Events
Legacy Week at USS Midway Museum
May 22-25. Welcome aboard “the “Midway” (christened as such in 1942.) The retired naval aircraft carrier is home to more than 30 restored airplanes and helicopters, family-friendly exhibits, a cafe and a massive flight deck overlooking San Diego Bay. The museum’s “Legacy Week” includes a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1986 film Top Gun, an onboard Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony and special performances, a Remembrance Wall interactive exhibit, and more. See website for full schedule and admission info. 910 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.544.9600. midway.org
All-New Shark Encounter at SeaWorld
Opens May 22. Come “face to fin” with the world’s most fascinating ocean predators at SeaWorld San Diego’s all-new Shark Encounter. The immersive experience takes guests on a journey deep into the ocean via a “shark tunnel,” a moving walkway that guides you through a transparent passage beneath the habitat, creating the sensation of being surrounded by sharks; and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall incorporating multimedia technology that illuminates the life of sharks. Elevate your visit with the Shark Up Close Experience. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay. seaworld.com
Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party
May 23. The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego presents its Memorial Day Weekend installment of Liquid Sunshine. The signature pool party includes music by DJs Craig Smoove, BEQ, Shesayise and Bender Barbie; plus a full bar featuring giant slushies and other colorful cocktails; unique vendors; and cabana/daybed/table reservations and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. 1-6 p.m. See website for tickets (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
“Nighttime Zoo” at San Diego Zoo
Opens to Public May 23. Experience San Diego Zoo via extended hours and family-friendly festivities that open to the public on Saturday. Enjoy performances by Jambo Dunia! (pictured), featuring wildlife puppets, dancers and acrobats; The Chameleons brass ensemble; the Rock & Roar pop band; The Explorers a capella group; Bounce-a Roo Bonanza; the Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania; the interactive Zoolamoves; and more. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. through Aug. 9; “Nighttime Zoo” entertainment begins at 3:30 p.m. daily. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. Details
Local Memorial Day Ceremonies
May 24-25. Make your Memorial Day extra special by attending a local service that honors those who have died in service to our country. Among them: the Miramar National Cemetery Veterans Memorial Service (5795 Nobel Drive) on Sunday, 1-2 p.m.; Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery Memorial Day celebration (1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive), Monday, 10 a.m.-noon; and Mount Soledad Memorial Day ceremony (Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic S. Drive), Monday, 11 a.m. Events are free and open to the public.
Food + Drink
New Menu at AMAYA
Now Available. AMAYA at Fairmont Grand Del Mar has launched a refreshed menu spotlighting globally infused California cuisine. Helmed by executive chef Bryn McArthur and chef de cuisine Tushar Kandalgaonkar, AMAYA is serving up new dishes such as beet-cured yellowtail, squash ravioli, olive-oil-poached striped bass, Parmesan-crusted chicken, and a honey-roasted pear with caramelized white chocolate; plus new libations like the Baja Sour and coffee-laced French Camino. 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar, 858.314.2727. Details
Refreshed Spring Menus at Mister A’s
Now Available. The iconic fine-dining outpost has debuted all kinds of delicious menu additions for spring. Offerings include new dinner entrees such as Romana Artichoke Risotto with green asparagus, pecorino and pine nuts; Georges Banks Scallops with morel mushrooms, spring peas and Champagne butter; a new spring dessert menu including Key Lime Mousse and Strawberry Shortcake Baked Alaska; and spring cocktails like the Off White Negroni and rum-based Diplomatic Immunity. 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, Bankers Hill 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Ballet: Impressionism—I Love Paris
May 22-24. In celebration of The San Diego Museum of Art’s exhibit, Cafes and Cabarets: The Spectacular Art of Toulouse-Lautrec, San Diego Ballet presents three special performances at the museum’s Copley Auditorium this weekend. Impressionism—I Love Paris pays hommage to French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Alongside it, San Diego Ballet also presents Debussy Dances, a nod to French composer Claude Debussy; and Water Lilies, by local choreographer Jean Isaacs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. sandiegoballet.org
S.D. Natural History Museum: “Nat at Night”
May 22. Starting this weekend, “Nat at Night” runs at the San Diego Natural History Museum every Friday—when the museum stays open until 10 p.m., with half-price admission after 5 p.m.—continuing through the summer. You’ll get access to the rooftop patio, offering views overlooking Balboa Park, libations and food from Wolf in the Woods. Plus: pop-up programming and access to the museum’s exhibitions. (The exhibit Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea also opens this Friday.) 5 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org
San Diego International Fringe Festival
Through May 24. Dubbed as “a global, cross-border celebration of unjuried, uncensored creativity,” this 14th annual festival lets you experience performing arts like never before. Enjoy short shows (most run 45-60 minutes)—spanning everything from stand-up comedy and one-person shows; to plays, musical performances, dance, aerial acrobatics, opera, mime and clown, kids’ shows, and more. Performance venues include the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre in Balboa Park and locales at San Diego State University. See website for schedule and tickets. sdfringe.org
Photo credits: AMAYA is by James Tran. San Diego International Fringe Festival is by Michael Prine Jr. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
