Events

California Wine Festival

June 23-24. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, California Wine Festival returns to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. The two-day event comprises the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting on Friday evening; and the Beachside Wine Festival on the Heron Lawn on Saturday afternoon. Sample myriad wines from vintners based in Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Temecula and more. Participants include Adobe Road Winery, Cuvaison, Doffo Winery and Dry Creek Vineyard; plus bites from area restaurants, oceans views, and live music. See website for schedule and tickets (21+). 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad. More Info

Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off

June 24. The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association presents this 43rd annual, all-day celebration in the heart of O.B. The fun includes three stages hosting live music throughout the event; a beachside beer and spirits garden; more than 200 local food vendors and merchants; an “Artist Alley” showcasing local artisans and craft vendors; and a seaside family fun zone, including bounce houses and kids activities. There’s also the famed Chili Cook-Off tasting and competition; plus eating contests hosted by Hodad’s (burgers) and Dirty Birds (wings). 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Ocean Beach. More Info

Camino Fest at Camino Riviera

June 25. Tulum-inspired restaurant Camino Riviera presents its second annual Camino Fest—showcasing cocktails, cuisine, wine and art of the Yucatan Peninsula. Guests can taste small-batch and rare mezcals and tequilas; along with a curated cocktail menu highlighting spirits from across Latin America; plus wine tastings. Sample bites from interactive culinary stations; witness a live fish breakdown and whole pig spit-roast; watch demos by Mexican artisans; and partake in activities like macrame building; along with live music and fire dancing. 1-8 p.m. See website for tickets. 2400 India St., Little Italy. More Info

San Diego County Fair

Through July 7. This annual spectacle of rides, attractions, animals and food is in full swing at Del Mar Fairgrounds. The fair’s 2023 theme is “Get Out There,” celebrating San Diego’s great outdoors. In addition to gut-busting fair food, the festivities include art and photography exhibits; an educational agriculture exhibition; adventure-themed games and rides; and the Toyota Summer Concert Series. The music lineup this weekend includes Boyz II Men on Thursday; Stephen Marley (pictured) on Saturday; and Los Tigres del Norte on Sunday. See website for hours and admission info. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1161. sdfair.com

Food + Drink

Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival

June 25. We all scream for ice cream on Sunday! Scoop San Diego returns with its fifth annual San Diego Ice Cream Festival—featuring more than 20 local ice cream and gelato shops. Sample frozen treats from Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, Mr. Trustee, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Gelati & Peccati, Cabetos Pops, MooTime Creamery, Mariposa, Hammond’s, Kula Ice Cream and more. There’s even a VIP Lounge, presented by Communal Coffee, serving exclusive ice cream and gelato flavors. Proceeds benefit the San Diego Food Bank. Noon-4 p.m. $40-$100. North Park Way, North Park. More Info

Taste of Adams Avenue

June 25. Explore local bites and delights, as a 2-mile stretch of Adams Avenue—from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington—transforms into a culinary walkabout. More than 40 restaurants, coffeehouses, wine bars, pubs and breweries are participating—each with their own distinctive vibe and food and drink offerings. Venues include Blind Lady Ale House, Et Voila French bistro, The Rabbit Hole, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, Hawthorn Coffee, The Haven Pizzeria and Señor Mangos. Access each by foot or bike; along with complimentary trolley service along Adams Avenue. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $45 per person. More Info

South of Nick’s

Now Open. The former International Smoke space at One Paseo has been transformed into South of Nick’s, the sister concept to the popular Nick’s Del Mar. The Mexican kitchen and bar offers shareable plates, steaks, seafood, soups, salads, tacos, burritos and more. Menu highlights: chipotle-dusted Chilean seabass, chile relleno, stacked-birria enchiladas, the El Jefe Burrito, Filet Mignon Ranchero, and pork carnitas. Wash it all down with an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal libations, tequila flights, classic cocktails, beer and wine. Open daily at 4 p.m. 3387 Del Mar Heights Road, Del Mar, 858.465.7145. More Info

“Tsuki” Monthly Pop-Up at Matsu

Upcoming | June 27. Oceanside’s refined Japanese dining den, Matsu, presents a monthly pop-up: “Tsuki,” with the second in the series slated for Tuesday. Translating to “moon” in Japanese, the experience comprises Izakaya-style small plates and spirits from the full bar. Snack on smoked gyoza with truffle gyoza sauce; pork with Japanese curry and cabbage; teriyaki karaage with burnt onion mayo; A5 beef tartare; and more. The bites are paired with a curated selection of wines, sakes and specialty cocktails. 5-11 p.m. No reservations (first come, first served). 626 S. Tremont St., Oceanside, 760.681.6152. eatatmatsu.com

Arts + Culture

San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival 

June 24-25. If you like your jazz smooth, head to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park this weekend for this fifth annual festival—hosted by Eric Darius (pictured). The Saturday lineup includes musicians such as Michael Franks, Rick Brun with Richard Elliot, Michael Lington, and Ray Fuller and Friends. On Sunday, catch performances by Damien Escobar, Keiko Matsui, Phil Denny and more. The fun also includes local libations, food vendors and San Diego Bay views. 3:30 p.m. (Gates open at 2:45 p.m. each day.) See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, embarcadero, 619.235.0804. theshell.org

Destiny of Desire at The Old Globe

Closes June 25. Playwright Karen Zacarías’ hilarious homage to the world’s most popular form of storytelling: the telenovela (soap opera), Destiny of Desire closes Sunday at The Old Globe theater. The plot twists are aplenty when a scheming ex-beauty queen swaps two newborn babies—one born into a life of poverty and the other born into one of extravagant wealth—on a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico. Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson directs the play, featuring live music and vibrant choreography. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Photo credits: Taste of Adams Avenue by Haley Lesser / courtesy of Adams Avenue Business Association. Destiny of Desire / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.