Events
Arts District Liberty Station Summer Camps
July 16-19. From art exhibits and painting workshops, to music and photography classes, Liberty Station is brimming with family-friendly fun—virtually of course. Our pick this weekend: “Barrio Stories with Vera Sanchez” (July 19)—a writing workshop for Latinx interested in sharing personal stories about their families and culture. The class will be led by bestselling author Vera Sanchez, who was raised in Barrio Logan. 10 a.m.-noon. $30-36. libertystation.com
Virtual Pride 5K Run/Walk
July 17-19. San Diego Pride weekend is still in full force, but virtually. Front Runners & Walkers of San Diego presents the online race, which raises funds for the LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Project and San Diego Pride Community Grants. The first-time virtual format means anyone, anywhere, can participate—choosing their own 5K route, starting time and pace. frwsd.org/virtual-event/
National Ice Cream Day
July 19. We’ll scream for ice cream if it’s for a good cause. Head to Mr. Trustee Creamery, where executive pastry chef Jeremy Harville has partnered with local celebrity chefs to release creative new flavors. Try Top Chef star Claudette Zepeda’s Oaxacan Kiss—carrot ice cream with a rum-raisin cajeta swirl, coconut and candied pineapple. One dollar of each sale with be donated to Ice Cream for Change. Walk-up window is open noon-9 p.m. 4033 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills. icecreamforchange.org
Food + Drink
The Nolen Rooftop
Reopened. Take a private elevator up to the 14th floor of the Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp Hotel, where this Paul Basile-designed alfresco cocktail lounge has been reimagined with enhanced safety standards. Enjoy “private party-inspired socializing” with required reservations, well-spaced seating and more. We love the skyline and waterfront views, craft cocktails and the beer-braised short-rib sliders. F-Sa 4-10 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for brunch. 435 Sixth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.796.6536. thenolenrooftop.com
The Gluten-Free Baking Co.
This Month. We got your “summer six pack” right here (wink, wink). Enjoy a half-dozen festive cupcake flavors at this local bakery—which is donating $1 of every cupcake sold to the National Black Justice Coalition—in honor of Pride Month in San Diego. The limited-edition rainbow of choices includes red/strawberry chocolate, representing life; blue/funfetti for peace; and orange/mango for healing. Tu-Su 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. 4594 30th St., North Park, 858.270.9863. thegfbakingco.com
Eggies Pacific Beach
Now Open. We’re pretty sure the egg came before the chicken at this egg-centric eatery’s newest outpost, located adjacent to Breakfast Republic. Order breakfast sandwiches with a twist from its outdoor walk-up window—such as the Eggies Classic with maple-sage sausage, apple-wood smoked bacon and sharp cheddar on a brioche bun. We also adore the potato hash jar and churros for dessert. Open daily 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 4465 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 619.866.6091. eggies.com/pacific-beach
Outdoor Dining at Azuki
Now Open. Bankers Hill’s beloved sushi spot has transformed its sidewalk into a quaint alfresco dining space (in addition to curbside pickup and delivery options). Our go-to menu favorites: the spicy tuna atop crispy rice; the miso black cod; and the Kobe Roll with seared wagyu beef, black tiger prawns, avocado, tempura onion and truffle aioli. Reservations only. F-Su noon-2:30 p.m.; Tu-Su 4-10 p.m. 2321 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.238.4760. azukisushi.com
Arts + Culture
The Wizards of Oakwood Drive Show
Begins July 16. Created as a “kids only” experience (ideally for ages 7-12), La Jolla Playhouse debuts this live, interactive production as part of its innovative WOW (Without Walls) digital programming. The virtual show by Tom Salamon stars two young sibling wizards, who invite viewers to join them on adventures that include at-home treasure hunts. There’s even a winner-take-all magic spell contest. Tickets are $25 per household. See website for schedule. lajollaplayhouse.org
coLAB Globe PRIDE Celebration
July 18-19. In partnership with San Diego Pride and Diversionary Theatre, The Old Globe presents it first coLAB celebration. Enjoy live-streamed performances of short plays by LGBTQ+ playwrights—acted by select participants from Diversionary’s virtual summer acting program and the Silver Squad; along with professional actors. A sneak peek is slated for July 18, with full performances on July 19 at 2 p.m. on Facebook, YouTube and San Diego Pride’s digital platforms. theoldglobe.org
Covid Buster Virtual Art Exhibit
On View. Distinction Gallery, ArtHatch and The San Diego Foundation present Save the Artists: A Covid Buster Fundraiser. On view this month, art lovers can peruse (and either bid on or purchase on the spot) nearly two dozen vibrant paintings and drawings by seven artists—including “Sundae Special” (pictured) by Elena Karavodin. Proceeds benefit the artists and Distinction Gallery’s annual Palomar College Scholarship Fund in honor of Charles “Chuck” Leslie Walker. distinctionart.com
Photo credits: Arts District Liberty Station by Jackie Wonders Photography. Mr. Trustee Creamery and The Nolan Rooftop by Haley Hill Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues.
