Food and Drink | Concerts and Theater | Festivals and Art | More Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego

North Park Festival of Beers 

April 6

Taking place in front of the LaFayette Hotel, the 14th annual North Park Festival of Beers, presented by 91X, will feature 50 alcohol brands and breweries. Attendees ages 21 and up can rock out with San Diego musicians at the live music stage; shop from local food, craft, and artisan vendors; and explore sips from Thr3e Punk Ales, Societe Brewing Co., and other SD brewers. Proceeds go toward the San Diego Music Foundation’s Taylor Guitars for Schools program. General admission ($45) comes with unlimited beer samples, while VIP admission ($65) gets you an extra hour of sampling. There are also designated driver tickets ($30) for those who just want to hang.

2223 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park

Tequila & Taco Music Festival

April 6–7

Though the Tequila & Taco Music Festival stops at several California cities throughout the year, it’s fitting that its first destination would be San Diego—the home of the best Mexican cuisine this side of the border. This Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. at Thrive Park, enjoy top-shelf tequila tastings and mouth-watering street tacos. There will also be live music from artists such as Warren G and Shaggy, pop-up dance clubs, a vendor village, and craft beer (just in case tequila isn’t your thing). Tickets for the festival range from $30 to $70. 

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

Concerts & Theater in San Diego

Without Walls (WOW) Festival

April 4–7

The La Jolla Playhouse’s eclectic performing arts festival returns with four days of interactive, site-specific theater performances that transform any setting to a stage. Local and international artists stage shows and exhibitions at venues around UC San Diego, including Revelle Plaza, the Epstein Family Amphitheater, and La Jolla Playhouse. Experience over 25 unique offerings, from immersive ocean soundscapes to colorful art installations. All performances are free to enjoy; some shows require RSVPs ahead of time, while most welcome walk-ups. See our complete guide here.

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla

Boots in the Park

April 6

Craving more country after listening to Cowboy Carter? This Saturday, lace up your boots and don a 10-gallon hat for all-day country festival Boots in the Park. At Waterfront Park from 1 to 11 p.m., enjoy a lineup that includes Thomas Rhett, Scotty McCreery, and Alana Springsteen, plus art installations, craft food, cocktails, line dancing, and more. Ticket options include general admission ($129), GA Pit Pass+ ($199), and VIP ($299).

1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero

San Diego Sings! Festival

April 6

Fifteen San Diego County choirs will flex their chops this Saturday at Baker-Baum Concert Hall for San Diego Sings!, a three-concert, single-day singing extravaganza from the Choral Consortium of San Diego. Each show features five choirs who perform individually and collectively. Tickets for each of the three performances (taking place at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.) are available for $23.

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Mariachi Festival

April 7

Route 78 Rotary Club’s 10th annual Mariachi Festival celebrates the rhythms and traditions of mariachi music with a spirited concert at California Center for the Arts Escondido from 3 to 6 p.m this Sunday. The festival will begin with a tacos-and-tequila pre-show reception for VIP attendees, followed by a 3 p.m. concert with Mariachi Los Camperos and ballet folklórico dancers from Tierra Caliente Academy. Proceeds from the festival go towards Route 78’s educational and charitable programs in North County. Standard tickets are available from $25 to $50, while VIP tickets are $100.

340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

San Diego Writers Festival

April 6

The 2024 San Diego Writers Festival will host several free events—including panels, workshops, performances, and awards—from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday at the Coronado Public Library. The fifth annual festival will feature literary giants like writer/director Ed Zwick; best-selling authors Dr. Judith Orloff, Anita Moorjani, and Matthew Quirk; and several local writing talents (like SDM’s own Jackie Bryant!), plus food and live music. Whether you’re a mystery buff, a historical biography fan, or a writer looking to bolster your skills, there are plenty of offerings to choose from, with 90 speakers and 40 events to enjoy throughout the day.

640 Orange Avenue, Coronado

San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Festival

April 7

The 33rd annual San Marcos Spring Fling & Street Festival takes place this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing together more than 200 local and nationwide vendors, including artisan, craft, and food sellers. This free, community-focused event features local wine and craft beer, a food court, a kids’ fun zone with carnival rides, and two stages of live entertainment. The Spring Fling’s local musician lineup includes Eric Clapton tribute band Clapton Hook, Soul to Soul: The Stevie Ray Vaughan Experience, and Dueling Pianos & Friends with Danny DiCarlo and Brian Wahlstrom.

Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

GoodGuys Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals

April 5–7

Returning to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for yet another automotive spectacle, GoodGuys Meguiar welcomes hot rods and American muscle cars made through 1999. Vintage car fans and nitro junkies can scope out more than 2,500 classic cars and enjoy a variety of activities, including a kids’ zone, swap meet, and lowrider showcases. Catch several competitions, like the illustrious “Street Rod d’Elegance,” which celebrates the best pre-1949 street rods. Single-day spectator tickets are $25 for Friday and Saturday and $20 for Sunday; single-day youth tickets for ages 7 to 12 are $10, while children ages 6 and under get free entry.

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

626 Night Market 

April 5–7

This iconic Asia-inspired, Arcadia-based night market returns bigger and better than ever at San Diego’s Mission Valley Mall. This Friday from 3 to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m., shop more than 100 local vendors selling a wide variety of merchandise, from stickers to jewelry. Explore rows of food options—like Hawaiian honey cones and potato swirls—and jam out to live music. Ticket options include single-day general admission passes for $3 and three-day weekend passes for $6.

1640 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley

Dodo & Cars

April 6

From 7 to 10 a.m. this Saturday, Dodo Bird Donuts hosts its second Dodo & Cars event. The variety of cars on display will entice any local gearhead. Plus, attendees get free coffee and donuts, enjoy limited edition merchandise giveaways, and can participate in a raffle to earn car-themed prizes.

369 Bird Rock Avenue, La Jolla

Fun 5Ks 

April 6–7

The 20th annual Race for Autism Superhero 5K and one-mile family walk invites all San Diegans to channel their inner avenger and take part in a community event for Autism Acceptance Month. This family-friendly event will feature a post-race party with music, activities, and an information resource fair hosting more than 50 autism-related vendors. Looking for a classic morning road race? Sunday’s Carlsbad 5000 takes runners to the edge of the ocean in Carlsbad with several 5K race divisions for all ages and abilities, plus a post-race health and fitness expo that includes a beer garden and live music and entertainment. Registration for the Carlsbad 5000 comes with two Pizza Port beers (for racers aged 21 and up), a race shirt, a finishers medal, and a race photo, plus access to the afterparty. 

