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From buffet brunches to DIY flower workshops, check out San Diego's best Mother's Day specials
This Oceanside restaurant boasts a creative three-course champagne brunch with special dishes like miso-glazed scallops and cast iron duck pot pie.
Price: $59.95 per adult, $13.95 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 333 North Pacific Street, Oceanside
Phone: (760) 433-3333
The Friday after Mother’s Day, wine enthusiasts can reserve a spot at AVANT’s Daou wine dinner, a four-course meal and amuse-bouche with proprietor George Daou.
Price: $100 per person
Date: May 19
Location: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo
Phone: (858) 675-8551
Live music, bottomless mimosas, specialty cocktails, and French influenced California cuisine are awaiting diners at this Escondido restaurant. The brunch menu features small plates, crepes, soups, salads, and more.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 417 West Girard Avenue, Escondido
Phone: (760) 747-5000
If mom isn’t a big brunch person, treat her to a fancy four-course dinner at BiCE for an evening full of burrata, pan seared salmon, and double cut lamb loin. Be sure to save room for the strawberry panna cotta.
Price: $49 per adult, $25 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 425 Island Avenue, Downtown
Phone: (619) 239-2423
Moms eat free at Blue Point Coastal Cuisine this Mother’s Day. Enjoy seafood from a special limited menu that features “hook, line, and sinker” options, including pan-seared day boat scallops and passion fruit cheesecake.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 565 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp
Phone: (619) 233-6623
BO-beau is sticking to the classics and offering a special Mother’s Day brunch menu full of their favorites like strawberry French toast and crab cake Benedict.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 8384 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa
Phone: (619) 337-3445
The kitchen at Bracero is cooking up a Baja influenced Mexican brunch menu to celebrate Mother’s Day. All moms will receive a complimentary house margarita or no mames cocktail to go with their meal as well as a special dessert.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 1490 Kettner Boulevard, Downtown
Phone: (619) 765-7864
Show mom your appreciation with an all-you-can-eat style brunch at Buster’s featuring free-flowing mimosas and Champagne, French toast, pancakes, eggs, and more.
Price: $32 per adult, $15 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 800 West Harbor Drive, Seaport Village
Phone: (619) 357-4465
Spend your morning at San Diego’s favorite modern Mexican restaurant for a champagne buffet brunch. Made-to-order omelets and an assortment of cakes, cookies, and pastries are all on the menu.
Price: $69.95 per adult, $17.95 per child (6-12), free for children under 6
Date: May 14
Location: 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island
Phone: (619) 814-1300
Hotel Palomar’s new Mexican kitchen is serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Mother’s Day. Brunch-goers can try Chef Kraten’s pitaya bowl creation made with dragon fruit sorbet, fresh banana, berries, and house-made granola.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 1047 Fifth Avenue, Downtown
Phone: (619) 515-3003
This Italian kitchen is opening early and serving a variety of family favorites in honor of Mother’s Day. From their antipasti bar filled with pizza, ragu, and salads to their egg and carving stations, there will be something for all taste buds.
Price: $38 per adult, $18 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 2730 Via de la Valle, Del Mar
Phone: (858) 704-4500
Bite into brunch at the La Jolla ocean view restaurant. The coastal buffet menu prepared by Chef Ingrid Funes consists of a mix of sweet and savory dishes and a selection of desserts.
Price: $65 per adult, $30 per child ($10 off each from 9am – 9:45am)
Date: May 14
Location: 7955 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla
Phone: (858) 551-3620
Give mom the gift of more with Decoy’s endless buffet brunch that includes carving stations, omelet stations, seafood, and desserts. Every mom will receive a complimentary Decoy gift certificate for future dining and three lucky moms will win “Queen of the Day” prizes like a $500 Tiffany & Co. gift certificate.
Price: $60 per adult ($65 with bottomless champagne), $18 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos
Phone: (760) 621-0909
Build your own waffle or bagel at Farmer & The Seahorse this Mother’s Day, or head to their hot buffet, salad bar, or carving station that will all be serving delicious dishes in honor of the holiday.
Price: $59.95 per adult, $19.95 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 10996 Torreyana Road, La Jolla
Phone: (858) 260-5400
Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge
In collaboration with Bird Rock Yoga, Firehouse in Pacific Beach is hosting a “Yoga & Brunch” Mother’s Day event. Yogi moms can choose from three time slots and enjoy a yoga class, breakfast, and bubbles.
Price: $25 per person
Date: May 14
Location: 722 Grand Avenue, Pacific Beach
Phone: (858) 274-3100
Combining fresh Spring ingredients and ocean views, the coastal La Jolla restaurant will be serving a Mother’s Day brunch with special dishes like French toast with Chino Farms strawberries and Meyer lemon cream as well as local yellowtail and Baja striped bass.
