San Diego is gearing up for a vibrant Memorial Day Weekend, from May 22 to May 24, with a diverse lineup of events. The city will host the 40th anniversary celebration of 'Top Gun' at the USS Midway Museum, the 2026 Fringe festival featuring global artists, and SeaWorld's summer spectacular, among other activities.

The 40th Anniversary of 'Top Gun' at USS Midway

The USS Midway Museum will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic film 'Top Gun' with special screenings on the flight deck. On Friday, the original movie will be shown, followed by the sequel, 'Top Gun: Maverick,' on Saturday. This event highlights the film's deep ties to the region, according to the museum.

Global Arts at the 2026 Fringe Festival

The 2026 Fringe festival continues through May 24, showcasing over 40 performances from artists across the United States, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and India. the festival spans 16 venues in San Diego and Tijuana, offering a mix of new plays, musicals, stand-up comedy, drag shows, acrobatics, and Shakespearean swordplay. the Moxie Theatre presents a modern interpretation of 'Hamlet,' while the OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista hosts a drama about family estrangement and an aging artist.

Cultural Celebrations:Lebanese Festival and Valley Center Stampede

The St. Ephrem Maronite Catholic Church hosts its 22nd annual Lebanese Festival, a three-day event featuring authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, a beer and wine garden, carnival games, and live music. Meanwhile, the Valley Center Stampede celberates western culture with a professional rodeo, live band performances, and philanthropic scholarships.

Patriotic Spirit with Western Days and SeaWorld's Summer Spectacular

The Western Days celebrations kick off with a community pancake feed , a 5K run, and a kids fun run , culminating in the Western Days Parade on Saturday. SeaWorld San Diego launches its summer attractions with Military Appreciation Days on May 23 and 24, featuring a flag ceremony and a nightly drone show dedicated to military members . New interactive experiences include a Shark Encounter exhibit and a revamped dolphin show.

Scholarly and Artistic Evening Events

For those seeking a more scholarly or artistic evening, the Natural History Museum offers half-price admission for its summer Friday after-hours events. The San Diego Symphony, under the direction of Rafael Payare, will perform works by Jimmy López, Alban Berg, and Felix Mendelssohn. Additionally, the Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown hosts a luxurious Memorial Day pool party with a poolside barbecue and live DJ, marking the start of the summer season.