There’s no such thing as a universal language. Polish ophthalmologist L.L. Zamenhof proposed that Esperanto, the language he constructed, be the shared tongue to help bridge the global gap, but that never caught on despite being used in the 1966 b-movie Incubus, starring William Shatner. But there are a few things that translate easily across distant cultures: emojis, pickled vegetables, and psychedelic rock.
Admittedly, that last one is a little anachronistic, but it’s still true. Back in the ‘60s when artists like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Cream were soundtracking a cultural movement, the sonic elements and chemical additives that fueled their music spread across the globe. Brazil had the tropicália movement, which paired guitar fuzz with samba rhythms and a message of protest against the military-led government. Cambodia had a thriving psych-rock scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s, which met resistance by the Khmer Rouge government, as told in the recent production of Cambodian Rock Band. And Mexico had Los Dug Dug’s, a fiery and exciting band of acid rock iconoclasts—and they’re still going.
Los Dug Dug’s earned their claim to fame by being the first Mexican rock group to sing in English (though they mostly sang in their native Spanish) and to also cover The Beatles. But all it takes is one listen to their fuzzy, epic psych-rock jams to understand their appeal. The best starting point for newcomers to the band is their 1973 album Smog, one of four albums released during their career, all of them well worth exploring. Smog, however, essentially comprises a back-to-back sequence of stellar rock ‘n’ roll songs, vintage in sound but featuring the kind of aesthetics that would no doubt appeal to listeners of contemporary artists like Tame Impala, Ty Segall and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.
Take the title track, for instance, which is loaded with a raw, driving guitar sound but is even more notable for a very un-rock ‘n’ roll element: flute. It’s a delight to listen to, but true to the title, “Smog,” its themes remain relevant today, nearly 50 years later, with fretful lyrics about the state of pollution. There’s a heavier groove to “I Don’t Care (Yo No Sé)” that rivals early Black Sabbath in sheer, raw power, and “Cuál es tu Nombre” is, one of the catchiest rock songs of the era, whether or not you speak the language.
Now in their seventies, the members of Los Dug Dug’s are still stirring up a mighty ruckus, bringing their swirling, wild psychedelia to younger generations and new stages, many of whom weren’t even alive when the first wave of psych-rock drenched the globe in acid. (Like me—I was born in the ‘80s.) There’s no better time than the present to discover another chapter in one of rock music’s most significant stories. But, of course, there’s no reason to stop here. With more labels reissuing hard-to-find records from around the world in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and fewer barriers to finding them, there’s never been a better time to get an education in global psych. Los Dug Dug’s just happen to be an excellent place to start.
Raphael Saadiq, Jamila Woods (January 23, House of Blues): Raphael Saadiq is one of the best R&B artists of our time. Back in the ‘90s, he performed as a member of Tony Toni Toné, later striking a solo career of his own with even more impressive results. Albums like The Way I See It display how seamlessly he combines different eras of pop music—neo-soul with vintage ‘60s and ‘70s aesthetics—and his songs are simply a delight to hear. Get there early for Jamila Woods, who I wrote about in this space last year and who’s making some of the best music of any genre these days.
The Midnight Pine (January 27, The Casbah): If you’ve been going to see shows in San Diego during the past decade and somehow haven’t seen The Midnight Pine yet, you’re missing out. The band’s members are all involved with other projects, and if you’ve heard the upbeat punk-pop of vocalist Shelbi Bennett’s other band The Havnauts, the more spacious and earthy folk and Americana of The Midnight Pine might come as a surprise. But there’s a reason I named their 2014 album Buried as my favorite local album of 2014.
Fistfights With Wolves, Belladon (January 30, Music Box): Belladon is a San Diego band to watch, balancing intoxicating synth-pop songs with gorgeous vocal harmonies. And they’re celebrating the release of their debut album at this show, which also features progressive rock group Fistfights With Wolves. It’s a diverse lineup, but it’s guaranteed to be a thrilling night.
The San Diego music scene lost a beloved voice this week. Alberto Jurado, vocalist of Death Eyes, passed away due to heart complications, and his loud, lively presence will be missed. A fundraiser is being held at Small Bar on Sunday, January 26, to help his family with funeral and other unforseen expenses.
Jeff Terich is the music critic behind the blog The Setlist. His writing has been published in Stereogum, Bandcamp Daily, American Songwriter, Fodor's and Vinyl Me Please.
It’s official: Live music isn’t happening much of anywhere throughout San Diego for the next couple weeks at least, confirming what I suspected in my last column. Venues such as Belly Up, Music Box, The Casbah and Soda Bar will be shuttered for the remainder of March, and many of the bands who had tour dates lined up through the spring have either canceled or postponed them. And it’s not an ideal situation to be in. It means lost revenue for the musicians, but also the venues and the people who work there.While Soda Bar and The Casbah are closed, each is having merch sales to benefit their employees—and a lot of it is pretty cool, so I’d highly recommend that anyone who supports local music should get a t-shirt, a hoodie or a mug. But it’s also a good time to buy music directly from the artists.The best way to do that is to either buy merch from a band’s online store or to buy their albums via Bandcamp. I’ve chosen some of my favorite albums from the past year or so, and better yet, I’ve paired them with specific situations you might find yourself in while social distancing. You’re going to be indoors for a while, most likely, and you’ll need some music for every scenario. Also, if you’re planning to wait until Friday to buy some of these, Bandcamp is waiving its revenue share for a day, so all the money goes directly to the artists.
