New York Jets Sports Bar

Taste and Thirst

Taste and Thirst is a New Yorkers home away from home when it comes to football. This Jets’ fan homebase is always packed during game days—and win or lose—the bar serves happy hour from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., which is a win-win in our opinion.

Upcoming Games: New York Jets 2024 Schedule

715 Fourth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Buffalo Bills Sports Bar

The Local Pacific Beach

Bring those red, whites, and blues out. The Local PB shows up for Bills games in a big way. Arrive early on game days, though, the line to get upstairs fills up quickly. But with TVs indoors, outdoors and a spacious pet-friendly patio, there are plenty of ways to cheer on your favorite team.

Upcoming Games: Buffalo Bills 2024 Schedule

809 Thomas Ave, Pacific Beach

San Francisco 49ers Sports Bar

Saddle Bar

Originally a 1920’s era bike shop that was transformed into a bar 60 years ago, Saddle Bar is the quintessential San Francisco bar in town. Wear your Rice or Montana jersey and stick around for live music from local rock bands and DJs weekly.

Upcoming Games: San Francisco 49ers 2024 Schedule

123 Plaza St, Solana Beach

Arizona Cardinals Sports Bar

Arizona Café

A block away from the beach on Bacon street, Arizona Café is the local spot for Cardinal fans to catch the game. With a kitchen that’s open till 1 a.m daily., it’s the ideal spot for your post game discussion, late-night fantasy football trades, and an opportunity to win back your failed parlay bet during pool.

Upcoming Games: Arizona Cardinals 2024 Schedule

1925 Bacon St, Ocean Beach

Kansas City Chiefs Sports Bar

Kansas City BBQ

Catch the reigning 2022 Super Bowl champs at Kansas City BBQ take on the Detroit lions at this legendary outpost Downtown. Gather with local Chiefs fans to relish in historic San Diego memorabilia, recount your favorite Top Gun lines and watch Patrick Mahomes score six while enjoying their daily happy hour from 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Upcoming Games: Kansas City Chiefs 2024 Schedule

600 W Harbor Dr, Downtown

Philadelphia Eagles Sports Bar

Pretzels & Pints

Immerse yourself in Philadelphia sports at this tucked-away gem in North Park ideal for America’s most passionate sports city. Like the name implies, Pretzels and Pints has an excellent selection of hot pretzels baked daily paired with local craft beer and even an irresistible beer cheese to fumble over as Jalen Hurts scrambles for another touchdown.

Upcoming Games: Philadelphia Eagles 2024 Schedule

3812 Ray St, North Park

Los Angeles Chargers Sports Bar

Park 101

Watch Sunday night football with the remnants and hold-outs from the Chargers fan base at Park 101 in Carlsbad. With large outdoor LED screens, a spacious outdoor patio, a rooftop deck complete with a bar, this BBQ joint is the perfect space for parents, dogs, and kids to enjoy a bolts game.

Upcoming Games: Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Schedule

3040 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad

New England Patriots Sports Bar

The Sandbox

Come see if the New England Patriots can earn themselves another Super Bowl ring this year at The Sandbox in Ocean Beach. Wear your Patriots jersey, paint your face red and blue, or don your signature Bill Belichick hoodie to this island-themed bar. Order one of their specialty pizzas like their meat lover’s Hungry Surfer and enjoy a game of skeeball or pool while you count down to kick off in Foxborough.

Upcoming Games: New England Patriots 2024 Schedule

1466 Garnet Ave, Ocean Beach

Los Angeles Rams Sports Bar

Ocean Beach Brewery

Despite a disappointing 2022 season following their 2021 Super Bowl win, Ram’s fans can rejoice at this three-story hotspot on the beach. On game day, members of the “ramily” can gather at Ocean Beach Brewery featuring a rooftop bar with oceanfront views, plenty of activities to after a quarter, and even their own microbrewery offering up craft beer brewed daily. 

Upcoming Games: Los Angeles Rams 2024 Schedule

5041 Newport Ave, Ocean Beach

Dallas Cowboys Sports Bar

Union Kitchen & Tap

Root for America’s Team on the gridiron each week at this bustling Gaslamp sports bar. Wear your silver stars, your favorite cowboy boots, or your Dallas cheerleader outfit studded with rhinestones each week. You can even bring your furry Cowboys fan to accompany you on their pet-friendly outdoor patio to catch a breather after another nail-biting game.

Upcoming Games: Dallas Cowboys 2024 Schedule

333 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Seattle Seahawks Sports Bar

Thrusters Lounge

Join the loudest fans in the league, the 12s, at this no frills bar in the heart of PB. This Seahawks nest features 22 beers on tap, skeeball, and even a beer vending machine for a quick buzz during halftime.

Upcoming Games: Seattle Seahawks 2024 Schedule

4633 Mission Blvd, Pacific Beach

Denver Broncos Sports Bar

Chief’s Burgers and Brew

A Broncos bar named Chiefs may confuse you, but their excellent chili cheese fries, buffalo wings, and other great bites shouldn’t. Cheer on the “No Fly Zone” at this Broncos hub featuring a special NFL Football Sunday Breakfast with a unique menu available from 9 a.m to 12 p.m. before the Broncos kick-off.

