More than 100 businesses return to Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre this weekend for the annual Rotorua Home & Lifestyle Show.
The show will present a diverse range of exhibitors, featuring the latest in kitchens, flooring, furniture, heating solutions, outdoor living, landscaping and gardening, homewares and appliances from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7.
Leading New Zealand property platform OneRoof is back on board as a presenting partner and, in an exciting collaboration with OneRoof and The Hits radio station, attendees of this year’s show will have the chance to have one of their household bills paid by entering the competition during the event.
Event director at NZME Events, Aingie Miller, said the show offered a fantastic opportunity to look at new house designs, get quotes, ask questions of the experts, feel fabrics, compare prices, take home samples, be inspired by new ideas, or simply shop for the home.
Mindfulness is an awareness that arises by intentionally paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness has been studied for a range of medical and psychological conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, cancer, heart disease and stress. Recognizing the many physical and emotional health benefits, Mid Coast Hospital offers a variety of wellness programs to assist community members of all levels with initiating and maintaining a mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
It is normal to experience stress in your daily life. How you choose to respond to that stress determines its impact on your overall health and well-being. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an educational program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. The curriculum is designed to help participants cultivate mindfulness through direct practice in meditation, mindful movement, instruction, and conversation. MBSR is an eight-week course taught in 2.5-hour, weekly group classes and one six-hour weekend retreat. Participants are also encouraged to complete approximately 45 minutes of home practice per day.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Continuing Practice
These one-hour, monthly classes provide an opportunity for continued teacher-led practice and reflection for those who have already completed the 8-week MBSR program. Classes will focus on guided practice (mindful movement, sitting meditation, walking meditation, the body scan), discussion of the practice and its relevance to our lives, and support for continued home practice.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens
Seven-week training designed to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, improve general mental health, and increase the coping skills of youth to manage daily stress.
Mindful Morning Mini Retreats
These 3-hour mini retreats will provide an introduction to mindfulness for the beginner and an opportunity for those with all levels of experience to deepen practice. Mindfulness-based exercises, meditation and movement (stretches and gentle yoga) will be combined with discussion of the principles of mindfulness and its relevance to stress in our lives.
Weekly Meditation Sessions
These half-hour drop-in classes provide an opportunity for mindfulness practice for all levels of experience. Practices will change from week to week and may include mindful movement (gentle stretches and yoga), sitting meditation, walking meditation and the body scan. There is no need to register and prior experience is not required. Just join us in the middle of the day for an opportunity to pause, notice and reflect.
Summer Meditation Sessions – Free One-hour mindfulness practice sessions outside among the beautiful pines on the Mid Coast Hospital campus. Each session consists of mindful stretching, walking in nature, meditation and discussion. Beginners welcome! Seating will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite outdoor chair. Limited to 20 participants per session. Registration is required.
When: Wednesdays at 5:30 pm; Saturdays at 9 am
Where: Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness, 329 Maine Street, Brunswick
Email: Meghan Perham
Phone: 207-373-6585
Youth Mental Health
Through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mid Coast Hospital–in partnership with NAMI Maine–provides free youth mental health first aid education to our community, including all our middle and high schools. Specifically designed for people who interact with youth ages 12-18, this nationally certified program is packed with information designed to help you identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health concerns.
Youth Mental Health First Aid class helps people understand typical adolescent development and signs and symptoms of potential mental health concerns. Topics are well researched, the lessons are easy to follow, and the format addresses both stigma and how nonprofessionals can help. The eight-hour course results in a three-year national certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Sub-pay/stipends are available for middle and high school teachers.
Join a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Session
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach anyone who regularly interacts with youth how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youths, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders. After completing this course, you will be able to recognize the signs of a teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or who is in crisis, and know how best to respond and connect them with help.
To register for the next free training session, call 207-373-6925 or email MidCoastCHI@mainehealth.org.
From Sauce Food Truck Friday to a farm-to-table dinner at Eckert’s Farm, there’s something for everyone
By Alexa Beattie // July 9, 2024
Sauce Food Truck Friday*
July 12 – 4 to 8 p.m., Tower Grove Park, 4501 Southwest Drive, St. Louis, 314.772.8004, saucefoodtruckfriday.com
Like tough choices? Tower Grove Park offers bites and sips from local food trucks on select Fridays this summer through early fall. More than 20 of our favorite trucks will be there and, luckily, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Free admission.
