This month, San Diego brings you foodie festivals, avocado-centric pop-ups, outdoor performances and more. See our list of the top 30+ San Diego things to do in June.
Edited by Eva Scattergood.
Mainly Mozart Festival
June 1-24. Celebrate 30 years of bringing together the greatest orchestral players in North America to San Diego at this month of concerts. This year, musical director Michael Francis is focusing on year three of a six year journey which finds Mozart in his early twenties, rebelling against the established traditions of the court composer. The festival features masterpieces such as Sinfonia Concertante, Haffner Symphony and Concerto for Oboe. See website for dates and show times. $15-$88. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. mainlymozart.org
National Donut Day Pairing
June 1. Celebrate National Donut Day by heading to AleSmith Brewing for their mini donut and brew pairing event. AleSmith will pair four ounce pours with four of Devil’s Dozen’s most popular flavors. Pairings include the citrus guava donut with Tart Lil’ Devil, mango chimoy donut with .394, the potato chip donut with Speedway Stout and more. 6-8 p.m. $20. 9990 AleSmith Ct., Miramar. Tickets
San Diego Urban Wine Week
June 1-8. Kick off San Diego Urban Wine Week at Sip the City with tastings from more than a dozen wineries. Highlights include meeting the winemakers, bites of artisan food and live entertainment. This is just the start of the week-long event featuring various tastings, parties and wine specials from each of the San Diego urban wineries. Sip the City 5:30-8 p.m. $25 pre-sale, $35 at the door. The Headquarters at Seaport Village, 789 W. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero. sdurbanwineries.com
Grand Opening of Monzu Fresh Pasta
June 2. Nom on authentic fresh pasta, among other dishes, at this family-owned restaurant of European husband-wife team Aldo de Dominicis Rotondi and Serena Romano. The grand opening features samples of “pop-up pastas,” spanning from crispy fried stuffed ravioli and chocolate-filled ravioli to novel pasta cupcakes and more, while supplies last. Monzu will also offer twenty percent off purchases of the restaurant’s retail selection of specialty foods. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. 455 10th Ave., East Village. monzufreshpasta.com
Noodle Cook-Off
June 2. Witness the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum’s first-ever noodle competition featuring guest judge and YouTube star Mike Chen of Strictly Dumpling. Each chef will create a noodle dish featuring a package of 99-cent ramen noodles, which will then be judged on technique, flavor, presentation and spice level. Guests can sample each noodle dish, along with other appetizers and beer from local Duck Foot Brewing Company. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $40 GA, $35 SDCHM member. Chuang Archive and Learning Center, 541 Second Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Tickets
3D Printing Workshop
June 3, 10, 17. Explore new frontiers in technology through a special workshop on computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing. Participants will design and execute the printing of their very own three-dimensional object. This is a three session workshop and purchase of one ticket includes all workshops. Noon-2 p.m. $85 members, $95 non-members. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park. rhfleet.org
Negroni Week at Prohibition
June 3-10. Negroni Week kicks off on June 3 with a Negroni competition in which the city’s finest mixologists showcase their skills in making updated versions of the classic cocktail. Ryan Andrews, Prohibition’s lead bartender, will compete with his twist—an ice cream variation made with liquid nitrogen, whiskey, Campari, vermouth, cream and honey, garnished with sprinkles and a miniature cone. Prohibition will serve classic Negronis throughout the week, made with gin, vermouth and Campari, as well as various “bartender’s choice” Negroni creations. Competition 2 p.m. 548 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. prohibitionsd.com
National Cheese Day at Bleu Bohéme
June 4. Indulge in three ways for this cheesy holiday at Bleu Bohéme. Try the cheeseboard, which includes a selection of imported French cheeses—Comte, Patte d’Ours, Bucheron, Delice de Bourgone and Bleu d’ Auvergne—with fig jam and honeycomb; the Camembert baked and melted in its own box, served with sliced apples and baguette; or the homard nouille fromage, executive chef and owner Ken Irvine’s twist on mac ‘n cheese made with campanelle noodles, a three cheese sauce, asparagus, bacon and lobster. 5-9 p.m. 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington. bleuboheme.com
Rum Social at Oceana Coastal Kitchen
