Events
California Wine Festival
June 28-29. Presenting its 21st annual installment, California Wine Festival returns to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. The event comprises the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting on Friday evening; and the Beachside Wine Festival on the Heron Lawn on Saturday afternoon. Sample wines from vintners across the state—including Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara and Temecula. Participants include Adobe Road Winery, Doffo Winery, Michael Mondavi Family Estate and more; plus bites from area restaurants, vendors, oceans views and live entertainment. See website for schedule and tickets (21+). 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad. More Info
Summer Concert Series at S.D. County Fair
Through July 7. An annual highlight of the San Diego County Fair (which also runs through July 7) 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 musicians. This weekend, catch country music sensation Little Big Town on Thursday, June 27; Grammy Award-winning rapper Ludacris (pictured) on Friday, June 28; and Mexican Norteño and Corrido band, Los Tucanes De Tijuana, on Sunday, June 30. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com
“Summer Spectacular” at SeaWorld
Through Sept. 2. SeaWorld San Diego’s themed, family-friendly summertime experience makes your visit particularly magical. The park comes alive with special shows, live concerts, fireworks and more. New this year: the “So Much More to SEA” parade; the “Shamu and Crew: Together Again” live performance character show; the “BMX Blast!” stunt show; the Summer Concert Series featuring Ginuwine, Jesse McCartney and more; and the nightly “Enchanted Wonders” fireworks spectacular. See website for hours and admission info. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Food + Drink
Nat Diego 2024
June 28-29. Billed as “San Diego’s fun loving natural wine festival,” the sixth annual Nat Diego takes place at Bread & Salt in Barrio Logan. Learn about the ins and outs of natural wine-making, from farming techniques to philosophies. Festivities include the Opening Night party on Friday (7-10 p.m.), when wine lovers and wine makers can mingle; the Grand Tasting on Saturday afternoon (1-5 p.m.), with tastings offered by the region’s top natural wineries; and the closing party on Saturday night (8 p.m.-midnight). See website for ticket pricing. 1955 Julian Ave., Barrio Logan. More Info
Gaslamp Food Crawl
June 29. Taste your way through the Gaslamp on Saturday, when this food crawl lets you sample bites, sips and secret dishes from at least a dozen local restaurants and bars. Grab your tasting pass at Smokin J’s BBQ and work your way through the ‘hood—with stops (all within easy walking distance) at venues like Prince Street Pizza, Casablanca, Werewolf, Gaslamp Fish House, Techo Beso, Ghost Tacos, Gaslamp Lumpia, Insomnia Cookies, Cali Cream and more. Wear comfy shoes and come hungry! 1-4:30 p.m. $40-$60. 751 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
Taste of Adams Avenue
June 30. 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, French bistro Et Voila, The Rabbit Hole, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant, 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. $50 per person. More Info
Le Coq
Now Open. San Diego’s most anticipated restaurant opening of the year is here! The latest and last (or so they insist) venture by the Puffer Malarkey Collective (Chris Puffer and Brian Malarkey)—along with executive chef and James Beard finalist Tara Monsod (Animae)—Le Coq is a modern French steakhouse, laced with Californian and Asian influences, with a ‘70s supper club vibe. Feast on roast chicken, seared duck breast, dry-aged ribeye (pictured), and Parisian gnocchi; plus treats like strawberry mille-feuille by pastry chef Laura Warren for dessert. See website for hours. 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 858.427.1500. lecoq.com
Arts + Culture
Betty Boop Exhibit at Comic-Con Museum
Opens June 27. Opening at Comic-Con Museum, Becoming Betty Boop makes its worldwide debut. Exclusive to the museum, the multimedia exhibit spotlights the history and evolution of the iconic, animated cartoon character—from her debut in the film Dizzy Dishes in 1930; to her glamorous costumes and “career.” The exhibit includes screenings of six original Betty Boop films; never-before-seen artifacts, dolls, comic books and masks; highlights of the eight women who have voiced Betty over the years; and much more. See website for hours and admission info. 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.414.1020. comic-con.org
S.D. Symphony’s Opening Night at The Shell
June 28. The San Diego Symphony kicks off its 2024 Conrad Prebys Summer Season at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. “Opening Night with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra” features conductor Gemma New and pianist Olga Kern (pictured)—who performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3; Copland’s “Four Dance Episodes” from Rodeo; and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol, based on Spanish folk melodies. The evening’s portfolio also includes John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, embarcadero, 619.235.0804. theshell.org
World Ballet Festival: “Ballet Blockbusters”
June 29. Some of the best ballet companies in the U.S. will come together at the Civic Theatre for one electric evening. With introductions led by Master of Ceremonies Jester from Swan Lake, the repertoire includes performances by two special guests: New York City Ballet (NYCB) superstar ballerina Tiler Peck and NYCB principal dancer Roman Mejia—who will dance George Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. Selections also include scenes from classic works such as Romeo and Juliet, Carmen and Don Quixote; and the Black Swan Pas de Deux. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $39. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. sandiegotheatres.org
Photo credits: Taste of Adams Avenue by Haley Lesser / courtesy of Adams Avenue Business Association. Le Coq by Kimberly Motos. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
