Events
BRO-AM Benefit Party
June 15. Help raise funds for local youth organizations while sipping, sampling and mingling under the stars. Presented by San Diego-rooted rock band Switchfoot, the BRO-AM Benefit Party features bites and drinks from local restaurants and brands; silent and live auctions; VIP lounges; and an intimate live performance by the Grammy Award-winning band and special guests. Drawing 500-plus attendees from across the U.S. and abroad, the event will be held at a private North County location, which will be revealed upon purchase of tickets. 6-10 p.m. Starting at $250 (general admission). broam.org
John Legend Concert at The Shell
June 16. Revered musician John Legend is in town for a special solo performance at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Friday. Enjoy an evening of live music along the San Diego Bay waterfront, as the 12-time Grammy Award winner shares little-known stories of his life and career; while singing and tickling the ivories. Expect songs from his latest album LEGEND, including “Wonder Woman” and “Nervous”; along with fan favorites like “Ordinary People” and “All of Me.” 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org
Run with the Sun MusicFest 2023
June 16-17. Sycuan Recreation Center hosts two days of live music—spanning rock, reggae, alternative, indie and rap—plus cultural exhibitions and art vendors, food and beverage stations, a tournament of champions and more. Led by emcee Mylo Smith, the lineup of featured artists includes Sprung Monkey, Eli-Mac (pictured), Eureka Sound, Urethane, Project Sell Out, Poodeezy, War Fever, Malaki, Steeltoe, JustinSayne N8V, SonDog, Halo, Blue Eagle, G Bird and many more. (An added bonus: plenty of onsite parking.) F-Sa 11 a.m.-midnight. See website for full schedule and ticket pricing. 5577 Dehesa Road, El Cajon. More Info
“Nighttime Zoo” at San Diego Zoo
Through Sept. 4. Summer nights at the San Diego Zoo, especially after sundown, are pure family-friendly magic. Guests can enjoy extended park hours and myriad nighttime festivities, including live music and unique entertainment experiences. There’s “Jambo Dunia!” (pictured), featuring puppets, dancers and acrobats in high-octane, interactive performances; “Call of the Night,” with live musicians and a bubble-filled-finale; “Zoolamoves,” a kid-friendly dance party with fun contests; and much more. See website for summer hours and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. sandiegozoo.org
Food + Drink
Toast of the Coast Wine Festival
June 17. A fun imbibing experience for wine lovers awaits this weekend. Produced by the San Diego County Fair, Toast of the Coast is one part wine competition and one part festival. Oenophiles can sample medal-winning wines from the 2023 Toast of the Coast Wine Competition—produced by California and international wineries. 1-4 p.m. $55 general admission (includes a commemorative tasting cup); $175 VIP (includes early entry at noon, unlimited samplings of top award-winning wines, VIP lounge access and chef-led food pairings). The Paddock at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com
“Old Fashioned” Father’s Day at Cafe Sevilla
June 18. The Gaslamp’s beloved Spanish restaurant and tapas bar is offering plenty of ways to spoil Dad this year. Guests can enjoy brunch (try the Jamón Ibérico pork-belly chilaquiles) and bottomless mimosas on the outdoor patio (11 a.m.-3 p.m.); live Latin music throughout the day, with performances by Richy, Kenna and Conny G; the dinner menu available all day, with a complimentary lobster tail for Dad with the purchase of any paella; and smoked Old Fashioned cocktails for $10 (try the Citrus Tequila Old Fashioned). Reservations recommended. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. cafesevilla.com
Sunset Luaus at the Catamaran
Through Sept. 1. The Catamaran Resort Hotel returns with its annual tradition, “Sunset Luaus on the Bay,” held on its bayside property on Tuesdays and Fridays through Sept. 1. 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 $50. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.488.1081. More Info
Taste of Little Italy
Upcoming | June 20-21. One of San Diego’s more popular culinary ‘hoods, Little Italy is brimming with delicious outposts at every turn. For this 15th annual celebration, order your “Taste Passport” online in advance and embark on a culinary walking tour—sampling bites from at least 30 eateries over two days. Participants include Bencotto, Buon Appetito, Ballast Point, Civico 1845, Davanti Enoteca, Graze by Sam, Isola Pizza Bar, Monello, Coco Maya, Pali Wine Co. and Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. 4-8 p.m. $55 per ticket. Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., Little Italy. littleitalysd.com
Arts + Culture
Twelfth Night at The Old Globe
Through July 9. There’s nothing like live local theater under the stars to usher in summer in San Diego. Make your next date night extra romantic at The Old Globe—which brings us Shakespeare’s romantic-comedy masterpiece (tinged with a little darkness and swordplay!) Twelfth Night—at its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. In it we witness a lopsided love triangle, starring Viola (who masquerades as her lost twin brother), Duke Orsino and Countess Olivia. Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
“Blue Beach” at Birch Aquarium
Now Open. “Blue Beach” is here! That’s right, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography has unveiled a beautiful new outdoor space—featuring a 4,500-square-foot floor mural depicting the bathymetry (or map of the depth) of the underwater canyons off La Jolla Shores; plus pedal-powered music by Rock the Bike and outdoor games; along with comfy seating to take in those panoramic ocean views. And launching soon: family-friendly summer happy hours with wine, craft beer and bites. Open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m. $24.95 adults; $19.95 kids. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Photo credits: Twelfth Night / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. “Blue Beach” by Jordann Tomasek. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
