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
RENT at Diversionary Theatre
For the thespian Dad, the patron of the arts Dad, and the one who still refers to every stage as “the theater,” Diversionary’s reimagined RENT is intimate, raw, and guarantees Dad will be quietly humming on the drive home. This bold, stripped-down production leans fully into chosen family, resilience, and all the feelings that land a little deeper than expected in the best possible way. There is even an optional immersive moment, which is a polite way of saying yes, you may become part of the show now. Break a leg!
Price: Tickets available here Time: 2 p.m. Address: 4545 Park Blvd #101, San Diego
Madison Beer at Gallagher Square
Girl dads, this one’s for you. For those who sing along during pop-playlist car rides, Madison Beer: The Locket Tour at Gallagher Square at Petco Park is the move. It’s a full-production night out with special guests Thủy and Lulu Simon, and the perfect excuse for matching concert shirts. A Father’s Day pick with a little more glitter than expected, and that’s exactly the point!
Price: Tickets available on Ticketmaster Time: 7 p.m. Address: 840 K St, San Diego
Courtesy of San Diego Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tours
San Diego Beer, Wine and Spirits Tour for Dad
For the dad who already owns everything except a very well-planned afternoon, this Father’s Day calls for a “tasty adventure” on a San Diego Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tour, running throughout June. It’s basically an excuse to hand him a glass and a scenic view. Guests must be 18+ for the tour and 21+ for tastings, and yes, Dad does still need to show ID for this one. But that’s really all the planning required.
Price: $197.35 per guest 21+ (Guests 18-20 are permitted on tours) Date & Time: Throughout summer | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Address: Meeting & Dropoff: 805 W. Harbor Dr. Ste B, San Diego
Take Dad to Harrah’s Resort SoCal
Whether you’re celebrating Dad on Father’s Day or gifting him the “casino resort” experience for later, Harrah’s Resort Southern California is basically built for him. Ditch the Vegas flight and drive to Funner, CA, where it’s all high-energy action, from the expanded High Limit gaming floor with 100 slot machines and table games like Baccarat and Blackjack, to Easy Speak for barrel picks and rare spirits. Head over to Dive for swim-up bars, DJ sets, and a 400-foot lazy river that dares Dad to actually relax, all rounded out by Hell’s Kitchen, because of course it is.
Price:Book a night | Hell’s Kitchen OpenTable Address: 777 S Resort Dr, Valley Center
Father’s Day Treatment at Spa Pendry
Yes, this is Father’s Day. Yes, Dad is getting a massage. No, he will not admit he enjoyed it that much. Spa Pendry leans fully into restoration mode with deep tissue everything, HydraFacials, and a complimentary IPA at the end because dads also deserve a little pampering every once in a while.
Father’s Day at the Bay turns San Diego Mission Bay Resort into a full day, no-excuses celebration of Dad, where the agenda is “Dad’s ideal Sunday.” Start at Covewood with World Cup matches and NASCAR coverage paired with Shake and Bake Chicken Wings and cold beer specials, including the signature Noble Wolf Pilsner, then head bayfront for beach volleyball, remote-control boat races, cornhole, and every other resort activity that somehow turns Dad into an unexpected champion. It’s structured fun disguised as spontaneity.
Time: Brunch: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Last bites: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Address: 1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego
Estancia La Jolla Father’s Day Cabana
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa leans into a quieter kind of Father’s Day, where families settle into a private cabana at The Palma and the resort’s reimagined poolside oasis. Each cabana includes shaded lounge seating, a stocked mini fridge, a fruit platter, Coola sun care products, and poolside food and drink service. It’s low-effort in the best way.
Father’s Day gets a slow ride through the Coronado Cays with a private 50-minute gondola cruise, drifting through canals and waterways. Along for the ride: a six-pack of Ballast Point beer or a bottle of house wine, mini sparkling apple ciders, a heart-shaped box of “#1 Dad’s Edition” Meathearts, honey roasted peanuts, and complimentary corkage if you want to bring your own bottle.
