Events
Comic-Con International
July 24-27. The streets of downtown will be filled with colorful characters, when Comic-Con International returns to the San Diego Convention Center. As the hottest ticket in town, attendee badges for the sold-out spectacle are hard to come by. (See website for registration tips and keep an eye out on social media for “badge auctions.”) For lucky badge holders, be prepared to be immersed in all things comics and pop art—from movies and television to gaming, multimedia, cosplay, celeb sightings and exclusive previews. 111 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. comic-con.org
Comic-Con Gaslamp Bar Crawl
July 26. Join an expected group of 300 partygoers for this seventh annual Comic-Con-inspired bar crawl through the Gaslamp Quarter. Dress up in your favorite hero or villain cosplay and use your all-access pass to pop in and out of more than 20 bars and nightclubs—including free welcome shots (select venues), drink discount coupons and free swag. The party starts at TORO Nightclub and includes stops at Double Deuce, Andaz Rooftop, Whiskey Girl, Omerta and more. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 672 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
“40th Floor Affair” Fashion Show
July 26. It’s a high-rise fashion soiree at 800 Broadway—downtown’s new 40-story residential tower—which, along with House of Carly Creative, hosts “40th Floor Affair: A Runway Above It All.” This immersive experience above the skyline includes a runway fashion show, featuring emerging San Diego designers Irina Madan (global couture), Oseas Villatoro (bohemian resort wear) and Nolan Dean (sleek, edgy silhouettes); plus cocktails and a live DJ. 6:30-9 p.m. See website for tickets (general admission and VIP tickets available). 800 Broadway, 40th floor, downtown. Details
Food + Drink
The Henry at The Forum Carlsbad
Opens July 23. With an outpost in Coronado, Fox Restaurant Concepts (Culinary Dropout, Blanco, Flower Child) opens its second S.D. County location of The Henry. The neighborhood-style restaurant offers all-day dining with classic farefor breakfast; sushi, salads, and entrees like Scottish Salmon and roasted chicken for lunch and dinner; and desserts such as warm croissant bread pudding; plus craft cocktails. Return for weekend brunch and try the Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas. See website for hours. 1935 Calle Barcelona, Suite 170, Carlsbad. More Info
Sunset Luaus at the Catamaran
Through Aug. 28. The Catamaran Resort Hotel returns with its annual tradition, “Sunset Luaus on the Bay,” Thursdays through Aug. 28. The family-friendly celebration of Polynesian food, music and culture includes an all-you-can-eat buffet, classic Mai Tais to drink, live dancing and entertainment, and a silk lei for each guest. Menu highlights include Kalua roast pork, Huli-Huli chicken, pineapple-fried rice and ube-coconut cheesecake for dessert; plus a kids buffet. 6-9 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.488.1081. catamaranresort.com
Malibu Barbie Cafe
Now Open. Hi, Barbie! The ‘70s-beachside-themed Malibu Barbie Cafe is a family-friendly, 90-minute experience, comprising a themed menu—including burgers, salads, ice-cream floats and sundaes, design-your-own cupcakes, and cocktails—a life-size Barbie doll box for photo ops, a roller skating rink (rentals available), and a retail area with exclusive merchandise. Come July 23-26 for “Barbie After Con” in celebration of Comic-Con (21+), and get a free welcome drink and trinket. See website for reservations and tickets. 2137 Pacific Hwy., downtown. Details
Mastro’s Ocean Club San Diego
Now Open. Taking over the former Del Frisco’s space at Intercontinental San Diego, Mastro’s Ocean Club San Diego has opened across from San Diego Bay. Offering glass-enclosed indoor dining and an outdoor patio looking out to the embarcadero, Mastro’s offers its renowned fine-dining service, ambiance and cuisine—spanning Prime steaks and Japanese A5 wagyu; sushi and seafood from crab cakes to caviar-topped oysters; and signature cocktails. See website for hours, reservations and dress code. 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105, downtown embarcadero, 619.272.5060. Details
Arts + Culture
National Carousel Day at Balboa Park
July 25. In honor of National Carousel Day, the Dorothea Laub Balboa Park Carousel will be offering free rides all day, live entertainment (Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, Kathryn the Grape, Opera 4 Kids, Mariachis and Baile Folklorico dancers), and family activities. Built in 1910, this iconic attraction is an enduring artsy masterpiece, featuring three chariots and a menagerie of animals—including horses, giraffes, frogs, pigs, roosters and more—all boasting original, hand-carved European craftsmanship. 11 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. 1889 Zoo Place, Balboa Park. More Info
S.D. Natural History Museum: “Nat at Night”
July 25. Ease your way into the weekend at “Nat at Night.” The San Diego Natural History Museum is open every Friday until 10 p.m. through the summer—with half-price admission after 5 p.m. The museum’s rooftop patio boasts views overlooking the park—offering beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks; small plates from Wolf in the Woods; pop-up programming; and access to the museum’s exhibitions. Our pick: Expedition Baja, located in the museum’s fourth-floor gallery. 5 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org
Oceanside Museum of Art: Fabulous Fiber
Opens July 26. A celebration of textile artistry, the Oceanside Museum of Art presents Fabulous Fiber, on view through Nov. 2. Curated by Los Angeles-based curator Kate Stern, the collection comprises pieces by SoCal artists that meld contemporary artworks and tactile creations with time-honored techniques—including beading, weaving, crochet, quilting, tufting, embroidery, felting a and basketry. (Pictured: “Squeezed” by artist Serena Brooks, 2019; commercial and hand-dyed fabrics; machine pieced and quilted.) 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720. oma-online.org
Photo credits: Balboa Park Park Carousel by Nat Biendara Wilson. “Nat at Night” by Eric Scire. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