Date: May 14
Location: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Phone: (858) 454-4244
The revamped La Jolla restaurant will host a brunch buffet of ethically sourced, chef-driven dishes like très leches French toast, crab masala, and opah chorizo and eggs. Moms can sip on complimentary bottomless mimosas.
Price: $38 per person
Date: May 14
Location: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Phone: (858) 454-1637
Hope 46 at The Lafayette Hotel
Dine at Hope 46 for their prix-fixe Mother’s Day special that features a carving station, an omelet station, side dishes, and salads. Guests will also enjoy a live performance from Beatles cover band, The Rollers.
Price: $46 per person ($56 with bottomless mimosas)
Date: May 14
Location: 2223 El Cajon Boulevard, University Heights
Phone: (619) 780-0358
The Del is toasting to all mothers at their champagne brunch, complete with live music entertainment and a take-home chocolate confection prepared by pastry chef Daphne.
Price: $125 – $135 per adult, $50 per child (6-10), free for children under 6
Date: May 14
Location: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Phone: (619) 522-8490
Vera cruz tamales and fresh churros are a couple of the Latin-inspired offerings on Indigo Grill’s three-course Mother’s Day menu.
Price: $44.95 per adult, $13.95 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 1536 India Street, Little Italy
Phone: (619) 234-6802
Perched right above the water, Island Prime / C Level invites guests to a three-course menu created by Chef Deborah Scott. Savor some creamy lobster bisque or satisfy that sweet tooth with German chocolate cake.
Price: $59.95 per adult, 13.95 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island
Phone: (619) 298-6802
Build your own mimosa with blood orange rosemary, pineapple mango, and blackberry mint juices and say cheers to mom on the patio of Tower23’s coastal restaurant. Their brunch menu features seafood infused breakfast dishes and sandwiches served on artisanal rustic breads.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 723 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach
Phone: (858) 270-2323
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an indulgent four-course meal that starts with a choice of cheese fondue, like their creamy pesto walnut blend. Once you’ve had your fondue fix, continue to the salad, entrée, and dessert courses.
Price: $53.95+ per adult, $19.95 per child (12 & under)
Date: May 14
Location: 901 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp
Phone: (619) 234-5554
On both Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend the sweet bakery is offering brunch specials and a pop-up with Haystack Floral. After you and mom enjoy traditional French breakfast options and 2-for-1 champagne cocktails (each with a chocolate cream puff), create a bouquet from Haystack’s selection of flowers and greens, and don’t forget to pick up a package of macarons. There will also be live music on Sunday.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 13 and 14
Location: 555 G Street, Gaslamp
Phone: 619-245-4457
This urban island eatery will be handing out flowers to all moms at brunch on Mother’s Day. Diners can choose from a selection of farm-fresh dishes including citrus French toast and duck flautas as well as sip on one of their handcrafted spring cocktails.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 1015 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Phone: (619) 437-6087
Stop by this Little Italy restaurant for brunch or dinner to order their special “Pizza della Mamma” made with stracchino cheese, parma, prosciutto, rainbow cauliflower, and eggs for $20. They will also be serving a $25 beet tagliatelle dish cooked in one of their iconic cheese wheels.
Date: May 14
Location: 750 West Fir Street, Little Italy
Phone: (619) 501-0030
The Gaslamp restaurant will be opening its doors early to serve a special Mother’s Day-inspired brunch starting at 11 a.m. Meanwhile, their Violets are Blue cocktail—a mixture of blackberries and apple vodka that’s exclusive to the occasion—will be available starting on Saturday for those who want to celebrate early.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 400 J Street, Gaslamp
Phone: (619) 858-2277
Moms dining at Liberty Station’s new Officine Buona Forchetta will be treated to a complimentary glass of Prosecco upon arrival. Co-owner and chef Mario Cassineri and his team have developed a Festa Della Mamma menu of mom-inspired dishes including a provolone prosciutto cotto quiche, pizza topped with shrimp, lemon, scamorza, and edible flowers, and for dessert, a flourless chocolate cake with sea salt caramel.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 2865 Sims Road, Liberty Station
Phone: (619) 458-9231
Raise a glass to your special lady at Pacific Del Mar and enjoy a three-course brunch menu and a selection of brunch cocktails. Executive Chef David Burke has prepared a kids menu as well.
Price: $42 per person
Date: May 14
Location: 1555 Camino Del Mar
Phone: (858) 792-0476
Feast on a gourmet three-course French brunch meal in Bankers Hill with butter poached lobster and smoked salmon rillettes as menu highlights.
