San Diego

Weekend roundup

July 25-28

Events

Comic-Con 

July 25-28. The streets of downtown will transform into a whimsical world 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, interactive multimedia, cosplay, celeb sightings, exclusive previews and more. 111 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. comic-con.org

Comic-Con Gaslamp Bar Crawl

July 27. Join an expected group of 300 guests for the Comic-Con-inspired “Heroes & Villains 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 10 bars and nightclubs—including free welcome shots (select venues), drink discount coupons and free swag. The party starts at American Junkie and includes stops at Double Deuce, Swing Social, Whiskey Girl, Sidebar and more. 3-9:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Lane Field Park Market

July 27-28. This popular weekend market by the waterfront across from Broadway Pier features live music, gourmet street food, artwork and pop-up installations, handmade jewelry, crafts, San Diego Bay views and more. Sample cuisine from a dozen vendors, including waffles, crepes, empanadas, burgers, Vietnamese bao, Thai food, wood-fired pizza, hot mini doughnuts and smoothies; along with Columbian craft coffee by Yipao Coffee San Diego. Bring your own blanket (and sunscreen) for a picnic on the grass. Lawn umbrellas are provided for shade. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free entry. 1009 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

Roller Rink at Hotel del Coronado

Through Sept. 2. A retro-inspired roller skating rink at Hotel del Coronado? Yes, please! Located near the resort’s main entrance, the outdoor pop-up rink is open through Sept. 2. The fun includes theme nights—such as Throwback Thursday, Saturday Disco Fever, and Rock Around the Rink on Mondays. Guests can also enjoy cocktails, snacks and Dippin’ Dots rink-side. Skating sessions include roller-skate rentals and up to 90 minutes of skating per session. $28 general admission; $25 hotel guests. See website for daily hours and tickets. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com

Food + Drink

Roma Norte

Opens July 26. The same team behind Puesto and Marisi debut a new cocktail bar at The Headquarters at Seaport Village: Roma Norte. Billed as “not a speakeasy” and inspired by the vibrant, culture-rich Mexico City neighborhood of the same name, the new venue features technique-driven cocktails infused with Latin American flavors and ingredients, aimed at offering a truly immersive experience. Libations are complimented by light, Mexico-City-inspired bites by chef Erik Aronow. See website for reservations (walk-in guests welcome but subject to availability). 789 W. Harbor Drive, Unit 155, downtown. romanorte.bar

Sunset Luaus at the Catamaran

Through Aug. 30. The Catamaran Resort Hotel returns with its annual tradition, “Sunset Luaus on the Bay,” held on its bayside property on Tuesdays and Fridays through Aug. 30. This 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, ginger-curry chicken salad, shoyu-jasmine fried rice and piña-colada cheesecake for dessert; plus a kids buffet. 6-9 p.m. Tickets start at $58. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.488.1081. catamaranresort.com

Arts + Culture

Star of India Family Overnight Experience

July 26-Aug. 9. The Maritime Museum of San Diego is offering a one-of-a-kind experience for families this summer: an overnight stay aboard the 1863 bark Star of India—the world’s oldest active sailing ship, docked along the San Diego Bay embarcadero. Guests sign on as “crew” and get to work with the museum’s Living History staff, who will be in character and costume, teaching activities like moving cargo and hoisting sails. Dinner and breakfast are included. See website for all details. $125 per person (ages 6 and older). 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org

The Old Globe: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson

July 27-Aug. 25. The Old Globe theater presents a fast-paced, witty murder-mystery that reimagines the world’s most iconic detective duo: playwright Kate Hamill’s Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B. In it, we meet steampunk hipster Shirley Holmes and her feisty new roommate Joan Watson. The two take on a series of crime cases that have the same supervillain, who is always one step ahead of them, in common. James Vásquez (pictured) directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.2345623. theoldglobe.org

S.D. Natural History Museum: Nat at Night 

Through Aug. 30. Kick off your weekend at Nat at Night. The San Diego Natural History Museum (aka “The Nat”) is open on Fridays until 10 p.m. through Aug. 30—with half-price admission after 5 p.m. The museum’s rooftop patio, with views overlooking the park, is open to all visitors—serving beer, wine, signature cocktails and other beverages; plus small plates from Wolf in the Woods. It’s your chance to explore the museum after hours; plus partake in fun activities like trivia and Sketch Party sessions (select dates). 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org

Broadway San Diego: Peter Pan

Upcoming | July 30-Aug. 4. Broadway San Diego presents the high-flying (literally) musical Peter Pan at the Civic Theatre. The timeless tale centers on Peter, once a “normal” child who ran away to Neverland so he would never grow up and die. Along with the mischievous Tinker Bell, Peter visits the Darling children in their London bedroom one night—taking them on an adventure filled with magic and pirates, led by Captain Hook. Playwright Larissa FastHorse’s enchanting production is based on the original, featuring iconic songs like  “I Won’t Grow Up.” 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

Photo credits: Nat at Night by Eric Scire. Peter Pan by Matthew Murphy. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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