Events

“Oceans at Night” at Birch Aquarium

Aug. 22. Sea life and nightlife combine at this monthly series at Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Leave the kiddos at home for this adults-only (21+) event celebrating the ocean’s mysteries and wonders after dark. Guests can enjoy interactive experiences that spotlight ocean phenomena; along with live music and entertainment, cocktails, classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, a twilight Kelp Forest Dive, and those famous Birch sunset and ocean views. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $37 members; $40 general public. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu

Brunch on the Bay Festival

Aug. 24. Calling all brunch lovers! Grab your brunch squad and head to Spanish Landing Park for the Brunch on the Bay Festival—featuring more than 20 restaurants, chefs, bakeries and brunch vendors; at least 40 beverage selections, including bottomless mimosas, craft beer and brunch-themed libations; DJs and live music; and even a mini golf tournament. Food vendors include Chix & Waffles, Thumbs Up Bacon & BBQ, Blissful Bakery, Chocolate Moonshine, Bolly Bites, Nicky’s Cafe, Sweet Thoughts and more. 11a.m.-3 p.m. $35-$69 per person (21+). 3900 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

Yoga at The Rady Shell

Aug. 24. 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

Dockside Night Market

Aug. 25. The San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group (SDFWG) and Puffer Malarkey Collective are teaming up with the city’s top restaurants and fisheries to present the second annual “Dockside Night Market: Local Fish, Global Flavors.” Taking place at Tuna Harbor Market Pier, the event features fresh catches straight from local fishing boats; along with dishes by 16 local chefs, including Tara Monsad, Davin Waite, Roberto Alcocer, Brad Wise, David Sim and Quinnton Austin; plus a cash bar and live music. 6-10 p.m. $100 per person (all proceeds benefit SDFWG). 598 Harbor Lane, downtown. More Info

Food + Drink

Taste of New Orleans at Del Mar Racetrack

Aug. 24. As part of its summer racing season programming, Del Mar Racetrack brings us the Taste of New Orleans Food & Music Festival at its Seaside Cabana. Sip on Hurricanes, frozen daiquiris, Abita beer and “Swamp Water” cocktails; while sampling Cajun cuisine including jambalaya, beignets, gumbo, po’boys, hush puppies, fried catfish, and red beans and rice. The music lineup includes The Bayou Brothers, Euphoria Brass Band and 524 Brass Band; plus a mini parade, bead vendors and more. 1-6 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com

Wine Tasting Soiree at the Bay

Aug. 24. Wine tasting while enjoying dreamy water views makes for a perfect San Diego Saturday. The Mission Bay Beach Club hosts a fun wine-tasting experience along the waterfront on its bayside patio. Each tickets includes 20 tastings of wines from eclectic wineries across the region; along with food stations serving bites that pair well with vino selections; and live music by local rock band the Bush Divers. 3-6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person for general admission. See website for all details. 2688 E. Mission Bay Drive. Mission Bay. More Info.

Wilma’s Carousel Bar

Now Open. The recently shuttered Wolfie’s Carousel Bar has reopened as Wilma’s Carousel Bar, now operated by SDCM Restaurant Group. Named after owner Matt Spencer’s grandmother, Wilma’s still houses the iconic carousel-turned bar with seating that slowly revolves around it—making it one of two carousel bars in the U.S.—with a new menu of French-Creole dishes by executive chef Brian Redzikowski; and a new cocktail menu by beverage director Eric Johnson. Indulge in steak frites, shrimp ‘n’ grits, beignets and cocktails like the Wilma’s French 75. 2401 Kettner Blvd., Suite B, Little Italy, 619.255.7533. wilmascarouselbar.com

Taste of East Village

Upcoming | Aug. 28-29. Eat, sip and stroll your way through East Village at this second annual event. More than 30 restaurants in the ‘hood will open their doors—offering samples of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages. Participating businesses include Ales Tales Taproom, East Village Brewing Co., City Tacos (pictured), BESHOCK Ramen, Sovereign Modern Thai, Knotty Barrel, Storyhouse Spirits, Doggos Gus, Mission Brewing and more. Ticket holders will receive a Taste Passport at check-in to use as a guide for mapping out all restaurants. 4-8 p.m. each day. $45 per person, per day. More Info

Arts + Culture

Philippine Cultural Arts Festival

Aug. 24-25. Head to the heart of Balboa Park to celebrate the culture, music and cuisine of the Philippines at this 37th annual festival. The family-friendly fun includes colorful folk and tribal dances by Samahan performers, accompanied by Samahan Rondalla and Kulintang (gong) music ensembles; as well as arts and crafts vendors; revues of traditional and indigenous Filipino attire; food stations serving classic dishes from lumpia to leche flan; martial arts exhibitions; and other special performers. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Park Boulevard and Presidents Way Lawn, Balboa Park. balboapark.org

Weekend Concerts at The Rady Shell

Aug. 23-25. The Rady Shell hosts three fun concerts this weekend. On Friday, Aug. 23, the San Diego Symphony presents a tribute to Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021), the renowned composer behind myriad famous musicals. Gary Clark Jr. (pictured) takes the stage on Aug. 24; the Grammy-winning R&B guitarist and singer is known for hit songs like “Please Come Home” and “Come Together.” Pink Martini shakes things up Aug. 25; the “little orchestra” joins the Symphony as part of the group’s 30th anniversary tour. See website for showtimes and tickets. 222 Marina Park Way, embarcadero, 619.235.0804. theshell.org

Photo credits: Dockside Night Market by Kimberly Motos. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.