Race for Autism: 6th Avenue & Laurel Street, Balboa Park | Carlsbad 5000: Roosevelt and Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad

The post 12 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: April 4–7 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

As March draws to a close, San Diego comes alive with a host of vibrant activities. From festive egg hunts to the the San Diego Padres home opener at Petco Park, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Diego this weekend. Check out our full list of the best events, festivals, and activities to enjoy below:

Concerts & Theater Events in San Diego

Beauty and the Beast

March 28–30

The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet has a weekend full of shows in store at Casa Del Prado Theater, with four performances of Beauty and the Beast beginning this Thursday night. Directed by Danika Pramik-Holdaway, this enchanting ballet follows the classic tale of a love that breaks an evil spell. Tickets are $25.

1600 Village Place, Balboa Park

Balboa Theatre’s 100th Anniversary

March 28–30

Fête a century of the Balboa Theatre with a weekend full of family-friendly events in the Gaslamp. The festivities begin Thursday night with the 100th Anniversary Gala, where pianist Hershey Felder will explore 100 years of popular American music. Friday night brings a silent film screening, while Saturday morning’s kid-centric event features classic cartoons. The celebration closes on Saturday night with San Diego Spotlight, a stacked showcase of community performing arts troupes. Tickets for the gala start at $50. All other events will set you back a mere $3.50.

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp

Besos Jazz Trio

March 29

The Besos Jazz Trio will play a free, hour-long concert from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. this Friday at the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd at The Conrad as part of La Jolla Music Society’s Outdoor Concert Series. Each member of the trio brings unique experience in a variety of world genres to the stage, from ballet folklorico to the Selmer-style manouche guitar. A 4-to-5-p.m. swing dancing class led by local instructors Maria Caligagan and Michael Saltus will precede the concert. The event is first-come, first-served. RSVP to attend. 

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Sonia De Los Santos

March 29

Drawing upon son jarocho, cumbia, salsa, and folk traditions, Sonia De Los Santos stages interactive shows, playing children’s music in English and Spanish. This Friday night at 6:30 p.m., she will perform at The New Children’s Museum at 6:30 p.m. Kids and parents can dance and sing along to tunes about friendship, animals, and childhood dreams whilst learning about Latin American musical history. Tickets for Friday’s show are $22 for adults, $12 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for children under 2 years old. | 200 West Island Avenue, Downtown

Spring Harp Fest

March 30

San Diego’s grassroots celebration of blues harmonica returns to Harry Griffen Regional Park this Saturday with musical performances beginning at 11 a.m. This free, volunteer-led annual event—always taking place on the cusp of Easter—invites families to bring a picnic and spend an afternoon at the park supporting local harmonica players. There will be a suggested $20 donation upon entry, with additional opportunities to donate at the festival raffle and online.

9550 Milden Street, La Mesa

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

Shirin Towfiq: Threaded Journeys

Opens March 30

Opening this Saturday at the Mingei International Museum, Shirin Towfiq’s new exhibition Threaded Journeys depicts Persian folk traditions of storytelling through art and craft while also bringing to life her experience as a second-generation Iranian refugee through embroidery, patchwork, and digital prints. See the show through August 11.

1439 El Prado, Balboa Park

Allied Craftsmen of San Diego: Hands On Design

Opens March 30

The Oceanside Museum of Art’s new exhibition Hands on Design, a showcase from Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, opens this Saturday and runs through August 18. Guusje Sanders, curator of the Mingei International Museum, juried the show, which highlights local handcrafted artwork in a variety of mediums, including wood and metalworking, pottery, and fiber arts.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

More Things to Do in San Diego

San Diego Padres Home Opener

March 28 

The Padres split their first series of the year against the Dodgers in Seoul, Korea: While they suffered a 5-2 loss in the first Major League Baseball game of 2024, they went on to bash LA in a 15-11 victory. Now back in the States, the Padres will kick off their first homestand of the season with a four-game set against the San Francisco Giants, beginning with their home opener this Thursday at 1:10 p.m. Tickets start at $70. | 100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

East Village Block Party

March 30

From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, the 12th annual East Village Block Party will celebrate the start of the San Diego Padres season with several local food vendors, live music, and a walk-through car show. Attendees can expect appearances from the San Diego Wave and SD Legion, and the block party will also include beer and cocktails, fitness activations, photo ops, and more as East Village parties for the Pads.

J Street from 7th Avenue to 10th Avenue, East Village

Weekend Activities at The Flower Fields 

March 29–31

San Diegans can bid winter goodbye and “Spring into Color” at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, where fields of colorful ranunculus are at their brightest. This weekend’s lineup of events includes Friday night’s sunset wine tasting ($115), accompanied by live music, and Saturday morning’s one-hour yoga flow overlooking the blooms ($45 and includes admission to The Flower Fields).

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad

A Day at the Park: Pepper Park

March 30

This free event includes SD artists, musicians, food vendors, and a kids’ zone from 12 to 5 p.m. at Pepper Park. Little ones can explore mini golf, face painting, games, crafts, and more, and attendees will also catch performances from local school bands and cultural music groups, including Grupo Folklorico Herencia Mexicana and the UCSD Chinese Dance Association.

