For the people still fretting about what to do for Mother’s Day: We’ve got you. If mom likes a good festival, consider stopping for drinks at the Coronado Art & Wine Festival or learning how to dance in the zydeco tradition at Gator by the Bay. Or peruse the local art scene and explore new exhibitions Bloodlines & Brushtrokes at Distinction Gallery, ArtSpectrum 2026 at Gallery 21, or (fittingly) Athenaeum Art Center’s Día de las Madres pop-up. Regardless of how you choose to spend time with mom this weekend, there’s plenty of ways to make her feel special.
To celebrate Mother’s Day, Gaslamp’s Huntress is offering a trio of food specials crafted by Executive Chef Chris Hutchison, plus complimentary welcome mimosas for all the mothers in attendance. This Friday-Sunday, patrons can order a lemony spring pea risotto, a beef Wellington with wild mushrooms and a rose dessert with chocolate mousse, strawberry air cake and loads of raspberry. The specials also include the Mother’s Flower Cocktail which comes with gin, lavender, citrus and prosecco and Albert Bichot Crémant Sparkling Rosé. Reservations can be made through OpenTable.
Stroll the fifth annual Coronado Art & Wine Festival for fine artwork, live music, pour of wine and bubbly, and to raise money for STEM and arts education for Coronado’s K-12 students. This Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., over 100 artists, including this year’s four featured artists, will display and sell their work, with other festivities including selfie stations, family-friendly crafts, 21+ libation zones. General admission is free; deluxe ticket options include Wine Village passes with six tastings, Bubbles Lounge/Wine Village passes with nine tastings, and all-access VIP with 12 tastings.
10th Street and Orange Avenue, Coronado
‘Momakase’ Experience at Temaki Bar
May 10
Take mom out for a sophisticated, yet thrifty, sushi dinner through Temaki Bar’s ‘Momakase’ experience, happening this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The experience ($39 per person) comes with salmon, shrimp and yellowtail handrolls, a nigiri platter with deluxe seafood and flavor combos—including salmon with brown butter aioli, sweet soy and smoked salt—and a matcha-flavored vodka martini. Because Temaki does not take reservations, guests are advised to join the restaurant’s online waitlist before arriving.
575 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Meshell Ndegeocello at Epstein Family Amphitheater
May 6
Armed with a bass guitar that could nourish any souls its vibrations encounter, and an alluring voice to match, Meshell Ndegeocello is a vital figure in the lineage of Black musical tradition. Her vocation, an artistic desire for love and truth told through jazz, pop, R&B and neo-soul, is best understood through her sublime covers project Ventriloquism and her most recent album, No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin. This Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., Ndegeocello will perform tracks from No More Water and career-spanning hits at Epstein Family Amphitheater as part of ArtPower’s spring event lineup. Tickets range for $18 to $50 for this concert.
9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla
GI Film Festival at Museum of Photographic Arts
May 6-8
Active and former military members will share their experiences through cinema during the GI Film Festival at the Museum of Photographic Arts, coinciding with Military Appreciation Month. The festival begins Wednesday with an opening night reception featuring awards, photo ops and a screening of Home from the Vietnam War, continues Thursday with Ugo: An Artist at War and documentary shorts and finishes Friday with American Solitaire and narrative shorts. Ticket options include opening night admission, tickets for screenings/blocks, and multi-ticket packs which come with admission to all screenings and events.
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Sister Nancy with Kat Hall at Music Box
May 9
Calling Sister Nancy a dancehall pioneer is true, yet also an understatement. Though her career never resembled a normal trajectory for someone of her talents, the persistence of her 1982 hit “Bam Bam” is undeniable, cementing her as a beacon for Caribbean sound and a worldwide influence—with the song having since been sampled 100+ times, including by Too $hort, Jay-Z and Lauryn Hill. This Saturday at Music Box, hear classics from Sister Nancy’s catalog, plus jazzy reggae tunes from opener Kat Hall. Tickets start at $44 for this concert.
