Much like the architects who worked on the museum’s previous redesigns, Annabelle Selldorf incorporated existing architectural features into the reimagined space. The property doubled in size and nearly quadrupled its gallery spaces, making room for both permanent and special exhibits.
There’s no wrong turn inside the Museum of Contemporary Art’s La Jolla flagship. The new floor plan of the modern, massive, four-year expansion naturally guides you down a “choose your own art adventure,” across spacious maplewood and concrete floors, past airy special exhibit halls and quiet side rooms, before a large-scale Warhol and across to a Lichtenstein. Around 200 works of art are on display—and that’s not even counting the windows on the ocean, which the museum’s previous incarnation lacked.
Architect Annabelle Selldorf’s guiding principle was to maximize the museum’s gallery space and seamlessly blend it with the existing structure and its environment. There’s no better example of that than the reimagined entry, now on the east side of the building. It’s bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows that hug the museum’s Moreton Bay fig tree, and it’s design driven—Italian travertine panels line the building’s exterior and continue into an interior wall of the reception, bringing the outside in. Elsewhere, more rooms were carved out (the property doubled in size and nearly quadrupled its gallery spaces), ceilings were lifted (some top off at 20 feet), and custom-made elements add subtle wow moments, like the floating interior staircase made of precast concrete slabs that were pieced together like a puzzle.
Director and CEO Kathryn Kanjo
Architect Annabelle Selldorf
Most of all, the museum recognizes place more than ever before. Almost every room has a peek to the outside: On one end, it may be the tall, narrow windows or floor-to-ceiling ones that overlook the passersby on Prospect Street; on the other, the ocean acts as the background art as you make your way through each room.
Director and CEO Kathryn Kanjo sees it as a reorientation. “The building is designed to invite you in,” she says. “But there are all of these different moments to reestablish yourself once you’re in the space, whether it’s noticing the village you just walked in from or stepping out onto one of the terraces overlooking the ocean.”
The museum’s new entry is located on the east side of the building, facing Prospect Street, with floor-to-ceiling windows and Italian travertine panels along the walls both inside and out
Studio Maha
Much like the architects who worked on the museum’s previous redesigns, Selldorf incorporated existing architectural features, using what was already there in a way that still feels cohesive. In that sense, the renovation feels like an ode to the museum’s 80-year history (most of it woman-run)—and its future, as it encourages visitors to not only view art in a traditional sense, but to really be a part of it. Look to the former parking lot, which is now a peaceful outdoor public art space with gathering points tucked in throughout.
“The beauty is that you can have your experience with the individual artwork, but you can also come here to seek out an artful respite, a place for reflection,” says Kanjo.
“It’s an intellectual experience and a connecting experience, for yourself and to share with others.”
Tschabalala Self, Evening, 2019
She adds that the museum can now have its permanent collection on display alongside special exhibitions; previously, they only had room for one or the other. Come April, when the doors officially reopen, you can see that harmonious relationship at work in the special exhibit Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s.
The La Valencia Hotel is celebrating its 95th anniversary, and we’re planning on sipping (pinkies up) inside the Mediterranean Room. Yes, it’s the return of springtime tea service, which comes complete with a complimentary champagne flute and a menu that boasts items of the sweet, salty and savory variety. Pair French DAMMANN Frères teas with bakery items like macarons, quiche, and a variety of mini pastries. There’s also smoked salmon and the tea time essential: finger sandwiches. Seating times for La Valencia’s tea service repeat every Thursday and Friday from 11:00-11:30 a.m. until May 6. Tables are $75 and can be reserved here.
Come sample foods from over 35 Hillcrest restaurants with tastes and treats to satisfy any and all palates. Everything from fine-dining staples and cultural delicacies, to cafe and neighborhood favorites, all will be included in the assorted walking tour. All attendees will also receive complimentary shuttle access, which runs every 15 minutes, so people can venture through the stops around the neighborhood on their own self-guided path. Early bird tickets are $30, and $40 on the day of the event, which includes a map of participating locations, a Fabulous Hillcrest Lanyard, and access to the Taste of Hillcrest app.
1051 University Avenue, 535 Robinson Avenue, Hillcrest
The reopening of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s flagship location after a four-year renovation is a big deal. At the reopening this Saturday in La Jolla, take advantage of the architectural tours that highlight the newest additions and browse the recently added collection galleries, which includes the Niki de Saint Phalle in the 1960s special exhibition making its West Coast debut after a highly acclaimed run in Houston. While observing the all-day performance lineup, enjoy complimentary bites from Urban Kitchen Group and feel free to purchase from a selection of wine and beer. Entry is free for all, with extra perks included for museum members.