Price: Starting at $215 Time: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Address: 503 Grand Caribe Causeway Suite C, Coronado
Rooftop Cinema Club on Father’s Day
Who says you can’t spend all of Father’s Day with buttery popcorn, fruity candies, an oversized soda, and even a cocktail or two (it is a movie marathon after all) at Rooftop Cinema Club in Little Italy? The city glow replaces the usual theater lights as the Father’s Day lineup rolls out: The Sandlot at 12:45 p.m., Raiders of the Lost Ark at 3:00 p.m., Interstellar at 6:30 p.m., and Big Daddy at 10:15 p.m.
Price: Starting at $19 for adults | $12 for children (12 and under) Address: 1835 Columbia St., 5th Floor, San Diego
Just give Dad a golf course, beer, and absolutely no reason to leave. Opened just in time for Father’s Day, Harland Clubhouse brings smashburgers, breakfast burritos, tacos, and deli sandwiches to the fairway like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Harland beers—Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, Japanese Lager—are made with care by dads, for dads. It’s a celebration intertwined with a beer vacation, which is really all anyone was aiming for anyway.
Time: Initial operating hours are 7 a.m. – 10 p.m Address: 2702 N Mission Bay Dr, San Diego
Happy Does Does Father’s Day
Happy Does is all games, drinks, and childhood nostalgia, just with better lighting and significantly more tequila. Built for a Father’s Day that’s really about hanging out, this retro indoor-outdoor Gaslamp bar keeps things easy with free games all day and food that does exactly what it needs to do: the Smash San Diego Burger, Big Kenny Chicken Sandwich, plus jalapeño poppers, beef sliders, and chicken sliders for good measure. And once Dad gets a little too invested in foosball (it will happen), there’s always a reset button in liquid form.
Time: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Address: 340 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
A Far Corner Father’s Day
Don’t sleep on East Village this Father’s Day. Far Corner is just steps from Petco Park, which means you can do the very responsible thing of over-ordering gourmet wings and seriously good pizza first, then casually “walk it off” in one of the best stadiums in the MLB. Start with a spinach ricotta calzone with garlic confit and marinara, play a round of pool, sip a “Raddy Daddy” (Paulaner Radler, campari, mezcal) out on the patio, then head straight into a sunset lap around Petco Park. Dad gets a meal, a stroll, and the illusion of balance, all within two blocks.
Time: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m Address: 410 Tenth Ave, San Diego
Father’s Day at Brewery X
Set along Harbor Island, this waterfront hangout delivers craft beer, live music, trivia nights, and an atmosphere where no one is really checking the time. It’s casual in the best way… like Father’s Day put on flip-flops, disappeared for the afternoon, and forgot to tell anyone where it went. Keep an eye on their website for seasonal specials and fun treats made just for Dad.
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m Address: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego
Courtesy of Kona Kai Resort
Father’s Day Restaurants and Dining Specials in San Diego
Father’s Day Weekend at Solare Ristorante
For the dad who insists grilling is the same as professional cooking, Solare is here to test that theory in real time. This Father’s Day Weekend cooking class drops him straight into a working kitchen with Executive Chef Denice Grande, where he’ll attempt (lovingly) to master Italian-style meat cookery. Expect La Fiorentina, Agnello Scottadito, and techniques that suddenly make Dad very confident about hosting Sunday dinner. Secure a spot on OpenTable or Tock.
Price: $118 per person (plus tax) Date & Time: June 20 | 10:30 a.m. Address: 2820 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego
Rancho Bernardo Inn Fathers Day BBQ
Rancho Bernardo Inn keeps Father’s Day easy, with a relaxed afternoon built around a BBQ buffet stacked with bold flavors and timeless favorites, live music setting the pace, and classic lawn games turning the whole thing into a low-effort, high-reward kind of celebration that feels exactly right for Dad. Reserve now.
If you want to take it up a notch, gift him a Del Mar Racetrack ticket while they are on sale, then casually suggest a drive-by on the way home to really sell the vision.
Price: $75 per adult | $40 per child Time: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego
Lumi’s Cheers to Dad with Sushi & Stars
Lumi is what happens when sushi decides it deserves a skyline. In partnership with chef Akira Back, Lumi brings Japanese and Nikkei fare, a serious sake program, and Father’s Day specials. The Robatayaki Flight is stacked with skewers like yuzu kosho shrimp, miso eggplant, and Wagyu meatball. Pair it with something strong like the Ka “Fire” or Midori Yutaka, and somewhere along the way, this turns Dad from a sports bar loyalist into a rooftop patio regular. You’re welcome.
