Events
Agave Fest at Estancia La Jolla
June 21. Be transported south of the border, sip by sip, at this third annual celebration of agave-based spirits like tequila and mezcal at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Unfolding at the resort’s the newly renovated outdoor grounds, the festival showcases authentic Baja cuisine—from street tacos to ceviche—and artisanal Mexican spirits, including Patron, Casamigos, Don Julio, Fosforo Mezcal, Flecha Azula Tequila, Dos Hombres Mezcal, 21 Seeds and more; plus live music, raffles and surprises throughout the evening. 6 p.m. $95 per person. 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.318.7602. estancialajolla.com
Horizon Music Festival
June 22-23. Did someone say Tiësto? One of the most influential and successful DJs in the world, Tiësto (pictured) headlines the two-day Horizon Music Festival at Waterfront Park; along with special guest Audien. Spanning three stages, the lineup of musicians also includes Illenium with special guest Jai Wolf, NOTD, Lavern, Lost Kings, Joel Corry, Gudfella, Fredy Lane, Erick Diaz and many more. Food vendors include Dang Brothers Pizza, Dirty Birds, Morning Wood BBQ, Puzzle Kitchen and more. Doors open at 3 p.m. See website for detailed schedule and tickets (21+). 1600 Pacific Highway, downtown. intothehorizon.com
Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off
June 22. The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association presents this 44th annual, all-day celebration in the heart of O.B. The fun includes two entertainment stages hosting live music; a beachside beer and spirits garden; more than 200 local food vendors and merchants; an “Artist Alley” showcasing local artisans and craft vendors; a seaside family fun zone, including bounce houses and kids activities; and more. There’s also the famed Chili Cook-Off tasting and competition; plus eating contests hosted by Hodad’s (burgers) and Dirty Birds (wings). 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Ocean Beach. More Info
Food + Drink
Summer Luau Party at Kona Kai Resort
June 21. Kona Kai Resort & Spa transforms its bayfront property on Shelter Island into the Hawaiian Islands with its fourth annual luau-themed celebration. The fun includes live entertainment and Tahitian dancing, including special performances by Taupou Samoa and Te Rahiti Nui; plus a lei greeting, a complimentary welcome drink, and a buffet dinner of Polynesian cuisine. Feast on traditional Spam musubi, Kalua suckling pig, Lomi Lomi salmon, Huli Huli chicken, Hawaiian potato rolls, macaroni salad and more. See website for ticket pricing. 7-10 p.m. 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 619.452.3138. resortkonakai.com
San Diego Beer Weekend
June 21-23. Bottoms up! The San Diego Brewers Guild celebrates 27 years of promoting San Diego’s breweries (now more than 150!) with a weekend-long beer hop across the county. Beer lovers can visit dozens of small and independent local breweries for special beer releases, exclusive commemorative glassware, live entertainment and more. Of note, Duckfoot Brewing Company (8920 Kenmar Drive, Miramar) is hosting an afternoon of live bluegrass music on Sunday, June 23, 1-3 p.m., featuring musicians from the San Diego Bluegrass Society. See website for full list of participants, festivities and addresses. sdbeer.com
Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival
June 23. We all scream for ice cream on Sunday! The Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival returns for its sixth annual installment—featuring around 35 local ice cream and gelato shops. Sample frozen treats from Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, Holey Paleta, Handel’s Hillcrest, Gelati & Peccati, Cabetos Pops, MooTime Creamery, Mariposa, Hammond’s, Scoops La Jolla and more. There’s even a VIP Lounge serving exclusive ice cream and gelato flavors; plus cold brews by Communal Coffee. Proceeds benefit the Berry Good Food Foundation. Noon-4 p.m. $45-$100. Along North Park Way, North Park. scoopsandiego.org
Hasta Mañana Cantina
Now Open. Enjoy coastal Baja cuisine in the Gaslamp at Hasta Mañana Cantina. The contemporary space features vibrantly colored murals, balanced by its dimly lit tequila bar in the back, Monkey Bar. On the menu: an impressive selection of agave spirits, margaritas, ceviches, tacos, tamales, burritos and specialty dishes—all made with in-housed braised meats and line-caught sustainable seafood. Try the Surf & Turf plate with grilled carne asada and Mexican white shrimp; and wash it down with the Going Back to Mezicali cocktail. See website for hours. 310 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 858.321.5515. More Info
Arts + Culture
Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival
June 20-29. The largest gathering of concertmasters and principal players in North America will come together to perform. Take your pick of six dynamic concerts at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater and The Conrad in La Jolla. Highlights include Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, featuring pianist George Li, on June 20; Mozart’s Symphony No. 31 and works by Saint-Saëns and Gabriel Fauré, featuring the San Diego Master Chorale and soprano Erica Petrocelli, on June 22; Tchaikovsky’s Serenade, Op. 48, on June 25; and Closing Night, featuring violinist Stefan Jackiw. mainlymozart.org
San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
June 22-23. If you like your jazz smooth, head to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park along San Diego Bay for the sixth annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius. This year’s lineup of musicians boasts Kenny Lattimore (pictured), Spyro Gyro, Pieces of a Dream, Will Donato and Blake Aaron on Saturday; and Boney James, Gregory Porter, Alex Bugnon, Jeff Ryan and Greg Manning and on Sunday. The Shell also offers onsite eateries; plus wine and cocktail vendors. See website for schedule and ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, embarcadero, 619.235.0804. theshell.org
The Color Purple at New Village Arts
June 22-July 21. Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning, coming-of-age novel unfolds onstage as “The Musical About Love…” Presented by New Village Arts and Katie Keller, the Tony-Award winning production centers on Celie, whose inspiring journey amid adversity spans 40 years; along with a score that infuses jazz, blues, gospel, ragtime and African music—all brought to life by a multitalented cast of 17. (Pictured L-R: Nio Russell, Kirk Brown and Taylor Renee Henderson.) Kandace Crystal directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org
Photo credits: Summer Luau at Kona Kai Resort by Jenn & Mike Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
