Outdoor Fun
Cinema Under the Stars
July 22-25. A night at the movies is always a good idea at this intimate outdoor venue. This weekend’s lineup: Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi classic, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, starring Richard Dreyfuss; and the 1959 gender-bending farce, Some Like It Hot, starring Jack Lemon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe (who filmed scenes at Hotel del Coronado!). The theater offers comfy reclining chairs, beverages and snacks. Bring your own blanket. 8 p.m. (Online reservations close at 5 p.m. day of screening). Tickets start at $17. 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.295.4221. topspresents.com
San Diego Sailing Tours
Ongoing. Summer in San Diego is best explored by sea. Indulge in some “coastal distancing” by booking a private tour of the bay aboard a classic sailing yacht. Packages can be customized and range from a two-hour daytime sail, to a fully catered sunset cruise for two, to a private charter for up to six guests; plus packages for larger groups. The fun comes complete with your own captain (though you’re welcome to try some tacking and gybing); along with beverages and snacks. Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.786.0173. sandiegosailingtours.com
Food + Drink
National Tequila Day at La Puerta
July 24. What better way to celebrate this sacred day than sipping your cares away at the Gaslamp Quarter’s 13-year-old cantina? La Puerta is our pick for celebrating National Tequila Day—boasting more than 100 tequilas from both big-name brands and small-batch distillers. Most selections are from Jalisco, Mexico (the birthplace of tequila), and all are made from 100% pure agave. Try a straightforward sipper or a specialty cocktail, such as the Devil’s Haircut made with blanco tequila, and enjoy inside or on the expanded patio. 10 a.m.-midnight. 560 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.696.3466. lapuertasd.com
Aperol Spritz Bar at Civico by the Park
Now Open. Escape to the Calabrian coast, sip by sip, with Civico by the Park’s new Aperol Spritz Bar—a special experience devoted to the less-bitter amaro liqueur. The Italian spritz complements “aperitivo hour” in the late afternoon as the day winds down, before dinner time. Guests can order from a special Aperol spritz menu, paired with snacks from chef Pietro Gallo. Offerings range from a traditional spritz to the Negroni Blanco with Fords Gin; plus a selection of vegan bites. W-Su 4:30-6 p.m. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.310.5669. civicobythepark.com
Verbena Kitchen
Now Open. Owner Jillian Ziska and chef Ronnie Schwandt bring us an elevated dining experience in the form of a quaint urban cafe. It’s a long, linear space accentuated by a brick wall, white tables and elegant chandeliers—perfect for a casual date. Dine on seasonal small plates such as Peruvian shrimp ceviche; deviled eggs with avocado, crispy corn and crab; and wagyu beef tartare with cured egg yolk, fermented mushrooms and salted cucumbers; plus beer, wine and cocktails. W-Sa 2-10 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 3043 University Ave., North Park, 619.269.5776. verbenakitchensd.com
Walking Taco Pop-Up at Pacifica Breeze Cafe
Now Open. A popular spot for breakfast, lunch and ocean views, the outdoor cafe has launched a summertime walk-up bar, beginning at 4 p.m. daily. The menu includes libations and portable, build-your-own “walking tacos.” Start with a base of seasoned tortilla chips, then choose your toppings, which include a marinated seafood medley, achiote-pulled pork and toasted corn. Then proceed to hang out or stroll around Del Mar Plaza, which often hosts live music on the deck. The cafe is open daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m. 1555 Camino Del Mar, 858.509.9147. pacificadelmar.com
Arts + Culture
Comic-Con@Home 2021
July 23-25. If only we had superhero powers to make the pandemic a thing of the past. For the second time in its 51-year history, Comic-Con takes place virtually this year. We’ll miss the usual sightings of comic-book characters and celebrities at the San Diego Convention Center. But fans can enjoy plenty of digital entertainment, including panels of actors, writers and directors—spanning TV, film, comics and video games; plus demos, interviews and streaming videos such as Hip-Hop and Comics: Cultures Combining (Friday at 10 a.m.). See website for full schedule. Free. comic-con.org
Oceanside Plein Air Festival
July 24-31. Plein air painting—i.e., painting that is completed “in the moment,” outside on location—is the star of this inaugural festival presented by Oceanside Museum of Art. Watch more than 200 participating artists in action as they capture various destinations and scenery of Oceanside—from the coastline to cityscapes to the historical Mission San Luis Rey. The fun includes a “quick paint challenge,” talks from featured artists, workshops and an art sale—concluding with a juried exhibition and art auction Aug. 1-Oct. 10. See website for full schedule, ticketed events and locations. 760.435.3721. oma-online.org
North Coast Rep’s Dr. Glas
Through Aug. 15. As the finale to its streaming season, North Coast Repertory Theatre presents this world-premiere psychological thriller. Daniel Gerroll (pictured)—known for his roles in the TV series The Blacklist and the film Chariots of Fire—stars as the menacing and memorable Dr. Glas, who becomes consumed by a life-and-death moral dilemma. Based on a Swedish masterpiece and written by Jeffrey Hatcher (who penned Holmes and Watson), the gripping one-man production promises chills and a few laughs. David Ellenstein directs. Tickets are $35 for single viewing; $54 for group viewing. northcoastrep.org
San Diego Rep’s 57 Chevy
Upcoming | July 26-Aug. 15. Imagine you’re 10 years old. It’s 1964. Your family immigrated from Mexico City to East L.A. five years ago. And now, your dad wants to pack up his 1957 Chevy and move the family to San Fernando Valley in search of the “middle-class American dream.” Written by Cris Franco and directed by Herbert Siguenza and Sam Woodhouse, San Diego Rep’s new streaming production stars Ric Salinas (pictured)—who explores this generation of “double immigrants” in an endearing (and hilarious) one-man play. Pay what you can ($35 suggested). sdrep.org
Photo credits: Aperol Spritz Bar by James Tran. Plein Air Festival by Zach Cordner. North Coast Rep / Dr. Glas by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