Art Hill Film Series*
July 12 & 19 – 6 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum Art Hill, 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314.721.0072, slam.org
This year’s iconic feature films are Back to the Future on July 12 and Meet Me in St. Louis on July 19. Music, food trucks, a cash bar and various pre-show festivities start at 6 p.m. The featured film will begin at 9 p.m. Free admission.
Stoner Cinema at The Factory
July 14 – 1:30 p.m., The Factory at The District, 17105 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, 314.423.8500, thefactorystl.com
In addition to a showing of the iconic stoner film Half Baked, this get-together will also offer an opportunity to learn about a host of cannabis brands. The event starts at 1:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 3:30 p.m. A VIP pass includes priority entry, a swag bag, exclusive dispensary offerings, front row balcony seats and complimentary food from Hi-Pointe Drive-in. Tickets available online.
Eckert’s Farm-to-Table Dinner
July 15 – 5:30 to 9 p.m., 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, 618.233.0513, eckerts.com
This collaborative dinner sees Eckert’s partner with chef Cameron Settle of Perennial on Lockwood to mark the two-year anniversary of Eckert’s Cider Shed. Sit back with a cocktail, hitch a wagon ride to pick peaches, then enjoy a delicious four-course meal employing the farm’s seasonal produce. Tickets available online.
Parties on the Plaza
July 18 – 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Westport Plaza, 111 West Port Plaza Drive, Maryland Heights, 314.576.7100, westportstl.com
Every third Thursday of the month through October, Westport Plaza hosts Parties on the Plaza at its new 10,000-square-foot green space. This month, shimmy to original music and covers from country and Americana band The Big Rigs. You can also enjoy yard games, cold drinks from the bar or food from one of the restaurants at Westport Plaza. Free admission.
Red Lantern City Night Market
July 20 – 4 to 11 p.m., 10 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Instagram: @redlanterncity_nightmarket
This celebration of food, art and community returns bigger than ever for its fourth year. Asian food stalls, artists and other vendors will set up shop across a whole block of Euclid Avenue between Laclede Avenue and West Pine Boulevard. The event will support the Japan America Society of St. Louis, in addition to collecting books for The Very Asian Foundation. Free admission.
St. Louis Burger Week*
July 22 to 28, multiple locations, burgerweekstlouis.com
Enjoy $8 burgers at more than 35 participating restaurants across the metro area. Download the St. Louis Burger Week app to plan your week of eating: The more restaurants you check in at and the more burgers you eat, the more points you earn and the greater chance you have of winning $250 in restaurant gift cards. Order a Schlafly Beer with your burger for additional points.
St. Louis Pickle Fest
July 27 – noon to 4 p.m., Armory STL, 3660 Market St., St. Louis, armorystl.com
Prepare to get pickled at The Armory when more than 50 community vendors come together with live music, entertainment and dill-icious drinks. The VIP option includes express entry at 11 a.m., two beverage vouchers for a pickle-themed booze drink and a festival T-shirt. Tickets available online.
Pedal the Cause: A World Without Cancer Day*
Aug. 2 – participating bars and restaurants, pedalthecause.org
Support cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids by grabbing food and drink from participating bars and restaurants during A World Without Cancer Day. Seoul Taco, Nudo House, Brasserie by Niche and Ices Plain & Fancy are just some of the more than 100 local businesses that are donating a portion of the proceeds to Pedal the Cause. Find a full list of participating venues online.
SLAM Jam*
Aug. 2 – 5 to 8 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, 314.721.0072, slam.org
This month’s installment of Saint Louis Art Museum’s new event series features live music and yard games. Food trucks slated to attend include Cajun Seduction, Farmtruk and Go! Gyro! Go!, with beverages also available. Free admission.
Sunburst Yacht Charters invites you to an evening of sophistication, intrigue, and networking at the Harbor Island Marina on Thursday, May 16, 2024. The refined soiree starts at 4 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m. on a flow basis. With tickets priced at $31, attendees will experience an evening filled with elegance and excitement. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local Tampa charity, Corporation to Development Communities of Tampa.
Experience the glamor of the iconic 007 lifestyle as you tour stunning yachts, sip on exquisite cocktails, and sample tasty bites from our vendors, all amidst a backdrop of exotic cars. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle and network with fellow enthusiasts of upscale events, exchanging ideas and forging connections in an atmosphere reminiscent of Bond\’s legendary gatherings. Whether you\’re a seasoned socialite or new to the world of sophistication, this promises to be a novel experience.
Don’t miss your chance to take part in an evening of sophistication and excitement at Harbor Island Marina. Secure your tickets today and prepare to embark on a journey worthy of 007 himself.
