Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Beer Week

November 1-10

San Diego is the epicenter of SoCal’s craft brewery scene, known as the “Capital of Craft,” with various local innovators contributing to the regional brewing excellence. During the 16th annual San Diego Beer Week, bars, restaurants and pubs all over the county, in partnership with the San Diego Brewers Guild, will be pouring their classics along with limited-edition brews, like the new Capital of Craft IPA collaboration beer. The beer week festivities will begin this Friday with a virtual kick-off toast at all Guild member locations, the Ghost Town Tap Takeover at North Park Beer Co. and the Brewery Ignighter Night Market at Barley & Sword Brewing Co. 

Countywide

Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival

November 2

Explore Ramona’s arts and culture scene at the Ramon Art, Wine & Music Festival this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Begent Ranch. A variety of bands and solo artists hailing from the area will play on four stages, more than 50 juried artisans showcase fine artwork and over a dozen local wineries, plus purveyors of cider, beer and mead, sell homegrown sips. There will also be shopping, local food trucks and live and silent auctions. General admission tickets are $85, while all-inclusive VIP passes are going for $155. 

18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona

San Diego Coffee Festival

November 2

No matter if your preferred morning caffeine boost is espresso, french press or cold brew, coffee aficionados will have plenty to try at the inaugural San Diego Coffee Festival. This Saturday, attendees can sample unlimited coffee tastings from 30+ roasters and enjoy live music at Broadway Pier. The event is split into two tasting sessions (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and though some ticket options have already sold out, general admission tickets for each session (starting at $31.36), as well as all-day VIP ($72.91) is still available. Kids ages 13 and under receive free admission.

1000 North Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Downtown Chula Vista Día de los Muertos Celebration 

November 2

Community and culture will intertwine at Downtown Chula Vista’s 4th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, with musical and dance performances, an ofrenda competition, a mercado from Las Jefas Market and much more from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Saturday. At this free festival, attendees can pay respect to the dearly departed with a personal tribute on the community altar, dress up for the Catrín & Catrina Ensemble Competition, and admire the altar-laden lowriders of Impalas Car Club SD.

Downtown Chula Vista 

Fall Back Festival 

November 3

Local families are invited to participate in a range of history-inspired activities and help raise funds for the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation at the free annual Fall Back Festival from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday. Held in front of the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, there will be contests, including the popular pie eating contest, educational booths, old-timey games and arts and crafts as they bring San Diego’s history to life.

5th Avenue and Island Avenue, Gaslamp

Carlsbad Fall Village Faire

November 3

As the bi-annual Carlsbad Village Street Faire celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, its yearly fall iteration returns this Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 800 vendors lining along Grand Avenue. The Carlsbad Fall Village Faire includes a full day’s worth of activities and features with a farmers market, two food courts, live music, children’s carnival rides, a beer garden and plenty of chances to shop for antiques, clothing and whatever else you can carry home. 

Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Boulevard and Jefferson Street, Carlsbad

Fleet Week Concert Series

November 3

While the Fleet Week festivities pop up all over San Diego (Nov. 1-11), the musical talents of the armed forces will perform for the public in the Piazza della Famiglia this Sunday at 6 p.m. as part of the Fleet Week Concert Series. At this free performance, the Navy Band Southwest Rock Band will play a mix of contemporary rock classics along with rousing stars and stripes standards. This will be followed by a concert from the Marine Band San Diego Sound Strike Monday evening at the same time and place. 

555 West Date Street, Little Italy

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

“Midnight at the Never Get” at Diversionary Theatre

Through November 17

In Mark Sonnenblick’s “Midnight at the Never Get,” a queer romance set in 1965 Greenwich Village clashes with the onset of the gay rights movement in New York City, with the story centered around intimate performances in an illegal backroom club called The Never Get. There will be informative and interactive post-show happy hours with director Stephen Brotebeck and members of the artistic team following the shows on Thursday and Sunday. Tickets are ranging from $11.50 to $41.50 for this musical, with daily performances Thursday through Sunday.

4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights 

Art San Diego 

November 1-3

Experience strolling through a curated arrangement of several museums’ worth of artwork all at once during Art San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center. This three-day art party includes pieces from all over the world, along with several programs, from showcasing regional visual artists in the Local Talent to the stunning, but still affordable, items in the Discoveries Collection. General admission tickets ($20) come with access to all three days of the event plus the Collectors’ Saturday Soiree (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), while the $30 total ticket comes with all the GA perks plus complimentary drinks at the soiree.

111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown 

“La bohème” at the Civic Theatre

November 1-3

The San Diego Opera kicks off its 60th season with a performance of their first-ever production, “La bohème” by Giacomo Puccini, at the Civic Theatre. The opera follows the timeless love story of two bohemian artists in 19th century Paris, with Lidiya Yankovskaya making her San Diego Opera debut as she conducts the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are ranging from $23 to $285 for the three performances of “La bohème.” 

1100 Third Avenue, Downtown

Cross-Border Gallery Exchange at Sparks Gallery

Opens November 2

In a display of border region collaboration, Tijuana art studio Ángulo Galeria will host the works of San Diego-based artists Kathleen Kane-Murrell and Alexander Arshansky, while Sparks Gallery receives artwork from Tijuana artists Jessica Sanchez and Aida Urbina. This concurrent exhibition, highlighting the thriving artistic exchange between Baja California and Southern California, will run through November 30 at both galleries. Mark your calendars: an opening reception will be held for the exhibition on Thursday, November from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

530 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend

Monster Movie Mixer 

October 31

Books & Records will trade in its warm ambience for a delightfully spooky setting for its Monster Movie Mixer, this Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight. Come in your desired creature feature fit for the party, where you can compete in a costume contest, and enjoy themed sips, bites and live music. Tickets are $27.50 for this Halloween hangout, and come with food and one drink ticket per person. 

2202 Fourth Avenue, Bankers Hill

Oceanside Haunted Market

October 31

When Thursday evening comes around, Oceanside’s weekly Sunset Market will return with a haunted holiday edition. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Oceanside Haunted Market will feature the usual lineup of retail and food vendors offered at the market, along with a handful of fun Halloween activities. There will be kids trick-or-treating for those ages 12 years old and younger (while the candy lasts), plus a costume parade, live DJ and vendor costume contests at this free event.

Pier View Way and South Tremont Street, Oceanside

Mask-O-Raid IV

November 2

Don your masks as the Comic-Con Museum hosts its annual costume soiree, Mask-O-Raid, this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a raffle for Funko prototypes, an art sale where attendees can bid on pieces from artists and Comic-Con staff, and trick-or-treating for exclusive prizes. Attendees can also compete in the event’s costume contest, dance to terrifying tunes from DJ Chino and shop Halloween-themed items and exclusive gear from the gift shop. Tickets are $130 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

More Than Pink Walk

November 3

Show your support for survivors of metastatic breast cancer by taking part in the More Than Pink Walk this Sunday. After warming up with Orangetheory Fitness and exploring the many partnering nonprofits and advocates in the Hope Village, participants will march 2.2 miles through Balboa Park. Following the walk there will be live music, food, activities and a San Diego Mascot dance off. Registration for the More Than Pink Walk is free and can be done here.

Corner of 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, Balboa Park

The post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

I’m shopping for…

The Chef | The Socialite | The Homebody | The Adventurer | The Parent | The Local

San Diego Gifts for the Chef

They’re the designated executive chef for every holiday dinner, whipping up dishes that rival those at San Diego’s Michelin-starred spots.

