Events
Del Mar Races Opening Day
July 20. Giddy up! The Del Mar Races return to “where the turf meets the surf,” aka the Del Mar Racetrack, for another season of Thoroughbred horse racing. And Opening Day falls on a Saturday this year (instead of the usual Wednesday). Dress in your finest fancy hats and seersucker suits for a jam-packed day at the track. Highlights of summer racing season include Taste of the Turf Club and Turf Club Fridays; several food, beer and wine festivals; the $1 million Pacific Classic on Aug. 31; and Closing Day on Sept. 8. See website for details. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. dmtc.com
Rancho Valencia’s “After Pony Party”
July 20. The fun at Opening Day at the Del Mar Races continues at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa—host of the official after-party of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Glam it up for an evening of dancing, dining and drinks in celebration of race season. Admission includes a welcome cocktail, an endless food buffet, a cash bar and tunes by DJ Murphi Kennedy. 6-10 p.m. General admission is $325 per person; a six-pack general admission is $1,800; a 10-pack is $2,750. See website for all details. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe. 858.756.1123. ranchovalencia.com
San Diego Bayfest
July 20. This annual music festival celebrating San Diego’s beach culture unfolds at Waterfront Park. Enjoy a day of bay views and live concerts by headliner Sublime, featuring original band members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, and frontman Jakob Nowell; as well as Atmosphere, Goldfinger, Barrington Levy, Makua Rothman and Kyle Smith. Fuel up on fare from local taco stands and other food vendors; along with craft cocktails and craft beers poured by local bartenders; and local vending booths and crafts. 1-11 p.m. Tickets start at $75 (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. bayfestsd.com
San Diego Pride Festival
July 20-21. Join thousands of people from San Diego and across the country in Balboa Park for the city’s largest two-day event: the 2024 San Diego Pride Festival. The all-day fun includes dancing, live music and entertainment across four stages; along with community education/resource booths, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, food trucks and more. See website for details, tickets, parking and transportation info, and entertainment lineup. Festival hours: Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $38 two-day general admission; $219 VIP. Marston Point, (Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street), Balboa Park. sdpride.org
San Diego Pride Parade
July 20. Among the largest Pride parades in the U.S., the annual San Diego Pride Parade draws more than 250,000 LGBTQ supporters. Don your rainbow attire and grab the sunscreen for a festive day of floats, performers, local dignitaries and marching bands. The parade route begins at the Hillcrest Pride flag at the corner of University Avenue and Normal Street; continues west along University; then turns south onto Sixth Avenue; then left onto Balboa Drive; and ending at Quince Street—near the entrance to the San Diego Pride Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Hillcrest. sdpride.org
Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
July 21. Presented by Kahoots and hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and the City of Encinitas, the 19th annual Cardiff Dog Days of Summer returns to Encinitas Community Park on Sunday. Grab your canine bestie for a “fur-tastic” afternoon—featuring live music, food trucks, local pet adoption agencies, rescue groups such as the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, vendors, dog contests, a libation lounge, opportunity drawings and more. There’s even a doggie agility course and a Swift Paws lure course. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. 425 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. cardiff101.com
Food + Drink
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Now Open. Officially opening its doors to the public on July 17, Blanco Cocina + Cantina debuts its first California location in Coronado. Known for its laid-back party vibe and creative margaritas, the restaurant is also popular for its hearty Tuscan Chimichanga with fillings like chicken tinga and short rib machaca; slow-cooked barbecue pork tacos; and selection of enchiladas, fajitas, burritos and cheese crisps. Save room for the brown-sugar-caramel flan; and wash it all down with the Smashed Watermelon margarita. See website for hours. 1301 Orange Ave., Coronado, 858.399.4040. More Info
Arts + Culture
The Color Purple at New Village Arts
Closes July 21. Catch it before closes! Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning, coming-of-age novel unfolds onstage as “The Musical About Love…” Presented by New Village Arts and Katie Keller, the Tony-Award winning production centers on Celie, whose inspiring journey amid adversity spans 40 years; along with a score that infuses jazz, blues, gospel, ragtime and African music—all brought to life by a multitalented cast of 17. (Pictured L-R: Nio Russell, Kirk Brown and Taylor Renee Henderson.) Kandace Crystal directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org
Derecho at La Jolla Playhouse
Upcoming | July 23-Aug. 18. In the world-premiere drama Derecho, opening at La Jolla Playhouse on Tuesday, July 23, two sisters—one a politician and the other, a struggling musician—find their relationship put to the test as a series of intense thunderstorms (known as a “derecho”) in bear down around them in an affluent Virginia neighborhood near Washington, D.C. The play was penned by Uruguayan-American writer Noelle Viñas (pictured); Delicia Turner Sonnenberg directs. See website for showtimes, parking tips and tickets. Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
“Nighttime Zoo” at San Diego Zoo
Through Sept. 2. Summer nights at the San Diego Zoo are pure magic. Guests can enjoy extended park hours and evening festivities, including live music and unique entertainment experiences. There’s “Jambo Dunia!” (pictured), featuring life-size puppets, dancers and acrobats in high-octane, interactive performances; the Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania; “Zoolamoves,” a kid-friendly dance party; and other lively performance groups and musicians. See website for summer hours (festivities begin at 4 p.m. daily) and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. sandiegozoo.org
Photo credits: Cardiff Dog Days of Summer is courtesy of Cardiff 101 Main Street. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