Visitors to one of the most popular national parks in the United States may need to adjust their plans.
Yellowstone National Park’s ‘Biscuit Basin’ area is closed due to a recent hydrothermal explosion that occurred on Tuesday morning, according to a news release. The closure affects parking lots, trails, and boardwalks near the Basin, which is located just north of the still-open Old Faithful geysers.
The explosion was described as “localized” and occurred near the Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin. Videos of the incident, taken by tourists and then shared on social media, show large plumes of liquid and debris bursting in the air and then raining down on outdoor enthusiasts.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time, according to the NPS.
The park did not provide a timeline of when the area will reopen.
Biscuit Basin is located 30 miles west of Yellowstone Lake, and is known for several geyers and colorful pools. The Biscuit Basin hike is a popular .6 mile excursion that leads past many hydrothermal features.
“Hydrothermal explosions are violent and dramatic events resulting in the rapid ejection of boiling water, steam, mud, and rock fragmentsm,” the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory shared in a October 2018 blog post.
Park staff assess the damage to Biscuit Basin boardwalks after hydrothermal explosion.
Courtesy of NPS Photo
The incident comes as visits to Yellowstone National Park are on the rise for 2024. The park recently shared that over 1.6 million recreational visitors have explored the park so far in 2024, which is nine percent higher than the same time period last year.
Yellowstone National Park was recently named the number one national park in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The 2.2 million square foot park, which is popular for hiking and camping, has earned the honor for the last three years.
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As shoppers opened their wallets for Amazon Prime Day, other retailers piggy-backed off the e-tailer’s shopping holiday with their own rival deals. And while Amazon‘s sale may technically be over, many of its competitors’ sales are still live.
Shoppers who are upgrading their outdoor spaces, restocking their summer wardrobes or getting stocked up on makeup and skincare essentials have plenty of ways to save this season. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing through August 4 with steep savings across every category, from clothing and beauty to luggage and travel.
Looking for a home refresh? Wayfair is hosting a surprise 72-Hour Clearout through July 18. The site is offering up to 60 percent off across all categories: indoor and outdoor furniture, bedding, home accessories, cookware, major appliances and more.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best Amazon Prime Day competing sales that are still happening now. From beauty deals at Charlotte Tilbury to fashion steals at Neiman Marcus and Saks, see our top picks below.
The Best Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Alternative Sales at Major Retailers and Brands
Bed Bath & Beyond Shop the 72-Hour Flash Sale for 70% off thousands of items
Best Buy Through Wednesday August 4, shop the Outlet Event for up to 50% off clearance, open-box and refurbished items
Apple Geek Squad Certified Refurbished MacBook Air 13.3″ Laptop
Bloomingdale’s Save 60-75% on thousands of items through July 23
The Home Depot Take up to 30% off select appliances and up to 60% off patio furniture
Kohl’s Through July 21, cardholders take an extra 30% off with code SAVE30 and non-cardholders take an extra 20% off with code 20SAVE
Lowe’s Shop the Closeout Event for up to 60% off over 10,000 items through August 7
Macy’s Enjoy up to 70% off home and women’s clearance and up to 50% off designer handbags
Neiman Marcus Shop the Gift Card Event and use code JULYGC to get a $50 gift card with your $200 purchase, $125 gift card with a $500 purchase, $250 gift card with a $1,000 purchase and $500 gift card with a $2,000 purchase
Nordstrom During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale through August 4, save on contemporary and luxury designers, beauty exclusives, home goods, travel gear and more
On Cloudmonster Running Shoe
Dior Diorshow Glow Makeup Set
Petco Shop the Ruff & Mews Sale for up to 40% off sitewide
Saks Fifth Avenue Through Sunday, July 21, spend $400 and get $100, Spend $800 and get $200 and spend $1,200 and get $300 with code JULYGETSF; plus, shop the Designer Sale for up to 70% off clothing, beauty, bags, shoes and accessories
Mansur Gavriel Champagne Bucket Bag
Target Save up to $100 on Apple devices and up to 25% on thousands of kitchen and dining items
Total Wine & More Through the end of the month, save big on hundreds of bottles of wines and spirits; plus, through August 4, shop the Digital Coupon Event to get an additional 15% off when you purchase 8+ bottles of Winery Direct wine
D’Autrefois Reserve Pinot Noir
Mix six bottles for $12.59 each.
