Events
“Culture & Cocktails” at SDMA
Aug. 18. Art, culture and cocktails collide at this popular event, which returns to San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) after a two-year hiatus. The evening includes access to the museum’s featured exhibits, including TERRA: Fernando Casasempere and Picasso: Drawings and Prints; signature cocktails from Panama 66 and Batch 22; bites from local restaurants; and live entertainment. Enjoy a performance by pop-soul band, Undecided Future, and a “Sip ‘n’ Listen” pop-up with an all-vinyl DJ set; plus art-making and other interactive activities with local artisans. 6-10 p.m. $50-$65. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
BeerX Festival at Waterfront Park
Aug. 20. 91X marks the spot at Waterfront Park—where the local radio station presents its craft beer and music festival. Sample from 50 local and regional craft breweries; while rocking out to concerts throughout the afternoon. The lineup includes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Chicano Batman, Pachyman (pictured), Smoke and Mirrors Sound System, and Los Tortugas. Featured breweries include Societe Brewing Company, Modern Times, Belching Beaver, Second Chance, Alesmith and Stone Brewing. 1 p.m. (21+). $40 concert pass; $60 general admission; $150 VIP. 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. sdbeerfestival.com
Del Mar Taco & Beer Festival
Aug. 20. Tacos and tequila and beer … oh my! This festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club celebrates all three—featuring 50-plus local and regional brews and seltzers; tequila tastings; tacos from the area’s best taco shops, restaurants and food trucks; and live music. General admission includes entry to the racetrack and access to an exclusive trackside area to watch the horse races; five 5-ounce beer tasters; and tequila tastings from CaliFino Tequilas. VIP tickets include hosted tacos and early event entry. 1-5 p.m. $20-$55. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Tickets
Women In Music Festival at Spreckels Pavilion
Upcoming | Aug. 22 and 29. Showcasing the role of women in both music composition and performance in our history, Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion presents organists such as Caroline Robinson, Amanda Mole and Nicole Keller. Don’t miss pianist Maria Teresa Sierra duetting with civic organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez on Aug. 22—performing Beethoven’s piano concerto No. 5 and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, among others. If slapstick is more your style, “Silent Movie Night” with Clara Gerdes on Aug. 29 features Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. 7:30 p.m. Free. 2125 Pan American Road, Balboa Park. spreckelsorgan.org
Food + Drink
Hell’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay
Now Open. Inspired by the TV series of the same name, Hell’s Kitchen opens its first California location at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. Helmed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay—the notoriously tough host of the competitive cooking show—the 11,360-square-foot restaurant and bar is stunning. Features include an exhibition kitchen, a posh lounge, a wine wall and two private dining rooms. On the menu: Ramsay’s famous Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding; plus wagyu meatballs, lobster risotto, crispy-skin salmon and themed cocktails. Open daily 4-11 p.m. 777 S. Resort Drive, Valley Center, 760.751.3100. harrahssocal.com
Wolf in the Woods
Open. This culinary gem tucked in Mission Hills is one of those special finds—a Euro-style bistro and wine bar serving beautifully plated tapas-style dishes and more—perfect for a casual date night. Both the ambiance and cuisine blend Hispanic, Native American and European aesthetics and flavors. Menu highlights include yellowtail aguachile, citrus-cured salmon, cheese boards, locally sourced salads and vanilla-bean panna cotta for dessert. Enjoy in the romantic, low-lit dining room or on the quaint sidewalk patio. Tu-Th 4-9 p.m.; F-Sa 4-9:30 p.m. 1920 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills, 619.234.2597. wolfinthewoods.com
Arts + Culture
The Remarkable Mister Holmes
Extended Through Aug. 28. Notorious detective Sherlock Holmes and his new assistant sleuth their way through 1890s London in North Coast Rep’s world premiere of this “madcap” musical comedy-meets-murder mystery. Based on the book by Omri Schein and David Ellenstein—with lyrics by Schein and music by Daniel Lincoln—the fast-paced production pays homage to the original tales by Arthur Conan Doyle, who created the namesake character in 1887. Bart Shatto (pictured) stars as Holmes; Ellenstein directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Dial M for Murder
Through Aug. 28. Originally written by English playwright Frederick Knott (pictured) in 1952, The Old Globe’s commissioned world-premiere adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher is a new version of Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful murder-mystery thriller. Drama and chilling plot twists abound in Dial M for Murder—a classic “murder for hire” gone wrong—after a jealous husband suspects his wife of having an affair. The play unfolds at the intimate White Theatre, offering 360-degree stage views. Stafford Arima directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Summer Exhibits at MOPA
Currently On View. The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) presents several must-see exhibits this summer. Check out Legacy: Larry Friedman Collection, contemporary works gifted to MOPA’s permanent collection from Larry Friedman’s estate. Nick Brandt: This Empty World comprises 31 large-scale photos of a world overwhelmed by development, where there is no longer space for animals to survive. And Encounter: Photographs by Jed Fielding takes you up close with street portraits that are a glimpse into his subjects’ vivid lives. See website for admission info. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.7559. mopa.org
The Lion King Broadway Musical
Upcoming | Aug. 24-Sept. 11. Seen by more than 100 million people across the globe, The Lion King has won six Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.” Based on the 1994 Disney film and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, Broadway San Diego’s family-friendly production takes us to the Serengeti in Tanzania, Africa. There, we meet a young lion named Simba—whose father dies in a tragic “accident” staged by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar. As the rightful heir to the throne, Simba must conquer his fears and enemies, including a few notoriously heinous hyenas. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com
Photo credits: Chef Gordon Ramsay / Hell’s Kitchen courtesy of Caesars Entertainment. The Remarkable Mister Holmes by Aaron Rumley. MOPA: “Terminal Mirage 5” by David Maisel / Legacy: Larry Friedman Collection; © David Maisel. The Lion King by Deen van Meer. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