Community Supported Agriculture Box, $29–39

Yasukochi Family Farms

What’s better than a single surprise? One every week. With a subscription to Yasukochi Family Farm’s CSA box, a ridiculously generous (and reasonably priced) bounty of seasonal, local fruits and veggies will land at your recipient’s door four times a month. They won’t get to choose what comes, but figuring out a menu based on the latest cornucopia is half the fun.

San Diego Etched Whiskey Glasses, $40

Apollo Emporium

Give them the world—or at least the city. With these glasses from Little Italy home goods shop Apollo Emporium, one can trace all of San Diego across a single old fashioned. Neat! (No pun intended.)

San Diego Cooks: Recipes from the Region’s Favorite Eateries, Bakeries, and Bars, $34.95

Figure 1 Publishing

Really, this new book from SDM contributors Ligaya Malones and Deanna Sandoval is just as much a gift for you—as long as your recipient is willing to share when they try their hand at homemade versions of iconic San Diego dishes like JRDN’s steamed mussels, Smokin J’s brisket chili, and Extraordinary Desserts’ lemon meringue cake.

Bourbon Vanilla Extract, $20

Bees & Teas Herbal Apothecary

Bourbon infused with real Madagascar vanilla adds complexity to holiday baked goods—as well as coffee, french toast, horchata, and other treats. The bottle comes full of whole vanilla pods, so your giftee can simply pour in more bourbon when things run low.

Puebla Talavera Mantequilla, $37

Casa y Cocina

Handmade in Puebla, Mexico and sold at dangerously-easy-to-get-lost-in North Park home goods shop Casa y Cocina, this gorgeous ceramic dish keeps butter soft, safe, and close at hand.

Chili Crisps, $18

Karanchi

Karanchi founder Nguyen Le’s favorite way to eat his addictive, garlic-studded chili crisp is atop avocado toast—but, really, there’s no going wrong here (one NYT Cooking recipe even suggests adding the ingredient to fettuccine alfredo). You can pick it up online or at local shops like Home Ec (Little Italy), Bica (Normal Heights), Tablespoon (North Park), and Wildwood Flour Bakery (Pacific Beach).

Hand-Painted Stoneware Platter, $45

Apostrophe Home

Charcuterie boards just got even more photogenic, thanks to this weighty, 16-inch stoneware serving dish from downtown’s Apostrophe Home. (Looking to shop for a set? The store sells a pretty serving bowl in the same pattern.)

San Diego Gifts for the Socialite

They get a free drink everywhere they go and can reapply their lipstick flawlessly in even the smokiest vintage restaurant mirror.

Milano Slim Crossbody Bag, $110

Mavis by Herrera

Local Mavis Herrera works with artisans in Mexico to produce this stylish bag made from recycled plastic. It’s sized just right to hold a phone, wallet, key, and a hand cream or lip balm (without being so big it becomes a receipt graveyard).

Lucia Strand, $557 & Saltwater Strand, $123

Ordoñez Le

Handmade in SD, Ordoñez Le’s beaded necklaces add a delicate pop of color and the alleged energy-balancing powers of gemstones. They’re all cute, but we’re partial to the Lucia (with two hands to rep your friendship) and the Saltwater (featuring a shell charm for beach-loving besties).

Restore Mini Set, $70

Aloisia Beauty

This set from Latina-owned, cruelty-free skincare company Aloisia Beauty is intended to provide everything your recipient needs for healthy skin—two cleansers, a gently exfoliating peel, and a moisturizing gel—in travel-ready packages.

Mahiri Lip + Cheek Tint, $38

Dehiya Beauty

Available in seven shades with names like “The Queen,” “Warrior,” and “Siren,” this oil- and shea butter–based tint from Moroccan-inspired beauty brand Dehiya adds a buildable flush of color to cheeks and lips.

Alia Argan Beldi Cleanser, $38 & Mihakka Moroccan Exfoliating Tool, $22

Dehiya Beauty

Paired with a cotton-covered, Marrakech-made, terra cotta exfoliating tool called a mihakka, this argan oil cleanser is designed to clean skin without stripping it. Plus, the packaging is so pretty they’ll want to leave it out on the counter.

I Smell Like Money Eau de Parfum, $65

Gavin Luxe

What’s the aroma of wealth? According to fragrance company Gavin Luxe, it’s vanilla and jasmine with touches of brown sugar, tonka bean, patchouli, amber, and musk.

Ring Sueño 2, $175

June Handmade

Alongside its broad collection of adorably twee leather shoes, June Handmade makes conversation-starting ceramic pieces, including statement rings that would look equally elegant strung on a necklace chain as they do on a finger.

Tortuga Gin, $100

Storyhouse Spirits

The product of a collab between East Village distiller Storyhouse Spirits and the new Omni San Diego hotel in downtown, this citrus-forward gin has notes of lemon and orange peel and lemongrass.

San Diego Gifts for the Homebody

They’ll change careers before they return to office, and they refer to their patio as “the sanctuary.”

Matcha & Bergamot Scented Candle, $24.99

Home Base Smell Good Co.

Celebrated Asian fusion steakhouse Animae burns candles from local maker Home Base Smell Good Co. in its chic bathrooms. This lightly sweet tea scent will bring gravitas to even the most cramped apartment commode.

Monthly Membership, $120

Vino Disco Wine Club

Send natty wine straight to their door with this subscription. San Diegan Erin Callahan curates four organic, biodynamic, and small-batch bottles every month—along with a playlist that matches the vibes.

Secret Keeper, $85 & Chimenea Incense Burner, $85

Perro y Arena

Tijuana-born artist Socrates Medina Ahearn produces playful, functional, and gorgeous ceramic pieces like a mini chimenea that directs plumes of incense smoke upward and a coyote-head box for storing small objects (and secrets). You can find his work at outposts in SD and TJ, including the Mingei International Museum’s onsite shop.

Moss Art DIY Kit, $45

Euflora

There are few things a homebody loves more than a plant… except maybe a project. This kit is both in one. Recipients can spend a happy afternoon or two arranging and gluing preserved moss and lichen in a wood frame to create evergreen art. 

Club Time Warp Sun Catcher, $60

Apollo Home

Available at Apollo Home, this sun catcher from California artist Club Time Warp adds funky hippie sensibilities to any space with poured resin, crystals, and stones on a macrame rope. 

San Diego Gifts for the Adventurer

They show up to work with wet hair and a too-big-for-a-Monday smile from a morning surf sesh.

Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves, $55

Rizzoli

San Diego–born surf photographer Todd Glaser has spent more than 15 years capturing 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater in and out of the water. The duo explore that archive in this new coffee table tome sure to inspire any grom. 

The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean, $19

Penguin Random House

Local author Susan Casey takes readers into the deep, talking with oceanographers and marine geologists and biologists about the alien creatures and strange landscapes that exist where light can’t reach.

Leopard Shark Mug, $118

Ludvik Handcrafted

Ludvik Handcrafted’s one-of-a-kind mugs are functional works of art depicting marine critters like green sea turtles, bat rays, and leopard sharks—La Jolla’s most beloved annual visitors. 

Rainbow Turkish Cotton Towel, $18–80

Citizens of the Beach

Upgrade their ragged beach towels with a soft, Turkish cotton variety in a fun print. Local company Citizens of the Beach sells these linens on Amazon, on Etsy, and at pop-up markets around town.

Roy Lichtenstein MCASD x Slowtide Beach Blanket, $80

The Shop at MCASD

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego partnered with San Diego towel brand Slowtide to produce this eye-catching beach blanket (with a water-repellent lining) based on legendary pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s Mirror #4, a piece on display at the La Jolla arts institution.

