Events
San Diego Asian Film Festival
Nov. 5-14. The 27th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) spotlights feature films, shorts and animation from Asian artists worldwide. Taking place across S.D. County, the event will showcase 190-plus films from 35 different countries and in 40 languages—organized by fun program categories such as “Asia Pop!,” “Classics Restored,” “Masters,” “Unknown Pleasures,” Asian American Panorama,” and “Special Presentations.” See website for full lineup of films, special events, venues and tickets. An All-Fest Pass can be purchased for $325 per person. sdaff.org
Del Mar Racetrack Fall Opening Day
Nov. 6. Del Mar Racetrack’s 2026 Bing Crosby Season—the second leg of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s dual racing season—launches with Opening Day on Friday, Nov. 6 (Friday is also Diamond Club Day, when members get in free); with College Day at the Races on Saturday, Nov. 7. Highlights of the season—which runs through Sunday, Nov. 29—also include “Wine Down” Fridays, “Taste of the Turf Club,” Thanksgiving Brunch on Nov. 26, and more. See website for all details, events and tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com
Noche de Gala at Estancia La Jolla
Nov. 7. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa hosts Corazon de Vida Foundation’s annual Noche de Gala, presented by TCW Global. The Día de los Muertos-themed soiree includes a Champagne welcome, a cocktail hour with premium tastings, a gourmet dinner, live entertainment featuring DanzArts Dance Company, and live and silent auctions. The gala benefits Corazon de Vida, which provides life-changing support for orphaned and abandoned children in Baja. Black-tie optional; Day of the Dead attire encouraged. 4:30 p.m. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla. Tickets
San Diego Food + Wine Festival
Through Nov. 8. San Diego’s signature culinary extravaganza spotlights 150 Michelin– and James Beard-recognized chefs—including 70 chefs and traditional cooks from across Mexico—Food Network personalities, renowned winemakers and tastemakers. Signature events include Icons + Legends, Friday, Nov. 6, at JULEP Venue; the epic Grand Tasting, Saturday, Nov. 7, at Embarcadero Marina Park North; and the Grand Fiesta, Sunday, Nov. 8, also at Marina Park North, featuring the spirited Taco TKO, Baja wineries, Mexican spirits and live Latin music. Details
Cirque Ma’Ceo at Del Mar Horsepark
Through Nov. 22. Cirque Ma’Ceo by Cavallo Equestrian Art—the equestrian-themed, European-style, theatrical show—runs at Del Mar Horsepark. Created by ninth-generation equestrian acrobat Olissio Zoppe, the 90-minute, family-friendly production is a meld of acrobatics, horsemanship, aerial dancing and live music—showcasing the beauty and versatility of exquisitely trained horses, and their connection with humans—all performed inside a custom-designed Italian Big Top theater. See website for showtimes and pricing. 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar. Details
Food + Drink
A Very Merry Masquerade at Top of the Hyatt
Nov. 4- Jan. 2. The recently renovated Top of the Hyatt—located 40 floors up at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego—debuts a seasonal pop-up experience “A Very Merry Masquerade,” the holiday chapter of the lounge’s “A Season of Masquerade.” Guests can enjoy Top of the Hyatt’s new Volume Two cocktail menu; as well as its new Asian-inspired food menu, featuring sushi and savory small plates—all amid glittering holiday decor and masquerade-inspired touches. Open daily 4-11 p.m. (first come; first served). 1 Market Place, downtown. Details
New Pre-Theater Menu at Solare Ristorante
Now Available. Located just steps from Cygnet Theatre, Solare Ristorante has refreshed its pre-theater menu for the fall/winter seasons. New dishes by executive chef Denice Grande include a savory Italian baked flan with porcini and ricotta, served in pecorino-Toscano fondue; roasted rainbow-beet salad with whipped lemon-honey ricotta; cappellacci pasta filled with butternut squash, ricotta, parmigiano reggiano and amaretti cookies; orecchiette pasta with Italian fennel sausage, rapini and pecorino; slow-braised Pollo alla Cacciatore; pumpkin panna cotta; and more. 2820 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station. solarelounge.com
El Punto
Upcoming | Opens Nov. 9. Restaurateur Gerry Torres, founder of City Tacos, brings us El Punto—a full-service, family- and dog-friendly restaurant at Liberty Station. Helmed by executive chef Eduardo Baeza, the menu will feature the top five tacos from the City Tacos menu; locally caught seafood, including oysters, tiraditos and ceviche; and other shareables and entrees; plus cocktails, draft beer and coffee; and a brunch menu and kids menu. The airy 8,000-square-foot space features indoor dining and a covered patio. 2885 Perry Road, Suite 102, Liberty Station. elpuntosd.com
Arts + Culture
Old Globe: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Nov. 4-Dec. 31. Who better to get us into the holiday spirit than the hairy, grumpy green guy? The Old Globe presents its long-beloved musical, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, based on the classic Dr. Seuss book—with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin. Now in its 29th year, the production features fan favorite Andrew Polec (pictured) returning as The Grinch, an endearing Who-ville cast, and popular songs such as “Welcome Christmas.” See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. Details
Broadway San Diego: The Outsiders
Through Nov. 8. After its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 2023, The Outsiders went straight to Broadway, winning the 2024 Tony Award for “Best Musical.” Now the smash hit returns to the Civic Theatre on its North American tour. Based on the 1983 film by Francis Ford Coppola and 1967 novel by S.E. Hinton, the coming-of-age drama takes us back to Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967—reintroducing audiences to Johnny Cade, Ponyboy Curtis and their “outsiders” family. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. Details
Photo credits: The Old Globe / “The Grinch” is by Jim Cox. “The Outsiders” is by Matthew Murphy. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
