Events

Del Mar Tacos & Tequila Festival

Aug. 10. This annual festival at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Seaside Cabana features margaritas; local and regional cervezas; specialty tequilas; tacos from the area’s best taco shops, restaurants and food trucks; and live music and entertainment. General admission includes entry to the Del Mar Racetrack and access to an exclusive trackside area to watch the horse races; five small tequila drinks and/or beer tasters; access to food for purchase; plus tequila sampling. VIP tickets include two complimentary tacos and early event entry. 1-5 p.m. $35-$55. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com

Hillcrest CityFest

Aug. 11. Stretching nine city blocks, this annual summer art and music festival attracts around 150,000 visitors from across San Diego and SoCal. Enjoy a full day of lively entertainment across two stages—including local bands and electric-dance music DJs. More highlights: food stations from top area restaurants and food trucks, cocktails and craft brews, the CityFest Kids Zone, and arts and crafts vendors. And stick around for CityFest After Dark (starting at 7 p.m.). See website for parking tips. Noon-11 p.m. Free general admission. Along Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest. More Info

Film Screenings at Rooftop Cinema Club 

Ongoing. Outdoor moviegoing reaches new heights with Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero, which is presenting movies all summer—from box office hits to classics—on the fourth-floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Enjoy city views and an elevated cinema experience—including a state-of-the art projector, headphones and comfy deck chairs; plus popcorn, snacks and cocktails available for purchase. This weekend’s lineup includes La La Land, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Goonies, Jurassic Park and American Psycho. See website for full schedule and tickets. 1 Market Place, downtown. More Info

Kayaking & Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks

Ongoing. Leopard shark season is here! But fear not; you are their friend, not their food. Known for their leopard-like spots, these ‘puppies of the sea” migrate to the warm, shallow waters hugging the La Jolla coastline every summer. Ocean adventure company Everyday California lets you get safely get close to them, offering eco-friendly kayak and snorkeling tours of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve—home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life on the West Coast. The hour-long tours are offered daily. Starting at $64. 2261 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.454.6195. More Info

Food + Drink

SoCal Wine Experience 2024

Aug. 10. Vino by the bay, anyone? Head to Ruocco Park near Seaport Village on Saturday for an afternoon celebrating Southern California’s best wines and spirits, presented by Elite Events San Diego. The fun includes tastings of local, regional and national brands—including wine, tequila and other spirits—plus food pairings; jazz, house and classical music; and those tranquil San Diego Bay views as the backdrop. 1-5 p.m. Tickets start at $33 per person; $55 for VIP, which includes early event entry. See website for all details. 585 Harbor Lane, downtown. More Info

Leila

Now Open. Step inside and be transported to a lush dining oasis inspired by the bustling night markets of Morocco, complete with a starry ceiling, water features, two bars and an open kitchen anchored by a clay oven and Robata grill. On the menu: Middle Eastern dishes (and libations) that pay homage to CH Projects’ founder Arsalun Tafazoli’s roots and travels. Expect house-made spreads and sauces; kabobs and skewers with proteins such as chicken and salmon cooked over open fire; and specialties like “Whole Fish in a Cage” and grilled lamb shank. Open daily 5 p.m.-midnight. 3956 30th St., North Park, 619.550.5412. leilanorthpark.com

New Cocktail Menu at Civico 1845

Now Available. Known for its authentic Calabrian cuisine (including a separate full vegan menu), Civico 1845 has unveiled a new cocktail menu—in partnership with Civico Group Bar Director William Pidd—centered on the herbal liqueur Amaro and other traditional Italian ingredients. New libations include the Martini Puttanesca with Calabrian chili oil; the earthy gin-based Stromboli; the Calabra Fresca with spicy tequila, Campari, watermelon and lime; and the Old Fashioned with bourbon, Luxardo Bianco, Italian chartreuse and orange. See website for hours. 1845 India St., Little Italy, 619.550.5412. civico1845.com

San Diego Craft Beer Conference

Upcoming | Aug. 13. Calling all craft beer lovers! The San Diego Brewers Guild (SDBG) hosts its 2024 San Diego Craft Beer Conference at MiraCosta College’s San Elijo campus. Guests can partake in educational sessions conducted by craft beer industry leaders—with subjects spanning technical brewing, business and leadership, craft beer culture, and more. The event also comprises a tradeshow, as well as food trucks and beer samples donated from local brewers. See website for full schedule and to register. $70 general admission; $60 SDBG members. 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea. sdbeer.com

Arts + Culture

Island Vibe Music Festival

Aug. 10. Celebrate the culture, cuisine and music of the Pacific Islands—including Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia—at this annual festival, taking place this year at Embarcadero Marina Park North along San Diego Bay. Enjoy unique performances by cultural dancers from across the Pacific Islands; Islander-inspired merchandise, including apparel and art, available in the vendor village; and plenty of authentic cuisine. The entertainment lineup includes Hirie, Ekolu (pictured), Jordan T, Likkle Jordee and Jason J. See website for all details. 1-7 p.m. Tickets start at $18 per person. 400 Kettner Blvd., downtown. More Info

NVA: A Weekend with Pablo Picasso

Upcoming | Opens Aug. 12. Spend a weekend with Pablo Picasso via this dynamic production, back by popular demand. Based on the writings of the legendary artist, A Weekend with Pablo Picasso runs at New Village Arts (NVA) theater through Sept. 3. Herbert Siguenza (pictured) wrote and stars in this one-man tour de force—taking us inside Picasso’s private studio, where he is tasked with creating six new works for a buyer by Monday morning. Todd Salovey directs the 90-minute play. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org

Photo credits: Leila by James Tran. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.