Upcoming Games: Denver Broncos 2024 Schedule

124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr #108, Solana Beach

Green Bay Packers Sports Bar

El Prez

Gather your local cheeseheads and rush down to El Prez to cheer on the Packers each week. Located steps away from the Pacific Beach boardwalk, this Packers rooftop bar offers tacos and tequila to munch on while you watch fans on TV bundle for warmth in Green Bay. For the most dedicated of Packers fans, the beachside spot opens early at 9:30 a.m. on game days for fans to enjoy pregame festivities.

Upcoming Games: Green Bay Packers 2024 Schedule

4190 Mission Blvd, Pacific Beach

Las Vegas Raiders Sports Bar

El Chingon

El Chingon is all the rage for Raiders fans on game day offering refreshing margarita flights and late hours (closes at 2 a.m. daily) ideal for watching the “Men in Black” each week. Gear up in your Davante Adams jersey, your favorite spiky outfit, and watch the Raiders take on the Broncos on opening night. Swing by for Monday Night Football and enjoy their generous happy hour weekdays from 2-6 p.m. featuring $7 off their signature cocktails.

Upcoming Games: Las Vegas Raiders 2024 Schedule

560 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp

Chicago Bears Sports Bar

710 Beach Club

Will 2024 be the year Da Bears make a run for the Super Bowl? Join the excitement each week at this breezy beach club offering a den for Bears fans trying to catch the game at Soldier Field. On Sundays when the Bears take the field, indulge in their all-you-can-eat brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for traditional breakfast staples, Bloody Marys, slushies, and bottomless mimosas to sustain you through four quarters.

NfUpcoming Games: Chicago Bears 2024 Schedule

710 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach

The post 15 San Diego Sports Bars Dedicated to Your Favorite NFL Teams appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

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

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Taste of East Village 

August 28–29

At Taste of East Village this Wednesday and Thursday, food lovers can fulfill their hearts’ (and stomachs’) desires with a gastronomic odyssey through nearly three dozen eateries in the East Village. Check off every stop on your “Taste Passport” to enjoy items such as smoked brisket mac and cheese and wagyu meatballs, plus tequila, beer, and cold brew samples. Tickets are $45 per day and can be purchased here.  

East Village

Summer Nights: Wine Tasting and the History of Wine

August 29

The San Diego Botanic Garden will conclude its annual Summer Nights series this Thursday with a crash course in wine history from SDBG sommelier Dane Kuta. An expert on Bordeaux and Champagne, Kuta will guide enthusiasts through wine’s evolution from the Middle Ages to 2024. This presentation in the Conservatory Amphitheater will include three wine tastings. This event is a $47 add-on that can be purchased alongside your entry ticket for the garden.

300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas

Fierce and Kind Spirits Presents Bourbon & Blues, Session II

August 29

The Guild Hotel will host a night of Southern spirits and soul music at Bourbon and Blues this Thursday. The evening will begin with a happy hour at 7 p.m. featuring Fierce & Kind bourbon and cocktails from mixologist Stephan Ahearn, followed by a concert by Lady Dottie & The Diamonds at 8 p.m. Funds raised from tickets and drinks sold at the event will go to Happy Hour Heroes, which provides low-cost childcare for single moms in the service industry. General admission is $25, while VIP is $45 and comes with a welcome cocktail, souvenir glass, swag bag, and maybe even a band meet-and-greet. 

500 West Broadway, Downtown

Lincoln High School Labor Day Brunch & Boil at Louisiana Purchase

September 2

Support the Lincoln High School football program this Labor Day while dining on a New Orleans–style brunch at Louisiana Purchase. The restaurant will host this community fundraiser from 12 to 3 p.m. on Monday to cap off the holiday weekend with live music, raffles, a medley of Cajun breakfast options, and, for an additional $44, a hearty crab boil. Partial proceeds from the Brunch & Boil will go towards the school’s football team. Reservations can be secured on OpenTable. 

2305 University Avenue, North Park

Festivals & Concerts in San Diego This Weekend

Def Leppard, Journey, and Steve Miller Band at Petco Park

August 30

Def Leppard, Journey, and Steve Miller Band will turn back the clock this Friday night at Petco Park, playing hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” and “Fly Like an Eagle.” Tickets start at $105.80 for this concert.

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

Santana and Counting Crows at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

August 30

San Diegans will have a prime opportunity to see two members of rock n’ roll royalty this Friday: Santana and Counting Crows are coming to North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. Resale tickets are still available on LiveNation, starting at $58.91 a pop.

2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista

San Diego International Children’s Film Festival

August 31

This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 20th annual San Diego International Children’s Film Festival, the San Diego Central Library will present dozens of family-friendly screenings, including movies from young filmmakers, live-action and animation selections from UCLA students, and five all-time audience-favorite short films. Reserve your free spot here. ​​​ ​​

330 Park Boulevard, Downtown 

Vista Vibes Mini Music Festival

August 31

Party to R&B, jazz, and hip-hop tunes at Local Roots as the Vista Vibes Mini Music Festival closes out the summertime with an afternoon of live music this Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m. The festival will include a set from San Diego’s own We The Commas, DJs playing throwbacks all afternoon at the “Backyard Boogie,” and local food vendors like Frida’s Taqueria, Cookn Creole Soul Food, and Kona Ice. General admission is $25 and VIP is $45 with perks like priority seating and exclusive merch access. Children ages 12 and under receive free admission. 

