Your Ultimate San Diego County August 2025 Events & Real Estate Guide

North County Real Estate with Natalya
Jul 31
6 min read

Looking to make the most of August in San Diego County—and maybe discover your next neighborhood? From back-to-school drives and cultural celebrations to outdoor adventures and weekly farmers markets, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with the community. As you explore these happenings, keep San Diego real estate possibilities in mind—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply scouting for future opportunities.

Annual August Highlights

Back to School Month A tradition since the 1960s that helps students, parents, and teachers gear up for the new academic year with shopping events, resource fairs, and motivational programs.
National Black Business Month Celebrates and supports Black-owned enterprises across the U.S., highlighting their economic impact and encouraging community patronage.

Community Drives & Free Days

Back-to-School Drive (7/25 – 8/25)
Council member Stephen Whitburn’s initiative to collect school supplies for children and teachers in Council District 3, ensuring every student starts the year fully equipped.
Free Entrance to National Parks (8/4)
In celebration of the Great American Outdoors Act anniversary, all National Parks waive entrance fees—perfect for family outings and outdoor adventures.
National Night Out (8/4)
A nationwide campaign fostering police-community partnerships through neighborhood block parties, safety demonstrations, and meet-and-greet events.
Women’s Equality Day (8/26)
Marks the 19th Amendment’s passage and spotlights ongoing efforts toward gender equality with programs in libraries, workplaces, and public venues.

Special Events

Ramona Country Fair (8/1 – 8/3; Fri 4 pm–10 pm, Sat & Sun 11 am–10 pm)
A three-day family festival featuring live music, carnival rides, cornhole contests, an off-road show, and artisan vendors at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center.
San Diego Military Summit ’25 (8/5; 8 am–6 pm)
An all-day conference uniting transitioning service members, military families, support organizations, and employers for workshops, keynotes, and networking.
Tiki Oasis (8/6 – 8/10; various times)
The world’s largest celebration of tiki culture, with live music, pool parties, fashion shows, educational seminars, and handcrafted tropical cocktails.
Hillcrest CityFest (8/10; 12 pm–11 pm)
San Diego’s premier arts and music festival spanning nine city blocks, featuring live bands, DJs, artisan booths, and culinary delights.
53rd Annual Barona Powwow (8/29 – 8/31; various times)
A free Native American cultural gathering showcasing contest dancing, drumming, craft vendors, and a fun-run 5K at the Barona Sports Complex.

Summer Fun Highlights

20th Anniversary Cardiff Dog Days of Summer (8/3; 10 am–3 pm)
A free dog-centric event in Encinitas Community Park with ice-cream eating contests for pups, rescue group booths, fire-dept demos, and vendor stalls.
Dockside Night Market (8/7; 7 pm–10 pm)
A one-night culinary festival on Tuna Dockside Pier featuring top chefs, fresh seafood, craft drinks, and live music steps from the working waterfront.
Summergrass San Diego 2025 (8/15 – 8/17; see site for schedule)
Bluegrass festival at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum with regional and national acts, workshops, and jam sessions.
Ramona Rodeo (8/21 – 8/23; various times)
Traditional rodeo competition with barrel racing, bull riding, roping events, and family fun at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center.
Encinitas Taste of MainStreet (8/26; 5:30 pm–8:30 pm)
Culinary showcase along South Coast Highway 101 featuring sample-sized dishes from the best local restaurants and cafes.
Exotic Bird Mart (8/3; 10 am–3 pm)
Trade show for bird enthusiasts at Portuguese Hall, offering parrots, conures, accessories, and educational seminars.
Chula Vista Lemon Festival (8/16; 11 am–6 pm)
Honors Chula Vista’s citrus heritage with live music, cooking contests, family activities, and a wine & beer garden downtown.
San Diego Home Show (8/16 – 8/17; Sat 10 am–7 pm, Sun 10 am–5 pm)
Home improvement expo at the Convention Center featuring professionals, interactive demos, and renovation ideas.

Festivals & Expos

International Kids’ Film Festival (8/22 – 8/24; various times)
Family-friendly film screenings, panels, and award ceremonies in Carlsbad, El Cajon, and Oceanside.
17th Brazilian Festival (8/23; 1 pm–10:30 pm)
Cultural celebration at Waterfront Park with Brazilian art, crafts, culinary experiences, and live music performances.
Vista Rod Run (8/31; 9 am–2 pm)
Classic car and vintage truck showcase downtown Vista, complete with trophies, live music, and specialty vendors.

