Events
San Diego Pride Weekend
July 15-19. Celebrate San Diego Pride with a jam-packed weekend of more than two dozen dedicated events extending through Monday. A few highlights: the San Diego Women’s Chorus “Closer to Fine” concert on Thursday; the Hillcrest Block Party and Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday; the Pride Youth Picnic (pictured) and pool parties across town on Saturday; and the True Colors Revue at Inside Out on Sunday. Did we also mention the weekend-long Unite Music Festival and Pride 5K charity race? See website for full lineup of events, addresses and admission info. sdpride.org
Del Mar Races
July 16-Sept. 6. “And … away they go!” Place your bets in person this year at Del Mar Racetrack, which returns with a dual season of thoroughbred horse racing and summer festivities. The fun begins with Opening Day on Friday, complete with the famed Hats Contest and spectators dressed in their San Diego finest. The season also includes the Uncorked Wine Festival on Aug. 14; the TVG Pacific Classic on Aug. 21; “Beach Boss” every Friday; and more. See website for tickets, race lineups, special events and hours. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.792.4242. dmtc.com
“Acapulco Gold” Pride Extravaganza
July 17. This special San Diego Pride event is an all-day celebration and a charity fundraiser in one—featuring go-go dancers, five DJs, a “Platinum Lounge,” cocktails and more. Presented by cannabis product maker Platinum and sponsored by the React Foundation, the party will include giveaways and fundraising activities, with proceeds benefiting Equality CA—a nonprofit that advocates for civil rights of LGBTQIA+ people in California. The event is open to the public (21+); no RSVP needed. Noon-7 p.m. $25 donation suggested per person at the door. Hillcrest Athletic Club, 1243 University Ave., Hillcrest. More Info
Food + Drink
Taste of the Turf Club
Begins July 18. This fun culinary experience at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s exclusive Turf Club returns every Sunday. Bet on your favorite horses while enjoying premium shaded seating overlooking the track, a full dining menu and libations. Packages include a reserved table (seating up to four) for the duration of race day, general Turf Club admission and parking; as well as a choice of appetizer, entree and dessert; plus bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and more. See website for reservations, pricing and dress code. Noon-6 p.m. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. dmtc.com
Buona Forchetta San Marcos
Now Open. Known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, calzones, scratch-made pastas, salads and desserts, Buona Forchetta debuts its newest location in San Marcos’ North City development district. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant by owner Matteo Cattaneo seats 120 guests across a quaint dining room and expansive covered patio. A custom Stefano Ferrara Italian pizza oven commands the kitchen—churning out pies such as the Nicola with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto di parma and truffle oil. L, D W-Su (see website for hours). 250 N. City Drive, San Marcos, 442.515.3147. buonaforchettasd.com
Cocina de Barrio
Open. Summertime means popsicle margaritas in our book, and you can find them here. (Ask about daily flavors!) Spotlighting recipes of Oaxaca, this Mexican restaurant by chef Jose J. Flores also features grilled Pacific oysters on the half shell; braised short ribs with mole negro; and authentic Oaxacan seafood soup. Added bonuses: its ample alfresco dining patio, a vast selection of tequila and mezcal, and plenty of plant-based dishes. And don’t miss the French toast with churros for weekend brunch. D Tu-Sa; Br Sa-Su (see website for hours). 3707 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest, 619.677.2770. cocinadebarriohillcrest.com
Harbor & Sky
Open. Nestled just steps away from the USS Midway and San Diego Bay, this all-outdoor restaurant and rooftop lounge on the fifth floor of the Residence Inn & Springhill Suites is an unsung gem. Take in expansive waterfront views while sipping craft libations and sampling locally sourced small plates. We suggest the signature Harbor cocktail made with vodka by local distiller San Diego Cutwater; the arugula flatbread with goat cheese; and the gourmet cheese plate with veggies and house-made hummus. W-F 5-10 p.m.; Sa-Su 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 900 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.831.0224. harborandskysandiego.com
Spoiled Vegans Cafe
Open. Find vegan and vegetarian fare that carnivores will love, too. Focusing on the first meal of the day, this weekend pop-up “ghost kitchen” offers plant-based breakfast sandwiches, its famous “waffle dogs,” nitro-brew coffee, organic juices, baked goods and more. Try the Let Go of My Diego (pictured)—apple-sage vegan sausage wrapped in a crispy waffle on a stick—with a side of house-made maple mustard and air-fried hash browns; and the Buffalo Chik’n breakfast sandwich. Order online for pickup only. F-Su 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 440 16th St., East Village, 619.320.8366. spoiledveganscafe.com
Arts + Culture
Thinking Shakespeare LOVE!
July 16-17. It’s a dreamy evening of Shakespeare under the stars with The Old Globe’s latest summer offering, staged at its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Directed and hosted by Barry Edelstein (pictured), the production showcases the Bard’s lifelong fascination with love (obsessively so at times)—from his plays to poems to songs. The show will be performed live by a cast of seven—all of whom are 2021 graduates of The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
SDDT Summer Dance Workshop
Upcoming | July 19-30. Dust off your dancing shoes and learn some new moves at San Diego Dance Theater’s (SDDT) 49th annual summer dance workshop. Classes include advanced modern dance techniques taught by Khamla Somphanh; hip-hop with Dr. Grace Shinhae Jun; ballet with Jeremy Zapanta; flamenco with Carlos Villatoro; jazz with Rebekah Brown; and more. All classes are offered in hybrid format—online via Zoom and in person at SDDT’s White Box Live Arts space. M-F 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. See website for full schedule and to register. 2590 Truxtun Road, Liberty Station. sandiegodancetheater.org
Photo credits: Barry Edelstein courtesy of The Old Globe. San Diego Dance Theater by Jim Carmody. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
