As we hobble optimistically into 2022, the Big-Ticket Event Calendar has many of San Diego’s favorite shows and major activities making comebacks. Well, they’re on the calendar again, for now, after being sidelined most of this decade by what hopefully proves to be the worst of the pandemic.
We’ve got Padres Opening Day! Opening Day at Del Mar! Garth Brooks! Red Hot Chili Peppers! The Crüe! The Con!
Cross your fingers. Get vaccinated, boosted, obey safety protocols and pencil these dates into your 2022 calendar:
FEBRUARY 22-25: Writer’s Symposium by the Sea
Author Jeannette Walls is interviewed by Dean Nelson at a past PLNU Writer’s Symposium. |
Point Loma Nazarene University’s compelling presentation of Q&A’s with big-name, fascinating writers returns. Headliners to be interviewed by media maven Dean Nelson at the 27th annual event include: Dr. Cornel West, one of the nation’s most articulate voice on the topic of race; political columnist David Brooks; and religious loose cannon Nadia Bolz-Weber. More info: pointloma.edu
FEBRUARY 24: Point-in-Time Count
San Diego’s last “point-in-time” count of people experiencing homelessness was January 2020. The HUD-mandated count by San Diego’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness had been scheduled for January 27 but was recently rescheduled for February 24. Get involved! More than 1,500 volunteer are needed to help get an accurate count. More info: rtfhsd.org
MARCH 5: Garth Brooks Concert
Garth Brooks is coming to Petco Park. (Getty Images) |
The number-one-selling solo artist in history has rescheduled his return to play at Petco Park. More than 50,000 tickets sold out when the box office opened. There may be a few seats available—and you can bet the streets around the ballpark will be filled with fans singing about friends in low places. More info: mlb.com
MARCH 31: Padres Opening Day
Assuming Major League Baseball’s players and management work out their labor differences, the San Diego Padres will dust off a disappointing 2021 and start a new campaign to keep the faith anew. This season opens with a four-game set against NL West rival San Francisco Giants. More info: petcoparkinsider.com
San Diego Sun advertising and sponsorship opportunities are on the way in 2022. EMAIL your queries.
JUNE 8 to July 4: San Diego County Fair
Hand in hand at the San Diego County Fair. (Facebook) |
In 2021, the San Diego County Fair was smaller in scale and limited in attendance. Get your 2022 fix of rides and games, animal and plant exhibitions, and an artery-clogging deep-fried Oreo at this year’s unofficial unveiling of summer. More info: sdfair.com
JULY 16-17: San Diego Pride Festival
Hillcrest will be abuzz and bursting with energy for the return of Pride Week, which culminates in the Pride Festival. Get out and be proud during the highly popular parade, followed by a weekend of music and dance. More info: sdpride.org
JULY 21-24: Comic-Con
The full-fledged Comic-Con returns this summer. |
After missing two years of being the Cosplay Capital of the World, San Diego got a nibble of superhero stardom. The Comic-Con Special Edition popped up after Thanksgiving 2021. All hail the summer return of The Con to the San Diego Convention Center in 2022! Info: comic-con.org
JULY 22 to SEPTEMBER 11: Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack
And they’re off! With all its highfalutin pomp and circumstance, the ponies will run again this year at the Del Mar Racetrack. Double down and make room in your calendar for the new tradition—the second season at Del Mar, running November 11 to December 4. More info: dmtc.com
JULY 27: Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert
The Red Hot Chili Peppers will give it away, give it away, give it away, now, at Petco Park. (Getty Images) |
Rock out with Anthony Keidis and Flea when the Peppers take the stage at Petco Park during their Global Stadium Tour. Opening acts include Haim and Thundercat. More info: redhotchilipeppers.com
AUGUST 28: Motley Crüe, Def Leppard, Poison & Joan Jett Concert
This long-postponed, cacophonous concert may blow the lid off the Western Metals Building in Petco Park. These four hard-banging, ’80s super groups are touring together and The Crüe is scheduled to take a turn headlining in San Diego. Jump start your heart! More info: petcoparkinsider.com SDSun
COVER PHOTO: Motley Crüe in concert. (Getty Images)