1337 India Street, Little Italy
Yebba at The Observatory North Park
May 10
Those familiar with Yebba likely know of the singer/songwriter for a variety of reasons. Maybe its her multiple collaborations with Drake, her star-making vocals for Chance the Rapper on Saturday Night Live, or perhaps, her immensely heartfelt debut Dawn, a rumination on grief created in the aftermath of her mother’s suicide. But I reckon Yebba’s newest album, Jean, is the best chance to jump on the bandwagon yet. Jean finds Yebba still persisting, and its stripped down, guitar-driven production should make her concert this Sunday (7 p.m.) at The Observatory North Park feel intimate on a nearly spiritual level. Tickets start at $41 for this concert.
As evidenced by the box office numbers for Michael, nostalgia for the King of Pop is currently at a fever pitch. While the biopic focuses on Michael Jackson’s upbringing and ‘80s stardom, MJ: The Musical—returning to the Civic Theatre for a week-long run—is set during the making of Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour in 1992. Playing the role of MJ will be former San Diego resident Jordan Markus, who has donned the sequined glove once again for the show’s nationwide run. Tickets start at $51, with performances this Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp
ArtSpectrum 2026 at Gallery 21
May 5–June 1
This week marks the birth of a hopeful new tradition for San Diego’s long-established community of LGBTQ artists. The group exhibition ArtSpectrum 2026, curated by RD Riccoboni and overseen by The Studio Door and Village Arts and Education Foundation, features a dozen local LGBTQ artists making an impact. Because the exhibition doesn’t abide by a particular subject or style, it’s a way for audiences to explore the artists’ best individual works. ArtSpectrum 2026 will have a free opening reception this Saturday from 1–4 p.m. at Gallery 21.
1770 Village Place, Balboa Park
Día de las Madres: Mother’s Day Pop-Up Exhibition at Athenaeum Art Center
May 8-10
Weeks before Mother’s Day was set to arrive, the Athenaeum Art Center surveyed the public, welcoming artists of all skill levels to express what it means to be a mother and how they define maternal love. The result is Día de las Madres, a three-day pop-up intended to elicit bilingual and bicultural POVs ahead of the holiday. To celebrate the exhibition, all are invited to Saturday’s free opening reception from noon to 8 p.m. to enjoy tamales, live mariachi, printmaking workshops and demonstrations, and a chance to converse with the artists.
Fifteen local Asian American and Pacific Islander artists are showcasing their ancestry-inspired pieces via Thumbprint Gallery’s Bloodlines & Brushstrokes group exhibition for AAPI Heritage Month. Part one opened at Thumbprint last Friday, and will remain on display through the end of May, with part two premiering Saturday at Distinction Gallery with a free reception from 6-10 p.m. Both locations will feature a unique piece by each participating artist, offering a chance to see a range of artistic mediums and culturally resonant viewpoints.
317 East Grand Avenue, Escondido
Art of the River at Santa Ysabel Art Gallery
May 9 – July 6
The continued depiction of the San Diego River’s beautiful, wide-spanning ecosystem is the guiding ethos of the San Diego River Artists Alliance. Beginning with a free opening reception this Saturday from 4-7 p.m. the collective will open its newest environmental exhibition, Art of the River, at Santa Ysabel Art Gallery. Visitors are invited to peruse and purchase artwork, as well as partake in the San Diego River Park Foundation’s River Days initiative (May 9-17); A portion of sales from Art of the River will go towards the SDRPF.
30352 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel
A Room in the Castle at MOXIE Theatre
May 10 – June 7
No skull, no ghost, no ‘to be or not to be’ monologue, but still so much story to tell. Lauren Gunderson’s stage play A Room in the Castle, a modernized, female-centered retelling of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, will have a new production beginning Sunday at MOXIE Theatre. Though the actions of The Bard’s tragic hero hang like a dark cloud over the lives of Ophelia and Queen Gertrude, A Room in the Castle awards them the primary perspective. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, ranging from free to $88.
