San Diego

Weekend roundup

November 3-6

Events

San Diego Beer Week

Nov. 4-13. Paying homage to San Diego’s beer scene and reputation as the reigning craft beer capital of the U.S., the 14th annual San Diego Beer Week returns for a 10-day, countywide festival—highlighted by the Guild Fest on Nov. 5 at Surf Sports Park. The special event will showcase 60-plus independent breweries, including AleSmith, Belching Beaver, Harland Brewing Co. and Duck Foot; plus food trucks and live music. And save the date for the Beer Garden at the Lodge at Torrey Pines on Nov. 13. See website for full schedule, events and participating venues. sdbeer.com

West Coast Taco & Beer Festival

Nov. 5. Celebrating the best of San Diego’s favorite food and drink combo, the West Coast Taco & Beer Festival tour makes its last 2022 stop here—unfolding along the bay at Spanish Landing Park. Festivities includes bottomless tastings from local and regional breweries, including hard ciders and seltzers; 30 food vendors offering tacos and street-food-style fare; lucha libre wrestling; and live music by Spaceface (pictured), Hooverii, Evan Hatfield, Well Well Well and Twin Ritual. 2-7 p.m. Tickets are $49-$99 and must be purchased online in advance (no pets; 21+). 3900 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info

FitFest at The Rady Shell

Nov. 6. Experience a truly unique event on Sunday, when The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park transforms into an all-out festival celebrating physical fitness. Hosted in partnership with FIT Athletic and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, FitFest will offer fitness classes taught by seasoned instructors, including yoga, circuit training, HIIT, bootcamp and more. Guests can also browse health and wellness offerings by vendors such as MURF Electric Bikes, Raw Botanics and NOMADIX; and sample food from Urban Kitchen Group, Biga Pizza, Lola 55 and Kitchens for Good. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

Food + Drink

Carbon BBQ

Now Open. Calling all barbecue lovers! Acclaimed chef Hanis Cavin (founder of Carnitas’ Snack Shack) is helming the kitchen of Carbon BBQ—a Texas-style BBQ smokehouse in the heart of South Park. The casual eatery offers choose-your-own-meat platters—including smoked brisket, prime roast beef, baby-back ribs, pulled pork and jalapeño-cheddar sausage. Or choose from handcrafted sandwiches such as the pork-belly smash burger; along with sides like bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, baked beans, onion rings and jalapeño-cornbread muffins. To drink: local beers, wine and bubbly. W-Su Noon-7 p.m. 2318 30th St., South Park. More Info

The Desmond

Now Open. Chef Jason Neroni (chef/owner of The Rose in Venice Beach) is the man behind the menu at The Desmond. Located at the new Kimpton Alma hotel, the flagship restaurant emanates a chic 1960s vibe, sans pretension—featuring warm wood flooring and seating, hanging plants and an open kitchen. The menu offers chilled seafood; a variety of pastas; seasonal dishes using local produce; mains such as roasted chicken and crispy ocean trout; refined barbecue plates like the BBQ Quail with black truffles; and craft cocktails. W-Su 5-10 p.m. 1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.515.3000. More Info

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Now Open. The owners of The Rose in South Park have opened a new concept in North Park, and it’s downright adorable. Inspired by co-owner Chelsea Coleman’s beloved dog, Mabel’s Gone Fishing is a one part bistro, spotlighting coastal fare from the Iberian Peninsula; and one part cocktail bar, devoted mainly to small-batch gins and wines sourced from Spain and Portugal. Feast on oysters, kampachi, cured halibut, smoked-mackerel toast, swordfish schnitzel, clams ‘n’ ham, blistered Padron peppers with goat cheese, and whipped rice pudding for dessert. To drink, the Spanish G and T is a must. Tu-Sa 4-11:30 p.m. 3770 30th St., North Park, 619.228.9851. mabelsgonefishing.com

Brunch at LAVO San Diego

Now Available. Known for its house-made pastas, brick-oven pizzas and one-pound meatball, the Gaslamp hotspot has launched a weekend brunch service. Offerings include Nutella-stuffed French toast with caramelized bananas, lemon-ricotta waffles, Eggs Benedict alla Romana, and chicken ‘n’ waffles. Patrons can also order select dishes from the dinner menu; along with a special pizza with scrambled eggs, goat cheese and smoked salmon; plus bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Live DJ music completes the brunch experience. Sa-Su noon-4 p.m. 611 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.762.5286. More Info

Arts + Culture

San Diego Asian Film Festival

Nov. 3-12. The 23rd annual San Diego Asian Film Festival spotlights feature films, shorts and animation from Asian artists worldwide. Taking place at various locations across San Diego County, the event will showcase 130 films from 30 different countries and in 30 languages—organized by fun program categories such as “Asia Pop!,” “Classics Restored,” “Masters,” “Unknown Pleasures,” Asian American Panorama,” and “Special Presentations.” See website for full lineup of films, special events, venues and tickets. An All-Fest Pass can be purchased for $195 for Pacific Arts Movement members; $295 for nonmembers. sdaff.org

Fleet Week Art Exhibit at Liberty Station

Nov. 4-13. In partnership with the Arts District Liberty Station, Fleet Week San Diego presents a special art exhibit at the Martha Pace Swift Gallery. The exhibit will feature artwork by local artists who are active duty military, reservists, veterans and military spouses—with works available for purchase to gallery guests. Mediums span the categories of paintings, drawings, sculpture and more. The Arts District Liberty Station is home to unique museums, working artist studios, galleries, gardens, dining and more. Exhibit hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Free admission. 2820 Roosevelt Road (second level), Liberty Station. fleetweeksandiego.org

Art of Tim Cantor Gallery

Open. At age 15, classical/surrealist artist Tim Cantor saw one of his paintings hung in the White House. His work later graced the cover of rock band Imagine Dragons’ Smoke + Mirrors smash-hit album, as well as the group’s music videos. Now celebrities worldwide collect his work. Inside his Gaslamp gallery, you’ll find Cantor’s darkly ethereal, dream-like, oil-on-canvas paintings (pictured: Nostalgia); plus limited-edition prints, writings, original conceptual art and more—many of which depict and are inspired by his wife, Amy. Sa-Su noon-6:30 p.m. 527 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.235.6990. timcantor.com

Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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