13 Free Things to Do at SDSU

Kids at Aztec Lanes
During the summer, kids like Luca (from left), Jalen and Evan can bowl free at Aztec Lanes. Photograph by Derrick Tuskan

Free bowling for kids at Aztec Lanes, stargazing at Mount Laguna Observatory and exploring more than 100,000 specimens at the Biodiversity Museum. Here’s your guide to a handful of SDSU’s free events and programs.

By Rebecca Nordquist
July 20, 2026

There’s always something happening at San Diego State University (see the universtiy's events calendar): big-name concerts, sports events (men’s and women’s soccer games are free!) and more. But beyond the marquee attractions are some of SDSU’s best-kept secrets, and most are free and open to the public. As a bonus, we’ve also included low-cost events that pick up in the fall, including student concerts with tickets as low as $10 and plays and musicals starting at $25 a ticket ($15 for students, seniors and military). Pro tip: You can sign up for the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts newsletter to stay current on all things musical and artsy like student ceramics sales.

For sports fans, there are also year-round club sports matches, including men’s and women’s rugby, lacrosse and water polo. Take a look, and we’ll see you on campus!

We've included information on parking and permits, but the easiest option may be the trolley. The green line stops right at the SDSU Transit Center. Take a look at the events and programs ahead, and we’ll see you on campus!

Aztec Lanes

Kids at Aztec Lanes bowling and playing air hockey
Luca (bottom left, from left), Jalen, Evan, Tess, June and Luisa discovered what generations of Aztecs already know: Aztec Lanes is a fun place to spend some free time. Beyond bowling and games, the on-campus venue is also available for birthday parties, corporate events and private celebrations. Photographs by Derrick Tuskan

Registered children ages 12 and under can enjoy two free games of bowling every day all summer. Register online on the Aztec Lanes website. The offer is available on a walk-in basis only. Want to bowl as a family? Family passes are available for purchase. Aztec Lanes also offers affordable rates on air hockey, billiards, table tennis and video gaming consoles.

When: Through August 21
Where: Aztec Lanes, 6075 Aztec Circle Dr. Located on the first floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union.
Best place to park: Parking Structure 3. Buy a parking permit or park in the South Campus Plaza Parking Garage by Trader Joe’s. First 45 minutes is free.
For more info: azteclanes.sdsu.edu

Mount Laguna Observatory

Mount Laguna Observatory
For nearly 30 years, SDSU’s astronomy department has welcomed visitors to Mount Laguna Observatory on select summer Saturday nights for informational talks and stargazing. Photograph by Matt Furman

Located 45 miles east of the university, SDSU’s Mount Laguna Observatory is a hub for astronomy research, education and public outreach. The summer program features short talks by SDSU undergraduate and graduate students in the Harrington Visitors Center, followed by an opportunity to view the night sky through the Buller 21-inch visitors’ telescope. Call ahead for updates, as cloudy weather may cancel events. Read more in SDSU Magazine.

When: Saturdays, 8 p.m.–11 p.m. through Aug. 15, weather permitting. Arrive by 7:45 p.m.
Where: Off Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountains. Call for directions.
Best place to park: Lower visitors parking lot (bring a small flashlight and prepare for a short uphill walk)
For more info: 619-594-1415, astronomy.sdsu.edu/mount-laguna-observatory-facilities

Women’s Soccer

Alexyz Nakamoto
Junior Alexyz Nakamoto and her Aztecs will face Portland State on Aug. 16 at 3 p.m. in their home opener. Photograph by Brenda Moffitt

The women play USC in an exhibition match on Aug. 5—and all matches are free. Now a part of the Pac-12 Conference, the women will play nine matches at home.

When: Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. The season runs through Nov. 5.
Where: SDSU Sports Deck (on top of Parking Structure 7)
Best place to park: Parking Structure 7 at the corner of Montezuma Road and 55th Street. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: goaztecs.com/sports/womens-soccer

Men’s Soccer

SDSU men's soccer player
The men host Liberty University in their season opener on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Photo by Allan Torres/San Diego State Athletics

The men open the season with a friendly against Point Loma Nazarene University before beginning Pac-12 Conference play. The Aztecs have 10 home matches this season, and admission is free.