Price: À la carte Time: 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. Address: 366 Fifth Ave, San Diego
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Every family has a Mastro’s dad. The one who orders steak like it’s their main personality trait and considers seafood towers a reasonable life decision. This year, their must-try is the Winter Frost Wagyu Ribeye topped with Lobster Oscar. Add old fashioneds, live music, and harbor views, and you’ve basically built a Father’s Day that will be referenced unprompted until next June.
Price: À la carte Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Address: 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, San Diego
Mister A’s turns Father’s Day into the kind of rooftop cookout that makes everyone sit up a little straighter. Between the city’s silhouette, cocktails, and a 3-course prix fixe brunch menu that’s significantly more polished than anything happening in your backyard, the whole day feels effortlessly impressive. Reserve your table now for a morning of Dad confidently identifying every building on the skyline.
Price: $95 per adult | $45 per child (12 and under) Date & Time: June 20 & 21 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Address: 2550 Fifth Avenue, Ste 406, San Diego
Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar Father’s Day Brunch
Bonne Vie is for dads who think they have strong opinions about eggs benedict (they’re out there, trust me). This brasserie leans into polished French energy, with a chef-attended omelet station, an indulgent dessert display, a tableside Bloody Mary cart, and rotating draft beer specials. It’s the kind of brunch where Dad gives the nod of approval at least three separate times, each one more reassuring than the last. Time slots are still available.
Price: $59 per adult | $35 per child (12 and under) Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Address: 1055 2nd Ave., San Diego
ARLO’s Talladega Nights Father’s Day Brunch
Finally, a brunch that understands Dad has seen Talladega Nights more than once and quotes it unprompted. ARLO’s themed Father’s Day brunch leans fully into racing energy, where whiskey is sipped and cigars are rolled from Glenfiddich. The real experience, however, is everyone pretending they’re not about to get competitive over the King Muffuletta Sandwich, the Big Daddy Brookie, or the Dad’s Day Steak and Fries. If you ain’t first, you’re last—so book your table now.
Price: À la carte Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Address: 500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego
Father’s Day Brunch Sail
This is brunch, but with nowhere to escape—and somehow that’s the appeal. You board a boat, someone hands you elevated French-inspired bites like a wagyu slider, brûléed French toast, and Lyonnaise potatoes from Little Frenchie. Suddenly, Father’s Day becomes a slow-motion tour of the coastline where absolutely nobody wants to head back to shore. All of it unfolds on a 2.5-hour San Diego Bay cruise aboard the largest catamaran yacht in San Diego.
Price: $75 per adult | $40 per child (12 and under), not including fees Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Address: 2700 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego
Europa Village Sunset Sips family BBQ
If Dad’s looking for a wine country escape, Europa Village is the perfect setting. Set across 45 acres of vineyards in Temecula, it leans into the charm and character of an old-world Europe fantasy. For Father’s Day, the Sunset Sips family BBQ brings it all together with filet mignon arrosticini, chicken spiedini, grilled artichokes, and plenty of wine. Live music, gelato, and vineyard views do the rest. Reservations are encouraged.
Price: À la carte Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 41150 Via Europa, Temecula
Courtesy of Garibaldi
Garibaldi
Garibaldi doesn’t do subtle. Perched on the third floor of the InterContinental San Diego, it pairs sweeping bay views with a Father’s Day spread that goes all in. The 32oz porcini-dusted Omaha tomahawk steak comes with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, Lyonnaise potato, Comté cheese, maitake mushrooms, herb-parsley butter, and a rich shallot bordelaise. To match, there are bold Italian reds from Sicily and Sardinia poured at special pricing, made for slow sipping. Secure reservations via OpenTable.
Price: À la carte Time: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Address: 901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego
Morena Provisions
For the dad who works all day and, if he’s being honest, would rather spend Father’s Day horizontal on the couch in pajamas, Morena Provisions totally understands. From the team behind Urban Kitchen Group, it’s a chef-prepared, fully to-go spread where “setup” basically means opening containers and claiming your spot on the couch. Think meatballs, shrimp, tri-tip, brisket, and desserts that keep him exactly where he wants to be: horizontal. It’s essentially a Father’s Day picnic, but strictly indoors, under fuzzy blankets, surrounded by pillows, and shared with the family.
