Events
Coronado Pumpkin Patch
Through Oct. 31. They had us at “slime station.” Presented by Flagship Cruises & Events, this Halloween extravaganza by the bay features an actual slime station; plus games, face painting, balloon art, pumpkin-painting kits, cookie-decorating kits, kettle corn, Julian hot-apple cider and cotton candy. 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. F 3-8 p.m.; Sa-Su 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission is free. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St., Coronado, 619.435.1053. coronadopumpkinpatch.com
“Carnevil” Halloween Pop-Up
Through Nov. 1. What do you get when you cross Vaudeville circus-style performances with tasty treats, cocktails and a gypsy DJ? Welcome to “Carnevil”—a pop-up Halloween experience calling all “devious clowns” to come out and play (and dress the part). Four seatings are available each evening—comprising specialty libations, snacks and a 30-minute showcase of contortionists, acrobatics and more, led by a tormented ringmaster. Intrigued? See website for details and reservations (required). Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. $47 per person. 345 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
Seaside Cinema
Ongoing. When San Diego’s great outdoors and some movie magic come together, you get Seaside Cinema—an intimate film-watching adventure on the beach. And this cool company does all the work for you; simply choose your experience. For example, the “Classic Cinema” experience includes projector setup, Mexican blankets, stadium-style seats, pillows and movie treats. Or pick “Bali by the Bay,” which includes a grazing board of cheeses, bread, fruit and more to enjoy while watching your favorite movie bayside. Ideal for date night and small groups. Availability is limited. See website for details and pricing. seasidecinemasd.com
Food + Drink
Pop-Up Brunch at Craft & Commerce
Oct. 24-25. How does an unassuming, hole-in-the-wall taco shop make GQ magazine’s list of “Best New Restaurants” of 2020? Three words: bone marrow tacos. And Tuétano Taqueria, tucked away in San Ysidro, makes arguably the best bone marrow tacos you’ll find on either side of the border. To celebrate, Craft & Commerce is hosting a special brunch pop-up this weekend at its Little Italy digs. Sample Tuétano’s famous tacos and other specialty dishes, along with plenty of mezcal and tequila. Reservations required. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 675 W. Beech St., Little Italy. 619.269.2202. craft-commerce.com
La Doña OB Cantina
Now Open. Taking over the landmark Nati’s Mexican Restaurant, this mostly outdoor cantina is literally a breath of fresh air in Ocean Beach. You’ll still find delectable Mexican fare here, thanks to chef Gabby Lopez—who was born and raised in Tijuana and has incorporated family recipes from Guadalajara and Nayarit. Feast on beef-birria queso tacos, chicken-tinga enchiladas, citrus-and-garlic-marinated arrachera steak and more. To drink: traditional margaritas and specialty cocktails such as the Donkey Kick with Hornitos Blanco tequila. Tu-Su noon-9 p.m. 1852 Bacon St., Ocean Beach, 619.269.6144. ladonaob.com
Scuderie Italia
Now Open. Where chef DJ Tangalin goes, we follow. Tangalin helms the kitchen at this casual-cool new eatery by Florence-born owner Leo Landini (known for his popular Landini’s Pizzeria), offering elevated Italian fare. Choose from antipasti, pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas; plus entrees such as a roasted half chicken with polenta, and whole branzino with lemon-fennel stuffing. And the decor is fun—a nod to Italian racing culture with blow-up art depicting Ferraris, motorcycles and more along the walls. Vroom, vroom! Open daily 5-10 p.m. 1525 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.352.6912. scuderieitalia.com
The Waverly
Now Open. The same team behind Little Italy’s Kettner Exchange brings us a stunning all-day cafe, restaurant and bar in Cardiff. Kick back at The Waverly—boasting beachy-chic decor by sister duo Design 4 Corners, and progressive American cuisine by chef Brian Redzikowski. Our picks: the king crab Benedict for breakfast; the ricotta agnolotti with roasted squash and wild mushrooms for lunch; and the braised short ribs with crispy kale for dinner. Save room for the cheese course and butterscotch pudding for dessert. Open daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m. 2005 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff, 760.230.1682. thewaverly.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Symphony in Concert
Oct. 23. This is music to our ears! San Diego Symphony presents its first orchestral concert in seven months with a special program, “A Return to Music.” The symphony will perform Beethoven’s epic Triple Concerto; a tribute to (and a rhapsody of) The Star-Spangled Banner by black female composer Jessie Montgomery; Mozart’s Divertimento; and more. Music director Rafael Payare (pictured) conducts the streaming show— featuring solos by renowned musicians such as cellist Alisa Weilerstein, pianist Inon Barnatan and San Diego Symphony concertmaster Jeff Thayer. 7 p.m. Free. Watch Online
San Diego Opera’s La bohème
Opens Oct. 24. Kudos to San Diego Opera for transforming the Pechanga Arena parking lot to present Puccini’s La bohème as a special drive-in performance. Among the many challenges to pull this off, the artists require 120 square feet of space around them, and no one can sing within 15 feet of each other. (This means some very creative staging.) We’re especially excited about the company debut of Grammy Award-winning soprano Ana María Martínez as Mimì; tenor Joshua Guerrero as Rodolfo; and San Diego Symphony maestro Rafael Payare conducting. 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., Midway District. sdopera.org
North Coast Rep’s Same Time, Next Year
Through Nov. 15. Imagine a love affair that lasts 25 years, and the two people involved only meet in person once a year. Directed by David Ellenstein, Bernard Slade’s comedic play brings such a scenario to life. And the best part? The two lead actors—Katie MacNichol and Bruce Turk (pictured)—are married in real life! Presented by North Coast Repertory Theatre, the streaming show is part of the “Filmed Plays Online” series. Audiences can expect a full theatrical production with costumes by Elisa Benzoni and set design by Marty Burnett. See website for ticket info. northcoastrep.org
Photo credits: Carnevil/Gaslamp photo courtesy of Edelweiss/Melanie Stocker. Craft & Commerce by Zack Benson. North Coast Rep by Aaron Rumley. San Diego Opera by Yves Renaud/courtesy of Opéra de Montréal. All other images are courtesy of the businesses featured.
