How to be busy and important this month in San Diego
Stop and smell the Ranunculus—all 50 acres of them—in full bloom at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch (open through 5/10).
Britain’s Rosie Kay Dance Company presents 5 Soldiers: The Body Is the Front, inspired by the experiences of real-life infantry, held for four days at Liberty Station’s White Box.
Calling all dancing queens for an Abba Mania tribute concert at Balboa Theatre.
Geek out for the four-day San Diego Comic Fest, a more intimate Comic-Con alternative at Four Points by Sheraton San Diego.
House of Joy
House of Joy at Lyceum Theatre tells an empowering story of a female bodyguard in 17th-century India (through 3/29).
Enter the buzzing world of insects in Cirque du Soleil: Ovo, bringing four days of high-flying acrobatics to Viejas Arena.
Country crooner and longtime coach on The Voice Blake Shelton performs at Pechanga Arena on his Friends and Heroes 2020 tour.
City Ballet presents Balanchine and More at Spreckels Theatre, featuring works by famed choreographers throughout the weekend.
Plan your next DIY home improvement project during the three-day Spring Home/Garden Show at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Expect nontraditional perspectives and media in the new exhibit Out of the Shadows: Contemporary Chinese Photography at the Museum of Photographic Arts (through 9/6).
Electronic dance music is center stage for the two-day Crssd Festival in Waterfront Park.
Let your imagination run wild during the nine-day San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, kicking off with Expo Day at Petco Park.
Street performers from around the world entertain audiences for the weekend at Seaport Village’s Busker Festival.
Seaport Village’s Busker Festival
Bands from across the US and Mexico battle it out at the International Mariachi Festival & Competition in Bayside Park.
America’s Got Talent winner Shin Lim brings his mystifying close-up card magic to the Civic Theatre.
Michael Bolton performs soulful hits like “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” at Harrah’s Resort Southern California.
A hilarious introduction ensues when two families with vastly different political views and lifestyles meet before a wedding in La Cage aux Folles (aka “The Birdcage”) at Cygnet Theatre (through 5/2).
Watch your pick of over 160 movies from Latin America, Spain, and the US during the 11-day San Diego Latino Film Festival at AMC Fashion Valley and Digital Gym Cinema.
Celebrate Holi, an ancient Hindu holiday popular throughout India, at the Red Baraat Festival of Colors at UC San Diego.
Cast members from the TV hit Whose Line Is It Anyway? take their improv comedy show on the road for Whose Live Anyway? at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
San Diego Opera presents the West Coast premiere of Aging Magician for two days at Balboa Theatre, exploring the fantastic world of an eccentric clockmaker.
Paint the town green at San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival in Balboa Park.
The stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel Little Women at The Old Globe is a chance for audiences to fall in love with the March sisters all over again (through 4/19).
Hit the Gaslamp Quarter for the shamROCK St. Patrick’s Day block party, featuring three stages of live entertainment.
Attend the La Jolla Playhouse Gala at The Prado to hear Broadway star Jenn Colella (Come from Away, If/Then).
Take in a classical music performance by the king of waltz, André Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra, at Pechanga Arena.
Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art for their after-hours visual and performing arts event, Downtown at Sundown, which this month features a discussion about the Tijuana River Watershed as a complement to the exhibit Oscar Romo: Recovered Stream.
Stand-up comedian Steven Wright delivers his deadpan humor at Balboa Theatre.
Get unlimited tastings from over 100 breweries at the Best Coast Beer Fest at Embarcadero Marina Park North, including live music and food trucks.
An Evening with Sutton Foster, the two-time Tony Award–winning Broadway star, promises a lively cabaret-style vocal performance at Copley Symphony Hall.
Support North Coast Repertory Theatre at their Spotlight Gala, including live entertainment, food, drinks, and auctions at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Disney’s Frozen
Join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, and friends at the Civic Theatre for Disney’s Frozen, the Broadway musical reminding us to “let it go” (through 4/12).
Root, root, root for the home team at the Padres Opening Day game versus the Colorado Rockies.
See your favorite dancers from the hit show Dancing with the Stars: Live at Sycuan Casino.
Sample over 200 types of vino and cider from around the world during the Uncorked Wine Festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Faceless at The Old Globe follows the story of an American teen who decides to join the Islamic State group, and the reluctant prosecutor assigned to her case (through 4/26).
