ‘Artopia’ studio and more programming
The renovated spaces debut on the museum’s third level on Saturday, April 12.
April 4, 2025
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A rendering of a swimming pool and rooftop deck atop a new, 16-story hotel with mountain views in San Diego County.
Tourism and Hospitality
High-tech hotel tower to debut at Jamul Casino Resort in May 2025
Alexa, do all the things.
March 31, 2025
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Monica Garske
SD Bayside Trail Point Loma
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Take a hike: A guide to trails around San Diego
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
March 21, 2025
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Two black and white photos of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps; the left one shows her holding a book, while the right photo is a close-up of her in her younger years.
History
6 amazing women who helped shape the San Diego Natural History Museum
The Nat’s 150-year-old foundation is solid — thanks in part to these women.
March 14, 2025
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Monica Garske
SD San Diego Padres Petco Park
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Your guide to sports teams in San Diego
From the San Diego Padres to the San Diego Gulls, we’re sharing details of San Diego’s sports teams.
March 7, 2025
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