Events

Chula Vista Lemon Festival

Aug. 12. When life hands you lemons, make a festival out of them! The Downtown Chula Vista Association hosts the 26th annual Lemon Festival in the heart of Chula Vista—once considered the “Lemon Capitol of the World.” Visit fun booths by local businesses—offering lemon-themed treats, beverages and specials; plus family-friendly activities, two stages of live music, a lemon cook-off competition, a wine and beer garden, live music, photo ops, arts and crafts vendors, and more. Bring your “main squeeze” and wear yellow! 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free entry. Third Avenue, downtown Chula Vista. More Info

Yoga at The Rady Shell

Aug. 12. Namaste by the bay, anyone? Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular event—inviting yogis and novices alike for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by seasoned instructor Viktoria Talbot. And the best part? Admission is free. However, space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat and sunscreen. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

Hillcrest CityFest

Aug. 13. Stretching nine city blocks, this annual summer art and music festival attracts around 150,000 visitors from across San Diego and SoCal. Enjoy 20-plus hours of live entertainment across two stages—including Nightshade Navarro & Los Salvajes, The RUED, Johnny Deadly Trio, DJ K Swift, Jinx Mirage and Kogee Soul Reprise. More highlights: live bands, electronic dance music, DJs, food stations from top local restaurants and food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors. And stick around for CityFest After Dark (starting at 7 p.m.) Noon-11 p.m. Free general admission. Along Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest. More Info

Kayaking & Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks

Ongoing. Leopard shark season is here! (But fear not; you are their friend, not their food.) Known for their leopard-like spots, these “puppies of the sea” migrate to the warm, shallow waters hugging the La Jolla coastline every summer. Ocean adventure company Everyday California lets you get safely get close to them, offering eco-friendly kayak and snorkeling tours of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve—home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life on the West Coast. Hour-long tours offered daily. Starting at $64. 2261 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.454.6195. everydaycalifornia.com

Food + Drink

“Enchanted Tea” Summer’s End Ball

Aug. 12. Fairytales can come true at The Westgate Hotel’s “Enchanted Tea” Summer’s End Ball on Saturday. The kiddos are encouraged to dress up in their best fairytale attire for a festive afternoon tea service in the hotel’s Versailles Ballroom—including premium teas and hot chocolate, house-made pastries, desserts and tea sandwiches; plus a special appearance by Rapunzel and New Orleans’ Bayou princess; entertainment including songs and photo ops; and a special gift for each child to take home. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $95 per person. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com

SIP the City Festival

Aug. 12. Head to Escondido City Hall for this fifth annual imbibing celebration—bringing together San Diego’s cideries, meaderies and urban wineries. Enjoy live music by Silk Button Butchers, bites from California Poppy and unlimited tastings from local wine, cider and mead vendors. Participants include Solterra Winery, Carruth Cellars, Gianni Buonomo Vintners and Lost Cause Meadery; plus vendors like A Mano Cheese, Timka Jewelry, Charmed by the Glass, Wine Reflections and Balsamico Italian Kitchen; and a SIP San Diego shop to purchase libations by the bottle. 5-8 p.m. $79 per person. 201 N. Broadway, Escondido. More Info

Turf & Surf BBQ at Del Mar Racetrack

Aug. 12. Unfolding at the Del Mar Racetrack’s Seaside Cabana on Saturday, the Turf & Surf BBQ comprises a build-your-own barbecue feast, with pro pit masters from top local barbecue restaurants serving up an array of tasty pork and beef ribs, chicken and more. Wash it all down with a selection of whiskey drinks, craft brews and spiked lemonade; plus live music and DJs. Each ticket includes track admission, a racing program, tip sheets and access to the event’s trackside viewing area. 2-5 p.m. $30-$65. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. dmtc.com

Arts + Culture

Weekend Concerts at The Rady Shell

Aug. 11-13. Live music under the stars makes for a perfect San Diego summer evening. On Friday and Saturday at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, catch a screening of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, with the film’s score performed live in concert by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. On Sunday evening, legendary Catalan music group the Gipsy Kings take The Shell’s stage for a special concert—featuring Nicolas Reyes and guest Al Olender. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

O’Keeffe and Moore Art Exhibit

Closes Aug. 27. The works of two iconic artists are on view (but not for much longer!) at San Diego Museum of Art in a groundbreaking exhibit, O’Keeffe and Moore. Both pioneering modernists, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was known for her paintings of New Mexico landscapes and enlarged flowers; while English artist Henry Moore (1898-1986) created public works of art located around the world—namely semi-abstract bronze sculptures. Showcasing 120 of the artists’ works, the exhibit also recreates their studios—complete with original found objects, furnishings and tools. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org

Broadway Musical BEETLEJUICE

Upcoming | Aug. 15-20. Say his name three times fast and see what happens. Broadway San Diego brings us BEETLEJUICE. Inspired by Tim Burton’s 1988 cult-classic film of the same name, the musical takes us six feet under, where we meet Beetlejuice—a deviously obnoxious “bio-exorcist” who offers to help a recently deceased couple properly haunt their former home and scare away its new owners. Enter sweet but strange teenager Lydia, who meets the couple and deranged “demon with a thing for stripes,” and the haunting hilarity ensues. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

Photo credits: BEETLEJUICE by Matthew Murphy. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.