Events

Fit Yoga at The Rady Shell

Aug. 22. Breathe your way through August with this popular event by the bay. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular gathering—inviting yogis and novices for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by Viktoria Talbot. Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. Admission is free but space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

“SAMAFEST” Philippine Cultural Arts Festival

Aug. 22-23. Celebrate the culture, music, performing arts and cuisine of the Philippines at this 39th annual festival. “SAMAFEST” includes colorful folk and tribal dances by Samahan performers, accompanied by Samahan Rondalla and Kulintang (gong) music ensembles; plus arts and crafts vendors, revues of traditional and indigenous Filipino attire, Filipino food stations serving classic dishes from lumpia to leche flan, martial arts exhibitions, and other performers. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Park Boulevard and Presidents Way Lawn, Balboa Park. Details

S.D. Ho’olaule’a Hawaiian Cultural Festival

Aug. 22-23. Head to NTC Park for the 2026 San Diego Ho’olaule’a. The annual Hawaiian cultural festival celebrates the “spirit of Aloha,” featuring live entertainment, including music performances and hula dancing; a Cultural Village with educational activities and exhibits; Makahiki Games (traditional Hawaiian games for all ages); food vendors and retailers; and raffles and giveaways. Festival shirts are available for preorder via website. (Bring a chair and sun protection!) Sa-Su 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Sation. Details

Food + Drink

Pali Wine Co. Grand Reopening 

Aug. 22-23. The owners of Pali Wine Co. have shuttered their Little Italy tasting room; and transformed their restaurant, Cellar Hand, into the all-new Pali Wine Co. San Diego. The space boasts a refreshed interior and an outdoor patio—serving “elevated wine bar fare” from charcuterie and light bites to shareable plates. Choose from a collection of Pali Wine Co.’s Santa Barbara County wines; plus local beers and select spirits. Stop by this weekend for a complimentary splash of bubbly and live music. 1440 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.876.4099. paliwineco.com

By The Sea

Now Open. Coronado welcomes a Mediterranean dining destination. Founded by husband-wife duo Doug and Lara Hamm of Black Swan Hospitality, By The Sea was inspired by the couple’s travels to the Greek Isles, French Rivieria and Amalfi Coast. This means locally sourced “coastal cuisine” from seafood platters to Hamachi crudo to olive-oil-poached salmon to grilled branzino; plus pastas, salads, dry-aged ribeye and lamb chops; and seasonal cocktails and organic wines from small producers. See website for reservations. 1300 Orange Ave., Coronado. bythesea.co

Fallen Empire

Now Open. New hotel The Baby Grand shines with Fallen Empire, a hidden oyster and Champagne bar tucked beyond the lobby. The reservation-only oasis oozes opulence: mosaic flooring that channels “life under the sea,” mirrored walls, sexy low lighting, brass-accented mohair booths, and seashell-shaped glassware. The cocktails are just as sexy, with names like Eyes Wide Shut, Silk & Regret, and Stay For What. To eat: seasonal crudo, caviar cones, Kumamoto oysters, bluefin tuna sashimi, Alaskan king crab and more. 1315 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.853.2229. Details

New Menu at Mustangs & Burros

Now Available. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa’s onsite restaurant, Mustangs & Burros, is changing culinary direction—shifting from Baja-focused cuisine to “California Ranch-style dining.” Overseen by executive chef Katie Weber, the new menu centers on wood-hearth cooking techniques and hyper-locally sourced proteins and produce. Feast on a shareable 32-ounce, flame-grilled Abatti Ranch wagyu tomahawk; oxtail terrine; Seabass a la Plancha; and seasonal stone fruit and berry crumble with bourbon-caramel ice cream. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. Details

Arts + Culture

S.D. Symphony: Harry Potter in Concert

Aug. 21-22. Presented by CineConcerts as part of the Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park presents a screening of the 2001 film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone—with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performing composer John Williams’ score live. An adaptation of the first of J.K. Rowling’s children’s fantasy novels about Harry Potter, the movie follows an orphan who discovers that he is a wizard on his 11th birthday. F-Sa 7 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org

Japanese Friendship Garden: Natsu Nights

Aug. 22. Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum presents Natsu Nights on Saturday. (Natsu is the Japanese word for “summer.”) The Garden transforms into a charming backdrop for this themed night market series. Guests can stroll along its winding pathways while perusing the Enchanted Curio Market of unique vendors, enjoy a mix of immersive activities, sip matcha and more. Enjoy a discounted admission of $5 from 5-9 p.m. (upper garden only); with vendors onsite from noon-8 p.m. 2215 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park, 619.232.2721. Details

Broadway S.D.: Water for Elephants

Through Aug. 23. Broadway San Diego presents Water for Elephants at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Adapted from author Sara Gruen’s best-selling historical romance novel, the new Broadway musical centers on an orphaned veterinary student who joins a traveling circus, bonds with a remarkable elephant and falls in love with an equestrian star. An epic adventure of a lifetime ensues. The New York Times gave it a Critic’s Pick, calling it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.” See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

Photo credits: Pali Wine Co. is by Kathryn Caudle. Japanese Friendship Garden is courtesy of Balboa Park. “Water for Elephants” is by Matthew Murphy. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.