Events

“Summer Nights” at S.D. Botanic Garden

Aug. 17. The San Diego Botanic Garden—home to 37 acres of gardens, rare bamboo groves, a tropical rainforest, subtropical fruit garden and more—invites you maximize the warm weather and longer days with its “Summer Nights” programming. Thursday’s fun includes a 30-minute sunset guided tour of the Garden; and “SAPLinGS Activities,” where you can make your own “fruit fan” to stay cool, climb the treehouse, and splash in the Mountain Stream at the Hamilton Children’s Garden; plus live music and treats. 5-8 p.m. $18 adults; $10 kids. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbg.org

Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party

Aug. 19. Let the sunshine in at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s signature rooftop 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 Lavelle Dupree, Azarelle, Sussybaka and Dirty D; plus a full bar featuring giant slushie margaritas and other cocktails; and cabana/daybed rentals and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Swimwear/pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. Noon-6 p.m. See website for tickets (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Uncorked: Del Mar Wine Fest

Aug. 19. Wine corks will be poppin’ at Uncorked, which presents its fourth annual installment on Saturday at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Alongside “bettin’ on the ponies” at Del Mar Racetrack, festival guests can sample from a selection of more than 100 wines and bubbly from California and around the world; along with local food trucks and live DJ music all afternoon. Proceeds benefit Urban Surf 4 Kids—a local nonprofit that provides water and surfing therapy for at-risk youth and foster children. 1-5 p.m. $25-$80 (21+). 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. More Info

‘80s Dance Party at Seaport Village

Aug. 20. Don your dancing shoes and ‘80s attire for this special event hosted by the Seaport Fudge Factory: “Back to the ‘80s Dance Party—Dress Up, Dance, Devour in Seaport Village.” The family-friendly, costume dance party features groovy ‘80s tunes by DJ Tony T; as well as tasty treats available for purchase at the Fudge Factory’s dessert booth pop-up; and those scenic San Diego Bay views. General admission is free, but see website to reserve a spot (all ages welcome). 2-5 p.m. Seaport Village Food Court, 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

Food + Drink

Little Italy Mercato

Aug. 19. Did you know San Diego County is home to at least 30 certified farmers markets? If we had to pick our favorite, this quintessential San Diego weekend experience would be high on the list. Stroll among 150 vendors offering fresh produce, flowers, meat, eggs, cheeses, sauces, pantry items, home and bath products, and more—with peeks of San Diego Bay a few blocks away. Afterward, grab lunch at one of the neighborhood’s dozens of restaurants offering ample patio dining. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (also open Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). Along W. Date Street, Little Italy, 619.233.3901. sandiegomarkets.com

Dinky Donut Shack

Now Open. Doughnuts are extra adorable and a little less sinful when they’re in miniature form, no? Coronado’s tiki-inspired restaurant, The Islander, has opened the Dinky Donut Shack—a new concept by Blue Bridge Hospitality. Previously the Dawn Patrol Breakfast Shack, the outpost still offers coffee drinks and savory breakfast fare (think: breakfast burritos, bowls and bagel sandwiches); as well as a rotating selection of mini doughnuts made fresh daily. Expect classic flavors with fun toppings like peanut-butter cup, ube and banana-Nutella. Open daily 7-11 a.m. 1015 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6087. More Info

The Heights 

Now Open. The former Cafe Gratitude space in Little Italy is now home to The Heights—a new modern Italian chophouse with sleek decor and an outdoor dining patio. The menu offers antipasti, salads, house-made pastas, steak and seafood entrees, cocktails and wine. Try the signature Bolognese Bianca with fettuccine, braised veal and beef, porcini mushrooms and shaved truffle; the Bistecca Fiorentina, a 32-ounce porterhouse served on a lava stone with rosemary potatoes and truffle; and the Beef Wellington. Su-Th 4-10 p.m.; F-Sa 4-11 p.m. 1980 Kettner Blvd., Suite 10, Little Italy, 619.539.7344. theheights-sd.com

Arts + Culture

Weekend Concerts at The Shell

Aug. 19-20. The summer concert lineup at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is packed, but we picked a couple that we’re particularly excited about this weekend. On Saturday, Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle take the stage, performing their many showstopping hits. On Sunday, channel some Mardi Gras spirit with an evening of New Orleans jazz and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra; headlined by trumpeter Byron Stripling (pictured); along with vocalist Miche Braden, keyboardist Bobby Floyd, bassist Rob Thorsen and drummer Jim Rupp. See website for times and tickets. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org

Crime and Punishment, A Comedy

Closes Aug. 20. The Old Globe theater presents Crime and Punishment, A Comedy at its Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre through Sunday. The Globe-commissioned, world-premiere play—written by Gordan Greenberg and Steve Rosen, and directed by Greenberg—is a comedic reimagining of Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky’s 1866 novel, Crime and Punishment, complete with five actors who play more than 50 vivid characters. The story centers on an impoverished student who becomes a murderer in order to save his family. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Pippin at North Coast Rep

Closes Aug. 20. The Broadway musical Pippin—with music and lyrics by Stephan Schwartz—plays at North Coast Rep through Sunday. An ensemble cast tells the story of Pippin, a young prince longing for passion and adventure in his life. To prove his loyalty to his distracted father, King Charlemagne, Pippin goes to war. But when the Leading Player convinces the prince to fight tyranny, Pippin decides to lead a revolution against his father. Director Nick DeGruccio’s take on the show promises some outrageously funny scenes (and props!). 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org

Photo credits: The Shell / Byron Stripling by George Lange. Crime and Punishment, A Comedy / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. Pippin / North Coast Rep by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.