Price: Family style à la carte Time:Order online(48 hours notice required) Address:Pickup from 1122 Morena Boulevard, San Diego
Kona Kai takes Father’s Day seriously in a very specific way: whiskey, chef bites, and bottle engraving. The resort is teaming up with Angel’s Envy for an early toast on Thursday, June 18 from 6–8 p.m., featuring pours of Angel’s Envy, Angel’s Envy Rye, and Angel’s Envy Triple Oak, paired with light bites from the culinary team. There’s also an on-site engraving station, so Dad leaves with a custom bottle and a very personal reason to bring it up at every future dinner.
Price: Starting at $81 per ticket Date & Time: June 18 | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego
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.
Charitable gatherings, downtown music festivals and theater premieres—of both the heartwarming and thought-provoking variety—are among San Diego’s standout events this weekend. You can’t spell fundraising without ‘fun,’ and both elements are central at Poway OnStage’s Taste of the Towne and the Switchfoot Bro-Am. Listeners of blues, reggae rock and silky smooth jazz can check out the East Village Blues Fest, Field of Dreamz and the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, respectively. As for the city’s thespian community, new shows include Cygnet Theatre’s production of Broadway favorite The Spongebob Musical and the world premiere of the OnWord Theatre show Marti Gobel’s Adult Storytime: A Caregiver’s Guide To The Blues.
The tasteful appetizer to Switchfoot Bro-Am’s annual Beach Fest is the laid-back Benefit Party, returning this Thursday from 6-10 p.m. at Viasat. Guests will be treated to a curated dining menu, a performance by Switchfoot with special guests, and the chance to bid on live and silent auction items, including local excursions, apparel packages, and deluxe arts experiences. Individual ticket options include general admission ($300) and reserved seating ($450); the money raised will go towards youth-centered programming at six local nonprofits.
6155 El Camino Real, Carlsbad
Taste of Our Towne at Poway Center for the Performing Arts
June 13
Patrons of Poway OnStage are invited to Taste of Our Towne, the organization’s annual culinary fundraiser, this Saturday at 5 p.m. at Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The evening will begin with auctions, plus bites and libations from over a dozen local vendors before magician Chris Funk, aka The Wonderist, takes the stage for an interactive comedy show.General admission is $115 for Taste of Our Towne; proceeds from this event will benefit Poway OnStage’s Professional Performance Series and Arts in Education Initiative.
Rod Stewart at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
June 12
Before (potentially) riding off into the sunset, British rocker Rod Stewart is strutting his stuff stateside with the unconventional voice and unquestionable verve that’s propelled his nearly six decade-long solo career. Though the “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” artist’s days on the road may be dwindling, that’s even more reason to give him his flowers in the present. Stewart’s upcoming show this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre will feature prolific singer-songwriter Richard Marx as the opening act. Tickets start at $40.
2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
Switchfoot Bro-Am Beach Fest
June 13
Following Thursday’s Benefit Party, the 22nd annual Switchfoot Bro-Am will switch (get it?) from its fundraiser to a free day at Moonlight Beach for Saturday’s all-day Beach Fest. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be surf competitions—including surf jousting—and from noon to 5 p.m., Sun Room, Telephone Friends, Kimiko, a handful of special guests and, of course, Switchfoot will perform for attendees. Additionally, throughout the day, there will be a variety of vendors and brand activations to explore. Admission is free with RSVP, while VIP pit tickets are $195.
As the mysterious saying goes, ‘If you build it, they will come,’ but instead of Iowa cornfields, this time the message is coming from inside SD’s home ballpark. This Saturday, Ocean Beach natives Slightly Stoopid will headline the first-ever Field of Dreamz Festival, and they’ve brought along a handful of ska, reggae and island-inspired rock acts for the ride. Doors will open at 3 p.m., and fans can see sets by Stephen Marley, Pepper, Sublime—whose first album with frontman Jakob Nowell drops Friday—and more. Ticket options include standard admission ($125), floor tickets ($188), plus All-Star VIP ($244) and Hall of Fame VIP ($610) passes.
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.