Get acquainted with the traditions of Guam and the Mariana Islands during the 11th annual Chamorro Cultural Festival at CSU San Marcos.
Learn how to make three types of whiskey drinks in the Cocktail Lab mixology class, taught by whiskey educator Dutch House at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s Huntsman Bar.
Sample up to 10 varieties of boba tea drinks in the San Diego Boba Festival at the Taiwanese American Community Center.
Vocal powerhouse Céline Dion performs megahits like “My Heart Will Go On” and “The Power of Love” at Pechanga Arena as part of her Courage World Tour.
For more recommended events, check out our curated list of Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Marcie Gonzalez
Whether you’re ready to lean into fall or determined to keep summer going, here are all the best things to do this month
September is San Diego’s unofficial second summer—the crowds thin, the weather stays warm, and the city’s calendar somehow gets even busier. This month brings stadium-sized rock shows, Broadway’s buzziest comedy, a new anime convention, world-premiere theater, gallery openings, food festivals, and the first signs of spooky season. Whether you’re ready to lean into fall or determined to keep summer going, here are the best things to do in San Diego this September.
Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
As Guns N’ Roses storm into decade five, their appetite for destruction persists. During their Snapdragon Stadium concert, hear the hard rock anthems, new material and a set from The Black Crowes.
Kehlani is proof that the romance and earnest sensuality of old-school R&B will never go out of style. Hear her take it back to the aughts at Viejas Arena.
From the silver screen to The Old Globe stage, John Carney will Begin Again (again) with a world premiere musical adaptation featuring new songs—courtesy of Train—and a story overflowing with hope.
The concept of work is a guiding principle for San Diego native and multidisciplinary creative noé olivas. Observe his community-informed approach via Tierra y Cielo (Earth and Sky) at Best Practice Gallery.
Two workers grapple with the weight of their roles at a temporary migrant shelter in Mario Vega’s world premiere play Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center, set for citywide performances.
Luminous visions of peace and the Punjabi-American roots of Rupinder Kaloti inform The Gathering, a wondrous unification of family foretold via paintings at Oceanside Museum of Art.
It’s Mary Todd Lincoln’s world and we’re just living in it. See the presidential paramour barrel to her way to stardom at the Civic Theatre during Oh, Mary!, Cole Escola’s political spoof.
Pros and Con(vention)s: Anime San Diego will debut at the San Diego Convention Center with cosplayers, panels and more than 400 vendors well-versed in Japanese animation.
Scaredy cats beware: SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream embraces frights forged in darkness. Enjoy an ominous lineup of live shows, scare zones and bloody bars ahead of Halloween.
The best parts of Artivál and the Alley Cat Art Walk have united for the free Alley Cat Art Fest, an all-day outing for live music and immersive artwork in Downtown El Cajon.
Take a Grecian vacation for a fraction of the price during the annual Cardiff Greek Festival, two days of immersive cuisine and culture—with plenty of dancing—on the Encinitas coast.
Step away from the stove! The California Restaurant Association has eight days of eating experiences with your name on it. During San Diego Restaurant Week, explore by meal, neighborhood or cuisine for your personal dining plan.
Nourish yourself with an all-inclusive spread of Pacific Beach eats and locally-crafted artwork during the HeArt of PB Restaurant Walk on Garnet Avenue.
When it comes to stand-up comedy, Chelsea Handler is always ready to roast. See Handler tell anecdotes and skewer an assemblage of victims during her Balboa Theatre performance.
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.
Dine at The Freedom Table, see Bob Dylan in concert, and explore local and national history through America 250
As summertime inches closer to the shores of San Diego, there are plenty of reasons to be ecstatic. For one thing, there’s the impending arrival of the summer solstice (Sunday), and three days before that, Del Mar’s own Summer Solstice will return for its yearly golden hour. There are also plenty of local Juneteenth events, such as Kinfolk Fest, the Cooper Family Foundation’s Juneteenth Celebration, and The Freedom Table, a new, food-centered event from the originators of Juneteenth San Marcos. We’re also less than three weeks away from America’s 250th anniversary, and the celebrations range from the San Diego History Center’s America 250: San Diego 1776-2026 to NASCAR’s weekend of racing at Naval Base Coronado.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Cbar has planned a week’s worth of festivities to mark its first birthday, and everyone can get in on the fun. The 1-Year Anniversary Week celebrations continue with a special edition of the Sips & Shells craft series ($50) on Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m., half-off pastries with any purchase of a barista drink (plus an anniversary summer wine flight) on Wednesday and a five-course winemaker dinner on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. ($130). Finally, the birthday bash will conclude with live music on Friday (Will Fedak) and Saturday (Cappo Kelley) from 6-9 p.m.