Original Surf Wax, $3

Horny Toads Surf Wax

A Pacific Beach native launched this surf wax company in 2020, naming it after his father’s surf club (members Hank Warner and Mike Lovell went on to craft sought-after boards and fins). The watermelon-scented wax makes a great stocking stuffer.

Cozy Reversible Jacket, $222

All That Apparel

Local entrepreneur Jody White turns deadstock fabrics into sustainable clothing like this reversible jacket. Giftees can wear the playful print on the outside and the cozy fleece inside for foggy coastal mornings and then flip for a subtler look while running errands. 

San Diego Gifts for the New Parents

They somehow manage to wrangle twin newborns and three rescue pets into matching sweaters for a holiday card photo that’s not leaving your fridge… ever.

Insulated Dog Water Bottle, $28 & Persimmon Classic Leash, $37

Cookies & Co.

Make hikes on San Diego’s many dog-friendly trails safer and more stylish with goodies from local pet company Cookies & Co.: a sturdy leash in an eye-catching hue and a metal water bottle that pups and their people can both drink from.

Nooee Pet Cave, $86.99 & Speckle & Spot California Dog Toy, $18.99

Decker’s Dog & Cat

The hardest part about shopping for pet-centric presents at Decker’s Dog & Cat’s La Jolla and Clairemont outposts? Deciding what to choose from their massive inventory. For kitties, may we suggest a sleek, easily cleanable bed? Puppies, on the other hand, will dig a squeaky toy paying homage to the Golden State.

Maison Rue City Blocks & Gems Set, $80

Palomita

SD–based kids’ company Palomita curates stuff for children that’s sustainable, artist-driven, and—maybe best of all—so pretty that parents won’t mind when it ends up scattered all over the living room. Case in point: Maison Rue’s cute wooden houses, which help toddlers develop fine motor skills as they slide pretty lucite blocks into window-like cutouts.

Vintage Youth Sweater, $40

Timshel

Charming University Heights shop Timshel vends new and antique homewares, locally made jewelry and accessories, and vintage fashion, including retro knitwear for little ones in a range of kid-friendly colors. 

Yellow Linen Striped Shorts, $32

The Milk Crew 

A linen-viscose blend makes these soft shorts from kids’ clothing brand The Milk Crew comfy and durable for beach days, play dates, and trips to The New Children’s Museum in downtown.

Custom Charm Jewelry, $65–$350

Raiz

Portraits of kids and pets are the most common subject on mom-owned jewelry company Raiz’s delicate, customizable charms, but the founders say customers get creative, requesting signatures, old photos of their ancestors, and more. 

Red Cozy Things Print, $24

Cozy Made Designs

In addition to jewelry and custom invitations, menus, temporary tattoos, and more, San Diegan Kara Gil vends cute art prints, like this nursery-ready compilation of comforting doodles, on her site Cozy Made Designs.

Gifts for Any San Diegan on Your List

Neighborhood Ornaments, $15–25

 WTF Mary

Local designer WTF Mary laser-cuts mini versions of San Diego’s iconic neighborhood signs and transforms them into holiday ornaments. Sure, a star on the top of the tree is classic, but repping your ’hood amid the Santas and sparkly baubles? Way cooler. 

The post 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: 35 San Diego Goods & Local Finds appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

MAKE Projects’ ​Spiny Tail Lobster! Dinner

October 24

This Thursday’s Spiny Tail Lobster! pop-up dinner from MAKE Projects offers four courses of Haitian-inspired cuisine, featuring some locally sourced seafood, and highlights the organization’s job readiness program and its work with Haitian immigrants. Beginning with mocktails at 6 p.m., the menu will feature Haitian-style pumpkin soup, fried green plantain, spiny lobster, and gateaux orange for dessert. Tickets are $122.84, which includes tax and gratuity.

2920 University Avenue, North Park

Rumorosa La Sala Wine Dinner with Bodegas De Santo Tomás

October 25 

The Sheraton San Diego’s Baja California–style eatery Rumorosa is partnering with Bodegas De Santo Tomás, Baja’s oldest winery, for a intimate “La Sala” wine dinner this Friday night at 7 p.m. Guests can prepare their palettes for a four-course meal of Mexican food (with wine pairings), including duck prosciutto, chicharrón wellington, and tres leches tiramisu. Tickets are $121 per person for this dinner. 

1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island

Silver Screen Soirée 

October 26

Dress for the glitz of Hollywood’s Golden Age at Estancia La Jolla’s Silver Screen Soirée from 7 to 11 p.m. this Saturday. This cinematic bash invites guests to emulate the era’s biggest stars and frightening foes—meaning you can come as Katherin Hepburn or Frankenstein—in various costume categories rewarding the bold, the elegant, and the terrifying. Tickets to this 21-plus bash are $124.56 and come with a welcome beverage, two complimentary cocktails, parking, and unlimited themed food offerings. You can purchase them on Eventbrite. 

9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Kaytranada with Channel Tres and Lou Phelps at Gallagher Square

October 24

Fresh off the release of his latest album, Timeless, Kaytranada appears at Gallagher Square. Two featured artists from the record, rapper Channel Tres and Kaytranada’s brother and frequent collaborator Lou Phelps, are joining him on tour. Tickets start at $90 for Thursday night’s concert. 

840 K Street, Downtown

Orville Peck with Nikki Lane and Emily Nenni at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

October 26

The masked stallion of country music, Orville Peck, will bring his outlaw bravado and Americana ballads to the Open Air Theatre Saturday night. The South African musician’s newest album Stampede featured 15 duets, with Peck going toe-to-toe with legendary artists like Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Allison Russell. Country artists Nikki Lane and Emily Nenni will open the show. Tickets start at $31 for this concert. 

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, College Area

North Park Book Fair

October 26

Verbatim Books invites the community to shop graphic novels, steamy romances, dramatic page-turners, and much more at the free North Park Book Fair this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local bookworms can comb the catalogs of local independent bookstores and comic book artists, listen to live music and poetry, test their drawing skills, and stop by author readings and book signings at this annual literary event. 

North Park Way from Ray Street to Granada Avenue, North Park

Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival

October 27 

Admire community ofrendas, trace tributes to loved ones at the chalk cemetery, and see the Por Siempre Car Club’s unique altar decorations at the free Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be two stages of live entertainment with a variety of folk dances, including capulli, ballet folklorico, and the Danza de los Diablos.

Pier View Way and South Tremont Streets, Oceanside 

October 14, 2024

13 Ways to Celebrate Halloween in San Diego 2024RELATED ARTICLE

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at North Coast Repertory Theatre

October 23–November 17

In Katie Forgette’s comedic play Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, chaos ensues for the O’Sheas after the youngest member of the family receives the sex talk. Tickets for the San Diego premiere of the production at the North Coast Repertory Theatre start at $54.50. Opening night takes place this Saturday. 

987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

Breathe with Me at UC San Diego

October 24–26

Artist Jeppe Hein’s community art project Breathe with Me, presented in partnership with Stuart Collection at UC San Diego, invites attendees to focus on conscious breathing and contribute to an interactive installation at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. RSVP to secure a 45-minute painting session here.