1430 Vantage Court, Vista

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Rachmaninoff and the Tsar

Through August 31

Jack-of-all-trades musical theater performer Hershey Felder is back with another onstage portrayal of an iconic classical music figure in Rachmaninoff and the Tsar. Felder wrote the book for the musical and will take the stage as Russian composer Sergei V. Rachmaninoff, who, in a near-death haze, recalls his musical triumphs and personal pitfalls, including an encounter with Tsar Nicholas II. There will be six performances of the production at the Balboa Theatre, with tickets available starting at $75.80.

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp

8-TRACK: The Sounds of the ’70s

Through September 15

New Village Arts’ production of 8-TRACK: The Sounds of the ’70s rolls through the decade’s greatest earworms in disco, folk, funk, and more. The cast of 8 TRACK will offer five performances this week on The Ray Charles Stage. General admission tickets are $60. A pair of pre-show karaoke nights this Friday and Saturday is free for show attendees and $10 for everyone else. NVA will also host an artist talkback following the Sunday matinee performance.

2787 State Street, Carlsbad

Best Laid Plans

Opens August 29

Premiering at Tenth Avenue Arts Center this Thursday, Robert Salerno’s Best Laid Plans stars This is Us actor Blake Stadnik and draws upon the real-life story of blind architect Chris Downey. The play follows a man’s creative breakthrough after he loses his sight. See Best Laid Plans Fridays through Sundays until September 22. General admission tickets are $35 for each performance.

930 10th Avenue, Downtown

Out of the Blue Opening Reception at Ashton Art Gallery

Opens August 31

The newest regional juried exhibition at the Ashton Art Gallery is all about one color: blue. Out of the Blue will showcase artwork from San Diego artists, selected by Katie Dolgov, the Oceanside Museum of Art’s Director of Exhibitions & Collections. This Saturday, the gallery will host a free reception from 4 to 7 p.m. with wine and light refreshments, celebrating the opening of Out of the Blue and local artist David Burakoff’s new solo show, both of which will be on display through September 27. 

4434 30th Street, North Park

Charlene Mosley: Embrace Your Inner Wild

Opens September 1

Sparks Gallery hosts a new exhibition from San Diego–based oil and watercolor painter Charlene Mosley. Embrace Your Inner Wild will be on view this Sunday through the end of September. Anyone interested in attending the exhibition’s free opening reception this Sunday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. can RSVP here.

530 6th Avenue, Gaslamp

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

SDSU Aztec Football vs. Texas A&M Commerce Football at Snapdragon Stadium 

August 31

Get your tailgate plans in order—football season is back! The Aztecs will open their 2024 campaign on the home gridiron against Southland Conference squad Texas A&M Commerce this Saturday. Tickets start at $27.15. 

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

The Sandlot 30th Anniversary with the Cast

August 31

Thirty years on, you’re still killing me, Smalls! The Sandlot, one of cinema’s greatest tributes to America’s national pastime, will celebrate three decades with a special screening at The Magnolia featuring a handful of members from the cast. Tickets range from $30.50 to $154. 

210 East Main Street, El Cajon

The post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: August 28–September 2 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

The week culminates in the festival’s crown jewel: The Grand Tasting, a two-day celebration featuring over 100 exhibitors dishing up samples from the city’s top restaurants, celebrity chefs, and wineries at Surf Sports Park (formerly the Del Mar Polo Fields). Plus, a portion of proceeds from Del Mar Wine + Food Festival will be donated to Feeding San Diego. Last year, DMWFF raised $25,000 for the nonprofit.

The inaugural DMWFF in 2023 included highlights like a tequila-paired dinner with actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, oceanfront dining at Michelin-starred Valle, a pickleball tournament with quarterback Drew Brees, and a Grand Tasting event that drew more than 6,000 guests. The 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival promises to be even bigger and better. Here’s your daily guide to the upcoming festivities:

BUY YOUR GRAND TASTING TICKETS NOW

Wednesday, October 2 

Tacos, Tortas + Tequila Hosted by San Diego FC at Monarch Ocean Pub

Kick off the festival with one of San Diego’s newest professional sports teams, San Diego FC, at Monarch Ocean Pub in Del Mar. This opening event features tacos, tortas, and tequila—three things essential to all San Diegans’ diets. And what could be better than taking shots off the field with winger Chucky Lozano and goalkeeper Duran Ferree? 

Price: $165 | Time: 6–9 p.m. | Buy Tickets

Thursday, October 3

Marisi Fall Harvest

Welcome autumn with a five-course feast at Marisi in La Jolla. Hosted by Italian winemaker Pio Cesare (a brand known for its famous barolo made with grapes from Northern Italy’s Piedmont region), this seasonal dinner will showcase the latest harvest from Chino Farm, handmade pasta from Marisi, and curated wine pairings from the family behind Pio’s 142-year-old wine empire.  

