Celebrate Independence Day with July 4th Events & Fireworks Displays this Long Weekend
With the 4th of July long weekend fast approaching, it’s time to figure out where you’ll be celebrating Independence Day and watching the fireworks this year.
We’ve put together a list of various public outdoor venues and attractions in and around San Diego that will be putting on fireworks displays and Independence Day events this year. Unless otherwise noted, the family friendly fireworks celebrations and activities will take place on Independence Day, Monday, July 4, 2011, with fireworks scheduled to start at around 9:00 pm.
One word of caution: with all the legal red tape and funding deficits surrounding the various local fireworks shows this year, many of the planned events remain in jeopardy of being cancelled. It is best to consult the venue’s website for the most up to date information before setting out for the event.
Port of San Diego: Big Bay Boom – Thousands of people are expected to come to downtown San Diego’s waterfront to see this spectacular fireworks display. Four fireworks barges will be placed strategically around Shelter Island, Harbor Island and the North and South Embarcaderos; premium viewing will be available from all of the Ports’ Parks around the northern and central San Diego Bay area, including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, Embarcadero Marina Parks North and South, Cesar Chavez Park and Coronado Tidelands Park.
SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks – One of San Diego’s most popular tourist attractions celebrates the 4th of July with an extra special, extended, fireworks display over the SeaWorld grounds. The celebration begins at 9:30 pm, with great views not only from within the Park, but also from Crown Point, Pacific Beach and the Mission Bay area.
Legoland California: Red, White and BOOM! Fireworks and 4th of July Celebration – As one of the largest fireworks demonstrations in San Diego’s North County and a perennial favorite with children, Legoland’s Fourth of July event promises a great time for the entire family with fabulous fireworks, fun family picnic games and amazing entertainment including special musical performances. The celebration lasts from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, with fireworks scheduled for 8:30 pm. All Red, White and BOOM! activities are included in the cost of admission to Legoland California.
San Diego County Fair: Fourth of July Events and Fireworks – What better place is there to spend Independence Day than at an all-American county fair? There will be plenty to do all day at the SD Fair on July fourth, culminating with the Fair’s traditional fireworks display and a special “free with Fair admssion” concert by REO Speedwagon immdiately follwing the fireworks display.
Escondido: Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks – This spectacular Fourth of July celebration draws in crowds as large as 25,000 to enjoy a festive afternoon of live entertainment, free art activities, games, food and a dazzling display in North County! Guests are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs to this event, which takes place in Grape Day Park.
La Jolla Cove Fireworks – A San Diego tradition for nearly 25 years, this event is in jeopardy of being snuffed out this year. Now that the court has given the event a green light, the next hurdle is securing funding for the event. At the time of publishing, the fireworks display is a “go,” however it is recommended that visitors check the website before setting out for the Cove for the most up to date information.
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June 30th, 2011
The RandomSanDiego.com Deal Finders are on the prowl. Take advantage of these deals and promo code for SeaWorld San Diego Fun Passes while they last:
SeaWorld San Diego’s Fun Card 2009 is a great deal if you plan on visiting the Park more than once in a year. For the same price as a full-price single day admission, you can purchase a 2009 Fun Card annual pass and return to SeaWorld for free for 2009! Fun Pass Members also have access to exclusive Member-Only events and promotions.
Are you a AAA Member?
AAA Members can purchase 2 Fun Cards One Low Price. AAA Members can get two Fun Cards for $119.00, which is less than the price of purchasing two full-price single day admissions to SeaWorld San Diego. Simply enter the Promo Code SWCAAAFunCard09 when purchasing your Fun Card online and you will be redirected to the AAA Members’ Page, through which you can purchase your Fun Cards at the discounted price. Note: You must purchase two Fun Cards to be eligible for the discounted price; there is a limit of 3 Fun Card two-packs per purchase; and valid AAA membership required to be eligible for this deal.
The fine print about the SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card -
The 2009 Fun Card is valid until December 31, 2009 with the exception of the following blackout dates: May 26, 2009, July 3 and 4, 2009 and September 6, 2009. (Fun Card members can pay just $25.00 for admission on a blackout date). The non-transferable, non-refundable Fun Card Pass is valid for admission to SeaWorld San Diego only and does not include parking, food, merchandise or guest discounts. Other restrictions may apply; check the website or call SeaWorld San Diego for more information or clarification.
