What's Happening in San Diego This Week

Sydney Winstead • June 18, 2025

Your Weekly Dose of SD

San Diego Events This Weekend 6/20- 6/22:

see events happening this weekend in San Diego!


Thursday, June 26

  • 💃🏽 Shakira at Snapdragon Stadium
    7:30 PM | 2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
    The queen of Latin pop kicks off the weekend with hits, dance moves, and new music.
    Find out more!

Friday, June 27

  • 🪴 Agave Fest at Estancia La Jolla
    6–9 PM | 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla
    Unlimited tacos, tequila, and mezcal tastings — yes, please.
    Find out more!
  • 🎶 Opening Night at The Rady Shell
    7:30 PM | 222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
    San Diego Symphony returns for summer with conductor Rafael Payare and trumpet soloist Paul Merkelo.
    Find out more!
  • ⛸️ Downtown Skate at Marriott Marquis
    12–8:30 PM until July, 9 | 333 W. Harbor Dr, Marina District
    Lace up and glide by the bay, plus live DJs and Cali Cream’s custom ice cream flavor.
    Find out more!
  • 🎹 International Piano Festival (Free)
    All Day | The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla
    Watch amateur pianists from around the world compete and perform — open to the public.
    Find out more!
  • 🎡 San Diego County Fair

All Day | Del Mar Fairgrounds

Food, rides, concerts, pet parades, and pig races — it’s a “Summer Pet-tacular.” Big Gigantic plays Saturday. Find out more!

Saturday, June 28

  • 🧘🏼‍♀️ Anchored in Wellness at Liberty Station
    9 AM–3 PM | Ingram Plaza, Point Loma
    Yoga, dance, sound baths, and a silent disco — plus food trucks and massage booths.
    Find out more!
  • 🎨 Colores de Mexico Festival
    11 AM–4 PM | Balboa Park
    Hosted by House of Mexico — enjoy music, art, food, and cultural fun for all ages.
    Find out more!
  • 🥣 Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
    10 AM–8 PM | Newport Ave, Ocean Beach
    Family zone, artists alley, live music, and the beloved chili cook-off (tastings $2+).
    Find out more!
  • 🎭 San Diego Black Arts + Culture Festival
    12–8 PM | Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Encanto
    Celebrate Black artists with music, STEAM activities, and interactive exhibits.
    Find out more!
  • 🏳️‍🌈 Party With Us – Museum of Us (Pride Event)
    11 AM–3 PM | Balboa Park
    Free event with performances, crafts, and cookie decorating.
    Find out more!

Sunday, June 29

  • 🌮 Taste of Adams Avenue
    11 AM–3 PM | University Heights to Kensington
    Stroll, sip, and snack through 40+ eateries. Tickets: $50–$65.
    Find out more!
  • 🦋 Dolly Parton’s Symphony Experience – Rady Shell
    7:30 PM | Embarcadero
    Personal stories + symphonic renditions of Dolly’s greatest hits.
    Find out more!


FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS 🎇

 Friday, July 4

  • Big Bay Boom
    San Diego Bay – 9:00 PM
    The largest fireworks show in SoCal! Watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, Marina District, or Coronado Ferry Landing.
    🎶 Music simulcast on 91X FM
    📺 Live broadcast on FOX 5 & KTLA
  • Rady Shell: San Diego Symphony 4th of July Concert
    7:30 PM at Jacobs Park
    “America in Song” concert followed by a front-row view of the Big Bay Boom.
  • Old Town Fourth of July
    Old Town State Historic Park – 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    Classic family fun: flag ceremony, live music, games, and old-timey charm.
    🎇 No fireworks here, just daytime fun!
  • SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks
    9:30 PM – Mission Bay
    Patriotic 20-minute show with park admission. Includes summer entertainment & shows.
  • Maritime Museum Fireworks Viewing
    7:00 PM boarding – Berkeley Ferryboat
    Includes BBQ dinner, drinks & front-row view of Big Bay Boom.
    Tickets:
    sdmaritime.org
  • Red, White & Boom at Lane Field
    4:00–10:00 PM
    Rooftop fireworks viewing party with food, games & live music.
    🎟 Tickets on
    Eventbrite
  • Belmont Park Centennial Celebration
    All Day – Mission Beach
    Family rides, games, fireworks, and classic boardwalk fun.
    🎇 Fireworks visible nearby from Mission Beach



San Diego Development Updates:


San Diego Relocates Development Services HQ to Mission Valley & Downtown     [June 25, 2025]

The City of San Diego is officially exiting its aging City Operations Building downtown and relocating its Development Services Department (DSD) to two upgraded office locations: Mission Valley and a downtown high-rise at Five50West.


The newly leased Mission Valley HQ at 7650 Mission Valley Road will become the department’s main public-facing location, offering expanded in-person services, free parking, and improved accessibility. Nearly 300 of the 500 planned staffers have already moved in, with operations expected to fully shift later this summer. The space was previously occupied by Wawanesa Insurance and is being subleased by the city through 2028.


