Check out the best things to do in San Diego this month.
Edited by Madelyn Harris
Brain Food Dinner
May 4. In collaboration with the Institute for Brain and Society, CUCINA enoteca Del Mar will be offering a brain-friendly dinner filled with healthy vegetables and lean meats. While dining, guests will learn about the brain and how to keep it healthy with antioxidants, B12 vitamins, smart fats and phospholipid-rich foods. 6:30 p.m. $50. 2730 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, urbankitchengroup.com
Ballast
May 4-June 4. This cutting-edge new play intertwines the story of two relationships between trans and cisgender partners in an exploration of personal identity and how gender shapes our spirituality, desires and destiny. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., #101, University Heights, 619.220.0097. diversionary.org
The Music Man
May 5-July 23. This beloved, family musical follows Harold Hill, a traveling salesman who cons the residents of a small town in Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he insists he is organizing. Lawrence Welk Resorts Theatre, 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido, 888.802.7469. welkresorts.com
Rock the Yacht Party Cruises
May 5. Kickstart your weekend with a yacht party. Head to the dance floor for top hits and throwbacks featuring a local DJ, and take advantage of the free on-board WiFi to Instagram every moment. Drink specials and light snacks are available for purchase. 21+. 8:30 p.m. $25. Hornblower Cruises, 970 North Harbor Dr., 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 5-7. Head to historical Old Town for an all-night happy hour (May 5) followed by two days of festivities—including Ballet Folklorico, live music, children’s activities, a lowrider car show and lucha libre matches—all celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. Along San Diego Avenue and in Old Town Historic State Park, Old Town. cincodemayooldtown.com
Junior League of San Diego Food & Wine Festival
May 6. Sample cocktails, gourmet bites, wine and craft beers from more than 50 top local restaurants and beverage purveyors, and enjoy a viewing of the Kentucky Derby (hats and Derby attire encouraged). 21+. 12-4 p.m. La Jolla Cove, Ellen Browning Scripps Park. jlsdfoodandwine.com
BarleyMash Derby Day Brunch
May 6. On Derby Day, wear your spring dresses and big hats and head to BarleyMash for exclusive food and drink specials. Featuring Southern Classics, the promotion will include Kentucky’s trademark Cup of the Burgoo and Open Faced Hot Brown Sandwich. 10 a.m. 600 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.255.7373. barleymash.com
Striders Kentucky Derby Party
May 6. For ultimate Kentucky Derby coverage, Striders high-end sports bar features over 150 HD TVs along with a 15 ft. TV wall for viewing. Guests are encouraged to wear seersucker suits, dresses and hats, and the event promises a delicious brunch, a build-your-own-derby-hat contest, food and drink specials and plenty of Mint Juleps. 100 J St., 619.363.7166. striders.com
The Wine Pub Sit-in Cinema
May 6. Viewers can enjoy a summer evening under the stars with the Wine Pub’s popular sit-in cinema. Choose from snacks such as chocolate truffle popcorn, sip on a glass of wine, and enjoy the classic wine film Sideways. 2907 Shelter Island Dr. #108, Point Loma, 619.758.9325. thewinepubsd.com
Rhythm & Brews
May 6. Head to downtown Vista Village for the San Diego Brewer’s Guild annual spring event where guests can taste through the city’s best craft beers and listen to local tunes. This year’s music lineup includes local rock group P.O.D. and local singer/songwriter Ashley Hollander. Vista Villa District, Vista. sdrhythmandbrews.com
Uncorking the Mysteries of Wine
May 6. Head to the Fleet for a silent auction of wines and fabulous experiences, all while sipping fine wine and enjoying a multi-course dinner. The fundraiser event directly supports the Fleet’s mission of making science accessible for people of all ages. 6-10 p.m. The Fleet Science Center. 1875 El Prado, 619.238.1233. fleetscience.org
Carlsbad Village Faire
May 7. Stroll among more than 850 vendors—from arts and crafts, to antiques, clothing and jewelry, to food—at this one-day street festival. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Carlsbad Village, Carlsbad. carlsbad.org
Jersey Boys
May 9-14. The Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history—The Four Seasons—and features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Broadway/San Diego, Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. broadwaysd.com
Escape to Margaritaville
Opens May 9. Featuring original songs and Jimmy Buffett classics, this world-premiere musical tells the story of a bartender/singer named Tully who thinks he’s got life all figured out. Then a beautiful career-minded tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything. Mandell Weiss Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Gator by the Bay Festival