3299 Tidelands Avenue, National City

The post 11 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: March 28–31 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink Events in San Diego

Taste of Third

March 21

Named after Chula Vista’s legendary Third Avenue and showcasing the best eats and drinks in the city, the 28th annual Taste of Third occurs this Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Attendees will pick up their Taste of Third passport to sample drinks and bites from more than 25 neighborhood businesses, including Don Pedro Taco Shop, Lime in the Coconut, and Mmm…Cakes, soundtracked by live music from local artists. Tickets are $45. 
353 Park Way, Chula Vista

Barks & Brews Dog Festival

March 23

This Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Waterfront Park hosts Barks & Brews Dog Festival 2024, offering plenty of food, craft beer, seltzer, and fun for four-legged friends. Activities include over 25 beer and seltzer tastings, pet-friendly contests, live music from local artists, and a variety of pet, retail, and boutique vendors. Proceeds from the festival will go towards local nonprofit The Barking Lot, a dog rescue organization that helps dogs in San Diego and Tijuana find foster and forever homes. Ticket options include general admission ($26) and two- ($26) and three-hour ($46) beer and seltzer tasting passes.
1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero

Pechanga’s 14th Annual Wine Festival and Chocolate Decadence

March 23

Pechanga’s annual chocolate and wine festival will fundraise for Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m this Saturday with a decadent spread. The festival will include live music, a silent auction, hundreds of unique wine selections, and food from award-winning chefs, including chocolate bites from Pechanga’s executive pastry chef Deden Putra. General admission ($125) includes entry from 1 to 5 p.m., a souvenir wine glass, unlimited two-ounce wine and spirit tastings, and gourmet dessert and cuisine samples. A $100 designated driver pass gets you all that minus the booze. VIP ($175) and VIP designated driver ($150) tickets come with early entry at 11 a.m., an upgraded souvenir wine glass, fruit and cheese, and hors d’oeuvres.
45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula 

Concerts & Theater in San Diego

All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg 

March 23 & 24

All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg arrives at the Balboa Theatre this weekend. Written by Rupert Holmes, directed by Laley Lippard, and starring Michelle Azar as RBG, the one-woman play traces Ginsburg’s trailblazing career and all her tribulations inside and out of the courtroom, while prominently covering her fight for women’s rights. Tickets for start at $52.
868 4th Avenue, Gaslamp

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

Robert Irwin Day

March 21

This Thursday, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will celebrate iconic local artist Robert Irwin, who passed away in October 2023 at the age of 95. Irwin was a long-time San Diego resident and a major collaborator with MCASD dating back to the 1960s; he also played a major part in the development of the museum’s downtown location. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., visitors will receive free admission to the museum. Attendees can catch a screening of Irwin’s MCASD retrospective film Robert Irwin: Primaries and Secondaries and join tours that center around Irwin’s contributions to the Light and Space movement. RSVP here.
700 Prospect Street, La Jolla

WNDR After Dark: Women’s History Month 

March 21

The WNDR Museum is celebrating Women’s History Month with a special edition of its monthly WNDR After Dark series, welcoming a diverse lineup of women-led brands, artists, and vendors. From 6 to 10 p.m., attendees can peruse the museum’s immersive exhibits and shop vintage items, artwork, textiles, food, drinks, and more and enjoy music from local DJ Malcom Brown. Tickets for WNDR After Dark are $38 for adults and $32 for children ages 3 to 12. VIP tickets, which come with expedited entry, discounts, and more, are $50.
422 Market Street, Gaslamp

Blue Water Film Festival

March 21–24

Taking place at venues throughout San Diego, the 5th annual Blue Water Film Festival will include in-person events Thursday through Sunday, plus several films available to watch on demand. The fest gets people talking about climate change and potential solutions while showcasing international environmental cinema. It will feature a book talk, opening and closing night events, and tons of film screenings, with single tickets available for special events. Several types of screening passes are also available, ranging from $300 to $1,200. The $650 Blue Water All Access Pass comes with access to all films and events and the closing awards show.
Citywide

Monty Montgomery: Intersection Opening Reception

March 23

Artist Monty Montgomery’s new solo exhibition Intersection will launch at Sparks Gallery with a free opening reception this Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. Montgomery’s angular, geometric works inspired by the urban and natural landscapes of the US (especially San Diego and his childhood home of rural Virginia) are on view through April 28.
530 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp

Candlewood Arts Festival

March 23

The 4th annual Candlewood Arts Festival will bring a day full of free community art to Borrego Springs with painting workshops, artist talks, an opening party, and more. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy community stories from Karla Diaz, a newly commissioned sculpture inspired by the surrounding landscape, and an exhibition highlighting work from Borrego Springs students and past Candlewood artists.
Big Horn Road and Di Giorgio Road, Borrego Springs

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

Robert Frost Sesquicentennial

March 20–24

The Robert Frost Society and Library Foundation San Diego are teaming up to celebrate Robert Frost’s 150th birthday with five days of events at the San Diego Central Library, including panels with Pulitzer Prize winners, poetry workshops, and deep dives into Frost’s literary legacy. Ten of the country’s most acclaimed poets will discuss their work and Frost classics like “The Road Not Taken” and “Mending Wall” in lectures and roundtables.
330 Park Boulevard, Downtown 

San Diego Wave vs. Kansas City Current 

March 23

With a 1-0 victory over Gotham FC in the NWSL Challenge Cup last Friday, the San Diego Wave—in less than three years of existence—has already secured more silverware than the Padres (sorry Pads fans). Now that the year is off to a hot start, the Wave will look to begin the 2024 regular season on a high note in their home opener against the Kansas City Current this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium. Most tickets for Saturday’s match range from $10 to $50.
2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

Julian Daffodil Show

March 23 & 24

Local children and adults submitted more than 1,000 daffodils to admire at this annual flora extravaganza at Julian Town Hall. The two-day event will also include children’s art depicting watercolors of daffodils and lectures from American Daffodil Society experts.
2129 Main Street, Julian

GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K

March 24

Half-marathon runners chasing the SoCal Triple Crown will start their race as the sun rises over the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K. After jogging through downtown and finishing in the Gaslamp, participants will receive a shirt, a finisher’s medal, a souvenir bag with post-race food and chocolate milk, and a one-day pass to the invite-only Columbia Employee Store for their efforts. Runners are also invited to a pre-race expo at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, as well as finish line festivities that include a DJ, vendors, and photo backdrops.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

The post 13 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: March 21–24 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink Events in San Diego

Luck O’ Loma Weekend

March 16–17

GoodBar’s 21-plus Luck O’Loma celebration returns for a fourth year, now expanding to a weekend-long party in Point Loma. The bar will serve up a St. Patrick’s Day–themed menu of Guinness, green beer, and festive food and cocktails, plus intimate live entertainment with a lineup of Irish music featuring local bands like The Fooks and The Resinators. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP for free here and receive a green beer on the house upon entry. A portion of proceeds from the weekend will be donated to local pet rescue nonprofit The Animal Pad.
1872 Rosecrans Street, Point Loma

Concerts & Theatre in San Diego

Celtic Spells

March 15

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, this immersive production from acclaimed Irish fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt takes audiences across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, calling upon the heritage and culture of the Celts. Telling vivid stories of love and tradition, musicians will play traditional Celtic instruments like the fiddle, harp, bodhran, and bagpipes alongside Celtic dancers dressed in traditional costumes. Tickets for Friday night’s performance at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts range from $32 to $79.