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla

Ghost Light Masquerade at The Soap Factory

October 24-30

The masked dancers of The Rosin Box Project will lead audiences on an interactive adventure, guided only by a single light bulb onstage at the Ghost Light Masquerade. Tickets are $65.87 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

2995 Commercial Street, Barrio Logan 

Art After Dark at Oceanside Museum of Art

October 26

After the gallery closes to the public this Saturday at the Oceanside Museum of Art, Art After Dark invites attendees to be the artwork for the night. Guests are encouraged to create unique costumes and model them in a judged runway show and costume contest. From 6 to 10 p.m., attendees at this 21-plus event can enjoy live music and dancing. Tickets start at $135, with $300 and $500 VIP options.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

Poe and His Progeny at the Villa Montezuma Museum

October 25 & 26

Hear the frightening tales of Edgar Allan Poe and other icons of gothic fiction straight from the authors themselves at Poe and His Progeny. Within the historic (and allegedly haunted) halls of the Villa Montezuma Museum, performers from Write Out Loud will recite the writers’ most notable works. There will be six spine-chilling performances this weekend at the museum. Tickets can be purchased for $30 here. 

1925 K Street, Sherman Heights 

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Nightmare on Normal Street

October 26

This annual haunt on the streets of Hillcrest will feature the hypnotic sounds of DJ Kinky Loops, drinks at outdoor bars, and the chance to win big money in prizes at the costume contest. Nightmare on Normal Street will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. this Saturday at Pride Flag Plaza. Tickets are $28.62 for GA and $60.48 for VIPs, who will receive two complimentary cocktails, VIP area access, and front-of-the-line perks. Purchase passes here. 

Normal Street at University Avenue, Hillcrest

Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands

October 26

Hear the booming brass, horns, and drumline as 30 high school marching bands representing San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties battle it out at Sundevil Stadium all day Saturday for the Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands. There will be field show and parade competitions, as well as a special performance from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. Proceeds from the tournament go to music programs and the band, orchestra, and color guard at Mt. Carmel High School. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for students, seniors, and military; and free for kids ages 5 and under. Reserved seating in the center section is $25. 

9550 Carmel Mountain Road, Rancho Penasquitos

Trick-or-Treat on India Street

October 27 

Gather your little ones and don your costumes this Sunday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Several Little Italy businesses hand out treats and candy during this free, family-friendly event, and the Piazza della Famiglia will become Halloween Town for the night with a 13-foot tall Jack Skellington, pumpkin stacks, and photo ops that resemble the setting of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

523 West Date Street, Little Italy

The post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: October 24–27 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month

San Diego Beer Week

November 1-10

Check out what’s on tap as the San Diego Brewers Guild—a collective of local crafters, taprooms, and breweries—unveils its all-star suds for San Diego Beer Week.

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

Día de Muertos

November 2

A free Día de Muertos celebration at downtown Chula Vista’s Memorial Park will honor passed loved ones with an altar competition, a lowrider car show, crafts for kids, and more.

Coronado Film Festival

November 6-10

Coronado’s annual film festival will bring five days of movies, panels, and premier parties to the peninsula. To enjoy all the motion picture magic, snag the all-inclusive Emerald Badge.

Becky G

November 17

Latin pop phenom Becky G will serenade downtown audiences with English and Spanish hits like “Shower” and “Por el Contrario” at Gallagher Square’s first full-seated concert.

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

November 24

Find gifts for every recipient on your list before December hits at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, where attendees can shop hundreds of local vendors.

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

Hadestown

November 8-10

Calling all fans of musicals and Greek mythology—head to the Civic Theatre for Hadestown, a concept-album-turned-stage production adapting the ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Your Local Theater Presents… at the La Jolla Playhouse

November 11/19-December 12/15

As the years and his aspirations slip away, an actor struggles to leave a small-time A Christmas Carol production behind in Anna Ouyang Moench’s Your Local Theater Presents… at the La Jolla Playhouse.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

Celebrating Women Event

November 6

San Diego Magazine toasts the city’s trailblazers across industries at our annual Celebrating Women event, featuring awards, panels, networking, and more at UCSD’s Park & Market.

Downtown Skate By The Bay

November 25-January 5

Other towns may have frozen lakes for ice skating, but San Diego’s got a seaside roller rink. Glide over to the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for Downtown Skate By The Bay.

Rady Children’s Invitational

November 28-29

Four men’s college basketball teams, including two from last year’s Final Four, will hit the hardwood at LionTree Arena for year two of the Rady Children’s Invitational.

The post The Best Things to Do in San Diego This Month: Nov. 2024 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

This dance welcomes visitors into the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s For Dear Life, an examination of illness and disability on view into February 2025. The show is part of PST ART, a Getty initiative bringing together over 70 institutions to mount exhibitions themed around the relationship between science and art.

Featuring more than 80 artists, For Dear Life is the first survey of its kind since the 1960s. It follows “what some people talk about as a kind of second wave of the disability rights movement, often referred to as disability justice … and a surge of work being created around themes of illness and disability since the Covid pandemic,” says MCASD Senior Curator Jill Dawsey. But the exhibition, which spans decades, proves that artists with disabilities have always been here, producing pieces that probe the limitations and possibilities of their own bodies and minds.

The show takes an expansive approach in defining its central subjects. “We all fall ill. We all will become disabled, if we aren’t already. Disability is a category that applies to a quarter of the US population,” Dawsey says. “[It] is a thing that touches everybody.”

Grouped by era, the showcase begins in the mid-’60s, when feminist artists began to push the boundaries of what was considered worthy of scrutinizing in art. “[They were] making work about the vulnerable body, the unruly body,” Dawsey says.

Then came veterans’ explorations of the impacts of the Vietnam War in the ’70s, and, in the decades after, the work of those affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

Pieces confronting substance use disorders bring context to the War on Drugs. Some link the use of pesticides in agriculture to illness and death. Others reference the Black Panthers’ community healthcare clinics in the mid-20th-century.

October 18, 2024

MCASD's New Exhibit Examines Illness & DisabilityRELATED ARTICLE

The result is an exhibition that resists the pressure to reduce social movements into bullet points on a timeline. Instead, it reminds the viewer that the waves of history always pass over the body, often to devastating effect.

Indeed, embodiment is core to the show, even as its more abstract works offer alternative ways to imagine corporality. In a piece by Senga Nengudi, spiky cones of clear vinyl filled with dyed water stretch across the gallery floor, evoking both sterile IV bags and limbs or organs, something illegible and alive.

In another, Richard Yarde’s Ringshout: Mojo, the watercolorist’s palm prints form a circle on the massive, 90-by-90-inch canvas. “His body enters the practice in a different way,” Dawsey says. “Even though he’s not representing his whole physical form, you have this large sense of the artist being in the work and moving around the work.”

Mobility aids and prosthetics also stand in for—or expand definitions of—the body (a placard under filmmaker and activist Ray Navarro’s photograph of a cane reads “THIRD LEG,” while a wheelchair is labeled a “HOT BUTT”), and many featured artists approach them and other aspects of living with disabilities with a wry humor—and a powerful sense of ingenuity.

Take Rainer’s Hand Movie, the way it distills and compresses choreography to create a form of dance that feels wonderfully strange and new. Or Sandie Yi’s Crip Couture series, which, as Yi wrote in a 2020 manifesto, “uses wearable art as a medium to articulate new meanings of disability.” Painter Katherine Sherwood’s work shifted after she experienced a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 44 and, with her dominant hand paralyzed, relearned to paint with the other.

So often, stories about artists with disabilities center around them “overcoming” or “triumphing” over their impairment, language “that implies that [not being] disabled is the better and more normative position,” Dawsey adds. For Dear Life offers a different perspective: Disability as an impetus for creativity and innovation.

“It can really transform artists’ work,” Dawsey says. “It becomes a catalyst for developing new processes and new subject matter and new politics. Illness and disability are actually very generative.”

