San Diego and Tijuana together are 2024’s World Design Capital—a first for a pair of cities—offering a global platform of growth by design for our border region
San Diego Tijuana World Design Capital Friends of San Diego Architecture
Courtesy of Friends of San Diego Architecture
It’s a tale of two cities, but not how you think. In place of Dickensian polarization, civic solidarity and fashionable functionality. Every two years, the World Design Organization offers a distinction to one city to act as the global ambassador for design innovations. This year’s bid has broken the mold with both San Diego and Tijuana jointly receiving the distinction of 2024’s World Design Capital. The WDC promises a showcase of international designs and designers throughout the year, with six major events to punctuate the calendar.
The man in charge of producing this year-long celebration of our region’s potential is Carlos de la Mora, the CEO of WDC 2024, the enthusiastic and stylish maestro of this worldwide representation. It’s his task to conduct an orchestra of designers to find solutions to our regions dissonate design issues—whether that be in the field of arts, transportation, or housing.
For those hankering to know what kinds of new edifices will grace our city, they may have to wait. “The purpose of World Design Capital is not to build projects. It’s to showcase what is happening already in the region, and it’s to connect these players yours in the region so that we can do more together,” says De la Mora.
It’s about blueprints, but in a future tense. As De la Mora puts it, “It’s about identifying our habits and our behaviors to this present moment of opportunity, so that we create a new identity for the region.”
World Design Organization
Courtesy of the World Design Organization
San Diego is the first city in the US to receive this honor while Tijuana is the second in Mexico, after Mexico City’s 2018 tenure.
Past cities who have received the WDC distinction have displayed several forward-thinking programs, both physical and social. Valencia was the most recent design capital, reigning in 2022. They offered up social and art-based programs like “Lo Por Venir”, an art therapy series that brings together those on the social fringe a chance for interaction, and “Greetings From…” a harkening back to vintage vacation postcards promoting the national parks. While more esoteric projects combine disciplines, like “Erotica techno in Valencian architecture”, which explores the links between techno music and the city’s buildings.
De la Mora acknowledges the legacy of the program and what we can learn from former WDC’s past partnerships and projects. “We want to be part of the WDC legacy. The past WDC is connected to the current one and strengthens this network of cities that the WDO has already created. Because there’s a lot to learn from each other,” he says. At the WDC signing ceremony in May, Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized the potential of the union of San Diego and Tijuana. “This partnership between the design communities in San Diego and Tijuana is such an awesome demonstration of the connectivity and the interdependence of our two cities, especially when it comes to our position in the global economy,” said Mayor Gloria. “While we are separated by an international border, we are truly two cities that are tightly connected socially, economically.”
Economics are an important angle, as the bi-annual event is looking to raise $10 million in financial support. There are five major players in the World Design Capital programming: The Burnham Center for Community Advancement; UCSD; Design Forward Alliance; the city of Tijuana; and the city of San Diego. Each will be offering financial support for this alliance, mainly through grants and donations. According to De la Mora, 40 percent of funding has already been achieved. In mid-June, the San Diego city council voted unanimously to offer $3 million in funding specifically for WDC.
The programming also includes community involvement. As of June 1, designers and citizens alike have been able to “submit ideas for projects, exhibitions, events, activations and more to be included in the year-long program,” according to WDC. Official events that have been set to include the WDC Design Festival in April 2024, WDC Design Experience in September 2024, WDC Design Policy Conference and WDC Network of Cities Meeting in November 2024, and year-long exhibits at various venues across both cities. More will be added to this line-up once all submissions have been evaluated.
Seda Evis, a board member of the Design Forward Alliance and design professor at University of San Diego, as well as designer-in-residence at the UCSD Design Lab, is enthusiastic about the WDC distinction for San Diego and Tijuana. Though behemoths like the city government are partners, so are DFA, which is “a small yet mighty non-profit with a mission to connect, promote and advocate for a human-centered design community.” Evis hopes that the region will acknowledge the importance of design by installing a Chief Design Officer to the city’s roster after the WDC festivities are over to keep forward motion the WDC will offer.
Mayor Gloria is looking forward, as well, saying, “design solutions large and small can help us tackle some of our biggest challenges and improve the quality of life for our residents, and we’re excited to spend next year showing to the entire world how we can do this in the San Diego Tijuana region. And then, of course, export that all around the world.”
