What’s Happening in the Park
Explore our annual rhythm of programs, celebrations, and community moments that bring Balboa Park to life.
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Guided Tours
Ongoing | Public and Customizable
Our weekly public tours welcome both locals and visitors, with experiences ranging from broad introductions to the park to deep dives into specific gardens and landscapes.
We also offer custom, private tours designed for families, schools, travel companies, and corporate groups. These experiences are thoughtfully tailored to each group’s interests and are a meaningful way to connect with your community while uncovering the stories behind San Diego’s most beloved landmark.
Monthly Community Park Cleanup
June 13 | 9AM – 11AM
Our Monthly Community Park Cleanups invite volunteers of all ages to care for the landscapes that make Balboa Park a shared civic treasure. From garden beds to pathways, these hands-on mornings strengthen our connection to the Park—and to one another.
Arbor Day
Last Friday of April Annually
Arbor Day is a celebration of Balboa Park’s urban forest and the role trees play in sustaining healthy communities. Join us as we plant, learn, and reflect on the living infrastructure that supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and everyday wellbeing.
Bike Anywhere Day 2026
May 21, 2026 | 6:30AM – 9:30AM
Bike Anywhere Day (formerly Bike to Work Day) is a free, annual event that SANDAG has hosted in the San Diego region for more than 30 years. It is an opportunity for everyone to bike to work, school, the beach, or anywhere.
Register to participate in the event and pedal to our Balboa Park pit stops to pick up a free, commemorative t-shirt on Thursday, May 21, between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. and celebrate 158 years of Balboa Park.
Balboa Park’s Birthday
May 26, 1868 | Annually
Each year, we honor Balboa Park’s founding and more than a century of cultural, environmental, and community impact. The Park’s birthday is a moment to reflect on its history—and recommit to its future as a place for all.
Balboa Park Garden Party
June 6, 2026 | 5PM – 10PM
An immersive evening inspired by the whimsy of a 1915 garden party – reimagined. Stroll through the beautifully restored Botanical Building and newly created Central Gardens as they come alive with herb-infused cocktails, garden-driven culinary moments, new experiences around every corner, and dancing beneath the evening sky.
National Carousel Day
July 25 | Annually
National Carousel Day celebrates joy, nostalgia, and one of Balboa Park’s most beloved landmarks. This annual tradition invites families and visitors to experience the magic of the historic carousel while supporting its continued care and preservation.
sPARK Awards
Annual Event | September 18, 2026
The sPARK Awards celebrate the individuals and organizations whose dedication fuels Balboa Park’s future. Each fall, we gather to recognize innovation, collaboration, and leadership across conservation, culture, and community engagement.