Price: $42.50 per person
Date: May 14
Location: 2760 Fifth Avenue, Bankers Hill
Phone: (619) 319-9472
Bring mom to brunch at Ponsaty’s for live music, $15 bottomless mimosas and house Bloody Marys, and à la carte and prix-fixe menu options, or dine later and enjoy the special á la carte Mother’s Day dinner menu featuring slow poached white asparagus and lacquered milk fed rack of lamb.
Price: prices vary
Date: May 14
Location: 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe
Phone: (858) 771-1871
Buffet brunches are better with a chocolate fountain. On Mother’s Day, guests can fill their bellies with a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes and end their meal with a stop at the chocolate fountain, filled with Belgian chocolate and accompanied with a variety of dipping treats.
Price: $64.95 per adult, $17.95 per child (6-12), free for children under 6
Date: May 14
Location: 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park
Phone: (619) 557-9441
Share the love this Mother’s Day with a field-to-fork brunch spread, including Veladora omelets, fresh pastries, Belgian waffles, local vegetables, and more. After brunch, guests can design a flower bouquet or crown for mom, pamper her with a spa treatment, and sip on Prosecco floats.
Price: $130 per adult, $55 per child, free for children under 3
Date: May 14
Location: 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe
Phone: (858) 759-6246
Savor a healthy beachfront buffet brunch at Imperial Beach with traditional, vegetarian-friendly, and “south of the pier” style brunch dishes. Polish off your meal with a treat from the pastries display.
Price: $59.95 per adult, $17.95 per child (6-12), free for children under 6
Date: May 14
Location: 800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach
Phone: (619) 631-4949
Enjoy classic brunch dishes with a modern spin at Social Tap Eatery, like the huevos rancheros served on blue corn arepa and topped with fresh pico and avocado. Fresh fruit and peach puree mimosas will be available for all the mamas in the house.
Date: every weekend
Location: 815 J Street, Downtown; 4800 Art Street, College Area
Phone: (619) 398-8938; (619) 501-1541
This Coronado steakhouse is showing their appreciation by treating all moms to a complimentary sparkling glass of champagne this Mother’s Day. They have also prepared a special prix-fixe brunch menu with seafood, steak, and egg dishes.
Price: $65 per adult, $30 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 1309 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Phone: (619) 522-0077
Brunch will feature coastal views, music, and children’s activities at the Carlsbad restaurant. Reservations are required.
Price: $70 per adult ($80 with bottomless champagne), $30 for children 4-12, free for children 3 and under.
Location: 5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad
Phone: 760-827-2500
In the Presidential Ballroom, enjoy a buffet brunch full of bottomless mimosas, breakfast specials, sweet treats, and more. Arrive early to create a hand made bouquet at the pop-up floral market in the lobby to give mom an extra bit of love.
Price: $82 per adult, $72 per senior, $39 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 326 Broadway, Downtown
Phone: (619) 232-3121
Spoil mom with a bottomless mimosas and champagne brunch in La Jolla. The lavish Mother’s Day menu includes an array of breakfast classics, savory small bites, and sweet treats.
Price: $89 per adult, $39 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Phone: (858) 454-0771
Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant
An outdoor brunch buffet, $14 bottomless mimosas, and live music await local families at Rancho Bernardo Inn’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Surprise mom at the table with a floral arrangement designed by Inn Florals starting at $25.
Price: $68 per adult, $25 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo
Phone: (844) 338-9275
Atop Lexus Escondido, enjoy a memorable fine-dining experience at Vintana with a three-course menu and champagne meal.
Price: $59.95 per adult, $13.95 per child
Date: May 14
Location: 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido
Phone: (760) 745-7777
This year treat mom to “a dozen roses” drink, made with rosehip-infused gin, rose water syrup, fresh lemon juice, Peychaud’s Bitters. and sparkling wine. The trendy eatery will also be serving a special Sunday brunch to celebrate the occasion.
Date: May 14
Location: 2202 4th Avenue, Bankers Hill
Phone: (619) 231-0222
It’s all about roses and rosé at Bottega Americano. Moms will receive a complimentary long stem rose can sip on bottomless Listel Rosé for $20. Brunch will be served with special selections as well.
Price: À la carte
Date: May 14
Location: 1195 Island Avenue, East Village
Phone: (619) 255-7800
Pop into Puesto at The Headquarters to try their frozen dessert taco or tres leches de café cake, a great choice for those who want a small but unique sweet kick.
Date: May 14
Location: 789 West Harbor Drive, Seaport Village
Phone: (619) 233-8880
Surprise mom with a dozen of Sprinkles’ freshly made cupcakes. Their MOM box is filled with dark chocolate, red velvet, vanilla, and salty caramel cupcakes and adorned with sugar decorations and daisies.