Music for a Quiet Morning
Jessica Pratt – Quiet Signs
Jessica Pratt has recorded three full-length albums, and each of them is gentle, hushed and stark. They’re all quite beautiful, though her third, Quiet Signs, is the most maximalist of the three, which isn’t really saying that much. Most of these songs still mostly comprise her voice and acoustic guitar, with occasional touches of piano or light percussion. It’s great music for rising with the sun and enjoying a cup of coffee before telecommuting or, if you prefer, going back to bed.
Music for Motivation
Kaleta and Super Yamba Band – Médaho
I don’t know about anyone else, but music helps motivate me a lot better than, say, listening to a podcast. Don’t get me wrong—podcasts are fine, but they can be distracting when I need to get down to business. So sometimes I’ll opt for the loudest most intense music at my disposal, but more often than not, I need something with a groove. Benin-born Kaleta and his New York based Yamba Band most certainly have groove. Theirs is a blend of Fela Kuti-style Afrobeat, James Brown’s funk and King Sunny Ade’s juju guitar, and it’s got groove for days. I don’t know about you, but I feel ready to take on whatever comes my way (which is just email and takeout, I suppose).
Music for Daydreaming
Jay Som – Anak Ko
A little distracted? That’s OK! Distracting yourself or even just zoning out for a bit is entirely permitted. While you’re doing this, put on the new album by Bay Area artist Jay Som, which is a lush and gorgeous indie pop record full of dreamy melodies and dense arrangements.
Music for In-Home Happy Hour
Ratboys – Printer’s Devil
Working from home means that the lines between work and time off are going to be a little blurry, which is why it’s important to set some boundaries for yourself. Choose a time to “clock out”, and have yourself a stay-at-home happy hour. And you’ll need some music for that, of course. I recommend the new album by Chicago’s Ratboys, whose style of indie rock has the kind of energy and upbeat melodies that feel appropriate for a little treat-yourself time after work.
Music for a Living Room Dance Party
P.E. – Person
My favorite album of the year thus far is one that’s probably going to keep me grounded for a little while, just because it’s so much fun. P.E. is a Brooklyn band that features members of Pill and Eaters, and their sound is somewhere between weird, no-wave industrial and super-catchy synth-pop. So while some of their sounds are a little experimental, songs like “Soft Dance” and “Pink Shiver” are basically perfect pop singles. You can’t go out to dance right now, so put this on and do it in your living room.
Music for Insomnia
Caribou – Suddenly
I should clarify that when I say “Music for Insomnia,” this probably isn’t music that will get you to sleep. To be honest, I’ve always had trouble sleeping with music on. Some soothing voices? Perhaps, but not music. But the new Caribou album, while riddled with beats and samples, is to my ears very much a late night album, and it’s something to keep you company if you’re up at night, deciding whether or not you should mix together all the types of cereal in your cupboard.
Music That Soothes (Without Being Too Sedate)
Four Tet – Sixteen Oceans
Perhaps you just need something to listen to that’s not too intense, not too gentle or sparse, just something pretty with enough energy to make you feel like a human being. Well, UK producer Kieran Hebden, aka Four Tet, is great at that. Most of his music has energy and momentum, but never veers into sensory overload EDM. And his newly released Sixteen Oceans is one of his prettiest to date.
Music for Meditation
Tengger – Spiritual 2
Most of us will probably need some time for meditation, to re-center ourselves, to find a moment of peace while things are a bit scary. Some would probably prefer silence, but if you can add music to the equation, then you should do so, at least that’s my personal take on it. Tengger is a South Korean group that makes epic and beautiful electronic music that tends toward the hypnotic. Perfect for your solitary moment of inner peace. Or yoga. That works too.
Music To Hear Just Because It’s Really Good
Moses Sumney – græPart One
But do you really need an excuse to buy some good new music? The best reason is because we enjoy listening to it! And one album I enjoy a whole lot right now is the first installment of Moses Sumney’s græ. He’s releasing it in two parts, with the second installment coming in May. But even if it’s half an album, these 12 tracks are some of the most sonically inviting, emotionally powerful songs I’ve heard all year.But no need to stop there, spend some time on Bandcamp and stream new albums to find other music you might want to buy. It’ll make a musician’s day, and they could really use that right now.
Jeff Terich is the music critic behind the blog The Setlist. His writing has been published in Stereogum, Bandcamp Daily, American Songwriter, Fodor's and Vinyl Me Please.
