Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Beer Week

November 1-10

San Diego is the epicenter of SoCal’s craft brewery scene, known as the “Capital of Craft,” with various local innovators contributing to the regional brewing excellence. During the 16th annual San Diego Beer Week, bars, restaurants and pubs all over the county, in partnership with the San Diego Brewers Guild, will be pouring their classics along with limited-edition brews, like the new Capital of Craft IPA collaboration beer. The beer week festivities will begin this Friday with a virtual kick-off toast at all Guild member locations, the Ghost Town Tap Takeover at North Park Beer Co. and the Brewery Ignighter Night Market at Barley & Sword Brewing Co. 

Countywide

Ramona Art, Wine & Music Festival

November 2

Explore Ramona’s arts and culture scene at the Ramon Art, Wine & Music Festival this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Begent Ranch. A variety of bands and solo artists hailing from the area will play on four stages, more than 50 juried artisans showcase fine artwork and over a dozen local wineries, plus purveyors of cider, beer and mead, sell homegrown sips. There will also be shopping, local food trucks and live and silent auctions. General admission tickets are $85, while all-inclusive VIP passes are going for $155. 

18528 Highland Valley Road, Ramona

San Diego Coffee Festival

November 2

No matter if your preferred morning caffeine boost is espresso, french press or cold brew, coffee aficionados will have plenty to try at the inaugural San Diego Coffee Festival. This Saturday, attendees can sample unlimited coffee tastings from 30+ roasters and enjoy live music at Broadway Pier. The event is split into two tasting sessions (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and though some ticket options have already sold out, general admission tickets for each session (starting at $31.36), as well as all-day VIP ($72.91) is still available. Kids ages 13 and under receive free admission.

1000 North Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Downtown Chula Vista Día de los Muertos Celebration 

November 2

Community and culture will intertwine at Downtown Chula Vista’s 4th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, with musical and dance performances, an ofrenda competition, a mercado from Las Jefas Market and much more from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Saturday. At this free festival, attendees can pay respect to the dearly departed with a personal tribute on the community altar, dress up for the Catrín & Catrina Ensemble Competition, and admire the altar-laden lowriders of Impalas Car Club SD.

Downtown Chula Vista 

Fall Back Festival 

November 3

Local families are invited to participate in a range of history-inspired activities and help raise funds for the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation at the free annual Fall Back Festival from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday. Held in front of the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, there will be contests, including the popular pie eating contest, educational booths, old-timey games and arts and crafts as they bring San Diego’s history to life.

5th Avenue and Island Avenue, Gaslamp

Carlsbad Fall Village Faire

November 3

As the bi-annual Carlsbad Village Street Faire celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024, its yearly fall iteration returns this Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than 800 vendors lining along Grand Avenue. The Carlsbad Fall Village Faire includes a full day’s worth of activities and features with a farmers market, two food courts, live music, children’s carnival rides, a beer garden and plenty of chances to shop for antiques, clothing and whatever else you can carry home. 

Grand Avenue between Carlsbad Boulevard and Jefferson Street, Carlsbad

Fleet Week Concert Series

November 3

While the Fleet Week festivities pop up all over San Diego (Nov. 1-11), the musical talents of the armed forces will perform for the public in the Piazza della Famiglia this Sunday at 6 p.m. as part of the Fleet Week Concert Series. At this free performance, the Navy Band Southwest Rock Band will play a mix of contemporary rock classics along with rousing stars and stripes standards. This will be followed by a concert from the Marine Band San Diego Sound Strike Monday evening at the same time and place. 

555 West Date Street, Little Italy

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

“Midnight at the Never Get” at Diversionary Theatre

Through November 17

In Mark Sonnenblick’s “Midnight at the Never Get,” a queer romance set in 1965 Greenwich Village clashes with the onset of the gay rights movement in New York City, with the story centered around intimate performances in an illegal backroom club called The Never Get. There will be informative and interactive post-show happy hours with director Stephen Brotebeck and members of the artistic team following the shows on Thursday and Sunday. Tickets are ranging from $11.50 to $41.50 for this musical, with daily performances Thursday through Sunday.

4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights 

Art San Diego 

November 1-3

Experience strolling through a curated arrangement of several museums’ worth of artwork all at once during Art San Diego at the San Diego Convention Center. This three-day art party includes pieces from all over the world, along with several programs, from showcasing regional visual artists in the Local Talent to the stunning, but still affordable, items in the Discoveries Collection. General admission tickets ($20) come with access to all three days of the event plus the Collectors’ Saturday Soiree (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), while the $30 total ticket comes with all the GA perks plus complimentary drinks at the soiree.

111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown 

“La bohème” at the Civic Theatre

November 1-3

The San Diego Opera kicks off its 60th season with a performance of their first-ever production, “La bohème” by Giacomo Puccini, at the Civic Theatre. The opera follows the timeless love story of two bohemian artists in 19th century Paris, with Lidiya Yankovskaya making her San Diego Opera debut as she conducts the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are ranging from $23 to $285 for the three performances of “La bohème.” 

1100 Third Avenue, Downtown

Cross-Border Gallery Exchange at Sparks Gallery

Opens November 2

In a display of border region collaboration, Tijuana art studio Ángulo Galeria will host the works of San Diego-based artists Kathleen Kane-Murrell and Alexander Arshansky, while Sparks Gallery receives artwork from Tijuana artists Jessica Sanchez and Aida Urbina. This concurrent exhibition, highlighting the thriving artistic exchange between Baja California and Southern California, will run through November 30 at both galleries. Mark your calendars: an opening reception will be held for the exhibition on Thursday, November from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

530 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp

More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend

Monster Movie Mixer 

October 31

Books & Records will trade in its warm ambience for a delightfully spooky setting for its Monster Movie Mixer, this Thursday from 8 p.m. to midnight. Come in your desired creature feature fit for the party, where you can compete in a costume contest, and enjoy themed sips, bites and live music. Tickets are $27.50 for this Halloween hangout, and come with food and one drink ticket per person. 

2202 Fourth Avenue, Bankers Hill

Oceanside Haunted Market

October 31

When Thursday evening comes around, Oceanside’s weekly Sunset Market will return with a haunted holiday edition. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Oceanside Haunted Market will feature the usual lineup of retail and food vendors offered at the market, along with a handful of fun Halloween activities. There will be kids trick-or-treating for those ages 12 years old and younger (while the candy lasts), plus a costume parade, live DJ and vendor costume contests at this free event.

