This weekend, immerse yourself in the artistry of our local theaters, festivals, museums, and marketplaces. Gain “herstorical” insight from The Lesbians of San Diego Project’s new play, or experience Tahitian cultural traditions at the annual Heiva San Diego in Oceanside. You can also admire and purchase handcrafted creations at Bazaar Del Mundo Shops’ Latin American Market or peruse works from over 175 artists at ArtWalk Liberty Station. Plus, new exhibitions at the San Diego Museum of Art (Convergence), LOS/NR (everything and anything), and San Diego Central Library (Uncharted Elsewhere) offer plentiful opportunities to explore. Here are the best things to do in San Diego this weekend:
Garden at Dusk Dinner: A Summer Celebration at Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
August 1
Grab a seat at Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center’s upcoming Garden at Dusk Dinner this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. This seasonal and sustainable meal from bica chefs Charlie Knowles and Manny da Luz will come paired with selections from Oddish Wine. Reservations can be made on a sliding scale from $100 to $150, with all proceeds helping to fund Olivewood’s food education, environmental stewardship, and advocacy initiatives.
Crawl for a good cause with the Cheers for Charity Pub Crawl, featuring stops at Original 40 Brewing Company, Mike Hess Brewing Co., and North Park Beer Co. this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. This fundraiser will have an “Endless Summer,” theme, with attendees encouraged to dress in tropical couture, compete in a costume contest, and win raffle prizes. All funds will go to the nonprofit Home of Guiding Hands, which supports people in San Diego and Imperial Counties with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets are $65 and come with a free drink at each location as well as a Home of Guiding Hands Pub Crawl pint glass.
North Park
Uncorked Wine Festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
August 2
See Saturday’s races from the Stretch Run and sip from a global selection of more than 100 wines and champagnes at the 21-plus Uncorked Wine Festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. From 1 to 5 p.m., take in live music; peruse five local food trucks; and sample the drink menu, which will also include seltzers, meads, and canned cocktails. Ticket options include $95 early admission, which comes with exclusive entry an hour before everyone else, and $79 general admission with entry at 2 p.m. Festival proceeds will benefit San Diego nonprofit Urban Surf 4 Kids.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Photo Credit: Brent Goldman
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Beck with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra at The Rady Shell
July 29
Indie rock’s most lovable “Loser” has gone orchestral for his newest tour, with stops in Cincinnati, Montreal, and Colorado’s famed Red Rocks. But for his grand finale this Tuesday, Beck brings conductor Edwin Outwater and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra aboard to play classical arrangements of his greatest hits at The Rady Shell. Molly Lewis (a uniquely talented whistler whose 2024 debut On The Lips includes the immaculate “Crushed Velvet” with San Diego’s Thee Sacred Souls) will open. Tickets start at $109 for this concert, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
Less Than Jake: Summer Circus at The Observatory North Park
July 29–30
Ska punk pioneers Less Than Jake bring their Summer Circus Tour to The Observatory North Park for a pair of performances happening Tuesday and Wednesday. Both concerts will feature a lineup of all-star openers, including the eccentric LA outfit Fishbone, ska punk contemporaries The Suicide Machines, and the up-and-coming group Catbite. Tickets range from $48 to $92 for the performances Tuesday and Wednesday, with doors opening at 6 p.m. for each show.
2891 University Avenue, North Park
Ramona Country Fair
August 1–3
Conquer amusement rides, play carnival games, and eat comfort food all weekend long (Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) at the free Ramona Country Fair. In addition to the many family-friendly activities, Ramona Outdoor Community Center will host Americana (Friday), rock and reggae (Saturday), and bluegrass and banda (Sunday) performances. Presale ride tickets can be purchased in a pack of 32 online or the day of the event in a pack of 24.
421 Aqua Lane, Ramona
Heiva San Diego
August 1–3
Dive into Tahitian tradition with Heiva San Diego, offering dance and drumming performances, a craft-filled marketplace, artistic activities, food vendors, and plenty of pageantry. The festivities begin Friday with the Mister and Miss Heiva SD pageant and continue with a two-day cultural festival at Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre. Ticket options include single-day admission ($30); weekend admission ($55); and VIP admission ($189), which comes with premium seating, VIP lounge access, a meet and greet with the pageant judges, and a gift.