Walmart Take up to 70% off thousands of home, tech, fashion, toys, school supplies and travel gear
Wayfair Shop the 72-Hour Clearance through July 18 for up to 60% off furniture, decor, kitchenware, appliances and household essentials; check out our top 15 picks from the sale here
QVC Shop the Black Friday in July savings event through July 25; plus, new customers get $30 off $60 orders with code HELLO30 and customers get $10 off their second purchase of $25 or more with code HELLO10
More of the Best Amazon Prime Day Rival Sales
Beachwaver Co. Shop the brand’s biggest sale ever for up to 90% off viral best-sellers through July 18
Charlotte Tilbury Now through July 23, save up to 40 percent on the celebrity-loved makeup artist’s bestselling Magic Water Cream, Pillow Talk lip sets and more; check out our top sale picks here
Coach Take up to 50% off bags, shoes, clothing and accessories; check out our top Coach sale picks here
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26 With Quilting
Everlane Enjoy up to 70% off new markdowns for men and women
Fabfitfun Use code FREEGIFT300 for a free gift ($300+ value) and get access to shop this season’s biggest sale with discounts up to 75% off
Fenty Beauty Take up to 50% off select makeup and skin care
Fwrd Save up to 60% on designer labels such as Chloe, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Zimmerman and Valentino
Madewell Take an extra 50% off denim with code COOLDOWN
My Sheets Rock Enjoy 15% off temperature-regulating sheets and bedding with code HEATWAVE24
Net-a-Porter Enjoy up to 60% off clothing, footwear and accessories from JW Anderson, Helmut Lang, Staud, Self-Portrait, Gianvito Rossi, Stuart Weitzman and more luxury designers
Nike For a limited time, take an extra 25% off select styles with code SPORT25
Old Navy Get 50% off everything (online only) during the Cyber Summer Sale through Thursday, July 18
Parachute Extended through July 21, shop Parachute’s Warehouse Sale for up to 70% with an extra 20% off sale items; shop our top sale picks here
Priceline Take advantage of Rental Car Week through July 21 for up to 20% off rental cards with code RCWEEK
Sephora Take up to 50% off makeup, skin care, hair care and fragrance
Rose Inc Softlight Skin-Smoothing Hydrating Non-Comedogenic Foundation
Skims Shop Skims’ Bi-Annual for up to 50% off hundreds of styles during the brand’s biggest sale ever; check out our top sale picks here
Ulta Through July 21, shop the Back To School Glow Up event: Diamond Members get 20% off with code GLOWUP20, Platinum Members get 15% off with code GLOWUP15 and all members get 10% off with code GLOWUP10
Leadership positions chronically demand optimal performance and participation, and health directly impacts one’s ability to lead effectively. Leaders are expected to meet a certain standard, as other employees look up to them for guidance, direction, inspiration, and motivation. Constant strategic planning, decision-making, financial management, and maintaining stakeholder relationships are just a few of the stressors top executives are expected (and paid) to manage. But these responsibilities can take a toll on the mind and body.
Worth has carefully curated the list of the 10 best executive wellness programs that have proven effective. These programs improve executives’ physical, mental, and emotional health while addressing other stressors caused by the work environment. (Disclosure: The authors have no business relationships with or financial interests in the companies covered here or their competitors.)
One key reason for choosing the Cleveland Clinic’s executive wellness program is its doctors’ relatively long-term experience dealing with executive health. They have a personalized approach to meeting the needs of patients. Their examination is usually based on the risk factors, family history, gender, age, and personal goals of executives. They offer specialty consultations, granting executives access to more than 120 medical and surgical experts. There’s an option for personal phone calls with your physician, and a program is created to meet your specific needs. A central focus of the program is creating a space where executives feel comfortable talking about all aspects of their health and lifestyle.
Contact: 866.320.4573
Cooper’s unique approach is its complete focus on prevention. “It is all we do,” says Dr. Tyler Cooper, CEO. The company has a long history of wellness and preventative services: iIt was founded in 1970 by Tyler Cooper’s father. The center’s 30-acre Dallas campus caters to busy executives seeking a one-day preventative screening and individuals who want to focus on improving overall fitness, diet, and health habits through a stay at the center’s hotel. Clients at Cooper Aerobics are said to be “getting Cooperized, which is the simple process of getting healthy,” says Cooper. The services offered to patients are individualized, “Nothing more, nothing less.”
Contact: 972.560.2667
Similar to many of the best executive health programs, Duke’s program benefits from access to the resources of one of the nation’s top academic medical centers—Duke University School of Medicine. The Durham, N.C., program features a standard battery of health screenings and regular follow-ups throughout the year. With a thorough health assessment covering a preventive and diagnostic exam, the program provides a realistic schedule and plan for periodic health maintenance to ensure consistency and complete improvements. The core of the program is a team approach: Patients receive services from physicians and an entire group of medical professionals, including dieticians and physiologists.