2917 State Street, Carlsbad
Little Italy’s annual food crawl has so many options that it warrants splitting into two evenings, each boasting a diverse lineup of 20 neighborhood vendors. During the Taste of Little Italy, taking place Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., attendees can make their way from the Piazza della Famiglia to nearby dining destinations for bites like esquites, sausage rolls, hot chicken tenders, and forkfuls of handmade pasta. Each night will also include live music and stops for drinks, desserts, and vegetarian items. Tickets are $71 per day.
Little Italy
As spring makes its golden transition into summer, welcome the new season with open arms and a big appetite during Del Mar Village’s marquee tasting event this Thursday from 5-8 p.m. With the Summer Solstice celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s iteration will include dozens of food and drink offerings from Del Mar Village vendors, soulful tunes from Christian Jules Taylor, live art by Sarah O’Connor, and wave-crashing views at Powerhouse Park. General admission (21+) is $157 and comes with unlimited tastings as well as a commemorative tasting glass, while VIP tickets are sold out; proceeds support the Del Mar Village Association.
1658 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar
After hosting the first-ever Juneteenth San Marcos festival in 2025, Lionel and Natalie Saulsberry have upped the ante with The Freedom Table, an elevated observance of community, culture, and the culinary arts. This Friday from 4-9 p.m. at TERI Campus of Life, guests can enjoy storytelling, art installations, live music, curated cocktails, and a chef-led dining experience, all in recognition of Juneteenth’s lasting importance. Ticket options include general admission ($261), plus two charitable ticket options: supporter ($313) and impact ($417), with a portion of sales going towards the youth nonprofit Achievement in Motion.
555 Deer Springs Road, San Marcos
In honor of NASCAR’s Coronado debut and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, ARLO is throwing a Father’s Day brunch for the dads who want to go fast. This Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can order from ARLO’s regular brunch menu, as well as a trio of holiday specials: the Dad’s Day Steak and Fries ($64), the Fit For a King Muffuletta Sandwich ($29), and the Big Daddy Brookie ($14). This shake and bake-approved meal will also include a DJ, cigar rollings, whiskey tastings and a Ricky Bobby costume contest. Reservations can be made online.
500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley
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.
See Ms. Lauryn Hill in concert, explore the Avant Garde Ball and eat with the animals at San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew
Enter May in resplendent style, with a lineup of exciting concerts, creative showcases and gastronomic festivals. Those looking for their live music fix can sing along to the stylings of Ms. Lauryn Hill at Gallagher Square, catch indie rocker Snail Mail at The Observatory North Park or watch Star Wars: A New Hope with a live orchestra at The Rady Shell. Artistically-inclined folks can immerse themselves in the imaginative and the innovative within the Art Garden at UCSD Park & Market and the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Avant Garde Ball. As for the weekend’s most appetizing events, there’s the three-day Foodieland San Diego festival, the annual San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew and a 54-hour excursion with chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn. Here are the best things to do in San Diego this weekend.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Embark on a tasteful getaway to Rancho Bernardo Inn for 54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs. Patrons can spend intimate time with the cream of the culinary crop via dinners, cooking demonstrations, kitchen skill workshops, wine and whiskey tastings and deluxe activities, like a round of golf with the participating chefs. Ticket options include a seat at Sunday’s Chef Tour Dinner ($240), the Gold Ticket for Friday and Saturday’s events ($450) and the all-access Platinum Ticket ($600).
17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo
Takoyaki, raspados, Japanese hot dogs and freeze dried honey cones are just some of the street food concoctions available to try at this year’s FoodieLand San Diego festival. This Friday from 3-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1-10 p.m. at Del Mar Fairgrounds, attendees can peruse a smorgasbord of eye-catching and appetite-filling eats from 125 food stalls. But Foodieland doesn’t solely consist of nourishment, with a plethora of shopping vendors offering up apparel, accessories and boutique finds. Single-day tickets are $12.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Dine amongst the fauna at the annual San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew, a 21+ conservation fundraiser for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance this Saturday from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Guests can navigate their way around the park for live music, wildlife encounters and all-inclusive samples from a lineup of restaurants, breweries and wineries, plus complimentary soft drinks. General admission is $179, while VIP passes, which come with early entry at 6:30 p.m. along with exclusive menu items, private lounges and a special wildlife encounter, are $299.