15498 Espola Road, Poway

Raul Midón

March 16

Known for his Latin-influenced contemporary jazz and pop sound, Grammy-nominated musician Raul Midón will play an intimate performance at the Museum of Making Music. Before becoming a bandleader, Midón performed as a background and session musician for many years with an illustrious list of collaborators that includes Herbie Hancock, Shakira, and Snoop Dogg. Midón’s concert this Saturday begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35.

5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad

Melody Moore

March 16

Opera singer Melody Moore appears at St. James-by-the-Sea at 7 p.m. this Saturday with pianist Ines Irawati for the first show of Bodhi Tree Concerts’ 13th season. Moore will perform songs from her 2023 album Remembering Tebaldi, a tribute to famed soprano Renata Tebaldi. Following the concert, attend the opening night reception to chat with the artists. Proceeds from Saturday’s show will be donated to The Trevor Project, which focuses on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Ticket options include student and military tickets ($25), general admission ($40), and premium reserved seating ($60).

743 Prospect Street, La Jolla

Alphabet Rockers

March 16

The La Jolla Music Society is teaming up with transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project and Oakland-based children’s hip-hop group Alphabet Rockers for a special performance this Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall. The Alphabet Rockers will work with 20 students from Lemon Grove Middle Academy and 15 students from transcenDANCE’s CREATE teen performance group, choreographing performances to three of the group’s songs. Tickets range from $28 to $38.

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

An American in Paris

March 16–17

The City Ballet brings the world premiere of Geoffrey Gonzalez’s An American in Paris to the Balboa Theatre. Gonzalez choreographed a beautiful ballet to George Gershwin’s 1928 album of the same name to tell a story inspired by real-life American designer Claire McCardell. Tickets for this weekend’s two performances (Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.) can be purchased here.

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

San Diego Latino Film Festival

March 14–24

The San Diego Latino Film Festival kicks off this Thursday at AMC Mission Valley. Some of this year’s programs highlight youth filmmakers, border region cinema, and legendary Latino entertainers like Cheech Martin and Adriana Barraza. You can also catch live music on the Sonido Latino stage at the Mission Valley Mall courtyard. Ticket options include the $120 film pass which comes with 11 screenings of your choice, the $220 festival pass which grants access to over 100 films, and the all-access $300 VIP pass that gets you into all festival screenings and special events and provides priority seating and much more.

Citywide

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival

March 16

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival rings in its 42nd year with a day full of holiday activities. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street and is open to the public, while the festival in Balboa Park (open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) features two stages of entertainment, a kids’ area with games and rides, a beer garden, and food and craft booths. Admission to the festival is $10 for adults age 21 and older; active duty military members with ID and guests under 21 will receive free entry.

Balboa Park

shamROCK

March 16

The Gaslamp Quarter’s music-centered celebration of the Emerald Isle returns this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.. Taking over four blocks, the 28th annual ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival fêtes a variety of Celtic music with three stages of live entertainment. Local vendors will serve meat pies, Scotch eggs, artisanal sausages, corned beef, and, of course, plenty of green beer. Tickets range from $54 (general admission) to $109 for VIP passes that come with faster entry, exclusive pub access, a St. Patrick’s Day hat, and more. Interested attendees should buy their tickets now, as the prices will go up on the day of the event. | Gaslamp

San Diego Storytelling Festival

March 16

Storytellers of San Diego and the Coronado Library present the 14th annual San Diego Storytelling Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be several workshops on crafting personal stories, an art exhibit featuring Chicano Park murals, and an informative talk on the history of lowriders. Additional highlights on the lineup include an interactive session on fiber arts–based storytelling and a “We Made San Diego” panel highlighting important Mexican-American figures in San Diego.

640 Orange Avenue, Coronado

Circle of Art

March 16–17

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, head to Christmas Circle Park to see the work of about 70 artists who drew inspiration from the natural features of Borrego Springs, from blooming spring flowers to clear night skies. The annual Circle of Art celebrates various fine art disciplines, including vivid oil and watercolor paintings, eye-catching photographs, and creative handmade sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. Hosted by Basic Assistance to Students In the Community (BASIC), the event raises funds for the nonprofit’s educational programs and scholarships for Borrego Springs students.

600 Christmas Circle Drive, Borrego Springs

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

WSA West Coast Surfing Championships

March 16–17

This Saturday and Sunday at the South Jetty in Oceanside, surfers in over thirty divisions—from kids ages six and under getting their sea legs to seniors shredding the waves with ease—will compete for glory in this stop on the Western Surfing Association tour. Participants in this event may qualify for the West Coast Championships and US Championships. Heats take place from sunrise through the afternoon, so pull up a spot on the sand and cheer on the local groms.

1201 North Pacific Street, Oceanside

The post 12 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: March 14–17 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Farmers Insurance Open

Every year, the PGA Tour heads to San Diego for a stop on its West Coast Swing. This year, the world’s best golfers go head-to-head for a $9 million prize at the illustrious Torrey Pines Golf Course. Fans have various ways to get in on the action, whether they purchase tickets for the VIP Canyon Club ($420–485), the exclusive Ultra Pass ($210–285), or the general-admission Grounds pass ($75–120). | 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

January 25

Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia

Writer and filmmaker Natasha Lance Rogoff will discuss her 2022 book Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia in this free event at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla. This Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Rogoff will recount her entertaining and sometimes treacherous journey to get Ulitsa Sezam on the air in post–Soviet Union Russia. Reserve your spot here. | 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla

Ben Schwartz & Friends

Comedian Ben Schwartz, known for voicing Sonic the Hedgehog and for his scene-stealing role as Jean Ralphio Saperstein in Parks and Recreation, will host an improv comedy show this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Schwartz and a trio of comedian friends who will pull characters and storylines out of thin air in this interactive performance where the audience should expect the unexpected. Purchase tickets here. | 1100 3rd Avenue, Downtown

