As summertime inches closer to the shores of San Diego, there are plenty of reasons to be ecstatic. For one thing, there’s the impending arrival of the summer solstice (Sunday), and three days before that, Del Mar’s own Summer Solstice will return for its yearly golden hour. There are also plenty of local Juneteenth events, such as Kinfolk Fest, the Cooper Family Foundation’s Juneteenth Celebration, and The Freedom Table, a new, food-centered event from the originators of Juneteenth San Marcos. We’re also less than three weeks away from America’s 250th anniversary, and the celebrations range from the San Diego History Center’s America 250: San Diego 1776-2026 to NASCAR’s weekend of racing at Naval Base Coronado.
Cbar has planned a week’s worth of festivities to mark its first birthday, and everyone can get in on the fun. The 1-Year Anniversary Week celebrations continue with a special edition of the Sips & Shells craft series ($50) on Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m., half-off pastries with any purchase of a barista drink (plus an anniversary summer wine flight) on Wednesday and a five-course winemaker dinner on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. ($130). Finally, the birthday bash will conclude with live music on Friday (Will Fedak) and Saturday (Cappo Kelley) from 6-9 p.m.
2917 State Street, Carlsbad
Taste of Little Italy
June 16 & 17
Little Italy’s annual food crawl has so many options that it warrants splitting into two evenings, each boasting a diverse lineup of 20 neighborhood vendors. During the Taste of Little Italy, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., attendees can make their way from the Piazza della Famiglia to nearby dining destinations for bites like esquites, sausage rolls, hot chicken tenders, and forkfuls of handmade pasta. Each night will also include live music and stops for drinks, desserts, and vegetarian items. Tickets are $71 per day.
As spring makes its golden transition into summer, welcome the new season with open arms and a big appetite during Del Mar Village’s marquee tasting event this Thursday from 5-8 p.m. With the Summer Solstice celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s iteration will include dozens of food and drink offerings from Del Mar Village vendors, soulful tunes from Christian Jules Taylor, live art by Sarah O’Connor, and wave-crashing views at Powerhouse Park. General admission (21+) is $157 and comes with unlimited tastings as well as a commemorative tasting glass, while VIP tickets are sold out; proceeds support the Del Mar Village Association.
1658 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar
The Freedom Table at TERI Campus of Life
June 19
After hosting the first-ever Juneteenth San Marcos festival in 2025, Lionel and Natalie Saulsberry have upped the ante with The Freedom Table, an elevated observance of community, culture, and the culinary arts. This Friday from 4-9 p.m. at TERI Campus of Life, guests can enjoy storytelling, art installations, live music, curated cocktails, and a chef-led dining experience, all in recognition of Juneteenth’s lasting importance. Ticket options include general admission ($261), plus two charitable ticket options: supporter ($313) and impact ($417), with a portion of sales going towards the youth nonprofit Achievement in Motion.
555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos
Talladega Nights Father’s Day Brunch at ARLO
June 21
In honor of NASCAR’s Coronado debut and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, ARLO is throwing a Father’s Day brunch for the dads who want to go fast. This Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can order from ARLO’s regular brunch menu, as well as a trio of holiday specials: the Dad’s Day Steak and Fries ($64), the Fit For a King Muffuletta Sandwich ($29), and the Big Daddy Brookie ($14). This shake and bake-approved meal will also include a DJ, cigar rollings, whiskey tastings and a Ricky Bobby costume contest. Reservations can be made online.
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.
Enter May in resplendent style, with a lineup of exciting concerts, creative showcases and gastronomic festivals. Those looking for their live music fix can sing along to the stylings of Ms. Lauryn Hill at Gallagher Square, catch indie rocker Snail Mail at The Observatory North Park or watch Star Wars: A New Hope with a live orchestra at The Rady Shell. Artistically-inclined folks can immerse themselves in the imaginative and the innovative within the Art Garden at UCSD Park & Market and the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Avant Garde Ball. As for the weekend’s most appetizing events, there’s the three-day Foodieland San Diego festival, the annual San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew and a 54-hour excursion with chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn. Here are the best things to do in San Diego this weekend.