Maybe it was when Breaking Bad stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul drank mezcal with chefs from San Diego and Food Network on the cliffs over Blacks Beach. Or the dinner outside under lights with Alex Morgan, celebrating some of the country’s most badass women chefs. Or the celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Drew Brees, where the star of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia made thwacking sounds with locals. Or when Iron Chef winner Beau MacMillan commandeered (some say “stole”) a golf cart and delivered drinks and ice to chefs.
Whatever it is, Del Mar Wine & Food seems to have become the food and wine festival for people who don’t usually like food and wine festivals. The most San Diego thing.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Two years ago, Thrillist named it one of the best food festivals in the country. Last year, 10,000 people came out to experience it, including Guy Fieri. Afterward, the founders spent a couple days trying to put their finger on why it felt so special. They had to name it, lean into whatever that was.
“It all came back to play,” says one of those founders, SDM co-owner Troy Johnson, a longtime San Diego food writer and Food Network judge. “Making world-class bread is serious, but breaking bread shouldn’t be. We gather all these incredibly talented people who take their craft very, very seriously—work their butts off all year to make some of the best food and drink in the country—and then we all just kinda play in the grass. We believe it’s possible to create something of incredible value and make the experience of that thing a laidback, easygoing, unpretentious experience. That’s what this is, and who we are in San Diego. The whole reason we did this was to shine a national spotlight on the people who make our food and drink culture hum.”
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
The festival dropped its 2026 lineup today.
Headlining the fest are Food Network chefs Jet Tila, Maneet Chauhan, and Aarti Sequeira; Top Chef winner and Michelin-starred Buddha Lo; Iron Chef alum Beau MacMillan; MasterChef winner Kelsey Murphy; MasterChef Latinos winner Michelle Mathelin, chef and Guy’s Grocery Games judge Catherine McCord, chef and former Masterchef Mexico judge Benito Molina, Top Chef alum Jackson Kalb, Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman, Michelin-starred chef Javier Plascencia, James Beard award-winning chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, and James Beard-nominated chef Mawa McQueen.
The party kicks off on Wednesday, September 30 at Monarch Ocean Pub with Signature San Diego, a walk-around tasting of the city’s greatest bites, from Baja seafood to bold Mexican flavors. From there, the energy carries into a celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by Drew Brees at Barnes Tennis Center on October 2, pairing friendly competition with an all-inclusive tasting experience in support of Feeding San Diego.
The main event is the two-day Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park on Oct. 3 and 4. The city’s top chefs, food people from TV lands, and local tastemakers gather on the weirdly perfect grass to serve up everything from juicy Wagyu burgers and beef tallow fries to yellowtail tuna tostadas and veggies dressed up in their Sunday best. Wine and cocktail pairings are designed to round out the whole experience, including activations from Aperol Spritz, Hendrick’s Gin, Tequila Ocho, Mezcal Vago, Rioja wines, and Temecula producers.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
A VIP lounge offers exclusive access to curated small plates from Michelin-level chefs and pour from some of SoCal and Napa’s finest wineries and drink makers. The Official After Party at Guesthouse La Valle on October 3, a spirited walk-around tasting just steps from the Grand Tasting, where cocktails take center stage through imaginative bites inspired by the smoky, citrus-forward, and bittersweet flavors of classic drinks.
Zones return with activations including the Big Queer Food Fest celebrating queer chefs and queer-owned businesses; the Wellness Zone led by Novo Dia offering a built-in reset with non-alcoholic mocktails, movement-driven activations, and wellness-forward moments. Coastal lifestyle and locally made brands are also integrated throughout the festival.
“We are excited for the fourth edition of the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival this fall, which has quickly become one of the largest food and wine experiences on the West Coast,” says co-founder Chris Finn. “As the festival continues to grow, we are constantly looking to add events, experiences, and partners that will resonate with our San Diego community, and embody the Southern California way of life.”
Returning as the festival’s partner is local nonprofit Feeding San Diego. To date, Del Mar Wine & Food has raised $100,000 to support their ongoing fight against hunger across the region.
Stay tuned for additional events hosted by festival partners including Rob Machado, San Diego Wave, San Diego FC, Town & Country, and San Diego Mojo.
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival
Del Mar Wine & Food Fest: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the 2026 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival?
The 2026 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival will take place September 30–October 4 throughout San Diego County.
Where is the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival?
The week culminates with the Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park (formerly the Del Mar Polo Fields) at 14989 Via De La Valle, Del Mar.
