Events
Chula Vista Lemon Festival
Aug. 16. The Downtown Chula Vista Association hosts the 28th annual Lemon Festival in the city once considered the “Lemon Capitol of the World.” Visit fun booths by local businesses—offering lemon-themed treats, beverages and specials; plus family-friendly activities, two stages of live music, a lemon cook-off competition, a wine and beer garden, live music, photo ops, and arts and crafts vendors. New this year: a lemon pie eating contest and the “Best Dressed of the Lemon Fest” contest. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free entry. Third Avenue, downtown Chula Vista. Details
Yoga at The Rady Shell
Aug. 16. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular gathering—inviting yogis and novices alike for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by seasoned instructor Viktoria Talbot. Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. And the best part? Admission is free. However, space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat and sunscreen. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org
Pool House Sundays at Pendry San Diego
Aug. 17. Make a splash at Pendry’s chic pool party on the hotel’s rooftop. Reserve a cabana with bottle service or relax poolside for an afternoon of sunbathing, people-watching and music by DJs Will Plaze and Kasto. Guests can also order specialty cocktails and frozen libations, such as the Spa Pendry Royal Mule and The Rooftop Spritz; plus a food menu that includes breakfast burritos, burgers, sandwiches, fish tacos and sorbet. Dress to impress. Reservations recommended. Noon to sunset. 435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7058. poolhousesd.com
Tulum Summer Party at Float Rooftop
Aug. 17. Ready to dance your cares away with some fun in the sun? Float Rooftop Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego hosts the city’s hottest rooftop summer pool party on Sunday, presented by SDPV. The Tulum-themed fun includes full pool access, cocktails, bites and cabanas for purchase; and music by DJs Milaad, Erik Stark and Nasim. Come ready to dance, relax and mingle under the sun. Casual attire (no dress code). See website for more details and tickets. Admission is $29 per adult (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
Food + Drink
The Witherby
Now Open. The Beau Hotel has rebranded its cocktail bar and restaurant, formerly The Bar at The Beau, as The Witherby. Offering a full-day menu, The Witherby spotlights American comfort food dishes like duck potpie, whole roasted branzino and braised pork shank (pictured); while the craft cocktail list offers nostalgic libations like the 1886 Old Fashioned. The space emanates a speakeasy charm—with dark green banquettes, marble-topped tables, brick-trimmed walls, and an 1880s original oak bar. 927 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.310.5896. More Info
New Brunch Menu at Wildflour
Now Available. At Wildflour—chef Philip Esteban’s eatery, bakery, deli and coffee shop under one roof—the brunch menu has been refreshed with new offerings. Indulge in buckwheat pancakes with black-sesame custard, almond coconut crumb and raspberries; the salmon rillette omelet; the Morning Bagel with egg, bacon jam and American cheese; and more; plus new cocktails such as the Ube Punch and Amaro Latte. See website for hours. 2690 Historic Decatur Road, Arts District Liberty Station, 619.310.5246. returntothewild.com
Arts + Culture
Broadway San Diego: Shucked
Aug. 12-17. San Diego’s own Broadway legend Jack O’Brien brings a new musical to the Civic Theatre. Shucked—the comedy about a small-town woman who leaves home to find a solution to the mysterious death of the corn in her county—has earned nine Tony Award nominations, including “Best Musical,” and Alex Newell won for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical.” Shucked features a book by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie) and a score by the Grammy Award–winning team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com
The Rady Shell: Cynthia Erivo
Aug. 17. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park hosts Cynthia Erivo, who joins the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in concert on Sunday; with Anthony Parnther conducting. A Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress, singer and producer, Erivo garnered raves for her recent portrayal of Elphaba in the film adaptation of the smash musical Wicked, starring opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda. Note: single tickets for the concert are sold out, but seats are still available via the Broadway Stars Package (see website). 7:30 p.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org
The Old Globe: The Comedy of Errors
Through Aug. 24. The Bard’s classic comedic tale of mistaken identity, The Comedy of Errors, runs through Sept. 20 at The Old Globe’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. The farce centers on two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, who unknowingly come together in the city of Ephesus—leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings, false accusations and mistaken identities before ultimately reuniting their lost family. James Vásquez directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
La Jolla Playhouse: The Heart
Upcoming | Aug. 19-Sept. 28. La Jolla Playhouse brings us the world-premiere musical, The Heart. Based on “Réparer les Vivants” by Maylis de Kerangal—with music and lyrics by Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisandrath, and book and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan—the production is directed by Christopher Ashley, with choreography by Mandy Moore. In it, we follow a heart on a truly life-saving journey—after a young surfer’s life is cut short, and a stranger receives a second chance at life. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
Photo credits: The Witherby by Kelly Schott. Wildflour by Kimberly Motos. “Shucked” by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman. Cynthia Erivo by Mark Seliger. “The Comedy of Errors” by Jim Cox. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
