Events
San Diego County Fair
June 10-July 5. It’s here! “Once Upon a Fair” is the theme for the 2026 San Diego County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds. From themed exhibits and concerts, to games, special performances, rides, animals and treats in deep-fried form, this year’s fair is “a celebration of stories, books and authors—and the magic found between the lines.” Highlights include the “Fair-tastic” Food Competition; and the Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Corona Grand Stand Stage. See website for all details. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com
Anchored in Wellness Festival
June 13. Experience a day of movement (Pilates, yoga, HIIT and pickleball) and mindfulness (meditation, sound baths and breathwork) at the third annual Anchored in Wellness Festival at Liberty Station. Guests can explore a vendor village with more than 35 health and wellness-focused businesses, three stages of nonstop classes, contest giveaways, a beer garden, food trucks, cold plunges, saunas and other experiential activations, and live DJ music. See website for full schedule and ticket pricing. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ingram Plaza, 2751 Dewey Road, Liberty Station. Details
San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
June 13-14. Relaxing at an alfresco concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park along the bayfront is a San Diego summer must. If you like your jazz smooth, head there this weekend for the eighth annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival hosted by saxophonist Eric Darius (pictured). This year’s lineup of musicians includes Boney James, Lalah Hathaway, Acoustic Alchemy, Bob James, Pieces of a Dream, Brian Simpson, Kim Waters, Najee, Oli Silk, Lin Rountree, Jesse J, Rebecca Jade and Andrea Lisa. 3 p.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0704. theshell.org
Summer Arts Fest at Liberty Station
June 13. Enjoy a day of community, creativity and art at Summer Arts Fest—presented by Arts District Liberty Station in celebration of its designation as a California Cultural District. Explore in-studio workshops, a curated art market showcasing local artists, and live painting demos; plus food and libations in the Snake Oil Cocktail Garden; and live performances on the main stage. The lineup includes Lucky Devils Band (pictured), High Tide Society and DJ Chris Cutz. 2-8 p.m. Free general admission. 2848 Dewey Road, Liberty Station. Details
Food + Drink
“High Tide Dinner” at The Marine Room
Select Dates. Looking for a romantic meal with ocean views? Make a splash with your special someone at The Marine Room for its unforgettable “High Tide Dinner” experience. And by high tide, we mean waves splashing right up against the windows while you eat! The dinners take place June 13-15, July 12-14, and Aug. 9-11. Guests can enjoy a special four-course dinner and live music ($165 per person); or upgrade to the Chef’s Table Experience ($250). See website for details and reservations. 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.7222. marineroom.com
Anigma
Now Open. Encinitas welcomes a mysterious, hidden cocktail den, brought to us by the owners of The Roxy. Anigma (recently updated from the name Arcana) is outfitted with just 47 seats. Pass through an astrolabe-inspired door and jewel-toned velvet curtains that open to an intimate space: candlelight, a cathedral-esque back bar, dark textured walls, brass accents, and marble and quartzite finishes. Indulge in cocktails with mystical names like Eye of Providence, Smoking Sun and Black Magic; as well as small bites. 509 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas. More Info
Taste of Little Italy
Upcoming | June 16-17. Little Italy is brimming with delicious outposts at every turn. For this annual celebration, order your “Taste Passport,” in advance and embark on a culinary walking tour—sampling bites from 20-plus eateries over two days. Participants include Bencotto, Buon Appetito, Ballast Point, Barbusa, Davanti Enoteca, Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar, Isola Pizza Bar, Barra Oliba, Queenstown Public House, Coco Maya, Pali Wine Co. and Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. 4-8 p.m. $70.50 per day. Check-in at Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., Little Italy. littleitalysd.com
Arts + Culture
Cygnet Theatre: The SpongeBob Musical
June 10-July 12. Cygnet Theatre invites us to “dive into the underwater world of Bikini Bottom” with The SpongeBob Musical, based on the popular Nickelodeon series by Stephen Hillenburg and book by Kyle Jarrow. The family-friendly production takes us on a wild adventure with SpongeBob SquarePants and friends in a race to save Bikini Bottom—featuring songs by the likes of Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, John Legend and more. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2880 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.org
The Old Globe: Measure for Measure
June 14-July 12. Live theater under the stars, anyone? Head to The Old Globe’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre for William Shakespeare’s timeless tale, Measure for Measure. When the Duke of Vienna secretly disguises himself as a friar to observe his corrupt city (thereby suddenly “disappearing”), his deputy steps in and begins to rule as a religious tyrant. Power struggles and plot twists ensue. (Pictured L-R: Sam Lilja, Amelia Pedlow and Ato Blankson-Wood.) See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
New Village Arts: Hairspray
Through July 19. New Village Arts theater in Carlsbad brings us the epic musical Hairspray, through July 19 (Opening Night is June 13), following a Baltimore teenager with big hair and bigger dreams, circa 1962. Based on the 1988 film written and directed by John Waters, and the book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the musical (a winner of eight Tony Awards) centers on Tracy Turnblad, whose dream is to perform on a TV dance show. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org
Photo credits: Anchored in Wellness Festival is by Alex Matthews. Anigma is by Gretchen Dunn. Taste of Little Italy is courtesy of the Little Italy Association. The Old Globe / “Measure for Measure” is by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