Pier View Way and South Tremont Street, Oceanside

Mask-O-Raid IV

November 2

Don your masks as the Comic-Con Museum hosts its annual costume soiree, Mask-O-Raid, this Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a raffle for Funko prototypes, an art sale where attendees can bid on pieces from artists and Comic-Con staff, and trick-or-treating for exclusive prizes. Attendees can also compete in the event’s costume contest, dance to terrifying tunes from DJ Chino and shop Halloween-themed items and exclusive gear from the gift shop. Tickets are $130 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

More Than Pink Walk

November 3

Show your support for survivors of metastatic breast cancer by taking part in the More Than Pink Walk this Sunday. After warming up with Orangetheory Fitness and exploring the many partnering nonprofits and advocates in the Hope Village, participants will march 2.2 miles through Balboa Park. Following the walk there will be live music, food, activities and a San Diego Mascot dance off. Registration for the More Than Pink Walk is free and can be done here.

Corner of 6th Avenue and Laurel Street, Balboa Park

San Diego Wave FC vs. Racing Louisville FC

November 3

The San Diego Wave will look to end their tumultuous NWSL season on a high note—and play the role of playoff spoiler— when they face off against Racing Louisville at Snapdragon Stadium, with a little something special planned for the San Diego faithful. Inspired by last year’s basketball jersey giveaway, the first 15,000 fans who enter the gates of Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday will receive a pinstriped Wave baseball jersey as part of Fan Appreciation Day. Tickets for this Sunday afternoon match are starting at $14.40. 

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

The post 16 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

MAKE Projects’ ​Spiny Tail Lobster! Dinner

October 24

This Thursday’s Spiny Tail Lobster! pop-up dinner from MAKE Projects offers four courses of Haitian-inspired cuisine, featuring some locally sourced seafood, and highlights the organization’s job readiness program and its work with Haitian immigrants. Beginning with mocktails at 6 p.m., the menu will feature Haitian-style pumpkin soup, fried green plantain, spiny lobster, and gateaux orange for dessert. Tickets are $122.84, which includes tax and gratuity.

2920 University Avenue, North Park

Rumorosa La Sala Wine Dinner with Bodegas De Santo Tomás

October 25 

The Sheraton San Diego’s Baja California–style eatery Rumorosa is partnering with Bodegas De Santo Tomás, Baja’s oldest winery, for a intimate “La Sala” wine dinner this Friday night at 7 p.m. Guests can prepare their palettes for a four-course meal of Mexican food (with wine pairings), including duck prosciutto, chicharrón wellington, and tres leches tiramisu. Tickets are $121 per person for this dinner. 

1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island

Silver Screen Soirée 

October 26

Dress for the glitz of Hollywood’s Golden Age at Estancia La Jolla’s Silver Screen Soirée from 7 to 11 p.m. this Saturday. This cinematic bash invites guests to emulate the era’s biggest stars and frightening foes—meaning you can come as Katherin Hepburn or Frankenstein—in various costume categories rewarding the bold, the elegant, and the terrifying. Tickets to this 21-plus bash are $124.56 and come with a welcome beverage, two complimentary cocktails, parking, and unlimited themed food offerings. You can purchase them on Eventbrite. 

9700 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Kaytranada with Channel Tres and Lou Phelps at Gallagher Square

October 24

Fresh off the release of his latest album, Timeless, Kaytranada appears at Gallagher Square. Two featured artists from the record, rapper Channel Tres and Kaytranada’s brother and frequent collaborator Lou Phelps, are joining him on tour. Tickets start at $90 for Thursday night’s concert. 

840 K Street, Downtown

Orville Peck with Nikki Lane and Emily Nenni at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

October 26

The masked stallion of country music, Orville Peck, will bring his outlaw bravado and Americana ballads to the Open Air Theatre Saturday night. The South African musician’s newest album Stampede featured 15 duets, with Peck going toe-to-toe with legendary artists like Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Allison Russell. Country artists Nikki Lane and Emily Nenni will open the show. Tickets start at $31 for this concert. 

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, College Area

North Park Book Fair

October 26

Verbatim Books invites the community to shop graphic novels, steamy romances, dramatic page-turners, and much more at the free North Park Book Fair this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local bookworms can comb the catalogs of local independent bookstores and comic book artists, listen to live music and poetry, test their drawing skills, and stop by author readings and book signings at this annual literary event. 

North Park Way from Ray Street to Granada Avenue, North Park

Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival

October 27 

Admire community ofrendas, trace tributes to loved ones at the chalk cemetery, and see the Por Siempre Car Club’s unique altar decorations at the free Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be two stages of live entertainment with a variety of folk dances, including capulli, ballet folklorico, and the Danza de los Diablos.

Pier View Way and South Tremont Streets, Oceanside 

October 14, 2024

13 Ways to Celebrate Halloween in San Diego 2024RELATED ARTICLE

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at North Coast Repertory Theatre

October 23–November 17

In Katie Forgette’s comedic play Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, chaos ensues for the O’Sheas after the youngest member of the family receives the sex talk. Tickets for the San Diego premiere of the production at the North Coast Repertory Theatre start at $54.50. Opening night takes place this Saturday. 

987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

Breathe with Me at UC San Diego

October 24–26

Artist Jeppe Hein’s community art project Breathe with Me, presented in partnership with Stuart Collection at UC San Diego, invites attendees to focus on conscious breathing and contribute to an interactive installation at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. RSVP to secure a 45-minute painting session here.

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla

Ghost Light Masquerade at The Soap Factory

October 24-30

The masked dancers of The Rosin Box Project will lead audiences on an interactive adventure, guided only by a single light bulb onstage at the Ghost Light Masquerade. Tickets are $65.87 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

2995 Commercial Street, Barrio Logan 

Art After Dark at Oceanside Museum of Art

October 26

After the gallery closes to the public this Saturday at the Oceanside Museum of Art, Art After Dark invites attendees to be the artwork for the night. Guests are encouraged to create unique costumes and model them in a judged runway show and costume contest. From 6 to 10 p.m., attendees at this 21-plus event can enjoy live music and dancing. Tickets start at $135, with $300 and $500 VIP options.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

Poe and His Progeny at the Villa Montezuma Museum

October 25 & 26

Hear the frightening tales of Edgar Allan Poe and other icons of gothic fiction straight from the authors themselves at Poe and His Progeny. Within the historic (and allegedly haunted) halls of the Villa Montezuma Museum, performers from Write Out Loud will recite the writers’ most notable works. There will be six spine-chilling performances this weekend at the museum. Tickets can be purchased for $30 here. 

1925 K Street, Sherman Heights 

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Nightmare on Normal Street

October 26

This annual haunt on the streets of Hillcrest will feature the hypnotic sounds of DJ Kinky Loops, drinks at outdoor bars, and the chance to win big money in prizes at the costume contest. Nightmare on Normal Street will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. this Saturday at Pride Flag Plaza. Tickets are $28.62 for GA and $60.48 for VIPs, who will receive two complimentary cocktails, VIP area access, and front-of-the-line perks. Purchase passes here. 

