From Del Mar Races to Hillcrest Pride to Imperial Beach Sandcastles – there is a ton of fun waiting for you in San Diego this weekend with these top things to do.

Del Mar Racing Season

San Diego horse racing takes place where the “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, mid-July – early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation’s top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.

Where: Del Mar Racetrack – 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014

When: July 16 – September 7, 2015

> Find out more about the Del Mar Racing Season

San Diego LGBT Pride Weekend

Mark your calendars for when San Diego LGBT Pride rolls out its annual mile-long parade in the heart of Hillcrest followed by a two-day music festival held within the idyllic setting of Balboa Park. The organization recently released its artist lineup for the festival, which carries wide appeal to the thousands of visitors Pride receives each year.

When: July 17-19, 2015

> Find out more about the San Diego LGBT Pride Weekend

San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies

Catch the San Diego Padres take on the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park! Game day promotions and events include: Friday’s Cocktail Fest, Saturday’s Petco Park Replica giveaway, and Sunday’s KidsFest and Salute to the Military Child.

Where: Petco Park – 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101

When: July 17-19, 2015

> Find out more about the San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies

Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival

The 2015 Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival will feature world-class sandcastle sculptors creating some of the best sand creations on the West Coast as well as a community parade and pancake breakfast, live music, children’s craft activities, a Kids ‘n Kastles competition, Farmer’s Market and International Food Fair.

Where: Pier Plaza – 10 Evergreen Avenue, Imperial Beach, CA 91932

When: July 17-18, 2015

Cost: Free

> Find out more about the Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival

Dogfight

It’s November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys’ night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of compassion. Winner of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical and praised by countless critics, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.

Where: Cygnet Theatre – 4040 Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA 92110

When: July 16 – August 23, 2015

Cost: $19-$60

> Find out more about Dogfight

Summer Pops – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

This joint is jumpin’! Swing…Jazz…Dixieland…Big Bad Voodoo Daddy does it all. With their cool attitude, big band sound and high energy, BBVD is sure to shake things up. Put on your dancing shoes!

Where: Embarcadero Marina Park South – 206 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101

When: July 17-18, 2015

Time: 7:30 to 9:30 PM

Cost: $20-$83

> Find out more about Summer Pops – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Chula Vista Challenge Triathlons

The Chula Vista Challenge Triathlons (swim, bike & run) are in their 5th year. The two-day event begins at Bayside Park in Chula Vista, providing both participants and spectators the opportunity to enjoy one of San Diego’s “hidden gems” – the pristine South Bay waterfront. Saturday includes the South Bay Sprint and Kid’s Race. Sunday is the main event with the Triathlon and Duathlon.

Where: 276 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910

When: July 18-19, 2015

Cost: $79-$155

> Find out more about the Chula Vista Challenge Triathlons

Festival of the Bells

Celebrates the anniversary of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the Mother of California’s 21 Missions, which was founded by Blessed Father Junipero Serra on July 16, 1769. All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festivities, including an original bell dating back to 1802. There will also be food, entertainment, dancing and traditional activities like the Blessing of the Bells and the Blessing of the Animals.

Where: Mission San Diego de Alcalá – 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108

When: July 18-19, 2015

Cost: Free

> Find out more about Festival of the Bells

Rubio’s Coast Fest

Rubio’s CoastFest is a celebration of the ocean and its many gifts. From the bounty it offers to the shores it graces, the ocean is more than a resource for Rubio’s: it is a way of life. After the cleanup, enjoy: live music, free food and drinks, a beer garden, free surf lessons from Surfin Fire, photo booth, pledge wall, Rubio’s Prize Wheel, and a Salsa Garden.

Where: Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre – 200 N. The Strand, Oceanside, CA 92054

When: July 18, 2015

Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Cost: Free

> Find out more about Rubio’s Coast Fest

Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest

From lemon and garlic inspired food tastings from San Diego’s top culinary minds, to cooking demonstrations, a beer and wine garden, dozens of retail vendors and a free family area, the festival will be filled with tasty delights and fun activities for all ages. Guests will also be invited to cast their vote for “Best Dish” of the fest.

Where: San Diego County Waterfront Park – 1600 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92101

When: July 18, 2015

Time: 12:00 to 5:00 PM

Cost: Family Area – Free. Food, Beer & Wine Tastings – $50-$70

> Find out more about the Lemon Zest & Garlic Fest

Kaiser Permanente’s Bolt to the Q

The 2015 Kaiser Permanente Bolt to the Q features a course that starts outside Qualcomm Stadium and finishes on the Bolt’s 50-yard line. The Chargers Kids Fun Run is also held at the stadium with the same finish line on the field. All 5K and 10K participants will receive a short sleeve Nike tech tee and a commemorative finisher’s medal.

Where: Qualcomm Stadium – 9449 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108

When: July 19, 2015

Cost: $20-$75

> Find out more about Kaiser Permanente’s Bolt to the Q

More Top Things to Do in San Diego

Top Things to Do Weekend Forecast