In hindsight, the ’90s were pretty weird. People tend to remember the decade’s music in terms of its novelties (“Macarena”), its heavily hyped trends (grunge) or the Spice Girls. But a lot of what was happening just under the mainstream radar was a lot more interesting. And big record labels with money to burn certainly thought so as well; in the wake of Nirvana’s massive success with 1991’s Nevermind, every company with seemingly endless A&R resources was snatching up every last indie artist without a contract. There were success stories, of course, but the market only had so much room for an alternative rock hitmaker. So for every Beck or Cake, there were dozens of groups like Royal Trux, Boredoms, or even San Diego’s own Drive Like Jehu, who simply didn’t write radio-ready anthems and likely weren’t all that interested in doing so.
There were some interesting exceptions, however, like Soul Coughing. In 1996, the New York band landed their own hit with “Super Bon Bon,” a sort of nonsensical, bohemian beat-poetry breakdown driven by an upright bass groove and frontman Mike Doughty’s off-kilter Dadaist lyrics: “Too fat, fat, you must cut lean/You gotta take the elevator to the mezzanine.” There’s no question why it was a hit—it’s an incredibly catchy song—but it’s certainly weird. Yet it’s got nothing on the band’s debut album, Ruby Vroom.
Released in the fall of 1994, Ruby Vroom introduced Soul Coughing at a time when samplers and drum machines were starting to supplant guitars in alternative music. The Beastie Boys, a hip-hop group, had become staples of modern rock radio while the breakthrough of Beck’s “Loser” early on in 1994 had spawned a number of soundalikes—Primitive Radio Gods, Forest for the Trees (who actually cowrote “Loser”) and Fun Lovin’ Criminals, to name a few. Soul Coughing emerged more as a parallel, their style a hybrid of beat poetry, jazz, hip-hop, and rock that doesn’t make a lot of sense on paper but is a hell of a lot of fun in your headphones. Take, for instance, the single “Screenwriter’s Blues,” a spoken-word narration of Hollywood clichés and ennui featuring a number of one-liners like “We are all in some way or another going to Reseda, someday, to die” and “I am going to Los Angeles to build a screenplay about lovers who murder each other.” Is it bizarre, perhaps too much so for a mainstream radio audience? Absolutely. But is it an absolute blast to listen to? You bet.
That’s true of the whole of Ruby Vroom, which turns 25 this year. I’m not sure how the album might sound to those who weren’t around the first time to hear it—without the context of the fairly absurd alt-rock explosion of the ’90s, it’s an odd one. But to these ears, it holds up well. The cartoonish Raymond Scott samples on “Bus to Beelzebub,” the free-association absurdities of “Casiotone Nation,” the surprisingly tender ballad “True Dreams of Wichita”—it’s all playful, innovative, and fun. A lot of other albums from the same era haven’t fared so well.
Mike Doughty is playing the album in its entirety on tour for its anniversary, and though I don’t ordinarily go for the album-anniversary concert gimmick, something about this one appeals to me. Perhaps it’s because Soul Coughing hasn’t and will likely never reunite, or that this album just hit me at the right time in my life. Maybe you just had to be there.
Mike Doughty plays Soul Coughing’s Ruby Vroom Saturday, March 23 Soda Bar
Other Recommended Shows This Week:
Veronica May Band, Ariel Levine, The Havnauts (Casbah, March 22): Three different local artists with three different styles and approaches will be sharing the stage on Friday. The Havnauts just won a handful of San Diego Music Awards, and with good reason—they’re one of the best new bands in town. But headliner Veronica May’s been around awhile, and her bluesy songs about her own mental health struggles are both compelling and deeply affecting.
Stay Strange presents: A Night of Strange Music (Black Cat Bar, March 22): The title isn’t misleading at all. Local curator Sam Lopez has been putting together showcases of truly peculiar sounds for many years, and every time I’ve gone to one, I’ve walked away from them having been exposed to something new and unfamiliar, and had a really fun time. Open your ears and your mind and see what happens.
Foals (The Observatory North Park, March 23): In terms of contemporary alternative rock, well, it’s honestly not that different from the ’90s; you still hear a lot of Foo Fighters, for instance. But Foals is one of the few Big Indie bands that have kept my interest, thanks to songs with big hooks and an even bigger focus on richly layered atmospheric elements.
Jeff Terich is the music critic behind the blog The Setlist. His writing has been published in Stereogum, Bandcamp Daily, American Songwriter, Fodor's and Vinyl Me Please.
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.
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
Rancho BEERnardo Festival
October 3
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
Le Salon de Musiques: Grand Opening at La Jolla Woman’s Club
October 4
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
Mexico in a Bottle at Bread & Salt
October 4
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.
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.
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.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
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”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
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.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Courtesy of La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
10/8–11/1
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.
10 & 11
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.
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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.
Photo Credit: @gabephelan
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
9/30–10/4
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.
2–4
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.
9 & 10
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.
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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.
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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.
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:
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
VIP First Bites & First Sips
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.
Live Cooking & Culinary Moments
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.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
DJs, Music, & The Party
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.
Sports, Tailgates, & Games
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.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Photo Ops & Instagram Moments
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.
Shop, Browse, & Take Something Home
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.
Wellness & Reset Moments
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.
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