San Diego

Weekend roundup

May 18-21

Events

Island Vibe Music Festival

May 20. Celebrate the culture, cuisine and music of the Pacific Islands—including Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia—at this annual festival, sponsored in part by Kona Big Wave (“Liquid Aloha”). Enjoy performances by cultural dancers; Islander-inspired apparel and art, available in the vendor village; and plenty of authentic cuisine. The entertainment lineup includes Maui-born musician Anuhea, Hawaiian band Kapena, and duo CRSB (pictured)—known for their Island Soul-infused pop music. See website for more info and tickets. 1-8 p.m. $15-$150. Surf Cup Sports Park, 14989 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. More Info

“Pupapalooza” Festival & Fundraiser

May 20. Billed as the “ulti-mutt” dog-friendly festival—presented by Second Chance Beer Co., Puppy Picnic Co. and The Animal Pad—this annual “pawty” has it all. Bring your canine bestie for an afternoon of pet adoptions, pop-up shopping from 15-plus vendors, beer and food, live DJ music, photo ops and giveaways. Event sponsor Trusted Housesitters will also be giving away free one-year memberships to every dog that is adopted. 2-6 p.m. Free entry. Second Chance Beer Co., 15378 Avenue of Science, #122, Carmel Mountain. More Info

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Closes May 21. Stop and smell the flowers before the season ends on Sunday. The Flower Fields have about 30 acres of flora that are still in bloom—including Giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers, orchids, roses and sweet-pea blossoms—totaling tens of millions of flowers. And currently in bloom: the “Sea of Sunflowers” patch, spanning 5 acres. The ranch also features landscaped display gardens, a sweet pea maze. flower-filled greenhouses, the “American Flag of Flowers” and tractor-wagon rides. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. See website for tickets. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. theflowerfields.com

Pool House Sundays at Pendry San Diego

May 21. Pop some bubbly and and make a splash 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, people-watching and music by special guest duo Yolanda Be Cool (pictured). Guests can order specialty cocktails and frozen libations, such as the Wet Sand with Malibu Black rum infused with coconut liqueur; plus a full food menu that includes breakfast burritos, sandwiches, fish tacos and sorbet for dessert. Dress to impress. Reservations recommended. Noon-6 p.m. 435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7050. poolhousesd.com

Food + Drink

El Cajon Foodie Fest

May 20. Head to “America on Main Street” for an afternoon of family-friendly fun under the sun. The El Cajon Foodie Fest spotlights nearly 15 of the East County city’s most popular restaurants, vendors and food trucks—offering appetizers, samples of popular menu items, desserts, specialty beverages, smoothies and more. The street festival also includes carnival rides, games, crafts, live music and entertainment, and other attractions. See website for more info and tickets. 3:30-6:30 p.m. $15 per person (ages 7 and older). 200 Civic Center Way, El Cajon. More Info

KEX Fest 2023

May 21. Calling all foodies and oenophiles! This fifth-annual, all-inclusive culinary experience at Kettner Exchange features cuisine by executive chef Brian Redzikowski; wine, beer and spirit tastings; and much more. Highlights include a silent disco and wine sensory experience hosted by Vin de Syrah; a tiki speakeasy by The Grass Skirt; a speakeasy by Camino Riviera; a VIP lounge; a whole-fish-breakdown demo by chef Nick Devries; handmade cigar rolling; music by The Jazz Cartel and DJ Carlo; tarot card reading; and doughnuts from Devil’s Dozen. 1-7 p.m. $89-$189. 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. More Info

Techo Beso

Now Open. The Gaslamp Quarter’s new AC Hotel unveils its rooftop bar/restaurant: Techo Beso, which means “rooftop kiss.” The Tulum-inspired alfresco lounge features a pool (for hotel guests), city views, DJ sets, specialty cocktails and elevated Mexican-inspired bites—such as the brisket tacos, with 24-hour-marinated, slow-roasted brisket, caramelized onions and avocado; charred corn salad; and churro-doughnut bites for dessert. Libations include the Maya Blue cocktail with mezcal, lime juice, blood-orange syrup and grenadine; and the Yucatan Margarita. See website for hours. 743 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. techobeso.com

I Love Poke Festival

Upcoming | May 23. Behold the delicious powers of poke. Bali Hai Restaurant hosts this 12th annual Hawaiian food festival and competition by the bay. More than 20 chefs and restaurants will present their best poke dishes in hopes of being crowned the “I Love Poke” champion—including Herb & Sea, Blue Water Seafood, Kairoa Brewing Co., Island Mike’s Poke, Sushi on a Roll and, of course, Bali Hai. Guests can also sample other bites from Hodad’s, Lia’s Lumpia, Kaiju Pizza, All Things UBE and more. 6-9 p.m. $95 per person. 2230 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. Tickets

Arts + Culture

S.D. Symphony Concerts at The Shell

May 20-21. Enjoy live symphony under the stars this weekend. As part of its Jacobs Masterworks programming at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the San Diego Symphony presents two evenings featuring pianist Inon Barnatan (pictured), playing Johannes Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2. Maestro Rafael Payare, the Symphony’s music director, and the orchestra also deliver the world premiere of Methuselah (In Chains of Time) by Iranian-American composer Gity Razaz; as well as Antonín Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7. Sa 7:30 p.m.; Su 5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org

Singin’ in the Rain at New Village Arts

Opens May 20. The golden age of movie musicals comes to life with New Village Arts’ (NVA) staging of Singin’ in the Rain, running through July 2. Based on the beloved 1952 film starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds (and touted as the “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time”), NVA’s take on this classic musical was written by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. AJ Knox directs. See website for showtimes, tickets and info on NVA’s special dining/theater package (available for $$99 per person). 2787 State St., Carlsbad Village, 760.284.4393. newvillagearts.org

Photo credits: “Pupapalooza” by Erin Wiese Photography. San Diego Symphony / Inon Barnatan by Marco Borggreve. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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