Events
North Park Thursday Market
Aug. 19. Grab fresh flowers, certified organic produce, artisanal foods, pantry items, CBD products, clothing, jewelry and more at this weekly alfresco market—showcasing more than 40 local vendors and growers. Some of our favorite finds include: floral bouquets from Hidalgo Flowers; citrus fruits, eggs and avocados from R&L Farms; baked goods from Sundial Pantry; Greek yogurt and spreads from Yallatizers; and locally roasted coffee beans from Motherland Coffee. 3-7:30 p.m. North Park Way (between 29th and Ray streets), North Park, 619.289.8909. northparkfarmersmarket.com
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero
Aug 19-22. Downtown’s premier cinema outfit presents movie screenings on the fourth-floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt through mid-September—from recent box-office hits to cult classics. Enjoy city views and an elevated moviegoing experience—including a state-of-the art projector; provided headphones and deck chairs; popcorn and other snacks available for purchase; and late-night screenings. This weekend’s lineup: Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, The Devil Wears Prada, The Princess Bride and more. See website for tickets and full schedule. 1 Market Place, downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com
“Bohemian Nights” Queen Nation Concert
Aug. 20. “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” Tribute band Queen Nation’s spot-on portrayal of legendary rock group Queen will have guests asking themselves such questions. The California Music Hall of Fame inductees will perform an electrifying, one-night-only concert of Queen’s greatest hits (including “Bohemian Rhapsody”) at Welk Resort Theatre—featuring Gregory Finsley as front man Freddie Mercury, guitarist Mike McManus as Brian May, drummer Pete Burke as Roger Taylor, and bassist Parker Combs as John Deacon. 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets start at $45. 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido. More Info
Food + Drink
Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla
Aug. 21. Spice up your Saturday night with dinner and flamenco dancing at this beloved Spanish eatery (a Gaslamp Quarter staple since 1987). Cafe Sevilla presents a two-part flamenco performance, featuring seasoned dancers who were trained in Spain; along with a three-course dinner featuring its award-winning Paella Valenciana. Add-ons include a tapas menu, wine and a full bar. Advance tickets are required and include entry to the restaurant’s nightclub. 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m., with communal-style seating assigned upon arrival.) $89.50 per person. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. Tickets
Wolfie’s Carousel Bar
Now Open. A former car garage has been transformed into a nostalgic Parisian wonderland. Dreamt up by nightlife wizard Mauricio Couturier (Bang Bang, El Camino), Wolfie’s abounds in jaw-dropping, whimsical decor. Booths are topped with slowly bobbing carousel horses. The bar itself is an actual carnival-size carousel, with seating that slowly revolves around it—making a full rotation about every 14 minutes. On the menu: French cocktails and bistro fare such as Oysters Rockefeller, French onion soup and steak frites. Tu-Su beginning at 4 p.m. 2401 Kettner Blvd., Suite B, Little Italy, 619.255.7533. wolfiescarousel.com
Smokey & The Brisket
Open. Savor old-fashioned barbecue straight from the in-house smoker at this casual eatery by restaurateur Alberto Morreale. The menu boasts slow-cooked prime brisket, pulled pork, half-bone-in chicken, pork spare ribs and sausage links; along with house-made sauces and sides such as jalapeño cornbread and coleslaw; plus flatbreads, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken and bread pudding for dessert. And ask about the Flintstone-esque “Dino” smoked beef rib and the “Cowboy Caviar.” Tu-Th 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; F-Sa 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 5465 Lake Murray Blvd., La Mesa, 619.439.6544. smokeyandthebrisketsd.com
We Olive & Wine Bar
Open. The olive-oil tasting room and epicurean specialty market features a well-curated selection of California wines, local craft beer, balsamic vinegars, tapenades, gourmet pantry items, cookbooks and gifts. (Inside tip: In between perusing, head to the back balcony for postcard-worthy La Jolla Cove views.) The star, of course, is We Olive’s vast selection of cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oils—all certified by the California Olive Oil Council. Flavors include organic Meyer lemon, fresh garlic and blood orange. Free tastings offered daily. See website for hours. 1158 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.551.8250. weolive.com
Arts + Culture
The New Children’s Museum Art + Play Space
Opens Aug. 20. An artsy landmark downtown, The New Children’s Museum is a 50,000-square-foot playground of interactive exhibits that inspire kids’ imaginations. Now North County has a slice of similar magic with the museum’s new Art + Play Space at Del Mar Plaza. The 2,000-square-foot creative center gives families the opportunity to play in a mini version of Wobbleland (a giant kitchen sink where toddlers can play with food sculptures), create their own art in the Makerspace, and more. Th-M 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $10 admission. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 858.925.7508. thinkplaycreate.org
Meyer Fine Art
Open. Tucked in the heart of Little Italy’s art and design district, Meyer Fine Art has showcased 19th-21st-century artwork since 1978—and in a comfortable, pretension-free gallery space. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, art buying is easy and accessible here. The gallery specializes in original graphics, limited-edition prints and other works on paper. Highlighted artists have included Salvador Dali (pictured), Clay Walker, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jean Kazandjian and more. Tu-Th 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; F-Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 104, Little Italy, 619.358.9512. meyerfineartinc.com
Chicano Park Tours
Ongoing. An often-overlooked (literally) cultural gem, Chicano Park sits beneath the Coronado Bridge overpass—an enclave for artists and a proud community steeped in Mexican heritage. The park houses 72 vibrant murals created by various artists throughout the 1970s and 1980s—making it the largest collection of outdoor murals in the U.S. A $1.6 million restoration project in 2011 returned 20 murals to their original glory. Take a virtual tour online to familiarize yourself with each mural; then take a self-guided tour onsite. Open daily. National Avenue and Evans Street, Barrio Logan. chicano-park.com
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