Spend the weekend just a couple of blocks away from the Pacific Ocean at the Encinitas Spring Street Fair. Held in the town’s bustling downtown, the fun will take place from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and feature concerts on multiple stages from groups such as Synrgy, Party Foul and the iconic band The Farmers, a fixture of the San Diego rock scene since the 1980s. Drinks will be provided by Ballast Point, Stone Brewing and PRP Wine International, with food from Escondidio’s Frida’s Street Tacos, so come hungry.
Julian Teas is hosting its inaugural April in Paris Teas this weekend with 2 seatings each day. The French-infused menu boasts a four course feast with an array of finger sandwiches, a choice of french onion or house pumpkin soup, scones and finished with a sweet-filled dessert tray. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available as well with advanced notice. Seating occurs at 11:30 and 1:30 with limited availability so call or email to reserve a table.
Hoping to capture the spirit and charm of luscious fields of lilacs of decades past, family-run farm Fort Cross is hosting a nearly month-long festival to celebrate the acres of blooming lilac groves in East County. There are lots of nature-themed activities planned, like tomahawk throwing, hoedowns, and don’t forget the lovely lilacs (available to peruse, purchase and plant). From live jug band music to the luscious nature loop, the pastoral history of the region will be preserved and celebrated for all attendees to see.
What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with tacos, tequila and live mariachi music from some of the best at their craft. The fun starts at 12:30 p.m. with a tacos and tequila reception for VIP ticket holders and transitions to a large-scale mariachi show in the concert hall of the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. This year’s featured artists include Mariachi Champaña Nevin, soprano Monica Abrego, and a Ballet Folklórico performance from Jose Jaimes, the director of the Tierra Caliente Academy of Arts, for the eighth straight year. Tickets can be found here.
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.
From Chula Vista to Oceanside, and several locales in between, this weekend’s festival boom is centered on films, jazz, maritime adventures, and much more. Starting with the single-day outings, literary lovers can peruse the KPBS San Diego Book Festival and fans of aquatic-themed fun can check out the first Chula Vista HarborFest in seven years. Then, there’s the two-day cultural festivals, with SamaFest’s celebration of Filipino performing arts and the San Diego Ho’olaule’a Hawaiian Festival, a showcase for Pacific Islander traditions. Finally, jazz aficionados can salute to Miles Davis at the first-ever California Coast Jazz Festival, cinephiles can screen global queer cinema at San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival, and women’s sports will take center stage and conquer waves at the Super Girl Surf Festival.
Taste of Art: Warhol at His Best at Oceanside Museum of Art
August 20
For the August workshop in its monthly Taste of Art series, the Oceanside Museum of Art is focusing on the bright and bold Pop artwork of Andy Warhol. This Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. during Warhol at His Best, artists of all skill levels are invited to eat, drink, socialize, and paint colorful portraits in the style of Warhol’s most famous pieces, such as his depictions of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Mao Zedong. Food, drinks, and supplies will be provided. Tickets are $65 for adults and $50 for OMA members.
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside
Surf Night Sessions at Temaki Bar
August 20
Enjoy a night of surf cinema, giveaways, specialty cocktails, and more during the return of Surf Night Sessions, hosted by Encinitas’ own Rose Machado. This Thursday from 7-9 p.m., guests can purchase $7 martinis, along with specialty margaritas, old fashioneds, and shots infused with Solento Tequila Blanco. Plus, a portion of every purchase of a Rodeo Flip handroll ($12), which comes with albacore, mango, gobo, yuzu kosho, and crispy onions, will go towards the Rob Machado Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation.
575 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas
Courtesy of Super Girl Surf Festival
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
311 and Dirty Heads at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 19
Reggae rock bands 311 and Dirty Heads are purveyors of free-flowing music, perfect for coastal drives and upbeat summertime soundtracks. Though 311’s Omaha, Nebraska origins don’t quite align with Dirty Heads’ Huntington Beach roots, both bands operate on a similar sonic wavelength. This Wednesday (5:30 p.m.), bands’ co-headlining tour will head to North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, where they’ll be joined by Midwest rap duo Atmosphere and ROME, former frontman of Sublime with Rome. Tickets start at $24 for this concert.
