Events
Weekend Concerts at The Rady Shell
Aug. 7-9. Take your pick of fabulous concerts at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park this weekend. There’s the family-friendly “Disney ‘80s-‘90s Celebration in Concert” on Friday, Aug. 7, with Disney and Pixar hits from these decades performed by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and special guest vocalists. On Saturday, Aug. 8, Finnish pop sensation Rajaton joins the Symphony for a night of disco hits from The Bee Gees. On Sunday, Aug. 9, the Gipsy Kings perform with special guest Nicolas Reyes (pictured). 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. 619.235.0804. theshell.org
Hillcrest CityFest
Aug. 9. This annual summer art and music festival attracts 150,000 visitors from across San Diego and SoCal. Enjoy a full day and evening of live entertainment across two stages—including live bands and electric dance music DJs. More highlights: food stations from top local restaurants and food trucks, cocktails and craft brews, a kids zone, and arts and crafts vendors. And stick around for an all-ages dance party as the sun goes down. See website for parking tips. Noon-11 p.m. Free general admission. Along Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest. Details
Gaslamp Urban Pickleball
Through Sept. 3. Calling all pickleball lovers! The Gaslamp Quarter Association presents a truly unique, downtown San Diego summer tradition: Urban Pickleball, every Thursday through Sept. 3. Three blocks of Fifth Avenue will morph into the city’s only pickleball venue—comprising 13 courts and ladder-style, open play for all skill levels. The fun includes exclusive Paddle Hour food and drink specials from select Gaslamp restaurants and bars, live music from DJ Spitz, the Zero Proof Garden, a new Sports Market, and more. 4 p.m.-sunset. $45 registration (see website). gaslamp.org
Food + Drink
Little Italy Mercato
Aug. 8. Did you know San Diego County is home to around 50 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 W 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). Along W. Date Street, Little Italy, 619.233.3901. Details
Turf & Surf Festival at Del Mar Racetrack
Aug. 8. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club presents the inaugural Turf & Surf Festival at its trackside Seaside Cabana at Del Mar Racetrack. Guests will enjoy fresh Maine lobster prepared in the world’s largest kettle steamer; along with Brandt Beef steak; as well as five “drink tasters” per adult ticket, including cocktails, wine and craft beer. Ticket add-ons include a Lobster Feast Meal with a 1.25-pound lobster and sides. 1-6 p.m. See website for pricing. (All ages welcome.) 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com
WetStone Wine Bar Solana Beach
Open. Offering globally inspired small plates and curated wines from small-production wineries around the world, WetStone Wine Bar Solana Beach is a gem nestled in the Cedros Design District. The sister to the original WetStone in Bankers Hill, owned by Jennifer Dermer, the quaint outpost features indoor seating and an outdoor patio with twinkling lights above. Choose from a thoughtful selection of wines by the glass or bottle; along with dishes like scallop crudo, pork belly and Thai shrimp. Tu-Su 3-9 p.m. 346 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach, 858.345.1064. Details
Arts + Culture
MCASD: Giants Closing Celebration
Aug. 7. The iconic exhibition, Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, marks its final weekend at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) with a special Closing Celebration. Don’t miss your chance to view 100-plus works by prominent Black artists; plus a lowrider showcase in front of the museum; a headlining performance by Joe Kay; and more. 5-10 p.m. See website for tickets. (MCASD is also offering free admission on the exhibit’s final day, Sunday, Aug. 9.) 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.3541. mcasd.org
The Old Globe: Cyrano
Through Aug. 16. Written by Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers—adapted from Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac—the romantic comedy Cyrano runs through Aug. 16 at The Old Globe. Cyrano—a hopeless romantic, impressive swordsman and poet—has loved the beautiful Roxane his entire life. When Roxane falls for a handsome young soldier, Cyrano hides his true feelings for her to help his rival woo her with witty words. Annie Tippe directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
La Jolla Playhouse: The Family Album
Through Aug. 23. Based on the book by Sam Chanse, La Jolla Playhouse stages the new musical, The Family Album—with music and lyrics by MILCK (aka Connie K. Lim) and AG (Adrianne Gonzalez, pictured). Hustling for years to make her mark, a singer-songwriter receives a potentially career-changing call, finds herself back home and once again the “disappointing” daughter of her Asian immigrant parents, and is faced with an unresolved secret. Jess McLeod directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
The Old Globe: Much Ado About Nothing
Through Aug. 30. Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Barry Edelstein, plays at The Old Globe’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stage. Everyone can see that bachelor Benedick and stubborn Beatrice are meant for each other—except for Benedick and Beatrice. The fast-paced play melds mistaken identities, false accusations, creative scheming and witty wordplay as their friends try to bring them together. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Photo credits: The Rady Shell / Nicolas Reyes by Anthony Mulcahy. “Cyrano” / The Old Globe (pictured: Max Monnig and Cailen Fu) is by Rich Soublet II. “The Family Album” / La Jolla Playhouse (pictured L-R: Jodi Long, Claire Kwon and Aury Krebs) is by Rich Soublet II. “Much Ado About Nothing” artwork is by Ben Wiseman. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