6663 El Cajon Boulevard, Rolando
Courtesy of San Diego American Indian Health Center
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
An Evening with David Sedaris at Jacobs Music Center
May 7
Drawing on your personal life—the ups, downs and hard-to-believe stories—can serve as a rich source of creative material. Just ask David Sedaris, best-selling author, renowned satirist and long-time contributor for The New Yorker. Throughout his writing career, Sedaris’ works contain a whole host of quirky insights, including a secret marriage divulged just a few weeks ago. This Thursday at 8 p.m. during ArtPower’s An Evening with David Sedaris at Jacobs Music Center, he’ll recite passages from both beloved pieces and unpublished stories, offering a detailed perspective of his humor and storytelling style. Tickets range from $60 to $108 for this event.
1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown
San Diego Padres vs. St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park
May 7-10
With the lack of elite closers in today’s game, Padres fans can rest easy knowing when the 9th inning arrives, they have a reliable arm ready to pounce. Mason Miller—NL Reliever of Month Mason Miller, that is—is a perfect 11/11 in save opportunities, averaging nearly two strikeouts per inning and recently compiled a 34 ⅔ consecutive scoreless inning streak, a franchise record. Not too shabby. Plus, the first 40K fans through the Petco Park gates for Thursday’s game (7:10 p.m.) against the Cardinals will receive a flame-throwing Mason Miller bobblehead. Tickets start at $35, with games Friday (6:45 p.m.), Saturday (4:15 p.m.) and Sunday (1:10 p.m.) at home.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Gator by the Bay
May 7-10
It’s Fat Tuesday everyday at Gator by the Bay, Bon Temps Social Club’s yearly toast to bayou living. The festivities include Creole cooking demonstrations, seven live music stages, Zydeco dance lessons and 10,000 boiling pounds of crawfish. Gator by the Bay kicks off with a free party Thursday from 5-9 p.m. at Sheraton’s Lanai Lawn before heading to Spanish Landing Park Friday (4-10 p.m.), Saturday (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Single-day GA (Friday: $80, Saturday: $90, Sunday: $85), any day GA ($90) and three-day GA tickets ($230) are available; admission is free for kids ages 17 and under with a paid adult.
The San Diego American Indian Health Center will host its 38th annual Balboa Park Pow Wow this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As is tradition, the Pow Wow spotlights a range of cultural regalia, music and dance, including gourd dancing and Kumeyaay bird singing. This free community event also offers the chance to shop from a lineup of Indigenous food and artisan vendors, with hand-crafted goods such as art, jewelry and apparel available for purchase.
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.
Music drifts across the fairway. Someone’s in flip flops. The Pacific flashes in the distance. Sun peeks onto shoulders through the palm trees. It’s spring, technically, but the air reads suspiciously like summer. At the par-3 course at Liberty Station, the longest hole barely stretches past 120 yards, and no one looks particularly interested in becoming the next PGA legend.
“I got dragged to a par-3 course in 2019 —The Loma Club—and it was way more my jam,” says Ronan Galvin, CEO and co-founder of Sunday Golf, a company that makes lightweight golf bags for players who’d rather carry less and laugh more. “It was a lot different than the stereotypical ideas you have about golf where it’s kind of long, uptight, and exclusive.”
Galvin spent over a decade in the golf industry working in product development, sourcing and manufacturing. But he didn’t grow up swinging clubs. Basketball and football were more his speed. What clicked for him was a simpler, more relaxed kind of play: shorter rounds and weekend games built for fun rather than formality. The kind of golf that resonated for him felt accessible, effortless, and surprisingly his lifestyle.
Courtesy of Sunday Golf
He noticed something else, too.
On a course where five clubs do the job, players were still lugging 14. So Galvin built something smaller. Lighter. A bag designed specifically for par-3 rounds, the Loma Bag is sleek, functional, and refreshingly unfussy. It’s practical minimalism in a sport known for excess.
Sunday Golf was slated to launch in January 2020. Then, COVID hit. Shipments stalled; lost at sea. The future felt shaky. But the series of catastrophes for the young company turned out to be anything but: By the time inventory arrived that August, golf had become one of the few activities people could safely do.
“It introduced and brought so many people back to the game,” Galvin says. “It created a habit for a lot of people, which is a big reason golf is on its growth trajectory.”
It turns out Americans can’t get enough of golf. Forty-eight million of them swung clubs last year, a 41 percent jump since 2019, and the National Golf Foundation says the total could top 50 million by the end of 2026.