Normal Street at University Avenue, Hillcrest

Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands

October 26

Hear the booming brass, horns, and drumline as 30 high school marching bands representing San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties battle it out at Sundevil Stadium all day Saturday for the Mt. Carmel Tournament of Bands. There will be field show and parade competitions, as well as a special performance from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. Proceeds from the tournament go to music programs and the band, orchestra, and color guard at Mt. Carmel High School. Tickets are $15 for adults; $12 for students, seniors, and military; and free for kids ages 5 and under. Reserved seating in the center section is $25. 

9550 Carmel Mountain Road, Rancho Penasquitos

Trick-or-Treat on India Street

October 27 

Gather your little ones and don your costumes this Sunday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Several Little Italy businesses hand out treats and candy during this free, family-friendly event, and the Piazza della Famiglia will become Halloween Town for the night with a 13-foot tall Jack Skellington, pumpkin stacks, and photo ops that resemble the setting of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

523 West Date Street, Little Italy

The post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: October 24–27 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month

San Diego Beer Week

November 1-10

Check out what’s on tap as the San Diego Brewers Guild—a collective of local crafters, taprooms, and breweries—unveils its all-star suds for San Diego Beer Week.

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

Día de Muertos

November 2

A free Día de Muertos celebration at downtown Chula Vista’s Memorial Park will honor passed loved ones with an altar competition, a lowrider car show, crafts for kids, and more.

Coronado Film Festival

November 6-10

Coronado’s annual film festival will bring five days of movies, panels, and premier parties to the peninsula. To enjoy all the motion picture magic, snag the all-inclusive Emerald Badge.

Becky G

November 17

Latin pop phenom Becky G will serenade downtown audiences with English and Spanish hits like “Shower” and “Por el Contrario” at Gallagher Square’s first full-seated concert.

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

November 24

Find gifts for every recipient on your list before December hits at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair, where attendees can shop hundreds of local vendors.

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

Hadestown

November 8-10

Calling all fans of musicals and Greek mythology—head to the Civic Theatre for Hadestown, a concept-album-turned-stage production adapting the ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Your Local Theater Presents… at the La Jolla Playhouse

November 11/19-December 12/15

As the years and his aspirations slip away, an actor struggles to leave a small-time A Christmas Carol production behind in Anna Ouyang Moench’s Your Local Theater Presents… at the La Jolla Playhouse.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

Celebrating Women Event

November 6

San Diego Magazine toasts the city’s trailblazers across industries at our annual Celebrating Women event, featuring awards, panels, networking, and more at UCSD’s Park & Market.

Downtown Skate By The Bay

November 25-January 5

Other towns may have frozen lakes for ice skating, but San Diego’s got a seaside roller rink. Glide over to the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina for Downtown Skate By The Bay.

Rady Children’s Invitational

November 28-29

Four men’s college basketball teams, including two from last year’s Final Four, will hit the hardwood at LionTree Arena for year two of the Rady Children’s Invitational.

The post The Best Things to Do in San Diego This Month: Nov. 2024 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

From fresh seasonal produce, mouthwatering baked goods, and award-worthy cheeses to live entertainment and drinks served in coconuts, these farmers markets have something for every San Diegan. Here are 13 of the best, spanning from Coronado Island to Del Mar.

San Diego Farmers Markets Weekly Schedule

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Monday 

Welk Certified Farmers Market – Escondido

Small but undeniably charming, Welk Resort’s farmers market offers certified organic produce, specialized chocolate italian ice, guacamole, and sweet potato pies against a picture-perfect resort setting. The market also features family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts and raffles. And, because of its size, vendors will often remember you the next time you visit. 

• When: 3–7 p.m. 
• Where: 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido

Tuesday 

Coronado Farmers Market

One of the longest-running farmers markets in San Diego County, Coronado Farmers Market may be small, but don’t count them out just yet as your new Tuesday night routine. Each week, the market features fresh, locally sourced fare with views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline. Grab some berries, cheese, assorted roasted nuts, and flowers (for good measure), then pick a spot along the waterfront to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

• When: 2:30–6 p.m.
• Where: Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First Street at B Avenue, Coronado

Pacific Beach Tuesday Certified Farmers Market

Am I raving about this market because I just moved to Pacific Beach, and it’s only a street over, serving as my lifeline for food? Maybe. But let me tell you, nothing beats this market after a morning of swimming and a quick bike ride. Plus, this market offers three plant-based pop-ups, from the delicious and generous sushi rolls at Vegan Mirari to the flavorful vegan Mexican food with fishless fish tacos and tripe made from cauliflower and mushrooms. Acai bowls, hummus dip samples, Moroccan perfumes, bikinis, and fresh ocean air—what more could you ask for?

• When: 2–6 p.m.
• Where: 4500 Bayard Street from Garnet Avenue to Hornblend Street, Pacific Beach

Otay Ranch Farmers Market

A food lover’s paradise, this market is packed with an impressive selection of not only American food, but international fare, as well. With treats like chicken tikka masala, Thai coconut sundaes, and Jamaican jerk chicken, the options are so diverse that you could visit every week for months without eating the same thing twice.

• When: 4–7 p.m.
• Where: 2015 Birch Road and Eastlake Boulevard, Chula Vista

Wednesday

Little Italy Farmers Market

“Mangia Bene. Eat well. Be well.” That’s the slogan of the Little Italy Wednesday Mercato, where you can discover artisan foods and local crafts in the beautiful Piazza della Famiglia. Sip a cappuccino as you enjoy cheese and jalapeño tamales, pasture-raised eggs, oysters, baked croissants, and much more, all from California’s finest farmers, every Wednesday (and Saturday).

• When: 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
• Where: 501 West Date Street from Kettner Boulevard to Front Street, Little Italy

Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market

Not only was the OB Farmers Market my first as a San Diegan, but it’s remained one of my all-time favorites. It feels like a thrift store and a traditional farmers market had a prodigy love child. With local musicians handing out their mixtapes, true vintage race car jackets, and grilled cheese sandwiches the size of your face, this farmers market essentially doubles as a party on the beach.

• When: 4–7 p.m. (October–March); 4–8 p.m. (April–September)
• Where: 4900 Newport Avenue from Cable Street to Bacon Street, Ocean Beach

Thursday

North Park Farmers Market

Rain or shine, the North Park market shows up every Thursday with guava empanadas and unique artwork from over 65 local vendors. Bring friends, family, or kids, or even take a solo trip—the North Park community is ready to welcome you with open arms. It’s like a grocery store, but with a really big heart. Bonus: Verbatim Books, one of San Diego’s favorite bookstores, is just down the street.

• When: 3–6 p.m.
• Where: 2900 North Park Way from 30th Street to Granada Avenue, North Park

Oceanside Certified Farmers Market

Ready for a double header? Oceanside offers a must-visit morning farmers market and a sunset market every Thursday. Fill your reusable bag with organic honey and fresh-cut bouquets, then return later for New York–style pizza, roasted tri-tip, eclectic shopping, and live entertainment, all while basking in the pinks and oranges of the sunset. 

