San Diego Weekend Guide: July 19-21 – Ponies & Pride

Dancing. Prancing. With pride, perhaps? Make a move this San Diego weekend, by the sea or down by the border, to celebrate art, community, culture and sport.

San Diego Dance Theater’s Live Arts Fest, a festival curated by Executive Artistic Director Terry Wilson, at 7:30 p.m. Friday features “La Silla Danza,” with a world-premiere duet. The fest continues Saturday with a 4 p.m. showcase; at 8 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday the SDDT company performs. Tickets range from a $10 suggested donation to $30 at the Light Box at Liberty Station.

The Mariachi Scholarship Foundation will present the closing concert as part of the San Diego International Mariachi Summit featuring Leyendas del Mariachi, San Diego’s Symphonic Mariachi Champaña Nevin and the San Diego Binational Symphony Orchestra. Balboa Theatre plays host, at 8 p.m. Friday. Tickets start at $30.

The San Diego Pride Parade, with the theme, “Making History Now,” begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Hillcrest Pride Flag on University Avenue, before concluding at Balboa Park. But that’s not all. Parade-goers then can head to the Pride Festival and continue the celebration through Sunday. The two-day fest includes dozens of music artists, among them headliners Todrick Hall, Rico Nasty and Sheila E., along with J. Worra, Kaleena Zanders and Nymphia Wind. They’ll spread out over multiple stages at Marston Point, with special fest zones, including Trans Pride and Athlete Alley. Admission costs $38.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosts the glamorous Opening Day of its 2024 racing season at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The traditional hat contest begins at noon, while races include the Oceanside Stakes, with a $100,000 purse, and the San Clemente Handicap, with a $200,000 purse. Saturday, with its pomp and circumstance, is sold out, but Sunday is open – admission starts at $8.

Try one – or both, why not? – community arts fests:

• Sidro Saturdays in San Ysidro – the summer bash begins at noon Saturday with performances, DJs and local vendors, some of whom will offer activities. Head to El Salon Theatre, 119 Hall Ave., or Front Arte y Cultura, 147 W. San Ysidro Blvd.
• Sew Loka’s “Legends Never Die” – the designer – one of her jackets is featured on the cover of the latest San Diego magazine – hosts a show at 4 p.m. Saturday at Mixed Grounds, 2920 Imperial Ave. Her own work will be on display, along with pieces from 20 artists. The show is also a part of the World Design Capital event in San Diego and Tijuana.

San Diego Bayfest, beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday at Waterfront Park, features Sublime – a hit at Coachella in April – Atmosphere and Goldfinger. There also will be local food stands, vendors, craft beverages and cocktails. Admission starts at $75, before fees.

Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and the city of Encinitas, features dog-related vendors, rescue groups and pet adoption agencies. But the free fun, starting at 10 a.m. Sunday at Encinitas Community Park, includes dog contests, live music and more; spend a little to enter the libation lounge and enjoy food-truck fare.