January 25–28

Everyday Dances III

The Malashock Dance Company will bring ten short works from several local choreographers to life in a series of shows starting this Thursday at the Malashock Dance Studio Theater. Ticket options for Everyday Dances III include VIP ($100), general admission ($40), senior or military passes ($35), and tickets for students and children under the age of 12 ($20). | 2650 Truxtun Road, Liberty Station

Opens January 26

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

This Saturday, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience returns to the Wyland Center at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for a two-month exhibition. Hundreds of the Dutch painter’s finest post-impressionist paintings, including Sunflowers and The Starry Night, will be projected on the walls, ceilings, and floors, set to a musical soundtrack inspired by the art. Tickets are available starting at $36.99 for adults and $21.99 for children through April 4. | 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

January 27

San Diego Yo-Yo Classic

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center will host the San Diego Yo-Yo Classic. Root for the best local yo-yo artists as they perform gravity-defying tricks and routines. This family-friendly weekend event features several freestyle and speed challenges, an assortment of accessory and merchandise booths, live music, and giveaways, plus prizes for the winning competitors. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 12 and under, and $25 for competitors. | 3925 Ohio Street, North Park

Opens January 27

English

Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Iranian-American playwright Sanaz Toossi’s English will begin its run at The Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre this Saturday. English centers around a group of four adult students near Tehran who bond while preparing for an English proficiency exam. Directed by Arya Shahi, the production will run through February 18. | 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

SeaWorld Mardi Gras

In addition to beads and colorful costumes, SeaWorld Mardi Gras will feature a stacked menu packed with Creole and Cajun essentials including beignets, po’ boys, jambalaya, and more. Attendees to this New Orleans–inspired fête will also experience Mardi Gras performers, a brass band, and plenty of dancing, as well as extravagant opening and closing ceremonies. Celebrate Fat Tuesday every Saturday and Sunday through February 25 (plus Friday, Feb. 16, and Monday, Feb. 19). Access is included with park admission. | 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay

January 27–28

CFA San Diego Cat Show

The Cat Fancier Association’s annual San Diego cat show brings hundreds of kitties to the Del Mar Fairground for a two-day feline fiesta. In addition to rooting for their favorites in the pedigree cat competition and the feline agility showcase, attendees can browse rows of vendors selling pet-themed merchandise and meet adoptable kitties via local pet rescue organizations. Admission to the CFA San Diego Cat Show is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors, military, and children ages 6 to 12. Children younger than 6 years old are admitted free with an adult. | 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

January 28

Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix 

The La Jolla Music Society welcomes jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin for two shows at The JAI this Saturday at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. On her acclaimed 2023 album Phoenix, Benjamin expertly mixes elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop to create a dynamic jazz-fusion sound that sets her apart from her contemporaries. Tickets for Benjamin’s afternoon ($68–83) and evening ($58–73) performances are available here. | 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Maybe I’m Amazed: Tribute to Paul McCartney 

Maybe I’m Amazed celebrates the music of Paul McCartney in a 90-minute performance at Music Box this Sunday at 8 p.m. From “Hey Jude” and “Get Back” to “Jet” and “Live and Let Die,” the performers will embody McCartney’s energetic stage presence from era to era with plenty of multimedia elements and sing-along fun. Tickets for Sunday night’s performance are $15 and can be purchased here. | 1337 India Street, Downtown

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Berenice Abbott: Changing New York

Opened December 16 at the San Diego Museum of Art, photographer Berenice Abbott’s legendary photo exhibition Changing New York documents Great Depression–era New York City’s structural transformation as low-rise buildings evolved into the city’s iconic skyscrapers. Abbott’s collection of more than 300 black-and-white photos depicts landmark sights like the Flatiron building, the Financial District, and Penn Station. | 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

December 20–24

1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas

1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas, San Diego playwright Dea Hurston’s delightful holiday hit, has become an annual Christmas theater tradition in the city since its 2021 premiere. Audiences step into Dorothy Black’s home for a night of food, dancing, and caroling (plus a healthy dose of family drama). There are six performances left in 2023. Audience members at the Dec. 22 show are encouraged to dress in their holiday best, and tickets for that evening include a buy-one-get-one-free drink voucher. | 2787 State Street, Carlsbad

December 21

Space Time at MCASD

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) has a pair of showings planned for its Free Third Thursday festivities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. In collaboration with multimedia art collective Space Time, MCASD presents a screening of the 1981 video performance piece Inconsequential Doggereal from artist and former UCSD professor Ulysses Jenkins. Afterward, catch Fates, Boots and Bob: A Hijacked Hootenanny Holiday Hullabaloo, an absurdist take on A Christmas Carol that combines art, aliens, and sing-alongs for a memorable show. | 700 Prospect Street, La Jolla

Gaslamp Holiday Market

Have you been putting off your Christmas shopping for the better part of December? Grab last-minute goodies at the third and final edition of the Gaslamp’s holiday market from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m this Thursday. Admission to the market is free, and shoppers will have the chance to peruse finds from a wide variety of arts, crafts, clothing, lifestyle, and food vendors. Attendees can also enjoy drink specials, free photos with Santa, live music from yacht rock band The Sunset Sailors, holiday treats from Cali Ice Cream, a menorah lighting, and 18 holes of mini golf. | 5th Avenue & Island Avenue, Gaslamp

December 21–23

The Nutcracker

See City Ballet’s performance of the fabled holiday classic The Nutcracker at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido before Christmas officially comes around. Led by conductor John Nettles, the City Ballet Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s spell-binding score as protagonist Clara enters a vivid winter wonderland full of royalty, mice, and sweets. | 340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido

Every Day Vanilla

Now in its second week at Moxie Theatre, Every Day Vanilla, penned by San Diego playwright Lani Gobaleza and directed by Earl Paus, opens with 17-year-old Filipina-American writer Frankie Robles’ desire to escape the monotonous “vanilla” of her hometown. Audiences witness Frankie’s shifting relationship with San Diego and with her family, friends, and lovers (played by an all-AAPI cast) over the course of a decade. General admission ($44), senior and military ($34), and student tickets ($19) are available here. | 6663 El Cajon Boulevard, Rolando Village

