Events

La Jolla Concourse d’Elegance
April 25-27. The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance returns for its 19th annual installment, showcasing 170 of the finest cars in the world. This year’s theme is “Mascots in Motion,” paying homage to the history of iconic hood ornaments and celebrating the golden era of American Hot Rods and Lincoln Motor Company’s centennial. There’s even a new special vehicle class this year: Iconic American Hot Rods (1928–1941). The weekend lineup includes a VIP soiree on April 25; “Porsches & Power on Prospect” on April 26; and the main event on April 27. VIP packages available. La Jolla Cove. lajollaconcours.com


Adams Avenue Unplugged
April 26. Catch more than 80 acoustic live music performances across 24 stages (both indoor and outdoor), as a 2-mile stretch of Adams Avenue—from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington—transforms into a musical walkabout. The unique event format features boutique concerts showcasing blues, folk, jazz, country and world music, plus a bevy of local artists. The performances are staged throughout each neighborhood, from cafes to bars to galleries—each with their own distinctive vibe and food and drink offerings. (Be sure to wear comfy shoes!) Noon-midnight. Free general admission. More Info


Encinitas Spring Street Fair
April 26-27. Encinitas’ annual celebration of the spring season is back, complete with more than 450 food and crafts vendors, multiple entertainment stages, children’s rides and more. Highlights include a craft beer garden sponsored by Kona Big Wave and offering pours by Modern Times Beer, Boochcraft, Juneshine and more; live bands and DJs performing on the Beer Garden Main Stage, the Community Stage and the Lumberyard Courtyard Stage; and kid-friendly attractions. See website for parking tips. Leashed dogs are welcome. Sa-Su 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. Highway 101, downtown Encinitas. encinitas101.com


San Diego Music Awards
Upcoming | April 29. Now in its 34th year, the San Diego Music Awards honor the talent and diversity of the local music community; while benefitting the San Diego Music Foundation’s “Guitars for Schools” program. Head to Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, where awards will be given for “Song of the Year,” “Artist of the Year, “Album of the Year,” “Best New Artist,” “Best Video” and nearly two dozen other categories. Attendees can also enjoy performances by San Diego’s top musicians; with a side of those famous Humphreys bay views. See website for ticket pricings. 7 p.m. 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Details
Food + Drink


Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival
April 26. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort has partnered with more than 30 area restaurants, wineries and breweries for this fourth annual festival. Enjoy an afternoon of sipping, sampling and live music on its lakeside lawn. Restaurants include Cannonball, The Pit BBQ, Amalfi Cucina Italiana, and Shores Kitchen + Bar. Wash it all down with offerings from Carruth Cellars, Karl Strauss, CaliFino Tequila and more. 1-4 p.m. (VIP includes early entry at noon and an exclusive cruise to the private island on Lake San Marcos.) $85-$160 (ages 21+). 1105 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. More Info


Celebrate the Craft Culinary Festival
April 27. Marking its 22nd anniversary, Celebrate the Craft is a premier culinary festival showcasing the best of SoCal’s chefs, growers, vintners and brewers. Unfolding on the lawn at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the event will feature around 27 celebrated chefs, including Trey Foshee, JoJo Ruiz, Drew Deckman, Tim Kolanko, Travis Swikard and Robert Alcocer; plus more than a dozen wineries from regions like Paso Robles, Napa and Sonoma. Event proceeds will be donated to The Ecology Center. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $275 (21+). 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.453.4420. Tickets
Arts + Culture


La Jolla Playhouse: WOW Festival
April 24-27. Presented in partnership with UC San Diego, La Jolla Playhouse brings us its signature Without Walls (aka WOW) series—featuring 20 immersive new performances and art experiences at locales around the campus across four days. The festival spans live theater, dance, music, puppetry, family-friendly experiences, featured events and more—all performed and led by local, national and international artists—and include free and paid events. See website for daily schedules, festival maps, a comprehensive guide to events and more. UCSD campus is located at 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1070. lajollaplayhouse.org


Mission Fed ArtWalk
April 26-27. What began as a modest art fair in 1984 has flourished into SoCal’s largest fine art festival: Mission Fed ArtWalk. More than 250 artists will showcase paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, glass, metal, woodwork, drawings and more. Festivities also include interactive art installations, street art, live music, food and kids’ activities. Find live entertainment at the Piazza della Famiglia and across three other stages in the ‘hood. The event benefits ArtReach, a local arts education nonprofit serving students countywide. Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. India Street, Little Italy. artwalksandiego.org


San Diego Museum of Art: Art Alive
April 25-27. The San Diego Museum of Art’s annual floral exhibition Art Alive returns. Designers will transform nearly 100 works from the museum’s permanent art collection into large-scale floral sculptures and installations for a weekend-long exhibit (and friendly competition). The fun includes the overhaul of the museum’s rotunda into an enormous floral installation—to be created this year by designers Natasha Lisitsa and Daniel Schultz—plus hands-on art-making and interactive activities for families and kids; and the popular Bloom Bash soiree on April 25. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org


San Diego Opera: La Traviata
April 25-27. San Diego Opera presents its final production of its 60th anniversary season at the Civic Theatre: Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, considered one of the most beloved operas of all time. The heart-wrenching story, (whose libretto was penned by Francesco Maria Piave) centers on a courtesan named Violetta (who is gravely ill), who falls in love with young nobleman Alfredo, and must make a heart-wrenching decision—all set against the romantic backdrop of 19th-century Paris. Yves Abel conducts and Kyle Lang directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.533.7000. sdopera.org
Photo credits: Bloom Bash opening photo by Bauman Photographers. San Diego Music Awards by Dennis Andersen Photography. Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival by Alexis Metz. Mission Fed ArtWalk by Paul Nestor. WOW Festival (pictured: “Summer Break” by Stephane Bourgeois) is courtesy of La Jolla Playhouse. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.