Events

Fall Fest at Belmont Park

Sept. 7-Oct. 27. Belmont Park’s annual celebration of all things autumn offers something fun for everyone. Festivities include the new “Belmont Bites: Fall Flavor Pass” that lets you try exclusive seasonal treats from the Sweet Shoppe and other outposts; a community 5K (Sept. 22); the new Belmont BeerFest (Oct. 20); live music with weekly “pumpkin jams”; and free trick-or-treating every Sunday in October (5 p.m.; costumes encouraged). Stay and dine at the park’s restaurants, such as Cannonball and Draft. Open daily (see website for hours). Free general admission. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. belmontpark.com

San Diego Beatles Fair 2024

Sept. 7. All hail The Beatles! Queen Bee’s Art and Cultural Center in the heart of North Park presents an entire 12 hours in celebration of The Fab Four. Stop by and enjoy live music performances by Beatles tribute bands; a treasure trove of Beatles merchandise and memorabilia; food and refreshments by local vendors; and plenty of nostalgic vibes centered on one of the greatest bands of all time—comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Noon-11:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 3925 Ohio St., North Park. More Info

Food + Drink

Cork & Brew Festa

Sept. 7. Spend your Saturday evening sipping and sampling under the stars at this third-annual, alfresco community event in Point Loma. Cork & Brew comprises small plates by local restaurants; beer, wine, tequila and whiskey tastings; dancing and music by local DJs; a cigar lounge; and more. Participating businesses include Prince St. Pizza, Bali Hai Restaurant, Modern Times Beer, Meze Greek Fusion, Mike Hess Brewing, June Shine, Belching Beaver, Diniz Cellars, Miguel’s Cocina, Jace Wines and more. 6-10 p.m. $65 general admission; $85 VIP (21+). 2818 Avenida de Portugal, Point Loma, 858.212.8728. More Info

“I Scream for Brunch” at Mic Drop Comedy

Sept. 8. Promising a screamingly good time this Sunday, Mic Drop Comedy presents “I Scream for Brunch.” The fun experience is a variety show melding standup comedy, trivia and a lip-sync battle based on the hit horror movie franchise Scream; as well as mimosas, bloody marys and other cocktails; and a full brunch menu. Choose from breakfast tacos, shrimp ‘n’ grits, avocado toast, French toast, the signature Mic Drop Scramble and more. 1 p.m. (Doors open at noon.) See website for reservations and pricing (21+). 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa, 858.225.2100. micdropcomedy.com

New Food & Cocktail Menus at Vistal

Now Available. Known for its Cali-Baja cuisine and prime embarcadero views, InterContinental San Diego’s waterfront restaurant, Vistal, has launched a new menu—centered on hyper-local seafood from the Port of San Diego. (Vistal is one of just two S.D. restaurants to receive the prestigious “Smart Catch Leader” certification.) Sample fresh-catch offerings like the Seafarer’s Tower with oysters, shrimp, tuna tartare and more; vermillion rockfish ceviche (pictured); and local sheephead “zarandeado.” To drink, Vistal has also launched a new cocktail meu; try the Big Bay Old Fashioned. 901 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.535.0485. vistalsd.com

Weekend Brunch at Postino Wine Cafe

Now Available. Brunch is now served at Postino Wine Cafe, which recently opened locations in Little Italy and at One Paseo. Feast on hot doughnut dots; focaccia-style French toast; focaccia toast with smashed avocado, crispy prosciutto, fried egg, feta, watermelon radish and spicy marcona almonds; meatball shakshuka; and more. To wash it all down, Postino has also debuted a selection of craft cocktails. Brunch is served Sa-Su, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (See website for general hours.) 2100 Kettner Blvd., Suite 1800, Little Italy, 619.241.4700; 3745 Paseo Place, Suite 800, Del Mar Heights, 619.567.2111. postinowinecafe.com

“Manifestations” at Mystique Dining La Jolla 

Upcoming | Sept. 11-Nov. 3. Delicious dining meets pure magic at Mystique Dining. The restaurant presents a five-course dining experience—dinner is served inside a palatial chamber outfitted in opulent golds and reds, hidden dragons, a large fireplace, and even a stately throne—followed by a special performance by the world’s best magicians. And launching Sept. 11, Mystique Dining’s new “Manifestations” experience will get you into the Halloween spirit—taking you behind mausoleum doors and into the realm of Edgar Allan Poe and the spooky unknown. 915 Pearl St., Suite B, La Jolla, 916.293.9000. mystiquedining.com

Arts + Culture

The Old Globe: Murder on the Orient Express

Sept. 7-Oct. 13. Opening at The Old Globe on Saturday, don’t miss Agatha Christie’s murder-mystery masterpiece Murder on the Orient Express, adapted for the stage by Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig. In it, we meet famous detective Hercule Poirot, who faces a train (traveling through Europe) full of suspects—after a rich American tycoon is found dead in his compartment. Will the killer strike again? The timeless thriller features gorgeous scenic/set designs by Paul Tate dePoo III. Peter Amster directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

S.D. Museum of Art: Wonders of Creation 

Opens Sept. 7. The groundbreaking exhibit, Wonders of Creation: Art, Science, and Innovation in the Islamic World, opens at The San Diego Museum of Art. It explores how science and craft in Islamic material culture and contemporary art intersect—presented through the framework of 13th-century text by Zakariyya ibn Muhammad al-Qazwini describing the wonders of the universe. Peruse works from the 8th century to today—including illustrated manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, astrolabes and star maps, talismans, inscribed precious stones, and architectural artifacts. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. sdmart.org

Vantage Theatre: Best Laid Plans

Through Sept. 22. Vantage Theatre presents the world premiere of Best Laid Plans—written by Robert Salerno and directed by Sam Woodhouse—at Tenth Avenue Arts Center. Blind actor Blake Stadnik (known for his role in the NBC show This Is Us) stars in this powerful play, inspired by the true story of a talented young architect who wakes up unexpectedly blind after surgery for a brain tumor. As he faces this crushing new reality, Ludwig van Beethoven himself—portrayed by Richard Trujillo—enters the chat. See website for showtimes and tickets. 930 10th Ave., downtown. More Info

Photo credits: Vistal by Diana Rose. Best Laid Plans by Steve Murdock. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.