Events

Weekend Fun at Del Mar Racetrack

Sept. 1-4. Take your pick of Labor Day Weekend fun at Del Mar Racetrack. Highlights include: “Turf Club Fridays,” when patrons can access the exclusive Turf Club without a membership, including two drink tickets and appetizers; the anticipated $1 million FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic on Saturday, with the race’s winner receiving an automatic bid to the Breeders’ Cup; and Family Fun Day on Sunday, when the kiddos can enjoy bungee trampolines, rock-climbing walls, face painting, food trucks and more. See website for details and tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. dmtc.com

Sunkissed Poolside Saturdays at Techo Beso

Sept. 2. Techo Beso (which translates “rooftop kiss”), located at downtown’s new AC Hotel, invites you for an afternoon of fun in the sun. The Tulum-inspired alfresco lounge features a pool, city views, DJ sets, specialty craft cocktails and elevated Mexican-inspired bites. Grab your swimsuit for Sunkissed Poolside Saturdays—when guests can sip on refreshing libations; while grooving to house music by Banana Club, Brady Spear and Beefam. Guest list admission is free, but see website to reserve your spot. Text 855.905.0421 for VIP cabanas (limited). 1-7 p.m. 743 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

“Pier Pressure” Mega Yacht Party

Sept. 3. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend aboard Hornblower’s $10 million “Inspiration” luxury yacht, host of SoCal’s biggest yacht party for 11 years running. The celebration includes live entertainment across the 1,200-person-capacity vessel’s three decks and two areas of music—including sets by six DJs, with Vtech and Rikuwaves B2B Zlata headlining. Guests can take advantage of several fully stocked and staffed bars (bottle service and VIP packages available); while dancing and enjoying scenic San Diego Bay views. 5-8 p.m. (boarding begins at 4 p.m.). $32-$300. 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. Tickets

Labor Day Pier Swim

Sept. 4. Dive in if you dare! Presented by the Oceanside Swim Club—a nonprofit and competitive swim team for children ages 5-18—this 94th annual event returns. Started in 1929, the tradition entails a one-mile swim around the landmark Oceanside Pier—first built in 1888 and standing at 1,954 feet long—with swimmers racing toward the finish line in the sand. Register online in advance (must be at least 13 years old). Check-ins begin at 7 a.m; start times (which are staggered) begin at 8:30 a.m. $70 entry fee. See website to register. The Strand, Oceanside. labordaypierswim.com

Food + Drink

SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival

Through Sept. 10. This weekend festival—taking place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (plus Labor Day Monday)—features more than 100 local and regional craft beers available for sampling. SeaWorld has set up themed stations around the park—where guests can sample select brews; along with food bites for the perfect pairing. Participating brewers include Mike Hess, Ballast Point, Alesmith, Karl Strauss, Stone Brewing, Pizza Port, Belching Beaver and Bivouac Ciderworks. See website for hours, admission info and tickets. $60-$75. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com

La Pastaia

Now Open. Translating to “The Pasta Lady,” La Pastaia—owned/operated by Sicilian natives Priscilla Scardina and Maria Lo Cascio—is a Venetian-style trattoria that lives up to its name. The menu centers on house-made-daily pastas. Think: spinach pappardelle with short-rib ragu; gnocchi ripieni with asiago cheese and creamy walnuts; spaghetti with manila clams; and spinach ravioli with artichoke hearts, mascarpone and Parmesan sauce; plus entrees, pizzas, salads, antipasti, Italian cocktails, wine; authentic desserts and a separate brunch menu. See website for hours. 3055 Clairemont Drive, Bay Park, 619.272.0157. lapastaiasd.com

Wild Hare Bar Garden

Now Open. Following a $22.5 million renovation, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter invites you to hop on over to the property’s whimsical new restaurant. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wild Hare Bar Garden offers garden-inspired dishes with locally sourced proteins and produce; plus ingredients from the property’s onsite garden. Menu highlights: a signature “rabbit dish” with roasted carrots and spiced goat cheese; pan-fried chicken paillard; themed cocktails like the vodka-based “I’m All Ears”; and carrot cake for dessert. See website for hours. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.231.4040. More Info

Arts + Culture

Cabaret at The Old Globe

Opens Sept. 1. Asolo Repertory Theatre’s production of the Tony Award-winning smash musical, Cabaret, plays at The Old Globe theater through Oct. 8. In it, we travel to 1931 Berlin—where an American writer meets a British nightclub singer who performs at the Kit Kat Klub—as the city’s hedonistic nightlife scene amid the twilight of the Jazz Age begins to change amid Nazi occupation. The musical features an epic score by John Kander and Fred Ebb. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Brazilian Day Festival

Sept. 2. Head to NTC Park at Liberty Station for a celebration of Brazilian culture, music, dance and food. Presented by Devoted to Youth Foundation, the festival comprises live music, dance performances, Brazilian food stations and vendors, beer gardens, a VIP open bar area, a kids zone and more. Participants include Elka Yoga, Brazilian Sculpt Dance, Doce Mel Samba Dancers, Capoeira Luanda Massape, Grupo Calisamba, Super Sonic Samba School, Grupo Resenha, DJ Flavia Xexeo and more. See website for full details and tickets. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $10-$300. 2455 Cushing Road, Point Loma. More Info

Balboa Park Hidden Gems Tour

Ongoing. How well do you know the “Crown Jewel” of San Diego? A seasoned tour guide takes you on a fun exploration of the city’s 1,200-acre park, whose buildings date back to the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-16. You’ll learn little known facts about its development over the decades; as well as its 16 museums, gardens and cultural outlets. Tours are offered regularly (see website for schedule). Each 90-minute tour comprises about one mile of walking. $45. Meet at the front steps of San Diego Museum of Art, Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park, 619.504.9474. More Info

Photo credits: Wild Hare Bar Garden by Cindy Wang. Cabaret / The Old Globe by Cliff Roles. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.