The Lafayette Hotel’s 70th Anniversary

Date/Time: Friday, July 1st, 2016
Location: The Lafayette Hotel
Price: Completely FREE!
Why should I do this? Locals know that the Lafayette Hotel has some of the best pool parties of the summer. The Lafayette is also the host of lots of other special events that San Diegans love. This year the iconic hotel is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and you shouldn’t miss it!
Website: http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/

4th of July (independence Day)

Date/Time: Monday, July 4th, 2016
Location: San Diego, California
Price: Completely FREE!
Why should I do this? The best summer holiday in the USA, 4th of July celebrates America’s independence and freedom. There are fireworks shows, barbecues, parties and much more. The beaches are an excellent place to hang out, but San Diego’s parks are a lot of fun too.
Website: http://www.sandiego.org

Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game + Fan Fest

International Student Soccer (football) Match with Connect English

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 12th, 2016 at 3:00pm
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego
Price: FREE!
Why should I do this? Put on your kit and let’s get on the pitch! Connect English students from all three of our San Diego campuses will come together to see which campus and perhaps which country is the best. A simple afternoon of playing the world’s most popular sport will be a great chance for students to get some exercise, make new friends, and show everyone who is the best.

Comic-Con

Date/Time: Wednesday, July 20th to Sunday, July 24th
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village
Price: $TOO MUCH for a four-day pass
Why should I do this? This world-famous convention brings together an interesting mix of movie stars, TV show stars, video game characters and themes, directors, bloggers, fans, party animals and other “geeks” like those on The Big Bang Theory. Attendees dress in costumes of their favorite characters too. It is an opportunity for students to get extra insight on the most exciting movies and TV shows of the past, present and future. Make sure to get on the lists to go to all of the theme parties at the downtown clubs that weekend too.

Festival of the Bells

Date/Time: July 16th & 17th, 2016
Location: Mission San Diego de Alcalá
Price: FREE!
Why should I do this? The Festival of the Bells is an opportunity to look deep into the history of the city of San Diego. The Mission San Diego de Alcalá is the oldest historic building in San Diego, built in 1769. It is actually older than the USA! All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festivities, including an original bell dating back to 1802. The Festival of the Bells is a great family event with activities and entertainment for the whole family and is a great opportunity for everyone to visit and learn more of this historic landmark. The festival will have mariachi music, activities for kids, and lots of food. This interesting site is very close to Connect English, San Diego, so transportation is going to be easy.
Website: http://www.missionsandiego.org/

Over The Line (OTL)

Date/Time: July 9th – 10th, 2016 and July 16th – 17th, 2016
Location: Fiesta Island, Mission Bay
Price: Completely FREE!
Why should I do this? The San Diego OTL event is the world championship of Over the Line events. Three-person teams come from all around the world to compete in this two-week event featuring players, crazy fans, sunshine, beer gardens and the beach.
Website: http://www.ombac.org

Connect English Student Bowling Day

Date/Time: Friday, July 15th, 2016
Location: Aztec Lanes @SDSU
Price: $8
Why should I do this? Have you tried bowling before? Well, even if you haven’t or you already know that you’re terrible at bowling, you’ll have a great time with your Connect English classmates. We have done this activity every summer and the students always love it. You can see pictures of past Connect English bowling events on the Connect English Facebook page.
Website: http://arc.sdsu.edu/azteclanes/

Del Mar Horse Races

Date/Time: Friday, July 15th – Monday, September 5th, 2016
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds
Price: $5-$40
Why should I do this? The rich and famous are here, and so are the regular fun-loving citizens of San Diego. Wear your fanciest summer outfit (including a big hat), bet on the horses to win money, or just enjoy the sun and music of beautiful Del Mar, in North County San Diego. On Fridays of racing season, some excellent bands play shows at the Del Mar Race Track too. The list of these bands will be announced in the spring. Come back to our blog to see the list once it is available.
Website: http://www.dmtc.com

Pride

Date/Time: July 15th – 17th, 2016
Location: Hillcrest & Balboa Park, San Diego
Price: Main festival – $20, other events – various prices
Why should I do this? The annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is the 5th largest in the United States attracting 150,000 cheering spectators and significant media participation. Celebrate alternative lifestyles at this high-energy, high-volume festival in one of San Diego’s best city parks.
Website: http://www.sdpride.org

San Diego Zoo with Connect English

Date/Time: Friday, July 22nd at 10:00am
Location: San Diego Zoo “Will Call” window
Price: $20
Why should I do this? The San Diego Zoo is famous all around the world, and for good reason.  This is your chance to see pandas, elephants, reptiles and many more amazing animals up close and personal.  Connect English students get a great discount price.  Instead of the normal price of $50, Connect English students and friends pay only $20 per ticket.
Website:  http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/