Events
Agave Fest at Estancia La Jolla
June 19. Be transported south of the border, sip by sip, at this fifth annual celebration of agave-based spirits like tequila and mezcal at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Unfolding at the resort’s renovated outdoor grounds, the festival showcases authentic Baja cuisine—from street tacos to ceviche—and artisanal Mexican spirits, including LALO Tequila, Fosforo Mezcal, Casa Dragones, Flecha Azul and more; plus entertainment, performances and more throughout the evening. 6-9 p.m. $95 per person (plus tax). 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.318.7602. Details
NASCAR San Diego Weekend
June 19-21. Start your San Diego summer with a full-throttle thrill. NASCAR visits San Diego, namely Naval Base Coronado—comprising first-of-its-kind street races on an active military base. The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and of the Navy. NASCAR San Diego Weekend includes the Craftsman Truck Series on June 19, the O’Reilly Auto Parts racing series on June 20, and the NASCAR CUP on June 21. See website for details, race routes and tickets to reserve the best seats and views. Coronado. nascarsandiego.com
Toyota Summer Concert Series
Through July 5. An annual highlight of the San Diego County Fair (which also runs through July 5) at Del Mar Fairgrounds, the Toyota Summer Concert Series unfolds on the Corona Grandstand Stage on select dates—featuring a diverse lineup of nationally known entertainers. This weekend, catch comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias on Thursday, June 18; Marshmello (pictured) with 4B, Friday, June 19; Good Charlotte, Saturday, June 20; and Banda Machos, Sunday, June 21. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com
“Summer Spectacular” at SeaWorld
Through Sept. 7. SeaWorld San Diego’s family-friendly summertime experience aims to make your visit particularly magical. The park comes alive with special shows, live concerts, dancing under the stars and more. Entertainment this year includes the all-new “Ocean of Dreams” drone show; a concert series spotlighting R&B and hip-hop artists and hits from the ‘90s and early 2000s; and stunt shows. And be sure to check out the new Shark Encounter experience (pictured). See website for hours and admission info. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Food + Drink
Rooftop Cookout at Mister A’s
June 20-21. Treat Dad to a cookout and the best views in the city for Father’s Day. Mister A’s hosts its annual Rooftop Cookout on its 12th-floor east patio on Saturday and Sunday, with a special three-course, prix fixe brunch menu by executive chef Stephane Voitzwinkler. Feast on dishes like lamb lollipops, short rib Benedict, Reuben sandwiches, strawberry shortcake and more ($95); plus shareable add-ons such as a 14-ounce wagyu ribeye and/or a whole Maine lobster ($80 each). See website for reservations. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
SpongeBob-Themed Menu at Solare
Available Through July 12. Alongside Cygnet Theatre’s staging of The SpongeBob Musical, Solare Ristorante next door is joining the fun with a special pre-show menu inspired by the family-friendly production. The three-course, prix fixe menu offers Pineapple Under the Sea Salad, Bikini Bottom Bruschetta, Squidward’s Shell City Risotto, Mr. Krab’s Treasure Chest Ravioli, Plankton’s Chum Bucket Local Fish Delight, Jelly Fish Fields Panna Cotta, and more. See website for reservations. $59 per person. 2820 Roosevelt Road, Liberty Station, 619.270.9670. solarelounge.com
World Cup-Inspired Tacos at Puesto
Available Through July 19. In celebration of the World Cup, Puesto has debuted “Tacos del Mundo.” The special collab comprises a lineup of artisanal, globally inspired tacos—available at all San Diego locations through July 19—made in partnership with local restaurants. Try the Japanese Pork Belly Taco, made in collaboration with Ken Sushi Workshop; the Spanish Octopus Taco, a collab with Mabel’s Gone Fishing; and the USA Smash Burger Taco, created by Puesto’s chef Raul Casillas. A portion of proceeds will be donated to nonprofit Surf Soccer. eatpuesto.com
“Le Petit Chef & Friends” at Hilton Gaslamp
Select Dates. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind, immersive dinner show presented by Le Petit Chef at Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The two-hour experience brings 3D cinema literally to your dinner plate, morphing the table into a theatrical experience—depicting the animated adventures of Le Petit Chef of France (aka the world’s smallest chef) and his mini companions from Japan, Spain and Italy. You’ll “visit” four countries across a four-course meal, with 3D projections and performances throughout. See website for dates and pricing. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.702.8288. lepetitchef.com
New Seasonal Cocktails at Barleymash
Now Available. Gaslamp bar and restaurant Barleymash debuts a lineup of seasonal summer cocktails. Try new creations like the vodka-based All About Bas-il; No Shrubs, made with tequila, strawberry shrub, seltzer and lime; the bourbon-infused Sour Flower with house-made hibiscus-ginger syrup; and the tropical Mango Tree with whiskey, mango, mint, lemon and chile de arbol bitters. To eat, Barleymash is known for its flatbreads, “Iron Fries,” salads, and shareables like beer-brined chicken wings. 600 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.255.7373. barleymash.com
Arts + Culture
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival
June 17-27. The largest gathering of concertmasters and principal players in North America will come together for six concerts at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater and The Conrad in La Jolla. Highlights include Beethoven’s “Eroica” and works by Mozart and Copland, featuring tenor John Russell, on Saturday, June 20 at The Conrad; and Beethoven’s epic Fifth Symphony, plus pieces by Mozart and Brahms, featuring violinist James Ehnes and cellist Robert DeMaine, on Closing Night on June 27. See website for full schedule and tickets. La Jolla. mainlymozart.org
Photo credits: Agave Fest is by Renato Films. NASCAR is by Walter Arce. Mister A’s is by Kimberly Motos. Mainly Mozart is by J. Kat Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
