Events

Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Sept. 6-11. This inaugural culinary extravaganza is a big one. Showcasing Michelin-starred chefs, acclaimed vintners, celebs and pro athletes, the festival comprises 20 unique experiences across six days. Events include a celebrity pickleball tournament hosted by Drew Brees; a beach cleanup with Rob Machado, followed by a seafood brunch hosted by chefs Brian Malarkey and Aidan Owens; a wine-tasting dinner with chef Brad Wise (pictured) and Napa’s Chateau Montelena; and a two-day Grand Tasting at Surf Sports Park. Proceeds benefit Feeding San Diego. See website for full schedule, locations and tickets. More Info

Boots in the Park

Sept. 9. Dust off your cowboy boots and head to Waterfront Park, which transforms into San Diego’s biggest country music party. Rising country star Kane Brown (pictured), whose hit songs include “Used to Love You Sober,” headlines the sixth annual music festival; along with Tyler Hubbard, Flo Rida, Niko Moon, Blanco Brown and Leaving Austin. In addition to live music, guests can enjoy craft cuisine and cocktails, line dancing, interactive art installations and bay views. See website for full schedule, venue guidelines, parking tips and ticket pricing. 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown embarcadero. bootsinthepark.com

Fall Fest at Belmont Park

Sept. 9-Oct. 31. Belmont Park’s annual celebration of all things autumn offers something fun for everyone. Festivities include a pumpkin patch; Pumpkin Plunge at Plunge Pool, where the kiddos can swim with pumpkins; seasonal beer served out of a classic vehicle for the adults; fall treats from Sweet Shoppe and other outposts; and free trick-or-treating every Sunday in October (beginning at 5 p.m.; costumes encouraged). Stay and dine at the park’s restaurants, such as Cannonball, Draft and Beach House. Open daily (see website for hours). Free general admission. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. belmontpark.com

DogFest San Diego

Sept. 10. Aloha! Canine Companions—a local nonprofit that trains service/assistance dogs, free of charge, to enhance the lives of people with disabilities—presents this family- and dog-friendly festival and fundraiser at NTC Park. Grab a lei and doggie hula skirt along with your leash, as this year’s event is Hawaiian-themed. The fun includes vendor booths, live music, a beer garden, DogFest swag and plenty of photo ops. Noon-4 p.m. General admission is free; see website to make a donation and for sponsorship and volunteer opportunities. 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station. More Info

Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero

Ongoing. Outdoor moviegoing reaches new heights with Rooftop Cinema Club, which presents screenings on the fourth-floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Enjoy city views and an elevated cinema experience—including a state-of-the-art projector, headphones and deck chairs; plus popcorn and snacks for purchase. The lineup ranges from recent box office hits to cult classics. This weekend: The Proposal and True Romance on Friday; Billy Madison and Inception on Saturday; and The Greatest Showman and Notting Hill on Sunday. See website for times and tickets. 1 Market Place, downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com

Food + Drink

Taste of Gaslamp

Sept. 9. The city’s longest-running tasting tour, Taste of Gaslamp returns for its 27th annual installment. Get to know the Gaslamp Quarter via its diverse dining and imbibing destinations. The tour (stroll at your leisure) spans 16 blocks and includes stops at more than 20 restaurants and bars for bites and sips. Afterward, head to the official after-party at Johnny Wahoo! Golf Bar, where participants get a free drink and extra bite ticket; and can enjoy free playtime on the bar’s game simulators. 1-4 p.m. tour; 5-7 p.m. after-party. $45-$55. Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5008. gaslamp.org

“Harvest for Hope” at Coasterra

Sept. 10. Sample libations and cuisine for a good cause; while taking in unobstructed bay and skyline views at Coasterra. The Emilio Nares Foundation’s 20th annual event raises funds to provide free programs for low-income families whose children are battling cancer. Nearly 20 of the area’s top wineries, breweries and restaurants will be on hand—including Solare Ristorante, Wolf in the Woods, Daou Vineyards, Jackson Family Wines and Thorn Brewing Co.; plus live music and news anchor Carlo Cecchetto serving as emcee for the afternoon. 2 p.m. Tickets start at $190. 880 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island. More Info

Lucrezia

Now Open. Travel to Italy’s Amalfi Coast by way of this chic new dining destination at Westfield UTC. With an elegant interior flanked by a gleaming bar, and an expansive dining terrace, Lucrezia (pronounced “loo – kreh – tsia”) beckons for date night and group gatherings. The menu boasts Italian cuisine with a mod twist—offering antipasti, seafood, salads, scratch-made pasta dishes, pizzas, and entrees like whole grilled branzino and veal Milanese; plus Italian cocktails, wines and desserts. Su-Th 5-10 p.m.; F-Sa 5-11 p.m. 4301 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1050 (next to Javier’s), La Jolla, 858.352.6266. lucrezia.us

Arts + Culture

ArtWalk Carlsbad

Sept. 9-10. Calling all art aficionados! North County’s acclaimed fine arts show, ArtWalk Carlsbad, returns for its fourth 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. artwalksandiego.org

“The Garden Party” at S.D. Botanic Garden

Sept. 9. San Diego Botanic Garden’s signature annual fundraiser returns. Enjoy libations and cuisine from nearly a dozen local businesses, including Bun & Patti, Elizabethan Desserts, Sipwell Wine Co. and Cutwater; plus entertainment by musicians Annastezhaa, Sam Onzo and Lee Coulter & Friends. The fun unfolds at the glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, in the amphitheater and throughout the 37-acre property’s surrounding garden paths. Proceeds benefit the Garden’s science, conservation and education programs. 4-8 p.m. $300 per person. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. sdbg.org

Photo credits: Taste of Gaslamp by Scott Jones. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.