Events

“Daycation Celebration” at Seaport Village

June 8. In partnership with the Port of San Diego, Seaport Village hosts its second annual “Daycation Celebration.” The extravaganza comprises an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities—including free carousel rides, a classic car showcase, “celebrity” cameos, shopping perks, live music, kite-flying demos, face painting, commemorative photo ops and more. Guests can also sample free bites and sips from Seaport Village outposts such as Malibu Farm, Seaport Fudge Factory, Mike Hess Brewing, Margaritas Kitchen & Cantina, and more. 3-7 p.m. 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. seaportvillage.com

Yoga at The Rady Shell

June 8. Namaste by the bay, anyone? Behold the therapeutic powers of holding a Downward Dog pose while surrounded by sea breezes and views. Presented by Fit Athletic, Yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park has become a regular event—inviting yogis and novices alike for an hour-long “bootcamp yoga” session along the bayfront, led by seasoned instructor Viktoria Talbot. And the best part? Admission is free. However, space is limited; register online in advance to reserve your space. And bring your own mat and sunscreen. 9:30 a.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

Pool House Sundays at Pendry San Diego

June 9. Pop some bubbly and splash into summer with Pendry’s chic pool party on the hotel’s rooftop. Reserve a cabana with bottle service or relax poolside for an afternoon of sunbathing, cocktails, people-watching and music by special guest DJs. This Sunday, Blenders and Happy Dad present a “Summer’s Hottest Model Search” kickoff—emceed by Michael Sartain and hosted by Boutine LA—with a chance to win $2,500 in cash and prizes. Dress to impress. Reservations recommended. Noon-6:30 p.m. 435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7050. poolhousesd.com

San Diego County Fair

Upcoming | June 12-July 7. “Let’s Go Retro” is the theme for the 2024 San Diego County Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds, and it promises to be a nostalgic good time. From themed exhibits and concerts, to competitions, games, special performances, rides, animals and cheat meals in deep-fried form, the fair celebrates San Diego’s yesteryears—from the 1950s through the 1990s. (Feel free to pick your favorite decade and dress the part!) The fair also encompasses the Toyota Summer Concert Series on the Corona Grand Stand Stage. See website for concert lineup and all details. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com

Food + Drink

Cellar Hand

Opens June 6. The family behind Pali Wine Co., the Perr family (pictured L-R: Carmen and Nick Perr), debuts their first full-service restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, the artsy-urban space boasts ample patio dining and a central indoor/outdoor bar—serving eclectic wines and “hyper-local” fare (i.e., locally sourced produced and sustainable seafood). Menu highlights include Baja scallop crudo, Mussels en Escabeche, house-made labneh with wood-fired pita, grilled whole rockfish, artichoke ravioli, and the hearty House Burger. W-Su 4-10 p.m. (weekend brunch is coming soon). 1440 University Ave., Hillcrest. cellarhandhillcrest.com

San Diego Brew Festival

June 8. Because there’s no such thing as too many beer celebrations in America’s Finest City, the 13th annual San Diego Brew Festival returns to Liberty Station’s NTC Park. The event will showcase around 200 beers from more than 70 local and international craft breweries; along with lawn games, live music and fare from 10 popular San Diego food trucks. Breweries include Mike Hess Brewing, Fall Brewing Company, Societe Brewing Company, Helix Brewing Co., Ballast Point and many more. Noon-4 p.m. $50-$65 per person (no pets allowed; ages 21+). 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station. sandiegobeerfest.com

Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Reopened. Inspired by sumptuous Italian palazzos, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s lobby lounge, library and bar have undergone a stunning renovation. The refreshed spaces—designed by L.A. firm Bishop Pass—boast a rich palette of gold, green and burgundy, with Venetian glass chandeliers and neo-baroque and rococo detailed furnishings. Slide up to the gleaming new bar—accented by a custom mural channeling the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve—where a new bar menu offers tapas, craft cocktails, wines and exclusive spirits. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar, 858.314.2000. granddelmar.com

New Menus at Amaya

Now Available. Oui, oui! Taking a West Coast spin on a Parisian brasserie, Amaya Restaurant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar—helmed by new executive chef Bryn McArthur and chef Roman Garcia—has debuted new menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Feast on French bistro classics like French onion soup, escargots, mussels, tuna Nicoise, steak tartare, Parisienne gnocchi, bouillabaisse, and roasted duck crown; plus charcuterie boards, French cheeses and much more. We suggest dining on the shaded terrace. See website for hours and reservations. 5300 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.2727. More Info

Arts + Culture

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Through Aug. 18. While the plot centers on a middle school spelling competition, this hilarious production—presented by Lamb’s Players Theatre—is not a kids show (recommended for ages 13 and older). The Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, takes us inside the pressure-cooked angst of middle school spelling bees, featuring a multitalented adult cast; as well as four audiences members invited on stage to compete! (Arrive early and see the “Audience Wrangler” in the lobby.) See website for showtimes and tickets. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org

Jasper Johns Exhibit at SDMA

Now On View. The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) presents the new exhibit, Jasper Johns: Drawings & Prints, on view through Oct. 27. One of the most prolific artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, the 94-year-old painter, sculptor, draftsman and printmaker is a central figure in the development of postwar art. The exhibit showcases 14 of Johns’ significant works on paper, including six original drawings on loan from the artist, dating from 1960 to 2021. See website for more details, museum hours and admission info. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org

Photo credits: “Daycation Celebration” by John Cocozza. Cellar Hand by Kimberly Motos. Amaya by Cliff Endsley. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Ben van Diepen is pictured) by Nathan Peirson. Jasper Johns: “Green Angel” etching is © 2024 Jasper Johns and ULAE; licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society; published by Universal Limited Art Editions. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.