2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park
Catch a rare live performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill this Thursday at 8 p.m. during the Padres Foundation’s fifth annual Dinner on the Diamond. This charitable gala, held on the Petco Park outfield, will feature auctions, an elegant dinner and appearances from Padres staff, players and alumni. Plus, for the first time, tickets to the event’s entertainment portion in Gallagher Square are open to the public. Hill, a few of the legendary Fugees, and the creative force behind The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, will be joined by a pair of special guests, her children Zion and YG Marley. Tickets for this concert start at $50, with net proceeds going to the Padres Foundation.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Since its debut on the silver screen in 1977, Star Wars has developed into a cultural behemoth, rich with iconic characters, epic lightsaber showdowns and grand space adventures. This Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (6:30 p.m.), fans of cinema and sci-fi can see the film that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope, outdoors at The Rady Shell. From the expository opening crawl to the Death Star’s demise, audiences can experience the franchise’s beginnings with a live rendition of John Williams’ score, performed by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and conductor Scott Terrell. Tickets range from $68 to $173 for Friday and $51 to $173 for Sunday.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
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.
Inspired by the effortless charm of French cafés, this taste of France on Orange Avenue invites guests to embrace the simple pleasure of taking their time.
Strolling down Orange Avenue on a sunny afternoon, you’ll hear the hum of beach cruisers rolling by and visitors making their way toward the Hotel del Coronado. Dogs pause to greet one another on the sidewalk, palm trees sway overhead, and for a moment, you’re convinced you’re living inside the postcard from the gift shop you just passed.
Then the scene shifts. Towering white columns, black café awnings and gold-trimmed windows frame Little Frenchie, where woven bistro chairs spill onto the sidewalk and servers deliver bubbling crocks of French onion soup. The scent of caramelized onions and melted Gruyère is practically an invitation to ask, “How long for a table for two?”
That feeling of pulling up a chair and staying awhile is exactly what inspired Little Frenchie. French cuisine has a reputation for feeling a little intimidating, but the restaurant is rewriting that narrative with food and wine that feels approachable.
“Sometimes when you read a French menu, you come across words you can’t even pronounce,” David Spatafore, the owner of Little Frenchie, says. “We wanted to create a restaurant where people felt comfortable.”
Little Frenchie was designed to capture the spirit of the French sidewalk cafés that inspired it. Dating back to 1917, the space already carried the charm of a Parisian bistro, with architectural details that felt more at home on a European street corner than in Coronado. The team saw an opportunity to create a restaurant that matched the character of the space while filling a gap in the neighborhood.
The result is a French restaurant that honors tradition without taking itself too seriously.
At Little Frenchie, classic French techniques are at the heart of the menu, but there is always room for creativity. A cassoulet featuring Toulouse sausage and duck confit pays homage to the recipes and regions that inspired it, while a rich hot chocolate made with ingredients imported from France brings a taste of French café culture to Coronado.
The team loves finding unexpected ways to make familiar dishes feel new. A burger becomes a showstopper when it is finished tableside with melted raclette, while a French Dip gets elevated with prime beef and Wagyu makes its way into the burgers. Even Eggs Benedict gets a French twist, swapping the traditional English muffin for a buttery croissant. The GB&J, Little Frenchie’s take on a grilled cheese, brings that same playful approach with seasonal jam and French Brie layered into a comforting classic.
Nearly everything at Little Frenchie is made from scratch, with ingredients carefully chosen to match the restaurant’s standards. Even the bread receives special attention. Each morning, the team sends a car to Prager Brothers Artisan Bread to pick up freshly baked loaves, ensuring every element of the meal reflects the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
Wine is woven into the experience just as naturally as the food. Inspired by the effortless pairings found in French cafés and bistros, Little Frenchie’s by-the-glass selection invites guests to sip their way through different regions and discover new favorites without the pressure of knowing all the rules.