May 11-14. This family-friendly music and food festival features blues, Cajun and zydeco bands—more than 100 performances on seven stages—free dance lessons, Cajun cooking demos, authentic food such as boiled crawfish and beignets, and cultural and music workshops. Spanish Landing Park, 3900 N. Harbor Drive, Harbor Island. gatorbythebay.com
Mama’s Day at Hyatt Regency La Jolla
May 12. Held the Friday evening before Mother’s Day, the Hyatt’s Mama Day event brings together more than 55 chefs from San Diego’s finest restaurants as they prepare delicious samples for more than 600 attendees. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency La Jolla, 3777 La Jolla Village Drive., 858.552.1234. lajolla.regency.hyatt.com
Mother & Daughter Teas
May 12-13. Just in time to celebrate mom, the festive afternoon tea includes live harp music, an array of tea sandwiches, pastries, scones, homemade macaroons, tea and champagne. 2:30–5 p.m. $50. The Westgate Hotel, 1055 2nd Ave., 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
The Old Man and the Old Moon
May 13-June 18. Catch the West Coast premiere of this imaginative play that tells the epic tale of an old man who must abandon his duties of filling up the moon with liquid light to cross the seas in search of his missing wife. Shiley Stage at The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Liberty Station: Free Outdoor Summer Film Series
May 13. This spring, enjoy the return of the Liberty Station Second Saturday Cinema, a free outdoor film series taking place on the second Saturday of each month. Starting on May 13 with the film Lost in Translation, the series will continue until October. 8 p.m. 2816 Historic Decatur Rd. stonebrewing.com
The US Grant Mother’s Day Tea
May 13. Adding a twist to the timeless tradition, the US Grant presents its first Mother’s Day Tea in the newly refreshed lobby. Guests can sip on hot and cold brew loose-leaf tea and enjoy petite tea sandwiches, house made pastries, delicious desserts and champagne. A children’s tea menu is also available. 1-3 p.m. $59. 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.232.3121. usgrant.net
San Diego Botanic Garden’s Chocolate Festival
May 13. Savor a variety of chocolate goodies created by nearly a dozen chocolate artisans. Sample stations, award-winning cuisine, vendors, demonstrations and tips on creative delicious chocolate treats will be featured at the festival. 230 Qual Gardens Dr., Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbgarden.org
Fashion Week San Diego
May 13. Head to the runway for this year’s Spring Showcase at Hotel Del Coronado. The popular event will feature designer looks, live entertainment, a silent auction and sneak peaks of designer’s collections before they debut in the fall. 6 p.m. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com
Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch Cruises
May 14. Celebrate your mother with an indulgent brunch on the water, featuring a full buffet, endless champagne, jazz entertainment and a view of the beautiful San Diego Bay. Choose from three brunch times or an evening dinner cruise. Hornblower Landing at Grape Street Pier: 1800 N. Harbor Drive, 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Hope 46 at the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalow
May 14. In celebration of Mother’s Day, Hope 46 will be offering a special menu featuring an omelet station, carving station and an array of side dishes. Also, enjoy a live performance by The Beatles cover band, The Rollers. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., 619.296.2101. lafayettehotelsd.com
Asado Grill Mother’s Day Brunch
May 14. Nestled in the Rancho Pensaquito community, Asado Grill has crafted a varied Mother’s Day brunch menu, featuring items such as fluffy buttermilk pancakes, quiches, prime rib and grilled Pacific salmon. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $50. 14455 Pensaquitos Dr., 858.672.9100. asadogrill.com
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa Mother’s Day Brunch
May 14. Treat your mother and family members alike to a spread of field-to-fork treats, including signature omelets, freshly crafted pastries, Belgian waffles and local vegetables straight from the garden. Following brunch, guests can craft a flower bouquet or crown and enjoy family-friendly activities on the Croquet Lawn. $130. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.756.1123. ranchovalencia.com
Mommy & Me Ice Cream Pedicure
May 14. This Mother’s Day, spoil mom with sweet treats and relaxation. Head to Paradise Point Resort for a spa package that includes sparkling wine and sangria, ice cream treats for two from MooTime Creamery and a relaxing pedicure for two using organic products from FarmHouse Fresh. $150. 1404 Vacation Rd., Mission Bay, 858.274.4630. paradisepoint.com
Mother’s Day at Rancho Bernardo Inn
May 14. Shower mom with a buffet at the Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, the property’s signature restaurant. Enjoy an outdoor brunch buffet overlooking the golf course, along with live music and bottomless mimosas. $58. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., 855.574.5356. ranchobernardoinn.com
Mother’s Day Yoga and Brunch