When: Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. The season runs through Oct. 31.
Where: SDSU Sports Deck (on top of Parking Structure 7)
Best place to park: Parking Structure 7 at the corner of Montezuma Road and 55th Street. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: goaztecs.com/sports/mens-soccer

Biodiversity Museum

Specimens of the biodiversity museum
Curators at the Biodiversity Museum have obtained specimens through the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the San Diego Natural History Museum, donors and fieldwork like museum director Marshal Hedin’s. Photograph by Matt Furman

The Biodiversity Museum is a research and educational center housing more than 100,000 biological specimens, including birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and plants. Marshal Hedin, the museum’s director, offers tours year-round for groups of up to eight people. Read more in SDSU Magazine.

When: Schedule a tour with director Marshal Hedin at [email protected]. Summer spots are limited.
Where: Life Sciences South (SLS) 265
Best place to park: Visitor parking lot 15. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: biodiversitymuseum.sdsu.edu

Greenhouse

Plants in the Greenhouse
The plants in the greenhouse support biology teaching and serve as a research resource for labs studying plant growth and genetics. Photograph by Bryana Quintana

SDSU’s greenhouse dates back to the 1960s, and today, it has more than 400 plant species, including chocolate trees, elephant’s foot and bromeliads. You can visit the greenhouse or schedule a tour with Lee Simpson, the greenhouse manager. Read more in SDSU Magazine.

When: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Schedule a tour by emailing [email protected].
Where: It’s located between the North Life Sciences and Life Sciences South buildings.
Best place to park: Visitor parking lot 15. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: Email [email protected]

Planetarium

Inside the Planetarium
Planetarium visitors can witness the cosmos as viewed from different times and locations from around the world. Photograph by Matt Furman

Did you know there is a planetarium on campus? During 30- to 40-minute shows hosted by current astronomy students, the domed ceiling is illuminated to simulate the night sky. 

When: Begins Sept. 18 and continues every Friday at 3 p.m. through Dec. 11
Where: Physics-Astronomy building, Room 209
Best place to park: Visitor parking lot 15 or Parking Structure 3. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: Check the College of Science Instagram account for show info

Startup Stories

Startup stories lecture audience
Past guests of the Startup Stories, presented by ZIP Launchpad, have included SDSU alumni who helped found Shake Smart, Bird and Blenders Eyewear. Photograph courtesy of ZIP Launchpad

Hear firsthand from successful entrepreneurs as they share the challenges, lessons and breakthroughs that shaped their journeys. Each event includes a Q&A session and opportunities to connect with speakers. 

When: Sept. 9, Oct. 14 and Oct. 28 from 6 p.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Engineering & Interdisciplinary Studies (EIS) 103 (subject to change)
Best place to park: Visitor parking lot 15. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: ziplaunchpad.sdsu.edu/events

Oscar J. Kaplan Memorial Lecture

Melissa Lamar, Rush University professor and clinical neuropsychologist, will speak at the inaugural lecture presented by the department of psychology. 

When: Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.
Where: The theater on the second floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Best place to park: Parking structure 3. Buy a parking permit or park at the South Campus Plaza Parking Garage by Trader Joe’s. First 45 minutes are free. 
For more info: sciences.sdsu.edu/

University Art Gallery

Patrons of the gallery
The University Art Gallery has featured renowned artists including Manny Farber, Monique van Genderen, Molly Zuckerman Hartung and Lizzie Zelter. Photograph by Ken Jacques

The exhibition “Edgeless: In the Expanded Field” features works by Southern California artists across multiple generations and explores how contemporary painters push beyond the traditional canvas through collage, assemblage, film, craft and sculpture. 

