Events
Del Mar National Horseshow
April 11-14. Some of the finest horses and equestrians in the world converge in Del Mar for four days of spirited competition. The 65-acre Del Mar Horsepark (newly reopened after a multi-million-dollar remodel) hosts the legendary Del Mar National Horseshow, which returns after a five-year hiatus to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. This weekend marks “Dressage Week,” a U.S. Equestrian Federation Level Five qualifier. (And save the date for “Hunter/Jumper Week,” May 1-5.) The fun also includes special events and after-parties, equine vendors and VIP experiences. 14550 El Camino Real, Del Mar. hitsdelmar.com
Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party
April 13. Let the sunshine at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s signature pool party, Liquid Sunshine—where the mantra is “dance, splash, drink, repeat,” presented by Eventvibe. The fun includes tunes—including house, deep house, tech house and remixes—by DJs Myron Eugene, Azarelle and more; plus a full bar featuring giant slushie margaritas and other cocktails; and cabana/daybed rentals and poolside bottle service available for purchase. Pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. Noon-6 p.m. See website for tickets (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
“The Bulls of Sant’Agata” in Little Italy
April 14. Ready to run with the bulls? Or at least look at them up close? Head to Little Italy on Sunday, when more than 20 new, classic and rare Lamborghinis, aka “Italian bulls,” will line India Street (between Fir and W. Grape streets). Presented by local dealership O’Gara San Diego and the Little Italy Association, the family-friendly event lets car enthusiasts check out the Lamborghinis firsthand and snap photos with them; all while enjoying live music and strolling around the neighborhood. 3:30-6:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. India Street, Little Italy. littleitalysd.com
Celebrate the Craft Festival
April 14. Marking its 21st anniversary, Celebrate the Craft is a premier culinary festival spotlighting the best of SoCal’s chefs, growers, vintners and brewers. Unfolding on the lawn at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the event will feature around 25 celebrated chefs, including Brad Wise, JoJo Ruiz, Drew Deckman, Tim Kolanko, Travis Swikard and Robert Alcocer; plus wineries from regions like Paso Robles, Napa and Sonoma. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Ecology Center. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.453.4420. lodgetorreypines.com
Food + Drink
Springtime Tea at La Valencia Hotel
Returns April 12. Spring is in the air and in your teacup at La Valencia Hotel. La Jolla’s iconic “Pink Lady” celebrates the season with the return of its springtime tea service—offered on select dates through May 10 at the hotel’s Mediterranean Room. The experience includes a complimentary glass of bubbly to start, a selection of DAMMANN Frères French teas, house-made scones, tea sandwiches, quiche, mini pastries and postcard-worthy views of La Jolla Cove. Seatings are offered from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. $89 per adult; $65 per child. 1132 Prospect, St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870. Reservations
San Diego Vegan Festival
April 13. Head to Waterfront Park on Saturday for this family-friendly festival showcasing SoCal’s vegan culinary scene. Sample eats from dozens of food and drink vendors, such as Beet Rooted, Casa de Luz, House of Bao, Flavors of East Africa, Leo’s Kitchen, Turkish Grill, Uprising Pizza, The Donuttery, La Boocha Kombucha and sponsor Maya’s Cookies; along with other retail vendors; local nonprofits on hand, such as presenting sponsor Vegan in San Diego, Sea Shepherd San Diego and Farm Animal Refuge; speaker panels; and music. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free admission. 1600 Pacific Highway, downtown. More Info
New Menus at The Smoking Gun
Now Available. Popular Gaslamp outpost The Smoking Gun has debuted all-new cocktail and dinner menus. New libations boast fun names like the Prickle & Chill, Time After Thyme, and You Butter Believe It (a take on an Old Fashioned with brown-butter-washed rye). For dinner, new dishes by executive chef Andy Weiss include the smoked brisket sandwich (pictured), chimichurri-wagyu skewers, smoked brisket flautas, the Filet-O-Fish Sandwich with panko-battered mahi-mahi, the Smokin’ Hot Chix Sandwich, and the Street Corn Skillet. Open daily (see website for hours). 555 Market St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.3836. thesmokinggunsd.com
Arts + Culture
The San Diego Concert Band’s Spring Show
April 11. Secure your boarding pass and come fly with The San Diego Concert Band, which presents its 35th annual spring celebration concert, “Take Flight,” on Thursday at the Joan B. Kroc Performing Arts Theatre. Under the direction of Roy Anthony. Jr.—and with Pat Brown as Mistress of Ceremonies—“Take Flight” comprises a whirlwind musical tour around the world, from Mexico to Ireland, Australia, Nepal, Romania, Africa, Israel, and finishing in the U.S. in South Dakota. 7 p.m. $20 adults; $15 seniors, students and active military; free kids (age 5 and under). 6611 University Avenue, Rolando. More Info
“Lang Lang by the Bay”
April 12. Electrifying music is in the air this weekend. As part of its Jacobs Masterworks programming at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the San Diego Symphony presents a special concert with renowned pianist Lang Lang (pictured) on Friday. The evening’s repertoire includes Joey Rouken’s 365; Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Suite; Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2.; and Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, also featuring guest pianist Gina Alice Redlinger. Otto Tausk conducts. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing and on-site dining options. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org
Spring Art & Wine Walk in Carlsbad
April 13. A fusion of art, wine and community spirit, The Forum Carlsbad hosts its Spring Art & Wine Walk on Saturday. Stroll around the center and peruse artwork from visiting artists whose mediums span paintings, photography, ceramics and more. Artists include Brazilian fine artist Leticia Demeuse, contemporary abstract artist Inger Taylor, fine-art outdoor photographer Jared Weintraub, and more. And stop in the wine garden, presented by Jimbo’s—offering tastings of fine wines from around the world; plus bites from Mirabelle Charcuterie. 3-6 p.m. Free admission. 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad. theforumcarlsbad.com
Photo credits: La Valencia Hotel by Nathan Concepcion. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