June 6. Overlook scenic Mission Bay at this social event showcasing the Malahat rum that was created exclusively for the Catamaran Resort. Each ticket includes two rum drinks plus small plate pairings designed to enhance the rum flavors, such as deviled chicken with pancetta, short rib on toasted brioche, shrimp cocktail with a Malahat-infused dipping sauce and strawberry tiramisu from the resort’s executive chef Steven Riemer. Grab a seat next to the firepit and enjoy live music at this outdoor event. 21+. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $35. Oceana Coastal Kitchen patio, 3999 Mission Blvd., Mission Bay. catamaranresort.com
Frog’s Leap Wine Dinner
June 6. Indulge in a five-course dinner with wine pairings from Frog’s Leap Winery, complete with expansive views of San Diego Bay from the Coronado Bridge to Point Loma. Menu highlights include scallop and shrimp ceviche, lobster salad, grilled Spanish octopus and more. 21+. 6 p.m. $95. Top of the Market, 750 N. Harbor Dr., downtown. Tickets
San Diego International Boat Show
June 7-10. More than 140 boats, from entry-level family cruisers and luxury yachts to sailboats, are on display to browse, board and buy at this premier southwest boat show. Attendees can also browse the on-land expo to view and test the latest marine accessories, services and electronics. Additional highlights include workshops and seminars, a variety of cuisine from the area’s most popular food trucks, a floating tiki bar, Anchors and Ales beer garden and live entertainment. Th-F noon-7 p.m.; Sa 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $15 adults, free children ages 12 and under. Spanish Landing Park East, 3900 N. Harbor Island Dr., Harbor Island. sandiegointernationalboatshow.com
Avolution Fest
June 9. Celebrate all things avocado at this outdoor festival. Highlights include live performances by Wild Belle, Baynk, and The Young Wild; avocado-inspired art installations; and an avocado-centric menu created by San Diego’s own Sam the Cooking Guy. Ticket price covers admission, food and drinks available at an additional cost. 5-10 p.m. $25. Quartyard, 1301 Market St., East Village. avolutionfest.com
JuneShine Grand Opening
June 9. Experience California’s first organic hard kombucha bar and brewery in North Park. Crafted with all organic, gluten-free, non-GMO ingredients and no added sugars, JuneShine’s kombucha contains probiotics, antioxidants and vitamins. You’ll be able to taste their Original Honey Ginger and Blood Orange Mint flavors with new flavors currently being tested, while listening to live music by Blue Silk, Lily Meola and DJ Sunburnt Reynolds. 2-9 p.m. 3052 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. juneshine.co
Saint Archer’s Fifth Anniversary Party
June 9. San Diego’s own Saint Archer Brewing Company is turning five! Celebrate at their original Miramar tasting room with live music from The White Buffalo and Dead Feather Moon, food trucks, games, raffles, drink specials, brewery tours and a special anniversary beer release. Noon-8 p.m. Free. 9550 Distribution Ave., Miramar. saintarcherbrewery.com
Sea to Shining Sea
June 9. Join Connected Warriors to kick off the summer aboard the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century—the USS Midway. Enjoy a morning full of patriotism, live music by DTO and yoga classes with meditations on the flight deck of the Midway, all benefiting veterans organizations. Doors 7 a.m., yoga 8-9:30 a.m. $25 GA, $125 VIP. 910 N. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero. Tickets
William L. Hawkins “An Imaginative Geography”
Opens June 9. Witness the Mingei International Museum’s final exhibition before closing for a year-long transformation. More than 60 of William L. Hawkins’ most iconic paintings, drawings and sculptures will be on display featuring a collection of landscapes, cityscapes, historical scenes and exotic wild animals in representation of the world as he saw it. See website for hours and admission prices. 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. mingei.org
KEX Fest
June 10. Spend your Sunday at Kettner Exchange’s second annual KEX Fest. Features include cuisine from award-winning executive chef Brian Redzikowski, cocktails by beverage director Steven Tuttle, a made-to-order ceviche station, a pop-up Bao St. Bun shop and much more. VIP entry 1 p.m., event 2-6 p.m. $45+ GA, $90 VIP. 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. Tickets
Taste of Little Italy
June 13. Sample appetizers, entrees, beverages and desserts from Little Italy’s eateries at this 10th annual event. Two different Taste Passport routes will be available, each featuring a different selection of restaurants. Featured spots include Barbusa, Nolita, Herb & Wood, The Crack Shack, Ironside, Born & Raised, Frost Me Bakery and more. In addition to the restaurant tastings, Birra Moretti will offer beer samples in the Piazza. 5-9 p.m. $40. Check in at the Piazza della Famigila on the corner of India and W. Date St. littleitalysd.com
Bao St. Buns Pop-Up at You & Yours Distilling Co.