The post MCASD’s New Exhibit Examines Illness & Disability appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

October 19

Though the name of this event is all about the brews, there will be much more than beer on tap at Rancho BEERnardo, with over 35 local breweries, wineries, and distilleries to check out from 2 to 5 p.m. at Webb Park this Saturday. This 21-plus event will include live music from Setting Sons and Par Avion and food from Mama V’s Lumpia, Tony’s Pepperoni Pizzeria, and Duffs Doggz. General admission ($65) comes with unlimited two-ounce pours, while VIP ($90) includes early admission at 1 p.m., an exclusive lounge, preferred parking and complimentary food. Tickets for Rancho BEERnardo can be purchased here. 

11666 Avena Place, Rancho Bernardo

Santee Brews and Bites

October 19

Find a nice balance of neighborhood eateries, chain food spots, and local drink makers at Santee’s Brews and Bites fundraiser at Town Center Community Park East from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. this Saturday. Fast Times will provide the ’80s-inspired soundtrack for the night. Attendees can also place their bids at the silent auction and try their luck in the opportunity drawing to win weekend getaways, free yoga classes, in-home wine samplings, and more. Tickets, including general admission passes ($59.78), can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

550 Park Center Drive, Santee

San Diego Spirits Festival

October 19–20

The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts the 15th annual San Diego Spirits Festival this weekend. Enjoy unlimited sips from a selection of more than 65 spirit brands serving bourbon, gin, mezcal, and more (or cocktails and seltzers if that’s your preference). There will also be bites from local restaurants, a silent auction for the Center for Culinary Culture, and plenty of live entertainment, including belly dancers, DJs, and a flamenco guitarist. Tickets are $75 for Saturday (2 to 6 p.m.) and $85 for Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.)

700 Prospect Street, La Jolla 

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego International Film Festival

October 16–20

Watch the California premiere of the Amy Adams horror-comedy Nightbitch, dive into the works of female filmmakers in the Women’s Film Series, and take a bite of movie magic with Culinary Cinema at the San Diego International Film Festival. Attendees can stop by industry parties, Q&As, and special events like the glamorous Night of the Stars Tribute. Participating festival venues include the Museum of Photographic Arts, AMC 14 UTC, and the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. Explore the variety of ticket options, from $20 individual screening tickets to the upscale $550 VIP pass, here. 

La Jolla & Balboa Park 

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan at Viejas Arena 

October 18

Over the course of “Brat Summer,” Charli XCX’s inescapable masterpiece evolved from an album into a full-fledged phenomenon, spreading from limeade green billboards to politicians’ social media accounts. But just because summer is gone doesn’t mean the moment is over; the party is still raging, and fans will hear “Von Dutch,” “Mean Girls” and all of the club classics at Viejas Arena Friday night. Charli is joined by pop sensation Troye Sivan, whose music embraces the “Rush” of a night on the dancefloor. Resale tickets for this concert start at $211.82 on Ticketmaster. 

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando

BirdStock

October 19

La Jolla Boulevard will be closed from Midway Street to Camino De La Costa as BirdStock, the Bird Rock neighborhood’s free annual music festival, returns bigger than ever. This Saturday, listen to all-day live music from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as local bands (including headliners Lioneer) hit the main stage. Plus, stop by an artisan market, a pop-up pickleball court, a kids’ entertainment stage, and several nearby shops for discounted items. Proceeds from BirdStock will go towards Bird Rock Elementary and future iterations of the festival. 

5509 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla 

University Heights Fall Festival 

October 19

While supporting local artisans, makers, and growers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday at the Birney Joint Use Field, attendees at the free University Heights Fall Festival can pick a gourd in the pumpkin patch, play field games, take a community yoga class, and enjoy plenty of live entertainment from mariachi groups, ballet folklorico troupes, and tribute bands. Additional paid activities include a horse drawn hayride, a pie-baking contest, and a make-your-own-caramel-apple station. Proceeds benefit Birney Elementary.

4324 Park Boulevard, University Heights

San Diego Zine Fest

October 19–20

Dive into San Diego’s DIY zeitgeist at the 12th annual San Diego Zine Fest, where dozens of local artists will display and sell their self-published writing, photography, and artwork at Bread & Salt all weekend long. Drinks from Mujeres Brew House and food from Murillos Menu and Flavor Lab will be available for purchase at this weekend’s festival. 

1955 Julian Avenue, Barrio Logan

Bella Vita Fest

October 19–20

At Bella Vita Fest, ArtWalk San Diego’s two-day celebration of Little Italy, explore over 50 chalk art paintings, hear live music, and learn recipes from local chefs cooking onstage from 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Plus, there will be more than 20 neighborhood wine samples to try, plus Italian culinary favorites like cannoli, Neapolitan-style pizza, and cheese wheel pasta. Admission to the festival is free. Wine-tasting tickets for five ($27.05) and 12 ($60.05) samples for each day can be purchased here.

550 West Date Street, Little Italy

Escondido Grand Avenue Festival

October 20

The Grand Avenue Festival offers live entertainment, international culinary options, and shopping from more than 400 retail, craft, and artisan vendors this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Escondido’s favorite fall festival will also feature children’s rides, four live music stages, and a beer and wine garden.

Grand Avenue, Escondido 

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical at Brooks Theater 

Through October 20 

Stranger Sings! flips the hair-raising adventures of Stranger Things into irresistible rompy fun. The musical embraces the zaniness of the ’80s, with songs inspired by the show and tons of love for nostalgia, geek culture, and unlikely heroes. There will be four final shows this weekend at the Brooks Theater as the production ends its first run in SoCal. Tickets for Stranger Sings! are available for $40. 

217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside

Carlos Castro Arias: The Splinter In The Eye at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

October 19–January 11, 2025

The new Athenaeum Music & Arts Library exhibition The Splinter In The Eye will feature 11 new paintings from La Mesa–based artist Carlos Castro Arias, plus an assortment of created objects, sculpture and natural elements that supplement his insight on shared and solo identity. There will be a free opening reception for the exhibition this Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

1008 Wall Street, La Jolla

Foster + Partners: Architecture of Light and Space at San Diego Museum of Art

October 19–April 27, 2025

SDMA’s new Foster + Partners exhibition showcases the designs and models of architect Norman Foster, whose global firm of architects focuses on open space, daylight, and sustainability. The show explores his nature-driven ethos in three sections: Working with History, Embracing the Environment, and Community and Culture.

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash

October 18

The USS Midway Museum’s annual Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash features group and solo costume contests, a flash mob set to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and spooky cocktails and snacks this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Other highlights from this family-friendly event include Halloween bag decorating, face painting, trick-or-treat stations, music from DJ Danny, and AirCombat flight simulator sessions ($5). General admission is $25 for this event and $20 for museum members.

910 North Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

San Diego Gulls Home Opener vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds at Pechanga Arena 

October 18

The San Diego Gulls are back on home ice at Pechanga Arena and looking for their first win of the 2024–25 season as they face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds in this Saturday’s home opener. Players to watch this season for the Gulls include highly touted prospect Nathan Gaucher, along with newly acquired veterans Roland McKeown and Ryan Carpenter. Fans in attendance at Saturday’s game will receive a rally towel, belt bag, and light-up wristband. Tickets range from $37 to $182 on AXS.

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

Fright For Future 

October 18–20

While most haunted attractions focus on the supernatural, Fright For Future finds horror in our everyday reality. While there will still be witches, mad scientists, and ghouls, the real-world inspirations for the haunted maze include polluted waters, fast-fashion consequences, and cruel treatment of animals. Over three days at the San Diego Made Factory, thrill seekers ages 10 and up can stand face-to-face with man-made horrors. Reserve your free spot at Fright For Future on Eventbrite.