Price: $225 | Time: 6–9:30 p.m. | See the Pairings & Buy Tickets

Trattoria Dia Prato on The Lawn at Rancho Santa Fe

Enjoy a traditional four-course Italian supper on the lawn at Rancho Santa Fe. The dinner features dishes crafted by chef Jackson Kalb (Top Chef/Ospi Venice), celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito (James Beard Award winner and best-selling cookbook author), and restaurateur Jason McLeod (CH Projects) in a beautiful outdoor setting. 

Price: $300 | Time: 6–9:30 p.m. | Buy Tickets

Fine Wine + Spirits at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will also host a fine wine and spirits seminar on October 3, giving attendees the chance to learn from some of the biggest pioneers in winemaking. The afternoon will feature talks led by winemakers and sommeliers from The Court of Master Sommeliers Americas, Pyramid Valley Vineyards, Benchmark Wine Group, and more. The event also includes a rare Burgundy tasting and a blind tasting experience to test your palate against the pros. 

More details coming soon!

Friday, October 4

Drew Brees Hosts the Whispering Angel Celebrity Pickleball Tournament

Drew Brees may be famous for his football skills, but don’t underestimate his pickleball game. For the second year in a row, Brees will host the annual celebrity pickleball tournament in Encinitas, featuring a lineup of heavy-hitters in support of Feeding San Diego. Participants can sign up for casual, intermediate, or advanced tournaments—or sip a refreshing beverage from the comfort of the sidelines. 

Price: $125 for spectators; $150–$600 for pickleball players | Time: 12–4 p.m. | Buy Tickets

Napa Luxe at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Napa’s top winemakers, including Benchmark Wine Group, Chateau Montelena, Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards, and more, will offer a tasting experience at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Guests will enjoy a flavorful tour through Central Valley varietals, with thoughtfully paired bites served alongside each glass. 

Price: $225 | Time: 6–9 p.m. | Buy Tickets

Fine Wine + Spirits at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Couldn’t make it to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s Thursday event? Here’s your second chance to get in on all the fun. Attendees have the chance to hear from legendary figures in the wine industry, such as David Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars (he’s called “Professor Chardonnay” among oenophiles) and master sommelier Ian Cauble, known for his appearance in the 2012 documentary SOMM. The evening will include moderated discussions and exclusive tastings, including a blind tasting led by prominent sommeliers.

More details coming soon! 

Saturday, October 5

THE BIG EVENT: Grand Tasting Day One

The Grand Tasting is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival’s marquee event, with more than 100 local restaurants, wineries, and drink makers in attendance. In addition to endless bites and sips, the event will feature live DJs, a professional photo station, shopping from women-owned businesses in a vendor area hosted by San Diego Magazine, and so much more. Upgrade to a VIP ticket for early entry and access to exclusive eats from restaurants like Azuki Sushi, Deckman’s, Warung Rie Rie, Ambrogio by Acquerello, and many others. 

Price: $165–425 | Time: 12–4 p.m. for VIP and early-entry ticket-holders; 1–4 p.m. for general admission | Buy Tickets

Sunday, October 6

THE BIG EVENT: Grand Tasting Day Two

Regretting not nabbing that delicious-looking crudo you side-eyed on your way out on day one? The Grand Tasting continues with another opportunity to sample the best of San Diego’s culinary scene. Consider purchasing a two-day ticket bundle for the chance to ease your stomach’s FOMO. Check the exhibitors’ page for updates on the latest additions to the Grand Tasting roster.

Price: $165–425 | Time: 12–4 p.m. for VIP and early-entry ticket holders; 1–4 p.m. for General Admission | Buy Tickets

Beach Cleanup and Seafood Brunch with Brian Malarkey + Javier Plascencia

Start your Sunday by giving back to the 619 with a beach cleanup at Cardiff Reef with pro surfer Jake Marshall. Afterward, head to Herb & Sea for a seafood brunch prepared by chefs Brian Malarkey and Javier Plascencia on the restaurant’s outdoor deck, accompanied by morning cocktails. 

Price: Beach Cleanup – Free; Brunch – $150 | Time: Beach Cleanup – 7:30–8:30 a.m.; Brunch 9–11 a.m. | Buy Tickets

Mer de Baja with Chefs Benito Molina + Drew Deckman

Savor a French-Baja fusion dinner at Rancho Bernardo Inn prepared by Drew Deckman, the Michelin-starred chef who recently debuted 31ThirtyOne in North Park, and Benito Molina of Masterchef Mexico, known for his Michelin-recognized restaurant Manzanilla in Ensenada. This dynamic duo promises a tasty culinary journey that won’t require a passport.

Price: $250 | Time: 6–9:30 p.m. | Buy Tickets

Hometown Heroes Hosted by Tiffany Faison at Nolita Hall

Celebrate with San Diego Wave FC at this chic Little Italy venue while dining on dishes inspired by the hometowns of Wave players. The evening’s roster includes two-time Olympic medalist Alex Morgan and Olympian (and SDM cover star) Jaedyn Shaw.