The brand rode this unlikely momentum. Since 2021, Sunday Golf has expanded into larger lightweight bags and continues evolving from there. A major reason for the company’s success is its approachability, a value so central that it’s literally written on the office walls in the form of the company’s guiding mission: “Get 500,000 golfers having more fun by 2027.” This goal is measured, fittingly, by golf bags sold.
Sunday Golf has already passed 300,000 bags sold.
But the numbers aren’t the point.
Courtesy of Sunday Golf
“To remind the world that life is meant to be enjoyed,” Galvin says of the brand’s why. In an era dominated by screens, golf offers something analog. “People are outside, touching grass with their friends. A golf bag is a golf bag, but our products are vehicles to help support that.”
Unlike legacy golf giants promising proximity to Rory McIlroy-level greatness, Sunday Golf leans into what Galvin jokingly calls “diet golf” or “golf light”—weekend rounds, driving range sessions, company scrambles. The bags are built for the casual golfer, and the fit feels obvious.
That philosophy resonates across Southern California, where year-round sunshine means golf courses never really hibernate for winter. As Galvin puts it, “the laid-back lifestyle of San Diego kind of seeps into everyone’s veins.”
Sometimes the validation arrives via email: a 76-year-old customer is able to walk the course again because their golf bag is lighter. Parents are able to take their children out with Sunday Golf’s kids line.
For Galvin, that’s the real win. Not perfection. Not prestige. Just more people outside, enjoying themselves. In San Diego, that might be the most natural mission of all.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
The initial project will be a landmark September edition of San Diego Magazine—fully dedicated to the people, ideas, and identities of the city’s creative community. After its release, those stories and more will extend across six months of integrated digital, social, and multi-platform coverage. Art & Design District and SDFC Playmakers will serve as co-publishers of the expanded editorial vision.
The Art & Design District is evolving into San Diego’s first home for the performing arts at iconic downtown venues like the Civic Theatre and Jacobs Music Center alongside research and development programs focused on artist live/work spaces, galleries, studios, and New School of Architecture & Design.
“[The Art & Design District initiative] is a long-term investment in San Diego’s creative life and the creative workforce that powers our cultural experiences and creative industries here at home and across the world,” says Jonathan Glus, Prebys Senior Fellow for Art & Design in Residence at Downtown San Diego Partnership. “But infrastructure alone is not enough. The public needs to see, understand, and participate in what’s being built and why. Joining as co-publisher of this issue means helping ensure that the story of San Diego’s creative community—its artists, its institutions, its future—gets told at the level of ambition the moment requires.”
San Diego has entered a defining chapter in how the region invests in its creative community, with civic and philanthropic leaders working alongside artists, brands, institutions, and people to chart a new model of public-private support for arts and culture.
As digital co-publishers of San Diego Magazine‘s arts and culture coverage, SDFC’s Playmakers partnership will include a six-month integrated collaboration designed to sustain the visibility of San Diego’s creative community well beyond a single issue.
“The Playmakers program was built on the belief that the creative community is essential to what makes San Diego, San Diego,” says Sebastian, San Diego FC’s SVP of Brand and Innovation. “Investing in local media that tells those stories—and reaches the audiences who need to hear them—is one of the most direct ways we can support the artists, organizations, and cultural leaders shaping this city’s future. We’re proud to step in as digital co-publishers of San Diego Magazine‘s arts and culture coverage and the founding partner of this new editorial program.”
Under the partnerships:
The Art & Design District joins as Co-Publisher of the September 2026 Arts & Culture Issue, undwriting San Diego Magazine‘s most ambitious editorial event of the year.
SDFC Playmakers joins as Digital Co-Publisher of San Diego Magazine‘s arts and culture coverage, founding a six-month integrated partnership that includes co-publisher presence in the September issue.
The partnership represents a new model for regional media: civic and cultural institutions providing the resources required for sustained, ambitious, local editorial media focused on the neighborhoods it serves.
