There is no better time or place for entertainment than summer in San Diego. From big wins and great concerts at Del Mar Racetrack to wine pairing dinners and runway fashion show parties, there is never a shortage of unique things to do in San Diego. 

You’ll never hear us locals complain about entertainment options, but ideal range isn’t what we obsess over either. San Diego events are no longer just about having fun, they’re about giving back. Upscale and unique charity events in San Diego are the best way to help out a great cause without sacrificing your lifestyle. August just happens to be overflowing with amazing charity events, and we’ve narrowed down the ten best affairs your conscience can’t afford to miss.

Discover the top ten San Diego charity events in August.

Globe Gala: August 1
Globe Gala is The Old Globe's premier fundraising event of the year. For $700-$950 per guest, patrons will enjoy a silent auction, theater performance, live music, dancing under the stars in Balboa Park and dinner. All proceeds go to a great cause: The Old Globe's education and artistic programs. Details here.

Las Patronas Jewel Ball: August 8
Transforming the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club into a “one night only” oasis, donors are gifted with dinner, dancing and innovative entertainment. The best part about the Jewel Ball’s short engagement is that the singular event supports several charities, ranging from Spreckels Organ Society to the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet and the Alpha Project for the Homeless. Details here.

Swing ‘N Swag Networking Mixer: August 11
The Swing ‘N Swag networking benefit at Bing Crosby’s Restaurant and Piano Bar in Fashion Valley features drinks, food, and an auction full of Fashion Valley’s finest treasures. With auction packages from Tori Burch, M Missoni, and Bloomingdale’s, the low price of $20 is well worth it. Enjoy an afternoon dedicated to the rat pack and support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Details here. 

La Jolla Music Society SummerFest Gala: August 14
Themed “A Midsummer Night” – the La Jolla Music Society SummerFest Gala spotlights the culture and musical delights of Scandinavia. Donors are asked to enjoy a night of dining, dancing and schmoozing with musicians all while seated in the beautiful patio area at Scripps Forum, which overlooks the La Jolla Cove. Guests will enjoy the masterful creations of Chef Jeffrey Strauss in support of the La Jolla Music Society. Details here.

Summer Night of the Midway: August 14
The San Diego USS Midway Museum is known as one of the largest exhibits of life at sea. However, for one night, the Museum is transforming into a seaside venue fit for a flawless party. For Summer Night on the Midway, the museum will feature a Luau, premium bar, live music, auctions, and an unforgettable fireworks show. All of this can be yours for a $150 fee that will benefit the Downtown YMCA. Details here.

Humane Society Fur Ball: August 15
The Humane Society’s 23rd annual Fur Ball invites patrons and their well-behaved canine friends to enjoy cocktails, a raffle, silent auction and interactive activities for dogs. All of this will be followed by a dinner catered by Chef Jeffrey Strauss, and dancing. Tickets range in pricing from $500 for Ultra VIP seating to $225 for Blue Ribbon seating to $175 for Red Ribbon seating, in support of the San Diego Humane Society. Details here.

New Children’s Museum Gala: August 22
The New Children’s Museum’s 2nd annual Gala is embracing a Superheroes theme and is sure to be a spectacular time. For $500 guests will enjoy a night of cocktails, appetizers and dinner under the stars all while impersonating their favorite superhero in costume and character. The event will also feature a performance by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and much later in the night, a nightclub with a dessert bar and live DJ. Details here. 

Stay Classy Fire Run: August 23
Skip the treadmill and take your morning jog to the coast in support local firefighters, lifeguards and paramedics during the Stay Classy Fire Run. The event boasts a 4 mile downhill run/walk that begins in La Jolla and ends with an after-party in Pacific Beach. All participants receive a Fire Run t-shirt, two free beers at PB Bar and Grill and goodie bag, which includes energy bars, coupons and race details with the price of registration ($25-35). Details here.

Luau & Longboard Invitational: August 23
Watch veteran and amateur surfers ride a wave to a cure at Scripps Beach in the Longboard Invitational, followed by autograph opportunities and live music by The Professors. While the Longboard Invitational is free to observers, the Luau afterward is strictly for $150-ticked guests. Once inside the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, donors will be entertained by live music and tradition Polynesian dancing while eating a tropical buffet. There will also be auctions and drawings throughout the night in support of the research at UCSD Cancer Center. Details here.

Art of Fashion: August 29
Back for a second year is The Art of Fashion at Timken Museum of Art. The Art of Fashion event ushers giving locals into the museum for a night of fashion shows, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres in benefit of Timken Museum educational programs. Tickets are $75, but a small amount of $25 student tickets are available. Details here.

Insider Tip: Listen to JACK FM – 100.7 FM – daily for Michelle’s recommended best way to have fun while giving back from DiscoverSD.com. Discover more San Diego charity events, or add your own event on our public, free San Diego event calendar.