A wide variety of exclusive dinners, drink tastings, and other lifestyle events will be announced soon and available for purchase individually on Del Mar Wine & Food Festival’s website. These festivities include chef-curated dining experiences across San Diego’s hottest restaurants, a celebrity pickleball tournament, wine tastings, and more.
When is the 2026 Grand Tasting?
The Grand Tasting takes place this year on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4.
How much are tickets?
General admission for the single-day Grand Tasting starts at $185. An Early Access option is also available at $235, which includes an extra four hours before general admission to meet, mingle, and feast. For a two-day pass, General Admission starts at $275, while Early Access is $375.
VIP tickets begin at $425 for a single day, offering access to pre-festival experiences, exclusive food vendors, a dedicated VIP area, and more. For the full weekend in VIP, passes are priced at $765.
Where can I buy tickets for the 2026 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival?
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.
There’s a creative inertia that resides in San Diego, producing a near-constant stream of cool events. Fortunately, this weekend is no different. Those with an artistic inkling can search for inspiration at MCASD’s EXPO Design Market or admire the mixture of live performance and neighborhood charm during the North Park Music Fest. Foodies can dine (with wine) at Stake Chophouse & Bar during its ZD Wines Dinner or explore Barrio Logan’s standout eats at the Sabor Del Barrio. Plus, Pride Month is already in full swing in SD with the return of DISCO RIOT’s Queer Mvmnt Fest and the two-day Out & Abt Music Festival.
Stake Chophouse & Bar is collaborating with Napa Valley’s ZD Wines—a family-run winemaking institution that’s been around since 1969—on an intimate four-course dinner this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Throughout the meal, each dish will be paired with a curated pour from ZD Wines, with patrons set to receive a chardonnay, pinot noir, and pair of cabernet sauvignons. Dinner guests will also be treated to insight on the night’s wine pairings from ZD Wines’ senior winemaker Chris Pisani. Reservations are $210 pre-paid through OpenTable.
Take advantage of all the dynamic attractions that the Barrio Logan Cultural District has to offer—and eat very well while you’re at it—during the third annual Sabor Del Barrio. This Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. attendees can devour their way through 35 neighborhood staples and traverse the tasting stops on foot, by bike, via a free trolley shuttle, or a combination of the three. Tickets are $40 online ($55 day of) and come with complimentary admission to Quint Gallery, the Athenaeum Art Center, and the Chicano Park Museum & Cultural Center, plus a free tour of Tao of Clay.
Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival at Old Poway Park
June 6
Survey the depth of oral storytelling during the free annual Sam Hinton Folk Heritage Festival this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Poway Park. Named for harmonica virtuoso, marine biologist, and longtime San Diegan Sam Hinton, this event highlights folk artists who specialize in time-honored traditions. Throughout the day, attendees can see performances by musicians with roots in Americana, Cajun, and Appalachian rhythms on the main stage, dance in the Templars Hall, and hear historical tales from the Storytellers of San Diego in the Porter House.
14134 Midland Road, Poway
North Park Music Fest
June 6
Psychedelic rockers Frankie and the Witch Fingers will headline an eclectic lineup at the North Park Music Fest. This Saturday, enjoy sets from noon to 1:45 a.m. from over thirty performers—including DJs, bands, and local acts—across a dozen North Park venues. Ticket options include general admission ($25 online, $35 day of) and VIP passes ($65) which come with lounge access at Granada House, line-skipping privileges and more; festival proceeds will go towards the North Park Business & Neighborhood Foundation. Plus, performances at Pure Pawsh, Visual Art + Supply, Overland, and Playground Art + Coffee will be open to the public.
North Park
Out & Abt Music Festival
June 6 & 7
The calendar has just flipped to Pride Month, and Out & Abt is celebrating in style. The two-day Out & Abt Music Festival begins Saturday from 3-10 p.m. at The Soap Factory with drag shows, circus acts, a manic pixie dream market, two stages of live music, and last but not least, a mechanical bull. The festivities will continue with an after party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Gossip Grill and conclude with an afternoon pool party at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on Sunday from 1-7 p.m. Ticket options include weekend general admission passes ($70), and entry to the music festival ($30), after party ($17) and pool party ($27).
