San Diego Events to Fill Your 2024 Calendar
2024 is shaping up to be an eventful year in San Diego, with new family-friendly attractions, anticipated restaurant openings, festival announcements and major sporting events on the horizon. Kick off your New Year’s resolution to “try new things”, or plan ahead to that much-needed vacation- and mark your calendars for a visit to San Diego and The Dana in the year ahead! Mark your calendars with these new and upcoming 2024 San Diego events below.
What’s In Store for ’24 at The Dana
The fun starts right here on Mission Bay, with plenty to look forward to onsite at The Dana on Mission Bay this year! Along with seasonal specials, holiday events, and fantastic offers on overnight stays- here are some of the updates and events on the radar for those of you considering a visit to our waterfront hotel in 2024.
- SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The Dana is Now RESORT FEE-FREE! – Exciting update for our guests- starting January 1st, 2024, The Dana is no longer requiring a nightly resort fee for overnight stays! Guests are welcome to amplify their stay with our new optional Advantage Bundle add-on fee, which includes perks like our SeaWorld shuttle, bike rentals, upgraded Wi-Fi access, and much more!
- Fitness February on Mission Bay: The Dana is proud to be a part of the Discover Mission Bay Collective — with whom we’re teaming up for a new six-part fitness series this February. Guests who participate in the entire series at all 6 of our neighborhood businesses, have a chance to win a free night’s stay!
- February 16th | 7pm: Unwind in a Restorative Yoga plus Sound Bath class here at The Dana, meant to promote deep relaxation and stress relief.
- February 17th | 8am: Kickoff your morning with Yoga in the Marina Garden
- The Big Game on the Bay (SuperBowl at Firefly): The Dana is the best place in town to check out the NFL championship. Join us at Firefly Eatery & Bar for drink specials, a big game-day menu, and all the football action that’s fit to splash onto a big-screen TV. More details to come!
- Valentine’s Day at The Dana: The most romantic holiday of the year is fast approaching and The Dana is ready to celebrate! We’re preparing to announce our romantic overnight stay specials, elegant dinner menu and special sips, that are sure to help you and your partner feel the love.
- Annual Easter Egg Brunch and Egg Hunt: We’re also in the planning stages of a bigger (and bunnier!) than ever Easter celebration. Details are forthcoming, but guests will absolutely be able to indulge in a special brunch menu at Firefly and a superlative spring egg hunt for the kids, complete with prizes, games and fun.
These are just a few updates in the works at The Dana on Mission Bay for 2024 — with our usual seasonal resort activities, various holiday happenings, and more to come. Make sure you’re following us on our social channels or signed up for our emails to be the first to hear of any more 2024 San Diego events!
May: Wonderfront Festival
Jump into a musical extravaganza at the Wonderfront Festival, which returns this year after a brief hiatus. This lively celebration showcases a diverse lineup of artists, bands, and performers across multiple stages, and genres, at Waterfront Park in Embarcadero. Expect chart-topping hits, emerging artists, fantastic food, and a great time soaking up the sun and sea breeze. No matter your reasons for attending, Wonderfront Festival promises a full schedule of music, entertainment, and camaraderie that celebrates the vibrant creativity and spirit of San Diego’s thriving music scene.
(Photo: @wonderfrontfest)
June: “Let’s Go Retro” at San Diego County Fair
Step back in time and embrace the nostalgia of yesteryear at the San Diego County Fair. The 2024 theme of “Let’s Go Retro” invites visitors to relive the iconic moments, trends, and memories of decades past. From vintage-inspired attractions and retro-themed exhibits to classic carnival rides and nostalgic performances, the San Diego County Fair promises a journey through time that celebrates the music, fashion, culture, and spirit of bygone eras. Whether you’re dancing to timeless tunes, indulging in retro-inspired cuisine, or exploring exhibits that pay homage to iconic moments in history, the San Diego County Fair offers a nostalgic escape that transcends generations.