Contact: 919.660.6606
The Johns Hopkins program comprises a team of doctors (including Dr. Bimal Ashar, director) specializing in preventative care and patient-doctor communication, among other areas. One-day consultations include an EKG and comprehensive blood testing to eye, ear, and dermatology screening and nutritional counseling.
A host of optional tests are also available, including a colonoscopy, exercise stress test, and body-fat analysis. The program’s biggest advantage is access to Johns Hopkins University’s world-renowned medical center in Baltimore, where enrolled individuals can engage with experts in their field and gain hands-on clinical experience in healthcare.
Contact: [email protected], 410.955.9819
“Our program is built around prevention, wellness, and healthy lifestyles,” says Dr. Kurt Carlson of the Rochester, MN.-based center. (Mayo also has programs in Florida and Arizona.) All new patients undergo a series of exams, particularly a cardiovascular screening, to identify potential risk factors early, creating room for timely preventive measures, treatments, and interventions tailored to each executive’s health needs.
These exams are customized based on the patient’s needs, and the medical provider is dedicated to building a long-term relationship to attain and maintain peak health. The focus is on finding and preventingailments first. “Stress management can be a key concern for executives,” Carlson says. “We don’t have a package. Our goal when patients call in is to find out what they need help with, then we reach out to our resources everywhere in the clinic.”
Contact: [email protected], 507.284.2288
MDVIP is a network of more than 1,100 doctors nationwide, often resulting in travel savings for patients. The network also means that as patients travel, they can access personalized executive wellness medical services almost anywhere in the country. Patients are “paired with a doctor who is local to you and who can typically offer same-day, extended appointments,” chairman and CEO Bret Jorgensen says. As proof of the quality of care, Jorgensen points out that MDVIP has a 94% retention rate and a readmission rate (the rate at which patients must return to a hospital after an illness) of 1%.
Contact: 844.393.6070
The Mount Sinai program in New York City connects its clients with the most experienced medical professionals from one of the nation’s top hospitals. “We only allow senior-level physicians to participate,” says Sarah Pesce, director of business development. “The patient leaves at the end of the day with real peace of mind.” Because of Mount Sinai’s size, clients have access to imaging equipment, tests, and specialists on a same-day basis. Unlike some executive health programs, which encourage an à la carte approach, Mount Sinai bases its treatment on a program designed to screen for preventable illnesses, including heart, pulmonary, ophthalmic, and dermatologic evaluations.
Contact: 212.241.8000
The NYU clinic, as the name implies, focuses on men. The center provides a range of services—such as cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and neurology—to holistically address various health needs. The intent is to “overcome this barrier and create an environment where men would feel comfortable in both sickness and health,” says Dr. Steven Lamm, medical director of the New York facility.
“The center gives the sense that you are in an academic setting and have the support of an institution,” Lamm adds. It boasts innovative technology, such as palm-print scanners for accessing patients’ medical records. For every executive health exam taken, a consistent follow-up is required for optimal results.
Contact: 646.754.2000
Northwestern University’s executive health program in Chicago offers standard physical and 24/7 concierge medical care. Services include guaranteed same-day or next-business-day appointments, an annual executive physical, multiple annual wellness checkups, email and phone consults, and expedited specialist care through the university’s medical center—all tailored to fit the schedule and lifestyle of a busy executive.
Contact: 312.926.1300
The University of Pennsylvania’s executive health program is modeled on concierge services. The Philadelphia center includes 24-hour phone support, personalized care programs for each patient, and a battery of doctors available to patients for basic health screenings or emergencies. “I have all of the resources of the Penn health service almost at a snap of the fingers,” says Dr. Gary Dorshimer. One of the head physicians of the program, Dr. Dorshimer has burnished his credentials as head physician for the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and internist for the Philadelphia Eagles football team.
Contact: 610.731.1429
While these programs are primarily designed to support all executives, there are executive wellness programs specifically for women and employees at all levels. These programs may vary in scope, but they all aim to promote and foster a culture of well-being across the entire workforce.
More than 100,000 pop culture fans will descend upon the convention center this week, but trying your hand at cosplay and attending celeb-stacked panels aren’t the only things to do in San Diego. The Ramona County Fair brings fried food and fun rides to the county, while triathlon competitors will run, bike, and swim in Solana Beach. Read on for 10 more exciting San Diego events.