June 14. Sample variations of Kettner Exchange executive chef Brian Redzikowski’s famed bao buns at California’s first destination distillery. Beverage director Steven Tuttle and bar manager Paulina Konja will be mixing up refreshing cocktails using various gins from You & Yours. 6-10 p.m. Buns $4 each. You & Yours Distilling Co., 1495 G St., East Village. youandyours.com
Grand Opening of 7 Mile Kitchen
June 14. Named after the city’s seven-mile stretch of Pacific coastline, chef Gil Manipon brings an extensive background in hotel and resort culinary programs to this new restaurant at the Sheraton Carlsbad. Celebrate the opening with complimentary bites including signature pizzas, sliders, locally-made gelato and firepit s’mores, as well as a welcome cocktail and local craft beer tastings from Stone Brewing Co. The evening will also feature live music, gift bags and giveaway opportunities, including the chance to win free pizza for the rest of the year. 5-7 p.m. Free. 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad. sheratoncarlsbad.com
National Lobster Day at The Shores Restaurant
June 15. Indulge in a three-course menu for National Lobster Day. Choose between a baby romaine wedge salad or blue crab chowder for the first course; followed by a pound of steamed Maine lobster with sausage, clams and potatoes all with butter and lemon; then end on a sweet note with a s’mores bar, along with passion fruit sorbet and a meringue crumble. This special menu is available Thursdays and Fridays through September 27. 5-10 p.m. $42. The Shores, 8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla. theshoresrestaurant.com
A SHIP IN THE WOODS
June 16-17. Experience a lineup of diverse, notable, contemporary, independent and emerging performers representing a wide range of genres including indie-rock, folk, post-punk, post-rock and electronic music at this inaugural music and art festival. Additional highlights include immersive outdoor contemporary art installations, as well as food trucks and vendors supporting conscious forward products and practices. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 1 day pass $60 GA, $100 VIP; weekend pass $100 GA, $180 VIP. Felicita County Park, 3007 Felicita Road, Escondido. shipfest.org
Summer Shakespeare Festival
Starts June 17. Experience the finest of Shakespeare’s work outdoors under the stars in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. The festival begins with The Tempest, directed by Joe Dowling (formerly the artistic director for Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and Abbey Theatre in Ireland), with Kate Burton as Prospera. See website for dates and show times. $30+. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Pin and Patch Con
June 16. See the work of more than 100 independent artists at this convention specifically catered to the wearable art industry. Highlights include pin trading, a scavenger hunt, giveaways and complimentary pins to the first 1000 attendees. Noon-7 p.m. $10 GA, children ages 12 and under free with a paying adult. Montezuma Hall, 5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego State University. pinandpatchcon.com
Taste of Gaslamp
June 16. Taste your way through the historic Gaslamp Quarter at this tour featuring bites from 24 participating restaurants. New this year, sample sips from Karl Strauss, Benchmark and Black Plague breweries in the beer garden at the Historical Foundation’s Davis Park. VIP tickets include exclusive offerings from six additional restaurants, a goody bag and an exclusive VIP reception held at a secret rooftop location. 1-4 p.m. $35 GA, $45 day-of; $65 VIP, $75 day-of. Check in at Gaslamp Square, 538 L St., Gaslamp Quarter. tasteofgaslamp.com
The Erin Hanson Gallery’s Red Rock Show
June 16. Witness artist Erin Hanson’s newest collection featuring pieces inspired by her travels through the National Parks and monuments of Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado. Each painting presents the beauty of western desert landscapes in the style of open impressionism. Along with viewing the art, guests will also be able to meet the artist, taste local wines and listen to live music. 5-9 p.m. Free. 9705 Carroll Centre Road, Miramar. erinhanson.com
Sip into Summer Wine Series
June 20-Sept 12. Put the wine into Wine Wednesday at TOWER23’s annual summer wine series. Each week features a different vineyard or wine professional to share their latest vintage and varietals for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, while taking in the sunset at Pacific Beach. Highlights include Skurnik Wines West, Rombauer Vineyards, Laird Family Wines and more. 6 p.m. $25. TOWER23, 723 Felspar St., Pacific Beach. Tickets
Summer Solstice at Arts District Liberty Station
June 21. Celebrate the arrival of summer with an evening touring artists studios and galleries. Highlights include local musicians, as well as happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase at Chi Chocolate and Banyan Kitchen. 5-8 p.m. Free. 2730 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station. libertystation.com