Price: $45 per box
Date: May 12 – 14
Location: 8855 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla
Phone: (858) 457-3800
Moms are in for a treat this May with AquaVie’s “Queen for the Day” spa package. The two-hour spa treatment includes an elevated wellness facial, anti-oxidant booster or peel booster, elevated wellness massage, rose petal footbath and pedicure, and lunch at the rooftop pool deck.
Price: $350 per person
Date: month of May
Location: 234 Broadway Street, Downtown
Phone: (619) 557-3663
Spend the Saturday before Mother’s Day at the Hops and Shop Spring Market presented by 32 North Brewing in Miramar. The market will host a variety of vendors and allow guests to attend workshops and demos, drink beer, and snack on bites from the food trucks on site. Plus, the first 25 people will receive swag bags filled with vendor samples and gifts.
Date: May 13
Location: 8655 Production Avenue, Miramar
Phone: (619) 363-2622
Invite mom to a traditional English tea party at Flower Hill Promenade for her special day. Sip tea from fine china and snack on handmade scones, fruit, cookies, and finger sandwiches.
Price: $60 for two
Date: May 14
Location: 2720 Via De La Valle, Del Mar
The Hyatt Regency in La Jolla is hosting its 26th annual Mama’s Day tasting event the Friday before Mother’s Day. The event features 55 chefs from some of San Diego’s top restaurants, hotels, and catering companies who prepare samples for guests. Proceeds benefit Mama’s Kitchen, an organization committed to serve those affected by AIDS and cancer.
Price: $150 – $250
Date: May 12
Location: 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla
Phone: (619) 233-6262
Get a running start on Mother’s Day with the 5th Annual Rotary Club of Mission Valley Sunset Mother’s Bay Run. The whole family can join in and tackle the 10K, 5K, or Lil’ Tykes Dash, all benefitting the San Diego Rescue Mission which supports homeless men, women, and children in San Diego.
Price: Free – $45 depending on race
Date: April 29
Location: De Anza Cove, Mission Bay
Phone: (619) 687-3720
Enjoy a morning of painting with mom as Julie Marriott, a San Diego artist, helps you create a colorful canvas with acrylic paints. All supplies are provided and you’ll leave with your masterpiece in hand.
Price: $45
Date: May 13
Location: 5965 Village Way, Carmel Valley
Phone: (858) 348-1778
Right in time for Mother’s Day, this North Park flower shop is hosting two mother-daughter flower workshops at The Rose in South Park. The flower crown workshop teaches guests how to build their own flower crown and includes a photo booth, treats, drinks, and a small take-home kit. At the wine tasting and flower arranging workshop guests will learn how to create a medium arrangement and receive a take-home guide, a pair of flower shears, mimosas, coffee, and treats. Bubbly will be available at both events, but all ages are welcome to attend.
Price: $105 – $150
Date: May 7
Location: 2219 30th Street, South Park
Phone: (619) 281-0718
AHR Florals welcomes DIY enthusiasts to attend their Pinot + Petals wine tasting and floral arranging event hosted at Vin De Syrah. Attendees will sip on a selection of wines while learning the basics of flower arranging.
Price: $45 per person
Date: May 10
Location: 901 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp
Bring your mom to The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn and let her be pampered and massaged on her special day. Available indoors or in the outdoor spa garden and patio, moms can enjoy an 80-minute full body treatment that includes a blueberry and lemon sugar scrub, yogurt and kaolin clay mask, and a complimentary blueberry lemonade refresher.
Price: $190
Date: March 1 – May 31
Location: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo
Phone: (844) 338-9282
Nothing quite says thank you like a chocolate fountain. The day before Mother’s Day, head to the Chocolate Festival at the San Diego Botanic Garden for dozens of chocolate tastings, demonstrations, and Mother’s Day gifts.
Price: free – $14
Date: May 13
Location: 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas
Phone: (760) 436-3036
This nonprofit group is hosting a Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden, and Studio Tour, a self-guided, driving tour that displays paintings, ceramics, photography, and more from artists at the San Dieguito Art Guild. Attendees will drive to multiple homes in the area to view the displays and talk with the artists. Complimentary refreshments will be available at each stop.
Price: $25 per person
Date: May 13 – 14
Location: 937 South Coast Highway, Encinitas
Phone: (760) 942-3636
San Diego Mother’s Day Guide 2017
Hit the theater for Oh, Mary!, cheer on the Padres in the playoffs, and explore the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Fans of remarkable artistry, live sports, and foodie-friendly excursions are all eating particularly well this week. The Civic Theatre will present eight performances of the stage comedy Oh, Mary!, while the city’s streets and MTS Blue Line stations will host another edition of Trolley Dances. As they chase their first World Series crown, the Padres will kick off a best-of-three Wild Card series with the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park, and over at Snapdragon Stadium, Mexican soccer rivals Cruz Azul and Club América will face off in an exhibition match. Last but certainly not least, unleash your appetites for the Taste of North Park, Mexico in a Bottle, and the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival, where five days of culinary experiences await.