Food & Drink | Festivals & Art | Concerts & Theater | More Fun Things to Do
Courtesy of Whiskies of the World
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend
Sip of Julian
July 27
Julian will showcase regional craft beer, wine, and hard cider at the seventh annual Sip of Julian. After checking in at Julian Town Hall, take a self-guided tour of Julian’s local tasting rooms from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll enjoy drink samples and small bites and receive a free Julian wine bag and wine glass. Tickets are $35 ($15 if you’re serving as designated driver). For an extra $25, you can hitch a ride from stop to stop on the event shuttle.
2129 Main Street, Julian
Whiskies of the World San Diego
July 27
This Saturday, the Bahia Resort Hotel will become a 21-plus whiskey wonderland for one night only, offering tastings of more than 200 whiskeys from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Both big brand and small-batch distillers will serve up scotch, single malts, bourbons, and more. The event will also feature seminars, live entertainment, expert tastings, and light bites and cigars to pair with your drinks. General admission tickets are $125, while VIP tickets are $175 and come with an additional 45 minutes of tasting with exclusive pours from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay
Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Two Rooms Gallery & Quint Galleries Opening Receptions
July 26 & 27
This weekend marks the opening of two fresh art exhibits in La Jolla. Over in Bird Rock, the visually stunning mixed-media exhibition Slow Dance: Max Lofano and Joshua Moreno will open this Friday at Two Rooms Gallery with a free reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be on display through August 30. Just a few blocks from La Jolla Cove at Quint Gallery, Nancy Blum’s Gathered is currently on display through August 31. The showcase of colored pencil and graphite drawings will have a free opening reception this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Two Rooms: 5560 La Jolla Boulevard, La Jolla | Quint Gallery: 7722 Girard Avenue, La Jolla
Civita Park Summer Band Festival
July 27
Cart chairs, umbrellas, and picnic lunches to Civita Park’s Band Shell for a free day of music courtesy the Civita Summer Band Festival. A different community band will take the stage each hour from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will close with a performance from the US Navy Southwest Band. The event will also coincide with the Mission Valley Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
7960 Civita Boulevard, Mission Valley
Courtesy of La Jolla Music Society
Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend
Hello, Dolly! from Patio Playhouse Community Theater
Opens July 26
The Patio Playhouse Community Theater production of Hello, Dolly! runs through August 10 at the Kit Carson Amphitheater. In early-20th-century New York City, matchmaker Dolly Levi schemes to find a partner for herself, leading to a comedic clash of social classes. Directed by Geoffrey A. Cox, the production will feature live orchestration from the 14-piece Coastal Communities Concert Band. Performances of Hello Dolly! will be held Thursdays through Sundays (except Aug. 4) at 8 p.m.; tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for kids ages 16 and under.
100 Amphitheater Drive, Escondido
La Jolla Music Society SummerFest Concert Series
Begins July 26
The La Jolla Music Society has a month-long festival of chamber music concerts in store at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center through August 24. Friday’s opening night performance is already sold out, but SummerFest’s first weekend also includes performances titled “Danse Macabre” (Saturday) and “Passions and Storms” (Sunday). Both concerts are at the Baker-Baum Concert Hall.
7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla
Sonic Symphony at San Diego Civic Theatre
July 27
Sonic Symphony will produce a SEGA soundtrack for the ages this Saturday at the San Diego Civic Theatre. The live concert of orchestral, rock, EDM, and 8-bit tracks inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog’s many adventures will be a treat for gamers of all ages. Tickets for Sonic Symphony start at $91 and can be purchased here.
1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp
Derecho at La Jolla Playhouse
Through August 18
Written by Noelle Viñas and directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, Derecho surrounds a thunderous emotional conflict between two sisters that mirrors the powerful storm raining down outside. This world premiere production is part of the La Jolla Playhouse’s DNA New Work Series. Tickets for Derecho range from $29 to $59 and can be purchased here.
2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla
Courtesy of Ramona County Fair
More Fun Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
San Diego Comic-Con
July 25–28
The mecca for superhero fanatics and pop culture partisans returns to the San Diego Convention Center this Thursday through Sunday. The weekend festivities include trailer premieres, entertainment panels, costume contests, and short film screenings. Attendees can also peruse and purchase a wide-ranging selection of memorabilia, action figures, comic books, and autographed items. Badges for Comic-Con are sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in on the fun with a variety of pop-up festivities happening citywide.