2031 Commercial Street, Logan Heights

The Big Birthday Block Party at The Nat

October 19

The Nat celebrates 150 years of archeological preservation with a Big Birthday Block Party this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the party, chat with scientists, partake in themed games and activities, check out relics from the museum’s past, enjoy cocktails at The Nat’s rooftop bar, and much more. Admission to the block party, as well as the museum and the halls of its new Paleontology Center, is free.

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park

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Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend 

“Lost At Sea” at Cutwater Tasting Room & Kitchen 

Through October 31

Come aboard the “Lost At Sea” experience at Cutwater Tasting Room & Kitchen, where every night in October brings a maritime setting with themed cocktails and food. Guests can also secure a spot on the waitlist for the Cutwater Cavern speakeasy on Wednesdays through Saturdays in October. For $25, guests will receive a specialty cocktail upon entry to the cavern, get access to an exclusive food and drink menu, and watch a barrel-tapping demonstration with the chance to sample rum from the cask in a take-home glass.

9750 Distribution Avenue, Miramar

A Taste of Coronado

October 9

Delight in an island’s worth of eats at A Taste of Coronado from 5 to 9 p.m. this Wednesday. The Coronado Junior Woman’s Club invites patrons to meet at Rotary Park or one of three other check-in spots before embarking on a trek to collect lobster rolls, BBQ pulled pork, Parisian pastries, and more across Coronado. Partial proceeds from the event will go towards the San Diego Rescue Mission. VIP passes are already sold out, but general admission is still available for $65.

1002 Orange Avenue, Coronado 

WASTED: Save the Food Festival & Dinner Experience 

October 9 & 13

Local nonprofits Kitchens For Good and Big Table at Liberty Station are striving for sustainability with their two-part WASTED food event at Liberty Station. The festivities begin with Wednesday’s 21-plus dinner experience ($300) from 6 to 9 p.m. at Building 177, featuring a cocktail hour and a five-course, farm-to-table meal. Then, on Sunday, the Save the Food Festival from 12 to 3 p.m. in the South Promenade will include bites from over a dozen chefs, sustainable cooking tips, interactive activities, and crafts and games, with SD Mag content chief Troy Johnson serving as the festival MC. Combo VIP tickets for both events are $400, while VIP for the festival is $150 and general admission is $45 for adults and $15 for children. 

2850 Roosevelt Road, Point Loma 

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest

October 11 & 12

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest melds classic German holiday activities—stein holding, pretzel tossing, beer drinking—and uniquely San Diegan beachfront fun. Attendees can take part in a Guinness World Record–breaking toast with Joey Chestnut, pack the crowd at multiple live music stages, or compare local and international brews in the beer garden. Joining the festival’s live music lineup for 2024 is an electronica stage to showcase DJs alongside the typical two-day lineup of local bands. Entry is $15 at the gate, and VIP passes are $65 per day and can be bought on Eventbrite. 

5099 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach

Black Lagoon Halloween Pop-Up at Seven Grand

October 13–November 3

While you won’t find the scaly, green creature from the Black Lagoon at Seven Grand’s spooky season pop-up, there will be plenty of frightful remedies brewing for the occasion. Beginning this Sunday, Seven Grand will serve up creepy concoctions like the cinnamon syrup–infused Nosferatu’s Rise and the Memento Mori, which features rum, coffee liquor, cold brew concentrate, and Lustau Amontillado. 

3054 University Avenue, North Park

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

La Jolla Music Society Presents Aída Cuevas Canta a Juan Gabriel at Balboa Theatre

October 13

As part of its Global Roots Series, the La Jolla Music Society hosts a Juan Gabriel tribute performance from ranchera music icon Aída Cuevas this Sunday at the Balboa Theatre. Cuevas’ new album Aída Cuevas Canta a Juan Gabriel 40 años después honors Gabriel’s legacy as one of the world’s most popular Spanish-language artists. Tickets for the performance start at $57.90 and can be purchased here. 

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp

Omar Apollo & Kevin Abstract at the Rady Shell

October 11

R&B singer Omar Apollo will take the stage at the Rady Shell tonight, fresh off his latest album God Said Know. The 27-year-old artist will bring his signature sad-boy vibes and slow jams, with songs inspired by his recent breakup. Opening the show is Kevin Abstract, best known for his role in the supergroup Brockhampton, which disbanded in 2022. Recently, Abstract released singles Tennessee featuring Lil Nas X and Big Dog, which he’ll be bumping the waterfront. 

Roomful of Teeth at Conrad Prebys Concert Hall

October 13

Vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth will perform at 2 p.m. this Sunday. Roomful of Teeth consists of eight vocalists, specializing in a capella and challenging the boundaries of what a 21st-century choir can be. Tickets range from $40 to $65 for this concert at the UCSD Department of Music’s Conrad Prebys Concert Hall. 

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla

Porter Robinson SMILE! World Tour at the Rady Shell

October 13

DJ Porter Robinson is bringing his massive world tour to the Shell this Sunday. He’s been on a whirlwind of a global tour, hitting stages from Australia to South America, performing tracks from his latest release SMILE!. The album serves up catchy, emo-esque anthems tackling themes of mental health, fame, and burnout. If you’re looking for a reason to get on your feet, Porter’s got you covered.

Day of the Dog 

October 13

Reward the loyal companion in your life with a fun-filled afternoon at the Day of the Dog. This free traveling festival puts pups on a pedestal, with an assortment of dog-friendly activities, dozens of pet vendors, and loads of treats to raise money for Just Love Animals Society. Visitors can go home with a new furry friend after practicing yoga with adoptable puppies, and dogs can run around in foam, snow, and water; take part in fashion shows; enjoy adorable photo ops; and much more from 12 to 4 p.m. this Sunday. 

4955 Voltaire Street, Ocean Beach

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

My Intimate Partner at Oceanside Museum of Art

Through March 16, 2025

The Oceanside Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, My Intimate Partner, is a powerful group show curated by Smadar Samson and featuring more than a dozen local artists. Through 3-D artwork, dance, and stop-motion animation, the participants share critical stories, insights, and resources related to combating domestic violence.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

The Thanksgiving Play at New Village Arts 

October 10–November 3

After final previews Thursday and Friday, The Thanksgiving Play officially opens at New Village Arts this Saturday night. Larissa FastHorse’s topical satire revolves around four White educators at an elementary school who aim to make an inoffensive play about the first Thanksgiving, but as they strive for maximum political correctness, it becomes clear that they need to rethink what it means to be a real ally. Tickets are $35 for the previews, $60 for opening night, and $50 for general admission for the rest of the show’s run. 

2787 State Street, Carlsbad

San Diego Ballet Presents Firebird and Mambomania at Joan B. Kroc Theatre

October 11–12

Dancers with the San Diego Ballet will take the stage on Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre. Firebird combines modern ballet and hip hop, while Mambomania is set to the latin jazz grooves of Perez Prado. Tickets for Friday night and Saturday afternoon’s show can be purchased online. 

6611 University Avenue, Rolando

Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Coronado Playhouse 

October 11–November 3

In Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s landmark musical, barber Sweeney Todd is on a trail of vengeance in 1800s London, leaving several victims at the mercy of his razor blade and baritone vocals. Tickets are starting at $27 for this singing slasher production at Coronado Playhouse.

1835 Strand Way, Coronado 

Blossoming Borders: A Floral Celebration of Tijuana/San Diego at Dick Luab NTC Command Center 

October 12

Enjoy interactive workshops from the San Diego Craft Collective along with live music and bites with painters, writers, and florists from the border region at the free opening reception of Blossoming Borders this Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. Floral designer Ana Galena will host the festivities. The Blossoming Borders exhibition remains on display through November 12 at the Dick Luab NTC Command Center. Anyone interested in attending the reception can RSVP here. 

