San Diego

Weekend roundup

May 11-14

Events

Gator By The Bay

May 11-14. With 100-plus performances across seven stages, the Gator By The Bay Zydeco, Blues and Crawfish Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary at Spanish Landing Park. The music lineup spans live zydeco, blues, roots, Creole and Cajun, rockabilly, salsa and New Orleans jazz—with headliners such as zydeco great Terrance Simien, a two-time Grammy Award winner. Guests can also indulge in Louisiana-themed fare, including 10,000 pounds of crawfish, beignets, jambalaya and a chef-led gumbo cook-off; plus craft beer and cocktails. See website for daily schedule and tickets. 3900 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. gatorbythebay.com

Cardiff Farmers Market

May 13. Cardiff-by-the Sea’s weekly certified farmers market has been going (and growing!) strong since its debut in March. Located at the Mira Costa College campus (just off Manchester Avenue and Interstate 5), the market offers locally sourced fruits, vegetables and meats; plus fresh flowers, artisanal foods, crafts, jewelry and more. Vendors include Wonderland Farm, Rodney Kawano Farm, Sea Greens Microgreens, Crescent Meat, Fishbone Fish, Cardiff Tiny Farm, Emmy Lou Jewelry and more; plus live music every Saturday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ample free parking. 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea. More Info

Food + Drink

Mother’s Day Tea at The Westgate Hotel

May 11-14. Blend some quality time with Mom with a little high-tea time this weekend at one of the city’s most elegant hotels. The Westgate Hotel is offering a special Mother’s Day Tea service through Sunday in its Grand Lobby. Choose from an array of gourmet teas; plus a glass of Champagne, petite sandwiches, scones and pastries; along with a special take-home gift—all while enjoying music by a live harpist. See website for required reservations and parking info. 1-3:30 p.m. $75 adults; $35 kids ages 2-12. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com

Flamenco Dinner Show at Cafe Sevilla

May 13. Spice up your Saturday night with dinner and flamenco dancing at this beloved Spanish eatery (a Gaslamp Quarter staple since 1987). Cafe Sevilla presents a two-part flamenco performance, featuring seasoned dancers who were trained in Spain; along with a three-course dinner featuring its award-winning Paella Valenciana. Add-ons include a tapas menu, wine and a full bar. Advance tickets are required and include entry to the restaurant’s nightclub. 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m., with communal-style seating assigned upon arrival.) $89.50 per person. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. More Info

North Park Vegan Food Pop-Up

May 13. Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores alike will make tasty discoveries at the city’s biggest vegan market, which pops up on Saturday at North Park Mini Park. Explore plant-based culinary delights from 40-plus vendors from San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles—including pastries and doughnuts, salads and produce, juices, teas, vegan sushi, pizza, pastas and other noodles, and Mexican fare. Other vendors include A Way Home for Dogs, Compilations in Art, Samadhi CBD and Majestik Furniture. Noon-4 p.m. Free entry and parking (kids and dogs welcome). 3812 29th St., North Park. More Info

Mother’s Day Brunch at Hotel del Coronado

May 14. The iconic seaside resort is hosting myriad Mother’s Day activities (from spa services to daybeds at Del Beach to private beach bonfires for the whole family), but our favorite would have to be brunch in the Southpointe Ballroom. Enjoy a decadent spread of international dishes, a chilled seafood bar, carving stations, a grand dessert display and a glass of Champagne. Afterwards, we suggest a stroll along Coronado Beach to walk off a few calories. Reservations are required. Beginning at 9:30 a.m. $185 adults; $95 kids ages 4-12. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com

Mother’s Day at Rancho Valencia 

May 14. Make Mother’s Day a family affair with some fun in the sun at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Indulge in a lavish buffet that includes a generous raw bar, carving stations, spring salads, a dessert bar and brunch libations—from bellinis to bloody marys. Meanwhile, the kiddos can visit the petting zoo; sharpen their art skills at the crafting table, where they can make gifts for Mom; and enjoy pony rides on the lawn. Call for reservations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $195 adults; $65 kids under age 12. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com

Mother’s Day Dining at La Valencia

May 14. Treat Mom to a memorable meal and ocean views at La Jolla’s landmark “Pink Lady,” aka La Valencia Hotel. The three-course menu by executive chef Fabia Aceves features a mezze plate, Hamachi tartare, glazed cod, lamb shank with feta and herbed couscous, shakshuka, and ocean trout. For dessert, good luck choosing between the chocolate-pistachio torte with mocha ganache and raspberry Chantilly; or the “pineapple upside down” with banana caramel, coconut gelato and dehydrated Maui Gold pineapple. Reservations required. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $129 adults; $45 kids. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 866.895.9859. lavalencia.com

Arts + Culture

La Jolla Playhouse: La Lucha

May 11-June 4. Receiving its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW (Without Walls) Festival in late April, La Lucha continues at MCASD Downtown. The interactive experience by designer David Israel Reynoso and his immersive theatrical company, Optika Moderna, is inspired by lucha libre—the Mexican wrestling performance in which professional wrestlers use masks and high-flying maneuvers to entertain audiences. Be transported ringside and find yourself in the middle of the action via this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. See website for tickets. Jacobs Building, 1100 Kettner Blvd., downtown. lajollaplayhouse.org

O’Keeffe and Moore Art Exhibit

Opens May 13. The works of two iconic artists arrive at San Diego Museum of Art in a groundbreaking exhibit, O’Keeffe and Moore, on view through Aug. 27. Both pioneering modernists, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was known for her paintings of New Mexico landscapes, enlarged flowers and New York skyscrapers; while English sculptor Henry Moore (1898-1986) created public works of art—namely semi-abstract bronze sculptures. Showcasing 120 of the artists’ works, the exhibit also recreates their studios—complete with original found objects, furnishings and tools. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org

Photo credits: O’Keeffe and Moore: “Working Model for Oval with Points” by Henry Moore; photo by Errol Jackson. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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