JUMP TO: Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
From Wednesday’s first bite at Monarch Ocean Pub to Sunday’s final Grand Tasting hurrah, the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival boasts a lineup for the ages. A trio of Thursday dinners will showcase Rioja wines ($200), whiskey paired with Indian fusion ($295), and Chateau Montelena’s lasting legacy ($639). The following day, spectate ($125) or play (starting at $200) in a star-studded pickleball tournament, including an appearance from SD Mag CCO Troy Johnson. Then comes the two-day Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park. Overwhelmed by all the culinary possibilities? We’ve got you covered. Grand Tasting ticket options include single-day passes ($185-$425) for Saturday and Sunday, as well as two-day passes ($275-$765).
Citywide
Sample the neighborhood cuisine and culture alike during the Taste of North Park. Beginning Saturday at 11 a.m., check in at North Park Mini Park then check out more than 65 unique tastes, including over 50 food stops, across local delis, bistros, dessert shops, and more, plus live music, art activations, and local business pop-ups. Eventgoers can enjoy all-inclusive tastes until 3:30 p.m. and sips through 4 p.m. Food & sip tickets (21-plus) are still available for $65, but—like the food-only and shareable tickets—they are expected to sell out before Saturday.
Check-in: 3812 29th Street, North Park
For one afternoon each fall, Rancho Bernardo becomes Rancho BEERnardo, complete with a festival highlighting local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. This Saturday from 2-5 p.m. during the 21-plus Rancho BEERnardo Festival, attendees can sample from over 35 drinkmakers at Webb Park while enjoying food vendors and live music, all to raise money for the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club. Ticket options include general admission ($65) and VIP entry ($90), which grants early arrival at 1 p.m.; designated driver admission ($10) is also available.
11666 Avena Place, Rancho Bernardo
Few things get more classic—or in this case, Enlightened—than the Le Salon de Musiques, kicking off its new season with a Grand Opening concert this Sunday (4 p.m.). The first monthly show of the 2026-2027 calendar at the La Jolla Woman’s Club will showcase more obscure works by Beethoven, Schubert, and Hiller, played by violinist Martin Chalifour, violist Carson Rick, cellist Allan Hon, and pianist Xiao Chen. After the performance, audience members will be joined by the musicians for a high tea buffet with French champagne. Tickets are $69 for students and $120 for the general public; full season passes ($864) are also on sale.
7791 Draper Avenue, La Jolla
Mexican craft spirits and the storied traditions that bind them are the focus of the 21-plus Mexico in a Bottle festival, returning to Bread & Salt this Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Attendees can try sips and hear stories from distillers of Mexican mezcal, tequila, whiskey, rum, gin, and more. There will also be music from DJ Mafondo, art and craft vendors, panels on Peruvian agave and mezcal education, and vendors showcasing Oaxacan, Sinaloan, and Mayan cuisine. General admission ($82) is all-inclusive and can be purchased here.
1955 Julian Avenue, Logan Heights
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
From food festivals and Fashion Week to hockey games and Oktoberfest, these are the best events to add to your calendar in October
It’s finally fall, and although it may not feel like it (our ceiling fans are this close to flying off their hinges), San Diego is ringing in the cozy season with a heap of fun events. Whether you’re wanting to find your new favorite outfit at Fashion Week, cheer at the Oceanside Shock’s home debut, or practice meditation at the Strength in the City Festival, these are the best things to do in October.
Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Go beyond the menu during the Taste of North Park, with over 50 food samples and 15 beverage stops, plus live music and art-driven programming to keep all the senses engaged.
Cross the Coronado Bridge—and bring your appetite—for A Taste of Coronado, an island-wide culinary jaunt in support of beloved businesses and the Promises2Kids nonprofit.
In the Roustabouts Theatre Co.’s newest comedy at Scripps Ranch Theatre, roommate beef has no age limit. In “Ripcord,” a feud between Abby and Marilyn escalates to absurd heights.
Pay it forward to local public schools with each pet adoption, purchased piece of art—from over 170 artists—and sip of wine, beer, or spirits at the free La Jolla Art & Wine Festival.
Those in search of creativity and community can find both at Other Places Art Fair South, a free showcase for independent artists and galleries at California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Where can you play pickleball with celebs, sample local eats (including that place you’ve always been meaning to try), and take part in the scenic and delicious Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park? There’s only one answer: the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival.
Sashay your way through the 19th annual Fashion Week San Diego, home to stunning runway couture, fall designer collections, and a trunk show—perfect for shopping for your new look.
Dance to Y2K throwbacks all weekend long during Ocean Beach Oktoberfest, which includes a beach party, a stein-holding competition, a brat-eating contest, and for VIP attendees, a custom “OB2K Oktoberfest” liter
mug.
First comes the sting, then comes the shock. San Diego County’s newest sports franchise, Oceanside Shock, will make its home debut in the Federal Prospects Hockey League versus the Fresno Falcons at Frontwave
Arena.
Working out is just one part of this Waterfront Park wellness experience. Practice meditation, play bingo, and recover with sauna zones during the Strength in the City Festival.
At the 25th annual Oceanside DÍa de los Muertos Festival, the Day of the Dead is alive and well. Walk through a chalk cemetery and Por Siempre Car Club’s decorative trunk altars during the free event.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
Chef collaborations, cooking demonstrations, DJs, games, photo ops, and plenty of reasons to keep wandering on Oct 3 and Oct 4
At Del Mar Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting, the walk between food tents can take a while. You might stop to watch a chef competition, get pulled toward the DJ, or find yourself playing mini golf before you remember which bite you were after.
Across the Del Mar Polo Fields, there’s also line dancing, a 1961 red Beetle ready for photos, and an aviation-themed pop-up with Reno Tahoe chefs and mixologists. Need a slower stretch? Check out the wellness stops or browse the shops. Here’s what to look for as you make your way through the festival’s zones:
VIP ticket holders get a head start, with the VIP Reception running from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and serving first bites, first sips, and a few surprises before the Grand Tasting officially gets going. Champagne Telmont will make the festival’s first pour, while Cohn Restaurant Group brings carajillos alongside pours from Karl Strauss, Licor 43, Tap Truck San Diego, Bebemos Tequila, and Devil’s Grin Gin.
The bites are just as good. Celebrity chef Beau MacMillan will serve a first bite, while Warung RieRie is bringing one of its highly coveted dishes. Yes, this is the restaurant that currently has an eight-month waitlist. You’ll also find bites from The Shellfish Affair, The Waverly, Wolf in the Woods, Dora Ristorante, Cori Pastificio Trattoria, An’s Gelato, Pacific 333, Vintana, and more.
And because every good first act needs a soundtrack, there will be live painting and music, with Courtney Govan bringing live jazz to the reception. It’s the perfect opening act before the main event.
During the VIP Reception, chefs Tommy Gomes and Jeff Roberto will conduct a live ahi cutting. Plant Paradise brings another culinary angle, with celebrity chef Zuliya Khawaja joining the plant-based lineup. The area combines chef talent with plant-forward restaurants and brands, giving guests a chance to see just how creative plant-based cooking can get.
Throughout the weekend, The Stage keeps the cooking demonstrations coming, with celebrities and chefs sharing techniques, recipes, and plenty of inspiration for anyone who plans to actually cook something when they get home. Before you know it, you’re watching a chef demo, casting your awards vote, and sipping mezcal on the grass with friends you just met in line.
At the Grand Tasting, dancing just sort of… happens. A DJ drops the right song. Someone’s holding a taco in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. The country zone breaks into a two-step. Friends convince friends. Strangers become temporary dance partners. By the end of the day, everyone’s forgotten they were ever worried about looking cool.
DJ TENAX will be spinning in Plant Paradise, bringing house, techno, and UKG to an open-air dance floor that’s hard to leave. Chris Cantore, a veteran San Diego broadcaster, takes over the VIP Tent, while BootScootin Line Dance and PVO Events bring country-style line dancing to the Polo Fields, so you can work off your tasting itinerary one two-step at a time.
Then a live guitar hum in the distance leads you to a fuchsia boa over at the Pride Zone, where you’ll find yourself covered in sequins and having the lawn party of a lifetime.
Not every activity at the festival requires a tasting glass (although it’s certainly encouraged).
The Matchday Experience brings San Diego FC and San Diego Wave FC into the Grand Tasting, complete with interactive tents and plenty of game-day energy. Athletic Brewing is also sharing activation space with San Diego Wave FC, bringing a fun nonalcoholic option into the mix.
For golf fans, the Los Angeles Golf Club is bringing a Dryve Box golf simulator to the festival. And if your competitive streak is less fairway and more miniature windmill, SD Pop Up Mini Golf has you covered.
The Beach Zone gets in on the action, too, with surfing-inspired elements and Playavole paddle courts. Hemlock Hats and other California brands add to the coastal atmosphere, but the real draw is having somewhere to actually play. And don’t worry, you can cool down in COOLA’s turquoise beach chairs, too, and when your bestie suggests reapplying sunscreen, obviously you do. Basically, there are plenty of ways to work up an appetite between tastings.
You’re going to want to take photos, and the festival has made that extremely easy.
A Timeless Day is bringing multiple photo moments to the Grand Tasting, including a 1961 red Beetle at The Italian Getaway and a teal VW bus in The Beach Zone. For something a little more polished than the standard group selfie, head to the Locals Zone for Pixster Photo Booth and San Diego’s version of a Glam-Bot, complete with a grass red carpet.
Bebemos Tequila is also bringing back its festival-favorite hidden speakeasy. If there’s ever a time for a photo, it’s here. Otherwise, people might not believe you. The speakeasy serves bone marrow shots straight from the bone, with candlelight, a lounge area that makes it hard to believe you’re in a tent outside, and little orange shot glasses. This is “first slide of your festival photo dump” material.
You can also grab your squad and head to LaCroix’s bright and ridiculously cute setup, or swing by San Diego Magazine’s area, where you might stop for a photo in front of the larger-than-life SD Magazine sign and find yourself watching a painting come to life.
But really, you’re in Del Mar. The ocean is essentially your backdrop, and every zone gives you an excuse to stop for the obligatory “totally candid” photo. And yes, the best strategy is to get the group shot before everyone has been sampling wine for three hours.
The Grand Tasting also doubles as a little shopping excursion, with local makers, fashion, vintage finds, jewelry, and lifestyle brands scattered throughout the grounds. Smoke Revival Vintage Vault brings the thrill of vintage treasure hunting, while Nortte Hats and Hemlock Hat Company make a pretty good case for leaving with a new accessory.
Keep an eye out for jewelry and creative vendors, too, including Iris Studio Jewelry and New Nightfall Jewelry, plus local artists and makers featured throughout the festival.
You can come for an all day food and wine festival, but still leave with something shiny you definitely did not plan to buy.
We know, at some point, even the most dedicated grazer has to come up for air. The Novo Dia Wellness Zone is designed for exactly that, bringing together mocktails, coffee, hydration, wellness brands, and even bites from Parakeet Cafe.
Step away from the food and drink frenzy for a few minutes, relax in the shade, try some skincare, stretch with prAna, and maybe grab some Instant Hydration Electrolytes before round three.
There’s also nothing wrong with stopping to smell the roses at Green Air Botanicals while devouring a dairy-free cheese dip. It’s less about disappearing from the party and more about making sure you have enough energy to keep going.
The zones give you somewhere to wander, and the activities give you a reason to keep going. So grab your tasting glass, check the schedule, and leave a little room in your afternoon for something you didn’t plan on doing. At Del Mar Wine & Food, that’s usually where things get interesting.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Some problems are worth having—like too many things to eat, sip, and do in one afternoon
At Del Mar Wine & Food Festival’s Grand Tasting, everyone has their own goals for the day. One friend wants oysters and Champagne. Another heard there’s line dancing. Someone disappeared into Taco Alley. The food person is making a beeline for every chef demo, the golf friend has found the simulator, and someone else is already settled into a beach chair with a mezcal cocktail and has announced they’re “never leaving.”
Consider yourself zoned in.
This year, the Grand Tasting turns the Del Mar Polo Fields into a full-blown foodie wonderland, with chef showdowns, wellness escapes, art installations, lawn games, music, and plenty of magazine-worthy plates. But the zones are where everyone gets to play their own way. You might sip your way through the SLO Zone, accidentally spend the afternoon behind the DJ booth in Plant Paradise, or live out your best beach day in The Beach Zone.
With 100-plus chefs and restaurants, 150-plus wineries, breweries, distilleries, and drink makers, plus a whole lot more happening in between, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the weekend. And with the Grand Tasting taking place October 3 and 4, there’s actually time to explore.
Because the problem with bringing your favorite people to an adult playground is that everyone wants to play differently. Luckily, you get two days to figure it out. Here’s where to start:
The Beef Experience, presented by Brandt Beef – One World Beef, is for the people who believe a food festival is a perfectly reasonable excuse to build an entire afternoon around meat. Brandt Beef brings its signature fare to the Polo Fields alongside a seriously stacked lineup of local favorites, from Tanner’s Prime Burgers and Ranch 45 to Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, Order Fire Barbecue, Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen, The Pit BBQ, Aloha Rib Shack, and more.
And then there’s the tent you might almost miss.
Tucked into Brandt Beef Alley, Bebemos Tequila has set up what looks, from the outside, like a fairly unassuming tent. Walk inside, though, and you’ll find a full little speakeasy lounge, complete with a bar and one very dramatic tequila trick. The team lights the shots right in front of you before pouring them straight into guests’ mouths. Candlelight, fire, tequila, barbecue. Suddenly, your casual afternoon tasting has taken a turn.
Grab a plate of Brandt Beef tallow fries, chase it with a pour from Bebemos Tequila or Tap Truck San Diego, and maybe browse Nortte Hats while you recover. The rules are simple: follow the smoke, trust the grill, and maybe don’t make dinner plans afterward.
For the friend who thinks every good afternoon should involve a little sunshine, a cold drink, and nowhere to be, there’s The Beach Zone. Presented by Reef Lifestyle, this laid-back corner brings the San Diego summer fantasy to the Polo Fields, complete with coastal bites, beach-inspired brands, and plenty of reasons to stay awhile.
Grab bites from Duke’s La Jolla, Jake’s Del Mar, Lofty Coffee Co., Dang Brother Pizza Co., and Coral Del Mar, then cool off with Summer Club, Volley, Surfside Iced Tea and Lemonade + Vodka, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Mezo Mezoritas, Roseade Wine Spritzer, Pinkys, and more. Hemlock Hat Co., Coola, Sambazon, Playavole, Shibumi Shade, Spritz del Conte, and Out of the Woods add a little retail therapy to the mix, because the Grand Tasting obviously needs shopping, too.
And yes, there’s a photo op. Find the teal VW bus from A Timeless Day, gather your favorite people, and pretend you’ve spent the afternoon cruising the California coast instead of wandering around a wine and food festival.
It’s an area filled with surf-inspired games, your next favorite beach accessory, and a drink in hand. Basically, San Diego summer, condensed into one very convenient patch of grass.
Neon boas, glitter-filled drinks, and enough food to make choosing a single dinner impossible. The Pride Zone presented by San Diego Pride is bringing the energy, gathering some of San Diego’s favorite restaurants, bars, breweries, and sweet spots in one very colorful corner of the Polo Fields. Expect bites and beverages from Cary Q Wines, Gossip Grill, Rootdown & Es Okay, T’Maro Brands, and more.
Plant Paradise is your green oasis, but don’t expect it to be particularly peaceful. DJ Tenax returns with house, techno, UKG, and the kind of set that can turn a quick stop into an hour on the open-air dance floor. As Green Air Botanicals sets the mood, grab a cocktail from Mission Craft Cocktails, Makku, or San Hagen Tequila, and a bite from the sprawling lineup of plant-based bites and snacks from some of San Diego’s vegan favorites.
Kindred, Nourish Eats, The Plot, Maya’s Cookies and more. There’s also a full lineup of brands to snack your way through, including Aficio 22, Bücha Hard Kombucha, Nichols Farms, Nuts For Cheese.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
Here’s where to celebrate, connect, give back, and make a difference this month
Join a slew of celebrity athletes—former world No. 4 tennis star James Blake, and former MLB players Brett Tomko and Eric Byrnes, to name a few—chefs, and other hunger-relief supporters for a Celebrity Pickleball Tournament to raise money for Feeding San Diego. The tournament at the Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma is part of the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival, which has raised more than $100,000 for Feeding San Diego and other local nonprofit organizations since 2023.
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will celebrate 50 years of groundbreaking research at its Illumination Gala at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Support from the gala will help Sanford Burnham Prebys continue to advance medicine and change lives.
San Diego Humane Society supporters—both people and pets—will get dressed to the nines for the 40th annual Fur Ball. Proceeds from the event at San Diego Humane Society’s Gaines Street campus will support the organization’s efforts to care for more than 40,000 animals each year.
Voices for Children will celebrate the impact of its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) at its Starry Starry Night Gala on the Heron Lawn at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. The 46-year-old organization is the only agency in the county designated to provide CASAs to advocate for local foster children.
Show off your sparkle at the Autism Society of San Diego Diamond Anniversary Gala at the Town & Country Resort. The nonprofit will celebrate six decades of service with dinner, entertainment, and special guests.
More than 30 performers will take the stage to support Robin’s Nest Rescue at its fourth annual Rockin’ Robin Music Fest. The five-acre animal sanctuary in Ramona will also celebrate America’s 250th birthday, showcase local artisans, and introduce guests to some of its rescue animals.
Local nonprofit Adjoin will host a whimsical garden party fundraiser at a private home in La Mesa. The Soil to Soul Garden Party will support Adjoin’s mission to build inclusive communities and support independence for people with disabilities and veteran families experiencing homelessness.
Enjoy bites, beverages, and animal encounters at Living Coast Discovery Center’s Farm to Bay fundraiser. The annual event at the nonprofit zoo and aquarium on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge will support coastal conservation efforts.
Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.
Scripps electrophysiologists not only deliver the latest therapies, they help develop them
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. The condition, characterized by an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, raises the risk of stroke, heart failure and death. Advances in electrophysiology, a subspecialty of cardiology focused on the heart’s electrical system, are transforming how AFib and other dysrhythmias are diagnosed and treated. Scripps electrophysiologists use state-of-the-art therapies—some of which they helped develop. They were instrumental in the pre-FDA approval research for an effective new treatment, pulsed field ablation, and are on the forefront of other innovative treatments. Click here to learn more.
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