2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival
August 20-23
Catch short films, features, and special events during FilmOut San Diego’s 26th annual LGBTQ Film Festival, held primarily at the Museum of Photographic Arts. The festivities begin Thursday (7 p.m.) with Testand an after party, and close Sunday (7:30 p.m.) with Bookendsand a champagne and dessert reception. This year’s lineup of LGBTQ+ cinema also includes intriguing documentaries on the legacy of Cruising, the activism of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,and the 1990 murder of Billy London. Ticket options include passes for individual screenings ($18) opening night ($70), closing night ($39) and complete festival access ($190).
1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Super Girl Surf Festival
August 21-23
Surfing is the centerpiece of the free Super Girl Surf Festival, but it’s only one part of the three-day schedule at Oceanside Pier. This Friday (9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday, partake in wellness classes, roam the festival village, enjoy performances from the likes of B.O.B., Iration and Hippie Sabotage, and watch women’s longboard and WSL shortboard surfers compete on the water. But the sports don’t stop there, with competitions for female skaters, lifeguards, BMX riders, swimmers, volleyball players and more. Concert pre-registration is no longer available, but VIP options (starting at $135) are still on sale.
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.
From celebrity pickleball tournaments to intimate dinner parties with your favorite Food Network chefs, here are all of the can’t-miss events going on Sept 30–Oct 4
Play is underrated. Somewhere along the way, someone decided it was something we should outgrow. That you A good song comes on, and they dance. A game appears, and they’re in. Someone hands them a melting ice cream cone, and somehow it’s the best part of the day.
Adults tend to need a reason. Or maybe just the right setting.
That’s part of what makes the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival feel different. Yes, the week revolves around food and wine, with celebrated chefs, winemakers, and restaurants drawing crowds from across the region. But what lingers afterward is the conversations that stretch a little longer than expected, the strangers who become dinner companions, the live music that pulls people out of their seats, and the rare chance to spend a few hours simply enjoying yourself without much of an agenda.
The Grand Tasting is the festival’s centerpiece, bringing thousands of guests together over two days for hundreds of bites and pours. But some of the week’s most memorable experiences happen on a smaller scale. In the days leading up to the main event, intimate dinners, chef collaborations, and guided tastings create opportunities for guests to interact more closely with the people behind the food and wine and with each other.
Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub
Start festival week the San Diego way: ocean views, Baja-inspired bites, and a drink in hand as the sun goes down. The Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub sets the tone for the week ahead with a walk-around tasting experience celebrating the flavors that make this city impossible to replicate. It’s an evening of fresh coastal cuisine, bold Mexican flavors, Baja seafood, and plenty of local favorites—all served against one of Del Mar’s most iconic backdrops. Consider it your first official toast to the weekend ahead…
Celebrity Pickleball Tournament Presented by Justin Vineyards & Winery
Wine and competition make an unexpectedly perfect pair. You can join Drew Brees and celebrity players at Barnes Tennis Center for a pickleball tournament benefiting Feeding San Diego, where the sidelines are just as exciting as the court. Grab a paddle, cheer from the sidelines, or simply enjoy a glass of wine while the action unfolds. The day blends friendly competition with an all-inclusive tasting experience.
Since year one, Del Mar Wine & Food Festival has partnered with Feeding San Diego to raise $100,000 in support of the organization’s mission to fight hunger across the region. Every serve, sip, and bite helps give back to the community that makes this festival possible.
Remember that pickleball paddle you swore you’d use? Time to put it to work.
Barnes Tennis Center | 4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
This is essentially a passport to Spain with no airport required. Set among the lush grounds of Rancho Valencia, Rioja Uncorked celebrates one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions with an evening of exceptional pours and thoughtfully paired bites. Guests will sip their way through Rioja wines while enjoying a menu featuring everything from Hiramasa crudo and uni toast to duck rillette, birria mini tacos, Cardiff Crack tri-tip sandwiches, and a sweet finale from Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts (date night plans, solved).
Rancho Valencia | 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe
Justin Wine Dinner with Chefs Kaitlyn Weber, Buddha Lo & Jackson Kalb
Justin Wine Dinner sounds simple: three chefs, one unforgettable table. But chefs Kaitlyn Weber (Estancia La Jolla), Buddha Lo (Top Chef), and Jackson Kalb (Top Chef) are taking you on a one-night-only culinary ride where three styles collide over a multi-course menu paired with exceptional pours from Justin Vineyards & Winery. Set in Estancia’s coastal estate, the evening unfolds course by course with pairings from Justin wines as each chef brings their own style to a menu focused on craft, connection, and a bit of friendly culinary overlap. It’s the kind of culinary conversation that only happens when very, very talented people cook together.