“For 78 years, the magazine has told the story of arts and culture here,” says Claire Johnson, CEO of San Diego Magazine. “But the fragmentation of traditional media has made it harder than ever to cover this community at the depth and scale it deserves. SDFC Playmakers and the Art & Design District have recognized something critical: Media is not separate from the civic conversation, it’s the stage for the conversation.”
San Diego Magazine retains full editorial control over all reporting, features, and original content produced under both partnerships.
“Our role in this ecosystem is to tell the story of San Diego’s culture and provide context for our readers.” says Johnson. “These partnerships give us the resources to do justice to that responsibility—and to extend that commitment well beyond a single issue. Our readers also deserve to know exactly how this work was funded. I’m grateful to our partners, and to the arts and culture community in San Diego for letting us tell this story.”
The September Arts & Culture Issue will be released early September 2026, with digital, social, video, and podcast coverage rolling out through early 2027.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO MAGAZINE For 78 years, San Diego Magazine has been the region’s leading lifestyle and culture publication, reaching approximately 6 million readers monthly across print, digital, newsletter, and social platforms. Owned and operated locally, the magazine has been the connective tissue of San Diego’s cultural conversation since 1948.
ABOUT SDFC PLAYMAKERS The Playmakers program is an ongoing initiative that seeks to identify and showcase the talent of San Diego creatives who are contributing to the culture, substance, and flow of our community. We want to bring the San Diego community together by marrying football and creativity to provide a platform for these Playmakers who are positively impacting our culture by pushing the boundaries through innovative ideas. The goal is to create a program that consistently provides growth and exposure opportunities for San Diego creatives, while shaping an authentic direction for San Diego FC’s brand and community-building process. Through this program we hope to contribute to the creative fabric of our city by providing paid jobs, projects, collaborations, as well as networking opportunities for Playmakers.
ABOUT THE ART & DESIGN DISTRICT The Art & Design District is a Downtown San Diego Partnership initiative, supported by the Prebys Foundation, working to shape a connected, vibrant arts and design district in downtown San Diego. Led by Art and Culture Expert Fellow Jonathan Glus, the initiative convenes artists, cultural leaders, civic stakeholders, and residents in service of a downtown that reflects the creativity, identity, and diversity of the region. Learn more at downtownsandiego.org.
Just south of Lake Hodges near 4S Ranch and Poway, Rancho Bernardo is a suburban community that blends residential neighborhoods with industrial pockets, elevated by a decidedly diverse food scene.
Over 60 years ago, this North County neighborhood was once part of a family ranch. Since that time, big tech companies have taken up residence here, including Amazon, Sony Electronics, Oura Ring, HP, Teradata, and ASML. Rancho Bernardo Inn serves as a community hub, with locals frequently meeting at the hotel’s restaurants, golf course, and spa.
Whether it’s work or a round of golf that brings you to Rancho Bernardo, we’ve taken care of the agenda planning with our guide to the area’s best restaurants, activities, and shops.
Courtesy of Avant Restaurant
Rancho Bernardo Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops
Avant
Sample ingredients plucked straight from Rancho Bernardo Inn’s onsite garden and served at their signature restaurant Avant. One of the neighborhood’s most upscale dining options, they serve a French-inspired menu with nods to California, including many seafood options. Don’t miss their more casual sister restaurant Veranda for al fresco dining.
Wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas are standouts at The Kitchen, Bernardo Winery’s counter-service restaurant specializing in Sicilian flavors. Charcuterie boards and bruschetta make for great starters or snacks while wine tasting.
13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte
Bushfire Kitchen
Fast-casual and family-owned eatery Bushfire Kitchen recently opened a location in Rancho Bernardo, serving sandwiches, bowls, salads, burgers, protein plates, and housemade empanadas. Bushfire prepares comfort food with healthy ingredients, and offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
11962 Bernardo Plaza Drive, Suite 110
The Cork & Craft
Some might call The Cork & Craft an overachiever. This gastropub has an in-house craft brewery and winery: Abnormal Beer and Wine. The more, the merrier. Their sushi menu is definitely worth exploring, but don’t miss other specialties like garlic noodles, chicken wings, and pork belly.