Price: $150 | Time: 6–9 p.m. | Buy Tickets

Monday, October 7

Happy Fillmore Golf Classic Benefiting Feeding San Diego

Put your short game to the test at the Happy Fillmore celebrity golf tournament, the grand finale of the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival. This event is your chance to hit the links with the stars and burn off the food and drinks from the Grand Tasting the day before. Sorry, neither Bob Barker nor Drew Carey will be in attendance. 

More details coming soon! 

The post A Guide to the Events at the 2024 Del Mar Wine + Food Fest appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

That’s exactly why Beau du Bois looked to CDMX’s culinary capital—the Roma Norte neighborhood—for the name and inspiration behind Roma Norte, Puesto’s brand-new 21+ bar concept at The Headquarters at Seaport Village, which officially opens Friday, July 26.  

Roma Norte’s sprawling interior spans 2,000 square feet, anchored with a moody dark brown marble bar and seating for 60. The vibe feels mysterious, yet charming, utilizing elements like rich velvet furniture, bronze accents, and antique mirrors for an ambiance inspired by Mexico City’s iconic architecture and melded with a modern San Diego feel.

It’s luxe. It’s intriguing. It’s super sexy, no doubt about it, and best experienced sans sunlight. “The meat and potatoes of its personality is after dark,” du Bois promises. From the moment you step inside, he wants you to feel immersed in the experience, starting with an oshibori hot towel service to start fresh, literally and figuratively. 

The superstar bar director is already the vice president of bar & spirits at Puesto and Marisi and has created award-winning cocktail programs at places like The Restaurant at Meadowood, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at the Meadowood Napa Valley resort. But he says he’s never created anything like Roma Norte before.

Working alongside director of bar logistics, Derek Cram, the final cocktail menu reads like the pages of a well-stamped passport. Nearly 70 unique drinks are divided between what they refer to as “Technique Driven” and “House,” plus four additional mocktails. Du Bois is already known for his Taco Truck cocktail, a riff on a Negroni using mezcal with Campari infused with cinnamon and pineapple. “For the opening of Roma Norte, we did an NA version of that which is really, surprisingly, very, very good,” he promises. 

Developing world-class cocktails with, and especially without alcohol, can be “an extreme challenge,” he says, but one that only helps hone the team’s skills and caters to the growing demand for equally balanced alcohol-free creations. “The tagline for Roma Norte is ‘every day is a school day,’ because we’re just constantly learning.”

Technique-driven dominates the menu, with selections like a Nitro Punch with mango, nitro-muddled hoja santa, lime and lemon juice, Champagne cordial, Park Pineau des Charentes, Macchu Pisco, and singani; or du Bois’ arguably most unexpected addition—his take on a rum and coke that’s perfectly clear. Made with milk-washed Bacardi 8 and Banks 7 rum, house-made cola, clarified lime cordial, and an ice spear, it’s definitely one that’ll use your eyes to fool your tongue. 

Even the House cocktails are anything but basic. From a banana daiquiri clarified using a centrifuge “the size of a Xerox printer” to the Rosetta with unaged apple brandy, milk cordial, and a whole bunch of other amazing sounding things, it’s clear that scientists and spirit lovers alike have something to look forward to. 

That emphasis on innovation in flavor, technique, execution, service, and even technology and equipment is something du Bois says will set his small team apart from anywhere else in San Diego. He admits he’s asking a lot of them, constantly pushing them to evolve, hone their understanding of chemistry, and experiment with unexpected tools (like said centrifuges). But after training at Roma Norte, “they’ll be in the top five percent of bartenders in the country, easily,” he claims. “These things have to be learned. They have to be demonstrated and shown, and it’s just not happening at this level, [with] this many cocktails, at any bar in San Diego.”

Although Roma Norte is a Puesto-adjacent project, don’t expect any overlap from the menu. Alongside du Bois’ concoctions are chef Erik Aronow’s creations, a collection of small plates specifically designed to go along with the star of the show—the drinks. Expect a few heartier plates like a carne crudo, a prime diced hanger steak with birria-spiced aioli, shimeji mushroom, and radish sprout, or the torta de Milanesa that features veal on a potato roll and topped with spicy cabbage, avocado, cilantro green chile aioli, and pickled onions. There’s plenty of seafood, too, like tostadas with scallops or yellowfin tuna specifically designed to be shared.

For the late-night crowd, Aronow has a few lighthearted bites like Flamin’ Hot Corn Nuts served with housemade crunchy hominy and a cheesy spice blend. Du Bois says that appealing to dinner and late-night crowds, as well as industry folks who get off work late at night is something he believes San Diego’s bar scene lacks, especially compared to Los Angeles, New York, and yes, Mexico City. “It’s just not a cocktail bar if you’re not open later in the evening,” he says. “That’s the DNA of a cocktail bar.” Is Roma Norte the answer? du Bois says yes. 

“From the moment you’re seated at Roma Norte, we’re taking you off the streets of San Diego and into the vibrant culture of Roma Norte,” he says. “We want Roma Norte to be a consistent option for people in San Diego to trust that it will be open until two in the morning.”

Roma Norte opens Friday, July 26 at 789 W Harbor Drive, Unit 155 in The Headquarters. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Reservations are available on Roma Norte’s website, OpenTable, and Sevenrooms. Adults 21 years old and up only.

