Events
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
April 19-21. For panoramic La Jolla Cove views and a chance to check out 170 of the finest automobiles in the world, head to the 18th annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The festivities span several La Jolla locales, with the main event unfolding at Ellen Browning Scripps Park on Sunday—featuring live music, Champagne, bites from local restaurants, VIP experiences, and breathtaking “coast and car” views.” Other weekend happenings include an opening party on Friday; and a display of 75 Porsches along Prospect Street on Saturday. See website for details and ticket pricing. lajollaconcours.com
Fashion Week San Diego Spring Showcase
April 20. Spring is in the air and on the catwalk at San Diego’s hottest fashion event of the season. The industry mixer and fashion show serves as the 2024 kick-off event for Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD)—featuring a runway show of exclusive creations by FWSD designers. Guests can preview select looks before collections are presented in their entirety at FWSD’s big runway shows next fall; while enjoying cocktails and music by local DJs. 6-9 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) See website for ticket pricing. University Club, 750 B St., downtown. More Info
“Pucks & Pints” Hockey Game & Festival
April 20. Enjoy a full day of hockey, craft beer and barbecue for a purpose. The sixth annual “Pucks & Pints” comprises a charity hockey game with staff members of San Diego craft breweries at Pechanga Arena; followed by a beer and barbecue festival at Modern Times’ Fortress of Raditude across the street, with food from Phil’s BBQ; ending with the San Diego Gulls vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds professional hockey game at Pechanga. All proceeds benefit several local charities (see website). Beginning at 12:30 p.m. $65 per person. 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Point Loma. More Info
San Diego EarthFest
April 20. Mother Earth is the star of the day at San Diego EarthFest, presented by Vegan Food Popup this year on the expansive Presidents Lawn at Balboa Park. (It’s the previous site of the well-known EarthFair, whose final installment was in 2022.) The Earth Day celebration showcases more than 100 eco-friendly vendors, including product and food vendors, animal-rescue outfits, and environmental and conservation groups; along with an international food court, live music and DJs, speakers and demos, and kid-friendly activities. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, Balboa Park. sandiegoearthfest.com
“Spring Pop-Up” at Bazaar del Mundo
April 20. Old Town’s popular dining and shopping hub, owned by Diane Powers, presents its inaugural “Spring Pop-Up.” This unique shopping experience features creations by beloved artist Laurel Burch; as well as a curated selection of “art-to-wear” jewelry, accessories, home décor and gifts. Featured designers and artists include Kim Yubeta, Janet Pitcher, Sue Titus, Sheri Liebert, Jackie Brazil and Vicky La Jolla Fashion Accessories. Bazaar del Mundo is also home to imported goods from around the world; and books spanning travel, cooking, culture and crafts. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 4133 Taylor St., Old Town. bazaardelmundo.com
Food + Drink
WILDCOAST Dinner at Herb & Sea
April 21. Secure your seat on the Moonlight Deck at Herb & Sea, which presents its third annual WILDCOAST Dinner. The family-style “seafood soiree” is a unique dinner experience during which a giant fish is placed on hot coals, covered with seaweed and burlap, buried in sand and roasted inside a salt shell, then unveiled and served. All proceeds benefit WILDCOAST—an S.D.-based conservation organization that works to protect ocean wildlife and coastal and marine ecosystems in the U.S. and Mexico. 6 p.m. $120 per person. 131 W. D St., Encinitas. Tickets
Lunch at Piper
Now Available. Lunch is now served at Piper, the signature restaurant of The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa in Oceanside. Crafted by new executive chef Chris Cariker (a winner on the Food Network’s Chopped), the menu features dishes like the signature Piper Burger with pimento cheese, bacon-onion jam, cheese crisp and aioli on brioche; Nonna’s Bolognese with rigatoni, Parmesan, beef, pork and pancetta; fish ‘n’ chips with a sake batter; the Salanova green salad; and the superfood bowl. See website for reservations (walk-ins welcome). M-F 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 105 Mission Ave., Oceanside, 760.512.3816. piperoceanside.com
New Menus at Paradisaea
Now Available. Bird Rock hotspot Paradisaea has debuted new sips, experiences and dishes. A brand-new cocktail menu (created in collaboration with artist Lily Therns) pays homage to exotic birds of the world. Come in for “Sunday Super” and enjoy a three-course meal that changes weekly, curated by executive chef Jeff Armstrong. The main dinner menu also boasts new dishes, such as carrot agnolotti; veal tenderloin; and cavatelli with green asparagus, pickled white asparagus, pine nuts, preserved lemon and chicken skin crumble. See website for hours. 5680 La Jolla Blvd., Bird Rock, 858.255.8011. paradisaea.com
Arts + Culture
Chicano Park Day
April 20. Take in Chicano history, culture and art at this 54th annual, family-friendly celebration. A National Historic Landmark, Chicano Park houses 72 murals created by various artists throughout the 1970s and 1980s—making it the largest collection of outdoor murals in the U.S. This year’s theme: “Bringing Back the True Spirit and Energy of the Chicano Park Takeover.” Guests can enjoy performances of Aztec indigenous dance, children’s art workshops, a lowrider car exhibition, arts & crafts activities, Barrio Logan food vendors and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. National Avenue and Evans Street, Barrio Logan. chicano-park.com
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Concert
April 20-21. Channel your inner “Dancing Queen” and be transported to the glam world of 1970s disco via the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus’ spring show: FREAK OUT! A Disco Extravaganza, at the Balboa Theatre. (First opened in 1924, the historical venue celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.) The Studio 54-inspired concert will showcase hits by ABBA, the Bee Gees, Kool & the Gang, Marvin Gaye and more (along with roller skates and plenty of glitter and sequins). Sa 7 p.m.; Su 3 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. sdgmc.org
Photo credits: Herb & Sea by Kimberly Motos. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.