• When: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
• Where: 500 Pier View Way & Coast Highway, Oceanside; 401 Pier View Way, Oceanside

Friday

La Mesa Village Certified Farmers Market

They won me over when I heard there’s a “sweet potato man.” In the heart of downtown La Mesa, this market is the area’s go-to local spot, featuring an “inverted” layout that connects vendors with shoppers and nearby restaurants. Just a short walk from the trolley, you’ll find a small hot food alley with hand-sized bao buns and unexpected entertainment like a magician and face-painting.

• When: 3–7 p.m.
• Where: La Mesa Boulevard from Palm Avenue and Allison Avenue, La Mesa

Saturday

Del Mar Certified Farmers Market

Established in 1986, the Del Mar Farmers Market is the second-oldest in the region. As a certified nonprofit, it features East African cuisine, pesticide-free produce, French vinaigrettes, and potted herbs, all while supporting local organizations. Its location along the Coastal Highway offers an unbeatable backdrop for an ideal day of shopping.

• When: 12–4 p.m.
• Where 1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar (at Civic Center) 

Poway Farmers Market

History with flair. The Poway Farmers Market boasts a rustic, relaxed atmosphere where you’ll find waffle sandwiches, poultry, pet treats, crepes, Scottish dishes, and the finest local wines. If you’re looking to enjoy an iced cinnamon roll and take a train ride, this market has it all. 

• When: 8–11 a.m.
• Where: 14134 Midland Road at Temple St Poway

Sunday

La Jolla Open Aire Market

With nearly 150 vendors specializing in garlic-sauced stuffed hashbrowns, embroidered collared shirts, beautiful bouquets, and just about everything else, this market makes for a Sunday morning worth writing a song about. Plus, all proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary public school. 

• When: 9–1 p.m.
• Where: 7300 Block of Girard Avenue at Genter Street, La Jolla

Hillcrest Farmers Market

Oh, the crimes I would commit to go here every Sunday… Hillcrest Farmers Market is San Diego’s largest and oldest, with over 175 vendors and more than 10,000 visitors each week. Stretching down the street, every stand offers an incredibly wide range of goodies, from goat milk soaps to mango coconut sundaes. And there’s almost always live local bands or performance art.

• When: 8–2 p.m.
• Where: 3960 Normal Street from Lincoln Avenue to University Avenue, Hillcrest

Tips for Navigating a Farmers Market

Make a wish-list

I know, there’s nothing more stressful than planning out your groceries for the week. That’s where a wish list comes in. Think of products you’d ideally love to buy but aren’t locked into—it’s a farmers market, after all. They might not have exactly what you’re looking for, but isn’t that when the best surprises magically fall into your hands? Regardless, it’s good to have a rough idea of what you want. 

Do a walk-through first

Those apples and cranberries aren’t running away—it’s okay. I always recommend doing a full walk-through of the market first. Get a sense of the vendors and see which items on your list are actually available. If you’re heading to the market during peak season, expect it to be busy. Don’t jump the gun—take a deep breath and enjoy the experience.

Know what’s in season

Believe it or not, peaches aren’t in season in October… but that’s okay, because you’re after the best locally produced food in San Diego. Knowing what’s in season helps you plan meals and navigate the market like a season-ed regular. 

Ask questions

I’m betting you’re not a farmer (though, if you are, skip this section). If not, it’s completely acceptable that you may not know what that speckled vegetable is or be aware of which obscure fruits are in season. Luckily, one of the best parts about farmers markets is that you can usually try most products before you commit and chat with the vendors to learn more about what they’re selling. Consider spending time at their booth building a connection with them. Who knows? You might make a friend or get a great recipe recommendation. 

BYO(R)B: Bring your own reusable bag

Most farmers markets don’t offer plastic shopping bags. (I learned this the hard way, but it’s for the best!) Bring your own bags, crates, baskets—whatever reusable carry-on you prefer. I’ve even seen shoppers drag around mini coolers for their refrigerated products. Anything goes!

The post A Guide to San Diego’s Farmers Markets appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Searching for saganaki? Hit Greek town on the Danforth. Thali? Head to Little India in the east end. Momos? Parkdale’s Tibetan dumplings come fried or baked. Craving sweets? Little Portugal slings pastéis de nata, the tiny, cinnamon-dusted offspring of a créme brulée and a tart. And shumai? There are two Chinatowns downtown and four more in the Greater Toronto area. The range of food options speaks to the diversity of the city, as do its hotels, which bear their own global influences.

The Shangri-La Toronto, for instance, nods to the traditional décor of the hotel chain’s Hong Kong hometown in its sleek and expensive guest rooms. Its onsite spa, however, draws upon the Middle East, while the hotel restaurant, Bosk, offers Northern Italian food by way of Canadian produce.

For a hipper vibe, go with the historic Broadview Hotel in the east end. It has a lively rooftop restaurant with a view and rooms equipped with quirky wallpaper and vinyl record players. Or choose the Gladstone House on Queen West, one of Toronto’s oldest hotels. A refresh brought local art and funky mood lighting to contrast the building’s exposed brick walls.

To do Toronto right, start at Kensington Market. On a food tour from Chopsticks & Forks, I learn that Kensington began as a Jewish market. By 1931, 80 percent of all Jewish people dwelling in Toronto lived in and around the Kensington Market neighborhood just west of downtown, most from Eastern Europe. After the second World War, however, waves of immigration brought people from all over the world—from Asia, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and beyond.

These days, two synagogues call the area home alongside a cultural collision of many different communities. As you explore the market’s streets, you may hear a Bob Marley song emanating from one door, someone playing an accordion down the street, and an old man busking on an erhu (akin to a Chinese fiddle) on the corner. In less than three hours, we sample foods from nine countries and five continents, passing vintage clothing boutiques, bulk spice stores, butchers and cheese shops, specialty markets, and bohemian cafés along the way. After a smoked trout bagel sandwich from NU Bügel—a bakery started up by two Venezuelan friends—I scarf Jamaican food at Golden Patty, then wash down bites from Chilean-owned Jumbo Empanadas with a bright yellow Peruvian soft drink called Inca Kola. At Koi Japan Sushi, I nibble salmon avocado sushi, wrapped in tofu instead of seaweed and sprinkled with flakes of 18-karat gold. We finish our tour with a stop for a cookie and a rooibos tea at Fika Café, a Swedish coffee shop with a cozy room in the back where one wall is papered with open books.

And Kensington is just one of many markets in the city. St. Lawrence Market was the city’s first, beginning operations in 1803. Now spread over three buildings, it’s hopping with people picking up fresh fruit and vegetables; visiting seafood stalls, bakers, and butchers; and buying local favorites, like the peameal bacon sandwich.