December 22 

Cookies with Santa

Beginning at noon, attendees at this event at Rooftop Cinema Club in the Embarcadero will have the chance to snap a photo with Father Christmas. Then, they’ll receive a kit to adorn their own festive sweets before a screening of the holiday comedy classic Elf begins at 1 p.m. Tickets to Cookies with Santa are $35 and include admission to the film, one Polaroid photo, and cookie-decorating supplies. | 1 Market Place, Embarcadero

December 22 & 23

Amahl & the Night Visitors

Genesis Opera Theatre’s production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s famed Christmas opera brings together talent from all over Southern California for three shows at the STAR Repertory Theatre. A retelling of the nativity and epiphany stories, Amahl and the Night Visitors centers a disabled boy named Amahl and his widowed mother, who cross paths with The Three Kings as they head to Bethlehem to deliver gifts for baby Jesus. Ticket prices range between $24 and $50. | 329 East Valley Parkway, Escondido

December 23

The Glass Menagerie

Before A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, this play launched Tennessee Williams’ reputation as one of the foremost playwrights of his generation. The Glass Menagerie may be Williams’ most personal work, as he based many of the story’s tragic details on elements of his own life. Directed by Lisa Berger, the Diversionary Theatre’s final two performances of The Glass Menagerie take place this Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. | 4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights

December 24

Garibaldi’s Feast of the Seven Fishes

Americans may be familiar with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Southern Italian holiday tradition, via that super-stressful Christmas episode of The Bear. Guests at Garibaldi’s version of the meal should have a far more relaxed time. You’ll start with a sustainable seafood buffet featuring dishes such as octopus potato salad, sheepshead acqua pizza, and swordfish alla ghiotta before finishing off with a dessert bar. Each pair of guests in attendance will receive a bottle of Sardinian wine from Agricola Punica and a complimentary bag of raw, housemade pasta to enjoy at home. Garibaldi’s Feast of the Seven Fishes costs $105 per person, and you can place reservations here. | 901 Bayfront Court, Downtown

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Candlelight: Holiday Jazz Special

The Adams Avenue Theater will host four shows full of holiday jazz music surrounded by festive candlelight. Audiences will hear classics like “The Christmas Song,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “Let It Snow.” Still need to send out Christmas cards? You can also get a professional photo that features the beautiful candlelit setting. Purchase tickets (which range in price from $39 to $69) here. Attendees must be 8 years old or older, and late entry is not allowed. | 3325 Adams Avenue, Normal Heights

December 13–23

Passage Into Fear

This new production at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido is a World War I–era story about a Christmastime train passage from Venice to Zurich. An American socialite and an orphaned child must solve the mysterious disappearance of a passenger who was on the verge of uncovering a conspiracy—think Murder on the Orient Express but with an upbeat dose of yuletide cheer. Tickets for Passage Into Fear are $19 (or $16 for students, military members, seniors, and children). | 340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido

December 14

Gaslamp Holiday Market

San Diegans can shop local for any last-minute presents this Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Gaslamp Quarter’s free holiday market. Peruse stellar stocking stuffers and uniquely crafted gifts while enjoying live mariachi music, seasonal photos, sweet treats, Santa meet-and-greets, and more. If you don’t get a chance to stop by this week, residents will have another chance to buy from San Diego–based vendors, artisans, and small businesses at the same time and place next Thursday. | 5^th Avenue and Island Avenue, Gaslamp

December 14–30

Coastal Christmas: A Holiday Light Spectacular

The Del Mar Fairgrounds begins their 12 days of Coastal Christmas this Thursday with a massive holiday celebration featuring igloos, ice skating, and enough lights to fill the North Pole. There will be a holiday market, photo ops with Santa and his Christmas pals, seasonal cocktails and sweet treats, kids’ fun zones, fireside lounges, and Christmas music. Special theme nights include Thursday’s holiday skate party and Friday’s ugly sweater party. Veterans and active duty military members will receive free general admission this Sunday for military appreciation night. Tickets for Coastal Christmas are $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids ages 4 to 12, and free for children ages 3 and under. | 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

December 15

50/50: Hip Hop After Dark

The Fleet Science Center hosts a shared birthday celebration: 50 years of the Fleet and 50 years of hip hop. The event will begin with a poetry slam and DJ battle inside the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater, then the crowd will head into the Center to hear DJs spinning records from throughout hip hop’s history. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Entry to 50/50: Hip Hop After Dark is $25. For access to an exclusive lounge with special drinks and an additional DJ, tack on an extra $15 for a VIP ticket. | 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park

December 15–17

Noel Noel

The San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Master Chorale, the San Diego Children’s Choir, and guest vocalist Devin DeSantis will take their talents to the Rady Shell stage this weekend for Noel Noel. Led by guest conductor Christopher Dragon and director Jonathan Gilmer, this magical concert includes holiday sing-alongs and an abundance of Christmas spirit. Friday’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday’s shows start at 5 p.m. | 222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero 

December 15–22

Enchanted Village

Housing nonprofit Noah Homes celebrates the Christmas season with their sixth annual Enchanted Village, a holiday haven complete with Christmas trees, cottages, light tunnels, and humongous candy canes. Additional festivities include interactive displays, live entertainment, and plenty of colorful decorations to feast your eyes on. All proceeds from this winter wonderland go towards Noah Homes’ efforts to provide housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tickets for Enchanted Village are $25 for adults and $15 for children. | 12526 Campo Road, Spring Valley

December 16

San Diego Holiday Half-Marathon

This Saturday, San Diegans will trot 13.1 miles for the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon. The course starts in Rancho Peñasquitos, travels southwest on Carmel Mountain Road towards the coast, and finishes with a picturesque view at Torrey Pines State Beach. The route includes a 711-foot elevation drop, so participating runners can skip the incline and go all out for a personal best. | 14455 Penasquitos Drive, Rancho Peñasquitos

Gaslamp Pet Parade

Local pet owners can show off their furry friends’ festive best at the Gaslamp Pet Parade this Saturday. There are plenty of pup-friendly activities in store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, including the Gaslamp Holiday Expo, which includes photo ops, holiday music, and plenty of treats. Then, dogs clad in holiday costumes can march in the parade (shyer pets and people are welcome to simply spectate). Afterward, stop by the spirited Pups in the Pub Party at the Hilton San Diego in the Gaslamp from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  | 702 Market Street, Gaslamp

