Best ways to spend this Memorial Day weekend

With a large military presence and daily sunshine, San Diego is the quintessential place to celebrate Memorial Day and honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. Whether you’re in the mood for a family-fun day in Balboa Park or a mega yacht party, there’s something for everyone on this long weekend.

For other weekend events, read here.

Legacy Week at the USS Midway

May 27 - May 29

To remember those who gave their lives, the USS Midway will host a variety of events for guests of all ages. The weekend will begin with a wreath ceremony and Freedom Concert featuring Lifehouse on Saturday. Throughout the weekend, guests can participate in a blood drive, Adventure Discovery Zone and much more.

$30-$100
USS Midway
910 N. Harbor Dr., downtown
midway.org

Fiesta Botanica: Celebrating Balboa Park’s Plants & Gardens

May 27

Though Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, Balboa Park is still “sprung.” From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the park will host a variety of free activities for families, including a floral wagon parade, butterfly releases, arts and crafts, horticulture lectures and much more. A dozen food trucks will be in attendance, as well as performances by Hullabaloo, Danny Green Quartet and Save the Starlight Band.

Free
1549 El Prado, Balboa Park
balboaparkconservancy.org

SUNBURN Pool Party

May 27

Put on your best suit and head over to Sunburn for a special live DJ set while you lounge and bronze poolside. Brooke Evers and Sid Vicious will take over the turntables from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Drink and food specials will be available all day long. - Liz Bowen

$20-$30, 21+
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

207 5th Ave

., downtown
nightout.com

Horizon Carnival

May 27

Release your inner child at this adult carnival equipped with a Ferris wheel, carnival food, DJs and more. Read more about the Horizon Carnival here.

$25-$30, 21+
Port Pavilion/Broadway Pier
1000 N. Harbor Dr., downtown
intothehorizon.com

Rum & Tiki Fest

May 27

Grab your straws and mini umbrellas. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can taste over a dozen brands of rum and tiki-inspired drinks while lounging poolside at the Hiatus Lounge at Hotel La Jolla. A special bites menu will also be available.

$10-$15, 21+
Hotel La Jolla
7955 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla
sdrumfest.bpt.me

LED USA

May 27-28

Spend the weekend with electric feels. The annual two-day event will ring in patriotism with headliners Zed’s Dead and Tchami. Throughout the weekend, Louis the Child, TroyBoi, Malaa and many others will make special appearances. The event is form 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. each day.

The event is sold out, 18+
Valley View Casino Center
3500 Sports Arena Blvd.
https://myledusa.com/

Grunion Runs

May 28

Bring the whole family to watch hundreds of grunions make their way from the shore to the sea. Birch Aquarium naturalists will be present to answer questions and provide insight about this unique experience. The event is from 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring flashlights and dress for “cool, wet conditions.”

Tickets are $15 for Birch Aquarium members and $17 for nonmembers, and must be purchased before the event.
Sumner Auditorium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
8595 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla
858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu

Pier Pressure Yacht Party

May 28

Spend your Saturday on a $10 million, three deck yacht while six DJs spin tunes and you take in views of the Coronado Bridge and the San Diego skyline and harbor. With three dance areas playing today’s hits, hip-hop and house music, there’s a spot for everyone on this mega yacht. The event is from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and guests are encouraged to wear bathing suits.

$30-$179, 21+
Grape Street Pier
1800 N. Harbor Dr., Embracadero
619.330.9430, eventbrite.com