Mission Bayfest 2026 at Mariner’s Point
Bask in 75-degree bayside sunshine with top reggae, hip-hop, and coastal vibes right along Mission Bay. Waterfront food trucks and craft beer on tap throughout the afternoon.
music-festivalbaysideoutdoor
For friend groupsThings to do in San Diego with friends this weekend (Oct 16–18)
This weekend in San Diego: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 6 dated events
What's on in San Diego, CA this week — the spots locals are packing, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans worth texting the group chat about.
14 hand-picked things to do in San Diego, CA right now · 6 with confirmed dates
Photo: Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash
How we pick spots for a group
- Buzzy, higher-energy rooms that take a crowd
- What's on right now over evergreen tourist stops
- Bookable tables and shared plates a group can split
🎉 Happening Today
Events and things to do tonight
Bonnie Raitt Live at The Rady Shell
Catch the blues and Americana legend outdoors on San Diego Bay. Enjoy acoustic perfection and skyline views with cool evening bay breezes.
live-musicwaterfrontconcert
Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy Tour
Stand-up comedian Dusty Slay brings his relaxed southern storytelling and high-energy crowd work to Downtown's historic 1924 vaudeville palace.
comedynightlifedowntown
Plan a friends trip to San Diego, CA
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three San Diego, CA trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.
🍳 Eat & Drink
Buzzy new tables and weekend rituals
À L'ouest
Trust Restaurant Group's striking brasserie on University Avenue features a sunlit wraparound patio, wood-fired seasonal seafood, and a list of over 30 original aperitifs.
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Fleurette
Chef Travis Swikard's Côte d'Azur concept inside La Jolla Commons showcases olive-oil emulsions, delicate crudo, and sunlit garden seating under glass pergolas.
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Morning Glory
Famous for soufflé pancakes and pork belly fried rice, this pink-hued Piazza della Famiglia perch is prime for a Saturday morning post-farmers-market brunch.
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🌊 This Weekend in San Diego, CA · Oct 16–18
Curated picks for Saturday & Sunday
Begin Again at The Old Globe
Spend Sunday afternoon under the eucalyptus canopies of Balboa Park before heading into the Tony-winning Old Globe for an afternoon matinee production.
theaterculturebalboa-park
Mission Bayfest Sunday Finale
The closing day of Mission Bayfest delivers sun-drenched coastal rhythms, local craft beverages, and sunset views over Mariners Point.
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Compositions: An Evening of Katie Jenkins
Award-winning Welsh composer and multi-instrumentalist Katie Jenkins takes the stage for a rich orchestral and contemporary acoustic showcase.
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Coastal Bluff Hike at Torrey Pines
October delivers clear skies and peak 68°F ocean water without the midsummer marine layer. Walk the Guy Fleming Trail loop past rare Torrey pines with sweeping Pacific panoramas.
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✨ New & Notable
Fresh exhibits and seasonal highlights
Elephant Valley at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The Safari Park's newest multi-acre savannah habitat brings visitors eye-level with walking herds. Plus, October features free admission for kids 11 and under throughout the park.
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Bacari North Park
The Venetian-style wine bar occupies a transformed two-story heritage building, pairing wood-fired Mediterranean shareable plates with rotating small-batch global wines.
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🚗 Quick Escape
Easy weekend getaways within 2–3 hours
Apple Harvest & Gold Country in Julian
Drive 75 minutes east into the Cuyamaca Mountains where crisp mountain air and autumn foliage take over. Pick heirloom apples at Volcan Valley Apple Farm, grab hot Dutch apple pie slices fresh from Julian Pie Company, and hike the pine ridge trails at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
day-tripautumnmountains
Baja Wine Country in Valle de Guadalupe
Cross at Tecate or Tijuana for a scenic 90-minute journey into Mexico's premier wine valley. Sip natural nebbiolo on the open deck at Monte Xanic, savor wood-fired garden dining under olive trees at Finca Altozano, and rest overnight at an eco-loft overlook.
wine-countryweekend-getawayfoodie
Ready-made San Diego, CA itineraries
Ready-made plans for San Diego, CA, written out in full and built from real local spots — start from one instead of a blank page.
Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in San Diego, CA with friends?
Group-friendly highlights in San Diego, CA right now include Mission Bayfest 2026 at Mariner’s Point, Bonnie Raitt Live at The Rady Shell, and Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy Tour. WonderKit updates this guide daily so plans stay current.
Where do locals go out in San Diego, CA?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists buzzy restaurants and bars in San Diego, CA — the spots locals are actually packing this week.
Where's the best nightlife in San Diego, CA?
Check the sections above for current events, buzzy bars, and weekend plans in San Diego, CA worth texting the group chat about.
Plan a friends trip to San Diego, CA
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three San Diego, CA trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.