Events
Karaoke for a Cure at Ginger’s
Oct. 14. Who’s ready to belt out some tunes for a great cause? In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ginger’s (the speakeasy tucked below Barleymash) hosts an evening of karaoke, cocktails and a silent auction—sponsored by Beam Suntory—with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. In between songs, sip on specialty libations such as the bourbon-based Tia and Tamara, and the Thelma and Louise made with Sipsmith gin. (And rumor has it Ginger’s makes a killer martini.) 9 p.m.-midnight. Free entry. 500 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.255.7373. gingersgaslamp.com
Blended Festival San Diego
Oct. 15-16. Dance your way through this two-day music, art, wine and culinary festival along the waterfront. The main wine tent will house hundreds of selections from California wineries; plus a full bar, chef demos, a wellness lounge, VIP Village and much more. The concert lineup includes Loud Luxury, Deorro, Bryce Vine and Jowell & Randy on Friday; The Chainsmokers (pictured), Nelly and Blanco Brown on Saturday; and 20 DJs across both days. See website for full lineup and ticket packages. F 4-10:30 p.m.; Sa noon-10:30 p.m. 3900 N. Harbor Drive, Spanish Landing Park. blendedfestival.com
Food + Drink
National Pasta Day at Barbusa
Oct. 17. We suggest celebrating this sacred day at the Busalacchi family’s modern trattoria—serving Sicilian cuisine, Southern Italian wines and seasonal cocktails. Barbusa is known for its handmade pasta dishes, such as the carbonara con piselli with fettuccine, sweet peas, bacon and egg yolk; the frutti di mare with spaghetti (pictured); and the Bolognese al forno with baked anelletti noodles and a hearty beef-and-sausage ragu. We also love the fried-squash blossoms stuffed with four cheeses, Sicilian meatballs and oxtail risotto. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. 1917 India St., Little Italy, 619.238.1917. barbusa.com
Pumpkin Decorating + Donuts at Bivouac
Oct. 17. Pumpkin decorating, hard cider and donuts? “Adulting” isn’t so bad with this fun fall celebration at Bivouac Cider’s North Park taproom. Each ticket includes your own pumpkin, carving and decorating supplies, a pumpkin-spice-cider donut from Nomad Donuts, and a 12-ounce glass of Bivouac’s seasonal Cat’s Paw Pumpkin Spice cider; plus classic Halloween films playing in the background all afternoon. Guests can also order fall-inspired cocktails and other menu items available for purchase. Festive attire is welcome. 2:30 p.m. $35 per person (21+). 3986 30th St., North Park, 619.725.0844. Tickets
Tajima Ramen’s 20th Anniversary
Through Oct. 31. San Diego’s top ramen spot (the spicy sesame ramen is pictured) celebrates 20 years in business this month—having grown to six locations since opening its first outpost in the Convoy District. Every time you spend at least $30 at any locale, your party receives a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes such as an iPad Pro, a Sonos sound bar, Nintendo Switch, Disneyland tickets, a drone helicopter and a staycation at Paradise Point Resort. (Promotion is available to dine-in guests only.) See website for locations, addresses and hours. tajimasandiego.com
Tavern at the Belly Up
Now Open. The Belly Up Tavern invites you to fill your belly up! Formerly known as the Wild Note Cafe, Tavern is the perfect spot to fuel up before a show next door at the legendary concert hall. The music-inspired menu features “openers” such as Thai chicken dumplings, short-rib-truffle fries and Acapulco street corn; followed by “headliners” such as Dijon-herb-crusted salmon with Israeli couscous, surf-and-turf enchiladas, fish ‘n’ chips, and spaghetti with turkey meatballs. L, D daily (see website for hours). 143 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858.720.9000. bellyup.com
Weekend Brunch at The Plot
Now Available. This entirely plant-based eatery crafts delicious vegan dishes with nearly zero waste—growing most of its ingredients on the property. The Plot has debuted its weekend brunch service with a new menu of decadent dishes and drinks. Offerings include vegan chicken ‘n’ waffles, sausage ‘n’ biscuits, chilaquiles and breakfast burritos; plus sandwiches, salads, coffee drinks, wine, beer and specialty libations. Try the Garden Party (pictured)—a Japanese-inspired twist on a traditional bloody mary, topped with a “chicken nug.” Sa-Su 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1733 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside, 442.266.8200. theplotrestaurant.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego International Film Festival
Oct. 14-24. Showcasing more than 80 features, documentaries and short films, the San Diego Film Foundation’s signature event marks its 20th anniversary—presenting a hybrid of both virtual and in-person screenings this year. The lineup includes the Opening Night premiere at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) on Oct. 14; film screenings at MOPA and San Diego Museum of Art Oct. 15-16; a “culinary cinema” at Catamaran Mission Bay on Oct. 17; and online screenings and Q&As with filmmakers via the Festival Virtual Village. See website for individual ticket pricing and festival passes. sdfilmfest.com
Mother Road at San Diego Repertory Theatre
Through Oct. 31. Latinx playwright Octavio Solis (pictured) and director Sam Woodhouse bring us Mother Road—the first of two ambitious productions that will light up San Diego Rep’s Lyceum Stage this fall. Inspired by John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, the play is an exploration of people and cultures in America. Looking for blood kin to inherit his family farm in Oklahoma, hardworking William Joad discovers he is related to Martín Jodes—a young Mexican-American descendant from Steinbeck’s original protagonist Tom Joad. Tickets start at $25. 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.544.1000. sdrep.org
San Diego Italian Film Festival
Through Oct. 31. More than just movies, the festival—now in its 15th year—is a celebration of Italian history, culture, community and stellar cinema. This year’s theme is “The Art of Resilience,” featuring seven in-person film screenings, two online films and 16 shorts comprising the third-annual Ristretto Shorts Competition. Selections include dramas, documentaries, romantic comedies and independent films never seen before in San Diego. Don’t miss the Italian documentary Baci Rubati (pictured), screening online Oct. 14-16. See website for full film lineup, locales and tickets. sandiegoitalianfilmfestival.com
Photo credits: Barbusa by Sam Wells. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
