Events
Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden
Nov. 14-Jan. 4. The holiday spectacle Lightscape returns to San Diego Botanic Garden for its fourth annual installment. Wear your comfy shoes for a festive stroll along a 1-mile, inclined trail filled with illuminated, colorful installations by international artists—from the popular Tunnel of Lights to the glowing California Poppies. The immersive experience also has some brand-new installations this year; plus seasonal libations and treats for purchase along the route. See website for hours and tickets. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbg.org
Peppermint Beach Club at Westfield UTC
Nov. 14-Dec. 24. Head to Westfield UTC for some holiday cheer at Peppermint Beach Club. The fun includes live entertainment, snowfall and festive lights; retailer pop-ups; photos with Saint Nick in his Christmas bungalow, presented by SeaWorld San Diego (spruce up your photo session by partaking in an ugly sweater party all day on Thursdays and a holiday pajama party on Tuesdays); a gift-wrapping station; giveaways; and a special holiday menu at Queenstown Bistro. Open daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, UTC, 858.546.8858. Details
Fall Artisan Market at Mission Bay Beach Club
Nov. 15. Shopping and wine tasting with a side of water views? Count us in. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping at Mission Bay Beach Club’s fall artisan market on Saturday afternoon. Shop for gifts at the alfresco market featuring artisanal wares by local vendors; while sampling 10 wines from local/regional wineries on the bayside patio; plus live music and food vendors. Market runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; wine tasting 1-4 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2688 E. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. Details
OMBAC Pickleball & Cornhole Tournament
Nov. 15. The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) hosts its inaugural OMBAC on Third: Pickleball & Cornhole Tournament (open to both players and spectators). Downtown Chula Vista’s Third Avenue transforms into an alfresco sports arena for the day, with 10 pickleball courts and 30 cornhole courts; plus a beer garden, food vendors and live entertainment. Proceeds support the Chula Vista Fire Department Heritage Foundation. See website to sign up. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (9 a.m. check-in). 294 Third Ave., Chula Vista. Details
Food + Drink
“Orchard to Table” at Cellar Hand
Nov. 15. Cellar Hand restaurant hosts an evening dedicated to locally made cider. “Orchard to Table” will spotlight cidermakers Serpentine, Raging, Oddish and Calico; each will contribute pours to a fun tasting flight; along with food pairings by executive chef Ashley McBrady (in addition to Cellar Hand’s full dinner service). It’s an opportunity to meet the makers; as well as local author and Certified Cider Professional Beth Demmon, who hosts the special evening. Beginning at 5 p.m. See website for reservations and pricing. 1440 University Ave., Hillcrest. Reservations
Uncorked Wine Festival
Nov. 15. Wine corks will be poppin’ at Uncorked at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Seaside Cabana. Alongside “bettin’ on the ponies” at Del Mar Racetrack, guests can sample from a selection of more than 100 wines and bubbly from California and around the world; along with local food trucks and live DJ music all afternoon. A portion of proceeds benefit Urban Surf 4 Kids—a local nonprofit that provides water and surfing therapy for at-risk youth and foster children. 1-4 p.m. $37-$95 (21+). 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Details
Phở Gà Go Takeout Pop-Up
Now Open. The same owner behind Crab Hut and Kingfisher, Kim Phan, has launched a fun takeout pop-up experience tucked inside Crab Hut Mira Mesa: Phở Gà Go. Enjoy the same culinary excellence for which Kingfisher is known, but in a convenient mobile format. Choose from an array of bowls like Phở gà đùi (Vietnamese chicken-noodle soup with leg and thigh), chicken salad, egg rolls and more. Orders are available for pickup Su, M and T and must be placed one day in advance (see website). 8280 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa. phogago.com
Arts + Culture
Poway Symphony Orchestra Concert
Nov. 16. Poway Symphony Orchestra opens its season with a special concert at the Poway Center for Performing Arts on Sunday afternoon. “Dvořák in America” showcases Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s masterpiece Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”); along with his riveting Cello Concerto, featuring acclaimed cellist Cello (Qiele) Guo as guest soloist. 4 p.m. See website or call for ticket pricing. Free parking on-site. (Box office is open F-Sa, 1-6 p.m., and one hour before the concert.) 15498 Espola Road, Poway, 858.748.0505. Details
Lamb’s Players Theatre: Arms and the Man
Through Nov. 16. Catch it before it closes! George Bernard Shaw’s witty, romantical comedy, Arms and the Man, lights up the stage at Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado through Sunday. Directed by Deborah Gilmour Smyth, the play contrasts romantic ideals of war and love with the harsh realities of both—as a young woman realizes her feelings for a war-weary soldier who has been hiding out in her bedroom, sending the household into chaos. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org
La Jolla Playhouse: Working Girl
Extended through Dec. 14. Inspired by the 1988 film, the world-premiere musical, Working Girl, has been extended at La Jolla Playhouse. The production is based on the book by Theresa Rebeck; with music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony Award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper; and directed by Tony winner Christopher Ashley. The story centers on a Staten Island secretary determined to prove herself as a successful businesswoman. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Cellar Hand by Kimberly Motos. “Working Girl” by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
