With fireworks displays, dance and a Fourth of July weekend protest, here’s what’s going on July 3-9
Find things to do this holiday weekend and early into next week.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrisey
Whether you want to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with fireworks displays or by participating in community protests, there’s lots happening around San Diego throughout the week. Here’s a roundup of events to check out from July 3 through July 9
July 3
Oceanside Fireworks and Drone Display: Oceanside hosts its free fireworks and drone show to celebrate the Fourth of July and the 137th anniversary of the city's incorporation on July 3, 1888. The evening includes a family fun zone with inflatables, lawn games, food trucks and live entertainment. Gates open at 4 p.m., fireworks begin at 9 p.m., SoCal Soccer Complex at El Corazon, 3300 El Corazon Dr., Oceanside CA 92054
July 4
US Military Stand Down! Protest: A coalition of local activist groups are holding a protest against U.S. military troops being deployed in California and overseas. Organizers are calling for service members and veterans in particular to join in the demonstration. 1 p.m., Memorial Community Park, 2975 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113
Big Bay Boom: Close out your Fourth of July celebrations with the Big Bay Boom, a free fireworks show paired with a musical simulcast on 91X FM radio. Launched from four different locations on the San Diego Bay, prime views for the show include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Marina District, Coronado Ferry Landing or while out on the water. 9-9:30 p.m., Multiple Locations
July 5
City Heights Swap Meet: The Southeast Art Team is hosting an all day swap meet at the Columbus Club in City Heights on Saturday. The day will include a community clean up, live jazz music, a summertime chili cook off, sip and paint, a karaoke contest, raffles and vendors, plus a glow in the dark party with free face painting from 7-9 p.m.
Entry is $5 and free parking is available. To sign up to volunteer or participate in the sip and paint, contests or as a vendor, register online. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Columbus Club, 4425 Home Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
KPOP Day at the San Diego Fair: Korean pop music fans can head to Paddock Stage at the San Diego County Fair on Saturday to celebrate all things KPOP with music and dance performances, food and vendors.
Held on the penultimate day of this year’s fair, the first ever KPOP Day will feature DJ sets by Okami, Rollintino, Alvinfabuloso, KuyaRich, DJ Dwin. There will also be KPOP dance performances by Aurea Dance Crew, CTRL.ALT.SD, XCENTRIC!SD, Marlene Baldonado, DIS:PLAY, SDSU KASA IGNITE, Haappy Daance and San Diego Korean Pungmul Institute. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Paddock Stage, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Force of July: Full Force San Diego dance crew hosts its third annual Force of July, a day full of dance battles, food, live music and vendors. The day will feature a 3 vs. 3 breaking battle and 1 vs. 1 footwork contest. Attendance is free for spectators. 1-7 p.m., 7960 Civita Blvd., San Diego, CA 92108
Fourth of July Salsa & Bachata Party: Continue holiday celebrations into the weekend with the Melómano Fourth of July Salsa and Bachata Party at Tango Del Rey. The event starts with a 1-hour salsa and bachata partner class at 8:30, followed by social dancing until 1 a.m. Cover is $15 and can be paid in cash at the door. 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St., San Diego, CA 92109
July 6
Hip Hop Bingo: Headed over to U-31 in North Park for a night of Hip Hop Bingo hosted by Speakerboxx with music by DJ HW. Instead of drawing random letters and numbers, guests can check off songs from their card when they hear them played throughout the night. Tickets can be purchased online starting at $35 and include a bingo card. 6:30 p.m., U-31, 3112 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
July 7
San Diego API Coalition Beach Cleanup: Join the San Diego Asian Pacific Islander Coalition for its monthly member meeting as the group participates in a beach cleanup with Paddle for Peace.
The coalition started in 2020 as a response to the rise in anti-Asian discrimination amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The group continues to advocate for support resources for Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the region. RSVP by emailing info@sdapicoalition.org. 5:30-7 p.m., Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, 301 The Strand N, Oceanside, CA 92054
July 8
Slow Flow Social Yoga: Let’s Go Girls San Diego is hosting a beginner-friendly vinyasa yoga class at New Motion Beverages in Miramar. The evening will begin with a 1-hour yoga class starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a social with a permanent jewelry pop-up with Tobru Jewelry. Registration is donation based and can be completed online. 6-8:30 p.m., New Motion Beverages, 8655 Production Ave. Ste. A, San Diego, CA 92121Pride Storytime ft. Lil Miss Hot Mess: Celebrate Pride with a family-friendly event at the Rancho Peñasquitos Library as drag performer Lil Miss Hot Mess reads from her latest book “Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen’s Guide to Color.” There will be a meet and greet with the author following the reading with an opportunity to win a free copy of her book. 6:30-7 p.m., Rancho Peñasquitos Library, 13330 Salmon River Rd., San Diego, CA 92129
July 9
Lets Go Girls Networking Event: Creatives and entrepreneurs are invited to join Let’s Go Girls San Diego for a networking night at Tiny Giant Taproom in Barrio Logan. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online. 6-8 p.m., Tiny Giant Taproom, 1985 National Ave #1132, San Diego, CA 92113