Danielle is a freelance culture journalist focusing on music, food, wine, hospitality, and arts, and founder-playwright of Yeah No Yeah Theatre company, based in San Diego. Her work has been featured in FLAUNT, Filter Magazine, and San Diego Magazine. Born and raised in Maui, she still loves a good Mai Tai.
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.
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, […]
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.
Summer may technically be a month away, but San Diegans can tap into the summertime spirit as soon as this weekend. Outdoor explorations include the return of Summertime Spectacular at SeaWorld San Diego, along with another monthly edition of Fit Yoga at The Rady Shell. Those looking for full-day fun can try the Vista Strawberry Festival or the Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival, both of which offer free admission and a full slate of activities. Or, plan a day at the ballpark to cheer on the Padres and hopefully see Fernando Tatis Jr. hit his first home run of the season (manifesting this one).
As evidenced by the To Catch a Fish exhibition at Mingei International Museum, fishing is a significant element of culture, cuisine and everyday life on a global scale. For Thursday’s ARTIFACT at Night dinner, the 36th edition of the monthly series, seafood is all over the four-course menu, including roasted blue barramundi and squid stuffed with spicy Calabrian sausage. Reservations are $95 per person and come with optional beverage pairings. Seatings available are from 5-8:30 p.m.; menu modifications will not be accommodated.
Spend the day shopping, watching live entertainment, and tasting locally-made brews during the free Santee Street Fair & Craft Beer Festival. This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., check out over three hundred vendors, complimentary workshops, live music, dance and street performances, a kids zone and the event’s inaugural classic car show at Trolley Square. As for the suds, 21+ attendees can purchase discounted pours and bring their dogs along too. Pre-sale drink tokens (five 16 oz. pours for $30) are available to purchase online.
Town Center Parkway & Riverview Parkway, Santee
Vista Strawberry Festival
May 24
Every May, Downtown Vista unearths the seeds of its bygone berry heritage. This Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the free annual Vista Strawberry Festival will offer much more than just a chance to eat fresh fruit and decadent strawberry desserts—though both are certainly encouraged. The festival will feature over 450 vendors, live music, a youth film festival, a 5K race and kids runs (one mile and ¼ mile), and several contests, including prizes for those with the best strawberry couture and the biggest appetites for strawberry pies and sundaes.
Main Street, Vista
Courtesy of The Paper Kites
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
The Inaudible Ocean at Conrad Prebys Concert Hall
May 20
Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earth, and their watery depths preserve much more than just marine creatures and aquatic mysteries. To composer Lei Liang and oceanographer Joshua Jones, the most fascinating thing concealed is the range of sounds, many of which are imperceptible to humans. Through The Inaudible Ocean, premiering this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at UC San Diego’s Conrad Prebys Concert Hall, audiences will be treated to the oft-hidden magic of underwater frequencies via a chamber music trio. General admission is $20 for this concert.
9410 Russell Lane, La Jolla
Russell Dickerson at Gallagher Square
May 21
Like all genres, country music is far from monolithic, and Russell Dickerson is a prime example of its versatility. Dickerson’s musical persona is that of a kind and reminiscent soul, musing on good times and crafting hard-to-forget hooks, like on his newest single “Boots” with Fetty Wap. Plus, when he hits the road, Dickerson embraces his lifelong love for wrestling, meaning fans will get to see him in full WWE garb during his RussellMania show this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Gallagher Square. Country pop crooner and prolific songwriter-for-hire Niko Moon will open the show. Tickets start at $54 for this concert.
899 J Street, Downtown
American Football at The Observatory North Park
May 24
For nearly two decades, it looked as if American Football would be a one-album wonder, since the emo rock pioneers never reconvened for a follow-up. But since reuniting in 2014, the band has produced three new self-titled albums, and though they nearly broke up again in the making of their most recent offering, LP4, their music is still as sharp and emotionally devastating as ever. This Sunday at 8 p.m., they’ll play at The Observatory North Park with opener Mei Semones, a tonally opposite artist whose music explores J-pop, jazz and blissful indie rock. Tickets start at $35 for this concert; $1 from every ticket sold will go towards the artist nonprofit PLUS1.
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.