Of course, food choices aren’t merely sequestered in the city’s markets. There are almost 9,500 restaurants in Toronto, including more than 80 Michelin-recognized spots, so visitors can’t run out of places to explore, even if they try.

At Adrak Yorkville, a fine-dining Indian restaurant, the rani kachori my husband and I share resembles a dispatch from Barbieland, its yogurt sauce dyed bright pink with beetroot and its crispy, puffed puri shell stuffed with veggies and adorned with edible flowers.

February 13, 2024

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The next night, we dine on an outdoor patio at Viaggio, an Italian restaurant near the west end’s Polish turned-hipster Roncesvalles Village. We began with the panzanella, the implied stodginess of a bread salad made light and refreshing with the addition of heirloom tomatoes, buffalo mozz, and wild leeks. It stands in perfect contrast to our next plate, the mafaldine, a rich tomato-based ragu with bone marrow, sausage, and rapini. And then dessert: tiramisu pancakes drenched in a warmed espresso syrup and topped with mascarpone mousse and a dash of cocoa.

The following week, we bike downtown to the Northern Thai spot PAI, where we descend a staircase into a labyrinth of connecting rooms with colorful flags draped from the ceiling. Our meal begins with the plum mule cocktail, a sweet, spicy take on the Moscow mule with plum wine in the mix.

A couple of nights later, I end up at BB’s Diner, an unpretentious Filipino restaurant bearing cozy booths and stools perched around an omakase-style bar. I start with the G&T—made with a cordial based on calamansi, a citrus native to the Philippines—then dig into the Adobo fried chicken with pineapple habanero sauce.

Toronto, truly, is a great place to get full. But while food tells you much about a city’s culture, Toronto’s diversity is also something you can see, feel, and hear.

The city loves its street festivals, from celebrations of salsa dancing on St. Clair and the Polish festival on Roncesvalles to the Ukrainian Festival on Bloor West and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the largest of its kind in North America. The colder months bring an ice sculpture fest, light shows, and winter markets.

Toronto’s more than 60 galleries and museums, too, reflect the breadth of the city’s cultures. Venture beyond standbys like the Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Museum of Contemporary Art to wander lesser-known but equally fascinating spaces such as the Aga Khan Museum, which showcases Islamic art and artifacts amid stunning, rectilinear architecture. The museum also hosts lectures and poetry, music, and dance performances, including the Duende Flamenco Festival, taking place November 14 to 17.

The newly opened Toronto Holocaust Museum was intentionally designed, says Marketing and Communications Director Michelle Fishman, as a “contemplative space” where visitors are invited to “approach the content through the lens of their own unique immigration experiences, efforts at acculturation, [or] lived trauma.” Across town, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto offers free tours, giving visitors the chance to explore the city’s Indigenous Canadian roots.

Wellness opportunities also abound, accommodating more customs and budgets than other towns might. An hour-long Thai massage on Bahn Thai Spa’s traditional floor mats will set you back a mere 100 Canadian dollars (about 75 US bucks), while those seeking decadence can invest hundreds into a facial with French ingredients at Hotel X’s fancy Guerlain spa. At the South-Western Bathhouse, tucked in a back alley on the side of a strip mall in Mississauga, you can unwind the Russian way, sweating in a cedar parilka or Finnish sauna and indulging in the strangely soothing charms of a venik, essentially a whipping with a bundle of tree branches. Throw back a shot of vodka, cup of tea, or hearty bowl of goulash before you leave.

Then, relaxed and fortified, find the nearest map, close your eyes, and point. Chances are, wherever your finger lands, Toronto provides the opportunity to explore a multitude of cultures mere steps away.

The post A Guide to Toronto’s Diverse Culinary Scene appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

But with the honor of housing the compellingly strange little creatures comes responsibility. In collaboration with the newly opened Platypus Rescue HQ at Taronga Zoo in Dubbo, Australia, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is helping the tiny species of mixed-up beaver wannabes face up to threats like habitat loss, drought, fire, and extreme heat without going extinct. Among other things, that means carefully collecting data on our pair—Eve and Birrarung—and relaying it back to HQ over monthly Zooms.

“Our goal is to find out which conditions platypus[es] thrive, survive, and reproduce [in],” Nollens says.

The Safari Park platypus habitat, for its part, is a dimly lit aquarium with mud slopes, burrows, and waterfalls. “People get surprised by how small they are,” says Shawn Sleeper, senior wildlife care specialist. “And [how] bizarre.”

“They are truly a mix of species, like a turducken,” Nollens adds. The platypus is a monotreme, a mammal that lays eggs. Like a bird or lizard, it has a cloaca, a one-stop-shop hole for reproduction and excretions, yet it also has fur. Its feet are webbed. It glows under UV light, and instead of using vision to hunt, it relies on the shark-like electroreceptors in its bill. Its thick tail is akin to a pantry, storing 40 percent of its body fat for lean times. The only things it doesn’t have, it seems, are a stomach and teeth. It chews using keratin lumps that look like miniature sand dunes, then sends the food straight to its intestines.

While the science is clear on how weird platypuses are, it’s less clear on how to get them to produce successful offspring. Since 1947, only 23 puggles (the adorable name for a baby platypus) have been born in captivity. “No one has cracked the code,” Nollens says.

What we know so far is that, in the wild, they mate June through November. Males swim up and down the river looking for ladies while fighting each other with their venomous heel spurs. (It’s a macho thing, like bucks with their antlers.) The females pull out all the stops to avoid them, sometimes even pretending they aren’t nocturnal by switching to daytime life. Then, at some point (researchers still aren’t sure exactly when), the female becomes cool with the guys. When things heat up, the male will bite onto the female’s tail, and, if she’s down, she’ll latch onto his. After that, it gets kind of meta: They swim in a circle while locked in a circle.

“And then?” I ask.

“Copulation,” Sleeper says.

He can’t describe it in detail—something about genital alignment—but I need more. I feel like a perv, but I have a job to do. “Any interesting things, like ducks with their corkscrew penises?” I prompt. I’m also thinking about hyenas’ curious habit of giving birth through their clitorises.

“What they do is not consistent with what I’ve seen with the rest of the species I’ve worked with,” he replies.

In other words, platypuses are freaky. After the unique coupling, the female goes solo again. She builds a nest, lays her eggs, and incubates them for 10 days before they hatch. At that point, she lactates—but she doesn’t have any nipples, which means milk just kind of oozes through glands onto her abdomen, where the babies lap it up like she’s their own little food dish.