2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park

October 8–9 

After disposing of the Dodgers with a record-breaking barrage of homers in game two, the Padres return to Petco Park for games three and four of the NLDS. For this two-game stint in front of raucous, sell-out crowds, the goal is simple: Beat LA. Those still searching for a seat, best of luck to you in the secondary market. Tickets start at $159 on SeatGeek. 

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon 

October 12–13

This year marks five decades since the inaugural triathlon on Fiesta Island, and athletes will celebrate with an anniversary race at Mission Bay and Fiesta Island this Sunday. Competitors can sign up for race variations, like the duathlon or the aquabike, along with a range of triathlon options, ranging from the children’s itsy-bitsy race to the esteemed international contest. As part of the XTERRA Wetsuits Mission Bay Triathlon festivities, the San Diego Triathlon Series will host a pre-race dinner Saturday night at Bonita Cove Park from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring meet and greets with several legendary athletes, world record holders, and Olympians. Reservations for the Celebration of Triathlon Pre-Race Dinner are $50 per person. Register for your desired race event (from $44 to $286) here. 

1100 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay

The post 17 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: October 8–13 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

“Our sound is clean; it’s clear. It cuts through,” Taylor says. But when asked how long it took to engineer that classic Taylor sound, he laughs. “Oh, I did not [engineer it]. It was just like, ‘Oh, you really like it? Oh, okay, yeah, I meant to do that.’ We made a guitar that was very innocent, half an accident, but it helped change the music industry.”

Taylor, who started making guitars at 16, only knew one thing when he began: He’d turn his passion into a career. Three years later, he partnered with Kurt Listug, who was 21 at the time. The pair purchased a small guitar shop in Lemon Grove and began building.

On October 15, 1974, they founded Westland Music Company, which became Taylor Guitars in 1976. This year, the company celebrates its 50th anniversary. Having grown sales worldwide to $125M, Taylor counts among its fans some of the music industry’s biggest artists: John Fogerty, Jewel, Zac Brown, Jason Mraz, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift, to name a few.

But it took more than three decades before Taylor Guitars was a household name. In the ’80s, music was all about heavy metal, synth, and glam—acoustic guitars weren’t exactly flying off the shelves.

“We started selling in Los Angeles during the Laurel Canyon days. And, you know, music was changing a lot then,” Taylor says. “Acoustic guitars were always hard to play. The necks were too big, the strings were too high; it took a death grip to play them.”

But Taylor and Listug had faith in their product. They packed up their axes and headed to the 1985 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show, an annual trade event that is the largest of its kind today.

There, they showcased a new line of guitars called the Artist Series, limited-edition models finished in colored stain. One of Taylor Guitars’ distributors challenged them to make a 12-string purple guitar for Prince, who had just released “Purple Rain,” garnering him global stardom.

Prince played his new 655 Artist Series guitar in a Live Aid video that year, though he requested no branding be shown at the time. Luckily, the industry found out who was behind the artist’s new instrument. The calls from musicians trickled in. The shift had begun.

Acoustic guitars began reclaiming their popularity. In 1989, MTV Unplugged started showcasing musicians playing acoustic versions of their songs. Riding this wave of renewed interest, Taylor Guitars ramped up production in the ’90s and early aughts. Taylor refined his guitar-making process and, in 1992, found the business a new home in El Cajon, where they remain today, occupying eight buildings.

Around that time, a young Taylor Swift purchased a Baby Taylor, which she used to write songs in the backseat of her car. Swift’s dad dropped off a cassette tape to Taylor’s office while the now-billionaire Swift was still flying under the radar, Taylor recalls.

“I know that every dad thinks his daughter’s special, but mine really is. Would you listen to that cassette?” Swift’s father said to Taylor. In 2008, Swift held her Fearless album release party at the factory.

Two years later, the company hired Andy Powers—an Oceanside native who began crafting guitars at the age of 7 and previously ran an instrument-building business of his own—as Taylor’s design successor. Powers re-engineered the brand’s entire lineup of guitars, created new body styles, offered a more diverse range of musical sounds, and developed new guitar voicing architectures. Taylor Guitars sealed its name as one of the best in the industry.

But today, as we tour the facilities, Taylor’s stories are less about the many musicians he’s worked with and more about the families his company—which became fully employee-owned in 2021—has been able to help along the way.

“[Wuhan] came to us from Cambodia,” says Taylor, who gave her a job shortly after she arrived in the states. “She worked for six months and got a raise. She was like, ‘I never thought that life could be like this.’”

Walking along the factory floor, we’re surrounded by half-finished guitar bodies, tiny lasers, larger-than life robots buffing wood, and workers installing fretboards, applying back bracing, and cutting sound holes. Wherever we go, Taylor takes the time to say hello to his countless employees by name.

I ask him what he’s most proud of after half a century of crafting instruments. Even with his focus on his team, I still half-expect him to gesture toward a wall of various celebs playing his guitars. But his reply is swift: “That we were able to make this career out of guitar-making for all these people. That’s what I’m most pleased with.”

The post Taylor Guitars Turns 50: How a Beautiful Mistake Changed the Industry appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Local Bounty Farm Dinner at Mille Fleurs

October 2

This Thursday, Mille Fleurs hosts a five-course dinner that is certifiably farm fresh. The restaurant’s executive chef, Harrison Axelrod, and pastry chef, “Papa” Moussa Ndiaye, are teaming up with San Diego County farmers, fishers, and ranchers to include locally sourced ingredients like berries, cod, and lamb, along with regional wine pairings. Reservations are $135 per person and can be made on OpenTable. 

6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe

Del Mar Wine + Food Festival

Oct 3-7

Wednesday kicks off a week of festivities featuring celebrity guests, TV personalities, pro athletes, and the best of Southern California food, wine, and culture. The second annual Del Mar Wine + Food Festival brings a stellar lineup of events to locations throughout the county, including wine seminars, a pickleball tournament with former NFL player Drew Brees, exclusive dinners with Top Chef contestants, and the Grand Tasting on Saturday and Sunday at Surf Sports Park. Find tickets to individual events here or Grand Tasting passes here.

14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar

La Mesa Oktoberfest

October 4–6

Raise your steins for a Bavarian-style party in La Mesa Village. La Mesa Oktoberfest is a three-day celebration of Europe’s favorite drinking holiday with tons of family-friendly fun to be had, including traditional games, dancing, and dachshund races. Admission is free for all, but the event also offers a variety of VIP options, including an all-biergartens pass.

8633 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa

Taste of North Park

October 5 

Eat, drink, and shop ’til you drop from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. this Saturday. Taste of North Park will spotlight more than 65 neighborhood businesses, and with free MTS transit passes, ticketholders can make their way to stops all over the map. For the full tasting fun (food and drinks), nab a deluxe pass for $73. The food-only pass is $56.

North Park

10th Annual Taste of Oceanside

October 5

Taste of Oceanside celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. From 1:30 to 5 p.m., ride the Taste Trolley to over 40 eateries to explore local bites and sips. A portion of event proceeds will go to the Lived Experiences nonprofit, which helps provide equitable services for underserved families. Tickets can be purchased online now ($50 for food and $65 for food and drinks) or for $10 more the day of.

