Any festivals or inexpensive events June 19-22 2025

My husband and I will be visiting San Diego to see a baseball game at Petco Park and go to the boat show. I realize there is a farmers market on Saturday. Are there any other events going on that weekend? We will be staying downtown without a car.

Great question! Here are several events and festivals happening in or around San Diego from June 19–22, 2025, plus some inexpensive or free-ish things to do. Since you're downtown without a car, some are easier to reach than others — but there’s still a good variety.

  • San Diego International Boat Show (June 19–22): You already know about the boat show — great for maritime lovers and strolling the waterfront.
  • San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival (June 21–22): Held at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, this is a two-day music festival with smooth jazz artists, waterfront views, and food/wine vendors.
  • Into the Horizon Music Festival (June 21–22): A larger electronic/pop music festival happening at Waterfront Park with a lineup including The Chainsmokers and other big names.
  • Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off (June 22): A free-ish beachy street fair with live music stages, vendor booths, and a chili cook-off.
  • Samba Roots – Afro-Brazilian Journey (June 20): A cultural performance with music and dance at the Mingei International Museum; offers a more intimate and multicultural experience.

Other tips and low-cost options:

  • Parks After Dark: While the main free “Parks After Dark” program doesn’t start until later in the month (from June 27), it’s worth checking local rec centers in case similar late-evening community events are available near you.
  • Balboa Park: Even without a festival, Balboa Park is a great place to walk, enjoy gardens, and take in free or inexpensive museums. Locals often highlight its lawns, architectural beauty, and shady spots.

My recommendation given your downtown stay and schedule:

  • Go to the Boat Show (it’s already on your itinerary). Great waterfront walking, interesting exhibits, and a marine feel.
  • Attend one night of the Smooth Jazz Festival — it’s very much downtown-waterfront friendly.
  • On Sunday (June 22), check out the Ocean Beach Street Fair for a relaxed, local beach festival atmosphere. You may need to Uber, but the vibe is very San Diego and definitely “festival-y.”
  • If you want something cultural or quieter, the Samba Roots performance offers something different without huge crowds.

All in all, you’ve got a very good mix that weekend: the boat show, music, beach street fair, and local culture. With downtown as your base, transportation should be manageable via rideshare to most of these.


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