The weekend is finally here in San Diego, and you're ready to go out and have some fun. We've done the hard work for you and rounded top Free Things to Do in San Diego this weekend in our up-to-date San Diego Free Events This Weekend Calendar that covers the best free concerts (classical, jazz, pop, rock, opera), free comedy shows, art exhibitions (museum, galleries), free and cheap party and nightlife activities & things to do this weekend (this Saturday and Sunday) in San Diego and more.

WEEKEND

Saturday, Jan 17, 2026

  • Front Row Card Show
    FREE
    Front Row Card Show
    January 17 - January 18 @ 10am - 9pm

    Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108

    Front Row Card Show – San Diego Cards, Collectibles & Convention Weekend** San Diego collectors — this is one of the most anticipated card shows of the ...
  • Puppy Socials Near Me – Carlsbad’s Fun & Safe Puppy Playgroup
    FREE
    Puppy Socials Near Me – Carlsbad’S Fun & Safe Puppy Playgroup
    January 17 @ 10:30am - 11:30am

    Dogs On The Run, 3176 Lionshead Avenue #Suite 101, Carlsbad, CA 92010

    Puppy Socials Near Me – Carlsbad’s Fun & Safe Puppy Playgroup Supervised puppy play, socialization, and positive training for pups 8–16 weeks Event ...
  • Grand Opening At The Mesa
    January 17 @ 11am - 12:30pm

    6164 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115, USA

    🎉 GRAND OPENING WEEKEND AT THE MESA 🎉 College Area… it’s official. We’re celebrating the official Grand Opening of The Mesa Bar & Grill and turning the ...
  • Abstract Art Exhibit
    FREE
    Abstract Art Exhibit
    January 17 @ 4pm - 7pm

    Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104

    Space 4 Art is proud to announce a dynamic series of cutting-edge exhibitions, public programs, and community-engaged events to San Diego throughout 2026— an ...
  • Cork & Stem 2nd Birthday Party
    January 17 @ 6pm - 9pm

    1035 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA

    Join us as we celebrate another year of flowers, wine, and friends! We're turning 2!
  • Bargain Basement Discount Jokes - Free Stand Up Comedy Show
    FREE
    Bargain Basement Discount Jokes - Free Stand Up Comedy Show
    January 17 @ 7pm - 9pm

    St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 3725 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104

    Bargain Basement Discount Jokes Come join us for a night of laughs and good times at our in-person event, Bargain Basement Discount Jokes! Our talented ...
  • Bonfire Social Mixer! Make New Friends!
    FREE
    Bonfire Social Mixer! Make New Friends!
    January 17 - January 18 @ 7pm - 12am

    Ocean Beach, Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA 92107

    Follow us on Instagram to get your free promo code & Sign up on Eventbrite for free. Join us for a cozy and fun-filled Bonfire Social Mixer Night at Ocean ...
  • LGNDRY Group Presents: NOVA Saturdays!
    FREE
    Lgndry Group Presents: Nova Saturdays!
    January 17 - January 18 @ 10pm - 2am

    NOVA SD, 454 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

    THIS IS NOT A VALID TICKET -- THIS IS ONLY VALID AS YOUR NAME BEING ON THE RSVP LIST. Enjoy reduced entry through guestlist from 10PM - 10:45PM with each RSVP. ...

Sunday, Jan 18, 2026

  • Pomeranian Meetup!
    FREE
    Pomeranian Meetup!
    January 18 @ 11am - 1pm

    4045 30th St, 4045 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104

    Join us for a small dog and pomeranian meetup 11-1pm at Pure Pawsh in San Diego 4045 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
  • PAWS OUT: The Return
    FREE
    Paws Out: The Return
    January 18 @ 2pm - 7pm

    The Rail, 3796 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103

    PAWS OUT: The Return marks the comeback of Paws Out, a San Diego–based pup, queer, and kink social event focused on connection, visibility, and community. This ...
  • SOUND LOUNGE
    FREE
    Sound Lounge
    January 18 @ 4pm - 7pm

    Braveheart Barbershop & Lifestyle Co., 972 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109

    SOUND LOUNGE: an organic jam session with musicians/ singers/ etc. rotating out in real time. this session allows for live music to flow seamlessly while ...
  • A Seat At The Table
    FREE
    A Seat At The Table
    January 18 @ 5pm - 9pm

    Alchemy - Choose Thy Poison, 1932 Kearney Avenue #100, San Diego, CA 92113

    Free Entry Drinks and Music Jewelry for view and for purchase
  • Gays, Theys, and Baes Comedy Show!
    FREE
    Gays, Theys, And Baes Comedy Show!
    January 18 @ 6pm - 8pm

    Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Boulevard ##101, San Diego, CA 92116

    Grab your guys, gals, and non-binary pals for a hilarious night of comedy from the funniest LGBTQIA+ and ally comedians! Join us at the beautiful Clark Cabaret ...
  • Pitch, Please: A Musical Stand-Up Comedy Show
    FREE
    Pitch, Please: A Musical Stand-Up Comedy Show
    January 18 @ 6pm - 7:30pm

    Mic Drop Comedy, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92123

    Pitch, Please: A Musical Stand-Up Comedy Show Wait—music and comedy?!Pitch, Please is a one-of-a-kind Musical Stand-Up Comedy Show produced and hosted by ...
  • Stake Youth Mission and Temple Prep
    FREE
    Stake Youth Mission And Temple Prep
    January 18 @ 7pm - 8:15pm

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14211 Twin Peaks Road, Poway, CA 92064

    Mission and Temple preparation class for Juniors and Seniors in high school.

More Free Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego hosts a variety of ongoing sporadic and annual events on the weekends that cater to different interests. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of local farmers markets, cultural celebrations at street fairs, and spectacular fireworks displays and parades throughout the year. Discover Ongoing Weekly Events and Annual Festivals for Weekend Adventures.

Parks & Nature Reserves

San Diego is home to a variety of parks and nature reserves that offer free outdoor activities for visitors. Enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and breathtaking views at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve provides an opportunity to observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat. With its coastal cliffs and sandy beaches, Cabrillo National Monument offers both historical landmarks and beautiful natural landscapes for exploration.

Visitors can also explore Balboa Park's lush gardens, which feature over 350 plant varieties from around the world. Celebrate the beauty of nature while strolling through the scenic Japanese Friendship Garden or relaxing in the tranquil setting of the Botanical Building's lily pond.

Fireworks & Parades

Experience the excitement of San Diego's fireworks and parades as part of the city's captivating events lineup. From dazzling Fourth of July fireworks at beaches like Mission Bay to annual parades such as the Mother Goose Parade, there are plenty of free spectacles to enjoy.

Throughout the year, you can witness colorful displays lighting up the sky during special occasions and seasonal festivities in various neighborhoods across San Diego.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere while enjoying free entertainment for all ages at these vibrant community events. Gather with locals and visitors alike to celebrate holidays or simply soak up the festive spirit with your loved ones under a canopy of bursting colors overhead.

Stay in affordable accommodations

Look for budget-friendly lodging options to keep costs down during your visit. Seek out hostels, motels, or vacation rentals that offer competitive rates, allowing you to allocate more of your budget towards exploring San Diego's free attractions and activities.

Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer and major holidays.

Opting for affordable places to stay can help stretch your budget further, leaving room for enjoying the numerous free events and attractions across America's Finest City.



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