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.
September 4: Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Day of Service
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter will honor the legacy of the late Jimmy Buffet with a fundraiser for the San Diego Music Foundation. Its Day of Service at its rooftop bar will feature a performance by The Buffett Band, a travel and experience themed silent auction, and interactive entertainment.
September 5: McAlister Institute Walk for Sobriety
Hundreds of San Diegans will gather at NTC Park at Liberty Station for the McAlister Institute’s 14th Annual Walk for Sobriety. In addition to the walk, the event will include a resource fair with more than 35 nonprofits, healthcare providers, and community organizations that are part of a network of support for those in recovery.
September 12: Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Event
Celebrities, athletes, and other notable names will face off for a great cause at the Drew Brees Celebrity Pickleball Event at the Barnes Tennis Center. The friendly competition, part of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, will benefit Feeding San Diego.
September 14: Promises2Kids Dream On Concert Gala
Foreigner will take the stage to benefit Promises2Kids at its Dream On Concert Gala at a private home in La Jolla. Proceeds from the exclusive event will help Promises2Kids create a brighter future for local foster kids.
September 17: Lucky Duck Foundation 2026 Showcase Soirée
The Lucky Duck Foundation will host its annual Showcase Soirée at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s mission to prevent and alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County.
September 17: Emilio Nares Foundation Harvest for Hope
Show your support for families of local children with life-threatening diseases at the Emilio Nares Foundation’s Harvest for Hope at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Funds raised will benefit programs like Ride With Emilio, which provides no-cost transportation for families seeking medical treatment, and Healing Through Nature activities for kids in recent cancer remission.
September 18: Girl Scouts San Diego Urban Campout 2026
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Girl Scouts San Diego’s Camp Winacka, the organization will host a nostalgic evening under the stars. This year’s Urban Campout: Ignite the Possibilities at Girl Scouts San Diego’s Balboa Campus will feature camp-inspired cuisine, cocktails, and activities.
September 19: Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego’s An Evening of Changing Lives
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego will celebrate its impact on local youth at its 13th annual An Evening of Changing Lives. Proceeds from the gala at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina support programs that promote academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
Youth Tennis San Diego will honor the sport’s American icons at its annual gala at the Barnes Tennis Center. An Evening Celebrating Tennis Heritage & Legends will help the nonprofit make tennis accessible to all youth in San Diego, regardless of background or skill level.
September 19: Serving Seniors Sunshine Gala
Serving Seniors will produce a Jukebox Broadway-style show for its highly anticipated Sunshine Gala. The evening at the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar will support Serving Seniors’ compassionate and life-changing services for seniors in need throughout San Diego.
September 26: Doors of Change 2026 Concert of Hope
Tom Petty Tribute Band, PettyBreakers, will take the stage at the Doors of Change 2026 Concert of Hope at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. This year, the nonprofit will celebrate its 25th year of transforming the lives of unhoused youth.
September 26: Boys to Men Mentoring 100 Wave Challenge
Boys to Men Mentoring will celebrate30 years of service this year at its annual 100 Wave Challenge. The annual surf-a-thon event welcomes hundreds of surfers who attempt to catch 100 waves in one day and raise $1,000 or more to support Boys to Men Mentoring.
September 26: The Party in the Park
The San Diego Automotive Museum will host The Party in the Park to raise money for the museum and programs that equip youth for careers in the automotive industry. The Roaring 20s-themed event at the Balboa Park institution will feature live jazz and an exhibit of 1920s automobiles.
Sarah Sapeda is San Diego Magazine’s Custom Content Editor. In her 15 years in San Diego journalism, she has covered charitable events, health care, education, crime, current events, and more.
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.
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
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.
Your feet and ankles probably aren’t something you give much thought to—until something goes wrong. Orthopedic surgeons at Scripps Clinic are on the leading edge of foot and ankle reconstruction, treating patients with sports injuries, deformities, traumatic injuries and other conditions. That includes repairing torn Achilles tendons with a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks the incision site to less than a centimeter, and performing advanced ankle replacement on some patients with ankle arthritis. Read more about Scripps’ innovations in foot and ankle care here.
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