San Diego

Weekend roundup

June 23-26

Events

BRO-AM Benefit Party

June 24. Help raise funds for several local youth-focused organizations; while sipping, sampling and mingling under the stars. Presented by San Diego-rooted rock band Switchfoot, the BRO-AM Benefit Party feature bites and drinks from top area restaurants and brands; silent and live auctions; VIP lounges; and an intimate live performance by the Grammy Award-winning band. 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 per person. broam.org

Opening Weekend at The Shell

June 24-26. San Diego Symphony kicks off its 2022 Summer Season at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park with a weekend of spectacular concerts. Don’t miss “Opening Night: Orchestral Technicolor” on Friday, when Rafael Payare conducts the orchestra in an electric performance of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition; along with guest pianist Joyce Yang. Boyz II Men (pictured) performs with the symphony on Saturday; followed by “Straight, No Chaser: The Music of Thelonious Monk” (featuring Gilbert Castellanos, Charles McPherson and more) on Sunday. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org

Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off

June 25. The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association presents this 42nd annual celebration in the heart of O.B. The fun includes three stages hosting live music all day; a beachside beer and spirits garden; 200-plus food vendors and merchants; an “Artist Alley” showcasing local artisans and craft vendors; and a seaside family fun zone, including bounce houses and kids activities. 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 entry. Downtown Ocean Beach. More Info

Food + Drink

Sunset Luaus at the Catamaran

June 24-Sept. 2. The Catamaran Resort Hotel returns with its annual tradition, “Sunset Luaus on the Bay,” held on its bayside property on Tuesday and Fridays through Sept. 2. 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 pulled pork and roasted pork loin; pineapple fried rice; and passionfruit crème brûlée for dessert. 6-9 p.m. Tickets start at $49. 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 858.488.1081. catamaranresort.com

Camino Festival at Camino Riviera

June 26. Tulum-inspired restaurant Camino Riviera presents its inaugural Camino Festival—showcasing the cocktails, cuisine, wine and art of the Yucatán Peninsula. Guests can taste small-batch and rare mezcals and tequilas; along with a curated cocktail menu highlighting spirits from across Latin America. Sample bites from interactive culinary stations; witness live fish breakdowns and an authentic spit-roasting and carving; watch live demos by Mexican artisans; peruse handmade art for sale; and enjoy live music by Israel Maldonado and resident DJs. 1-8 p.m. See website for tickets. 2400 India St., Little Italy. More Info

Scoop San Diego Ice Cream Festival

June 26. We all scream for ice cream on Sunday! Scoop San Diego returns with its fourth annual San Diego Ice Cream Festival—featuring more than 20 local ice cream and gelato shops. Sample frozen treats from Stella Jean’s Ice Cream, Mr. Trustee, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, Gelati & Peccati, Cabetos Pops, Mootime Creamery, The Baked Bear, Rodriguez Paletas, Kula Ice Cream and more. There’s even a VIP Lounge serving exclusive ice cream and gelato flavors. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit Alpha Project. Noon-4 p.m. $35-$75. North Park Way, North Park. Tickets

Taste of Adams Avenue

June 26. Explore local bites and delights, as a 2-mile stretch of Adams Avenue—from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington—transforms into a culinary walkabout. More than 40 restaurants, coffeehouses, wine bars, pubs and breweries are participating—each with their own distinctive vibe and food and drink offerings. Venues include Blind Lady Ale House, Et Voila French bistro, The Rabbit Hole, Hawthorn Coffee, The Haven Pizzeria and Señor Mangos. Access each by foot or bike; along with complimentary trolley service along Adams Avenue. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $40 per person. Tickets

Mediterranean Room at La Valencia Hotel

Now Open. The “Pink Lady” marks its 95th anniversary this year. To celebrate, the landmark hotel has revamped its signature restaurant, The Med, into the Mediterranean Room. The space features an elegant Mediterranean-inspired design and panoramic ocean views. Dine inside or on the popular ocean terrace; offerings by executive chef Fabian Aceves include seared scallops, striped bass, roasted salmon and lamb sugo. Patio Sol along Prospect Street has also been transformed into a lounge serving the hotel’s signature libations; featuring expanded patio dining as well. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870. lavalencia.com

Arts + Culture

“Expressions of Pride” at SDMA

June 24. San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) has partnered with San Diego Pride to present “Expressions of Pride: On the Steps at SDMA.” The event—which also kicks off SDMA’s “Summer Fridays” programming—showcases artists, musicians and dancers in celebration of the diversity that encapsulates the Pride movement. Highlights include performances by Disco Riot, jazz trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, San Diego Shakespeare Society and Nishi la Tremenda y Sus Aliados; plus artist and art-making booths and an interactive community mural. 4-7 p.m. Free. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org

Timken Museum of Art 

Reopened. After a two-year closure and $3 million renovation, the Timken Museum of Art has reopened in all its original, mid-century-modern architectural glory. First opened in 1965, the 10,400-square-foot museum houses the Putnam Foundation’s collection of Byzantine art, including exquisite Russian religious paintings; plus a Rembrandt on public display. To celebrate its reopening, the museum has unveiled two new additions to its permanent collection: Bust of Eve by sculptor Thomas Ball and Salomé by painter Ella Ferris Pell. See website for hours and admission info. 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.5548. timkenmuseum.org

Photo credits: The Shell (opening venue photo) by Gary Payne. Taste of Adams Avenue by Haley Lesser / courtesy of Adams Avenue Business Association. Mediterranean Room by Robert Benson. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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