Sign up for the Creek to Bay Cleanup, dive into culture and cuisine during Panda Fest and see artwork bloom at the San Diego Museum of Art
By the looks of it, this weekend is shaping up to be the most event-rich stretch of the year, with plentiful chances to go out, give back and experience all the diverse offerings San Diego has in store. Concerts, car shows, annual exhibitions and free festivals—the hardest part will be choosing which activities to check out. The return of marquee attractions like WOW Festival, Art Alive, Adams Avenue Unplugged, San Diego EarthFest and the La Jolla Concours d’Élégance means there is no better time than the present to revel in all that makes this city special. So don’t miss out.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
The traveling Uncorked festival heads back to Embarcadero Marina Park North this Saturday from 1-5 p.m. for another 21+ bottle-popping celebration. Uncorked: San Diego promises more than 150 international wines and sparkling drink selections, plus a range of spirits, mocktails and canned cocktails. Plus, attendees can enjoy food trucks, live DJs and an assortment of lawn games. Ticket options include early admission ($95) and general admission ($79), which comes with entry at 2 p.m.; proceeds from this event will go toward the nonprofit Urban Surf 4 Kids.
400 Kettner Boulevard, Embarcadero
In conjunction with the Taste of San Diego: Filipino Culinary Journeys exhibition, the San Diego History Center and the Council of Philippine American Organizations are hosting a Filipino Food Pop-Up. This complimentary culinary add-on, happening Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature a Filipino menu of mainstays and desserts from Gabina’s Cuisine. History center visitors will be able to closely observe the cultural traditions within the exhibition while eating cuisine that reflects the city’s Filipino gastronomic evolution.
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Up for an afternoon in Capeside? Fans of The WB’s golden era can reserve a spot at Mic Drop Comedy’s 21+ Dawson’s Creek Brunch, celebrating the iconic teen drama that launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and the dearly departed James Van Der Beek. Experience the series’ most memorable moments, including the love triangles and Dawson’s eternal crying face. Doors open this Sunday at noon, with the event beginning at 1 p.m. General admission is $26 and a VIP booth, which comes with five tickets, is $225.
8878 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Kearny Mesa
Six months after teasing his new project with a pair of intimate residencies at Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC and LA, Charlie Puth released his fourth studio album, Whatever’s Clever!, in late March. The smooth, nostalgic pop sound of the record is bolstered by an eclectic lineup of features, which include R&B dynamos Coco Jones and Ravyn Lenae, yacht rock icons Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald and Japanese-American pop idol Hikaru Utada. Puth’s performance this Wednesday at Viejas Arena (7:30 p.m.) will feature singer-songwriters Daniel Seavey and Ally Salort as openers. Tickets range from $42 to $176 for this concert.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando
Roam along Adams Avenue and see a plethora of pop-up concerts this Saturday from noon to midnight during Adams Avenue Unplugged. Ninety performers will play across 26 stages spread throughout University Heights, Kensington and Normal Heights, with local venues including cafes, pubs, and the offices of Heights Optometry. All performances are free except for the headliner set at 7 p.m. from Latino rock legend Alejandro Escovedo at Normal Heights United Church ($40). The church will also host the festival’s beer garden, and those who purchase the VIP food & drink package ($25), will receive three beers and a taco combo plate.
Adams Avenue
Japanese multi-instrumentalist Ichiko Aoba distills vivid dreams into awe-inspiring music, creating boundless worlds where natural beauty pairs with audial delight. Aoba’s most recent album, Luminescent Creatures, takes this concept to satisfying new heights with a collection of songs that balance the quiet, loving embrace of home with the enchanting allure of freedom, all brought together by her calm, whisper-like vocals. Concertgoers can get swept away in Aoba’s world when she performs this Saturday at 8 p.m. at Balboa Theatre as part of her Across the Oceans Tour. Tickets range from $55 to $136 for this concert.
868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp
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.
Indulge at the Cheese & Libation Expo, jam out to rapper Juvenile, explore the San Diego International Fringe Festival, and more
When we think of May, we think of Mother’s Day, blooming flowers, sunny skies, and lots of fun, seasonal events in the city. This month, locals can dine on the creations of James Beard Award-Winning Chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn, or take advantage of berry season at the annual Vista Strawberry Festival. Theatre lovers can enjoy a showing of Kim’s Convenience at The Old Globe, while the San Diego Natural History Museum invites art enthusiasts to view its latest marine-themed exhibit. Grab your tickets and crack open that planner. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this month:
Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Louisiana legend Juvenile, enhances by the live instrumentation of The 400 Degreez Band, will perform career hits and his newest album, Boiling Point, at House of Blues San Diego.