When: Free reception is on Sept. 24, 4 p.m.–7 p.m., and the exhibition runs through Dec. 3. Coincides with the Graduate Review Exhibition showcasing work from current MFA candidates.
Where: University Art Gallery 
Best place to park: Parking Structure 12. Park in any student/visitor space on levels 3–8. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: art.sdsu.edu/gallery-program/university

Symphony By the Sea

Open-air concert hall during Symphony by the Sea
As the sun sets over Imperial Beach, the SDSU symphony orchestra and wind symphony transform the waterfront into an open-air concert hall during Symphony by the Sea. Photograph by Ken Jacques

Enjoy a free annual concert in Imperial Beach featuring performances by the SDSU symphony orchestra and wind symphony. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic.

Musicians at Symphony by the Sea
Photograph by Ken Jacques

When: Sept. 26 at 4 p.m.
Where: Beachfront at Pier Plaza, 940 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach
Best place to park: Free parking available in the parking lot at 128 Elkwood Ave.
For more info: imperialbeachca.gov/580/Symphony-by-the-Sea

“Everybody”

Rebecca Murillo (’26, MFA) and musical theatre student Ian Bartlett
Rebecca Murillo (’26, MFA) and musical theatre student Ian Bartlett starred in the May production of “Tomorrow the Island Dies.” Photograph by Ken Jacques

“Everybody” is a darkly comic reimagining of the 15th-century morality play “Everyman.” The play explores timeless questions about the meaning of life through a contemporary lens, blending humor with reflection on the challenges and joys of being human. In a unique twist, cast roles are assigned by lottery each night, creating a different experience for every performance.

When: Sept. 23–25
Where: Prebys Stage off Campanile Mall
Ticket price: $25, $15 for students 
Best place to park: Parking Structure 12. Park in any student/visitor space on levels 3–8. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: theatre.sdsu.edu or ttf.sdsu.edu/calendar

“The Wild Party”

“The Wild Party” is a darkly comic musical based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 narrative poem. Set during the Prohibition era, the story unfolds at a raucous party fueled by excess, ambition and desire. Featuring music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, the Off-Broadway hit earned multiple accolades, including Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Obie awards, and is known for its energetic, jazz-infused score.

When: The 100th Season Gala Opening Night is Oct. 15, and the musical runs through Oct. 22. 
Where: Main Stage off Campanile Mall
Ticket price: $25, $15 for students 
Best place to park: Parking Structure 12. Park in any student/visitor space on levels 3–8. Buy a parking permit.
For more info: theatre.sdsu.edu or ttf.sdsu.edu/calendar

Fall Career and Internship Fair

Student conversing with a representative at the Career Fair
Whether you're launching a career or looking for your next opportunity, the annual SDSU Career Fair welcomes the public and features hundreds of employers. Photograph by Leobardo Ramirez

Connect with employers from a variety of industries and learn about full-time jobs, internships and career opportunities. The fair offers a chance to network, ask questions and explore potential career paths.

When: Oct. 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Montezuma Hall, second floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Best place to park: Parking Structure 3. Buy a parking permit or park at the South Campus Plaza Parking Garage by Trader Joe’s. First 45 minutes is free.
For more info: Register online.

30th Annual War Memorial Wreath-Laying Ceremony

Military service member saluting during a wreath laying ceremony
The gathering at SDSU’s War Memorial is an opportunity to honor the memories of fallen Aztecs. Photograph by Caitlyn Smiley

As part of SDSU Homecoming Week, this event includes a coffee social at 9 a.m. and a ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. Guests are welcome to bring flowers or wreaths. A reception at the Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center will follow. A livestream will be available on the SDSU Alumni YouTube channel.

When: Oct. 16, 9 a.m.–11 a.m.
Where: War Memorial on Aztec Green by the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union
Best place to park: Parking Structure 3. Buy a parking permit or park at the South Campus Plaza Parking Garage by Trader Joe’s. First 45 minutes is free.
For more info: Register for the ceremony on the SDSU Alumni website. 

Editor’s note: Special thanks to Aztec Shops for outfitting our Aztec Lanes mini models in SDSU gear—and making them even cuter. Products included: Youth SDSU Surf Hello Kitty Tee, Youth Full Zip Hood with SD Interlock over Aztecs - Red and SD Interlock 5" Mesh Shorts.