Weekend Fun: Sea Fairs, Street Festivals and More- 9/14-9/16

Brought to you by SoCal Kids San Diego.

Check out these family-friendly events and activities happening this weekend in San Diego! To find more kid-friendly fun, head on over to SoCal Kids San Diego, a website dedicated to keeping parents in-the-know about family-friendly events and activities in San Diego. They also offer a free monthly e-newsletter that highlights local people, places, and events.

This is the 48th year of San Diego Bayfair at Mission Bay. And for the first time, the vendor village will be open to the general public for free. Wanting to give people the opportunity to check out what the festival is all about, the folks at Bayfair opened it up so families could enjoy live music, food, a kids’ zone, and more. Music starts at 1 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The boat racing competition requires a ticket, which costs $20 for a single-day pass and $45 for a three-day Super Pass. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit San Diego Bayfair.

Soccer Shots East County San Diego is once again offering their free demo days. Soccer Shots is a nationally recognized program that teaches soccer to children ages 2 through 8 with a light-hearted, fun approach. The children don’t even realize they are becoming athletes because they are too busy running around, playing the games and just being kids! For their complete schedule, visit Soccer Shots. Upcoming free demo days include Sept. 15, 18, and 22.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

San Diego Bayfair: Featuring more than a dozen classes of professional boat racing, musical entertainment, festival vendors, kids’ zone and a specialty food village. Mission Bay (thru Sept. 16). Price: Boat racing $20-$45; children under 12 free; Festival is free. Read More…

Too Tall Tony: A story about Tony the cowboy. Is he too young to own a horse? Can he prove his father – and the kids who tease him because of his height – wrong? Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre. Two shows: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Price: $4/$5.

Toddler Time: A themed romp through the Arts Education Center, featuring fun art making activities that build motor skills. Recommended for ages 3 and under. The New Children’s Museum. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Price: Included with admission ($10).

Sign4Baby 5 Year Celebration: Baby sign language expert, Joann Woolley, is celebrating five years of teaching parents and their kids sign language. And she’s celebrating with Hullabaloo, Kathryn the Grape, games, treats, raffle, and more. Kid Ventures in Pacific Beach. 12-3 p.m. Price: $12/$8.

Hobo Campfire Sing-a-long: Join pioneers and cowboys around the campfire while you roast S’mores, and sing traditional campfire songs the entire family can enjoy! Old Poway Park. 7-8:30 p.m. Free.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

San Diego Heart Walk & Expo: 5K and 1-mile walk celebrates success stories of heart disease and stroke victims. Expo features music, Pet Zone, Kids Zone, heart-healthy foods, and educational material. Balboa Park. 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Price: Pledges.

Free Family Yoga: Join UrbanSitter for a morning of free family yoga! All ages are welcome! Mission Bay. 9 – 10:15 a.m. Free.

Photo c/o Soccer Shots

Soccer Shots Free Days: Soccer Shots will be hosting a free demo day at Vista Grande Upper Field in Tierrasanta for children age 3-10. Vista Grande Tierrasanta. 9-10 a.m. Free.

Fleet Week Sea Festival: Climb aboard US Navy ships and explore other military static displays and chat with Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Naval Base San Diego (also Sept. 16). 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free.

Mira Mesa Street Fair: Enjoy entertainment on two stages, a carnival, children’s crafts and games, free rock painting, vendors, food, and more. Camino Ruiz in Mira Mesa. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission.

Rendezvous in Poway: History comes to life as you walk back in time to the 1820-1890’s. Meet Mountain Men, Cowboys, view demonstrations, interact with historical encampments, pan for gold, and more. Old Poway Park. (also Sept. 16) 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission.

Coronado Art Walk: Painting, hand crafted jewelry, photography, ceramics and other mediums will be featured. Plus art activities for both children and adults. Coronado Ferry Landing (also Sept. 16). 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free admission.

Spring Valley Library Fiesta: Enjoy free entertainment, refreshments, and activities at the 7th annual Spring Valley Library Fiesta, a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Spring Valley Library. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free.

SEA Days: Peer at the important accomplishments of Scripps scientists through time with hands-on activities. Test top-of-the-line digital camera equipment inside the aquarium (please bring your own photo storage card). Birch Aquarium. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Price: Included with admission ($9.50-$14).

San Diego Praise Fest: Featuring live performances, an open-air marketplace, a Kids Zone with free rides and interactive games, an Education Row, Food Court, and more. Federal Blvd. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission.

Treasure Island Voyage Pirate Festivities: Kids ages 3 to 10 will enjoy a treasure hunt plus face painting, magic tricks, balloon animal making, interactive games on Smartboard, a bounce house, and more. Smart Kids Time. 4-6 p.m. Price: $15 per child.

Family Movie Night in the Park: An outdoor movie presentation of the classic, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971 version) plus activities in the Fun Zone. Stagecoach Community Park. 5-9:30 p.m. Price: Movie is free, Fun Zone $5.

A Harvest of Stories: You’ll be entertained by a cornucopia of tellers with tales of nature and the seasons. Recommended for ages 9 and over. Mission Trails Regional Park. 6-8 p.m. Free.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Poway Days Festival: This family friendly street fair will feature over 150 vendors, a food court, an interactive kids zone, live entertainment and more. Midland Road. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free admission.

Photo ©2011 Kathie Zaccaria

Ranger Led Hike: Learn about the local flora, fauna, and maybe even a little Julian history! William Heise Park. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Price: $3 day use fee.

Family Sunday: Children and families can explore their colorful exhibitions of folk art, craft and design, and win a prize for completing the Treasure Hunt! Mingei International Museum. 12-4 p.m. Price: $5/family, $3/individual.

Families Make History: free hands-on experiences that highlight a certain era of San Dieguito history. San Dieguito Heritage Museum. 12-4 p.m. Free.

Family Drop-In Days: Recommended for families with children 6-12 years, this program encourages participants to explore and learn about the art on view through interactive games, child-friendly tours and art making. San Diego Museum of Art. 1-3 p.m. Price: Included with admission ($4.50-$12).

Sunday Lawn Programs: The House of Austria will showcase their specialties of Austrian fare. International Cottages, Balboa Park. 2-3 p.m. Free.

Village Vibes Concert Series: Enjoy live music by Latin Paradise. Memorial Park Bowl. 4-6 p.m. Free.

*It’s always a good idea to check with the venue before heading out as cancellations, postponements, and date/time changes do occur on occasion.

About SoCal Kids San Diego
SoCal Kids San Diego was founded by Kathie Zaccaria, an East County Mom dedicated to providing families all over San Diego with events and activities that are kid-friendly. From science to festivals, concerts to crafts – SoCal Kids San Diego aims to be your one-stop-shop for family fun!

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Tags: community connections, crafts, educational, entertainment, events, fairs and festivals, Kathie Zaccaria, SoCal Kids San Diego

Category: Food and Fun, Guest Bloggers