La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
After setting groundbreaking attendance and donation records in 2012, La Jolla Art & Wine Festival returns Oct. 12-13 with even loftier goals.
Having raised more than $100,000 for local public elementary schools in 2012—nearly doubling the total amount raised since 2009—La Jolla Art & Wine Festival (LJAWF) prepares for its biggest year yet. Taking place in the gorgeous coastal village of downtown La Jolla, LJAWF will transform Girard Avenue into an art and wine lovers paradise featuring the works of over 150 established artists, local food, award-winning wine, a family art center and a silent auction. Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Recommended $5 cash donation. Girard Ave. between Prospect Ave. and Kline St. ljawf.com
The Art
This fifth annual event welcomes veterans from years past, including famed watercolorist and La Jolla local, Scott Wright–whose gorgeous marine life-inspired art has been exhibited in several prominent west coast galleries including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art–in addition to returning award-winners such as La Jolla painter Karen Deicas Depodesta. This year also features a significant batch of renown artists who will be showing at the LJAWF for the first time.
The Wine & Beer Garden
In addition to an eclectic mix of original artwork, the LJAWF proudly boasts an expansive wine and beer garden featuring libations from more than 20 premier wineries, including Francis Ford Coppola, La Serenissima and many fine wines from Baja’s flourishing Guadalupe Valley. A handful of San Diego’s breweries, including Stone Brewing Co. and Ballast Point, will also be pouring their award-winning brews. With bites from Puesto, Cups and Nick’s BBQ, a gourmet marketplace will be situated off Silverado Street to offer attendees a taste of San Diego’s finest boutique eateries. Tastings are offered at $3 per tasting or a package of 7 tastings for $20. Opens both days at noon. 21+.
The Family Art Center
LJAWF offers adventures for kids of all ages at the family art center presented by Geppetto’s and the La Jolla Family YMCA. Located on Wall Street, the Family Art Center offers children the opportunity to paint a car, take art or dance classes, participate in games and make chalk art, crafts and even edible art. There will be two scavenger hunts this year, where children may follow the scavenger hunt map (found in the LJAWF program in the UT) to the ten participating merchants, have their map stamped, then return the completed map to be rewarded with a pin. Children who complete both scavenger hunts till earn two pins and a limited edition LJAWF bracelet.
The Entertainment
As you stroll the festival, be sure to catch some of the live music performances throughout the day, as well as the roving entertainment by the San Diego Circus Center, which teaches Cirque du Soleil inspired performances to children and young adults. The  lineup of performers includes a children’s glee chorus, band and orchestra students from Muirlands Middle school, and students from local music programs.
The Silent Auction
Don’t go home empty handed! In addition to art for sale, this year’s LJAWF will give attendees the opportunity to bid on an assortment of hot-ticket items such as iPads, two-night hotel stays, restaurant gift cards, staycation activities for children, theatre tickets, winery and brewery packages and more in a silent auction.
