News Summary
San Diego is set for a lively weekend featuring Major League Pickleball playoffs, the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, and the Lemon Festival. The playoffs will showcase professional athletes, while the film festival highlights young filmmakers. Additionally, the Lemon Festival offers entertainment and family activities, along with a sky festival celebrating the Perseid meteor shower. Anjelah Johnson-Reyes will perform comedy, and there will be an outdoor screening of ‘La Bamba.’ This weekend promises exciting experiences for all attendees.
San Diego is gearing up for an exciting weekend featuring a variety of events, including the first-ever Major League Pickleball playoffs, the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, and the annual Lemon Festival. From sports to arts to a family-friendly atmosphere, there’s something for everyone from Friday, August 15, through Sunday, August 17.
The highlight of the weekend will be the Major League Pickleball playoffs, taking place at the Barnes Tennis Center. The tournament will run from Friday to Sunday, with matches starting at 9 a.m. on Friday and Sunday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Professional players such as Gabriel Tardio and Jorja Johnson, who have both achieved significant success this season, will be competing. Tickets for the playoffs range from $25 to $750, and food and drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.
Another exciting event is the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, celebrating its 21st year. This annual festival focuses on showcasing short films and animations created by youth filmmakers. The festival is set to take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Neil Morgan Auditorium and offers free admission. Notable films being showcased include “Super Human Anxiety” by Ashley Maria and “Life After the Storm” by Hailey Johnston, along with interactive workshops for attendees.
Taking place concurrently on Saturday is the 28th annual Lemon Festival, which will be held in downtown Chula Vista from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The festival promises a lively atmosphere with live entertainment, numerous arts and crafts vendors, a special area for children, and a variety of food and drink options.
Also happening on Saturday is a sky festival organized by the San Diego County chapter of DarkSky International. This event is designed to celebrate the Perseid meteor shower, allowing participants to engage with educational exhibits and telescope viewing from 3 to 11 p.m. at Menghini Winery. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and blankets for an enhanced viewing experience.
Moreover, the San Diego Natural History Museum will host its special “Nat at Night” program, featuring extended hours until 10 p.m. every Friday during the summer. Visitors will have access to the museum’s rooftop and benefit from discounted admission prices. Tickets are priced at $7 for youth, $10 for seniors, military personnel, and students, and $12 for adults.
As the weekend approaches its end, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, a former NFL cheerleader known for her stand-up comedy, will perform at Humphreys Concert By the Bay on Sunday. Johnson-Reyes will hold two shows, scheduled for 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., entertaining audiences with her observations on family and parenting topics.
Additionally, the Media Arts Center San Diego will present an outdoor screening of “La Bamba” at Chicano Park on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.. This screening is part of a series of outdoor events that focus on community engagement through film.
With a wide spectrum of activities, this weekend in San Diego caters to sports fans, film enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the local arts and culture scene. Whether attending the pickleball playoffs, taking in a film, or enjoying the festive atmosphere of the Lemon Festival, visitors and residents alike are sure to find something that piques their interest.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Search: Pickleball San Diego
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Google Scholar: Pickleball
- CBS 8 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
- There’s San Diego
- Google News: San Diego weekend events

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.