200 North Strand, Oceanside
I Love the ’90s Tour at SeaWorld San Diego
August 2
Hear throwbacks from a host of ’90s artists—like Color Me Badd, Treach from Naughty By Nature, Rob Base, and Young MC—when the I Love the ’90s Tour stops by SeaWorld San Diego this Saturday at 6 p.m. Like many of the acts in this year’s Summer Spectacular Concert Series, this performance will highlight hip-hop and R&B hits, including dance-worthy anthems like “It Takes Two” and “Bust a Move.” Saturday’s concert is included with park admission, but SeaWorld guests can also purchase reserved ($50) or VIP seating ($55), which includes one free drink ticket, for this show at Bayside Amphitheater.
500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay
Courtesy of Eduardo Chillida
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
The Lesbians of San Diego: A Herstory in Two Acts at Diversionary Theatre
July 31–August 10
The Lesbians of San Diego: A Herstory in Two Actsis built from the personal stories shared over numerous interviews conducted by The Lesbians of San Diego Project. Written by Dian Schaffhauser and directed by Sherry Hopwood, this play pays tribute to significant figures of San Diego’s lesbian community from 1970 to 2000. Before each performance, catch an intimate show featuring local poets, musicians, and professors in Diversionary Theatre’s Clark Cabaret & Bar. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and can be purchased here.
Over 175 artists from the US and Mexico will showcase their paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and more at the 20th annual ArtWalk Liberty Station, open to the public Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Ingram Plaza. Attendees can check out original artwork, live music, local food vendors, and the interactive KidsWalk for budding youth artists. The festivities begin Friday with an exclusive Preview Party from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring tribute bands Fleetwood Max and Never Die Young and a behind the scenes look at the artwork. Tickets are $28, while kids ages 12 and under will receive free admission.
2751 Dewey Road, Point Loma
everything and anything at LOS/NR
August 1–September 13
See work from San Diego artists Sophia Cleary, Dove Cochrane, Adele Gaburo, April Rose, Louise Russell, and Andrew Warthon in the new everything and anything group exhibition at level of service not required in La Jolla. Be among the first to check out the show (and grab a complimentary ice cream cone) at its free opening reception this Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
7910 Ivanhoe Avenue, La Jolla
Uncharted Elsewhere at Judith Harris Art Gallery
August 2–January 4, 2026
The group exhibition Uncharted Elsewhere opens Saturday at the Judith Harris Art Gallery, located on the 9th floor of the San Diego Central Library. This exhibition is a mixed media endeavor from nine local visionaries. See Uncharted Elsewhere at its free opening reception this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. and snack on small bites from the Friends of the Central Library.
330 Park Boulevard, East Village
Eduardo Chillida: Convergence at San Diego Museum of Art
August 2–February 8, 2026
Convergenceat the San Diego Museum of Art offers insight on the scenery, materials, and cultural influences that defined sculptor Eduardo Chillida’s career. Convergence will also feature a virtual experience for viewers to see the three steel structures of Chillida’s Comb of the Wind XV installation, which has overlooked the waters of San Sebastián, Spain since 1977. To open the show, the museum will host a special Art Party this Thursday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. with dinner, activities, and live performances; tickets range from $75 to $100.
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
Courtesy of Cardiff 101 Main Street
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
Latin American Market and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market at Bazaar del Mundo Shops
August 1–3
Shop the intricate folk art of the Latin American Market and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market at Bazaar del Mundo Shops, happening 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Artisans from throughout Latin America will exhibit their skills in woodcarving, jewelry, textiles, sustainable fashion, and pottery through live demonstrations. The Old Town market will also include music from Andean folk band Tinku Duo and Mexican cuisine from Casa Guadalajara available for purchase. Market admission is free, and visitors can find free parking across the street at the Caltrans lot (4050 Taylor Street) on Friday after 5 p.m. and all day throughout the weekend.
Longtime Padres general manager AJ Preller loves to make trades, and his wheeling and dealing of both highly touted prospects and big-time players has garnered him a reputation as a risk-taker. So don’t be surprised if there’s a roster shakeup or two by the time San Diego begins a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. As of July 29, the Padres sit just four games back in the NL West, and a few impactful moves could make the division race very interesting. Tickets start at $34 for this weekend’s series at Petco Park.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
August 3
Cardiff 101 Main Street and the City of Encinitas are back with another woof-worthy affair this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the annual Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, which is celebrating two decades in 2025. This free event is a dog lover’s dream, with live music, food trucks, a pack of dog vendors, a Rescue Row, a pet health expo, and several contests at Encinitas Community Park. VIP admission ($35 per person and $60 for two people) comes with shaded VIP tent access, complimentary bites, and alcoholic beverages in the libation lounge.
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.
Big feelings hit us all. Younger populations—or those who haven’t yet developed their own language of expression—outsource angst through external means. That’s where homemade haircuts, studded belts, and musicians like The Cure, Elliott Smith, or Phoebe Bridgers come around. In San Diego, though, there’s a nonprofit that gives youth a way to feel not only heard, but also understood, through photography and digital storytelling.
Outside The Lens’ mission is to amplify the voices of systemically marginalized young people and help them develop the confidence (and artistry) to tell their stories and shape their communities. OTL just celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year with dual exhibitions of student work at San Diego Central Library and Museum of Contemporary of Art San Diego. Since 2001, more than 30,000 students have completed programs at OTL, getting their hands on industry-respected DSLR cameras (no shade to iPhone photographers), editing files and images with Adobe Creative Suite, and recording podcasts. Participants explore their worlds through the lens and on the mic.
“Our biggest opportunity, and what’s really needed, is to bridge the understanding between the youth and their communities and how people are seeing what youth are going through right now,” says OTL Executive Director Sarah Beckman.
OTL’s participants, Beckman explains, are young people navigating systems that never gave them access to the tools and mentorship that inspire creative expression, financial mobility, and civic engagement. The nonprofit offers support—in the form of meals, transportation, and healing-centered educators—and a creative outlet for exploring and coping with those challenges.
OTL’s in-school programs meet California core standards for arts and partners with at least 37 schools and community sites throughout San Diego, including the Monarch School in Barrio Logan, East County Community School in El Cajon, and Creative Performing and Media Arts School in Clairemont Mesa. The nonprofit doesn’t just work within the school system. Its Media Makers program invites young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to express their place and purpose in the world through film, photography, animation, design, and entrepreneurship.
“We’re always asking the question, and we’re engaging youth in our civic discussions [of], ‘How can we make this city somewhere youth want to be?’” Beckman says. “‘How can we make San Diego somewhere for young people to build a future?’”
This year OTL’s annual Voice Out celebration event spotlighted student work that hung on gallery walls beside “Giants,” the Dean Collection at MCASD. The Voice Out contest is open to all San Diego youth ages 8 to 25; all submissions are published in a catalogue and displayed in a public exhibition. These are some of the students’ works, and their words, from the past three years of Voice Out.
Lines and Light Within Structure
“I wonder how the architect decided to connect the beams [at Del Norte High School] by creating repetition. Without color [in the photo], the structure becomes the focus of the image.” –Monroe S., 15
The Quiet In Between
“Every day, time slips forward, whether we notice it or not, and life can feel overwhelming in its constant motion. In this long-exposure photograph, the blurred train rushes past, symbolizing the speed of life, while the still subject remains grounded and aware. It’s easy to become tangled in society’s expectations: what to wear, what grades to earn, what future to chase. In that rush, we forget to pause. The stillness in this image becomes a breath, a moment of reflection. Through it, I hope to show that wonder lives in slowing down, in watching the world blur while choosing, even briefly, to stand still.” –Leo N., 15
Enough
“Teenagers constantly wonder if they will ever be enough. I wrote words on the mirror that might represent what a teenager thinks about when it comes to being ‘enough’ for the people around them. They might wonder if they are pretty, smart, or good enough. I wanted to bring attention to what thoughts teenagers struggle with in everyday life.” –Illiana I., 16
Go Skate Day
“I took this picture during Go Skate Day in 2023 or 2024 I think … but who cares? It’s sick! Keep riding!” –Danny I., 18
Never Let Go
“This was taken at an all-women’s retreat in the mountains to heal inner trauma, at the end of the trip where we all hugged each other and healed. My mother is the one being hugged and one of her friends is embracing her. Place is somewhere you belong, somewhere you feel comfortable in, and somewhere you can be yourself. I believe womanhood and friendship is not only a place but home.” –Michelle G., 16
Films, concerts and an exorbitant amount of lemons comprise this week’s most entertaining events in San Diego. Those looking to beat the heat can find shelter and cinematic gold with The Treasure of the Sierra Madre at Digital Gym Cinema, or check out a cult classic at the Balboa Theatre’s 40th anniversary screening of Little Shop of Horrors. From South Bay to La Jolla, concertgoers can catch collaborative tours from the likes of Santana & the Doobie Brothers, Helado Negro & Reyna Tropical and Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan. This weekend also marks the return of the two-day San Diego Made Summer Market and the yearly Lemon Festival, both of which are ripe for shopping unique local vendors.
SeaWorld San Diego’s beer and barbeque party is back with a live music component and an extra ‘B’ in its name. Every Friday-Sunday (and Labor Day) through Sept. 7, the Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ festival will feature 60+ locally crafted beers and bites like pork belly tater tots, root beer baked beans and s’mores pie. SeaWorld visitors can also check out rock concerts featuring Saliva (Saturday), Uncle Kracker (Aug. 22) and Skillet (Aug. 29) in the Bayside Amphitheater. Park entry starts at $74 for Bayside Bands, Brew & BBQ dates, and includes festival admission.
500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay
Lemon Festival
August 15
Seize the day, or squeeze the day—whichever your preference—at the Downtown Chula Vista Association’s free Lemon Festival. This annual event celebrates lemons in all their citrusy glory and ensures the city’s lemon legacy still bears fruit for years to come. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy a lemony menu, two live music stages, arts and crafts vendors, kids activities at Memorial Park and photos with the festival’s mascot, Tarty the Lemon. And be sure to save room for the lemon pie eating contest, with registration still open to those ages 12-99.
Third Avenue, Chula Vista
Courtesy of Jason Aldean
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Santana & the Doobie Brothers at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 11
Few regions have birthed as many iconic bands as the Bay Area, with Santana (San Francisco) and the Doobie Brothers (San Jose) among the area’s most influential. Though they’ve mastered different variations of rock n’ roll—with Santana championing Latin rock and the Doobie Brothers masters of breezy yacht rock—both groups understand the importance of a good groove. This Tuesday (7 p.m.), the two bands will run through their greatest hits at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, and showcase their shared roots. Tickets start at $28 for this concert.
2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
Helado Negro & Reyna Tropical at Esptein Family Ampitheater
August 12
One of the year’s best musical teamups—combining the talents of Roberto Carlos Lange (Helado Negro) and Fabi Reyna (Reyna Tropical)—produced Helado Tropical, a subtle yet audacious daliance with Latin pop and wavy soundscapes. This Wednesday (7 p.m.) at Epstein Family Amphitheater, Lange and Reyna will pull from their respective catalogs and play their collaborative album in full. Ticket options include youth admission for ages 2-18 ($25-$28) and adults ($35-$50).
9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla
An Evening with Goose at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
August 13
The defining quality that makes a jam band truly so is a willingness to improvise, keeping audiences, and even their most dedicated fans, waiting with bated breath for their next move. As with pioneers of the practice like the Grateful Dead, Connecticut rock group Goose treat concerts as a nightly display for their vast musical chemistry. When Goose performs this Thursday (7 p.m.) at Cal Coast Credit Union Theatre, don’t be surprised if a familiar track is extended by an extra five, ten or thirty minutes into a new cosmic space. Tickets start at $55 for this concert.
5500 Campanile Drive, College Area
Jason Aldean & Luke Bryan at Petco Park
August 16
Georgians Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan both began their rise to country music stardom in the 2000s, and have since become two of the genre’s revered elder statesmen. After a sold-out one-off show at the University of Georgia in April, the pair decided to take the Peach State experience nationwide with co-headlining stops in Missoula, Montana, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas and San Diego’s Petco Park. This Sunday (4 p.m.), country fans can catch the two stars, as well as a slew of up-and-coming talent, with openers Gavin Adcock, Chase Matthew, Dee Jay Silver and DJ Rock. Tickets start at $74 for this concert.
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.
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.”
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.
Arts District Liberty Station officially became one of the state’s designated cultural districts, joining a list reserved for places with thriving creative communities. Considering the campus is home to more than 100 galleries, artist studios, museums, and arts organizations—not to mention The Joan, the 42,000-square-foot performance center housing Cygnet Theatre—it was only a matter of time until the district got its flowers.
Best Deterrent of Public Vandalism
Vision Culture Foundation
If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. The National City Public Works building has been a target of graffiti artists for years, only to be constantly painted over (and the cycle restarts). Now, it’s working with the local artists from Vision Culture Foundation to create intentional public murals. A win-win in our book.
One of the biggest questions this year is who will show up for San Diego arts and culture—so a Best Of nod goes to a nonprofit that’s been doing it for years. Founded by longtime arts advocate Susanna Peredo Swap, Vanguard Culture has staged events for creatives, told their stories, and just created an SD ARTS Pass—a single ticket that gets you access to 39 creative spots.
Photo credit: Carly Topazio
Best Way to Overcome Your Fear of Ghosts
The Rosin Box Project
Ballet’s already got a sort of otherworldly thing going for it, with people morphing into 90-degree angles and defying gravity with each pirouette. The Rosin Box Project feels like a raw, creative new force in the classic art form, though—especially with its annual Ghost Light Masquerade. It’s a dance of eerie spirits that makes you second-guess what’s real and what’s not.
Best Music Venue That Also Sells Hot Dogs
Gallagher Square
Once upon a time, Gallagher Square was just a grassy knoll behind the outfield wall at Petco Park. Now, it’s a concert venue, playground, play ball field, dog park, and unofficial home for those who prefer the vibe of baseball more than the actual game. Big-time performers are showing up: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Cypress Hill, and Peach Pit.
Best Local Canvas
Casa Casillas
Casa Casillas has filled a long-standing gap in Chula Vista’s art scene. Open since last August, the space gives local artists a dedicated venue to display their work and visitors a chance to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant art. Two rotating resident artists always keep the space moving, so it rarely looks the same twice.
Courtesy of Alley Cat Art Fest
Best Place to Say “I Think It’s About Capitalism”
Alley Cat Art Fest
El Cajon translates to “the box” in Spanish—a nod to the city’s surrounding hills—but Alley Cat Art Fest (previously called Artivál) doesn’t stay inside it. As the first arts festival in East County, it celebrates local galleries, sculpture, live music, and food trucks—the whole nine.
Best On-Two-Feet Art Tour
Barrio Art Crawl
Every second Saturday, Barrio Logan turns into a choose-your-own-adventure with the Barrio Art Crawl, a free self-guided art tour through galleries, museums, and murals, with street food and music filling in the gaps. Barrio is one of the city’s most thriving arts neighborhoods, and it’s worth getting a bit lost in.
Leave it to The Old Globe to give the local theater scene some Hollywood glamour. Katie Holmes led the premiere of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler this past spring, turning the classic Norwegian play into one of the most buzzed-about theater productions of the year.
Chemotherapy and radiation have long been considered gold standards of cancer treatment, but they can cause severe side effects. A promising new approach called theranostics—a combination of “therapeutics” and “diagnostics”—could offer patients with certain types of metastatic cancers new hope. It’s a two-step process that uses a drug that binds to specific receptors on cancer cells. Advanced imaging detects this radioisotope, allowing doctors to then use a second radioisotope that binds to the cancer cells and destroys them. Click here to learn more about how specialists at Scripps Cancer Center are using theranostics.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
