Events

Frontwave Arena

Now Open. Oceanside welcomes a world-class sports and entertainment destination: Frontwave Arena, which celebrates its grand opening this week. The 7,500-capacity arena is the new home of the 16-time champion San Diego Sockers and the NBA G-League San Diego Clippers; and will also host premier concerts, comedy acts, community events, family shows and more. The venue boasts 16 luxury suites, VIP viewing decks, exclusive lounges, local craft food concessions and bars, and an expansive outdoor plaza. See website for upcoming events and tickets. 3475 Hero Drive, Oceanside. frontwavearena.com

Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro

Sept. 20-22. Cheer on more than 100 of the world’s top-ranked surfers as they hang ten in this 18th annual surfing competition (the largest female surfing event in the world!)—including a long board competition, team events and mentorship opportunities. The event also includes the free Nissan Concert Series, featuring Ceelo Green, Bishop Briggs, Lovelytheband, Beach Weather and other superstar acts among its 15 performing artists; the Festival Village, offering autograph signings, an all-female DJ contest, a celebrity leadership panel, a beer and wine garden; and much more. Free attendance. Oceanside Pier. supergirlsurfpro.com

Adams Avenue Street Fair

Sept. 21-22. Touted as SoCal’s largest free two-day music festival, the Adams Avenue Street Fair returns for its 42nd annual installment. Seven designated entertainment stages across 10 blocks will host 75 music acts—including the Ally Venable Band, Creature Canyon, Deadbolt, Homero Espinosa and many more. Festivities also include multiple beer gardens offering tastings from local craft breweries; along with 300 art/retail vendors; plus carnival rides, the Fern Street Circus, the new Cool Zone and festival fare. Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free entry. Along Adams Avenue, Normal Heights, 619.282.7329. More Info

“Harvest for Hope” at Coasterra

Sept. 22. Sample libations and cuisine for a good cause; while taking in bay and skyline views at Coasterra. The Emilio Nares Foundation’s 21st annual event raises funds to provide free programs for low-income families whose children are battling cancer. At least 25 of the region’s top wineries, breweries and restaurants will be on hand; plus live music, a silent auction, and a “Ring the Bell” ceremony to celebrate a child’s completion of cancer treatment. 2 p.m. General admission is $250. (See website for sponsorship opportunities.) 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island. Tickets

Food + Drink

San Diego Restaurant Week

Sept. 22-29. San Diego’s most delicious week (eight days to be exact) of the year returns. Taste your way through town during San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW), when more than 100 restaurants countywide will offer discounted, multicourse menus for lunch and dinner—starting as low as $30. Some of our favorite participating restaurants include French bistro Bleu Bohème in Kensington; The Prado at Balboa Park; C Level and Island Prime on Harbor Island; STK Steakhouse downtown; and Amaya (pictured) at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. See website for all restaurants, menus and pricing. sandiegorestaurantweek.com

Tequila & Tacos Festival

Sept. 22. The Handlery Hotel San Diego hosts a fun afternoon under the sun, devoted to tacos and tequila. Guests can sample a wide array of tequilas and mezcals, paired with tacos crafted by executive chef Miguel Diaz. The fun also includes live music by Matt Kirk (from San Antonio, Texas), lawn games, a “make your own margaritas” station, Tequila 101 education and local small business vendors. Noon-4 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. (Kids ages 10 and under get free admission with one paid adult.) Free validated parking. 950 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley. More Info

Arts + Culture

The Old Globe: Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors

Opens Sept. 20. Get into the Halloween spirit at The Old Globe, which presents the West Coast premiere of Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors, through Oct. 27. It’s a comedic twist on Bram Stoker’s famed 1897 novel—written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen—in which vampire hunter Jean Van Helsing chases Count Dracula across the English countryside in a race to save his next victims. Featuring special effects and creative staging, the production is likely to elicit blood-curdling screams… of laughter. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

ArtWalk Carlsbad

Sept. 21-22. Calling all art aficionados! North County’s acclaimed fine arts show, ArtWalk Carlsbad, returns for its fifth year, featuring 150 artists from across the U.S. and Mexico. Mediums range from painting to photography to sculpture to glass to jewelry design and more. Event highlights also include the KidsWalk, featuring interactive art installations for families; plus musical performers, beer, wine, food trucks, ocean views and ample free parking. Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. Along Armada Drive (just east of The Flower Fields), just off Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad. Details

Lamb’s: The Importance of Being Earnest

Through Nov. 10. Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado brings us Oscar Wilde’s comic masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest, first performed in 1895. In this timeless farce, we are transported to London’s fashionable West End—where two men assume the identity of a fictional man named Ernest, leading them to both fall in love; all while deceiving those around them. Shenanigans and hilarity ensue. Kerry Meads directs a talented cast of nine; with period costumes designed by Jeanne Reith. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000.  lambsplayers.org

La Jolla Playhouse: Primary Trust

Upcoming | Opens Sept. 24. Eboni Booth’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Primary Trust, comes to La Jolla Playhouse for its West Coast premiere, Sept. 24-Oct. 20. In this touching play, we meet Kenneth, a bookstore worker in upstate New York, who must face challenges he has long avoided after being laid off. Knud Adams directs. (Booth and Adams are pictured L-R.) According to The Daily Beast, it’s “pretty darn near to perfect.” See website for showtimes and tickets. Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org

Photo credits: San Diego Restaurant Week / Amaya by Cliff Endsley. Lamb’s Players Theatre by Nathan Peirson. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.