ICONIC SUMMER IN SAN DIEGO WITH MILESTONE CELEBRATIONS
San Diego is rolling into summer 2024 with a star-studded lineup of milestone celebrations. More than 20 San Diego icons, including family attractions, award-winning dining gems, prestigious arts and culture institutions, historic facilities, popular events and parades are planning spirited anniversary festivities.
Numerous San Diego institutions, attractions, and events are commemorating major milestones this year, ranging from 5 years to 150 years of operation:
Anniversaries:
Fifth
The San Diego Seals, a professional box lacrosse team playing in the National Lacrosse League, began play in the 2018-2019 season and have advanced to the playoffs every year since their inception. They play their home games at Pechanga Arena.
La Jolla Music Society’s The Conrad
Opened in 2019, the award-winning Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, known as The Conrad, has quickly established itself as one of San Diego’s premiere performing arts venues, and its Baker-Baum Concert Hall as one of the best concert halls in the world
Cesarina Restaurant (Michelin Bib Gourmand) by Cesarina Mezzoni
Opened in February 2019, the restaurant located in Point Loma honors the Italian with a lineup of daily fresh pastas, regional Italian entrées, plentiful vegan options and a tableside dessert program inspired by culinary team’s ‘everything made in house’ credo.
Tenth
The Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant will embark on a bold new journey that honors a decade of culinary discovery and innovation within the San Diego community. For the month of August, the eatery will feature a constantly-rotating, $80 4-course prix-fixe menu; a carefully-curated exploration of San Diego’s hyper-local ingredients that showcases our kitchen’s culinary maturity and commitment to the community.
20th
Petco Park – America’s #1 Ballpark
In conjunction with Petco Park’s 20th Anniversary, the San Diego Padres completed a major renovation of Gallagher Square to better serve baseball, concerts and the community. Highlights include an improved playground, a fenced dog park, upgraded sports facilities, temporary Pickleball courts, public art displays, improved noise control, a new Tony Gwynn Terrace fan viewing deck, an upgraded entry gate, and leveled lawn seating. Amphitheater-style seating will enhance the view of concerts at Gallagher Square. I
In conjunction with Petco Park’s 20th Anniversary, the San Diego Padres completed a major renovation of Gallagher Square to better serve baseball, concerts, and the community. The highlights include an improved playground, a fenced dog park, upgraded sports facilities, temporary pickleball courts, and public art display. An amphitheater-style seating will also enhance the view of concerts held at the square.
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Named winner in the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for “Best Wine Festival,” the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is held every November, putting the national and international spotlight on the city of San Diego and its talented and passionate local chefs, farmers, fisherman, winemakers, and producers.
Since opening on June 7, 2004, the USS Midway Museum has become the most popular and visited naval ship museum in the world, attracting more than 20 million visitors. Proudly known as America’s Living Symbol of Freedom, the museum is commemorating its anniversary with the opening the most complex exhibit in its two-decade history. The “Midway Engineers – Service, Sacrifice and Every Day Life” exhibit is an immersive and dynamic experience focused on the aircraft carrier’s engineering department.
In April, the luxury hotel underwent a $26 million property-wide renovation and redevelopment, featuring historic touches masterfully blended with modern design, creating a refreshed experience with elevated guest rooms and suites, a new lobby and pool complex and upgraded meeting and group spaces.
25th
In March, the north coast theme park opened an all-new Dino Valley in honor of its 25th Birthday introducing an immersive prehistoric land with three rides, two new costume characters, and a build and play station.
35th
San Diego’s longest-operating brewing company will have a slate of events and promotions spread across the calendar year, including the release of its seasonal Oktoberfest beer for 35th year in a row.
The 2.6-million-square-foot facility, located along the waterfront in downtown San Diego, steps from the bustling Gaslamp District, was recognized by the Wall Street as the fourth best convention center in U.S. The Convention Center is estimated to be the site of 100 meetings and conventions in fiscal year 2024, which could have a regional impact of $1.78 billion.
40th
Mission Federal ArtWalk in Little Italy
Each April the free festival attracts locals and visitors to Little Italy, giving all an opportunity to meet more than 250 local, national, and international artists, and purchase art directly from the creators. The event boasts artists from every medium of art, including painting, sculpture, glass work, photography, fine jewelry and more. After browsing and purchasing one-of-a-kind works of art, attendees can enjoy four stages of live music, interactive art experiences, street food, family-friendly art projects at KidsWalk and more.
Anniversary of George’s at the Cove
To celebrate the milestone anniversary, the three-tiered ocean-view establishment will host a series in which several of its former cooks, who have become successful chefs, will present special tasting menus throughout the year.
50th
Held in July, San Diego’s Pride Parade is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the U.S, attracting over 300,000 cheering supporters of the LGBTQ community.
55th
The premier event for all things comics and related popular art, including movies, television, gaming, interactive multimedia, and so much more, will be held July 25 – 28, 2024. Attendees can enjoy unique programming, exclusive previews, and presentations, not to mention the expansive and diverse Exhibit Hall featuring merchandise and displays representing all fandoms.
60th
SeaWorld San Diego invites guests to experience the world of jellyfish in a new and interactive way with the debut of Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience. Starting this summer visitors can see striking habitats, from one of the largest jelly cylinders in the country to an iconic walk-through arch and a giant viewing wall
70th
San Diego’s official sales and marketing organization is responsible for promoting the region as the preferred vacation and meeting destination. In 2022, San Diego’s bustling tourism industry unprecedented regional economic growth with a total economic impact of $23 billion.
100th
In March, the cherished hub for music, dance, and comedy in the heart of the city, celebrated its anniversary filled with events
110th
Maritime Museum – San Diego Harbor Pilot Boat
The San Diego Harbort Pilot Boart is the oldest active pilot boat in the country.
150th
San Diego Museum of Natural History (The Nat)
The Nat is pulling out all the stops for a summer to remember for nature lovers. Featuring brand-new exhibits and films, special programs and activities, and extended hours, The Nat has something for everyone.
For more information on San Diego’s offerings, including exciting vacation packages and valuable coupons for attractions, restaurants and more, visit the San Diego Tourism Authority’s website at www.sandiego.org.
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