Events

Sessions Surf Festival in Encinitas

Sept. 12-19. Created by filmmaker Taylor Steele, Sessions Surf Festival is a celebration of surfing, music, film and art. Events taking place around Encinitas include the Music Festival at Seaside Reef, headlined by Osees, with Unwritten Law, Bully, Yoke Lore, MT Warning, Jack Shields and the Mojave Rush, and Emily Afton—plus surfing and more throughout the day, Sept 12., noon-10 p.m.; Seaside Reef Beach Day, Sept. 13; the Art Sessions exhibition, Sept. 14-19; and Film Sessions at La Paloma Theatre, Sept. 17-19. See website for all details. Details

“The Skyline Spin” Experience in Oceanside

Sept. 12. Mission Pacific Beach Resort, Jdv by Hyatt, in Oceanside is partnering with lifestyle brand The Mushroom Cowboy (based in Austin) to host “The Skyline Spin,” a special summer-themed experience on the resort’s oceanfront rooftop. The community-oriented event is structured as a wellness-focused, daytime dance party, featuring food, coffee and live DJ music—headlined by Veggi with Landopolo. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event is free with RSVP and open to the public while space allows. (See website to reserve a spot.) 201 N. Myers St., Oceanside. Details

Sunset Cliffs Auto Show

Sept. 12. Now in its fourth year, the Sunset Cliffs Auto Show returns. The family-friendly event showcases classic cars, hot rods and custom builds; along with live music, local food vendors, adoptable dogs and other festivities. Highlights of the day include the OB Pancake Breakfast (8 a.m.), with music by the Sandollar Band, and The Juke$ Band; a Kids Zone with Power Wheels Races and a Hot Wheels Derby; and an awards ceremony with raffle prizes. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Point Loma Avenue at Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, Ocean Beach. Details

San Diego Restaurant Week

Sept. 13-20. San Diego’s most delicious week of the year returns. More than 120 restaurants across 30-plus neighborhoods are offering discounted, multicourse menus for lunch and dinner—with pricing for the latter starting at $30. Some of our favorite participating restaurants include La Bonne Table in Hillcrest; Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park; Island Prime and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse (pictured) on Harbor Island; Kingfisher in Golden Hill; and Pamplemousse Grille in Solana Beach. See website for all participating restaurants, menus and pricing. Details

Food + Drink

Taste of Nobu at Hotel del Coronado

Sept. 11. Join acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa for a rare, immersive culinary experience on Hotel del Coronado’s Paseo Lawn. (The resort is home to Nobu Del Coronado restaurant.) Guests will get to interact with chef Nobu and indulge in unlimited tastings of his signature dishes, including the Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño and wagyu dumplings; plus a whole fish presentation, off-the-menu specialty dishes, a hosted bar with signature cocktails, and a live DJ. 6-8 p.m. $335 per person (21+). See website for details. 1500 Orange Av., Coronado, 619.435.6611. Details

Sails & Ales Beer Fest at Kona Kai San Diego

Sept. 12. Enjoy an afternoon of local brews, bay views, food, cocktails and live entertainment at Kona Kai San Diego’s sixth annual beachfront beer festival. Guests can enjoy unlimited pours from more than 30 acclaimed local craft breweries, wineries and other beverage purveyors; as well as chef-curated bites, beachfront mini golf and live DJ music. A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Surfrider Foundation San Diego County. 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person for general admission (21+). 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.452.3138. Details

Solana Beach Farmers Market

Sept. 13. A Certified San Diego County Farmers Market, the weekly Solana Beach Farmers Market offers organic and locally certified fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, sauces, fresh juices, breads, baked goods, meats, chocolates and pantry items; as well as handcrafted soaps, candles, jewelry and more. There’s even a food court featuring eateries such as East African Cuisine, Global Tacos Grill, Saucy Slice 619, Salem’s Smoothies, Yakitori Sawa & Sushi, 28 Thai, and Children of the Kettle Corn. Open every Sunday, noon-4 p.m. 444 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. Details

Arts + Culture

Alley Cat Art Fest

Sept. 12. Head to downtown El Cajon for its Alley Cat Art Fest—a family-friendly celebration of the city’s vibrant arts community that brings together local businesses, galleries and studios. Peruse fine art and crafts by 50-plus local artists; along with live music, food and beverages, and special art activations. The Downtown El Cajon Association is launching its Public Mural Restoration & Expansion Program at the event, unveiling two recently restored murals in Arts Alley. Event entry is free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Main Street, downtown El Cajon. Details

Broadway S.D.: The Phantom of the Opera

Through Sept. 13. The Phantom of the Opera has wowed 160 million theater lovers in 217 cities across the globe since its debut in 1986. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece musical has been revitalized by Cameron Mackintosh, presented by Broadway San Diego at the Civic Theatre. Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 book, the supernatural romance takes us to the Paris Opera circa 1881, when orphaned chorus girl Christine Daae becomes the object of obsession for a deformed musical genius. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

La Jolla Playhouse: A Black-billed Cuckoo

Upcoming | Opens Sept. 15. “The birding community is like a secret society … and once you join, all of a sudden it feels as though practically everyone you meet is a member.” —Jonathan Soroff. La Jolla Playhouse brings us the world-premiere play, A Black-billed Cuckoo, written by Mat Smart (pictured) and directed by Shelley Butler. When only some members of a close-knit group of birdwatchers are able to glimpse an elusive rare bird, while others aren’t, serious upset ensues. See website for tickets. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

Photo credits: San Diego Restaurant Week / Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is by A7D Creative Group. Broadway S.D. / “The Phantom of the Opera” (Isaiah Bailey is pictured) is by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.