54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn
April 30–May 3
Embark on a tasteful getaway to Rancho Bernardo Inn for 54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs. Patrons can spend intimate time with the cream of the culinary crop via dinners, cooking demonstrations, kitchen skill workshops, wine and whiskey tastings and deluxe activities, like a round of golf with the participating chefs. Ticket options include a seat at Sunday’s Chef Tour Dinner ($240), the Gold Ticket for Friday and Saturday’s events ($450) and the all-access Platinum Ticket ($600).
Takoyaki, raspados, Japanese hot dogs and freeze dried honey cones are just some of the street food concoctions available to try at this year’s FoodieLand San Diego festival. This Friday from 3-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-10 p.m. at Del Mar Fairgrounds, attendees can peruse a smorgasbord of eye-catching and appetite-filling eats from 125 food stalls. But Foodieland doesn’t solely consist of nourishment, with a plethora of shopping vendors offering up apparel, accessories and boutique finds. Single-day tickets are $12.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew
May 2
Dine amongst the fauna at the annual San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew, a 21+ conservation fundraiser for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance this Saturday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Guests can navigate their way around the park for live music, wildlife encounters and all-inclusive samples from a lineup of restaurants, breweries and wineries, plus complimentary soft drinks. General admission is $179, while VIP passes, which come with early entry at 6:30 p.m. along with exclusive menu items, private lounges and a special wildlife encounter, are $299.
Catch a rare live performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill this Thursday at 8 p.m. during the Padres Foundation’s fifth annual Dinner on the Diamond. This charitable gala, held on the Petco Park outfield, will feature auctions, an elegant dinner and appearances from Padres staff, players and alumni. Plus, for the first time, tickets to the event’s entertainment portion in Gallagher Square are open to the public. Hill, a few of the legendary Fugees, and the creative force behind The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, will be joined by a pair of special guests, her children Zion and YG Marley. Tickets for this concert start at $50, with net proceeds going to the Padres Foundation.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at The Rady Shell
May 1 & 3
Since its debut on the silver screen in 1977, Star Wars has developed into a cultural behemoth, rich with iconic characters, epic lightsaber showdowns and grand space adventures. This Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (6:30 p.m.), fans of cinema and sci-fi can see the film that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope, outdoors at The Rady Shell. From the expository opening crawl to the Death Star’s demise, audiences can experience the franchise’s beginnings with a live rendition of John Williams’ score, performed by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and conductor Scott Terrell. Tickets range from $68 to $173 for Friday and $51 to $173 for Sunday.
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.
By the looks of it, this weekend is shaping up to be the most event-rich stretch of the year, with plentiful chances to go out, give back and experience all the diverse offerings San Diego has in store. Concerts, car shows, annual exhibitions and free festivals—the hardest part will be choosing which activities to check out. The return of marquee attractions like WOW Festival, Art Alive, Adams Avenue Unplugged, San Diego EarthFest and the La Jolla Concours d’Élégance means there is no better time than the present to revel in all that makes this city special. So don’t miss out.
Uncorked: San Diego at Embarcadero Marina Park North
April 25
The traveling Uncorked festival heads back to Embarcadero Marina Park North this Saturday from 1-5 p.m. for another 21+ bottle-popping celebration. Uncorked: San Diego promises more than 150 international wines and sparkling drink selections, plus a range of spirits, mocktails and canned cocktails. Plus, attendees can enjoy food trucks, live DJs and an assortment of lawn games. Ticket options include early admission ($95) and general admission ($79), which comes with entry at 2 p.m.; proceeds from this event will go toward the nonprofit Urban Surf 4 Kids.
In conjunction with the Taste of San Diego: Filipino Culinary Journeys exhibition, the San Diego History Center and the Council of Philippine American Organizations are hosting a Filipino Food Pop-Up. This complimentary culinary add-on, happening Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature a Filipino menu of mainstays and desserts from Gabina’s Cuisine. History center visitors will be able to closely observe the cultural traditions within the exhibition while eating cuisine that reflects the city’s Filipino gastronomic evolution.
