Events

Live Music at Liberty Station

July 1. The NTC Foundation and First Friday Arts District present an outdoor summer music series—beginning July 1 and then on the first Friday of the month through October. The fun unfolds on the patio at Carruth Cellars’ new Liberty Station outpost—featuring live music by local musicians; plus cheese boards, charcuterie, wine and other beverages. Performing this Friday: Damian “Dirty D” DeRobbio (pictured) and Abner “Never Stop Dancing” Neveraz of soulful green-grass acoustic group Iron Sage Wood. 5-8 p.m. Free entry. Carruth Cellars Wine Garden, Arts District Liberty Station. libertystation.com

Independence Day Fun at Moonshine Flats

July 1-2. The honky-tonk music and dance venue is celebrating on Friday and Saturday. Wear your red, white and blue and get ready to enjoy live music by country artists like Summer 97 and JT Harker; line dancing led by resident dancers; a full food menu of smoky barbecue dishes served at The Deck at Moonshine Flats; and specialty cocktails such as the Georgia Peach Mule and All Jacked Up. See website for hours and to sign up for the guest list to bypass the cover charge. 344 Seventh Ave., East Village, 619.255.7625. moonshineflats.com

Weekend Shows at The Shell

July 1-4. Celebrate the holiday weekend with the San Diego Symphony and some very special guests at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. On Friday, watch the blockbuster Black Panther on the jumbo screen, with the film’s score performed live by the orchestra; plus a screening of Toy Story with live orchestral accompaniment on Saturday. On Sunday, Common takes the stage (sans symphony); and Kool & the Gang performs with the symphony on Monday, with the “Big Bay Boom” fireworks show as the finale. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org

“Big Bay Boom” Fireworks Spectacular 

July 4. This event lives up to its name. Presented by the Port of San Diego and displayed from four barges, “Big Bay Boom” is the largest fireworks show in California. Set to a musical simulcast on 101.5 KGB-FM radio, the 20-minute spectacular spans all of San Diego Bay—visible from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Spanish Landing, Liberty Station’s NTC Park, North Embarcadero, South Embarcadero, Cesar E. Chavez Park, Coronado Ferry Landing and Coronado Tidelands Park. (Bring lawn chairs and blankets!) 9 p.m. Free. See website for all viewing locations and parking tips. bigbayboom.com

“Over the Top” at Top of the Hyatt

July 4. As Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is the West Coast’s tallest waterfront hotel, the view of the fireworks is sure to be spectacular. For an experience that is literally over the top, head to the hotel’s popular lounge, Top of the Hyatt—located 40 stories above San Diego Bay. Tickets include unparalleled views of the “Big Bay Boom” fireworks show; plus unlimited beer, wine and cocktails with premium liquor; and a themed dinner buffet, including a selection of desserts. 6-10 p.m. Starting at $215 per person. One Market Place, downtown. Tickets

Food + Drink

“All-American Wine Flights” at Vino Carta

July 3. Looking to stock up on some reds and whites to celebrate the red, white and blue? Vino Carta has you covered. The casual wine bar and bottle shop focuses on small-batch and natural wines—offering retail bottle sales, wines by the glass and light bites. Stop by either location on Sunday to try its “All-American Wine Flight,” featuring pours from Napa Valley to Texas—part of Vino Carta’s “Sunday Wine School,” held weekly. Noon-5 p.m. No reservations necessary. 2161 India St., Little Italy; 619.564.6589; 437 Hwy. 101, Solana Beach, 858.353.2815. vinocartasd.com

LAVO Italian Restaurant

Now Open. Taking over the former Searsucker space in the Gaslamp, Tao Group Hospitality invites you to LAVO—a refined hub serving Cali-Italian cuisine (think: traditional recipes with local, seasonal ingredients). The lofty, light-filled restaurant boasts an open kitchen, a wraparound bar, olive trees, antique wood floors, luxe banquettes, artwork by Peter Tunney and a sidewalk dining patio. The menu—created by Tao’s chief culinary officer Ralph Scamardella—offers brick-oven pizzas, house-made pastas, old-world wines and fun cocktails. See website for reservations. W-Su 5-11 p.m. 611 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.762.5286. taogroup.com

Weekend Brunch at Tahona

Now Available. After a two-year hiatus, weekend brunch is back at Tahona. The Old Town outpost is known for its expansive mezcal selection, Oaxacan-inspired seasonal dishes, and tacos with hand-pressed tortillas. Brunch dishes by chef Adrian Villareal include the smoked-adobada-turkey burrito; the Spanish frittata with Iberico chorizo; and the vegetarian Green Goodness taco with grilled nopal, leeks and greens on a Tehachapi Heritage Grain tortilla. Grab a seat on the streetside patio for a side of fun people-watching. See website for hours. 2414 San Diego Ave., Old Town, 619.255.2090. tahonabar.com

Arts + Culture

Spider-Man Exhibit at Comic-Con Museum

Opens July 1. Did you know that the character created by Marvel’s Stan Lee and Steve Ditko first came to life in 1962? Sharpen your “Spidey sense” at Comic-Con Museum’s new exhibit: Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition, celebrating 60 years of the legendary superhero. The immersive experience features large character photo stations, including a life-size, upside-down Spider-Man; never-before-seen, original comic art; movie props showing his evolution into a global icon; and much more. See website for museum hours and to purchase tickets. 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.546.9073. More Info

Balboa Park Carousel

Extended Summer Hours. ‘Round and ‘round we go! The Balboa Park Carousel has extended its hours of operation through Aug. 26. Built in 1910 and powered by its original General Electric motor, this iconic attraction epitomizes family-friendly San Diego fun. Take a five-minute ride aboard the enduring artsy masterpiece, featuring three chariots and a menagerie of animals—including horses, giraffes, frogs, pigs, roosters and more—all boasting original, hand-carved European craftsmanship. Open daily 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $3 per ride; $10 per group of four guests. 1889 Zoo Place, Balboa Park, 619.232.2282. balboaparkcarousel.org

Photo credits: “Big Bay Boom” by Rinus Baak. Tahona by Arlene Ibarra. Balboa Park Carousel by Richard Benton. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.