Gem Faire
June 22-24. Peruse fine jewelry, crystals, gems, beads, gold, silver, minerals and more at manufacturer’s prices from more than 100 exhibitors from all over the world. There will also be jewelry repair and ring sizing while you shop, as well as free hourly door prizes. F noon-6 p.m.; Sa 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7. Scottish Rite Event Center, 1895 Camino del Rio S., Mission Valley. gemfaire.com
Encinitas Historic Bus Tour
June 23. Tour more than 50 historical points of interest with scheduled stops at OIivenhain Town Hall, San Dieguito Heritage Museum and a drive through the old Ecke Poinsettia Farm. The highlight of the tour will be a rare opportunity to tour the historic Bumann Ranch which was homesteaded in 1886. Tickets include lunch at the iconic 1883 School House. 9 a.m.-noon. $65. Depart from the 1883 School House, 390 F St., Encinitas. Tickets
Jeff Dunham’s “Passively Aggressive”
June 23. Laugh with ventriloquist Jeff Dunham in his newest tour Passively Aggressive. Dunham is the Guinness world record holder for “Most Tickets Sold for a Stand-up Comedy Tour” and has built an entertainment empire over years of touring. He recently released his latest stand-up special Jeff Dunham: Relative Disaster, which features him, along with his ill-behaved characters, talking family and politics. 21+. Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. $70-$85. Viejas Concerts in the Park, 5000 Willows Road, Alpine. Tickets
Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival
June 23. Join the fun at this 39th annual festival. Features include four stages of live music and entertainment, a community mural project, Artists Alley, carnival rides, games, food and vendor booths, Hodad’s Burger-Eating Competition, a beachside beer garden and more. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Street fair free; Chili Cook-Off samples $2 each or master ticket for $20; mural project $20 per square. 4800-5000 blocks of Newport Ave., Ocean Beach. oceanbeachsandiego.com
International Summer Organ Festival
Starts June 25. Come to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for a series of concerts designed to demonstrate the sound of the historic 1914 Spreckels Organ—the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world. This year’s lineup includes San Diego Civic organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez, 15-year-old twin organists, as well as a Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin tribute. 7:30 p.m. Free. 2125 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. spreckelsorgan.org
“Spamalot”
Opens June 27. Witness the highly irreverent parody that tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this show elevates silliness to an art form. See website for dates and show times. $35+. The Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com
Justin Wine Dinner at Fig Tree Cafe
June 28. Savor a five-course meal by executive chef Jimmy Tessier with wine pairings by sommelier Michael Simpson. Menu highlights include smoked salmon mousse-stuffed endive with pickled watermelon radish, fried avocado and forest kale greens, paired with Landmark Vineyard Overlook Chardonnay; fig and coffee-rubbed filet mignon with truffle cauliflower puree and roasted tomato bordelaise, accompanied by Justin Isosceles; and smoked peach and mascarpone pastry box with mango chamoyada sorbet and crème anglaise paired with Chateau Laribotte Sauternes. $75. 6:30 p.m. Fig Tree Cafe, 2400 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 103, Liberty Station, 619.821.2044. figtreeeatery.com
Westgate Summer Literary Tea
June 30. Bask in the company of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Michelle Gable, for her new book, The Summer I Met Jack, while enjoying a three-course afternoon tea with champagne in the Le Fontainebleau Room at the Westgate Hotel. Hardcover books will be available for purchase and signing. 2:30-5 p.m. $45. 1055 Second Ave., downtown. westgatehotel.com
San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
June 30-July 1. Come with your blankets and chairs to sit back, relax and listen to some of the world’s best jazz musicians. Hosted by Eric Darius, the lineup includes Brian Culbertson, Steve Oliver, Hiroshima and more. Additional highlights include vendors from all over the region displaying their wares, food and drink. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Per person, per day $65 GA; $110 reserved seats; $250 VIP. Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Blvd., Embarcadero. sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com
Sip the City photo by Taylor Balding. International Summer Organ Festival photo by Robert Lang.
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