16990 Via Tazon
Courtesy of Carvers Steaks & Chops
Carvers Steaks & Chops
You don’t have to leave Rancho Bernardo to get a white tablecloth steakhouse experience. Carvers Steaks & Chops has prime rib (their best seller), filet, ribeye, porterhouse, New York strip, and other cuts, served alongside crab-stuffed mushrooms, wedge salad, French onion soup, potato skins, and other steakhouse specialties.
1940 Bernardo Plaza Drive
Burma Place
This no-frills Burmese restaurant is known for its traditional tea leaf salad that’s topped with sesame and sunflower seeds, garlic chips, peanuts, tomatoes, jalapeños, fried yellow beans, and fermented green tea leaf dressing. Tucked into a nondescript strip mall, Burma Place is a great takeout option when you want to eat garlic noodles, fried rice, chicken curry, and samosas from the comfort of your couch.
16719 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite A
Phở Ca Dao
Find authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Phở Ca Dao, including favorites like phở noodle soup, vermicelli noodles, broken rice dishes, and spring rolls. One of eight locations throughout San Diego, this family-owned chain uses robot servers for food delivery.
11808 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 100
The Kebab Shop
It’s all about the sauce at fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant The Kebab Shop. Smothering your chicken shawarma, gyro, or falafels in garlic yogurt, cilantro jalapeno, fire chili, and dill yogurt sauce is practically a rite of passage. The hardest part is deciding whether to order a wrap, bowl, or salad.
11980 Bernardo Plaza Drive
Casa Lahori
Get a taste of South Asian flavors at Casa Lahori, a Pakistani restaurant noted for its grilled meat kabobs. Other best-selling dishes include beef nihari, chicken biryani, and shahi paneer— best enjoyed with naan bread.
11975 Bernardo Plaza Drive
Kangnam Korean BBQ
Grill your own meat on the tabletop at Kangnam Korean BBQ, an interactive, all-you-can-eat experience that’s well-suited for large groups. Marinated beef bulgogi, grilled galbi short ribs, and spicy pork are served alongside traditional banchan dishes like kimchi, japchae glass noodles, and flavorful stews. Weekday lunch specials provide a nice discount on these filling meals.
11828 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 117–119
Courtesy of Curry & More Indian Bistro
Curry & More Indian Bistro
Dig in to your favorite curries and kebabs at Curry & More Indian Bistro. Most entrees are served with a choice of two side dishes, including basmati rice, potatoes with cumin, daal, naan, or mixed greens. Help offset the spice with one of their sweet mango or strawberry lassi drinks.
Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a San Diego-based writer who covers travel, dining, events, and culture. Her writing has been published in USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, Marie Claire, and HuffPost, among others.
Kelly H. Harfouche, founder of KQ Aesthetic Society, knows firsthand that cosmetic treatments like fillers, neurotoxins, and microneedling, can not only enhance a person’s appearance and restore confidence, they have the power to truly change a person’s life. An expert injector has the ability to tailor treatments to each individual patient’s anatomy and goals for personalized results. Harfouche, a board-certified nurse practitioner, has spent nearly a decade perfecting her craft as an aesthetic injector and integrating her multifaceted artistic skills with precision patient care. Her commitment to continual education and training, plus a passion for helping people look—and feel—their best, set KQ Aesthetic Society apart in a sea of local medspas.
For many people considering nonsurgical treatments, the intent is to look refreshed and refined. KQ Aesthetic Society’s philosophy eschews a cookie cutter approach that bases treatments around units, instead working to understand each person’s unique goals, then curating a treatment plan to fit that vision. Harfouche focuses on “inclusive luxury,” the belief that everyone deserves access to aesthetic treatments, respective of budget restrictions. She develops long-standing trusted relationships with her patients, and works with each one to achieve their aesthetic objectives and address the underlying causes of their concerns.
“For me, forming an honest and open relationship with every patient who walks through the door is essential. This means understanding them on a deeper level and meeting them where they are to define and achieve their individual goals,” she says.
Drawing on her artistic background, which inspired her transition into medical aesthetics, Harfouche sees each client as a “unique canvas.” Rather than relying on standardized procedures, the practitioner’s distinctive approach combines her profound understanding of the physiological and anatomical changes associated with aging with an unwavering commitment to ongoing education about the newest products and their mechanisms of action. Her goal is to make each patient feel beautiful in their own skin and to embrace their individuality.