Turning the spotlight on contemporary LGBTQ artists, the inaugural ArtSpectrum 2026 will showcase both the grand and intimate scale of contemporary painters, photographers, and mixed media artists at Village Arts Outreach in Balboa Park.
The only ordinary element of the San Diego International Fringe Festival is the constant thrill of the extraordinary. Discover a plethora of innovative performances at venues from Pacific Beach to Baja.
A Korean-Canadian family balances tradition and assimilation from their Toronto storefront in Ins Choi’s comforting satire Kim’s Convenience, making its local premier at The Old Globe.
Ocean debris will receive a new beginning at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Using repurposed pollution, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea depicts creatively sculpted marine life.
Enjoy fine dining at its finest from a lineup of gastronomic titans during 54 Hours with James Beard Award-Winning Chefs. Savor elegant meals, masterclasses, tastings, and more at Rancho Bernardo Inn.
Unlimited bites, regional craft beers, and animal observations are on the menu for San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew (with live music), a culinary evening in support of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance.
Spend An Evening with David Sedaris, humorist, essayist, and best-selling author. Never afraid to point the pen at himself, Sedaris will share old favorites and works in progress in the classic satirical style he’s known for at Jacobs Music Center.
Say cheese! And toast to the Cheese & Libation Expo. Explore three days of all-you-can eat and drink fare at BRICK, along with boutique shopping and bountiful pairings.
Stroll the private grounds of several luxurious homes, accompanied by live music, tabletop designs, and outdoor artistry, during the Secret Garden Tour, La Jolla Historical Society‘s flora and fauna fundraiser.
Vista recalls its days as a strawberry-producing superpower through its free Strawberry Festival. Wear your berry best fit, watch film screenings, and enter contests for shortcake, pie, and sundae indulging.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
At Petco Park, there are charms beyond the outfield wall that no other seat can muster
First, the upfront: This is a paid partnership with the Padres. Second, that’s not going to stop me from reliving one of my favorite kid memories.
I was 11 years old when the Padres played the Chicago Cubs in the playoffs. The Padres were a large part of my world. My mom, a baseball nut, taught me how to keep score in an official book that year. We had season tickets, which meant we were able to get seats for the playoff games. Padres lost the first two games, came back to San Diego on the ropes.
Mom and I were sitting in the left field bleachers when Kevin McReynolds hit a towering fly ball in our direction. The ball got bigger and bigger and bigger. The Cubs’ left-fielder ran toward us, ran fast until he ran out of room. The ball landed, and the stadium exploded. It landed right… HERE. It landed at US.
Up until that moment, I’d always envied the other, closer seats.
Three days later, I was sitting in the upper deck when Craig Nettles threw the ball to Alan Wiggins and the team rioted into a human pile of happy in the center of the field. The Pads’ first trip to the World Series.
The bleachers are where us fans harvest homers. Send us your dingers, your dongers, goners, taters, oppo tacos, no-doubters, moon shots, your grand salamis, and your Machados. Slam Diego isn’t a fictional place. It’s a seat. And that seat… is right here. It’s a tad louder in the bleachers because, well, joy and happiness aren’t quiet. Welcome to the party at the end of the home run rainbow.
The Padres are now playing their final stretch of games. All of them at Petco. I split season tickets this year with a friend specifically for this reason. To have a chance to get those seats again, relive that McReynolds moment, that Garvey time.
It’s down to the wire, the biting of nails. Machado and Soto and Joe and Yu and Snellzilla and all the players with great hair could use locals at the finish line. Get a seat. Any seat. All have their unique charms. And should you decide to become a member (partial or whole season tickets for 2023), the list of perks is pretty impressive, including:
—priority access to Postseason tickets (and, baseball gods be willing, World Series)
—before each game, it’s happy hour (more than half-off select beer, wine, and cocktails)
—invitation to watch batting practice to catch homers (if you get a ball with gold-stitching, you get a free Pads jersey of your choice)
—10% off all schwag (City Connect calling your name)
Go Pads.
Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres
