Events
MainStreet Oceanside’s Sunset Market
Reopens June 24. Oceanside’s popular weekly market is back! Explore four city blocks lined with 200 merchants—comprising international food vendors, eclectic shopping, art, activities for kids and live music. Shop for gifts, fashion accessories and home wares at World Marketplace; sample gourmet cuisine from around the world, including Latin American, African, Middle Eastern, Asian/Pacific and Jamaican; and catch Pedro Padua and the Tiburon Band in concert on the main stage. The year-round event takes place every Thursday. 5-9 p.m. Free entry. Pier View Way (west of Coast Highway), Oceanside. mainstreetoceanside.com
Carlsbad Music Festival’s “Eclectic Lawn”
June 26. Celebrating its return to live music, Carlsbad Music Festival presents this family-friendly concert on the lawn at St. Michael’s by-the-Sea. The theme is “adventurous music by the beach,” featuring performances by four music groups: Dani Bell & The Tarantist, Salt Petal, cello/kora duo Talking Strings, and The Red Fox Tails (pictured). Festivities include a craft beer/wine garden, food trucks and a playground for the kids. Bring a blanket or low beach chair. 4-8 p.m. Advance tickets start at $8, with VIP packages available that include parking (see website). 2275 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad. carlsbadmusicfestival.org
“Celebrate the OB Vibe” in Ocean Beach
June 26. Presented by Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, it’s a celebration of the dynamic people and businesses that make Ocean Beach a truly unique community. Spotlighting OB artisans, restaurants and retailers, activities include a 5K race (at your own pace); an “Art by the Pier” area featuring handmade arts and crafts; a children’s game zone; kite-making and jiu jitsu classes; “shop local” discounts; live music; and brews and bites from OB Brewery, Hodad’s, Pizza Port and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free entry. Along Newport Avenue and Abbott Street, Ocean Beach, 619.224.4906. oceanbeachsandiego.com
Hall of Fishes at Birch Aquarium
Now Open. Ahh, jellyfish … With their umbrella-shaped bells, trailing tentacles and free-form swimming style, they are the sea’s fascinating and mysterious ballerinas. And Birch Aquarium has opened a brand-new exhibit dedicated to them. Hall of Fishes is the ultimate “moon jelly” experience—a 600-gallon, cylindrical habitat housing dozens of jellyfish and sea jellies (their close relatives). The tank’s low height allows even small children to get up close and personal with them through the glass. See website for required advance reservations. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Food + Drink
Juniper and Ivy
Open. There’s a new reason to visit this reigning hot spot among foodies and socialites. Juniper and Ivy welcomes new executive chef Jason Franey, a three-time James Beard finalist. Franey takes over the restaurant’s revered kitchen and menu of “modernist Cali-American” dishes that highlight seasonal produce and wood-fired proteins. Choose from seafood, pastas and refined small plates; as well as mains such as Alaskan halibut and dry-aged rib eye; and the famous Yodel for dessert. Dine inside or on the romantic alfresco terrace. 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9036. juniperandivy.com
Kenzi Coffee & Tea Garden
Open. Translating to “my treasure” in Arabic and “symbol of wisdom” in Japanese, Kenzi is a community cafe offering coffee, tea, baked goods and flowers. We love the minimalist, urban feel of the space; and the assortment of loose-leaf teas and creative drinks. Try the honey-lavender latte; the chai tea steamed with rose petals and milk; or (if you’re extra sleepy) the Keith Richards—Mexican hot chocolate with four espresso shots. Order from the walk-up counter and enjoy on the sidewalk patio. Open daily 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 319 Elm St., Bankers Hill, 619.629.2545. thekenzi.com
Mister A’s
Open. Serving up fine French cuisine and iconic views from its 12th-floor perch since 1965, Mister A’s is in a league of its own. Dine on the famed wraparound terrace—boasting views of the downtown skyline, bay, Balboa Park, and incoming aircraft about to land at Lindbergh Field. Dinner dishes include hazelnut-crusted local sea bass, Maple Leaf Farms duck breast and Georges Bank scallops; plus an outstanding wine list. And don’t miss Sunday brunch and its Friday-only lunch service. See website for hours, reservations and dress code. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
“Piper on the Patio” Brunch at The Med
Now Available. La Valencia Hotel has partnered with French Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck to offer “Piper on the Patio” during its weekend brunch service at The Med. The custom cart serves the brand’s coveted selections by the glass and bottle; along with specialty Champagne cocktails. Relax on the ocean-view terrace while enjoying live music and dishes such as the chorizo Benedict, steak ‘n’ eggs, and the La V cinnamon roll with pink icing and fresh berries—made in collaboration with local bakery Sugar & Scribe. Sa-Su 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870. lavalencia.com
Arts + Culture
“Bad Vibes, Good Friends” Festival
June 26. Head to Barrio Logan’s “Acre of Awesome,” namely Sideyard BBQ, for a celebration showcasing more than 20 artists and musicians. Guests can peruse works by tattoo artist and illustrator Dave Warshaw, painter and muralist CJ Troxell, photographer Erica Joan, tattoo artist Jake Fitzgerald, and more. Musical acts include psychedelic jam band Earthless, alt-country/blues rockers Drug Hunt, and punk-metal trio Warish (pictured). Food and refreshments such as pizza, barbecue, craft beer and cocktails will be available for purchase. Noon. $40 per person. 1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan. Tickets
ArtWalk Summer Series
Begins June 27. Little Italy’s Piazza della Famiglia comes alive for a special series in support of emerging artists. Each show will highlight 30 select artists exhibiting their creations—including paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, multimedia works and more. The series also supports ArtWalk’s nonprofit partner, ArtReach San Diego, which delivers free or low-cost workshops to schools that have no other art resources. (Additional shows are slated for July 11 and 25, Aug. 22, and Sept. 5 and 19.) 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 523 W. Date St., Little Italy. artwalksandiego.org
Photo credits: Ocean Beach Pier by Josh Utley / OutOurFrontDoor.com. Juniper and Ivy by James Tran. All other images are courtesy of the businesses and venues featured.