Meanwhile, around 225 DSD employees will work out of two floors at 550 W. C St. (Five50West), keeping a presence close to City Hall.

This long-awaited transition allows San Diego to vacate the deteriorating City Operations Building at 1222 First Ave, which has suffered from deferred maintenance, broken systems, and safety concerns. The city is expected to repurpose or sell the property under the Surplus Land Act later this year.


💡 Why this matters: DSD oversees permitting, inspections, records, and building regulations, essential to both residential and commercial development across the city. These relocations shoot to modernize city operations and improve customer service while phasing out unsafe infrastructure.


Old Central Library Set to Get New Life-


San Diego is set to redevelop the old Central Library at 820 E St., making it available for sale or lease. After two years of exploring options, the city has declared the building surplus land, allowing it to be marketed for redevelopment. This marks a major step forward in the city’s plan to revitalize this downtown property, which spans 150,000 square feet and offers significant redevelopment potential.


Under the Surplus Land Act, at least 25% of the residential units developed on this site will need to be affordable housing. The city is expected to release a notice of availability for the property this summer, giving developers a 60-day window to submit proposals.


While the property has been considered for various uses, including a homeless shelter and a potential high-rise, the focus now is on maximizing its value through a thoughtful redevelopment process. However, city council members are still debating the specifics of the plan, including potential requirements for family-sized units and on-site child care. Real estate experts caution that imposing too many restrictions could affect the feasibility of the project, especially in today’s challenging real estate market.


The future of this iconic building, which has sat empty since 2013, will soon be in the hands of developers ready to help transform downtown San Diego.


Ready for a Summer Swim? 800 Broadway has You Covered! 

Downtown San Diego’s newest luxury tower, 800 Broadway, features a standout amenity—the county's highest swimming pool, located on the 40th floor, 480 feet above the ground. The pool, which was completed just two weeks ago, offers breathtaking views and is exclusive to renters and their guests. Rent at the building averages $3,496 a month, with amenities like a gym, speakeasy, coworking spaces, and high-end appliances, making the premium price worthwhile for many.


In San Diego’s competitive real estate market, unique amenities like this pool help justify the high rent, making the building stand out. Despite the area’s 12.4% vacancy rate, 800 Broadway has attracted a mix of residents, particularly millennials, who enjoy the premium amenities and the exclusivity of the property.


Downtown Oceanside Sees Exciting Growth: Two Major Mixed-Use Developments in the Works!


Downtown Oceanside is experiencing a vibrant transformation, with new developments that promise to further enhance the area’s appeal. Two major mixed-use projects—just blocks apart on Mission Avenue—are set to bring a combined 562 apartments, along with new retail, office spaces, and restaurants, contributing to the continued growth of the downtown district.


The proposed developments, which are currently making their way through the city's planning processes, could go before the Oceanside City Council for approval later this year. Together, these projects represent 21% of the remaining space available under the city's 5,500 dwelling cap for the downtown area.


The first of the two developments will replace the Ocean Place Entertainment Center, which will be redeveloped into a seven-story building  with apartments and commercial spaces. Notably, this project will also revamp the public plaza, keeping it open for community events like the annual Christmas tree lighting.


The second development, proposed for 801 Mission Ave., will feature another seven-story building with 230 apartments and commercial space, as well as amenities like a fitness gym and rooftop pool.


These projects come as part of a broader wave of growth in Oceanside, with more developments already in the works, including a major redevelopment of the Oceanside Transit Center and additional luxury resort hotels. As the city continues to expand, these projects will play a significant role in meeting the growing demand for housing while enhancing the vibrant downtown atmosphere.


Both developments will include affordable housing units, contributing to the city's ongoing efforts to address its housing crisis. With more developments on the horizon, Oceanside's downtown is poised to become an even more dynamic hub for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.


Come back for weekly updates and events!


By Sydney Winstead July 11, 2025
SUMMER SPOTS YOU CAN'T MISS, AMSI PICKS!
By Sydney Winstead June 25, 2025
The Ultimate Guide to the Bay Area’s Most Anticipated Summer Restaurants
By Sydney Winstead June 19, 2025
Discover the beauty, convenience, and lifestyle that make Sonoma County a sought-after place to live.
By Sydney Winstead June 18, 2025
Weekly Roundup in SF
By Sydney Winstead June 12, 2025
Recipes of the Month: Tropical Shrimp Tacos & Mango Margarita
By Sydney Winstead May 20, 2025
Built in the Bay: Tracking San Francisco’s Growth and Transformation
By Jackson Salamunovich May 19, 2025
Celebrating Members of the AMSI Team! 
By Sydney Winstead May 12, 2025
Transform Any Space with Maker & Moss: Exclusive AMSI Savings Just for You!
By Sydney Winstead April 4, 2025
Should You Rent or Own? A Real-World Breakdown on a $1M Home
By Sydney Winstead March 24, 2025
Looking for a spot to soak up that Spring sun? We got you!
More Posts