She has also pioneered a way to combine her talent for aesthetic artistry with her philanthropic nature. Harfouche is one of only a handful of providers using dermal fillers to treat patients with lip asymmetry and scarring resulting from cleft lip surgery. Patients travel from around the country for this transformative treatment, noting increased confidence and a restored identity. She hopes to eventually launch a training program to help fill the void in this space.
“My passion has always been connecting with people and giving back in any capacity that I can,” she says. In the rapidly advancing landscape of aesthetic medicine, you can place your confidence in Harfouche and KQ Aesthetic Society to deliver exceptional care. To learn more or book a consultation, please visit kqaestheticsociety.com.
Golf doesn’t have to mean stiff collars, pleated khakis, whisper-talking on the green, or pretending your sand trap fails aren’t actually hilarious. Around San Diego, a handful of rebel courses are quietly rewriting the rules of an afternoon round, making them more relaxed, more social, and yes, more dog-friendly. These are the fairways where leashed pups pad alongside their people; where a suspenseful search for a golf ball in the bushes or—no!no!no!no!no!—in the water hazards are part of the fun; where every polite golf clap comes with a smiling, panting audience. If your ideal golf day includes a walk, a drink, and your dog riding shotgun, this is your teeing ground.
For proof that a golf course can be approachable without being boring, look no further than Emerald Isle Golf Course in Oceanside. The executive course delivers consistently beautiful greens, rolling elevations, and just enough challenge to keep you engaged, not stressed—unless your pup breaks free and runs for the rolling elevations, in which case you’ll be very engaged and maybe a little stressed. Locals love holes like the canal carry on No. 3 and the wildlife-dotted pond on No. 16, while golden-hour sunsets steal the show most evenings. Dogs are genuinely welcome here, not an afterthought. Grab them a slice of watermelon from the clubhouse, pose in the cart for Instagram cameos with an Emerald Isle scarf (it doubles as an adorable bandana for your four-legged friend), or introduce them to the course’s resident pups like Bogey, the assistant director of instruction, and shop dogs Karl and Frank. Affordable, friendly, and no-frills, Emerald Isle feels like golf you and doggo can’t wait to play.
660 S El Camino Real, Oceanside
Courtesy of The Loma Club
The Loma Club, Point Loma
The Loma Club is where golf goes social. Set in Liberty Station, this historic 9-hole par-3 course trades country club stiffness for an easy, neighborhood energy that feels distinctly San Diego. The course is walkable and unintimidating, with skyline and harbor views doing most of the heavy lifting. The Loma Club is just dipping its paws into the dog-friendly trend, and welcomes them on the mini course and off the fairways. Though your pup is the epicenter of your world, the patio at Loma Club is the real star, hosting live music, trivia (even the smartest dogs are stumped), and cocktails that rival golf itself. You don’t even need clubs to enjoy it. Show up with your dog, wander the course, grab something from the clubhouse, and stay for hours. You’ll feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Calling Goat Hill Park a golf course almost undersells it. Known as the “People’s Park,” this historic Oceanside staple operates more like a community space where golf happens. Expect dogs strolling alongside the players, music streaming from magnetic speakers attached to golf carts, beginners smacking balls alongside serious talent, and locals and tourists sharing the same teeing grounds with a few four-legged besties trotting alongside. Saved from redevelopment in 2014, Goat Hill embraces a raw, unpolished look that’s both intentional and refreshing. With ocean views, a “19th-hole” fire-pit, and zero pretense, it’s golf at its most human…because: dogs.
