Events
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
April 24-26. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, La Jolla Concours d’Elegance returns to La Jolla Village for an action-packed weekend. Highlights include a VIP soiree on the lawn of the Concours field on Friday, April 24; “Porsches & Power on Prospect” on Saturday, April 25; and the main event on April 26, giving car enthusiasts a chance to check out 150 of the finest rare automobiles in the world up close. And it all happens overlooking La Jolla Cove. See website for ticket pricing. lajollaconcours.com
Adams Avenue Unplugged
April 25. Catch more than 90 acoustic live music performances across 26 stages, as a 2-mile stretch of Adams Avenue—from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington—transforms into a musical walkabout. The unique event format features boutique concerts showcasing blues, folk, jazz, country and world music, plus a bevy of local artists. The performances are staged throughout each neighborhood, from cafes to bars to galleries—each with their own distinctive vibe and food and drink offerings. Noon-midnight. Details
Encinitas Spring Street Fair
April 25-26. Encinitas’ annual celebration of the spring season is back for its 42nd annual installment, complete with a whopping 500-plus food and crafts vendors this year; as well as multiple entertainment stages, children’s rides and more. Highlights include a craft beer garden; live bands and DJs performing on the Beer Garden Main Stage, the Community Stage and the Lumberyard Courtyard Stage; and kid-friendly attractions. See website for parking tips. Leashed dogs are welcome. Sa-Su 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. South Coast Highway 101, downtown Encinitas. Details
San Diego EarthFest
April 25. Mother Earth is the star of the day at San Diego EarthFest, presented by Viridian Productions this year on the expansive Presidents Lawn at Balboa Park. The Earth Day celebration showcases more than 100 eco-friendly vendors, including product and food vendors, animal rescues, and environmental and conservation groups; along with an international food court, live music and DJs, speakers and demos, yoga and wellness classes, and kid-friendly activities. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Leashed dogs welcome. Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, Balboa Park. Details
Food + Drink
JOEY La Jolla
Opens April 23. Enjoy premium casual dining and a globally inspired menu at JOEY, the successful chain whose first S.D. County location debuts at Westfield UTC. The contemporary restaurant and bar features a striking fire bowl that greets guests, framed by wrap-around seating and lush landscaping. On the menu: starters like Bang Bang Chicken and Korean Fried Cauliflower; mains from fajitas to truffle-udon carbonara; sushi, salads, steaks and handhelds; and craft cocktails. See website for hours. 4489 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1600, UTC, 858.834.7639. joeyrestaurants.com
Uncorked: San Diego Wine Fest
April 25. Embarcadero Marina Park North transforms into a bayfront oasis for oenophiles at Uncorked. Offerings at the 11th annual event include more than 150 wines from around the world; plus bubbly, hard cider, seltzer, canned cocktails and mocktails; along with a live DJ, photo booth, lawn game lounge, local food trucks and San Diego Bay views. Proceeds from the day benefit Urban Surf 4 Kids, a nonprofit that provides “surfing therapy” for youth in foster and at-risk communities. 1-5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 400 Kettner Blvd., downtown. Details
Arts + Culture
La Jolla Playhouse: WOW Festival
April 23-26. Presented in partnership with UC San Diego, La Jolla Playhouse brings us its signature Without Walls (aka WOW) series—featuring 20-plus immersive performances and art experiences at locales around the campus. The festival spans live theater, dance, music, puppetry, family-friendly experiences and featured events—all performed and led by local, national and international artists—and include free and paid events. See website for daily schedules, festival maps, a comprehensive guide to events and more. 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1070. lajollaplayhouse.org
S.D. Museum of Art: Art Alive
April 24-26. The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) presents its annual exhibition, Art Alive: A Centennial Soiree in Full Bloom, for which around 80 works from the Museum’s permanent collection will be reimagined in the form of live floral sculptures. The event draws inspiration from SDMA’s Centennial exhibition featuring its renowned collection of works by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The fun includes the signature Art Alive “Bloom Bash” on April 24, channeling the Moulin Rouge, circa 1890s Paris. See website for tickets. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
Mission Fed ArtWalk
April 25-26. What began as a modest art fair in 1984 has flourished into SoCal’s largest fine art festival: Mission Fed ArtWalk, now in its 42nd year. More than 250 artists will showcase paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, glass, metal, woodwork, drawings and more. Festivities also include interactive art installations, street art, live music, food and kids’ activities. Find live entertainment at the Piazza della Famiglia and across three other stages in the ‘hood. Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. India Street, Little Italy. artwalksandiego.org
Chicano Park Day
April 25. “Que Viva Chicano Park!” Take in Chicano history, culture and art at this 56th annual, family-friendly celebration. A National Historic Landmark, Chicano Park—founded in 1970—houses 72 murals created by artists throughout the 1970s and 1980s, making it the largest collection of outdoor murals in the U.S. Guests can enjoy indigenous dance performances, children’s art workshops, a lowrider exhibition, Barrio Logan food vendors and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. National Avenue and Evans Street, Barrio Logan. chicano-park.com
La Jolla Playhouse / WOW Festival is by Daniel Norwood. Mission Fed ArtWalk is by Paul Nestor. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