Editor’s Note: Don’t pay the full price before checking out the latest deals in San Diego.
December 30th, 2008
It’s going to be a great week in San Diego! Halloween events are in full swing, including The Scream Zone, Haunted Trail and Haunted Hotel for adults and Boo at the Zoo, Pumpkins at the Park and SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular for the kids. Neil Young, Meat Loaf, Vince Gill and The Backyardigans perform; various Bridal Trunk Shows and Expos are underway and the Temecula Harvest Wine Celebration takes place over the weekend.
Wondering what concerts, theater and sporting events are happening in San Diego this week?
Here’s a list of random concerts, theater and sporting events happening in San Diego from October 27, 2008 to November 2, 2008.
[Click "Continue Reading" below to see a full list of this week's events]
HEADS UP:
Don’t miss out on the hottest concert of the year. Madonna is coming to Petco Park on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.
Random San Diego Concerts and Events : October 27 to November 2, 2008 more...
October 29th, 2008
With its laid back charm and great weather, Halloween in San Diego is a truly unique experience. This year in particular, it seems that the entire city has gotten into the spirit of Halloween (pun intended). Wondering what Halloween events are going on in and around San Diego this year? Read on for a list of random San Diego Halloween Events and Happenings:
Grown-Up Halloween Events:
Take a Tour of Whaley House; a Certified Haunted House - Considered to be one of the most actively haunted mansions in the world today, October at the Whaley House features exclusive guided tours and special after hours ghost hunts. Whaley House is located in San Diego’s Old Town.
Get Your Scare On at the Scream Zone at the Del Mar Scaregrounds - The House of Horror, Haunted Hay Ride and The Chamber await you at the Scream Zone. San Diego’s ultimate haunted attraction is filled with frightening scenes and screams; bold ghosts, ghouls and zombies; and terrifying thrills for those who dare to be scared. NOTE: This event is designed for a teen or older audience and is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old. Please exercise discretion when deciding whether to attend.
Check in to the Haunted Hotel in the Gaslamp District - The Haunted Hotel is the place where horror movies come to life. And every Halloween brings new, more frightening scenes. Check in to the Haunted Hotel for spine-tingling special effects and terrifying illusions that will leave you running to check out! NOTE: This event is designed for a teen or older audience and is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old. Please exercise discretion when deciding whether to attend.
Take a Walk in the Park - The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park is San Diego’s only all-outdoor haunted attraction. Make your way on a dark, scary trail, past graveyards and ghosts, menacing trees and spooky shadows and be on the look out for frightening haunts that may be lurking in dark! New this year is the Carnival of Carnage, a creepy Clown Maze that will have you screaming in terror! NOTE: This event is designed for a teen or older audience and is not recommended for children younger than 10 years old. Please exercise discretion when deciding whether to attend.
Party With the Freaks at the Monster Bash - San Diego’s ultimate Halloween Block Party, the Monster Bash takes over Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp District on Halloween Night. With three stages featuring non-stop live performances, a DJ stage, Go-Go Girls, no cover charge and drink and food specials at over 30 Gaslamp hot spots, night clubs, bars and restaurants, and a $3,000 cash prize for Best Costume, the Monster Bash is a night you won’t soon forget!
Do the Time Warp…Again! - For many, Halloween just isn’t complete without the Time Warp. The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to La Paloma Theatre for special Midnight Shows in October.
Kid-Friendly Events for the Family:
Visit a Pumpkin Patch - For a more “tame” family Halloween event, visit one of the many pumpkin patches in and around San Diego. Bates Nut Farm, located just north of San Diego is always a hit with the preschool set. Highlights at Bates Nut Farm include a straw maze, hayride, petting zoo, scarecrow and costume contests, and of course, a pumpkin patch!
Brick-or-Treat Trail and Brick-or-Treat Nights at Legoland, California - As you walk around Legoland this time of year, it quickly becomes apparent that the Master Builders love Halloween! Keep your eyes open for subtle and not-so-subtle Halloween themed Lego creations throughout the Park. Legoland also hosts safe trick-or-treating on the Brick-or-Treat Trail, and has added a new Halloween event, dubbed the Brick-or-Treat Party Nights, full of special Halloween events, entertainment and contests. The Brick-or-Treat Trail is open weekends in October; Brick-or-Treat Party Nights takes place on Saturday evenings in October.
Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego - Making its debut this year is a special Halloween inspired event at SeaWorld San Diego. Children are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy special Halloween performances, costumed characters (including Sesame Street characters!) and trick-or-treating among a sea-inspired atmosphere. Halloween Spooktacular takes place weekends in October and the first weekend in November.
Say “Boo” at the San Diego Zoo - Spend Halloween at the San Diego Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo program, a unique, safe, trick-or-treating event for the whole family. At Boo at the Zoo, guests can make their own trick-or-treat bag, then seek out goodies and meet some not-so-scary critters while strolling down Creepy Crawler Lane. Guests can also cast a web and catch a prize at the Spider Station, see and touch animal skulls and skeletons, and enjoy other family friendly activities. Costumes are encouraged!
Wild Animal Park’s Pumpkins at the Park - Also new this year is the Wild Animal Park’s Pumpkins at the Park event. The Wild Animal Park transforms into a safe, family friendly Halloween adventure with a trick-or-treating scavenger hunt, an Extinct Animal Graveyard, eerie entertainment, pumpkin decorating and scarecrow stuffing demonstrations, spooky animal encounters, a Conservation Cupcake Walk and Costume Contest. Oh, and the lions are pretty cool too! Pumpkins at the Park takes place the last weekend in October and the first weekend in November.
Haunted Birch Aquarium - Catch a glimpse of bioluminescence from the sea in the Hall of Fishes, journey down a pumpkin patch, have fun with water games, live music, snacks and trick-or-treating. Haunted Birch Aquarium takes place the last weekend in October.
Catch an Un-Scary Puppet Show - The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater in Balboa Park presents two Halloween inspired puppet shows: something’s funny about the magic potion conjured up by a witch who wants to change her ways in Witches Brew; and Tommy the Ghost needs your help getting ready for the big night in The Polka Dot Ghost.
Happy Halloween, San Diego!
October 15th, 2008
Brides: the Wedding Party Bridal Show takes place in La Jolla, Bridal Trunk Shows featuring designers Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Melissa Sweet and Amy Michelson take place at various bridal salons. Trick-or-Treaters: Halloween celebrations continue at Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego, and Carlsbad hosts its annual Pumpkin Plunge. Sports Fans: the Aztecs and Chargers play home games. Disney Fans: Disney on Ice skates into the San Diego Sports Arena. Movie-Buffs: the San Diego Asian Film Festival kicks off, new movies Body of Lies, Quarantine and City of Ember debut; and advance tickets to High School Musical 3: Senior Year are on sale along with a free HSM3 iTunes download offer.
Wondering what concerts, theater and sporting events are happening in San Diego this week?
Here’s a list of random concerts, theater and sporting events happening in San Diego from October 6, 2008 to October 12, 2008:
Monday, October 6, 2008:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008:
Wednesday, October 8, 2008:
Thursday, October 9, 2008:
Friday, October 10, 2008:
Saturday, October 11, 2008:
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Looking for the best deals on tickets to the hottest concerts, events and movies in San Diego?
October 6th, 2008
Celebrate Halloween at SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular. Kids are invited to come to SeaWorld in costume and enjoy family-friendly activities and special animal shows such as Sesame Street performances, enchanted pathways, colorful costumed characters and trick-or-treating. The Halloween fun is set amidst a sea-inspired atmosphere, which includes friendly sea witches, octopuses, schools of fish and more.
Highlights of SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular include:
Trick-or-Treat Sea Sweets - Come in costume and trick-or-treat among strolling flamingos, octopuses, fish and more. Use your Spooktacular map to guide you to 10 sea-themed stations located among some colorful, oversized octopus tentacles. (An assortment of candy and healthy treats will be provided.)
Meet the Animals - Meet the Trainers and many of SeaWorld’s favorite Animal Ambassadors. Get nose-to-nose with a vulture, alligator, snake, legless lizard, tarantula and more.
Spooktacular Shows - Don’t miss Clyde & Seamore’s Trick or Treat, a special Halloween-themed show, which will include parodies of Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video and spooky movies including Jaws and Scooby Doo.
Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween - Sesame Street’s Bay of Play live musical stage show features Count Von Count, Elmo and friends. After each show, kids can capture photos of their favorite Sesame character, enjoy interactive games and participate in a costume contest.
Pathway Encounters - Along the sea-inspired pathways guests will encounter an Octopus Candy Garden with brightly colored tentacles and candy treats. A variety of fun loving sea witches – Gummy Worm Wanda, Salt Water Taffy and Swedish Fish Susie – and other festive sea creatures will mingle and play with guests making their way through the Park. Fanciful flamingos, a flamboyant school of fish, an Anemone Man and Octopus Lady also will join in the Spook-tastic fun.
Main Gate Entertainment - Guests will be treated to photo ops with Sesame Street characters Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster. SeaWorld costume characters Pete and Penny Penguin and Shivers the Polar Bear also will be on hand to get everyone into the Halloween spirit.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular events are included with Park Admission. The Events will take place on the following dates:
- Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2008
- Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October12, 2008
- Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19, 2008
- Saturday, October 25and Sunday, October 26, 2008
- Friday, October 31, 2008 (Halloween Day)
- Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2, 2008
SeaWorld San Diego is located in Mission Bay at 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109.
Editor’s Note: Looking for great deals to SeaWorld San Diego? Get the scoop at: Random San Diego Deals, Discounts and Coupons : SeaWorld San Diego
October 2nd, 2008
High School Musical 3: Senior Year advance tickets are on sale along with a free HSM3 iTunes download offer; Free Kids Days allows free child admission to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park during the month of October; the Blue Angels return for the 2008 Miramar Air Show; new movie releases including Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and Blindess hit the silver screen; Santana, REO Speedwagon and Earth, Wind & Fire take the stage; and Halloween festivities begin at Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego.
Wondering what concerts, theater and sporting events are happening in San Diego this week?
Here’s a list of random concerts, theater and sporting events happening in San Diego from September 29, 2008 to October 5, 2008:
Monday, September 29, 2008:
Tuesday, September 30, 2008:
Wednesday, October 1, 2008:
Thursday, October 2, 2008:
Friday, October 3, 2008:
- MCAS Miramar Air Show 2008 (Marine Corps Air Station Miramar)
- The Swell Season (San Diego Open Air Theatre)
- America (Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay)
- Beverly Hills Chihuahua – New Movie Release (San Diego)
- Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist – New Movie Release (San Diego)
- Blindness – New Movie Release (San Diego)
- How to Lose Friends & Alienate People – New Movie Release (San Diego)
- Flash of Genius – New Movie Release (San Diego)
- An American Carol – New Movie Release (San Diego)
- High School Muscial 3: Senior Year – Advance Tickets & Free HSM3 iTunes Download
- Fashion Week San Diego 2008 (Downtown San Diego)
- Kids Free Days – Free Child Admission (San Diego Zoo)
- Kids Free Days – Free Child Admission (Wild Animal Park)
Saturday, October 4, 2008:
Sunday, October 5, 2008:
Looking for the best deals on tickets to the hottest concerts, events and movies in San Diego?
September 29th, 2008
Buy your tickets online for discounted multi-day admission to SeaWorld San Diego!
Now until September 30, 2008, SeaWorld San Diego is offering the following special for tickets purchased online:
- Adults (ages 10+) and Kids (ages 3 to 9) alike can enjoy a single-day admission to SeaWorld San Diego at the Kid’s price of $51.00 PLUS return to the Park during 2008 for a second visit for free.
Here’s the fine print:
- There is no promotion code for this offer; simply purchase your tickets online from the SeaWorld San Diego website.
- You must purchase and print your tickets online prior to your arrival at SeaWorld San Diego; this promotion is not offered at the ticket booth.
- You can use your “free second visit to SeaWorld San Diego” coupon any day through December 31, 2008, except for December 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2008; your visits do not have to be on consecutive days.
- The person whose name is listed on the eTicket must present the eTicket, along with photo ID, at any SeaWorld San Diego turnstile to be admitted to the Park.
- The eTicket is non-transferable, non-refundable, and not valid for same-day visits for two people, special events, or any other discounts.
For more information and to purchase your eTickets, visit the SeaWorld San Diego website.
