This Weekend in San Diego: Labor Day Edition

This is one of the last weekends of summer, and there’s a lot of different ways to celebrate of the end of the season this weekend. San Diego is full of music, art, food, and festivals this weekend, and we hope you take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy this Labor Day weekend in America’s finest city.

Friday, September 1

Head down to Port Pavilion on the Broadway Pier and check out master sand sculptors from Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Russia, and Canada will challenge the best from the U.S. to earn their share of more than $60,000 in prize money.  You can also browse the Dimensional Art Exposition when you’re done checking out the sand sculptures, which offers 1,000 original works of art in metal, wood, glass, jewelry, acrylic, and fabric. There will also be plenty of entertainment (big bands, singers, dancers, circus performers) and a KidZone (with sand-sculpture classes, Bubble Fun, and European Bungie). The US Sand Sculpting Challenge starts at 9am and runs all day long.

Address: Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier
1000 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101

Kick off your weekend in style on Friday evening in Balboa Park with live entertainment and gourmet treats from a rotating selection of more than a dozen food trucks, all in one convenient location. Food Truck Friday features a free live musical performance in the Plaza de Panama, and many museums will be open extended hours, some offering free activities for kids in the plaza. The event is free and takes place from 4-8pm.

Address: Panama 66
1450 Plaza de Panama, San Diego, 92101

If you love rock n’ roll and a good tribute band, head over to The Belly Up and catch Led Zepagain on Friday at 8pm.

Address: Belly Up
143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, 92075

Saturday, September 2

Festival of Sail 2017, the largest tall ship festival on the West Coast is hosted at the Maritime Museum of San Diego this weekend, transforming the North Embarcadero into a nautical theme park. The street fair area will be open to all, and the festival runs Friday through Monday.

Address: San Diego Maritime Museum
1492 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, 92101

In celebration of International Bacon Day, San Diego Bacon Fest offers an all-inclusive feast centered around America’s favorite porky pleasure, featuring exclusive bites prepared by local chefs and beverages from local breweries and distilleries. Proceeds benefit It’s All About the Kids Foundation, a local nonprofit. Event will be held at NTC Park at Liberty Station from noon to 5pm.

Address: NTC Park at Liberty Station
2455 Cushing Road, San Diego, 92106

Sunday, September 3

Don’t let the thought of Monday get you down just yet. Join Hive for their Sunday Rum Day event. Hive is a restaurant and bar on Convoy street complete with karaoke and an arcade. On Sundays, the establishment features a select menu of craft tiki cocktails with bartender Ram of Boy Drinks World. The event starts a 6pm.

Address: 4428 Convoy Street, San Diego, 92111

If you’re always looking for the best taco in San Diego, you’ll want to check out Tacotopia at the Del Mar Racetrack. Try signature tacos from more than 40 of the best restaurants and food trucks from San Diego, TJ, and L.A. as they compete for your vote for Best Taco. Each attendee will be given a token to place in the voting box of their favorite vendor. The vendor with the most votes wins, and winners will be announced live at the end of the event. The event is from 1-4pm.

Address: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, 92014