Events
North Park Music Fest
May 27-28. The second annual festival is back for two days of local music, food, live art, craft beer and libations. Three stages will host dozens of acts—including Mr. Tube & The Flying Objects, Kate Clover, Wild Wild Wets, El Ten Eleven, The Mattson 2 (pictured), Well Well Well, and Sure Fire Soul Ensemble. Fuel up with eclectic fare from vendors serving gourmet hot dogs, stone-fired pizza, bao buns, gyros and more; plus an art gallery and other interactive entertainment. Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $45-$60. North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St., North Park. northparkmusicfest.org
“Sun Kiss Soiree” at Andaz San Diego
May 28. Billed as the hottest rooftop pool party in town, this Memorial Day Weekend bash is the ultimate “see and be seen” event to kick off the summer season. Unfolding on the pool rooftop at the Andaz San Diego hotel, “Sun Kiss Soiree” will feature top area DJs spinning all afternoon, dancing, cocktails, bites, city views and plenty of splish-splashing; plus bottle service available. Dress to impress and feel free to bring your own floaties. Admission is free but see website to reserve your spot on the guest list. Noon-6 p.m. (21+). 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
Local Memorial Day Ceremonies
May 28-29. 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.
Legacy Week at USS Midway Museum
Through May 29. Welcome aboard “the “Midway” (christened as such in 1942.) The retired naval aircraft carrier is home to more than 30 restored airplanes and helicopters, exhibits, a cafe and a massive flight deck overlooking San Diego Bay. The museum’s Legacy Week is in full swing through Monday—including a screening of Top Gun Maverick on the flight deck, an onboard Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony, a National Moment of Remembrance, and an interactive Remembrance Wall. See website for admission info. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 910 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.544.9600. midway.org
Food + Drink
Crawfish Boil at Ranch 45
May 28. A true taste of Louisiana comes to Solana Beach for this southern-style Memorial Day Weekend celebration at Ranch 45 butchery and eatery. Offerings include a traditional crawfish boil with all the fixings—complete with sausage, potatoes and corn—plus Cajun jambalaya (pictured), old-fashioned beignets, beer, wine and more. Food items must be ordered online in advance for pickup (while supplies last); or guests can enjoy on Ranch 45’s spacious outdoor patio, located across from the Del Mar Racetrack. Noon-4 p.m. See website for pricing. 512 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach, 858.461.0092. ranch45.com
AnniVenti La Trattoria
Now Open. Lemon Grove welcomes a quaint Italian outpost: AnniVenti La Trattoria. Owned and operated by the Gagliano brothers, the restaurant draws its name from the family’s original trattoria near Palermo, Italy. The menu features authentic dishes with mod twists, including antipasti, salads, pizzas, pastas, calzones, entrees, wine and cocktails. Try the Lasagna AnniVenti with slow-braised beef Bolognese, bechamel, mozzarella and Parmigiano; and the Mortazza pizza with burrata, imported mortadella and crema di pistachio. See website for hours. 8099 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 619.303.0415. anniventitrattoria.com
Fisher’s San Diego
Now Open. Making a splash in Little Italy, international seafood chain Fisher’s (with 31 locations worldwide) has opened its first U.S. location. The 8,700-square-foot restaurant features a generous outdoor patio, an oyster and seafood bar, and a wide array of shellfish. Highlights of the Mexican-seafood-style menu: “Fisher’s Classics” such as the Diabla shrimp and the melted seafood cazuela; fresh fish preparations that range from grilled to “San Lucas” to arriera; pasta and rice dishes tossed with seafood; and the panko-fried fish sandwich on brioche. Open daily beginning at 11 a.m. 555 W. Beech St., Little Italy. fishers-sandiego.com
Arts + Culture
“WNDR X Connect” at WNDR Museum
May 25. Enjoy an artsy Thursday evening at WNDR Museum—an immersive experience boasting multisensory installations and exhibits by acclaimed designers, technologists and artists. In partnership with local artist collective Connect San Diego, WNDR presents an exclusive event filled with music—complete with 10 DJs spinning across two stages while you explore—libations, one-night-only exhibits, and performances by Connect artists. (Be ready for armless lurking monsters, a comical group of mimes and more.) 6-11 p.m. (last entry at 10 p.m.). $50 per person. 422 Market St., downtown. wndrmuseum.com
Summer Fun at Birch Aquarium
May 28-Sept. 4. Kick off summer at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which presents new seasonal offerings and special summer hours. Starting Sunday, the aquarium will be open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. (most days)—when all exhibits and hands-on activities will remain open. Come face to face with Little Blue Penguins (the world’s smallest penguins); watch animal feedings; experience a behind-the-scenes encounter with a Giant Pacific Octopus; take in stunning ocean views from Tide Pool Plaza; and more. See website for detailed admission info. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Destiny of Desire at The Old Globe
Through June 25. Playwright Karen Zacarías’ hilarious homage to the world’s most popular form of storytelling: the telenovela (soap opera), Destiny of Desire is now playing at The Old Globe theater. The plot twists are aplenty when a scheming ex-beauty queen swaps two newborn babies—one born into a life of poverty and the other born into one of extravagant wealth—on a stormy night in Bellarica, Mexico. Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson directs the play, featuring live music and vibrant choreography. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Photo credits: USS Midway by Howard Sandler. Destiny of Desire / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