July: Mission Bay Independence Day Fireworks Display
Kick off your summer with a bang at the Mission Bay Independence Day Fireworks Display on July 3rd, a spectacular celebration that lights up the night sky and honors America’s freedoms. Hosted by our Discover Mission Bay collective, this family-friendly 2024 San Diego event features a dazzling fireworks show set against the picturesque backdrop of Mission Bay, creating a mesmerizing display of colors, patterns, and “sky”-rotechnic artistry that illuminates the waterfront and captivates audiences of all ages with awe-inspiring displays. You’ll be able to enjoy the display right from your hotel room or while enjoying a meal at Firefly Eatery & Bar!
(Photo: @theoutsideway’s)
July: 2024 San Diego Comic-Con
Embrace your inner geek and join fellow pop culture enthusiasts at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, the ultimate extravaganza celebrating the worlds of comics, movies, television, gaming, and more. With a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests, exclusive sneak peeks, interactive panels, and immersive experiences, San Diego Comic-Con promises a thrilling adventure that ignites the imagination, inspires creativity, and fosters a sense of community among fans from around the globe. Attend Q&A sessions with industry insiders, explore the expansive exhibit hall filled with exclusive merchandise and collectibles, and marvel at the cosplayers dressed to the nines as their favorite heroes.
July: Over The Line World Championships
Experience the excitement of Over The Line (OTL) as the 2024 World Championships descend upon San Diego, showcasing the fast-paced, action-packed sport that combines softball, beach volleyball, and a dash of irreverent humor. Hosted by the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC), the OTL World Championships invite teams from around the world to compete for glory, bragging rights, and the coveted championship title in a tournament that embodies the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and community.
July: San Diego 2024 Pride Parade and Festival
Celebrate love, diversity, and equality at the San Diego 2024 Pride Parade and Festival, a vibrant event that honors the LGBTQ+ community’s spirit of inclusivity, acceptance, and unity. Organized by San Diego Pride, this annual event invites participants to march, dance, and celebrate through the streets of Hillcrest, culminating in a massive festival — one that features live music, entertainment, food vendors, and community resources. SD Pride is committed to promoting awareness, education, and advocacy. So join the fun, and help foster a warm sense of pride among participants and spectators alike.
November: Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Experience the thrill of horse racing at the Breeders’ Cup. At this annual equestrian event, the world’s top thoroughbreds converge upon the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for two days of exhilarating races, prestigious competitions, and high-stakes excitement. It’s a must-attend event for seasoned racing enthusiasts, casual spectators, and anyone looking to experience the glamor and excitement of one of the sporting world’s premier events. The Breeders’ Cup promises a weekend of unparalleled excitement, drama, and spectacle that showcases the athleticism, skill, and beauty of the world’s finest racehorses.
October: San Diego Kids Free Month
One of our most anticipated 2024 San Diego events takes place in October, and brings 31 big days of celebrating family fun with San Diego Kids Free Month! Treat your youngest family members to a host of complimentary activities, attractions, and special offers that cater to children of all ages, all across town. Experience everything from interactive workshops and educational exhibits to outdoor adventures and hands-on experiences. Visitors and locals alike will explore aquatic wonders at SeaWorld San Diego, embark on educational harbor cruises, discover marine life at Birch Aquarium, and much, much more. Each year, The Dana on Mission Bay participates with a “Kids eat Free at Firefly Eatery & Bar with purchase of adult meal” all month long as well! Stay tuned for more, as Kids Free Month offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories and foster a love for learning, exploration, and adventure.
December: Mission Bay Parade of Lights
Ring in the holiday season with the Mission Bay Parade of Lights, a beloved tradition that illuminates the waterfront with a dazzling display of decorated boats, festive lights, and holiday cheer. Hosted by Discover Mission Bay, this nautical-themed celebration invites boaters and spectators alike to witness a flotilla of vessels adorned with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and seasonal motifs that celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Last year’s event took place here at The Dana, with various festivities and specials available to locals and hotel guests alike. Join us this year for another magical evening sure to get you in the holiday spirit!
Stay and Play at The Dana
The 2024 San Diego events calendar is brimming with excitement, adventure, and unforgettable experiences that cater to every interest and age group, and The Dana invites you to embrace the spirit of celebration that defines our iconic destination. When you’re ready to start planning, take a look at our Special Offers page to select the San Diego travel deal that’s right for you. Then mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and prepare for a year of excitement, adventure, and unforgettable memories in “America’s Finest City”!