Oceanside

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Filipino Film Festival at AMC Plaza Bonita

October 1-6

The San Diego Filipino Film Festival takes place this week at AMC Plaza Bonita, offering screenings from Filipino filmmakers—including the gripping centerpiece feature Where Is the Lie?—as well as the Philippine Film Trade Fair, live mural art, and interactive panels. Day passes start at $30 for the festival. All-access passes ($330) and all-screening passes ($165) are also available here.

3050 Plaza Bonita Road, Chula Vista

Dashboard Confessional at SOMA

October 4

Dashboard Confessional comes to SOMA this Friday night. The Boca Raton–based emo group packs an emotional punch, and the lyrics hit even harder when you sing along live. Tickets are $52.24 for this concert on TicketWeb.

3350 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival

October 4-6

The San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival will host performances on both sides of the border. See the Gilbert Castellanos All-Star Sextet, the Binational Youth Ensemble, Magos Herrera, and other artists at venues like the California Center for the Arts, Tijuana Jazz & Blues Festival, and Quartyard San Diego. Saturday and Sunday’s portions of the festival are free, while tickets for Friday range from $42 to $167.80.

340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido | 1301 Market Street, East Village

Pacific Beachfest

October 5

From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, live the PB life at Pacific Beachfest. This free event by the boardwalk provides a dream day at the shore: a morning 5K workout, a four-versus-four beach volleyball tournament, fish taco samplings, a beer garden, and three stages of live music where local bands will play into the sunset.

Boardwalk between Felspar Street and Thomas Street, Pacific Beach 

Theater & Art Exhibits

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Latinx New Play Festival at La Jolla PLayhouse

October 4-6

Latin American playwrights will premiere powerful original works this weekend at the La Jolla Playhouse’s Latinx New Play Festival. There will be four public readings, plus panels and other interactive theater events at the free fest. Spots can be reserved online. 

2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Masa at OnStage Playhouse

October 4-27

In Salomon Maya’s Masa, a woman renowned for her tamale recipe leans on her Mexico City community after the tragic loss of her husband. Tickets for this production at the OnStage Playhouse are $25 for adults over 30; $20 for seniors, students, and educators; and $15 for those under the age of 30. 

291 Third Avenue, Chula Vista

Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen at Birch Aquarium

Opens October 4

Opening at the Birch Aquarium this Saturday, Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen is an immersive group exhibition exploring ocean science technology. Part of PST ART, a Getty initiative that brings together more than 70 SoCal institutions to mount shows exploring the relationship between art and science, the exhibition is included with admission to the aquarium ($29.95 for adults). 

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla

National Comedy Theatre 25th Anniversary Show at Home & Away

October 5

Audiences have been keeping National Comedy Theatre performers on their toes for a quarter of a century, and now as the troupe reaches 25 years of unpredictable improv magic, it’s time to mark the milestone. This Saturday’s anniversary performance begins with a celebration at 6:30 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. comedy show at the theater. Afterward, party with the cast down the block at Home & Away. Tickets for the show are $22. 

3717 India Street, Mission Hills

Fashion Week San Diego at Andaz

October 5-6

Fashion Week San Diego will send models down the catwalk from 6 to 9 p.m. this Saturday at Andaz San Diego. At Sunday’s trunk show, attendees can purchase runway-ready looks, munch on complimentary breakfast and coffee, and chat with designers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission tickets for the runway event are sold out, but VIP passes (starting at $150) and truck-show only tickets ($10) can be found here. 

600 F Street, Downtown

The Art of Flora and Fauna at The Borrego Art Institute 

October 5 – November 3

The Borrego Art Institute opens its 2024–2025 season with an exhibition dedicated to the natural world. In The Art of Flora and Fauna, explore regional artists’ interpretations of the beauty all around us. The show will open with a free reception this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m.

665 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Padres vs. Atlanta Braves at Petco Park

October 1-3

Postseason baseball is back in San Diego! The Padres will kick off their playoff campaign with a best-of-three Wild Card series at home against the Atlanta Braves beginning on Tuesday. A series win for the Friars would set up a can’t-miss rematch against the Dodgers. Tickets start at $127.60 for this playoff matchup as San Diego continues its search for its elusive first-ever World Series title. 

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

Kids Free San Diego

October 1-31

October is a golden opportunity for families to check out the many museums, botanic gardens and cultural monuments that San Diego County has to offer during Kids Free San Diego. As part of this annual discount promotion, children 12 years old and younger, and at some locations the entire family, will receive free admission at more than 50 local artistic institutions. After grabbing the necessary coupons online, children are free to make memories all month long. 

October offers the opportunity for families to check out San Diego’s many museums, botanic gardens, and cultural institutions with coupons from Kids Free San Diego. As part of this annual discount promotion, children 12 years old and younger will receive complimentary admission at more than 50 local artistic institutions (and some even waive fees for the whole family). 

Citywide

The post 17 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Oct. 1-6 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But it’s time for new history to be made. “The building is amazing,” says Craig Hall, the symphony’s vice president of communications. “But it was built for a different purpose, which has always posed significant challenges with the sound.” 

The latest rebuild started in 2020 and finally has come to completion following a $125 million overhaul. Hall explains that enhancing the acoustics was the primary goal. “People need to hear the high quality sound so the energy and emotion of the performer is transmitted to the listener.” But that’s not the only thing that’s changed: The renovations include reconfigured seating, theatrical lighting to properly show architectural details, and the addition of a choral terrace behind the orchestra—where audience members can sit when it’s not in use for a performance. “It’s a seamless blending of the old and the new,” says Hall. “The history of the space is intact, but the stage looks entirely modern.” 

“There was so much to preserve,” agrees San Diego Symphony President and CEO Martha Gilmer. “But it was aching for improvement.” Gilmer explains that while upgrading the acoustics was the top priority, the changes to the main floor seating are her favorite development. 

Eight rows were removed, bringing the total number of seats down from 2,248 to 1,831, all of which are now angled to properly view the stage—unlike the former straight rows leftover from the building’s movie theater era. “It’s more intimate than it was before,” says Gilmer. There is a sense that the audience is listening together as a community, rather than individuals. “That feeling of connectedness, between the music and musicians and the audience, I think that’s the most important part.”

The Jacobs Music Center will reopen to the public September 28, and to mark the occasion, the San Diego Symphony commissioned award-winning composer Texu Kim to write the first piece to be publicly performed in the new concert hall. 

The last time Kim had a composition of his performed in the Jacobs Music Center was February 2020—the second-to-last concert before it closed. Now that he has seen the renovated space, he couldn’t be more excited about the reopening. He lauds the improved quality of the acoustics. “It captures the details in the sound and delivers the power vividly,” he describes.

Visually, it also appeals. He says the concert hall’s golden hue “gives it a luxurious and elegant vibe,” and that somehow the room feels simultaneously cozy and spacious. “Don’t ask me how they created this magic.” 

His composition for the opening night is titled Welcome Home!! and is scored for brass and percussion. It incorporates multiple genres that the Korean-born composer associates with the word home: K-pop, Korean folk music, and funk, as well as traditional Kumeyaay sound and patterns. “A lot of people can find something that they consider ‘home’ in this piece,” he says.

“It’s written for an auspicious and exciting occasion, so it’s very celebratory,” says Kim when asked what he hopes the audience will take away from the performance. “The primary feeling I would love to portray is sheer excitement and fun.” He says he wants the music to inspire the attendees to dance. “I know that’s not the classical music thing, but why not? Classical music is supposed to express the depth of life, including the joy.” He laughs and adds, “I will be dancing, if no one else does.”

The Jacobs Music Center reopens September 28. Check out their full schedule of events here.

The post The Jacobs Music Center Reopens Following $125M Redesign appeared first on San Diego Magazine.