Labor Day Weekend in San Diego

The end of summer is fast approaching, and some of us are scrambling around trying to catch the last rays of sunshine before the not-so-treacherous San Diego winter forces us into our version of hibernation.  We’re luckily as San Diegans because our winters aren’t that harsh, and sometimes a sunny day manages to bypass the cloud and gloom offering a gleam of hope for the return of those summery days of past.  Yet before we discuss the long colder months ahead (hard to imagine, since the last few days have been scorching hot!), we all have one last hurrah to celebrate before we say ado to the summer.

Labor Day weekend is straight ahead, and those who don’t want to travel far for the fun and games – San Diego is the perfect hotspot for those who are looking for a fun-filled weekend while staying close to home.  With so much to do with music festivals, art openings, good eats, and the exciting nightlife that only America’s Finest City can offer – be sure you make this Labor Day weekend one of the most memorable.

ART SAN DIEGO Contemporary Art Fair at Hilton San Diego Bayfront – 9/1 – 9/4

If you want to hone your artsy side this Labor Day weekend, September is Arts Month and the city of San Diego will be home to the third edition of ART SAN DIEGO Contemporary Art Fair.  With more than 60 leading galleries from the USA, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, the fair will exhibit work by over 500 artists.  The event opens on Sept. 1, with a VIP opening night affair that starts at 7:00pm-10:00pm.  But the fun doesn’t end there.  The VIP opening night event also hosts an ‘After Pool-Party,’ for those of you who’d like to end the night with a splash!  You can find more info at: www.artsandiego-fair.com

Identity Music Festival at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre – 9/2

Mark your calendars.  On Friday, September 2, Identity Festival presented by LED and Skullcandy, one of the most anticipated festivals year-round will be taking over Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre from 1:00pm to 11:30pm.  The venue will be transformed into an entirely new and exciting concert experience.  The Cricket Amphitheatre will be divided into multiple stages, featuring over 20 live performances and DJ sets that will be rotated throughout the night.  Headliners like Kaskade, Pretty Lights, Aeroplane, and LA Riots will be featured live.  General admission tickets start at $50, and on-stage VIP tickets are available starting at $400.  For more information, visit mylifeeveryday.com.

Ronnie Magro of Jersey Shore at FLUXX – 9/2

Head over to FLUXX Friday, September 2 to jumpstart your Labor Day weekend Jersey Shores-style.  Ronnie Magro will be hosting this Labor Day kickoff party, taking this already super-club venue to the next level.  Featuring beats by DJ Cobra, and 7,000 square-foot of open floor plan with a circular dance floor, interactive Go-Go dancers, DJs and an energetic crowd, discover San Diego’s FLUXX with Ronnie if you haven’t already explored one of our city’s finest nightclubs.

East Village Random Acts of Art – 9/3

From 1:00pm to 6:00pm, kick off Arts Month on September 3 at East Village Random Acts of Art.  The event provides a free, unique tour where local artists can gather and share their wares in East Village.   See, experience, and interact with local artists as well as connect with different businesses and restaurants throughout the area.  A portion of the art proceeds will benefit the nonprofit East Village Association for inner-community growth.

Ben Harper Concert at Del Mar Racetrack – 9/3

Enjoy a free live concert with Ben Harper on the Seaside Stage on Saturday, September 3.  Ben Harper’s debut performance in Del Mar will usher in a new season and will serve as an apt finale to the Del Mar Races and to the close of this year’s summer fun.  Don’t miss out on this live performance by an extremely talented singer-songwriter, who will be featuring hit songs like “With My Own Two Hands” and “Burn One Down.”  Concerts are free with racetrack admission, and will take place following the last Thoroughbred horse race of the afternoon.

The Great American Showcase in East Village – 9/4

San Diego is delegating its brand-new music festival, The Great American Showcase, the responsibility of bringing the best talents, food, and hand-crafted brews to you.  You just got to arrive in time to this 21 and up event, which takes place between 2:00pm-10:00pm Sunday, September 4^th.  The venue is located outside of El Dorado Cocktail Lounge in East Village, and will be featuring 15 different musical artists with performances spread out over two separate stages.  A portion of ticket proceeds will go to the Keep a Breast Foundation.  So don’t miss out on this great opportunity to have fun while supporting a great cause all at once!

House of Blues Labor Day Block Party – 9/4

San Diego’s House of Blues is rocking the house with performances all across the music spectrum from Hip-hop, Electro, House, Top 40, Reggae, and Soul.  The legendary music venue will be transformed into a one-stop destination where one ticket grants you full-access to the best DJs, dance party, and performances out there.  Tickets range from $10-20.  For more information, check out http://hobblockparty.com/

Photo Courtesy of Whartonds via Flickr