Editor’s Note: Are you a AAA member? Check out these SeaWorld San Diego deals, discounts, coupons and promotions offered by AAA – these AAA promotions are especially cost effective if you are looking for multi-day admission deals.
July 9th, 2008
Planning a visit to SeaWorld San Diego?
The RandomSanDiego.com Deal Finders have found the following deals for SeaWorld San Diego:
NEW SeaWorld Deal (Updated October 2, 2008): During October, Fun Card members can upgrade their Fun Card to a Silver Passport good for a full 12 months from the date of purchase at a special price of $61.00 for adults and $51.00 for ages 3 to 9 – that’s less than the cost of a new Fun Card! Fun Card members can upgrade at any SeaWorld ticket booth or by phone.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Promotion:
Members of Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program (it’s free to join!), receive a 20% discount on a single-day admission to SeaWorld San Diego. Just show your Rapid Rewards membership card at the SeaWorld ticket window at the time of purchase in order to receive the discount. Tickets are valid for single-day admission only. You may purchase up to four discounted tickets with each card.
Honoring our Heroes:
Throughout 2008, any member of the Military (active duty, activated or drilling reservist), or National Guardsman and as many as three direct dependents may enter any one of Anheuser-Busch’s SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day free admission under the Here’s to the Heroes program. He or she need only register online or in the Entrance Plaza of participating parks, and show a Department of Defense (DOD) photo ID. As many as three direct dependents of military personnel may take advantage of the offer without their service member, though an adult must accompany minor dependents, and dependent ages 10 and over must present valid dependent I.D. This offer is valid until December 31, 2008.
Combination Packages:
Buy in bulk and save – it’s that simple. For a list of combination tickets and package deals to multiple San Diego Attractions, including SeaWorld, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park and many others, check out: Discounted Tickets to San Diego Attractions: How to Get the Most for Your Dollar.
AAA 100 Days of Summer Discounts:
Be a Kid Again - If you are a member of AAA (American Automobile Association), you can purchase Adult (ages 10+) single-day admission tickets to SeaWorld San Diego at the Kid’s admission price. Single-day admission tickets for Kids (ages 3 – 9) are half price. Other restrictions apply. Offer expires September 1, 2008. To take advantage of this discount offer, use promotion code SWCAAASmr08 when ordering tickets online or ask for the “AAA 100 Days of Summer” offer by phone or at the ticket booth. You may be asked to present your AAA card, so keep it handy!
Pay for A Day, Play for the rest of 2008 – AAA members may also purchase a SeaWorld Fun Card – good for unlimited visits for the rest of 2008 – for the cost of a full-price single-day admission. The Fun Card expires December 31, 2008 and is not valid for admission on May 25, July 4 & 5 or August 31, 2008. Other restrictions apply. Offer expires September 1, 2008. To take advantage of this discount offer, use promotion code SWCAAASmr08 when ordering tickets online or ask for the “AAA 100 Days of Summer” offer by phone or at the ticket booth. You may be asked to present your AAA card, so keep it handy!
July 4th, 2008
No visit to SeaWorld is complete without a photo or two (more likely a dozen or two, but who’s counting!) of the world’s most famous orca, Shamu.
For those who want to get an up close and personal shot with Shamu, SeaWorld is happy to oblige, for a fee. You will find an interactive photo opportunity just outside the Shamu Stadium, where you and your family can pose next to a model of Shamu. The cost for the souvenir photo ranges from $8.00 to $40.00, depending on the package you choose.
Or, you can head over to the other side of the Park, where you will find another plastic model of Shamu tucked away in an obscure and not-very-well-advertised corner. In fact, this little gem isn’t even on the Park map! Visitors are welcome to pose next to the whale and click away to their hearts’ content. There is even a little staircase behind the model which you can climb up to straddle the whale, so that it looks like you’re riding it!
It’s a perfect photo opportunity and best of all, it’s free! This plastic Shamu is located in Shamu’s Happy Harbor, near the Coco Loco Arcade Games.
Go ahead, save some money…more likely than not, you’ll need it to pay for lunch!
SeaWorld San Diego is located at 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109. For more information about SeaWorld San Diego, visit the Park website, or call 1-800-25-SHAMU (1-800-257-4268).
June 13th, 2007
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