The post First Look: Roma Norte Opening at Seaport Village appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

On an overcast Friday afternoon, a group of 17 huddles on Harbor Island’s docks, home to eight specially designed Martin16 sailboats. The two-person vessels are weighted so they can’t tip over. Even if they filled with water, they wouldn’t sink. The sails are controlled by two ropes and the rudder by a joystick, so the boater can sail without ever having to leave their seat. These boats can even be fitted with technology that allows sailors who can’t use their limbs to control the boat with their breath. As a precaution, a volunteer sailor travels in the seat behind.

The adapted boats give participants freedom they don’t always experience on land. Volunteer Dale Burchby recalls a woman who went sailing with them after a catastrophic accident that rendered her suddenly needing a wheelchair. Looking out at the bay, she asked, “Where do we go?”

Her companion sailor said, “Anywhere you want.”

She burst into tears.

Wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters stay on the docks, explains Challenged Sailors President Peter Phillips, who, because of nerve damage caused by Guillain-Barré syndrome, needs leg braces and a walker to get around.

“When I’m walking, I’m experiencing pain. I can’t go fast,” he says. But out on the bay, “there are no limitations—it’s just the boat and the wind and the water.”

Back on the dock, Penny Anders, who became paraplegic after an accident two years ago, gets ready to be lowered by a hoist into her boat. She beams as she ducks beneath the boom and takes control of the helm. “You go so fast [when you’re sailing]—you’re just flying,” Anders says. The sport has been a source of joy for her in what has been a difficult transition, she adds.

“It saved me, too,” says Leah Gualtieri, her volunteer companion sailor, who took up sailing after a divorce. “Once you’re out there, you don’t want to not be out there.”

The post Cruising the Bay with SD’s Adaptive Sailing Nonprofit appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

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

Food & Drink Events in San Diego

Taste of Hillcrest

April 13

Take a self-guided tour of one of San Diego’s most fun and flavorful neighborhoods this Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. with Taste of Hillcrest. More than 25 local cafés, eateries, and restaurants will offer up samples, including sips like specialty cocktails and cold brew and eats such as sashimi and brownie bites. Taste of Hillcrest passes are $40 and can be purchased here. | 5th Avenue and University Avenue, Hillcrest

Celebrate the Craft 

April 14

From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, SoCal’s culinary community will show out in full force for the 21st annual Celebrate the Craft, a festival dedicated to cooking, winemaking, and agricultural excellence. Taste the region’s finest ingredients and celebrate the area’s top tastemakers and artisans with samples of SoCal’s best wine, craft beer, and dining delights. VIP tickets are already sold out, but general admission passes are still available for $250. A portion of the proceeds from the festivities will go to The Ecology Center. | 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

Concerts & Theater in San Diego

BRAT

April 12 & 13

Taking inspiration from the real-life experiences of children from military families, Wendy Maples’ BRAT revolves around the life of a military kid who must grapple with constant moves and work to create new friendships in unfamiliar places. The Light Box Theater’s two performances of BRAT (Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.) are free for audiences; sign up for a ticket to attend. | 2590 Truxtun Road Suite 205, Liberty Station

Billy Joel & Sting

April 13

Music legends Billy Joel and Sting share the stage at Petco Park for a special concert this Saturday night. The two icons——the minds behind iconic hits and karaoke essentials like “Piano Man,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Roxanne”—recently launched their co-headlining tour, and this concert is their only performance together on the West Coast. Tickets are still available for the show, starting at $98. | 100 Park Boulevard, East Village

The 39 Steps

April 13–May 12

Opening this Saturday night, The 39 Steps is an adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 spy thriller of the same name. Whereas Hitchcock’s adventure film leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, the parodic stage version puts a comedic and romantic spin on the dramatic source material. Directed by AJ Knox, The 39 Steps will run on the Ray Charles Stage at New Village Arts for over twenty shows through mid-May. | 2787 State Street, Carlsbad

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

Duke Windsor: Reflections

Through April 28

See Reflections from Mt. Helix–based artist Duke Windsor at the exhibition’s free opening reception this Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sparks Gallery. Windsor brings a touch of magic to his acrylic paintings of everyday San Diego sights by giving our beloved city gold-leaf skies. Catch the show through April 28. | 530 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp

San Diego Arab Film Festival

April 12–13, 19–21

The 13th annual San Diego Arab Film Festival kicks off this Friday at The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art. A 7:20 p.m. screening features the short film I Am From Palestine and the feature film A House in Jerusalem. The festival, from local nonprofit KARAMA, will host eight screenings in total, each highlighting one full-length feature and one short film, with the intention of celebrating cinema from countries such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Morocco. After Friday night’s screening, see two on Saturday (6:10 p.m. and 8:25 p.m.). Each evening of the festival will be followed by a cafeteria-style Arabic dinner ($15). Tickets for individual screenings ($15), three screenings ($40), and all eight screenings ($80) are available. | 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park