111 West Harbor Drive, Downtown
Moana Screening at North City
July 26
North City screens Moana this Friday as part of its Summer Movie Night series. In this uplifting, family-friendly adventure story, the title character teams up with a mischievous demigod and sets forth on a brave oceanic expedition. There will be games, activities, and character meet-and-greets before the screening begins at 6:30 p.m. (Seating is limited, so arrive early!) Attendees can bring low chairs and blankets for a snug screening experience. There will be complimentary popcorn for all, while grown-ups can purchase beer, wine, and cocktails from Draft Republic.
The City Drive South, San Marcos
Ramona County Fair
July 26–28
From 4 to 10 p.m. this Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday at the Ramona Outdoor Community Center, the Ramona County Fair will feature fried food, craft vendors, barrel racing, carnival games, and amusement rides. The entertainment lineup includes western shows, medieval demonstrations, and several live music performers concluding with “Banda Night” on Sunday—a big-band display of música Mexicana.
421 Aqua Lane, Ramona
Layover Summer Soiree at InterContinental San Diego
July 27
This Saturday, InterContinental will host a free outdoor market with pop-ups from a handful of local brands from 1 to 4 p.m. and tunes from Alific Music, featuring former Stick Figure bassist Brendan Dane, from 3 to 6 p.m. Attendees will hang at Layover, the hotel’s fourth-floor pool bar; shop brands like Local Beach, VOLO Beauty, and LoveShackFancy; and get inked with flash tattoos from @twin.suns. Partial proceeds from Bayside Blushin’ and LoveShackFancy purchases will benefit the nonprofit My Girlfriend’s Closet; new and lightly worn clothing donations will also be accepted at the event.
901 Bayfront Court, Embarcadero
Solana Beach Triathlon
July 28
Just in time for the Summer Olympics, San Diego’s endurance athletes can race for growth or glory at the Solana Beach Triathlon. Competitors can skip out on swimming or biking by choosing to sign up for a duathlon, aquabike, or 5K, or they can go for the ultimate trifecta. Over the course of this strenuous relay, racers will swim a quarter mile in the ocean by Fletcher Cove, then bike nine miles and run a 5K down the smooth and scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Anyone interested in signing up for one of Sunday’s racing events can register here.
Entrepreneurs and business leaders are being invited to attend Northern Ireland’s Biggest Business Breakfast on Thursday May 30, where they can discover the wealth of business support and funding available to them through Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges. Taking place simultaneously across each Further Education College in Northern Ireland, the breakfast event aims to empower entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry leaders by highlighting the diverse range of free support initiatives offered by local FE Colleges. Business can register for Northern Ireland’s biggest business breakfast at furthereducationni.com/bigbusinessbreakfast or via their local College’s website.
Serverless Days
Serverless Days Belfast, the software community conference focused on the movement of the industry towards serverless and modern cloud technology, takes place at Titanic Hotel, Belfast on May 23. Speakers for the one-day conference will include internationally renowned experts Jeremy Daly, CEO and co-founder at Ampt; James Eastham, senior cloud architect at AWS; and Julian Wood, serverless developer advocate at AWS. Book at serverlessdaysbelfast.com and follow the conversation at @BFSServerless and ServerlessDays Belfast on LinkedIn.
Aircraft Interiors Expo
Three local companies are set to highlight the epitome of supply chain excellence, and the value of the north’s thriving aerospace manufacturing sector to the global market, at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), the world’s leading marketplace for airlines and the supply chain, which takes place in Hamburg from May 28-30. Pictured (L-R) are Francis McCartan, from Rostrevor-based Bradfor Ltd; Joanne Liddle, from Carrickfergus-based IPC Mouldings; and Stephen Cromie, from Newry’s Exact Group. (Kelvin Boyes)
Devolution at 25: Productivity & Skills
The Economics Observatory is holding three events to mark 25 years of devolution. The chief aim of these events is to be forward looking and stimulate debate as to how we create prosperous Northern Irish, Scottish, and Welsh economies. The theme of the Belfast event, on Friday 21 June, is productivity and skills. It will take place from 9am to 11am (with refreshments available from 8.30am) and will be hosted by the Northern Ireland Productivity Forum. The event will consist of two roundtables focusing on skills and productivity in Northern Ireland and the two other devolved nations. For further information, please visit the event page on the Economics Observatory website.
