Events
“Party in the Paddock” Concert Series
Through July 4. The San Diego County Fair’s special series pays tribute to, well, tribute bands. All your favorites will be performing this year—with the fun unfolding at the Del Mar Fairground’s spacious paddock area. Don your dancing shows for concerts by Bohemian Queen on June 16, The Wailers on June 17, Kenny Metcalf on June 18, and Outlaw Mariachi on June 19. The lineup also includes Journey Unauthorized, Purple Xperience (pictured), Skynnyn Lynnyrd and more. See website for full schedule and tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com
“Nighttime Zoo” at San Diego Zoo
Through Sept. 5. Summer nights at the San Diego Zoo 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 life-size 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 10 other lively performance groups. See website for summer hours and admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. sandiegozoo.org
Food + Drink
San Diego International Beer Festival
June 18-19. Rarely does a summer weekend in San Diego go by without a beer festival! The San Diego International Beer Festival is one of our favorites, showcasing nearly 200 breweries from across the globe—from local crafter brewers to hard-to-find international labels. See website for daily hours. $60 general admission; $115 VIP experience (includes early admission, unlimited beer samplings, food pairings, VIP lounge access and a souvenir glass); $68 designated drivers (includes VIP experience sans souvenir glass and beer tastings). Del Mar Arena at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com
Father’s Day Beach BBQ at The Seabird
June 19. Treat Dad to some tasty barbecue with a side of sweeping ocean views on Sunday—when The Seabird Resort hosts a special afternoon feast on its Grand Coastal Terrace. The menu includes grilled sausages, tomahawk steaks and Bagby beer chicken as mains; Woodford Reserve cocktails to drink; and peach pie, cheesecake, brownie bars and more for dessert. For those following the U.S. Open Championship golf tournament, big-screen TVs are nearby; plus fun golf-themed activities for the family. 1-5 p.m. $95 per person. 101 Mission Ave., Oceanside, 855.413.7573. theseabirdresort.com
Father’s Day at Farmer & The Seahorse
June 19. Chef Sam Deckman has crafted a hearty Father’s Day brunch buffet at Farmer & The Seahorse—where guests can relax at its ample indoor/outdoor space offering scenic Torrey Pines views. On the menu: Challah French toast with fresh berries, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, a smoked salmon platter, Creole potato salad, baked beans, salads, desserts, brunch cocktails and more. A special grill station will offer pork ribs, Provencal spiced quail and hangar steak. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $75 adults; $25 kids (under age 12). 10996 Torreyana Road, Suite 240, La Jolla, 858.260.5400. farmerandtheseahorse.com
“Old Fashioned” Father’s Day at Cafe Sevilla
June 19. The Gaslamp’s beloved Spanish restaurant and tapas bar is offering plenty of ways to spoil Dad this year. Offerings include brunch 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 Fiesta Luna (2 p.m.-12:30 a.m.); 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
Raised by Wolves
Open. CH Projects’ lavish lair (read: a boutique bottle shop with a hidden cocktail lounge inside) just landed the 19th spot on the 2022 list of “North America’s 50 Best Bars.” It’s the only San Diego bar to make the cut—known for its seasoned cocktail ninjas shaking and stirring up both classic and creative cocktails; its expansive inventory of rare spirits; and decadent decor. Cozy up inside an opulent, intimate English library while sipping, socializing and escaping reality for a spell. See website for reservations. Westfield UTC, 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, #2030, UTC, 619.629.0243. raisedxwolves.com
Taste of Little Italy
Upcoming | June 21-22. One of San Diego’s more popular dining destinations, Little Italy is brimming with delicious outposts at every turn. For this 14th annual celebration, order your “Taste Passport,” online in advance and embark on a culinary walking tour of the ‘hood—sampling bites from around 30 eateries over two days. Participants include Bencotto, Buon Appetito, Civico 1845, Davanti Enoteca, Ironside Fish & Oyster, Isola Pizza Bar, Monello, M Winehouse, Pali Wine Co., Queenstown Public House and more. 4-8 p.m. $55 per ticket. Piazza della Famiglia, 523 W. Date St., Little Italy. littleitalysd.com
Arts + Culture
North Coast Rep’s The Outgoing Tide
Through July 3. Praised by The New York Times that “its poignant conclusion will have resonance for many in the audience,” The Outgoing Tide is a special play. North Coast Rep presents its West Coast premiere, written by Bruce Graham and directed by Nike Doukas. The family drama centers on Gunner, a former owner of a small trucking company, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Interlaced with humor, the play explores personal choice, love and those tough, inevitable life choices that families face. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite D, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
The Old Globe’s The Taming of the Shrew
Through July 10. “Come on and kiss me, Kate.” The Old Globe presents Shakespeare’s timeless comedy about love, marriage and gender at its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. In this lively battle of the sexes, notoriously shrewish Katherine (Deborah Ann Woll, pictured) has no suitors; while her sister Bianca (who can’t marry) is sweet-natured and classically beautiful. When Petruchio enters the picture and agrees to marry Katherine (aka Kate) because of her sizable dowry, hilarity ensues as he attempts to “tame” her. Shana Cooper directs. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Photo credits: The Old Globe (2) by Jim Cox. Raised by Wolves by Arlene Ibarra. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