South Bay Earth Day

April 13

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bayfront Park, South Bay will celebrate Earth Day in a big way with several environmentally friendly activities and zero-waste exhibits. At this free event hosted by the City of Chula Vista, learn more about living an eco-conscious lifestyle thanks to demonstrations on composting, green energy conservation, and diminishing your carbon footprint. The event will also feature a bike-only valet, a fix-it clinic for broken items, live entertainment, organic food, and more than 40 sustainable vendors. | 980 Marina Way, Chula Vista 

San Diego Made Spring Market

April 13

The 10th annual San Diego Made Spring Market arrives in La Mesa Village this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shop niche finds and beautiful crafts from more than 120 local makers, artisans, and artists. The free market will also include mini golf, face painting, a beer and wine garden, an abstract painting workshop, and high tea service. But the fun’s not over yet—attendees can expect gourmet food trucks, live music from local musicians, craft stations, photo ops, a variety of discounts and deals, and a scavenger hunt for the chance to earn prizes. | 8111 Orange Avenue, La Mesa

Rolando Street Fair

April 14

The Rolando Street Fair takes over Rolando Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Sunday, with more than 100 local vendor booths showcasing San Diego’s vibrant local businesses. Attendees can enjoy performances from local bands, including School of Rock San Diego and Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, plus tasty craft brews and bites from dozens of San Diego food trucks. Kids can get in on the block party fun, too, with the $5 kids zone, where they can spend the afternoon climbing walls and inflatables, playing games, and making crafts. | Rolando Boulevard, Rolando Village

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

The Bulls of Sant’Agata Charge Little Italy

Sunday April 14

Instead of the loud grunt of a bull raring to charge anyone wearing red, onlookers will hear the engine purr of pristine Italian icons as The Little Italy Association and O’Gara Coach San Diego team up once again for the Bulls of Sant’Agata Charge Little Italy this Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. More than 20 classic and rare Lamborghinis, also referred to as “Italian bulls,” will cruise down India Street and give car lovers the chance to see the automotive beauties up close for free while enjoying live music and entertainment in the heart of Little Italy. | India Street between West Fir and West Grape Streets, Little Italy

The post 11 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: April 11–14 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

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.

Inspiration for the book struck Groth—an urbanist, educator, and native San Diegan—after she studied architecture in Helsinki, Finland, just one year before the city was announced as the 2012 World Design Capital. When she returned in 2012 for a conference, Groth picked up a portable, photo-oriented guidebook about Helsinki. 

But it wasn’t until years later, when she was back home in San Diego, that she rediscovered the book and really began musing about creating a similar guide for San Diego and Tijuana. 

Passion for representation, public spaces, and community has been a consistent theme since those early days. The accumulation of all the places in the guide was the result of, yes, lots of research, but also the snowball effect that came from Groth reaching out to “friends and friends of friends and neighbors and just saying, ‘Hey, I’m writing this book. What do you think?’” 

Groth embraced the diversity of locations that came from crowdsourcing. She had just one criterion for inclusion: that each place is free and publicly accessible. “I did make a few exceptions for places like the Mingei and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, because I am an architect and both of those projects have recent amazing, architecturally significant renovations,” she notes. “I felt like it was important that those were celebrated.” 

Though your typical guidebook is penned with a visitor’s perspective in mind, Groth hopes to see Places We Love taken up by locals and tourists alike. “I think the goal was not to restrict it, and so not to write it in a way that didn’t feel accessible to everyone,” she says. 

Her desire for an inclusive look at the area also drove her decision to make the guide a binational one. “I don’t know of any other book that shows both [Tijuana and San Diego] together as one, and that is the reality of so many people that live here,” she says. Blurbs describing each place—regardless of what side of the border it’s on—are published in English and Spanish, and Groth drew visual connections between the two cities by ensuring that Tijuana and San Diego were photographed “in the same vein.”

Groth and her team commissioned more than 15 photographers to shoot the book’s locations, resulting in a beautiful array of styles, including both digital and analog snaps. Though Groth allotted creative control to the photographers, she did stress the importance of capturing the relationship between people and space, which is why you’ll see locals and visitors hanging out in almost every photo. 

A 100-or-so-word blurb packed with history and fun facts accompanies the photograph of each location. Groth also uses this space to urge people to visit and care about these places and to emphasize the importance of public spaces. “We need to further invest in these places and understand how they came to be so that we can make more now and in the future,” she says.

She believes that bringing “more [and] better” public spaces to San Diego and Tijuana requires an equal division of work between top-down and bottom-up policies. “The truth is, you have to have both because, if not, you’ll have communities organizing and working very hard without the support of the city or country, and you’ll have public entities putting resources into policies and plans without community support,” she says. “Neither scenario is effective or sustainable.”

Coincidentally, around the same time that Groth was putting final touches on Places We Love, San Diego and Tijuana were jointly named the 2024 World Design Capital. Groth, however, feels that “it’s not that we are a world design capital as much as I think this is a year that we can really galvanize around [that title] to promote things—you know, move the dial.” And that’s exactly what she aims to do with her book: to guide us not just through the San Diego and Tijuana of today, but to the future of public spaces.

Learn more about placeswelovesdtj.com or check out a panel discussion with Groth on May 18 in Liberty Station.