Estancia – Olive Lawn | 9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California
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.
A perfectly designed home rarely happens by accident. Those kitchens that feel effortless and rooms that seem to tell a story the second you walk in? They’re usually the work of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
It’s knowing which ideas will actually work, which materials will hold up over time, and how to turn a collection of choices into a space that feels intentional. That’s where a professional interior designer comes in.
For the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) California San Diego Chapter, the goal is to help people see interior design as more than just the finished look. Behind every well-designed space is a process built on technical expertise. Designers are educated in everything from professional software and construction details to building codes, space planning, materials, and functionality.
Courtesy of ASID
“People don’t always realize how much goes on behind the scenes,” Kirsten Recce , current president of the ASID California San Diego Chapter, says. “Our designers are not just doing furniture placement and color selection and picking out new fluffy pillows. That’s not what they’re trained for.”
ASID members bring formal education, continued learning, and industry knowledge to their projects, helping create spaces that are not only beautiful, but designed to work. A paint color that changes completely depending on the lighting. A material that looks beautiful in a showroom but doesn’t make sense for everyday life. A layout that photographs well but doesn’t function for the people living there. These are the details where professional guidance can make all the difference.
Still, one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring an interior designer is that it’s reserved for massive renovations, luxury homes, or people who already know exactly what they want. The process can feel intimidating. Where do you begin? Is a designer worth the investment? What if you only need help with one room?
ASID’s answer: start with one hour.
ASID’s Spruce Up events break down one of the biggest barriers between homeowners and professional design: knowing where to begin. Held twice a year, the community program gives homeowners the chance to work directly with an ASID designer through a one-hour, $125 consultation in their own home. Whether you’re looking for advice on furniture placement, window treatments, kitchen and bath updates, remodeling ideas, vacation rentals, color selections or something else entirely, the upcoming September 2026 event offers an approachable way to get expert guidance before committing to a full project. Signups are open through Sept. 7, with consultations taking place Sept. 21 through Oct. 31. Proceeds benefit ASID San Diego’s educational and community programs. Register here!
Courtesy of ASID
“It’s a great opportunity for people who are in that exploratory phase,” Recce says. “Maybe they’re not sure they want to hire an interior designer yet, or they think it sounds daunting or expensive. This gives them a chance to discover what working with a designer is actually like.”
Design is personal. A good designer isn’t just creating a beautiful room; they’re helping create a space that fits the way someone lives.
“We’re a resource to all of San Diego County,” Recce says. “It doesn’t cost anything to pick up the phone and call and ask. We’ll answer.”
August is San Diego at full volume. Summer crowds are still chasing sunshine, but the calendar belongs to locals who know this is when the city really shows off. One night you’re dancing under the stars, the next you’re watching thoroughbreds with a plate of oysters in hand, catching Broadway hits, wandering gallery exhibitions, or rallying on a downtown pickleball court. Whether you’re looking for live music, festivals, theater, food, or an excuse to spend as little time indoors as possible, these are the August events worth putting on your calendar.
On the heels of Cross Pollination II’s release, house musician Lane 8 will co-headline FNGRS CRSSD x Cross Pollination, a day of back-to-back grooves at Waterfront Park.
Cross coasts at the Civic Theatre for a jukebox musical rooted in family, coming of age, and blossoming talent in Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, inspired by the 16-Grammy Award-winning singer’s NYC upbringing.
August 23
Jeff Goldblum is a classic man. In his show at The Rady Shell, Goldblum will accentuate his old-school charm with his Mildred Snitzer Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Photo Credit: Aaron Rumley
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month
August 1–October 10
Explore gallery walls lined with artwork juried by acclaimed artist Paul Mpagi Sepuya and chosen by the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library for its esteemed 34th Annual Juried Exhibition.
August 7
As you already know, we adore San Diego. That’s why we’re assembling the city’s crème de la crème—including over 90 curated vendors—in Liberty Station for our annual Best of San Diego Party, presented by Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Helado Negro and Reyna Tropical each specialize in bilingual music, songs overflowing with proud markers of Latinx identity. Hear the ear-tingling transmissions from their collaborative LP at Epstein Family Amphitheater.
August 16
Country music superstars, proud Georgians, and close pals Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan are doubling down on their summertime stadium tour with a boot-stomping concert at Petco Park.
August 27–September 6
The one-woman play Eleanor—told via the eloquent perspective of Eleanor Roosevelt—will make a limited return to the North Coast Repertory Theatre.
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
Now Through September 3
For six straight Thursdays, downtown’s Fifth Avenue will shut down and become the city’s first-ever street-style pickleball event. Bring a paddle and enjoy DJs, a wellness market, and zero-proof drinks at Gaslamp Urban Pickleball.
August 8
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s newest foodie event, the buttery Turf & Surf Festival, offers a luxurious combo of land and sea, built for watching trackside with a loaded plate in hand.
August 22
For the first time since 2019, the free Chula Vista HarborFest will hit the shores of Bayside Park with a classic car expo, lucha libre showdowns, and the chance to meet a mermaid.
August 29
Celebrate the seven decades (and counting) spent upholding Point Loma’s coastal landmark during Cabrillo Under the Stars, a 21-plus fundraiser with bites, Beatles covers, and, best of all, twinkling lights.
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.
Siblings make better music. That’s the hot take, and there’s some logic and science behind it. The Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Billie Eilish and Finneas, AC/DC, Van Halen, The Allman Brothers—heck, even the Hanson brothers, why not? Beyond just a shared sense of taste and nonverbal communication developed over decades of living and evolving together, there’s a thing called “blood harmony.” The genetically similar throat cavities, vocal cords, speech patterns, and resonant bone structures all blend each unique voice into a more homophonic sound than what comes out of two non-related singers.
Those throat cavities are working wonders for emerging San Diego band We the Commas—three brothers (from oldest to youngest) Lenny, Jordon, and Cam Comma.
Raised in Vista and Carlsbad, the family opted out of cable TV (video games got a pass). Without binge-watching to fill bored hours, the trio turned to music. Guitar Hero led to GarageBand and finally to live instruments—guitars for Lenny and Cam, drum set for Jordon. In their sound, the influence of Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, The Who, and Dave Matthews Band is obvious, and so is surf culture, specifically that laid-back chill of North County surf culture.
“We’re like the Black Beach Boys,” Cam says. (Note: Three of the five founding members of the Beach Boys were siblings—the theory gets stronger.)
Their debut EP pretty clearly lays out how they see their sound—titled SARB, an acronym for Surf Alternative R&B. That resonates in the song “Sherry,” with its easy-listening, windows-down-on-the-101 vibe. It also works in the louder, surf-punkier “Pissed Off.” Despite some advances in reducing core stereotyping tendencies, people still tend to autofill Black musicians into rap and R&B. The Comma brothers immediately circumvent that by declaring themselves out the gates.
“SARB makes it so [listeners are] open to all of the things that we want to do,” Lenny says. “From there, you can put a label on whatever you think it sounds like.”
Courtesy of We the Commas
People—and musicians further up the stream—are taking note. In 2023, they co-wrote the song “I Keep Fallin’” with Eric Cannata, guitarist for multi-platinum SoCal band Young the Giant. In early 2024, they were tapped to open the national tour of Brooklyn’s jazz-pop heroes, Sammy Rae & The Friends. Comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias invited them to warm up his show at Pechanga a couple months later.
“We really believe genuinely, with our whole hearts, minds and souls, that this is going to work the way that we think it’s going to,” Cam says, grinning ear to ear.
Currently, the Commas live together in Vista, and the dream, wholeheartedly, is more alive than ever. They’ve put out two dozen singles and a trio of EPs: SARB (2020), Old School Love (2021), and Aeroplane (2024); this year alone brought the release of three new singles, including “Let Me,” a silky-smooth entry in their growing collection of love songs.
“We fully realized the magic is in all of us together,” Lenny says. “We know that this doesn’t happen without each person, and we have respect for each other because we need each other.”
As they grow as brothers and as a band, the Commas try to always remember what unified them in the first place.
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.
Mai Vue was just 34 weeks pregnant when she delivered her baby. Her pregnancy had been complicated, and she’d had a recent second trimester pregnancy loss, which led to her receiving specialized care from Sean Daneshmand, MD, a Scripps Clinic perinatologist who oversees high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Daneshmand and his team took care of Mai during her pregnancy, through the birth of her healthy baby girl and beyond. Mai was part of a program Scripps launched to provide support to new moms in the weeks and months after delivery. The postpartum program, known as Scripps Health’s Fourth Trimester Continuum of Care, provides care for women with high-risk pregnancies to optimize their health after childbirth and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies. Click here to learn more.
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