Citywide
Photo Credit: Kevin Berne
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
The Monsters at La Jolla Playhouse
June 2-28
Fresh off its Drama Desk Award-winning run in the Big Apple this past winter, The Monsters will have its first West Coast production beginning Tuesday in the Mandall Weiss Forum at La Jolla Playhouse. Written by and co-starring Ngozi Anyanwu, The Monsters finds its reconciliatory narrative in a young woman yearning to repair her relationship with her estranged older brother in the brutal and unforgiving world of mixed martial arts. The Monsters will have preview performances this Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 & 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 & 7 p.m., with tickets ranging from $30-$74.
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.
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
June Gloom isn’t stopping San Diegans from making the most out of the month. There’s something for every music lover, from swaying to smooth jazz at The Rady Shell to rocking out at Slightly Stoopid’s Field of Dreamz Festival. Art enthusiasts can visit the Mingei for an exhibit showcasing Native American and Pacific Rim heritage, while foodies can try the latest fried fad at the San Diego County Fair. Whatever your interests, it’s time to text the group chat and make some plans. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this month:
Khalid is headlining his first tour since 2019—this time for the R&B and pop showstopper After the Sun Goes Down—and he’s ready to dance through Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre.
Photo Credit: Angela Babby / Courtesy of Angela Babby
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
6/5–7/19
With a beat that can’t be stopped, New Village Arts will revive the joyful musical Hairspray, a fusion of teen pop stardom and racial integration in Civil Rights–era Baltimore.
6/13–9/13
Cat Gunn poignantly examines the impact of forced separation from ancestral lineage through If Only by the Light of a New Moon, their solo museum debut at ICA Central.
Proceed to Pride Month with the Out & Abt Festival, featuring a carnival-themed playground at The Soap Factory, an afterparty hosted by Gossip Grill, and the next day, a sapphic poolside bash at the Hard Rock Hotel.
6/10–7/5
Imagine and experience your favorite fairytale ending during the San Diego County Fair, which returns this summer with a new theme: Once Upon a Fair.
11 & 13
The return of the Switchfoot Bro-Am means two things: an elegant seaside fundraiser in North County and a free bash at Moonlight Beach full of sun, surf competitions, and live music.
For the first time, NASCAR will start its engines in San Diego. Naval Base Coronado will host this one-of-a-kind racing spectacle to commemorate the U.S. Navy’s semiquincentennial.
25
Itadakimasu! In other words: Let’s eat! Sample, then rank, the best Pan-Asian dishes from local eateries at Julep Venue during SD Mag’s 21+ Omakase Open, done to support the Convoy District.
28
If you ever needed a reason to eat ice cream and gelato, here’s a charitable one. Raise money—one waffle cone at a time—for Feeding San Diego during this year’s Scoop San Diego festival.
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.
Dive into the unexpected this weekend, where curated meals, experimental performances and behind-the-scenes experiences await. Foodies are invited to the first 2026 gathering of The Blank Table as well as Chef Onyi’s seasonal Rooted dinner at Millport. Broaden your artistic horizons with Project [BLANK]’s Working Title No. 5, or check out the genre-bending musical lineups at Seek Fest or Fiesta Del Sol. As an added bonus, The Rosin Box Project is pulling back the curtain and opening a trio of after-hours rehearsals to the public ahead of its new Incubator Lab show.
San Diego may be a craft beer capital, but it’s also home to a diverse array of wineries. During the San Diego County Vintners Association’s annual San Diego Wine Week, oenophiles can sample several of the best pours the region has to offer. The centerpiece event, Sunday’s all-inclusive SDCVA Wine Festival from 3-6 p.m., will feature over 20 local wineries at Bernardo Winery; general admission is $90. Additional Wine Week events include Vintners Table at Cordiano Winery (Thursday), San Diego Wine Country at the Bay at Mission Beach Women’s Club (Thursday) and the Seedling Soiree at Olivewood Gardens (Saturday).
Citywide
The Blank Table
May 28
The Blank Table series is an exercise in local culinary creativity, innovation and collaboration with the most secret of ingredients readily available: the element of surprise. On six Thursdays from May-October—with year seven of the series beginning this Thursday at 6 p.m.—60 patrons will be served a unique menu with five set courses, each with curated cocktail pairings. And to keep the air of mystery alive, the dinner location and menu will not be disclosed until 24 hours ahead of time. Tickets are $275 for Thursday’s dinner and a season pass for all six monthly dinners is $1,402; a portion of event proceeds will be donated to Feeding San Diego.