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Attendees will have the chance to experience dozens of fun, fascinating, often family-friendly performances and installations from local and international artists pushing boundaries, asking big questions, and reminding us that art is everywhere. Speaking of—don’t be surprised if you leave with an acting credit. Innovative and immersive, many WOW events tap audiences in as part of the show.

Ready to jump in? Here’s everything you need to know about Without Walls Festival 2024.

What is Without Walls Festival 2024?

WOW is a free performing and visual arts event featuring local and international artists. The festival offers site-specific and interactive performances, installations, and workshops, ranging from plays, musicals, and exhibitions to puppeteering, silent discos, and dance. Think of it as San Diego’s own private, international fringe festival.

When is Without Walls Festival 2024?

The 2024 WOW Festival takes place April 4–7. The WOW festival is partnering with UC San Diego this year to hold events at three main hubs on campus: the Revelle Plaza, the Epstein Family Amphitheater, and the La Jolla Playhouse (though some events take place at other venues). On Thursday, April 4, events begin at 4 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m. Friday hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday events occur 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday’s activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How do I get tickets to Without Walls Festival 2024?

Though this festival is completely free, some events require or recommend an RSVP. Check out the WOW website to browse the events categorized by “RSVP Required,” “RSVP Recommended,” and “Just Show Up.” Space for some events is limited and reservations may fill up.

What should I see and be a part of at Without Walls Festival 2024?

With more than 25 different local, national, and international performances and installations to explore, picking what see will be the hardest part of your weekend. Here are some standouts:

Inertia

Get ready to find yourself following a script on the spot or boogieing with a giant bear. New York City–based artist Drew Peterson brings audiences into the action, inviting them to create a show together as you go.

Beautiful Escape: Emergency Exit

Six actors older than 60 will take to the streets for Beautiful Escape: Emergency Exit, a dance-and-theater experience that explores the anxiety and excitement of aging. The roaming show was first performed in 2010 in France.

Princess Lockerooo’s The Fabulous Waack Dancers: The Big Show

Developed in LA’s hidden gay clubs in the 1970s, waacking came to more mainstream attention on the Black culture–focused music and dance show Soul Train. Princess Lockerooo, a longtime protogé of Soul Train alum Tyrone Proctor, celebrates the art form against a heart-pounding, eclectic soundtrack.

iykyk

From local theatre company Blindspot Collective (who count collabs with The Old Globe and Diversionary Theatre among their accomplishments) comes iykyk, a youth-led showcase of nine performances at UCSD’s Che Café.

Folding Futures

You’ve heard of space tourism. Now get ready for… time tourism? Audiences become interdimensional travelers in this “extended reality” experience that sends attendees forward into 2064, where you can see—and perhaps shape—the future of earth.

Pigments of Imagination: An Interactive Virtual Reality Composition

This VR-driven production is a continuously accessible ongoing event, beginning April 4 at 5 p.m. and ending April 7 at 8 p.m. The experience utilizes various genres of music—from hip-hop and soul to blues and electronic—to tell the remarkable tale of a child’s trip to the moon.

The Apple Avenue Detective Agency 

This playable performance makes attendees ages 12 and older members of a kids’ detective club. Unleash your inner Nancy Drew and help the inquisitive young investigators solve a meaningful mystery partly inspired by writers Jeff and Andy Crocker’s real-life experiences.

Is Without Walls Festival 2024 family-friendly?

Absolutely—though, some events are more appropriate for younger audiences than others. Here are a few must-see performances and installations if you’ve got kids in tow:

Abeba in the Tall Grass

Recently commissioned by the La Jolla Playhouse, Abeba in the Tall Grass follows a fifth-grade horticulturist as she finds ways to coexist—and even connect—with not-so-like-minded students in her beloved urban garden.

Spectrum: Society of Wonder

Kaleidoscopic creatures star in this family-friendly puppet show soundtracked by a San Diego Symphony string quartet. The celestial critters will save the earth and prompt audiences to consider how they can take better care of our shared planet. Arrive early to make a lantern for the show’s set

What should I bring to Without Walls Festival 2024?

We’re finally moving out of rainy season here in San Diego, so expect mid-60s weather and sunny skies during the day, with temps dipping into the 50s at night. Dress in layers, don sunscreen, and bring a jacket to evening performances with the expectation of being outdoors most of the time.

You’ll also want a smartphone and earbuds or headphones on hand, since some events require connecting virtually for the full experience. Pack a portable charger if you plan to be at the fest all day. For some performances, like acrobatic extravaganza Duo, you may want to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket for comfier seating—see WOW’s FAQ for more specific info on these shows.

Where do I park at Without Walls Festival 2024?

You’ll find plenty of parking structures on UCSD’s campus. The Gilman and South structures are closest to the festival’s venues. Parking passes for the duration of the festival cost $8.40 to $12.40 per day, depending on showtimes.

Save on parking fees (and go the more sustainable route) by taking the Blue Line trolley, which stops just steps from the Epstein Family Amphitheater.

What are the food and drink options at Without Walls Festival 2024?

UC San Diego’s campus dining options will be open during the festival, which means attendees will find themselves spoiled for choice. Grab a bite at more than 15 nearby eateries, including San Diego institutions like Rubio’s and Dirty Birds.

The post La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival 2024 Guide 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.