Sporting Events

Balboa Park 8 Miler (8/2; 7 am)
One of the nation’s oldest road races, winding through scenic Balboa Park—limited to 2,000 participants.
Summer Night Fishing 2025 (8/7 & 8/22; 5 pm–11 pm)
Evening fishing events at Santee Lakes for anglers of all ages, complete with lantern-light ambiance.
48th Annual World Bodysurfing Championships (8/16 – 8/17; 6:30 am)
International competition at Oceanside Pier crowning men’s and women’s champions across age divisions.
2025 CVC San Diego Triathlon & 5K (8/17; various start times)
Multi-race event on the Chula Vista Bayfront offering triathlon, sprint duathlon, and 5K options.
America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K (8/17; 6:10 am)
Scenic coastal course from Point Loma to Balboa Park, perfect for both first-timers and seasoned runners.
18th Annual Bike the Bay (8/24; 6:30 am)
Ride across Coronado Bay Bridge and through South Bay communities, finishing with a festival at Embarcadero Marina Park South.

Weekly Farmers Markets

Sunday

Chula Vista (10 am–2 pm) • 300 Park Way
City Heights (9 am–3 pm) • 4325 Wightman St.
Escondido (9 am–1 pm) • NW corner of Woodward Ave & N. Escondido Blvd.
Hillcrest (9 am–2 pm) • University Ave between Herbert St & Park Blvd
La Jolla (9 am–1 pm) • Girard Ave & Genter St.
Leucadia (10 am–2 pm) • 185 Union St.
Point Loma (Liberty Station) (9 am–2 pm) • Along Loma Cumberland Rd
Rancho Santa Fe (9:30 am–2 pm) • 16079 San Dieguito Rd.
Santa Ysabel (11 am–4 pm) • 21887 Washington St.
Solana Beach (12 pm–4 pm) • 444 S. Cedros Ave.

Saturday

Cardiff (10 am–2 pm) • 3333 Manchester Ave.
Del Mar (12 pm–4 pm) • 1050 Camino Del Mar
Fallbrook (9 am–1:30 pm) • 100 S. Main Ave.
Little Italy Mercato (8 am–2 pm) • West Date St.
Mission Valley (8:30 am–12 pm) • 7960 Civita Blvd.
Poway (8 am–1 pm) • Old Poway Park
Ramona (7 am–1 pm) • 424 Letton St.
San Diego (Apr–Sept) (8 am–3 pm) • 43rd & Newton Ave.
Santa Ysabel (11 am–4 pm) • 21887 Washington St.
Vista (8 am–12 pm) • Melrose Dr., south of Hwy 78

Monday

Escondido (3 pm–7 pm) • 8860 Lawrence Welk Dr.

Tuesday

Coronado (2:30 pm–6 pm) • 1st St & B Ave.
Escondido (Jun–Sep) (2:30 pm–7 pm) • 200 N. Juniper St.
Mira Mesa (3 pm–7 pm) • 10510 Reagan Rd & Mira Mesa Blvd.
Otay Ranch (4 pm–8 pm) • Birch Rd & Eastlake Blvd.
Pacific Beach (2 pm–7 pm) • Bayard & Garnet
San Marcos (3 pm–7 pm) • 250 North City Dr.

Wednesday

Carlsbad (2:30 pm–7 pm) • 2900 State St.
Little Italy Mercato (9:30 am–1:30 pm) • West Date St.
Ocean Beach (4 pm–8 pm) • 4900 Newport Ave.
Ramona (4 pm–8 pm) • 421 Aqua Ln.
Santee (Mar–Oct) (3 pm–7 pm) • Carlton Hills Blvd & Mast

Thursday

Linda Vista (2 pm–7 pm) • 6931 Linda Vista Rd.
North Park (3 pm–7:30 pm) • North Park Way & 30th St.
Oceanside (9 am–1 pm) • Pier View Wy & Hwy 101
Ramona (4 pm–7 pm) • 7th St & B St.
Rancho Penasquitos (4 pm–7 pm) • (various central locations)
San Diego (Apr–Sept) (8 am–3 pm) • 43rd & Newton Ave.
Scripps Ranch (3:30 pm–7:30 pm) • 10045 Carroll Canyon Rd.

Friday

Downtown (3 pm–7:30 pm) • 655 Columbia St.
La Mesa (3 pm–7 pm) • La Mesa Blvd between Palm & 4th
Rancho Bernardo (9 am–1 pm) • Bernardo Winery
San Diego (2 pm–6 pm) • 734 Wilshire Rd.
San Diego (Apr–Sept) (8 am–3 pm) • 43rd & Newton Ave.

Why August Is a Prime Time for San Diego County Real Estate

High community engagement. Events draw crowds—ideal for hosting open houses and networking.
Back-to-school relocations. Families touring homes in August often buy to settle before the school year.
Seasonal curb appeal. San Diego’s summer blooms and golden-hour light showcase properties at their best.