San Diego Weekend Guide: July 4-7 – July 4th Edition

Our Star-Spangled holiday falls on a Thursday this year, ready-made for long weekend vibes. Have fun, of course, this San Diego weekend, but spare a thought for our founding fathers, the values they set out for us and the democracy that we should cherish.

When it comes to fireworks in San Diego, the Big Bay Boom is the main event. The 12-minute show will light the sky over large expanses of San Diego’s bayfront beginning at 9 p.m. But it’s far from the only game in town if you prefer to stay away from the throngs that will crowd the beaches and bay. See our guide for spots to go for neighborhood shows.

There’s also the option of spending Thursday at the San Diego County Fair and watching fireworks light up Del Mar at day’s end. This weekend is the fair finale for 2024, so it’s the last chance to load up on fair goodies, jump on the latest rides, see demonstrations of everything from hypnotism to racing pigs and go retro, as this year’s fair theme urges. General admission is $20.

Two county Independence Day and summer fests continue throughout the weekend:

• Escondido – The free festival, at Grape Day Park, includes fireworks, live music, food trucks and craft beer, games and an artisan market at 4 p.m. Thursday. But head back to the California Center for the Arts’ Great Green at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday for more bands and music.
• National City – the Lion’s Club carnival, through Sunday at Kimball Park, opens at 1 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and 5 p.m. Friday. But hold off for fireworks – Saturday is the show, at 9 p.m.

Cheer newly minted All-Star Jurickson Profar as the Padres open up a long home stand ahead of the All-Star Break. The Padres host the Diamondbacks for Star Wars Weekend, so the Friar Faithful may tap into the force to urge the boys on. Tickets start at $30 with best availability on Saturday – see Star Wars-themed fireworks too – and Sunday.

The free Summer Culture Fest San Diego in Waterfront Park features a variety of international foods at noon Saturday. Enjoy the $5 bar, a cornhole tournament and children’s play area too.

Continue the cultural journey – perhaps a cosmic one too? – at the Tanabata Festival at 10 a.m. Sunday. The Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park hosts the fest, based in Chinese folklore. As the story goes, the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi meet just once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. The garden celebrates with games, performances and crafts. General admission to the garden costs $16.