Events

Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party

May 25. The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego presents its Memorial Day Weekend installment of Liquid Sunshine—where the mantra is “dance, splash, drink, repeat,” presented by Eventvibe and RMD Group. The signature pool party includes tunes—including house, deep house, tech house and remixes—by DJs Erick Diaz, Azarelle and more; plus a full bar featuring giant slushie margaritas and other cocktails; and cabana/daybed rentals and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Swimwear/pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. Noon-6 p.m. See website for tickets (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Nighttime Zoo at San Diego Zoo

Begins May 25. “Rock Into the Evening!” at San Diego Zoo, which will offer extended summer hours and themed, family-friendly festivities beginning this Saturday. Enjoy performances by Jambo Dunia! (pictured), featuring wildlife puppets, dancers and acrobats; The Chameleons brass ensemble; the Rock & Roar pop band; The Explorers singing troupe; Bounce-a Roo Bonanza; the Amazing Acrobats of Tanzania; the interactive Zoolamoves to get the kiddos dancing; and more. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-9 p.m. all summer long; “Nighttime Zoo” entertainment begins at 4 p.m. daily. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park. sandiegozoo.org

Local Memorial Day Ceremonies

May 26-27. Make your Memorial Day a little more meaningful by attending a local service that honors and remembers those who have died in service to our country. Among them: the Miramar National Cemetery Veterans Memorial Service (5795 Nobel Drive) on Sunday, 1-3 p.m.; the Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery Memorial Day celebration (1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive) on Monday, 10 a.m.-noon; and the Mount Soledad Memorial Day ceremony (Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic S. Drive) also on Monday, 11 a.m.-noon. All events are free and open to the public.

“Pier Pressure” Mega Yacht Party

May 26. Kick off summer aboard Hornblower’s $10 million “Inspiration” luxury yacht, which has hosted SoCal’s biggest yacht party for 13 years running. The celebration includes live entertainment across the 1,200-person-capacity vessel’s three decks and two areas of music—featuring performances by five DJs, including Vtech, K Swift and Mark Cena. Guests can take advantage of several fully stocked and staffed bars (with bottle service and VIP packages available); while dancing and taking in unparalleled San Diego Bay views. 5-8 p.m. (boarding begins at 4 p.m.). $28-$200. 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. Tickets

Legacy Week at USS Midway Museum

Through May 27. 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. Legacy Week is in full swing through Monday—including a patriotic choral performance by the Mesa Continuing Education Coir, an onboard Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, a National Moment of Remembrance, a Remembrance Wall exhibit, and more. See website for full schedule and admission info. 910 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.544.9600. midway.org

Food + Drink

Postino Wine Cafe

Now Open. Postino Wine Cafe has arrived in S.D. with two locations: a Little Italy flagship and an outpost at One Paseo. The neighborhood-style hangout is known for unique boutique wines; vintage-inspired urban decor (the Little Italy locale pays homage to the property’s past life as the city’s oldest imported car dealership, with an “art wall” bearing 5,500 embroidered mechanic nametags); a dozen gourmet bruschetta boards; and charcuterie and small plates. See website for hours. 2100 Kettner Blvd., Suite 1800, Little Italy, 619.241.4700; 3745 Paseo Place, Suite 800, Del Mar Heights, 619.567.2111. postinowinecafe.com

Leave of Absence

Reopened. Located on the pool-deck level of Kimpton Alma San Diego, the popular Gaslamp rooftop bar and restaurant has reopened for the summer season—complete with new menus. Feast on shareable wood-fired dishes, pizzas and California fare, such as the Porky Pig Pizza with barbecue pulled pork and roasted onions; the Chicken Alfredo Pizza with white sauce; and the wood-fired wings with a hot-honey glaze. The cocktail menu boasts tropical craft libations like the Jungle Bird with Brugal rum, Campari, pineapple and lime. See website for hours. 1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info

Arts + Culture

Nat at Night at S.D. Natural History Museum

May 24. Ease your way into the weekend at Nat at Night. The San Diego Natural History Museum (aka “the Nat”) is open every Friday until 10 p.m. through the summer—with half-price admission after 5 p.m. The museum’s rooftop patio boasts views overlooking the park—offering beer, wine and cocktails; small plates from Wolf in the Woods; pop-up programming; and access to the museum’s exhibitions. Our pick: Expedition Baja, located in the museum’s fourth-floor gallery, explores the rugged and beautiful Baja California Peninsula. 5 p.m. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Closes May 26. Presented by Cygnet Theatre, composer Dave Malloy’s electro-pop opera—Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812—plays at Old Town Theatre through Sunday. Adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, it’s the West Coast premiere of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical. In it we meet beautiful Natasha, who—while her betrothed Andrey is off at war—falls for handsome rebel Anatole. Sean Murray directs; with music direction by Patrick Marion and choreography by Katie Banville. See website for showtimes and tickets. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com

Stir at The Old Globe

Closes May 26. Don’t miss the heart-warming comedy Stir, staged at The Old Globe theater through Sunday. Written by Melinda Lopez (who plays Mariana) and Joel Perez (Henry), the Globe-commissioned world-premiere play centers on two distant siblings who come together to share their mother’s favorite recipe. As the two reminisce about their childhood and life, and reveal secrets of their own, this seemingly simple project reveals an unexpected connection. Marcela Lorca directs 80-minute production (no intermission). See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Photo credits: USS Midway by Howard Sandler. Postino Wine Cafe by Deanna Sandoval. “Nat at Night” by Eric Scire. Cygnet Theatre by Karli Cadel Photography. Stir / The Old Globe (pictured L-R: Melinda Lopez as Mariana, Al Rodrigo as Papi, and Joel Perez as Henry) by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.