Almost Nakey SantaCon

From 1 to 10 p.m. at Beach House and Belmont Park, the second annual Almost Nakey SantaCon transforms the Mission Beach boardwalk into Santa’s Village. This Christmas-themed rave features snow cannons, live entertainment, inflatable Santas and Grinches, life-sized snow globes, a silent disco, VIP sky decks, and a holiday costume contest. General admission tickets to the 21-plus festival are $85. VIP passes are $140 and come with line-skipping privileges, private bar access, and VIP sections by both main stages. | 3146 Mission Blvd, Mission Beach

December 17

Nutcracker Tea Party

The Liberty Station Convention Center hosts a unique holiday experience starring a performance from the San Diego Ballet, a visit from Santa Claus, and plenty of holiday treats. Attendees can enjoy an intimate version of a holiday classic performed by some of San Diego’s best dancers. Ticket prices for the Nutcracker Tea Party range between $60 and $70, and performances take place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. | 2600 Laning Road, Point Loma

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cats musical

Courtesy of CATS: The Musical

September 27 – October 2

CATS: The Musical

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical CATS has toured in over 30 countries, spreading the broadway legend’s masterpiece worldwide, and now it plays in San Diego as musical tours once again across North America. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS follows the journey of an eccentric group of cats vying to be reborn on the night of their annual ball. With spell-binding music, choreography and costumes, CATS will embrace the musical’s storied history for a modern-day audience at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Its nearly week-long run will finish off with two shows each Saturday and Sunday. | 1100 3rd Avenue, Downtown

September 29 – October 2

Gaslight Steampunk Expo

Celebrating science fiction, the Victorian era and maker ingenuity, the Gaslight Steampunk Expo will feature several elaborate costumes and an appreciation for all things steampunk. Steampunk is a fashion style that combines historical elements with technological features inspired by science fiction and this expo will also share costume ideas and booths with items for spooky season. There will be steampunk-themed workshops, along with a swap meet and vendor hall throughout the weekend at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley. Purchase your tickets here. | 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, Mission Valley

September 30 – October 9

Oktoberfest in El Cajon

There are several Oktoberfest celebrations planned for the next week but none may be bigger or more authentic than Oktoberfest in El Cajon. For two consecutive Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, visitors will be able to celebrate the famed German festival with a variety of German beer, music and food including potato pancakes, sauerkraut, pretzels and pastries. There will also be traditional folk dancing, plenty of polka, the Guggenbach-Baum band straight from Germany and several games and contests that’ll transform El Cajon into Munich. Find tickets here. | 1017 South Mollison Avenue, El Cajon

Cocktails for a Cause

Courtesy of Cocktails for a Cause

September 30 – October 31

The Haunted Hotel Disturbance Mission Valley

Complete with plenty of blood, zombies and clowns, The Haunted Hotel Disturbance returns with a “Haunt Collective” complete with 3 unique haunted attractions right outside of Mission Valley Center’s west parking lot. Expect to see familiar horror movie foes like Jason Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers stalking the halls inside Stars of the Silver SCREAM and a disorienting clown-filled freak show inside the 3-D Freak-Fest. But the main attraction is the haunted hotel with several scary surprises hidden around every corner. There will be scares all month long so get your tickets for a horrific night now. | 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley

October 1

Pacific Beachfest

For a full day of free family-friendly fun, head down to Pacific Beach from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. where there will be several activities and attractions along the boardwalk. The day starts with a half marathon and while you cheer on the runners, check out the fish taco contest where you can try 5 tacos for $12 and help decide who has the best fish tacos in the city. There will also be a 5K run, volleyball tournament, beer garden, kid’s alley and three stages of live music to go along with numerous community vendors who’ll be in attendance. | Boardwalk between Felspar Street and Thomas Street, Pacific Beach

Del Mar Country Club Golf Tournament and Dinner Gala

The annual Del Mar Country Club Golf Tournament and Dinner Gala returns this Saturday with several notable attendees as they raise money for the SOF (Special Operations Forces) Support Foundation. The day begins with the golf tournament followed by a cocktail reception and silent auction at 5 p.m. before the dinner-gala and live auction starts at 7 p.m. This event will feature singer Darius Rucker, keynote speaker and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Michéle Flournoy and Navy SEAL Bob Harward. The auctions will include illustrious prizes like a chance to golf with Super Bowl Champion and NFL analyst Michael Strahan, a five night stay in Cabo San Lucas and a VIP weekend in Arizona complete with two tickets to Super Bowl LVII. | 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Rancho Santa Fe

2nd Annual Cocktails for a Cause: A Tribute to the Roaring 20’s

Local non-profit Positive Movement Foundation, which aims to support and empower underserved and at-risk children, is hosting their 2nd annual Cocktails for a Cause this Saturday. Hosted at the La Jolla Estate of Joan Waitt, VIP guests will receive an exclusive hour form 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the main reception will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. The evening will feature craft cocktails, live and silent auctions, food entertainment and a Hot Air Balloon experience at night, along with several surprises in store. General admission tickets are $109, VIP tickets are $299 and the address of the event will be provided to ticket holders 24-48 hours before the event begins. | La Jolla Estate of Joan Waitt, La Jolla

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Cate Le Bon, hero

Credit: Cate Le Bon

Cate Le Bon is back home again. The singer/songwriter has spent the better part of a year on tour behind Pompeii, her sixth album, released in February via Mexican Summer. Le Bon last year moved to Joshua Tree, California with her partner, Tim Presley, who’s also a musician in the band White Fence, and it’s a far cry from where she grew up in Wales or, for that matter, her more recent residence in Los Angeles. For nearly a decade she’s found herself enchanted by the area and so mesmerized by its landscape that she eventually committed to making it a permanent sanctuary.“I’ve always loved being here, ever since I came about nine years ago for the first time,” she says via Zoom. “It’s so alien to where I grew up. It really feels like you’re at the bottom of the ocean or something. Yesterday I just got back, and I’ve been driving around all morning and it’s like I’m seeing it for the first time. You’re desperate to kind of hold on to it because it’s so unimaginably beautiful for me. It’s a place I really long for when I’m not here. And when I’m here I just want to drink it all up.”Le Bon’s move to the desert came about after the recording of Pompeii, which took place in the early stages of Covid lockdown in a house and Wales, where she, Presley and co-producer Samur Khouja had holed up, mainly because there was nowhere else to go. Unable to return to the U.S. and with no better outlet to turn to, she threw herself into the creation of something new, an act of escapism by her own design.Pompeii isn’t a typical pop record by any measure. At turns reminiscent of early ‘80s post-punk and the Berlin-era experiments of David Bowie and Brian Eno, the album finds Le Bon and her collaborators putting relatively simple melodies through strange effects, ever-present saxophones, serpentine structures and arrangements that satisfy while feeling ever so slightly off. All the while, she embraces a lyrical surrealism that crops up in lines such as “I caught a plastic bouquet down the aisle/With a sad sashay” and “In the remake of my life/I moved in straight lines.”In moments of darkness and uncertainty, she says, sometimes it’s best to look to the absurd.

