Outdoor Fun
Lobsterfest at Tuna Harbor Dockside Market
Oct. 10. Calling all lobster lovers: Spiny lobster season is here! The Tuna Harbor Dockside Market hosts this second-annual, family-friendly event—when local fishermen will be selling live spiny lobsters direct to customers at off-the-boat prices. (More than 1,492 pounds of lobster were sold last year!) The fun includes easy spiny lobster recipes you can make at home; along with cooking tips from the pros. Craft Meals by chef Phillip Esteban will also be selling lobster dishes. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until lobsters are sold out). Free entry. 598 Harbor Lane, downtown. More Info
Carlsbad Strawberry Co. Pumpkin Patch
Through Nov. 8. This North County family farm has transformed into a fall wonderland, offering fun for all ages. After picking your perfect pumpkin, wander through an enchanted corn maze; take a tractor ride; and shoot apples (at speeds of 100 mph!) out of an apple cannon. There’s also a Bounceland for kids and a separate haunted corn maze for teens and adults (F-Sa 7-10 p.m.); plus festive fall treats and beverages. Su-Th 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; F-Sa 9 a.m.-10 p.m. $5 general admission (ages 5 and under are free). 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. More Info
Balboa Park Carousel
Open. ‘Round and ‘round we go! Built in 1910, this iconic attraction—owned/operated by Friends of Balboa Park and powered by its original General Electric motor—epitomizes family-friendly San Diego fun. Take a five-minute ride aboard this enduring artsy masterpiece, featuring three chariots and a menagerie of animals—including horses (both leaping and standing), giraffes, frogs, pigs, roosters and more—all boasting original, hand-carved European craftsmanship. Sa-Su 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $3 per ride; or $10 per group of four guests (large group rates available). 1889 Zoo Place, Balboa Park, 619.232.2282. balboaparkcarousel.org
Food + Drink
Live Music at Havana 1920
Oct. 8-9. Don your dancing shoes for an evening of Cuban cuisine and live entertainment. Havana 1920’s October lineup features Latin music by Karlos Paez and Friends (pictured) every Friday; and Brazilian beats by Bossa Lounge Project every Saturday. Dance off extra calories accrued from the restaurant’s authentic fare, as the Ropa Vieja (the national dish of Cuba made with shredded beef and tomato), the popular Cuban sandwich, fried plantains and cocktails made with fresh-pressed sugarcane juice. Reservations encouraged. Performances begin at 7 p.m. 548 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.369.1920. havana1920.com
HottMess Woodfired Pizza
Open. This fun addition to Barrio Logan’s 40,000-square-foot “Acre of Awesome” joins its all-outdoor counterpart Sideyard BBQ and craft distillery ReBru Spirits. Featuring recycled furnishings and an airy, woodsy-urban vibe, the eatery is popular for its creative pizzas—made from “spent” grain—dreamt up by executive chef Kenzo Inai. We suggest the smoked brisket pizza with mozzarella, cotija cheese, red and green onions, serrano chiles and a chipotle lacquer; and the vegetarian-pesto pizza with “imperfect” veggie toppings that change weekly. Th-Su noon-10 p.m. 1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan, 619.650.2251. sdhottmess.com
Late-Night Cocktails at Understory
Now Available. Need a nightcap? Head to this central bar at the Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Named for the dimly lit middle layer of the forest, the Marco Ulloa-designed hangout is accented by woodsy greenery and tree-like pillars. In addition to Understory’s usual menu of flora/fauna-themed cocktails, guests can order from the new “Nocturnal” late-night menu. Selections are bartender’s choice, change seasonally and include vodka, whiskey and tequila-based nightcaps; plus bottles for purchase. Available daily 9 p.m.-close. 12841 El Camino Real, Suite 209-210, Del Mar, 858.925.7022. understorybar.com
Taste of Mission Hills
Upcoming | Oct. 13. The quaint uptown ‘hood of Mission Hills has evolved into quite the eclectic culinary community. You’re invited to get a taste of it at this ninth-annual event that raises funds for the nonprofit Mission Hills Business Improvement District. Sample bites and beverages from 25 participating restaurants—including Bar by Red Door, Cardellino, El Indio, Fort Oak, La Puerta and Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria. To get around, enjoy free Old Town Trolley service, which includes stops at designated spots every 15 minutes. 5-9 p.m. Advance tickets are $30 per person (see website). missionhillsbid.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Air & Space Museum Special Event
Oct. 8. Green thumbs are invited to “Refuel + Cultivate: Urban Sips & Garden Tips,” a unique celebration of sustainable living and the conversion of the museum’s garden in the Pavilion of Flight. Festivities include garden-inspired cocktails and bites; mingling with 30 “makers” from the local gardening community; an interactive wall; live DJ music; a photo booth; access to the Space exhibit and galleries; and an appearance by Jerome LeBlanc—a Tom Cruise impersonator and dead ringer for “Maverick” in Top Gun. 6:30-10 p.m. $35. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.8291. sandiegoairandspace.org
Jacobs Masterworks Concert at The Shell
Oct. 8. If you have yet to catch maestro Rafael Payare (pictured) in action, this special Jacobs Masterworks concert is your chance. San Diego Symphony’s music director conducts the orchestra under the stars at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The evening opens with Reinaldo Moya’s haunting Siempre Lunes, Siempre Marzo (Always Monday, Always March); followed by Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1; plus a special performance by renowned pianist Inon Barnatan, who plays Maurice Ravel’s Concerto in G Major. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804. theshell.org
The Garden at La Jolla Playhouse
Through Oct. 17. This gripping drama is the first of three Playhouse world premieres and marks the outfit’s return to live theater. Written by Charlayne Woodard, The Garden explores the complex mother-daughter relationship between two women who haven’t spoken in three years. Cassandra (portrayed by Woodard) shows up at the garden gate of her mother, Claire Rose (Stephanie Berry, pictured), to make amends. Past traumas and secrets are revealed as the women talk and argue, culminating in a gut-wrenching plot twist. Tickets start at $25. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
New in Los Angeles
SPONSORED
Upcoming Film Screenings at the Academy Museum
Now Open. Enjoy a state-of-the-art movie experience at the new Academy Museum. Lose yourself in the masterful scores of films like Clemency (2019) or Emma (1996) with the limited series Sound Off: A Celebration of Women Composers. Or get in the Halloween spirit with Oscar® Frights! featuring horror classics like Psycho (1960) and contemporary thrillers like Get Out (2017). Tickets available now. 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.930.3000. academymuseum.org
Photo credits: Lobsterfest by Colin Richard. Taste of Mission Hills / La Puerta by Brogen Jessup Photography. Balboa Park Carousel by Richard Benton. “The Garden” by Rich Soublet II. Still from “Clemency” (2019) courtesy Academy Museum. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
