Events
Weekend Fun at Del Mar Racetrack
Sept. 2-4. Take your pick of Labor Day Weekend fun at Del Mar Racetrack. Highlights include: “Turf Club Fridays,” when patrons can access the exclusive Turf Club without a membership, including two drink tickets and an appetizer buffet; the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic on Saturday, with the race’s winner receiving an automatic bid to the Breeders’ Cup; and Family Fun Day on Sunday, when the kiddos can enjoy bungee trampolines, rock-climbing walls, and a meet ‘n’ greet with the Pony Boy mascot. See website for details and tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.1141. dmtc.com
“Liquid Sunshine” Hard Rock Pool Party
Sept. 3. Let the sunshine in on Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s signature pool party—where the mantra is “dance, splash, drink, repeat,” presented by Eventvibe and RMD. The fun includes tunes—from deep house and tech house to remixes—by the likes of Bakr, Alibi, Blue Jade and CZR; plus a full bar featuring giant slushie margaritas; and cabana rentals and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Swimwear/pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. Noon-6 p.m. See website for tickets (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
R&B Block Party at Quartyard
Sept. 3. This isn’t just an R&B block party. It’s an “all decades” R&B block party, celebrating each decade of the genre every hour on the hour—from the soulful ‘70s to the ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s. Head to outdoor venue Quartyard for an evening of jams “that you just don’t get in the club no more.” Think: throwback tunes by artists such as Jodeci, Bell Biv Devoe, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Blackstreet, Keith Sweat and Jagged Edge. The party features resident DJ Alonzo The Mayor; as well as special DJ guests and performers. 5-10 p.m. $10-$20 (21+). 1301 Market St., East Village. Tickets
“Pier Pressure” Mega Yacht Party
Sept. 4. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend aboard Hornblower’s $10 million “Inspiration” luxury yacht, which has hosted SoCal’s biggest yacht party for 10 years running. The celebration includes live entertainment across the 1,200-person-capacity vessel’s three decks and three areas of music—including performances by 10 DJs, with Eric D-Lux headlining. Guests can take advantage of several fully stocked and staffed bars (with bottle service and VIP packages available); while dancing and taking in unparalleled San Diego Bay views. 5-8 p.m.; boarding begins at 4 p.m. $39-$300. 1800 N. Harbor Drive, downtown. Tickets
Labor Day Pier Swim
Sept. 5. Dive in if you dare! Presented by the Oceanside Swim Club—a nonprofit and competitive swim team for children ages 5-18—this 93rd annual event returns with a big splash. Started in 1929, the tradition entails a one-mile swim around the landmark Oceanside Pier—first built in 1888 and standing at 1,954 feet long—with swimmers racing toward the finish line in the sand. Register online in advance (must be at least 13 years old). Check-ins begin at 7 a.m; start times (which are staggered) begin at 8:30 a.m. $70 entry fee. The Strand, Oceanside. labordaypierswim.com
Food + Drink
“Get Crafty” at The Lafayette Hotel
Sept. 2. Autumn is (almost) in the air in North Park. Kick off the holiday weekend with this cool collaboration between Bivouac Ciderworks and The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. General admission grants you four Bivouac Cider tastings (popular flavors include The Savoy, San Diego Jam and Albright); four food pairings from Bivouac’s executive chef Stephen Case; a commemorative drawstring bag; discounts on full cider purchases; and automatic entry to a raffle for prizes, which include apparel and a signature crowler. 5-8 p.m. $25 per person (21+). 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. More Info
Fresco Cocina
Now Open. This new casual-chic outpost pays homage to modern Latin cuisine. Executive chef Chris Idso’s imaginative menu features roasted poblano cornbread, Peruvian ceviche, short-rib empanadas, street tacos, roasted Chilean sea bass pibil, Brazilian churrasco (prime skirt steak), and a Uruguayan chivito sandwich with braised pork shoulder and Black Forest ham. To drink: exclusive rums, tequilas and Latin American-inspired specialty cocktails. Grab a seat at the stunning marble bar or on the quaint dining porch. See website for hours. 2858 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad Village, 442.333.9321. frescococina.com
Marisi
Now Open. Centered on Italian hearth cooking and channeling flavors and vibes of the Amalfi coast, Marisi has opened in the former Whisknladle space in the heart of La Jolla Village. Designed by acclaimed L.A. firm Bells + Whistles, the striking indoor/outdoor restaurant features ample patio dining and nostalgic, colorful mosaic-tiled flooring. On the menu: handmade pastas, fresh seafood, dry-aged beef and fish, and authentic desserts. Wash it all down with the house-made limoncello or a classic Italian cocktail. (We suggest the white negroni.) See website for hours. 1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.401.6787. marisilajolla.com
Arts + Culture
Hostile Terrain 94 at Museum of Us
On View. The Undocumented Migration Project partners with the Museum of Us for this powerful exhibition—a participatory map installation intended to raise awareness about the realities (and deaths) at the U.S.–Mexico Border since 1994. It comprises 3,200 handwritten, geolocated toe tags that represent migrants; along with cultural resources and family narratives related to these migrations; a timeline of government policies that have produced these conditions; and land acknowledgement, contemporary artworks and landscape visuals. W-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001. museumofus.org
Annabella in July at North Coast Rep
Upcoming | Sept. 7-Oct. 2. An evening of live, local theater is always a good idea. North Coast Rep presents playwright Richard Strand’s world premiere of Annabella in July—a “comedic fantasy” in which a ski resort becomes a magical place of self-discovery during the off-season. David Ellenstein directs. (And save the date for North Coast Rep’s San Diego premiere of Into the Breeches!, an endearing comedy written by George Brant and directed by Diana Van Fossen, opening Oct. 19). See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
