SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — There's tons of fun throughout San Diego to welcome back warmer temps!
NAT at Night invites the public out to Balboa Park for half-priced admission at the Natural History Museum, while the Summer Kickoff Concert with the San Diego Youth Symphony serenades visitors as they enjoy the beginning of Food Truck Fridays and other late-night museum promotions.
The San Diego County Fair returns this week as well, bringing a month's-worth of fairgrounds fun to Del Mar for the next month. This year's "Wizard of Oz" theme promises to bring loads of "Oz-some" activities, exhibitions, and foods to the fairgrounds.
MORE: Don't see anything you like? Check out our event calendar for even more local events
The Rock n' Roll Marathon also returns to San Diego this weekend, as one of the area's most popular runs takes over the streets of downtown and into Balboa Park.
Check out more happenings around San Diego County this weekend:
THURSDAY
NAT at Night
Where: San Diego Natural History Museum; Cost: Half price admission after 5 p.m.
Experience the Natural History Museum after dark, at NAT at Night. Admission is available for half price at 5 p.m. The NAT's rooftop bar offers one of the best views of Balboa Park and immersive exhibitions, pop-up programs, and a new escape room is available for guests to enjoy.
Seadragons & Seahorses
Where: Birch Aquarium at Scripps; Cost: $19.50 - $15
Check out the beautiful underwater world of seahorses and seadragons at Birch Aquarium's new exhibit. At the center: One of the world's largest seadragon habitats in the world, containing 5,375 gallons of water and numerous creatures swimming along.
FRIDAY
San Diego County Fair
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds; Cost: Free - $20
It's fair season once again in Del Mar, as the San Diego County Fair returns under the theme of "Oz-Some," featuring the "Wizard of Oz." Several hit acts are set to take the big stage to deliver laughs and tunes, while there's plenty of other traditional fair fun (Swifty Swine pig races, anyone?) Plus, plenty of exhibits showcasing works by local San Diegans will be on display, and of course, fair food!
Summer Kickoff Concert
Where: Balboa Park Plaza de Panama; Cost: Free
Celebrate summer with the 2nd annual San Diego Youth Symphony's open-air concert in Balboa Park. The concert coincides with the start of Food Truck Fridays and Friday Night Alive! museum promotions at Balboa Park for the summer. Bring a picnic and enjoy the live entertainment.
SATURDAY
San Diego Bay Festival
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park North; Cost: $40
Bask in the San Diego sun and enjoy delicious bites from local restaurants, craft beers from nearby breweries, local art and vendors, and live entertainment from Slightly Stoopid, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth,, Don Carlos, Hiries, and Band of Gringos during San Diego Bay Festival.
Art Around Adams
Where: Adams Avenue; Cost: Free
Stroll through Adams Avenue for two miles of art, music, and entertainment during Art Around Adams. The free event invites San Diegans to experience local art and cuisine along Adams Avenue while checking out street artists, exhibits, and a kids zone.
Water Lantern Festival
Where: Kit Carson Park; Cost: $25 - $40
Send off beautifully lit lanterns you decorate yourself on Chollas Lake in this family-friendly event that includes delicious food, music, and activities for everyone. The festival has also been named the Best Cultural Festival by USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, so you know it's an event you'll remember.
SUNDAY
Rock n' Roll Marathon San Diego
Where: Downtown San Diego; Cost: $65 - $142
Runners take your start! The Rock n' Roll Marathon returns to San Diego, bringing runners out for a 5K on Saturday, and half- and full marathon on Sunday. The routes take runners throughout downtown San Diego and Balboa Park, leading to a finish blocks from the waterfront.
RB Alive Street Fair
Where: Rancho Bernardo; Cost: Free
RB's Bernardo Center Drive fills up with more than 300 vendor booths for the 31st annual RB Alive! Street Fair, packed with arts and crafts, food vendors, and more from local businesses. A specia lkdis zone also offers activities and games for children.
El Camino Memorial Park Classic Car Show
Where: El Camino Memorial Park; Cost: Free to the public
Check out the amazing automobiles and hot rods, including an appearance by The Hot Rod Trio, during the El Camino Memorial Park Classic Car Show, raising funds for The Garden of Innocence, an organization that provides burials for abandoned infants.
