San Diego Weekend Guide: July 26-28 – Comics & Cowboys

Oh, yes, Comic-Con hits this San Diego weekend, but that’s not all! If you’re not consumed by the Olympics, get out and take a trip to the country through a fair or fashion or hit the sand to see how your pup likes the surf.

San Diego Comic-Con, one of the mega events on the local calendar, continues through Sunday. Lack a badge? Take a stroll around the San Diego Convention Center to see fans repping a few obvious fandoms (Star Wars, Star Trek, any Marvel or DC production) and many more that might be a mystery to you. And don’t forget, there’s many activations – including a whole dang carnival – outside the center, from streamers, networks and production companies including ABC, Hulu and FX.

The Ramona Country Fair begins a three-day run Friday with carnival rides, games, a cornhole tournament, live music, off-road and Western shows, barrel racing, a beer garden and plenty of eats. The fun starts at 4 p.m. Friday at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, 431 Aqua Lane, and continues at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free but ride tickets cost $20 for 24 and parking will set you back $15.

San Diego FC’s debut is getting closer and closer. The club continues its Chrome Ball Tour through the region at La Colonia Park in Solana Beach at 9 a.m. Saturday. Enter the 6×6 soccer tournament, view goodies on the team merch truck and try snacks provided by food trucks as you get to know San Diego newest professional sports team.

The Vista Art Foundation, in collaboration with Backfence Society and Elevated 760, hosts the 10th annual Alley Art Festival, at 4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Vista on S. Citrus Ave. The event will celebrate art with live music, a lowrider show, silent disco, Kids Zone with crafts and a market with over 40 local artists and makers.

Think your pooch has what it takes to be a Surf Dog? The first practice session for the Helen Woodward Animal Center’s annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at

Del Mar Dog Beach, 3902 29th St. There will be a second session Aug. 11, a month ahead of the big event.

NOVO Brazil Brewing Company partners with sustainable repurposed clothing company Positive Phee for the “Sip & Style” eco fashion fill-a-bag event at its Mission Valley sports pub at 1 p.m. Sunday. Pick up curated ladies’ wear, shoes and accessories while sipping a craft beer or kombucha. Tickets are $75. The price includes one bag to fill and one beverage. Guests can use promo code “NOVO” for $10 off the ticket price.

The Original 40 Brewing Company hosts the Hoppy Hoedown at 2 p.m. Sunday in a country western-themed afternoon with guest Rancher Hat Bar, out of Scottsdale and Folsom. Make your own custom cowboy and trucker hats in Rancher’s only scheduled San Diego appearance this year. A photo station with bales of hay will be available at the North Park brewpub, while country music will play throughout the afternoon. Other vendors include Black&Grey Atelier for flash tattoos and Mila North Park for Western clothing and boots.