We still don’t know why they aren’t doing this successfully in zoos, but Sleeper and his colleagues are determined to find out. Though our pair is likely infertile (Eve is 20, the platypus equivalent of a senior citizen), they still go through all the romantic stuff—the chasing, the avoiding, the tail biting. Eve even builds nests. Sleeper takes temperatures and collects hormone levels and sends all of his observations to Australia’s HQ, where two young pairs have recently moved in and 65 burrows are readied to extract and house platypuses during climate catastrophes.

The program, which just launched earlier this year, has lofty aims: They eventually want to reestablish and augment existing wild populations and understand the threshold temperatures they can withstand. But for now, it’s all about collecting small data points. Sleeper is about to go off in his chest-high waders to count crayfish heads (the best way to determine how much the platypuses are eating) and collect fecal samples to test those little cute weirdos’ hormone levels. “It’s going to illuminate a lot of questions,” he says.

The post How the San Diego Zoo’s Platypuses Are Helping Save Their Species appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Submit Your Work Here

Meet the Judges

Our panel of expert judges will carefully select the top designs in key categories. 

Daniela Deutsch

Daniela Deutsch has been practicing and teaching Architecture for the past 20 years. She is currently the Dean of School of Architecture and Professor at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego and serves on the Board for the San Diego Green Building Council.

Megan Groth

Megan Groth is an architect, urbanist, educator and author of the book Places We Love: San Diego Tijuana. She has taught at the University of Washington, Oxford Brookes University and Woodbury University, and is now a lecturer in architecture at the University of San Diego.

Keith York

Keith York, a native San Diegan, documents the region’s modernist art and architecture through ModernSanDiego.com. As a real estate professional, he specializes in architect-designed properties. His restoration of the Bobertz and Sim Bruce Richards residences gained wide recognition. Keith curated exhibitions such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Legacy in San Diego and Julius Shulman: Modern San Diego. His upcoming book, Craig Ellwood: Remembering The Thin Man, is set for release this holiday season.

Beverly Feldman

Beverly Feldman is an interior designer and entrepreneur, specializing in multifunctional furniture and innovative design solutions. With a background in both residential and commercial spaces, she brings expertise in optimizing challenging environments. A leader in the industry, Beverly currently serves as Chapter President of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Categories for Submission

Interior Residential Design

Bathroom

Living/Family Room

Kitchen

Dining Room

Bedroom

Closet

Home Office

Staircases

Exterior Residential Design

Front Yard Landscaping

Backyard Landscaping

Pool + Spa Design

ADU

Exterior Renovation

Patio/Porch

Use of Paint Color

Outdoor Kitchen + BBQ

Commercial Design

Restaurant Design

Bar Design

Event Venue Design

Hotel/Resort Lobby Design

Hotel/Resort Room Design

Commercial Landscape Design

Office Interior Design

Retail Design

Coffee Shop/Cafe Design

Home of the Year

Interior: Modern, Coastal, Contemporary, Eclectic, Mid-Century, Minimalist, Rustic

Exterior: Modern, Mid-Century, Craftsman, Coastal, Cottage/Bungalow, Mediterranean, Spanish

Student Submission (No Fee)

Best Overall Design

Key Dates & Deadlines

Submission Deadline – Sunday, November 10, 2024; 11:59 p.m.

Reader’s Choice Voting – November 18–24, 2024

Winners Announced

Winners of Expert’s Choice will be featured in the April 2025 San Diego Magazine Home + Design Issue and Reader’s Choice winners will be listed online at sdmag.com.

Awards & Recognition

Expert’s Choice

Winners in select categories, chosen by our panel of judges, will be featured in the April 2025 San Diego Magazine Home + Design issue and online at sdmag.com.

Reader’s Choice

Winners, voted by the public, will be featured online at sdmag.com. All winners will receive a branded digital 2025 badge for use on web, social, and print. 

Student Submission: The winning student entry will receive 20 percent of the collected submission fees and will be featured in San Diego Magazine.

Get Recognized

This is your chance to be featured in San Diego Magazine and gain recognition as one of the top design professionals in the city. Whether you’re entering for the Expert’s Choice or vying for the Reader’s Choice, now is the time to put your best work forward.

Submit Your Work Here

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The post San Diego Magazine’s Home + Design Awards 2025 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

October 19

Though the name of this event is all about the brews, there will be much more than beer on tap at Rancho BEERnardo, with over 35 local breweries, wineries, and distilleries to check out from 2 to 5 p.m. at Webb Park this Saturday. This 21-plus event will include live music from Setting Sons and Par Avion and food from Mama V’s Lumpia, Tony’s Pepperoni Pizzeria, and Duffs Doggz. General admission ($65) comes with unlimited two-ounce pours, while VIP ($90) includes early admission at 1 p.m., an exclusive lounge, preferred parking and complimentary food. Tickets for Rancho BEERnardo can be purchased here. 

11666 Avena Place, Rancho Bernardo

Santee Brews and Bites

October 19

Find a nice balance of neighborhood eateries, chain food spots, and local drink makers at Santee’s Brews and Bites fundraiser at Town Center Community Park East from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. this Saturday. Fast Times will provide the ’80s-inspired soundtrack for the night. Attendees can also place their bids at the silent auction and try their luck in the opportunity drawing to win weekend getaways, free yoga classes, in-home wine samplings, and more. Tickets, including general admission passes ($59.78), can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

550 Park Center Drive, Santee

San Diego Spirits Festival

October 19–20

The Museum of Contemporary Art hosts the 15th annual San Diego Spirits Festival this weekend. Enjoy unlimited sips from a selection of more than 65 spirit brands serving bourbon, gin, mezcal, and more (or cocktails and seltzers if that’s your preference). There will also be bites from local restaurants, a silent auction for the Center for Culinary Culture, and plenty of live entertainment, including belly dancers, DJs, and a flamenco guitarist. Tickets are $75 for Saturday (2 to 6 p.m.) and $85 for Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.)

700 Prospect Street, La Jolla 

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego International Film Festival

October 16–20

Watch the California premiere of the Amy Adams horror-comedy Nightbitch, dive into the works of female filmmakers in the Women’s Film Series, and take a bite of movie magic with Culinary Cinema at the San Diego International Film Festival. Attendees can stop by industry parties, Q&As, and special events like the glamorous Night of the Stars Tribute. Participating festival venues include the Museum of Photographic Arts, AMC 14 UTC, and the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. Explore the variety of ticket options, from $20 individual screening tickets to the upscale $550 VIP pass, here. 

La Jolla & Balboa Park 

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan at Viejas Arena 

October 18

Over the course of “Brat Summer,” Charli XCX’s inescapable masterpiece evolved from an album into a full-fledged phenomenon, spreading from limeade green billboards to politicians’ social media accounts. But just because summer is gone doesn’t mean the moment is over; the party is still raging, and fans will hear “Von Dutch,” “Mean Girls” and all of the club classics at Viejas Arena Friday night. Charli is joined by pop sensation Troye Sivan, whose music embraces the “Rush” of a night on the dancefloor. Resale tickets for this concert start at $211.82 on Ticketmaster. 