Surprise Location
Rooted: A Dinner Experience by Chef Onyi at Millport
May 30
Chef Onyinyechukwu Akpa welcomes food lovers to try a seasonal spread, dually inspired by her mastery of West African flavors and California’s seasonal ingredients, during the second edition of Rooted: A Dinner Experience at Millport. This Saturday from 6-9 p.m., chef Onyi will serve a five-course tasting menu, with dishes such as slow roasted beef, plantain upside down cake and akara, Nigerian black-eyed pea fritters. The meal will be entirely gluten-free, with vegan accommodations also available. Tickets are $115 and can be purchased here.
775 13th Street, Imperial Beach
Bridgerton & Blooms High Tea at Estancia La Jolla
May 31
Dearest reader, Estanica La Jolla opens up its grounds once a month for its outdoor Tea in the Garden series, and you’re in luck, because this month’s tea time is inspired by the enchanted English setting of Bridgerton. During the Bridgerton & Blooms High Tea this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., guests can savor an afternoon worthy of the ton, complete with floral accoutrements, custom teas, cocktails, finger foods and enough sweets treats for Lady Whistledown to write home about. Tickets are $82.
9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla
Courtesy of Fiesta Del Sol
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Juvenile with the 400 Degreez Band at House of Blues San Diego
May 29
Over the years, Juvenile has more than proven himself as an all-time emcee, with his breakout 1998 album 400 Degreez still a defining example of the South’s hip-hop brilliance. This Friday at 7 p.m. at House of Blues San Diego, Juvenile will play hits like “Slow Motion” and “Back That Azz Up,” along with selections from Boiling Point, his first album in 12 years. Plus, he’ll be joined by the sensational 400 Degreez Band, and as anyone who’s seen his NPR Tiny Desk performance already knows, Juvenile with a live ensemble is a match made in music heaven. Tickets start at $55 for this concert.
1055 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp
Kuumba Fest
May 30
Kuumba Fest returns this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the theme of “Black 2 Mind, Spirit & Body” for its 34th annual iteration. This free community festival, organized in support of the city’s Black Arts + Culture District, will feature DJs, dancing, spoken word, musical performances and an African marketplace with food, apparel, health resources and more. Then from 6-8 p.m. at the Elementary Institute of Science, the festival will conclude with a screening of the documentary American Curl followed by a Q&A panel with the film’s producers.
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.
National Philanthropy Day, presented by PNC Bank, Celebrates the Best of Philanthropy in San Diego
The 53rd Annual National Philanthropy Day Takes Place on November 21. Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the new Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center!
Once yearly, AFP San Diego joins with others worldwide to celebrate National Philanthropy Day (NPD), a special day set aside to recognize the great contributions of donors and nonprofits that enrich of our community and the world. San Diego’s NPD is one of the largest and most successful in the U.S., attracting nearly 900 participants, including philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, CEOs, board members, development professionals, and business, community, and civic leaders.
Sponsorship proceeds from National Philanthropy Day are reinvested in education, training, scholarships, career development, and the advancement of fundraising professionals throughout San Diego. These resources and training provide fundraising professionals with the tools necessary to support our region’s diverse array of nonprofit organizations, which rely on charitable giving for close to half of their annual revenues.
The National Philanthropy Day Honorees are selected by the NPD Honorary Committee, a group of highly respected, diverse nonprofit and business leaders. Our 2025 Honorees include:
Outstanding Development Emerging Leader – Taylor Thompson Self-Nominated
Outstanding Development Professional – Sharyn Goodson Nominated by: AJ Steinberg & Jeanne Schmelzer
Outstanding Organization for IDEA – Accessity Self-Nominated
Outstanding Philanthropic Institution – Life Science Cares San Diego Nominated by: Blair Search Partners
Outstanding Philanthropist – Dan & Phyllis Epstein Nominated by: CSU San Marcos & KPBS
Outstanding Student Volunteer – Camden Hall Nominated by: Curebound
National Philanthropy Day San Diego provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and to celebrate the selfless contributions of individuals and organizations across the region. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available. Please visit www.afpsd.org for more information.
