Events
CRSSD Festival
Sept. 27-28. Unfolding at Waterfront Park, CRSSD Festival is an audiovisual candy land for electronic music lovers—spanning three stages and 50 musicians and performers. Headliners include John Summit, Empire of the Sun (pictured), Chris Stussy, Claude Vonstroke, Cloonee, Jamie Jones and more. In between DJ sets, guests can enjoy craft beer, cocktails, local food vendors and San Diego Bay views. See website for full lineup of artists and daily schedule, bag policy, after-parties and tickets for the quickly selling-out event (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. crssdfest.com
Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party
Sept 27. Summer is still going strong in San Diego! Hard Rock Hotel San Diego hosts Liquid Sunshine at its rooftop day club—where the mantra is “dance, splash, drink, repeat,” presented by Eventvibe. The signature pool party includes music by DJs Erick Diaz, Kasama, Occy and Nasim; plus a full bar featuring giant slushies and other cocktails; and cabana/daybed rentals and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. Noon-6 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
San Diego Spirits Festival
Sept. 27-28. The San Diego Spirits Festival is back for its 16th annual installment, returning this year to the oceanfront Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla. Join fellow cocktail aficionados and industry insiders in exploring dozens of cocktail brands—including, gin, rum, vodka, tequila, mezcal and specialty liqueurs—plus live entertainment (the famous samba belly dancers are back!); bites by at least 10 local restaurants; ocean views; and more. Dress to impress. Sa 2-6 p.m.; Su 1-5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. Details
Food + Drink
San Diego Sustainable Food Festival
Sept. 27. Head to Balboa Park for a family-friendly afternoon of fabulous food. A “celebration of global flavors and culinary innovation,” the San Diego Sustainable Food Festival comprises 70 vendors—plus food and beverage samples, chef demos, live DJs, kid-friendly activities, and an artisan marketplace—with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly food practices and seasonal ingredients. Fare ranges from tacos and tamales to noodles, curries, barbecue and desserts. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry and parking. Presidents Way Lawn and Park Boulevard, Balboa Park. Details
Taste of College Area
Sept. 28. Explore the College Area Business District’s eclectic culinary scene at the second annual Taste of College Area. You’ll take a self-guided of 25 restaurants, casual eateries, wine bars, cafes and pubs—with each offering signature samples of their offerings. Participating businesses include Tajima Ramen, Sala Thai, Penelope’s Mexican Food, Ikuzo Sushi, Handel’s Ice Cream, Scrimshaw Coffee and Love Letters Pizza. Complimentary Old Town Trolley rides between businesses are also available. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $40-$50. Check-in at 6010 El Cajon Blvd. Details
Christophe Rull Patisserie
Now Open. North City welcomes Christophe Rull Patisserie—the first namesake bakery by pastry chef Christophe Rull. His career spans two decades—from working in Michelin-starred kitchens in France, to Park Hyatt Aviara, to Hotel Bel-Air, to winning several Food Network competitions. The patisserie offers his signature French pastries and breakfast items—served in a quaint cafe setting designed by Sangita Wahi of We Design—including macarons, croissants, quiches and cinnamon rolls. Open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 251 North City Drive, Suite 121, San Marcos. More Info
New Menus & Spaces at Garibaldi
Now Available. Known for its spectacular bay views, Garibaldi is new again—debuting a reimagined menu, a renovated terrace and a new private dining room. Expanding its focus from the Southern Italian Islands to the entire Mediterranean coastline, executive chef Franck Tasic’s menu offers dishes like grilled Iberico Pork Presa, Dalmatia black risotto with calamari, and Swordfish au Poivre; plus exceptional Mediterranean wines. Enjoy all on the terrace, featuring new seating, firepits and a new full-service bar. InterContinental San Diego, third floor, 901 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.436.1081. garibaldisd.com
Arts + Culture
La Jolla Playhouse: The Heart
Extended Through Oct. 5. La Jolla Playhouse presents the world-premiere musical, The Heart, at Potiker Theatre. Based on “Réparer les Vivants” by Maylis de Kerangal—with music and lyrics by Anne Eisendrath and Ian Eisandrath, and book and additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan—the production is directed by Christopher Ashley, with choreography by Mandy Moore. In it, we follow a heart on a truly life-saving journey, after a young surfer’s life is cut short, and a stranger receives a second chance at life. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
The Old Globe: Huzzah!
Through Oct. 19. The Old Globe stages the world-premiere musical, Huzzah!, through Oct. 19. The comedy—with book, music and lyrics by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe, and directed by Annie Tippe—invites you to grab a turkey leg and cinch thy corset for “a midsummer night’s screamingly funny musical.” The story centers on two sisters, who stop fighting long enough to hire the greatest swordsman (allegedly), in order to save their father’s Renaissance Faire from financial ruin. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
S.D. Museum of Art: Two New Exhibits
Now On View. The San Diego Museum of Art presents two new exhibits. On view through Feb. 22, 2026, Marianela de la Hoz and Marc Urselli: Palpitations showcases new works by local artist Marianela de la Hoz; alongside soundscapes by Grammy Award-winning producer Marc Urselli. Alfredo Castañeda: Beyond Surrealism, open through March 1, 2026, comprises 35 paintings for the first U.S. museum retrospective of the work of Mexican artist Alfredo Castañeda. See website for museum hours and admission info. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
Garibaldi by Chris Costa. La Jolla Playhouse by Rich Soublet II. The Old Globe by Jim Cox. The San Diego Museum of Art (pictured: “Hushed Music”) by artist Alfredo Castañeda / photo by Jorge Vértiz Gargollo. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
