Your Guide to Labor Day Weekend Fun in San Diego Is Here

Don’t stress about what to do for the long holiday weekend cause your guide to family-friendly fun things to do in San Diego over Labor Day weekend is now live

The long holiday weekend is (literally) around the corner, and you might be brainstorming for family-friendly activities around SD that go beyond the usual suspects of splash pads and waterparks, playgrounds and parks, and going to the beach (although these beaches are our favorite if you’re looking for some recs). Don’t sweat it—from must-go movie nights to the annual swim at the pier event, we’ve sussed out the most fun and unique events around town that will keep you and your brood happy all the way through the long weekend.

Watch “Jaws” on IMAX
Sept. 2: There’s no better way to see this giant shark than on the giant IMAX screen. Event details.

National Cinema Day
Sept. 3: Go to the movies on National Cinema Day for just $3 per ticket. Major chains like AMC and Regal Cinemas, along with college campus theaters and some smaller independent theaters, are set to participate. Check the website to find a participating theater near you. Event details.

Wizard of Oz (1939)
Sept. 3: Enjoy the movie from a comfy Del Beach sand chair. $25/person.Enjoy the movie from a comfy Del Beach sand chair. $25/person.Summer movies begin promptly at 8pm, with doors opening at 7:30pm. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the nearby Beach + Taco Shack.Reservations are required. Please come prepared to stay warm. Event details.

See Hocus Pocus or Beetlejuice or Coraline Under the Stars
Sept. 3: Situated on the 4th floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, this location is an amazing spot to enjoy movies on a big screen under the stars. Doors open 60 minutes before the screening, allowing plenty of time to grab your headphones, select a seat and enjoy the Rooftop experience! Food and beverage will be available on site, as well as classic cinema concessions. Times vary. Event details.

Wynton Marsalis at The Rady Shell
Sept. 4: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis are coming to The Rady Shell! The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (JLCO), comprising 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today, has been the Jazz at Lincoln Center resident orchestra since 1988 and spends over a third of the year on tour across the world. Featured in all aspects of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s programming, this remarkably versatile orchestra performs and leads educational events in New York, across the U.S. and around the globe; in concert halls; dance venues; jazz clubs; public parks; and with symphony orchestras; ballet troupes; local students; and an ever-expanding roster of guest artists. Event details.

First Free Sunday Community Art Day
Sept. 4: Draw inspiration from bright colors, tongue-in-cheek humor, pop culture and found object artworks highlighted in Pop Smoke: A Veteran Art Exhibition and create shoes that POP! Add vibrant paint, whimsical bling, vintage fabrics, stickers, and retro tchotchkes inspired by pop culture to your own shoes or decorate shoes provided by OMA. All materials are supplied but bringing your own shoes to decorate is highly encouraged. This family friendly event is free along with admission to the museum. Just bring your imagination! Event details.

Movie on the Field
Sept. 5: Into the unknown we go! Join us on the field after the Padres game to watch Disney’s Frozen II. Your Theme Game package includes access to watch Frozen II on the field postgame and a ticket to the Diamondbacks vs. Padres game.Into the unknown we go! Event details.

Labor Day Pier Swim
Sept. 5: An Oceanside tradition marking the end of summer! Come swim the 1-mile course around the iconic Oceanside Pier. Event details.

More Things to Do in San Diego Labor Day Weekend

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Enjoy Labor Day at Campland on the Bay
Sept. 2-5: Come to a fun-filled Labor Day weekend with family-friendly activities and an events line up including Campland Rocks live entertainment, a giant water slide, dodgeball, arts & crafts and more. Event details.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Sept. 2-5: At seven minutes after midnight, Christopher’s detective work leads to an earth-shattering discovery as he bravely embarks on a deeply personal quest that upturns his world. Based on the international bestselling novel by Mark Haddon—which was inspired by a Sherlock Holmes tale—The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has won 7 Olivier Awards and 5 Tony Awards, including ‘Best Play.’ Event details.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar Make-A-Wish Ultimate Playhouse
Sept. 2-5: Wishes Start Here officially kick-offs at Fairmont Grand Del Mar with the launch of The Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse. This two-story custom-built playhouse was designed entirely by kids, for kids – the result of an ideation session with Make-A-Wish® children, it was tailored directly to their dreams, and brought to life in partnership with Charmed Playhouses. The playhouse will live at Fairmont Grand Del Mar this summer and you are invited to experience the magic firsthand. Advance reservations are required. Upon valet parking, please proceed to front desk to obtain a key for access to the playhouse area. Event details.

Rock Into the Evening at the San Diego Zoo
Sept. 2-5: Things get even wilder at the Zoo after dark! Join us, beat the heat, and celebrate summer during Nighttime Zoo at the San Diego Zoo. Come “rock and roar” this season with live music and other amazing entertainment experiences. Extend your adventure—stay with us for all of the fun and excitement that awaits! Event details.