San Diego

Weekend roundup

October 20-23

Events

Coronado Pumpkin Patch

Select Dates Through Oct. 30. They had us at “slime station.” This Halloween extravaganza by the bay in Coronado features an actual slime station; plus games, face painting, balloon art, pumpkin-painting kits, cookie-decorating kits, Julian hot-apple cider, cotton candy, a candy wagon, and the Corn Box—where you can actually swim in a jumbo box of corn kernels!. Oh, and there’s plenty of actual pumpkins in all shapes and sizes from which to choose. It’s the perfect place to make some family-friendly Halloween memories. See website for dates and hours. Admission is free. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St., Coronado. coronadopumpkinpatch.com

“Fright Nights” at AleSmith

Oct. 21-22; Oct. 28-30. Care for a craft beer with a side of fear? AleSmith Brewing Company invites you on a haunted tour through its brewery—from its shipping docks back to the Zien Family Farm. Learn firsthand what makes the company’s famous Evil Dead Red ale so intriguing; just beware of the “Red Harvest” as you stroll through the wheat fields. The faint of heart are welcome to wait for the rest of their party in the main tasting room (not recommended for young children). 7-11 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar, 858.549.9888. More Info

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Opens Oct. 21. A thrilling immersive experience roars into town for a limited engagement at Westfield Mission Valley. Billed as “the closest you’ll ever come to living dinosaurs,” Jurassic World: The Exhibition takes you behind the blockbuster film series’ gates. The 20,000-square-foot, family-friendly walk-through exhibit allows visitors to get close to life-sized velociraptors, a tyrannosaurus rex and brachiosaurus; interact with baby dinosaurs, including “Bumpy” from the animated series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous; and more. See website for tickets. 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Mission Valley. jurassicworldexhibition.com

Food + Drink

“The Art of Flamenco” Show at Cafe Sevilla

Oct 22. Spice up your Saturday night with dinner and flamenco dancing at this beloved Spanish eatery (a Gaslamp Quarter staple since 1987). Cafe Sevilla presents a two-part flamenco performance, featuring seasoned dancers who were trained in Spain; along with a three-course dinner featuring its award-winning Paella Valenciana. Add-ons include a tapas menu, wine and a full bar. Advance tickets are required and include entry to the restaurant’s nightclub. 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m., with communal-style seating assigned upon arrival.) $89.50 per person. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5979. Tickets

Cocktail Exploration Series at The Guild Hotel

Oct. 22. Grab a seat at the chic bar at The Guild Hotel, which kicks off a new cocktail exploration series. Saturday evening’s featured spirit is Batch 22—a new grain-based creation that won the “2022 Specialty Spirit of the Year” at the New Orleans Spirits Competition; and a Platinum Medal at the Los Angeles Spirits Awards. Guests can meet and mingle with Batch 22’s founders and try three exclusive cocktails, including Crush 22, Big Batch Energy and The Guilded Mule; plus small bites and live music. 7 p.m. $35 per person (21+). 500 W. Broadway, downtown. Tickets

Rancho BEERnardo Festival

Oct. 22. Sip some beer in the sun for a good cause. Rancho Bernardo’s Webb Park transforms into a campus for beer lovers for this 11th annual festival—featuring more than two dozen local breweries. Sample suds from AleSmith, Karl Strauss, Societe Brewing, Second Chance, Eppig, Pizza Port, Lake Arrowhead Brewing and more; along with several wineries, food trucks and live entertainment. Proceeds from event sponsorships and ticket sales will benefit several local and international charities. 2-5 p.m. $65-$90 (plus $10 “designated driver” tickets). 16826 Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo. More Info

Mister A’s Makeover

Reopened. Boasting even more enhanced views of the city, bay, airport and incoming aircraft from 12 floors up, Mister A’s has undergone a $2 million remodel—marking a new era for new owner Ryan Thorsen. Designed by Mauricio Couturier, the makeover honors the restaurant’s 57-year history—combining nostalgic glam with modern updates. Think: elegant chandeliers; seating wrapped in rich blue jewel tones; renovated dining rooms and patio; an opulent private dining room; an all-new, 90-seat rooftop bar and lounge; and revamped dinner and cocktail menus. See website for reservations. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com

New Omakase Menu at Lumi

Now Available. A modern, Japanese-inspired, rooftop oasis awaits at Lumi, fronted by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. The sexy space spotlights sushi, inventive Japanese fare, seafood delicacies, sake and craft libations—with a focus on Japanese whisky. And the latest reason to visit: a brand-new, eight-course omakase (i.e., chef’s choice) menu, offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Watch the chefs in action behind the sushi bar as they craft delectable small plates that are almost too beautiful to eat—from scallops to nigiri to A5 wagyu to dessert—with sake and cocktail pairings available. See website for reservations. 366 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.329.5864. lumirooftop.com

Arts + Culture

Adults-Only Special Event at The Nat

Oct. 21. Channel your inner big kid at this adults-only evening at the San Diego Natural History Museum (aka The Nat). “The Secret Society of Adultologists: Spooky” includes interactive, hands-on activities throughout the museum, such as a photo-based scavenger hunt and a behind-the-scenes tour of The Nat’s taxidermy collection; along with music; a haunted photo booth; a Halloween costume contest (dress up!); craft cocktails, beer and bites (available for separate purchase); rooftop views overlooking Balboa Park; and more. 7-10 p.m. $15 members; $25 nonmembers (21+). 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org

Into the Breeches! at North Coast Rep

Through Nov. 13. Don’t miss the San Diego premiere of Into the Breeches!—an endearing comedy written by George Brant and directed by Diana Van Fossen—presented by North Coast Rep. The play takes us to a small American playhouse circa 1942, known for its exceptional Shakespeare productions. With its director and actors off at war, a group of determined women decide that “the show must go on,” and hilarity ensues. (Pictured L-R: Katie MacNichol, Melanie Lora and Taylor Henderson.) See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org

Photo credits: Jurassic World is a courtesy image; © 2021 Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. Mister A’s by Kimberly Motos. Into the Breeches! by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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