SSE Airtricity Community Fund
Ashley Morrow, SSE Airtricity head of brand, and Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity general manager, launching a new £4.3m million all-island community fund. (Kelvin Boyes)
SSE Airtricity has launched a £4.3m million all-island community fund, with the aim of delivering meaningful community benefits across the island of Ireland. The company plans to undertake a ten week consultation process, which will continue until July 26, inviting views from communities, individuals and organisations from towns, villages, inner cities, and rural heartlands, to advise how the fund could best support green initiatives throughout our communities. To submit your views to the consultation or for more information, visit: www.sseairtricity.com/communityfund
Graduate recruitment fair
University graduates from across Northern Ireland are gearing up for an exciting opportunity to be matched with their perfect job as the annual Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair returns for 2024. Organised in partnership by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, this premier event will take place at Ulster University’s new state-of-the-art campus in Belfast, for the first time, on June 4. From 11am to 3pm, at the UU campus on York Street, attendees will have the chance to explore a wide range of career opportunities by establishing valuable connections and gaining insights from industry professionals as they take strides towards seeking job possibilities that align with their passions and career goals. You can find out more about the Northern Ireland Graduate Recruitment Fair by visiting the website nigradfair.org.
2024 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards
The 2024 Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards will take place Thursday 7 November 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. The event will see a Fiat 500 worth over £5,000, auctioned in aid of automotive charity Ben. Pictured (L-R): Stephen Kelly, CEO at Used Cars NI; Michael Tomalin, chief executive at City Auction Group; Sasha Jeffrey, ASG & Partners; and two fundraising representatives for Ben. (Brian Thompson)
ScaleX Summit
The ScaleX Summit takes place at ICC Belfast on Wednesday, November 13, with over 900 businesspeople from across the UK and Ireland expected to attend. Founded by scaling experts Brendan McGuigan and Claire Colvin, the ScaleX Summit will provide attendees with the opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to help businesses scale with purpose. This year, serial entrepreneur, author and co-founder of Dent Global, Daniel Priestley will speak at the one-day event and challenge SME leaders to make the UK and Ireland a global scaling powerhouse. Early bird tickets are available until July 16. For more information and to secure your place at the summit visit scalexsummit.com.
IOD annual dinner
BBC newsreader and presenter Clive Myrie has been confirmed as the key speaker at the Institute of Director’s annual dinner, which returns to the Culloden Estate and Spa on Thursday September 26. Around 400 delegates are expected at the event, supported by headline sponsor Bank of Ireland, which will be hosted by former news anchor Donna Traynor. The event, open to both members and non-members, is also being supported by Arthur Cox and Hire IQ. For more information or to book a table, visit www.iod.com
Food to Go Awards
The Northern Ireland Food to Go Association, founded by Michael Henderson, has launched a new series of awards to celebrate and help grow the businesses which make up the vibrant take-away and food to go sector in the north The inaugural NI Food to Go Awards will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Tuesday November 19, hosted by Q Radio presenter Ibe Sesay. Full details of the awards, which will be supported by one of Ireland’s leading suppliers to the hospitality industry, Henderson Foodservice, can be found at www.foodtogoawards.co.uk.
Delta Air Lines has offered its most substantial assistance to passengers yet following the IT outage that canceled thousands of flights last week.
On Wednesday, the airline announced it will reimburse travelers who booked a flight on a different airline amid the chaos of last week’s CrowdStrike meltdown. The airline had already promised to reimburse travelers for rental car or hotel expenses, but previously stopped short of paying for another airline fare.
“We know many customers have incurred unplanned travel expenses, including purchasing tickets on other airlines, rental cars, train tickets and more,” the airline said in its latest update. “Delta will cover reasonable costs for additional categories of expenses incurred during the duration of the travel waiver.”
Although the airline didn’t disclose what “reasonable” expenses are, they directed passengers to submit a request though a refund page on their website.
Delta will also extend its rebooking window and travel waiver through August 4. This means that if a traveler had a ticket booked between July 19 through July 28, they will have the ability to make a one-time change to the itinerary and the fare difference will be waived if it is in the same cabin of service originally booked.
“To our customers who were impacted, I want to thank you for your patience and apologize again for the disruption to your travel,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a published letter to customers. Bastian also noted that the airline has “made good progress” in stabilizing operations and that Thursday is expected to be “a normal day.”
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has published reminders to passengers of their rights through the FlightRights.gov website, and the opportunity to file a complaint. Passengers are encouraged to first contact their airline to resolve the issue promptly, before filing a complaint.
“Before you contact DOT for help with an air travel problem, you should give the airline a chance to resolve it,” the DOT shares on the complaint site. “Airlines have trouble-shooters at the airports, usually called Customer Service Representatives, who can take care of many problems on the spot.”
If the airline is unable to process the refund or adjust the booking, travelers can file a complaint on the Department of Transportation website.