2323 Goat Hill Dr, Oceanside
Courtesy of Omni La Costa Resort
The Club at Omni La Costa
Ready to add your pup’s name to the illustrious list of golf greats? Same. At the iconic The Club at Omni La Costa, the vibe is equal parts championship-caliber and casually fabulous. Emerald fairways so perfect you’ll hesitate to step on them, palm-lined paths practically begging for a golden-hour strut, and rolling greens that ripple in the sun. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, your four-legged plus-one enters the chat: For members and overnight guests, the La Costa lifestyle rolls out the (very chic) welcome mat for your (leashed) pup, turning tee times into a social affair of breezy, citrus-kissed luxury and leisurely strolls. Really—what are you waiting for? Even your dog’s got a standing invite.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
Father’s Day is often the overlooked summer holiday that doesn’t quite get the extravagant brunch treatment or overflowing bouquets that Mother’s Day does. Sure, there’s the annual pair of socks, Padres hat you’re convinced he doesn’t already own, beer subscriptions, phone case doubling as a wallet, plus the classic “Best Dad” keepsakes. But this year, let’s flip the narrative with events, activities, and specials made with Dad in mind.
Whether he wants a quiet dinner, a big screen full of San Diego sports and wings, or a weekend that somehow includes NASCAR, a jazz festival, and a Broadway reimagining, there is something for every dad. Here’s your guide to a memorable Father’s Day in San Diego.
Nothing says “Happy Father’s Day” like the sound of engines ripping across Naval Base Coronado. NASCAR is turning this into a historic race weekend that feels less like a casual outing and more like a full-scale San Diego moment people will be talking about long after June is over. This is the first time a NASCAR Cup Series race has ever taken place on an active military base, which instantly puts it in “you had to be there” territory.
It’s fast, loud, and very on-brand for a Father’s Day where Dad suddenly becomes an expert on tire strategy, pit stops, and track positions. The bar might be set unreasonably high for every Father’s Day that follows, but that’s a next-year problem, right?
At Humphreys, Father’s Day gets a little more sophisticated. Roger Friend and an all-star lineup of jazz musicians bring decades of international experience to the bay, where dads can lean into their musical side with head nods and shoe taps. It’s smooth, layered, and exactly the amount of jazz you didn’t realize your playlists were missing.
Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Address: 241 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego
Belmont Parkis rolling out a Father’s Day lineup that basically turns Mission Beach into a living garage scene, with a free car show featuring everything from polished 1960s Camaros to classic Bel Airs and lowriders. If he has a ride of his own, vintage car owners can join the lineup for $35 per vehicle. After the chrome tour, it’s straight into a Mission Beach classic: boardwalk strolls, fish tacos on the sand, and rides at Belmont Park.
Price: Free to attend | Register vehicle here Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Address: Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Boulevard, San Diego
Bob Dylan at The Rady Shell
I think it’s an unspoken rule that dads love Bob Dylan. Mine is already figuring out how he’s getting to San Diego for this. But this isn’t just a Father’s Day activity, it’s a cultural event that happens to land on Father’s Day weekend and immediately becomes the plan. Bob Dylan at The Rady Shell means you’ll be surrounded by city lights sparkling across the harbor, legacy music, and at least one moment where Dad leans over and whispers, “You know, this guy wrote everything.” And honestly? He’s not wrong.
Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster Time: 6:30 p.m. Address: 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego
San Diego County Fair
The San Diego County Fair returns with fried everything, questionable decisions, rides that definitely looked safer in the 2000s, and Dad’s very confident plan to “just walk around for an hour” that somehow turns into an entire day. It’s also the biggest, longest-running community event in San Diego County, running Wednesday, June 10 through Sunday, July 5, with a “Once Upon a Fair” theme. It basically becomes part of the Father’s Day season whether you planned it or not. So, consider this your annual reminder that “happily ever after” can, in fact, involve Cajun honey dogs, cinnamon rolls, a Ferris wheel you swore you wouldn’t go on, and Dad somehow knowing exactly which booth has the best Spam wonton tacos.
Price: Tickets available here: website Date & Time: June 10 – July 5 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays) | 11 a.m. Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
AVRP Studios’ tradition for Design Excellence and Innovation began in 1976 with Doug Austin, FAIA, in Solana Beach, California. The firm has since grown to complete major projects throughout the United States and Canada. We think of ourselves as a family and we care deeply about people. We want to inspire, help make their lives richer and more complete through our efforts. We believe that architecture is one of the most important art forms because of the impact it can have on the lives of those it touches. We’re delighted to have been recognized with over 150 awards for design excellence.
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