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Dawson’s Creek Brunch at Mic Drop Comedy
April 26
Up for an afternoon in Capeside? Fans of The WB’s golden era can reserve a spot at Mic Drop Comedy’s 21+ Dawson’s Creek Brunch, celebrating the iconic teen drama that launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and the dearly departed James Van Der Beek. Experience the series’ most memorable moments, including the love triangles and Dawson’s eternal crying face. Doors open this Sunday at noon, with the event beginning at 1 p.m. General admission is $26 and a VIP booth, which comes with five tickets, is $225.
Six months after teasing his new project with a pair of intimate residencies at Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC and LA, Charlie Puth released his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!, in late March. The smooth, nostalgic pop sound of the record is bolstered by an eclectic lineup of features, which include R&B dynamos Coco Jones and Ravyn Lenae, yacht rock icons Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald and Japanese-American pop idol Hikaru Utada. Puth’s performance this Wednesday at Viejas Arena (7:30 p.m.) will feature singer-songwriters Daniel Seavey and Ally Salort as openers. Tickets range from $42 to $176 for this concert.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando
Adams Avenue Unplugged
April 25
Roam along Adams Avenue and see a plethora of pop-up concerts this Saturday from noon to midnight during Adams Avenue Unplugged. Ninety performers will play across 26 stages spread throughout University Heights, Kensington and Normal Heights, with local venues including cafes, pubs, and the offices of Heights Optometry. All performances are free except for the headliner set at 7 p.m. from Latino rock legend Alejandro Escovedo at Normal Heights United Church ($40). The church will also host the festival’s beer garden, and those who purchase the VIP food & drink package ($25), will receive three beers and a taco combo plate.
Adams Avenue
Ichiko Aoba at Balboa Theatre
April 25
Japanese multi-instrumentalist Ichiko Aoba distills vivid dreams into awe-inspiring music, creating boundless worlds where natural beauty pairs with audial delight. Aoba’s most recent album, Luminescent Creatures, takes this concept to satisfying new heights with a collection of songs that balance the quiet, loving embrace of home with the enchanting allure of freedom, all brought together by her calm, whisper-like vocals. Concertgoers can get swept away in Aoba’s world when she performs this Saturday at 8 p.m. at Balboa Theatre as part of her Across the Oceans Tour. Tickets range from $55 to $136 for this concert.
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.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Matt Furman Photography
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Matt Furman Photography
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
When we think of May, we think of Mother’s Day, blooming flowers, sunny skies, and lots of fun, seasonal events in the city. This month, locals can dine on the creations of James Beard Award-Winning Chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn, or take advantage of berry season at the annual Vista Strawberry Festival. Theatre lovers can enjoy a showing of Kim’s Convenience at The Old Globe, while the San Diego Natural History Museum invites art enthusiasts to view its latest marine-themed exhibit. Grab your tickets and crack open that planner. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this month:
Louisiana legend Juvenile, enhances by the live instrumentation of The 400 Degreez Band, will perform career hits and his newest album, Boiling Point, at House of Blues San Diego.
Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
5/5–6/1
Turning the spotlight on contemporary LGBTQ artists, the inaugural ArtSpectrum 2026 will showcase both the grand and intimate scale of contemporary painters, photographers, and mixed media artists at Village Arts Outreach in Balboa Park.
12–24
The only ordinary element of the San Diego International Fringe Festival is the constant thrill of the extraordinary. Discover a plethora of innovative performances at venues from Pacific Beach to Baja.
A Korean-Canadian family balances tradition and assimilation from their Toronto storefront in Ins Choi’s comforting satire Kim’s Convenience, making its local premier at The Old Globe.
5/22–2/2027
Ocean debris will receive a new beginning at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Using repurposed pollution, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea depicts creatively sculpted marine life.
Courtesy of BRICK
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
4/30–5/3
Enjoy fine dining at its finest from a lineup of gastronomic titans during 54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs. Savor elegant meals, masterclasses, tastings, and more at Rancho Bernardo Inn.
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Unlimited bites, regional craft beers, and animal observations are on the menu for San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew (with live music), a culinary evening in support of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance.
Spend An Evening with David Sedaris, humorist, essayist, and best-selling author. Never afraid to point the pen at himself, Sedaris will share old favorites and works in progress in the classic satirical style he’s known for at Jacobs Music Center.
15–17
Say cheese! And toast to the Cheese & Libation Expo. Explore three days of all-you-can eat and drink fare at BRICK, along with boutique shopping and bountiful pairings.
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Stroll the private grounds of several luxurious homes, accompanied by live music, tabletop designs, and outdoor artistry, during the Secret Garden Tour, La Jolla Historical Society‘s flora and fauna fundraiser.
24
Vista recalls its days as a strawberry-producing superpower through its free Strawberry Festival. Wear your berry best fit, watch film screenings, and enter contests for shortcake, pie, and sundae indulging.
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.
Indoor soccer playoffs, engaging art exhibitions and avocado activities are in store this weekend in San Diego. Sports fans can root for the Gulls as they finish their regular season slate and catch a postseason matchup between the Sockers and the St. Louis Ambush. Evocative artwork can be admired through Space 4 Arts’ Instructions for Unrest: Art Against Complacency at Art Produce Gallery, the familial retrospective Brothers in Arts: James Hubbell and Bert Hubbell at Oceanside Museum of Art and two new exhibitions at MCASD from the private collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. In addition, the annual Avocado Festival will return to the streets of downtown Fallbrook with an array of contests, entertainment and avocado-filled splendor.
Spend an afternoon along Lake San Marcos sampling a curated menu of greater San Diego’s best flavors during the 5th annual Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival. Over 30 vendors will showcase their best food, wine and spirits, with attendees encouraged to vote on their favorites. Ticket options include general admission ($89) and VIP passes ($160), which comes with early admission at noon and a luxury cruise to the festival’s deluxe island experience; prices will rise by $10 the day of the event. All eventgoers will also go home with a souvenir tasting glass.
No matter if you love or loathe avocados, there are festivities for everyone to explore during the free annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This includes family-friendly live entertainment, a beer and wine garden with live music and the Artisan Walk on Alvarado. Plus, there will be contests for the best tasting and looking guacamoles, avocado holding competitions, contests for best dressed avocado and little miss & mister avocado and the Avocado 500 mini car race.
Main Street from East Mission Road to Fallbrook Street, Fallbrook
Courtesy of Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Ethel Cain at The Rady Shell
April 14
Can’t afford to see Ethel Cain at Coachella? Fortunately, San Diegans can catch the standout Americana artist this Tuesday at 7 p.m. when she plays The Rady Shell. Cain’s sonic mastery and intricate songwriting are best displayed in her pair of new projects from 2025: the dark and ambient Perverts and Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, which continues and precedes the tales from her debut Preacher’s Daughter. Cain will be joined on the bill by shoegaze group 9Million and country rock standouts Wednesday. Tickets are $86 for this concert; $1 from every ticket sold will go to organizations that support the trans community via The Ally Coalition.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
Devo at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
April 15
Assemble your circular red energy domes and head to Humphreys Concerts by the Bay this Wednesday at 8 p.m. to see new wave legends Devo. Also fresh off an appearance at weekend one of Coachella, Devo is celebrating its 53rd anniversary. Though it’s been 45 years since “Whip It” cracked its way up the Billboard Hot 100, and only a couple years since their lineup of “farewell” shows, Devo are finding ways to connect with new audiences, as evidenced by the mantra of their Mutate, Don’t Stagnate Tour. Tickets range from $120 to $243 for this concert.
2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island
San Diego Arab Film Festival
April 17–19
The second installment of this year’s San Diego Arab Film Festival returns to the Museum of Photographic Arts’ Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater for three nights of screenings this Friday through Sunday. The lineup of five shorts and five feature films includes international selections from Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, including All That’s Left of You, Hind Under Siege and The President’s Cake. Ticket options include a three-ticket pass ($40) and individual screening tickets ($15); cafeteria-style Arabic dinners can also be purchased ahead for each screening for $18.
