Events
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
April 21-23. Head to La Jolla for this 17th annual event to check out 150 of the finest automobiles in the world. The festivities span several locales, with the main event unfolding at Ellen Browning Scripps Park on Sunday—featuring live music, a Champagne and honey-tasting garden, and breathtaking “coast and car” views.” Other weekend happenings include a display of 75 Porsches along Prospect Street; and the “Beyond the Garden Gates” opening party on Friday. See website for full schedule. Tickets start at $95 for general admission on Sunday. La Jolla Cove, 619.233.5008. lajollaconcours.com
Fashion Week San Diego Spring Showcase
April 22. Spring is in the air and on the catwalk at San Diego’s hottest fashion event of the season. This annual industry mixer and fashion show serves as the 2023 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.) $40 per person. Hotel Republic, 421 West B St., downtown. Tickets
San Diego EarthFest
April 22. 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 a food court, live music and DJs, speakers and demos, and kid-friendly activities. Noon-4 p.m. Free entry and parking. Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, Balboa Park. sandiegoearthfest.com
San Diego Music Awards
Upcoming | April 25. Now in its 32nd year, the show honors the talent and diversity of San Diego’s music community; while benefitting the S.D. Music Foundation’s “Guitars for Schools” program. Awards will be given for “Song of the Year,” “Artist of the Year,” “Album of the Year,” “Best New Artist,” “Best Video” and nearly two dozen other categories. Attendees can enjoy live performances by Gilbert Castellanos, Daring Greatly, Jeff Berkley & The Banned, Anthony Cullins and more. 7 p.m. $40-$125. Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. sandiegomusicawards.com
Food + Drink
Leave of Absence
Opens April 20. The Gaslamp welcomes a new rooftop bar and restaurant: Leave of Absence, by chef/restaurateur Jason Neroni—located on the pool-deck level of the new Kimpton Alma San Diego. The menu centers on shareable wood-fired dishes and California fare, including flatbreads, mezze plates, roasted veggies and burgers. Try the Smash Brisket Burger with smoked cheddar, pickles and special sauce on a pretzel bun. The cocktail menu boasts tropical craft libations like the Raspado, a Jamaican-inspired slushy spiked with mezcal. See website for hours. 1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
Tequila & Taco Music Festival
April 22-23. Tacos, tequila and music … Oh my! Head to Gallagher Square at Petco Park for two days of top-shelf tequila sampling, margaritas, craft beer and the area’s best gourmet street tacos. The Margarita Experience includes two tickets and two margaritas; the Tequila Experience gets you a souvenir cup and six tequila tastings. The music lineup: Baby Bash, Outlaw Mariachi, Adelaide and Upstream on Saturday; and Lil Jon, La Sonora Dinamita and Sambada on Sunday. 840 K St., East Village. Sa 2-6 p.m.; Su 1-5 p.m. (no pets; 21+). See website for tickets. More Info
New Spring Menu at Civico 1845
Now Available. It’s Southern Italy cuisine at its finest at Civico 1845—one of just four San Diego restaurants to be rated by Gambero Rosso International. The Little Italy outpost has overhauled its entire menu with new and revamped dishes. Feast on debut dishes such as Ragu Calabrese (pictured) with garganelli pasta and short-rib ragu—topped with braised pork short ribs, homemade Calabrian sausage and pecorino cheese. A full vegan menu includes new offerings like Pasta e Rapini, Ragu di Funghi and Bruschetta Ricotta. See website for hours. 1845 India St., Little Italy, 619.431.5990. civico1845.com
Arts + Culture
Air & Space Rock ‘n’ Roll Night
April 21. Here’s your chance to enjoy a private museum experience at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Classic rock-inspired power band Brian Jones Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival takes the stage for a special concert—honoring the music and legacy of the 1969 “27 Club” of musicians, including Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, Jim Morrison of The Doors, “Pig Pen” of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and more. Admission includes the concert and a complimentary drink; with food and beverages also available for purchase. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $45 (21+). 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.8291. More Info
The XIXth at The Old Globe
Closes April 23. If you recall the 19th Olympic Games in Mexico City, 1968, you’ll likely remember the historic moment when two Black American medalists raised their fists in protest during the National Anthem. The event inspired The Old Globe’s world-premiere play by Kemp Powers, The XIXth (The Nineteenth). Carl Cofield directs the drama—capturing a moment where sports and activism intersected and spotlighted issues that are pertinent today. (Pictured L-R: Patrick Marron Ball, Biko Eisen-Martin and Korey Jackson.) See website for tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Murder on the Links at North Coast Rep
Through May 14. North Coast Rep presents Steven Dietz’s world-premiere comic mystery, based on the 1923 detective novel by Agatha Christie. Dietz also directs the production, which takes us to a private golf course at Merlinville-Sur-Mer. When a body turns up, a classic case of whodunit ensues, complete with a versatile cast of six actors—Jessica Mosher, Matthew Salazar-Thompson, Kim Morgan Dean, Omri Schein (pictured), Jennifer Erdmann and Brian Mackey—who bring myriad characters (and suspects!) to life. See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Photo credits: Civico 1845 by James Tran. The Xixth by Rich Soublet II. North Coast Rep by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