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando

BirdStock

October 19

La Jolla Boulevard will be closed from Midway Street to Camino De La Costa as BirdStock, the Bird Rock neighborhood’s free annual music festival, returns bigger than ever. This Saturday, listen to all-day live music from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as local bands (including headliners Lioneer) hit the main stage. Plus, stop by an artisan market, a pop-up pickleball court, a kids’ entertainment stage, and several nearby shops for discounted items. Proceeds from BirdStock will go towards Bird Rock Elementary and future iterations of the festival. 

5509 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla 

University Heights Fall Festival 

October 19

While supporting local artisans, makers, and growers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday at the Birney Joint Use Field, attendees at the free University Heights Fall Festival can pick a gourd in the pumpkin patch, play field games, take a community yoga class, and enjoy plenty of live entertainment from mariachi groups, ballet folklorico troupes, and tribute bands. Additional paid activities include a horse drawn hayride, a pie-baking contest, and a make-your-own-caramel-apple station. Proceeds benefit Birney Elementary.

4324 Park Boulevard, University Heights

San Diego Zine Fest

October 19–20

Dive into San Diego’s DIY zeitgeist at the 12th annual San Diego Zine Fest, where dozens of local artists will display and sell their self-published writing, photography, and artwork at Bread & Salt all weekend long. Drinks from Mujeres Brew House and food from Murillos Menu and Flavor Lab will be available for purchase at this weekend’s festival. 

1955 Julian Avenue, Barrio Logan

Bella Vita Fest

October 19–20

At Bella Vita Fest, ArtWalk San Diego’s two-day celebration of Little Italy, explore over 50 chalk art paintings, hear live music, and learn recipes from local chefs cooking onstage from 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Plus, there will be more than 20 neighborhood wine samples to try, plus Italian culinary favorites like cannoli, Neapolitan-style pizza, and cheese wheel pasta. Admission to the festival is free. Wine-tasting tickets for five ($27.05) and 12 ($60.05) samples for each day can be purchased here.

550 West Date Street, Little Italy

Escondido Grand Avenue Festival

October 20

The Grand Avenue Festival offers live entertainment, international culinary options, and shopping from more than 400 retail, craft, and artisan vendors this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Escondido’s favorite fall festival will also feature children’s rides, four live music stages, and a beer and wine garden.

Grand Avenue, Escondido 

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical at Brooks Theater 

Through October 20 

Stranger Sings! flips the hair-raising adventures of Stranger Things into irresistible rompy fun. The musical embraces the zaniness of the ’80s, with songs inspired by the show and tons of love for nostalgia, geek culture, and unlikely heroes. There will be four final shows this weekend at the Brooks Theater as the production ends its first run in SoCal. Tickets for Stranger Sings! are available for $40. 

217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside

Carlos Castro Arias: The Splinter In The Eye at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

October 19–January 11, 2025

The new Athenaeum Music & Arts Library exhibition The Splinter In The Eye will feature 11 new paintings from La Mesa–based artist Carlos Castro Arias, plus an assortment of created objects, sculpture and natural elements that supplement his insight on shared and solo identity. There will be a free opening reception for the exhibition this Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

1008 Wall Street, La Jolla

Foster + Partners: Architecture of Light and Space at San Diego Museum of Art

October 19–April 27, 2025

SDMA’s new Foster + Partners exhibition showcases the designs and models of architect Norman Foster, whose global firm of architects focuses on open space, daylight, and sustainability. The show explores his nature-driven ethos in three sections: Working with History, Embracing the Environment, and Community and Culture.

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash

October 18

The USS Midway Museum’s annual Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash features group and solo costume contests, a flash mob set to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and spooky cocktails and snacks this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Other highlights from this family-friendly event include Halloween bag decorating, face painting, trick-or-treat stations, music from DJ Danny, and AirCombat flight simulator sessions ($5). General admission is $25 for this event and $20 for museum members.

910 North Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

San Diego Gulls Home Opener vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds at Pechanga Arena 

October 18

The San Diego Gulls are back on home ice at Pechanga Arena and looking for their first win of the 2024–25 season as they face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds in this Saturday’s home opener. Players to watch this season for the Gulls include highly touted prospect Nathan Gaucher, along with newly acquired veterans Roland McKeown and Ryan Carpenter. Fans in attendance at Saturday’s game will receive a rally towel, belt bag, and light-up wristband. Tickets range from $37 to $182 on AXS.

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

Fright For Future 

October 18–20

While most haunted attractions focus on the supernatural, Fright For Future finds horror in our everyday reality. While there will still be witches, mad scientists, and ghouls, the real-world inspirations for the haunted maze include polluted waters, fast-fashion consequences, and cruel treatment of animals. Over three days at the San Diego Made Factory, thrill seekers ages 10 and up can stand face-to-face with man-made horrors. Reserve your free spot at Fright For Future on Eventbrite.

2031 Commercial Street, Logan Heights

The Big Birthday Block Party at The Nat

October 19

The Nat celebrates 150 years of archeological preservation with a Big Birthday Block Party this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the party, chat with scientists, partake in themed games and activities, check out relics from the museum’s past, enjoy cocktails at The Nat’s rooftop bar, and much more. Admission to the block party, as well as the museum and the halls of its new Paleontology Center, is free.

1788 El Prado, Balboa Park

The post 17 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Oct. 17–20 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Thanks to our consistently temperate weather, conveniently located airport, and diverse mix of landscapes, it’s not a matter of finding a venue that’ll fit your dream day. It’s a matter of choosing which dream day you’d like to have.

I got married here this year, and after touring what felt like hundreds of places, I can confidently say that our city has no shortage of swoon-worthy options. You’ll want to get married at them all. But you can’t. So to get you one major step closer to saying “I do,” here are 10 local wedding venues that offer a variety of settings and styles for every kind of couple.

The Lane

Marina District

Set along the edge of downtown overlooking San Diego Bay, this 10,000-square-foot, industrial-chic venue is a blank slate with a killer view. What The Lane lacks in amenities, it makes up for in capacity and curfew—great if you’ve got a large guest list of people who will tear up the dance floor into the wee hours of the night. And if the party’s still going after 11:30 p.m., there are plenty of bars and clubs nearby you can take it to.

Best for: DIYers and all-night dancers

San Diego Safari Park

Escondido

I doubt getting married in the company of giraffes, rhinos, and Sumatran tigers is on your Pinterest board, but thanks to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, it can be. The Kijamii Overlook at the Safari Park in Escondido includes live animal encounters, firepits and sweeping views of the African Plains. So the chances of impressing your new in-laws and getting a gazelle in the background of your wedding portraits are both very high.