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
HoCo 420 Fest
April 17–19
Ocean Beach’s The Holding Company is ushering in the highest of holidays with this weekend’s HoCo 420 Fest. The festival begins Friday (7:30-11:30 p.m.) with a performance by reggae rock group Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds, continues Saturday (7-11:30 p.m.) with a headlining set from weed rap extraordinaire Devin the Dude and ends Sunday (1:30-6 p.m.) with an after party featuring local alternative band Fight Naked. Tickets are $15 for Friday, $30 for Saturday, $10 for Sunday and $45 for the whole weekend.
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.
Art Alive at The San Diego Museum of Art Showcases Stunning Floral Displays amid Masterpieces of Art for Signature Fundraiser Weekend
Art and Floral Fun for All Ages April 28–May 1
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Sponsored Content Provided by The San Diego Museum of Art
Step into a botanical wonderland while seeing art in a new way. Art Alive brings art-inspired florals to The San Diego Museum of Art for a weekend of springtime revelry.
See a kaleidoscope of colorful floral arrangements interpreting works of art in the Museum. These masterful creations by regional floral designers are the heart of Art Alive.
The full-tilt florals throughout the Museum are enhanced with special, limited-engagement art installations; a large-scale botanical display in the Museum rotunda; four days of festive events and activities, including the return of Bloom Bash, the high-voltage celebration that kicks off Art Alive weekend; and the first look at an extraordinary new contemporary art exhibition.
San Diego Museum of Art
Floral Arrangements Interpret Works of Art throughout Museum
Experience art in an all-new way. Regional floral designers showcase arrangements interpreting more than 70 works of art from The San Diego Museum of Art collection, inviting comparisons of shape, form, and color. The galleries bloom as the designs are displayed alongside the original works of art from across the globe.
Grand Botanical Display in Museum Rotunda
Upon entering The San Diego Museum of Art during Art Alive, guests are greeted with stunning botanical views. The epicenter of the Museum, the Museum rotunda, will come to life with a two-story display by San Diego botanical designer Britton Neubacher. Her sustainably minded botanical showcase, titled “Organized Chaos,” uses preserved mosses, plants, and foliage to ground the space and draw visitors into the wonders on view throughout the Museum galleries.
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Art Alive Events
TheArt Alive Premiere Dinner on Thursday, April 28 is an elegant black-tie affair, celebrating art with a spectacular dinner in the galleries.
Bloom Bash on Friday, April 29, is the high-voltage celebration that kicks off Art Alive weekend. Bloom Bash features craft food and cocktails from more than 30 of the region’s top eateries, live performances, the return of the Ferris wheel to the plaza in front of the Museum, and music and dancing all night, plus special after-hours viewing of the Art Alive floral exhibition, special art installations, and featured exhibitions.
Art Alive Floral Exhibition takes place Friday, April 29, through Sunday, May 1, showcasing masterful floral designs interpreting works of art in the Museum collection. Experience botanicals throughout the Museum to enjoy art in an all-new way.
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Garden of Activities is designed for families and youth of all ages. Join Museum educators on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, in the floral-themed art-making space to explore some of the many optical illusions artists employ through a variety of hands-on arts projects and demonstrations.
New Contemporary Art Exhibition Opens Art Alive Weekend
Experience a contemplative contemporary art space with TERRA: Fernando Casasempere. Opening Art Alive weekend, the Chilean ceramic sculptor’s first solo exhibition in the US highlights the urgency of the environmental crisis through installations that utilize the Earth as both subject and medium.
Special exhibition Monet to Matisse: Impressionist Masterpieces from the Bemberg Foundation is also on view during Art Alive. Showcasing a knockout collection of more than 60 renowned works of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, the exhibition showcases a stunning collection that wonderfully complements the Art Alive floral displays.Admission to both exhibitions is included with Art Alive tickets.
Get Tickets to Art Alive, the Museum’s Fun-Filled Signature Fundraiser
Art Alive is The San Diego Museum of Art’s signature annual fundraiser, providing essential support for Museum exhibitions, education, outreach, and public programs. Join the fun April 28–May 1 to experience an immersive fusion of flowers and art and show your support for the arts in your community!