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“I think there’s a real freedom to absurdity. There’s a reason why people lean into it when things are quite bleak, like with Cabaret Voltaire and Dadaism,” she says. “But there’s a real need to explore human emotion. You can try things on and take things off, but you can also allow something to be malleable and allow for its interpretation to change. It was a way of exploring what was going on, and to change and breathe and attach itself to different meanings.”Pompeii is the latest in what’s been a long and voluminous series of projects for Le Bon, which also includes production work for recently released albums by singer/songwriters John Grant and Kurt Vile. She also produced a 2019 album by Deerhunter and released a collaborative record with that band’s frontman Bradford Cox, as well as playing in Drinks with her partner, Tim Presley. And earlier this month, she released a brand new single, “Typical Love.” She’s become increasingly more prolific in collaboration with others and behind the boards as she is as a featured artist, and while she might be ready to give herself a break at some point, the promise of a new creative project is even more invigorating to her than free time.“I keep saying that I would benefit from some space, but you know, often you feel fatigue from one session and then the thought of starting something new, to me, is as good as a rest in a way,” she says. “All the possibilities exist at the start of something, so that’s really refreshing and exciting. So as much as I try and take a break, I often find myself agreeing, for the right reasons, to start something new.”With Pompeii, Le Bon created a stunning set of music born of a specific place, and from a unique set of circumstances. She says that, in ideal circumstances, the place where she finds herself doesn’t imprint itself too heavily, in order to maintain a kind of blank slate when it comes to her own creativity. But that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t seek inspiration from her surroundings. And where she finds herself now, in Joshua Tree, inspiration is abundant.“Geographically, being in a place where you feel like you can’t be influenced by anything, that vacuum is something I look for,” she says. “But somewhere where you can get lost, and be curious, those are things I crave.”Cate Le Bon plays at Belly Up Tavern on Tuesday, September 27

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Greek Festival

September 8-11

FilmOut San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival

The only LGBTQ+ Film Festival in San Diego returns for another year with screenings from filmmakers from around the world and several Q&A sessions. The festival has the world and U.S. premieres for several LGBTQ+ and cult genre films and dozens of award-winning features and short films will be screened over four days at the San Diego Natural History Museum (Nat) and the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA). The Opening Night Film and Party will kick things off on Thursday at 7 p.m. at THE NAT and following the Closing Night Film, the festival will end on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at MOPA with a closing night dessert reception. Tickets can be purchased here. | 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park

September 9-11

Art San Diego

This showcase of contemporary and modern art will take over the San Diego Convention Center along the bay for a three-day event. This fall marks the 14th edition of Art San Diego and like the ones before it, this year’s festivities bring together artwork from local, national and international galleries with show programming, live entertainment and other exclusive features. Purchase your tickets here. | 111 West Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

September 10

San Diego Blues Festival

Billy F Gibbons & Friends are headlining the San Diego Blues Festival this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Embarcadero Marina Park North. The ZZ Top guitarist is joined on the lineup by Southern Avenue, Phantom Blues Band with Curtis Salgado, Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials, Memphissippi Sounds. Bring a beach chair for the grassy knolls or upgrade to VIP treatment that comes with two covered seating areas and a catered lunch. Tickets can be found here, and all proceeds from the festival will go towards the San Diego Food Bank. | 400 Kettner Boulevard, Embarcadero

Burgers & Beers

Enjoy burgers from more than 20 of the best burger places in the city at the Fourth annual Reader Burgers & Beer at Golden Hill Park. as they compete to win the “Best Burger” award. Also, sip on unlimited beer samples from 40+ San Diego breweries. Curated by the Reader’s food writers, there will be several local food vendors like Smash & Dash and Burger Kook and breweries like Second Chance Beer and Societe Brewing Co. for attendees to try and vote on to decide who has the best burger in San Diego. Find your tickets here. | 2590 Golden Hill Drive, Golden Hill

ASD 2022

Escondido Grape Day Festival

One of Escondido’s most cherished traditions, the Grape Day Festival, returns this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Held at the historic Grape Day Park, this free community festival dates back to the origins of Escondido as an agricultural mainstay in the area known for an assortment of crops, including their grapes, and this year’s festival hopes to celebrate the traditions of old. This family-friendly event will feature entertainment from swing jazz and bluegrass musicians to live spinning, weaving and corn shelling demonstrations, grape stomping and old-fashioned children’s games. There will also be a wine and beer garden with local San Diego wineries in attendance along with a food court that has barbecue, dessert and snack options. | 321 North Broadaway, Escondido

September 10-11

Cardiff Greek Festival

Coming to North County this weekend, the Cardiff Greek Festival brings food, family and faith to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Encinitas. After two years, the funds raised from this celebration of culture and faith go to the church as well as their senior apartments, Cardiff Orthodox Housing. This festival will feature live music, a photo booth, an inflatable zone for kids, as well as Greek culinary options like lamb shank, gyros, baklava and karidopita. Find tickets here. | 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff by-the-Sea

San Diego Festival of the Arts

The 2022 San Diego Festival of the Arts returns to the San Diego Surf Sports Park this weekend for its 36th year. This 21+ event displays juried works from 150 global artists and the artistic mediums being judged throughout the weekend include painting, sculpture, photography, glass, ceramics and more. There will be live entertainment and music both days, as well as outdoor lawn games, various food and drink vendors and art on display for purchase. Tickets start at $13 for a single day and $17 for a two-day ticket. | 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar

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