Best for: Animal lovers and WOW factors

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The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

Ocean Beach

If there’s one San Diego venue I’d dub as a hidden gem, it’s The Inn at Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach. Set directly next to the iconic Sunset Cliffs, this charming little hotel has a surprisingly large terrace overlooking the ocean—which makes for a sunset portrait sesh your photographer will promote for decades. Plus if you reserve all 24 rooms, you won’t be sharing your special day (or weekend) with anyone who isn’t on the invite list.

Best for: Epic photos and not sharing your venue with strangers

The Wedding Bowl

La Jolla

As you may have guessed by its nickname, The Wedding Bowl (a.k.a. Cuvier Park) is a popular spot for intimate ceremonies. Up to 48 of your closest family and friends can watch you and your spouse-to-be exchange vows on this grassy knoll that runs along the La Jolla coastline. It’s strangely private, considering its location, and your options for a killer reception or dinner (should you choose to have one) are endless in the nearby La Jolla Village.

Best for: Micro weddings and cliffside commitments 

Flagship Cruises

San Diego Bay

Dream of getting married at sea? Flagship Cruises & Events can make that dream a reality with its 115-foot yacht, the California Princess. It comes with all the things you need to throw an elegant soirée (including locally sourced California cuisine) minus the stress of planning, thanks to an on-board coordinator. Imagine how romantic your first waltz will be with the 1,600-square-foot deck as your dance floor—and the downtown skyline as your backdrop.

Best for: Sunset vows and dolphin sightings

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Mission Bay

My husband and I tied the knot at this bayside resort, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Most of our attendees traveled from the East Coast, so being close to the airport and providing accommodations greatly influenced our venue choice. The property is gorgeous, with multiple ceremony and reception spaces to choose from (though I’d recommend dancing the night away under the magical ficus tree at Bayside Terrace), and the staff went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly.

Best for: Out-of-town guests and weekend-long weddings

September 4, 2024

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Venue 808

East Village

San Diego is ripe with romantic outdoor venues. But if you’d rather not stress over gnats or weather updates, this East Village locale offers an alternative: a fully indoor venue with a grove of mature, fairy-lit olive trees. There’s also a farmhouse chapel, two furnished get-ready suites and a speakeasy-style bar, amongst a smorgasbord of other amenities that will take a lot of the guesswork out of planning.

Best for: Hands-off planning and grove vibes (without the grove bugs)

Rancho Guejito

Escondido

You don’t have to jet off to Italy for a rustic vineyard wedding. Just drive 45 minutes north, and you’ll find Rancho Guejito, a historic 23,000-acre estate in Escondido with vineyards, orchards and gardens galore. The property hosts up to 300 guests and includes multiple ceremony and reception spots, all of which are surrounded by a panorama of meadows and mountains

Best for: Large weddings and wine lovers

The Guild Hotel

Downtown

Hotels love to throw out the word “ballroom” to describe a carpeted conference hall designed for PowerPoint presentations. But The Guild Hotel is not one of those places. This downtown property transformed a former YMCA gymnasium into a chic event space with textured brick walls, vaulted ceilings and tons of natural lighting. Rather host outside? There’s also an urban garden, a European-inspired courtyard, and an intimate rooftop terrace at your disposal.

Best for: Cool weddings and ballrooms that actually feel like ballrooms

Garty Pavilion

Mission Bay

Yes, technically, this is the home of the San Diego Rowing Club. But when the boats and oars are stowed away, this space is transformed into a gorgeous summer-only venue overlooking Mission Bay. You can make your big entrance from the water via boat or jet ski rental and exchange your vows in the sand, steps away from the water’s edge. Afterward, move the party to an open-air pavilion with a roomy dance floor and unobstructed water views.

Best for: Classic beach weddings and jet-ski grand entrances

The post 10 of the Best Wedding Venues in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

They’ll do just that at the conference taking place from October 18 to 21 at the Westin Bayview downtown. GPLEX is a program run by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, a nonprofit think tank that’s been around for more than a century. The organization focuses on building equity in economic growth, and GPLEX is part of that push. 

Each year, they gather about 200 leaders from different sectors in Philadelphia—including nonprofits, government, and private—and take them to new cities to learn how leaders in those cities tackle issues like workforce development, social equity and economic growth.

“In its original inception, GPLEX happened every other year in a different city,” says GPLEX director Kejsi Shahaj. “We used to do one home GPLEX here in Philly, and then we would do an away GPLEX outside of the city. But as of the last three years, we’ve done back-to-back visits because we think people really tap into the experience and totally disconnect from their work and home life and lean in fully into the conference when it happens away, as opposed to here where people can take a break to go home or to go into their office.”

In the past, GPLEX has visited places like New Orleans and Detroit. This year, they picked San Diego to learn more about how it works as a binational hub. “What stood out to me about San Diego was the way it really leans into the way it operates as a binational region, [as well as] globalization and its foreign-born populations in the city,” Shahaj says. “You can point to San Diego as a city that lives very harmoniously with their neighbors to the south and actually really leans into that relationship with Mexico.”

She also hopes GPLEX attendees will learn from San Diego’s unique type of diversity. “Philadelphia has traditionally been seen as a Black-and-white city, but with all the immigration trends, we’re experiencing this identity shift,” she says. “San Diego offers a different way of thinking about diversity—how to integrate immigrant populations into the workforce and community in a meaningful way.”

With less than a month until the election, the border is going to be a hot topic at the conference. Attendees will go on a field trip, or “regional exploration,” to the Cross-Border Express, the pedestrian bridge that connects San Diego to Tijuana’s airport.

Attendees will also visit Balboa Park to learn about arts and culture, the San Diego Zoo to hear about conservation efforts, and Feeding San Diego to discuss food distribution and the food economy.

“We also do ‘dine-arounds,’ which are essentially organized dinners for folks to do some more informal networking and eat some good local food,” Shahaj says. Some of the restaurants they’ll visit include Callie, Urban Wood, Juniper and Ivy, and Trust. 

Attendees will also hear from San Diego leaders including Mark Cafferty from the Regional Economic Development Corporation, Lisa Cuestas from Casa Familiar, Mauricio Torre from South Bay Community Services, Sunny Cooke from Mira Costa College, Tony Young from Workforce Development Partnership, and Lucas Coleman from the World Trade Center San Diego. 

These leaders will be talking about what works well in San Diego, but also the region’s challenges, including housing affordability and homelessness. “California coastal cities might seem like this utopia to us East Coasters,” Shahaj says. “But there are real struggles here, too—particularly around housing and homelessness.”

Shahaj hopes attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to tackle issues in a way that works for their city. “There’s so much to learn from how San Diego integrates its immigrant populations and prioritizes public spaces like parks and green areas,” she says. “That’s something we can really take to heart in Philly.” The event wraps up with a closing reception on the Star of India at the Maritime Museum.

The post Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange Comes to San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.