San Diego: This Weekend (July 18-21)
Top events around San Diego this weekend include Del Mar Racing season, Comic-Con International, and Thomas Middleditch & Ben Schwartz.
7.18: Hop-Con 7.0
Stone’s annual celebration of beer geekery gives guests an opportunity to enjoy 15 3-ounce tasters, unlimited samples from gourmet food stations, plus bocce ball, a silent disco and an interactive art wall. — Michael Benninger
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, Point Loma, stonebrewing.com
7.18: Kristian Nairn
What will Irish actor Kristian Nairn (Hodor in Game of Thrones) do now that the beloved HBO series has finally come to an end? Continue to DJ, of course. Nairn has played in San Diego during Comic-Con for the last four years and teamed with fellow DJ Alex Graham on the collaborative single, Life Is Too Short, in March. — Scott McDonald
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com
7.18: Mark Ellis
“You haven’t hit rock bottom until you bump into your mom on a dating website. I mean, it was bound to happen: she’s a cougar, I’m a big-game hunter. We’re gonna cross paths eventually.” — Mark Ellis at Gotham Comedy Club
@ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
7.18-9.2: Del Mar Racing season
The iconic “turf meets the surf” racetrack celebrates its 80th season with a kickoff on July 17 filled with big hats and glamour followed by a month and a half of food and drink events, concerts, and, of course, daily races. So, place your bets down at old Del Mar. — Michael Benninger
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, dmtc.com
7.18-21: Comic-Con International
Supermen and wonder women swarm upon the Convention Center as pop culture’s quintessential celebration returns for its 50th year. — Michael Benninger
Convention Center, downtown, comic-con.org
- 7.13-14: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert: Fans of the sixth Potter film won’t want to miss this chance to catch Harry, Ron and Hermione on the big screen, while the San Diego Symphony performs the movie’s sweeping score. @ Embarcadero Marina Park South
- 7.16: Heroes vs. Villains Art Exhibition: Showcasing creations inspired by Star Wars, Star Trek and both DC and Marvel universes among other famous franchises, this annual exhibition highlights the heroes and ne’er-do-wells who’ve influenced generations of artists. @ Basic Pizza
- 7.16: Rooftop Cinema Club — Top Gun: Enjoy a special screening of Tom Cruise’s classic film about Naval fighters while relaxing under the star on the Hyatt’s fourth-floor rooftop. @ Manchester Grand Hyatt
- 7.17-21: Nerdvana: Expect an assortment of Funko statues, vinyl toys, Star Wars memorabilia and autographed comic books at this pop-up shop where the first 20 customers each day will receive a free tote bag bursting with nerdy treasures. @ Atomic
- 7.18: Hop-Con 7.0: Beer geeks and nerds of all stripes are invited to attend Stone’s yearly sip-fest that includes interactive art, three casks of w00tstout and gourmet food stations among other attractions. @ Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
- 7.19: Comic-Con 2019 Lightsaber Battle: Jedi Masters and guests from galaxies far, far away are welcome to take part in this lightsaber challenge that includes tournament prizes such as carefully crafted illuminated weapons. @ Balboa Park Fountain
7.19: Galaxy Quest with the San Diego Symphony
Academy Award-nominated composer David Newman conducts the cinematic score he composed for the cult-classic sci-fi spoof about the cast of a 1970s space drama that’s suddenly transported to an extraterrestrial vessel operated by an oppressive alien race. — Michael Benninger
Copley Symphony Hall, Downtown, sandiegosymphony.org
7.19: Thomas Middleditch & Ben Schwartz
“My name is Thomas Stephen Middleditch. That’s a real name given to me by fate. I feel like I was born out of a Charles Dickens novel.” — Thomas Middleditch on Just for Laughs
“I swallow gum because I have trouble letting go.” — Ben Schwartz on Twitter
@ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org
7.19: Dana Gould
“The fact is I’ve met far too many bald men with ponytails to expect this world to make sense.” — Dana Gould on CONAN
@ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com/la-jolla
7.19: Porter Robinson
The Grammy-nominated DJ/producer turns 27 a few days before appearing at this gig and was last in San Diego to close things down at OMFG NYE 2019. While Robinson hasn’t released any new music in a while, seeing a performer that can sell out arenas at a venue like OMNIA is always a smart move. — Scott McDonald
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com
7.20: Burgers & Brews Invitational
Enjoy your day at the races with a side of burgers and some beer too at the Burgers & Brews Invitational. Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings of burgers, fries and tots, plus five craft beer tastings. — Michael Benninger
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, dmtc.com
7.20: Chantel Jeffries
The recent PACIFIC cover artist (March 2019) returns to San Diego for another night in America’s Finest City. Jeffries recently teamed with Chicago singer/rapper Jeremih (one half of R&B duo MihTy with Ty Dolla Sign) on the June-released single, Chase The Summer. — Scott McDonald
@ OMNIA, omnianightclub.com
7.20: Jonah Ray
“I have the body of a hairy baby. I have the physique of a heroin junkie that’s also really into pizza and doughnuts.” — Jonah Ray on Just for Laughs
@ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
7.20, 21: 66th annual Over-the-Line World Championship Tournament
Three-player teams with off-color names duke it out to see who can bat balls the farthest as Mission Bay’s long-running BYOB bonanza returns to Fiesta Island. — Michael Benninger
Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, ombac.org
More...
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