Arts

Balboa Park
Play
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
 · 
Monica Garske
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park illuminated in blue
Entertainment
6 huge live music venues in San Diego
Discover arenas where big names play to crowds exceeding 10,000 people.
May 9, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
SD Mission Fed ArtWalk
Arts
Mission Fed ArtWalk 2023 heads to Little Italy this weekend
The festival celebrates visual and performing arts on Saturday, April 29 + Sunday, April 30.
April 26, 2023
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Monica Garske
A graphic with the words "2023 poetry contest finalists"
Arts
Read the winning poem from our 2023 poetry contest
We challenged our readers to turn one of our newsletters into a poem — here’s what you came up with.
April 18, 2023
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Sarah Leonhardt
SD Beer Night in San Diego Podcast
Entertainment
5 podcasts inspired by life in San Diego
From craft beer to Padres baseball, these local podcasts show mad love to SD.
March 31, 2023
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Monica Garske
SD Taylor Guitars
Business
Made in San Diego: 22 things created in America’s Finest City
From brands to bands, San Diego’s business scene is truly inspired.
March 23, 2023
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Monica Garske
SD Pexels camera
City
Oh, snap: City of San Diego launches first-ever photo fellowship program
📸 Applications for “Exposure” are being accepted through Wednesday, April 5.
March 21, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego Latino Film Festival 2023
Arts
San Diego Latino Film Festival celebrates 30th anniversary
The spotlight on Latino cinema runs Thursday, March 9-Sunday, March 19. 🎬
March 7, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego in February 2023.
Travel and Outdoors
Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation hosts 2023 photo contest
The deadline to submit your pics of animals, plants, landscapes, and people at Mission Trails is Wednesday, March 15. 📸
March 1, 2023
 · 
Monica Garske
Balboa Theatre
Arts
March is San Diego Theatre Month
The observance brings special events and tickets priced $15, $30, or $45
February 28, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Hillcrest sign in rainbow
Development
Hillcrest welcomes a new, multicolored community sign
The renovation will be used for community celebrations
February 24, 2023
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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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
 · 
Monica Garske
A group of Black entertainers pose in front of the Douglas Hotel in downtown San Diego in the 1930s wearing suits and headpieces.
History
San Diego history: The Douglas Hotel, also known as the ‘Harlem of the West’
The hotel was built in 1924 at 206 Market St. and offered quality accommodations and entertainment for Black visitors in San Diego during the segregation era.
February 20, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Road closure SDtoday
Travel and Outdoors
Getting back on track: San Diego’s plans to repair roads
The city has identified declining road quality, but has conducted studies to find ways to improve conditions.
February 19, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The glasses of margaritas at Lionfish, including the Snake Eyes, Passion of the Marg, and Sweet Treat
Food
5 must-try margaritas for National Margarita Day
Explore these twists on margaritas, including sweet, spicy, and sans-alcohol options.
February 19, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Rendering of Freedom Park with an aerial view that shows green space and the USS Midway Museum
Development
Freedom Park receives approval to start construction
The project will demolish the three-story headhouse on Navy Pier and create a 10-acre park and memorial
February 15, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The big, white Barcelona apartment building in Bankers Hill, with palm trees and cars parked out front.
Real Estate
Hot Homes: The history and $2 million renovation of The Barcelona in Bankers Hill
The 100-year-old apartment community at 326 Juniper St. is considered a “hallmark” of its era — and a “real estate jewel” of present-day San Diego.
February 14, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
People gather around San Diego Humane Society's redesigned Adoptions Center; the entrance is blue with the words "Woof Woof" over the doorway.
City
Now Open: San Diego Humane Society’s redesigned Adoptions Center
The facility’s improved layout includes 58 dog rooms, 55 cat kennels, and 53 spaces for smaller pets.
February 14, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Eclipse Chocolate in San Diego
Food
So sweet: 11 chocolate shops in San Diego
Take a sweet tour of stores that sell chocolates and other treats.
February 14, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
District 7 Councilmember Raul Campillo cutting a ribbon to symbolize the opening of the new park.
Parks and Recreation
Allied Gardens Off-Leash Dog Park now open
The space is the first city-owned dog park in District 7 and is larger than 68% of dog parks in San Diego.
February 13, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
San Diego's skyline with map points coming from different locations.
Culture
Our readers’ local love stories
Thanks for sharing your sweet stories, SD.
February 12, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto