Though rain showers may continue to fall leading into the weekend, it will not be enough to put a damper on San Diego’s wide-ranging event slate. Theatergoers can check out the San Diego premiere of To My Girls, the debut of Young Audiences and the eighth annual Latinx New Play Festival. Local gourmands are invited to dine out for culinary experiences centered on Greece, Switzerland and TV’s The Golden Girls. Also, music fans can see live performances from Al Jardine and Mannheim Steamroller, plus John Legend’s Get Lifted 20th anniversary concert.
Dine like Blance, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia during The Golden Girls Christmas Experience at Bayside Kitchen & Bar. Inspired by the iconic house, favorite foods and Miami setting of The Golden Girls but with a holiday twist, this immersive pop-up will feature themed cocktails, sweet treats, merch and photo opportunities. The experience will also include several special events, including high teas, bingo sessions, weekly trivia nights and weekend drag brunches. All general admission tickets come with a 90-minute reservation, with prices starting at $20.
For the November edition of its globe-trotting dinner series, Artifact at the Mingei Museum of Art is venturing through the Alps and into Switzerland. Artifact at Night’s culinary expedition into the heart of Swiss cuisine—led by chefs Tim Kolanko, Wesley Johnson and Tony Coito—will include four courses and optional beverage pairings. Reservations are $95 per person, with seatings open for 8:00, 8:15 and 8:30 p.m. this Thursday; no menu modifications will be accommodated.
2640 Historic Decatur Road, Balboa Park
Taste of Greece at Garibaldi
November 21-23
Garibaldi, and Intercontinental San Diego Executive chef Franck Tasic, are launching a monthly dinner series to highlight the Mediterranean coast’s many gastronomic treasures. First stop: Greece. This Friday through Sunday, patrons can choose to order the Taste of Greece Dinner, featuring dishes such as chargrilled octopus, Mediterranean seabass and ekmek kataifi with vanilla and pistachio, available alongside Garibaldi’s full dinner menu. The Taste of Greece Dinner is $65 per person, with an optional wine pairing add-on for $35 per person.
901 Bayfront Court, Downtown
Courtesy of John Legend
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at Civic Theatre
November 21 & 22
No modern Christmas soundtrack is complete without the energetic yuletide stylings of Mannheim Steamroller. And with the holiday season upon us, Chip Davis’ live music spectacle is returning to San Diego for two nights at the Civic Theatre. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas will be a feast for both the eyes and the ears, with an ensemble of 15 musicians playing over 20 instruments plus a variety of lights and visuals dancing along to the tunes. Tickets start at $52, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Al Jardine and The Pet Sounds Band: Tribute to Brian Wilson at The Magnolia
November 22
When Brian Wilson passed away in June, The Beach Boys lost their enigmatic frontman and the world lost an all-time creative talent. To pay tribute, former Beach Boy Al Jardine has united several of Wilson’s longtime backing musicians to form The Pet Sounds Band. Together, Jardine and co. will play fan favorites penned by Wilson, along with several rare gems from his experimental ‘70s period, including tracks from The Beach Boys Love You, M.I.U. Album and 15 Big Ones, this Saturday (6:30 p.m.) at The Magnolia. Tickets start at $30 for this concert.
210 East Main Street, El Cajon
Doggie Street Festival & Pet Adopt-A-Thon
November 22
Pet owners and their devoted animal pals are invited to check out the 16th annual Doggie Street Festival & Pet Adopt-A-Thon this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NTC Park. This free festival will include complimentary goodies, over a dozen dog and cat rescues, and a variety of pet products and services, with vendors selling pet caricatures, handmade clothes, themed accessories, chew toys, doggy daycare essentials, organic pet food and much more. Attendees can also try to win auction prizes, explore pet products and receive veterinarian tips.
2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma
Encinitas Holiday Street Fair
November 23
Enjoy a day of holiday cheer while supporting local businesses during the free Encinitas Holiday Street Fair this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Across six blocks in Old Encinitas on the 101, visitors can shop from over 450 food, arts and craft vendors with seasonal desserts, art pieces, out-of-the-box gifts and handmade accessories for sale. Attendees can also explore four live entertainment stages, a beer garden, interactive activities and kid-friendly rides.
101 South Coast Highway, Encinitas
An Evening with John Legend at The Rady Shell
November 23
Twenty years after its release, R&B virtuoso John Legend is revisiting the album that sent his musical career into the stratosphere. Get Lifted, Legend’s star-making debut, remains an engrossing listen and features a handful of his most memorable tracks, including “Ordinary People,” “Used to Love You” and “Let’s Get Lifted.” During his concert Sunday night (7:30 p.m.) at The Rady Shell, Legend and his band will perform the album in its entirety with a reimagined perspective, plus several hits from down the line. Tickets start at $55 for this concert.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
Courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Young Audiences at OnStage Playhouse
Through December 7
San Diego professor and playwright Mabelle Reynoso’s satire Young Audiences takes aim at the lack of meaningful representation for artists of color in the theater hierarchy. In this world premiere production, youth theater director Lizzie Sanchez’s play about Latina scholar Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz is stifled in favor of an uninspired Hamlet Jr. musical, leading her to decide that the show must go on by any means necessary. There will be performances of Young Audiences Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. through Dec. 7 at OnStage Playhouse. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, students and educators, and $15 for those under 30.
A weekend getaway in Palm Springs may seem like all fun and games but it’s anything but that for the friend group at the heart of JC Lee’s dramedy To My Girls, making its San Diego premiere at the Diversionary Theatre. In this play, the tensions and resentments simmering below the surface of an intergenerational clique of gay men rise up for a chaotic weekend to remember. Ticket options include a low-cost preview performance this Friday ($37–$61), opening night this Saturday at 7 p.m. (sold out) and a matinee show Sunday at 2 p.m. ($55–$61).
4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights
A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962–1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection at MCASD
November 20 – March 15, 2026
Across three decades, SoCal-based art collector Frank Mitzel acquired over 60 Pop Art prints, detailing the embrace of consumerism and advertising aesthetics in the U.S. and Europe. A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962–1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection, the newest exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, uses Mitzel’s pieces to hone in on a crucial decade for the Pop Art movement. A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples will open during the museum’s Free Third Thursday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.); the opening will also include a free Focused Narratives Tour of the exhibition at 5 p.m. led by an MCASD Educator.
700 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Latinx New Play Festival
November 21–23
The La Jolla Playhouse’s Play Development Center will host the eighth annual Latinx New Play Festival, showcasing new and versatile works from Latinx playwrights. During this free three-day festival, co-produced by Tuyo Theatre, theatergoers can enjoy live readings of four scripts as well as a handful of panels and receptions. This year’s selections are NOVIOS by Arturo Luíz Soria, Ama. Egg. Oyá. by Lori Felipe-Barkin, Tempt Me by Andrew Rincón and Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center by SDSU alum Mario Vega. Registration is closed, but those who are interested can join the waitlist in case any seats open up.
2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla
Courtesy of San Diego FC
More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
Rady Children’s Ice Rink at Liberty Station
November 20 – January 4, 2026
Lace up your skates and glide across Rady Children’s Hospital’s outdoor ice rink beginning this Thursday. Skaters of all sizes and skill levels are invited to stop by the rink in Liberty Station’s Legacy Plaza daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. into the new year (hours may change due to holidays and weather). Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under; skate rentals and helmets are included in the price of admission. Net proceeds will benefit Rady Children’s Thriving After Cancer Program at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Skating by the Sea, the Pacific Ocean-adjacent rink at Hotel del Coronado, will open this Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., featuring a performance by actress and singer Jenna Leigh Green at 5:30 p.m. Each reservation grants 90 minutes of ice skating (including the skate rental), and for a VIP rink experience with seating, a private fire pit and food and beverage service, visitors can reserve a Frostbite Lounge ($150+). General admission is $40 from Nov. 21–Dec. 18 and $45 from Dec. 18–Jan. 4, and there will be value skate days ($35) on Mondays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, 8 & 15; a portion of proceeds will go towards Make-A-Wish San Diego.
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Breaking into New Hollywood screenings at Digital Gym Cinema
November 22 & 23
Attend Digital Gym Cinema’s anniversary screenings of Minari (5th) and Clueless (30th), each paired with a post-screening Q&A led by Ada Tseng, co-author of Breaking Into New Hollywood: A Career Guide to a Changing Industry. Following Minari Saturday at 5 p.m., Tseng will speak with Susanna Song, who used her upbringing in a Korean American immigrant family as creative inspiration for the movie’s ’80s wardrobe. Then Sunday at 2 p.m., the theater will show Cluelessand host a conversation with Mona May, the film’s costume designer and author of The Fashion of Clueless, followed by a book signing. Tickets are $13 for each screening.
1100 Market Street, East Village
San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United FC at Snapdragon Stadium
November 24
Thanks to a pair of goals each from Amahl Pellegrino and Anders Dreyer, San Diego FC dispatched the Portland Timbers and secured a spot in the conference semis. This result means SDFC is now closer to the MLS Cup than any first-year expansion team in history. Next up is Minnesota United FC, who are coming off the heels of a heroic penalty shootout performance by Dayne St. Clair against the Seattle Sounders. The winners of Monday’s contest at Snapdragon Stadium (7 p.m.) will not only punch their ticket to the conference finals but send the losers packing. This match is officially sold out, but resale tickets are available starting at $119.
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.
The beautiful, wide-ranging relationship between art and culture is the driving force behind several of this weekend’s standout events. Locals and tourists can explore every aspect of a tropical getaway at Tiki Oasis and tap into the kinetic energy of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods through Hillcrest CityFest. Museum visitors can view culturally resonant art via MCASD’s closing celebration for Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys and the Chicano Block Party at California Center for the Arts Museum. Lastly, what is food if not art? And during the Taste of Imperial Ave., foodies can try the diverse culinary offerings that make Logan Heights such an engrossing destination.
What do nectarines, apricots and cherries have in common? Two things: all are stone fruits, and each one is an element on the menu for this Thursday’s Chef’s Dinner: The Study of Stone Fruit at The Kitchen inside the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Guests will dine on seasonal fare via a five course, prix fixe meal highlighting seasonal ingredients and the delicious versatility of stone fruits. Reservations are $95 per person, with seatings from 5-8 p.m.; if no reservations are available online, join the waitlist by emailing [email protected].
700 Prospect Street, La Jolla
Taste of Imperial Ave.
August 7
Sample the shopping, culture and, most important, cuisine, that Logan Heights has to offer during the 5th annual Taste of Imperial Ave. this Friday from 4-9 p.m. Try bites from a wide range of local mainstays along Imperial Avenue (4-7:30 p.m.) and enjoy an entertainment hub at Gilliam Place (6-9 p.m.) with a beer garden, live music and a small business marketplace. Ticket options include food-only tickets ($30), food and drink tickets ($40) and a four-ticket family pack ($110).
Imperial Avenue (19th Street to 31st Street), Logan Heights
Turf & Surf Festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
August 8
This Saturday from 1-6 p.m., indulge in Brandt Beef steak and imported Maine lobster during the first-ever Turf & Surf Festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Festivalgoers can watch the day’s races from the Seaside Cabana, sip on libations and enjoy a meal with 1.25 pounds of steamed lobster—butter and lemon included—with watermelon, coleslaw and a dinner roll on the side. Ticket options include adult early bird admission ($43), which comes with five drink tickets and a souvenir cup, admission for ages 11-20 ($14) and the lobster feast add-on ($52).
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Courtesy of Death Cab for Cutie
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Death Cab for Cutie at Gallagher Square
August 4
As one of the most remarkably consistent indie rock bands which emerged from the genre’s ‘90s-00s golden age, Death Cab for Cutie remains a reliable source of audial and lyrical enchantment. I Built You a Tower, released in June, is the band’s first independent release in over two decades and sees lead singer Ben Gibbard grieving his divorce with considerate self-exploration. The indie rock veterans will perform their new album this Tuesday (7 p.m.) at Gallagher Square, with synth-pop group Nation of Language as the opening act. Tickets start at $60 for this concert.
899 J Street, Downtown
Tiki Oasis
August 5-9
Live on island time throughout Tiki Oasis, the yearly mecca for fans of tiki culture and the laid-back life, returning Wednesday-Sunday to Town and Country Resort with a psychedelic theme. As is tradition, the festivities will kick off in Mission Bay Wednesday with a luau at the Catamaran Resort Hotel, before heading back to Mission Valley for mixology seminars, drink tastings, burlesque shows, concerts, a groovy art exhibition and much more. Ticket options include seminar tickets (free-$132), luau admission ($68-$175) and admission for three ($189), four ($235-$525) or all five days ($699) of the festival.
500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley
Hillcrest CityFest
August 9
Make the most out of a day in Hillcrest during the free Hillcrest CityFest, home to an eclectic live music lineup, local art and craft vendors and an electric After Dark dance party. The festivities will include a kid’s zone, DJ sets and a drag performance from Lydia B Kollins plus two beer gardens, cocktail bars and a new wine garden, featuring two ounce pours from Cork & Stem, Pali Wine Co. and Negociant Winery. Wine garden ticket options include a three ticket ($12), six ticket ($20) and 10 tickets + a commemorative wine glass package ($45).
Fifth Avenue from University Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue, Hillcrest
FNGRS CRSSD x Cross Pollination Present: Lane 8 + more at Waterfront Park
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.
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.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
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.
The inland North County community of Rancho Santa Fe is often associated with wealth. It’s one of San Diego’s most expensive residential markets and is consistently ranked one of the highest-income zip codes in California and the U.S. Rancho Santa Fe is known for its large equestrian community including riding facilities and horse trails, as well as its country club lifestyle and associated golf courses.
At the center of this luxury master-planned community is a small, walkable downtown area referred to as the “village,” with The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe acting as both a landmark and social hub. Much of the community, including the historic Inn, was designed by acclaimed architect Lilian Rice, one of California’s earliest female architects. The Spanish Colonial-style architecture she brought to the village is still one of its defining characteristics today.
Whether you’re coming to Rancho Santa Fe for golf, horseback riding, or pampering at a resort spa, be sure to start with a short walk around the village to take in the neighborhood’s charm. Plan your next visit here with our neighborhood guide to the area’s best restaurants, things to do, and shopping.
Rancho Santa Fe Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops
The Pony Room
Families congregate at The Pony Room for elevated California ranch-style cuisine. Lamb lollipops, carne asada tacos, burgers, and weekly dinner specials are offered here, alongside an extensive collection of wine and spirits (especially tequila) and sizeable kids menus. As the signature restaurant of Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, this all-day eatery is a lively centerpiece of the local social scene.
5921 Valencia Circle
Mille Fleurs
The piano bar at Mille Fleurs is the buzziest spot to be on Friday and Saturday nights in Rancho Santa Fe. French classics like escargot, lobster bisque, duck confit, and steak frites are the main dinner attractions at this local institution that has been around for more than 40 years. Spring for the four-course prix fixe menu before nabbing a coveted bar seat near the piano entertainer.
6009 Paseo Delicias
Nick & G’s Restaurant
Nick & G’s is one of the most prominent restaurants in the village, with an outdoor patio that overlooks the main thoroughfare. Enjoy modern Italian food, steaks, and seafood dishes here, including homemade pasta, pizza, wagyu beef, and oysters. Be sure to check their live music schedule and events calendar for the latest happenings.
6106 Paseo Delicias
Lilian’s
Named after renowned architect and planner Lilian Rice, Lilian’s is The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s flagship restaurant. Their upscale menus feature sustainable seafood, grass-fed meats, local produce, and even sushi rolls during dinner. Outdoor seating provides a bird’s-eye view of the village and an elegant backdrop for weekend brunch. Stop by Bing’s Bar (a nod to Bing Crosby) for craft cocktails, beer, wine, and light bites in a refined setting.
5951 Linea Del Cielo
Thyme in the Ranch
Quaint cafe and bakery Thyme in the Ranch serves a small selection of breakfast and lunch items (don’t miss the tarragon chicken salad), but is perhaps best known for its pastries and baked goods. Cakes, pies, muffins, scones, and cookies fly off the shelves here, where locals come for special occasions, parties, and group catering orders.
16905 Avenida De Acacias
Paseo RSF
Located inside a historic building once home to Rancho Santa Fe’s original schoolhouse, Paseo RSF is one of the village’s newest dining options. The charming American bistro has pasta, salads, burgers, meat and seafood entrees, plus a thoughtfully selected California wine list and new sushi and omakase program. Kids and dogs are both welcome here.
6024 Paseo Delicias, Suite C
Rancho Roasters
Grab a quick coffee to go from this walk-up window in the same shopping center as the post office. Cinnamon roll lattes, cold brew, spiced chai, smoothies, protein bowls, and more can be found at Rancho Roasters, where they brew beans from Dark Horse Coffee.
16950 Via De Santa Fe
Goli Pizza
Casual pizzeria and martini bar Goli is a popular spot for catching the latest sports games. Order one of their unique specialty pizzas like the Casbah with hummus and veggies, build your own pizza or burger, or go with one of their hearty wraps that’s made with an extra thin version of pizza dough.
18021 Calle Ambiente, Suite 403
Cocina del Rancho
Find generous portions of Mexican food at Cocina del Rancho, run by the same owners as Carlsbad’s Cicciotti’s Trattoria Italiana and Village Kabob. Get classic dishes like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, plus their specialty items including pulpo, carne asada, and fajitas with lobster tail. Don’t skip the margaritas.
Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a San Diego-based writer who covers travel, dining, events, and culture. Her writing has been published in USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, Marie Claire, and HuffPost, among others.
From advancements in cellular biology and molecular research to innovations that deepen our understanding of complex biological systems, biotechnology continues to influence how researchers explore some of science’s most important questions.
While major discoveries often capture headlines, the process behind those breakthroughs receives far less attention. Scientific progress depends on a vast network of researchers, laboratories, manufacturers, and specialized organizations working together to support ongoing investigation and discovery.
The Growing Importance of Biotechnology
In recent years, biotechnology has moved beyond the walls of research institutions and into mainstream conversation. Increased access to scientific information, educational content, and expert commentary has sparked growing public interest in the biological sciences.
Topics once discussed primarily within academic circles are now reaching broader audiences through podcasts, documentaries, digital media, and online communities. As a result, more people are developing an appreciation for the research, experimentation, and innovation that drive scientific advancement.
This growing visibility has transformed biotechnology from a largely specialized field into a subject of interest for educators, innovators, investors, and curious observers alike.
The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Discovery
Scientific breakthroughs often capture public attention, but the infrastructure that makes those breakthroughs possible rarely receives the same recognition. Behind every new discovery are years of investigation, testing, analysis, and refinement.
Behind nearly every research project is a network of laboratories, suppliers, technical specialists, and research-focused organizations working together to support scientific exploration. Laboratory infrastructure, specialized materials, quality standards, and reliable methodologies all contribute to the integrity of the research process.
When these foundational elements are in place, researchers can focus on generating insights, exploring new ideas, and building upon existing knowledge. Although much of this work occurs behind the scenes, it plays a critical role in helping science move forward.
Why Discovery Depends on More Than Researchers Alone
As biotechnology continues to evolve, research-focused organizations have become increasingly important contributors to the broader scientific ecosystem.
Among them is NewBioRx, a company operating within the biotechnology and life sciences sector. Like many organizations operating within the broader research ecosystem, NewBioRx contributes to the network of suppliers, laboratories, and scientific stakeholders that help support ongoing research efforts.
As scientific research becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations that help support the research environment contribute to a culture where innovation can continue to thrive. Their work may not always be visible to the public, but it forms part of the foundation that enables scientific progress.
Why Science Is Reaching Wider Audiences
One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the growing public fascination with science and human biology.
Scientific concepts that were once primarily discussed within research settings are now reaching wider audiences through educational content, podcasts, digital media, and online communities. People are becoming increasingly interested not only in scientific outcomes, but also in the process of discovery itself.
The growing visibility of science has also created new connections between scientific communities and broader audiences. Individuals who operate across multiple worlds—including fitness, media, and life sciences—have helped introduce scientific topics to audiences that may not have engaged with them previously.
One example is Sam Sulek, co-founder of NewBioRx, whose involvement across fitness culture and the life sciences sector reflects the growing intersection between public curiosity and scientific exploration.
As co-founder of NewBioRx, he has helped champion a research-focused approach to scientific inquiry while supporting broader conversations around scientific literacy and discovery.
As scientific discovery becomes increasingly collaborative, public attention is beginning to extend beyond individual breakthroughs and toward the broader ecosystem that makes those breakthroughs possible. From researchers and laboratories to the organizations that support them, scientific progress remains a collective effort built on curiosity, expertise, and long-term commitment.
