Events

“Living Seas” at Birch Aquarium

Opens May 22. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps brings unveils new “Living Seas” exhibition—the aquarium’s largest capital improvement since 1992. Explore new interactive features such as the Giant Octopus habitat; a new Scripps Pier habitat that evokes an “under the pier” experience; an expanded Open Ocean habitat filled with schooling fish and the aquarium’s rescued Loggerhead sea turtle; an expansive Tropical Coral habitat, featuring a “step in” immersive viewing window; insights on the research of Scripps Oceanography; the new Blue Waves Bistro; and more. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu

Legacy Week at USS Midway Museum

May 23-26. Welcome aboard “the “Midway” (christened as such in 1942.) The retired naval aircraft carrier is home to more than 30 restored airplanes and helicopters, family-friendly exhibits, a cafe and a massive flight deck overlooking San Diego Bay. The museum’s “Legacy Week” is in full swing through Monday—including a patriotic performance by the Imperial Valley Master Chorale, an onboard Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, a National Moment of Remembrance, a Remembrance Wall exhibit, and more. See website for full schedule and admission info. 910 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.544.9600. midway.org

Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party

May 24. The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego presents its Memorial Day Weekend installment of Liquid Sunshine—where the mantra is “dance, splash, drink, repeat,” presented by Eventvibe, RMD and LGNDRY. The signature pool party includes music by DJs Amenti, Craig Smoove, Kasama, IGGY and Sunny; plus a full bar featuring giant slushies and other cocktails; live art by Spencer Couture; and cabana/daybed rentals and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. Noon-6 p.m. See website for tickets (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

“Nighttime Zoo” at San Diego Zoo

Opens to Public May 24. “Rock Into the Evening!” at San Diego Zoo, which will offer extended summer hours and themed, family-friendly festivities that open to the public on Saturday. Enjoy performances by Jambo Dunia! (pictured), featuring wildlife puppets, dancers and acrobats; The Chameleons brass ensemble; the Rock & Roar pop band; The Explorers acapella group; Bounce-a Roo Bonanza; the Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania; the interactive Zoolamoves; and more. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. through Aug. 10; “Nighttime Zoo” entertainment begins at 3:30 p.m. daily. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. sandiegozoo.org

Local Memorial Day Ceremonies

May 25-26. Make your Memorial Day a little more meaningful by attending a local service that honors and remembers those who have died in service to our country. Among them: the Miramar National Cemetery Veterans Memorial Service (5795 Nobel Drive) on Sunday, 1-2 p.m.; the Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery Memorial Day celebration (1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive) on Monday, 10 a.m.-noon; and the Mount Soledad Memorial Day ceremony (Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic S. Drive) also on Monday, 2-3 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

“Pier Pressure” Mega Yacht Party

May 25. Kick off summer aboard Hornblower’s $10 million “Inspiration” luxury yacht, which has hosted SoCal’s biggest yacht party for 14 years running. The celebration includes live entertainment across the 1,200-person-capacity vessel’s three decks and two areas of music—featuring performances by four DJs, including Justin Credible, T-Spoon and Yeah Brah!. Guests can take advantage of several fully stocked and staffed bars (with bottle service and VIP packages available); while dancing and taking in bay views. 4-8 p.m. (boarding at 3:30 p.m.). See website for ticket pricing. 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

Food + Drink

Odie’s Pizza Co. 

Opens May 22. Touting “sourdough pies and radical vibes,” Odie’s Pizza Co. opens Thursday, just two blocks from the Oceanside Pier. With local beers on tap and skateboards dotting the wall, the casual-cool pizza parlor (named after founder Odie O’Connor, a North County local) offers New York and Sicilian-style pies made with specialty dough that goes through a 48-hour fermentation process—yielding a crispier crust (that’s easier to digest). Choose from 10 signature pies; plus wings, salads and house-made ice cream sandwiches. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 121 N. Cleveland St., Oceanside. odiespizza.com

Arts + Culture

Lamb’s Players Theatre: Because You’re Mine

May 23-25. Lamb’s Players Theatre—nestled in the heart of downtown Coronado—presents just three performances of Because You’re Mine: The Music of June Carter and Johnny Cash, May 23-25, featuring music talents Caitie Grady (Once The Musical), a Lamb’s company member; and associate artist Charles Evans, Jr. (Million Dollar Quartet). The duo channel the legendary country music couple for just two evenings and once matinee performance, performing their greatest hits. F-Sa 7 p.m.; Su 2 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. Details

S.D. Natural History Museum: “Nat at Night”

May 23. Ease your way into the weekend at “Nat at Night.” The San Diego Natural History Museum (aka “The Nat”) is open every Friday until 10 p.m. through the summer—with half-price admission after 5 p.m. The museum’s rooftop patio boasts views overlooking the park—offering beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks; small plates from Wolf in the Woods; pop-up programming; and access to the museum’s exhibitions. Our pick: Expedition Baja, located in the museum’s fourth-floor gallery, explores the rugged and beautiful Baja California Peninsula. 5 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org

L.J. Playhouse: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

Through June 15. Don’t miss Jocelyn Bioh’s Broadway hit, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, at La Jolla Playhouse. The comedic play takes us inside a bustling hair-braiding shop in Harlem, where a group of West Africa hair braiders create masterpieces on the heads women in the neighborhood. We get to know these dynamic women as the summer heat rises, spanning love, dreams and friendships that get tasted—a capture of the spirit of women, courage and community. Whitney White directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

Photo credits: Odie’s Pizza Co. by Kimberly Motos. The Nat by Eric Scire. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.