Events
Gator By The Bay Festival
May 5-8. Don your dancing shoes and come hungry for this weekend-long, bayside celebration at Spanish Landing Park. Gator By The Bay boasts Louisiana-themed food, including 10,000 pounds of crawfish, beignets, jambalaya and a chef-led gumbo cook-off; seven entertainment stages with more than 70 artists and 100 performances; and five designated dance floors. The music lineup includes Sugar Ray, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Horace Trahan & the Ossun Express, and Geno Delafose & French Rockin’ Boogie. See website for daily schedule and tickets. 3900 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. gatorbythebay.com
Mic Drop Comedy
Opens May 6. It’s a laughing matter at Mic Drop Comedy, the city’s new live comedy destination. Inspired by its predecessor Comedy Palace, the entertainment venue features a talented lineup of comedians—from household names to up-and-comers—performing in 90-minute shows in the Main Showroom; as well as the more intimate Gold Room. Headliners this weekend include Shapel Lacey and Jasmine Ellis. Added bonuses: no drink minimum, free parking, a full dinner menu and an extensive cocktail list. W-Su 3 p.m.-midnight. 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa, 858.225.2100. micdropcomedy.com
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Closes May 8. Stop and smell the flowers before the season ends on Sunday. The Flower Fields span 50 rolling acres of flora in full bloom—including Giant Tecolote ranunculus flowers, orchids, roses and sweet-pea blossoms—totaling more than 70 million 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
Food + Drink
Mother’s Day Dining at Cafe Sevilla
May 8. Transport Mom to Spain with brunch or dinner at Cafe Sevilla. Feast on dishes like the short-rib hash and Spanish Eggs Benedict for brunch; while listening to live Spanish guitar (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) On the dinner menu (which is also available all day), indulge in the traditional Paella Valenciana, black seafood paella and hot and cold tapas; while enjoying performances by Kenna (5-8 p.m.) and Santana Pa Ti (8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.). All moms will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne. Call for reservations. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. cafesevilla.com
Mother’s Day at Rancho Valencia
May 8. 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. Meanwhile, the kiddos can play in the bounce house; sharpen their art skills at the flower-making station, where they can make gifts for Mom; and enjoy pony rides on the lawn. Call for reservations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $165 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 8. Treat Mom to an elegant meal and ocean views at La Jolla’s landmark “Pink Lady.” The three-course menu by executive chef Fabia Aceves includes scallops, spring pasta, short ribs and a chocolate-ganache tart; plus a take-home treat by executive pastry chef Kari Cota. On the hunt for a last-minute gift? The hotel’s Mother’s Day pop-up shop features a gift basket filled with a signature La Valencia robe, Pink Lady soap bars from La Jolla Soap Company and more. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Reservations required. 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 866.895.9859. lavalencia.com
“Roses and Rosé” Mother’s Day at STK
May 8. Wine and dine Mom with a decadent brunch or dinner at STK Steakhouse. The experience includes complimentary flowers for Mom; plus discounts on rosé and Mother’s Day food specials. Dishes include the Dungeness crab summer roll; Australian wagyu “picanha” steak with wagyu-umami butter; Maine lobster ravioli with lemon sauce and confit cherry tomatoes; and molten chocolate cake with strawberry jam and meringue for dessert. Items are also available for takeout or delivery; along with the restaurant’s full menu. Dine-in reservations required (see website). 600 F St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.354.5988. stksteakhouse.com
New Cocktails at Verbena Kitchen
Now Available. Did you know the urban bistro is also a cocktail destination? Libations ninja Dallas Juanes (pictured) has dreamt up a selection of seasonal cocktails that are as creative as they are tasty. Among them: the Purple Rain made with rum infused with butterfly-pea flower and black peppercorn, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, juniper-mint green tea, honey, lemon and orange bitters; and the Green Monkey Sour with rum, pandan syrup, green tea, lime, pineapple, yuzu bitters and egg whites. They’re almost too pretty to drink … almost. 3043 University Ave., North Park, 619.269.5776. verbenakitchensd.com
Arts + Culture
World of Orchids Exhibition
May 7-June 12. Everything’s coming up orchids at San Diego Botanic Garden. Its second annual spring orchid showcase takes place at the glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Conservatory. Artist-in-residence René van Rems will design a new display for each week of the exhibition—comprising striking designs of rare orchid species, locally bred hybrids and more. Orchid experts will also be on hand during the weekends to answer questions and offer advice on choosing and caring for orchids at home. $12-$18 nonmembers (includes access to the entire property). 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbgarden.org
Million Dollar Quartet Musical
Extended through July 3. This electrifying production at Lamb’s Players Theatre has been extended because it’s just that good. Million Dollar Quartet transports you to the historic 1956 meeting of four music legends—Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins—at Sun Records in Memphis, where the musicians sing and play their hearts out. Written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, the musical features music direction by Patrick Marion and choreography by Colleen Kollar Smith. Kerry Means directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org
Photo credits: Mic Drop Comedy by Shaun Baker Photography. Verbena Kitchen by Sourced Co. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