May 14. Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch and yoga with a view. Firehouse’s event, in collaboration with Bird Rock Yoga, will include a yoga class, breakfast and champagne. 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. $25. 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.274.3100. firehousepb.com
Bistro 39 Mother’s Day Lunch
May 14. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet this Mother’s Day, featuring a carving station and custom omelet bar. For sweeter dishes, guests can enjoy crème brulee French toast, pastries and other desserts. $38.99. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 3939 Ocean Bluff Ave., 858.720.9500. bistro39sandiego.com
Naval Air Training Command Choir Reunion Concert
May 15. Head to the San Diego Air & Space Museum for a special choir performance by the Naval Air Training Command. Every member of the Command Choir is a former U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps aviation officer who flew combat, patrol and rescue missions. Their motto is, “We might be older now, but we can still sing.” San Diego Air & Space Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza, 619.234.8291. sandiegoairandspace.org
Shockheaded Peter
May 18-June 18. Fall into the world of Victorian steam-punk nightmares as a manic music box spins stories of naughty children and misguided parents in this silly and sinister play. Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com
Eat.Drink.Read
May 18. The San Diego Council on Literacy presents their eighth annual culinary event for literacy. More than 20 of the city’s finest chefs will create imaginative dishes inspired by their favorite books. San Diego brewers, winemakers and distillers will also bring their libations to the event. $75. 5:30-8 p.m. San Diego Air & Space Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza, 619.234.8291. literacysandiego.org
Hendrick’s Gin “Spirits” Tasting Soiree
May 18. Celebrate the season with a social evening at Rancho Valencia by sipping handcrafted cocktails, enjoying light bites and playing lawn games on the resort’s Croquet Lawn. Features of the event include a Perfect Gin & Tonic Station, stir-your-own-martini station, a Hendrick’s Gin tasting bar and Hendrick’s Negroni machine. $95. 858.756.1123. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe., 858.756.1123. ranchovalencia.com
Artisan Table Signature Wine Series
May 18. Try sips from specialty wineries, plus enjoy tray passed bites and a four-course meal served family style. A representative rom each winery will join the dinner to explain tasting notes and winemaking methods. 7 p.m. $178. The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, 858.453.4420. lodgetorreypines.com
DAUO Wine Dinner
May 19. Locals and guests alike can enjoy a delicately-paired four-course dinner with proprietor George Dauo of DAUO Vineyards. Highlights of the meal include duck breast, New York strip steak and single origin chocolate cake. $100. 7 p.m. 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., 855.574.5356. ranchobernardoinn.com
Thinking Shakespeare Live
May 20. Increase your understanding on Shakespeare with a 90-minute lesson on interpreting and understanding Shakespearean language, led by the Globe’s artistic director Barry Edelstein and assisted by three professional actors. $15. 11 a.m. The Old Globe. 1363 Old Globe Way, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Pirate Invasion at the Maritime Museum
May 20-21. Head to the Maritime Museum for a two-day pirate-themed celebration. Kids can enjoy a costume contest, cannon firings, weapon demonstrations, sword fights, live parrots, mermaid grottos, live music and scavenger hunts for pirate treasure. $17. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1492 N Harbor Dr., 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Fiesta Del Sol
May 20-21. Listen to a variety of reggae, new wave rock and Latin-influnced pop music at the 37th annual Fiesta Del Sol, a free outdoor festival hosted by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce. Musical headliners include Dead Man’s Party, Pato Banton and Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers. 111 S. Sierra Ave., Solana Beach. fiestadelsol.net
Old Mission Beach Athletic Club’s Craft Beer Festival
May 20. In conjunction with the first rounds of Over the Line at Mariner’s Point, guests can sip craft beer from many of San Diego’s top breweries including Belching Beaver, Fall Brewing and Iron First Brewing, among others. Pair your beer with a meal from a variety of food trucks. 21+. $40. 12-4 p.m. Mariner’s Point, Mission Bay Park. ombac.org
North Park Festival of the Arts
May 20. This annual celebration of the arts will feature more than 40 artists showcasing their work, handcrafted jewelry, a kids’ art block, live music, local food vendors and an entire craft beer block. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. University Avenue between 30th and 32nd streets, North Park. northparkfestivalofarts.com
Beer Cans Summer Race Series
May 24. Head to the San Diego Bay for one of the largest annual sailing events in Southern California. Watch as 125 sailboats of different sizes race against each other. 6 p.m., San Diego Bay. cortezracing.com
