Food & Drink Events

Some festivals in Wisconsin are just about the food.

We have to admit—it’s our humble opinion that the single best thing to do this weekend in San Diego is hang out with us at our annual Best of San Diego event, a food and drink extravaganza featuring unlimited tastes from more than 100 local vendors. But other activities abound: a five-day gathering for tiki fanatics, a rugby match to scratch your I-wish-I-was-in-Paris itch, and 12 more San Diego events.

Food & Drink | Festivals & Concerts | Art Exhibits & Theater | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Tiki Oasis

July 31–August 4

Aloha shirt wearers, tiki glass collectors, and people who get home décor ideas from dining inside Islands restaurants will find paradise at Tiki Oasis, a tiki culture conference-slash-festival at the Town and Country Resort. The festivities include the free annual art show (Thursday–Sunday) and marketplace (Saturday–Sunday), as well as burlesque, pool parties, seminars, and mixologist-led cocktail instruction. Ticket options include packages for 3, 4, or 5 days, spanning from $180 to $699.

500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley

Culture & Cocktails: American Summer

August 1

Culture & Cocktails is back at the San Diego Museum of Art from 6 to 10 p.m. this Thursday. Guests ages 21 and up can dine on complimentary eats from local vendors, vibe to a seasonal party playlist from DJ Heabnasty, enjoy music and dance performances, play baseball arcade games, and take part in an art-making activity inspired by the featured exhibition Jasper Johns: Drawing & Prints. Attendees will also receive a themed cocktail from Cooperstown Distillery and Surf City Still Works, plus their pick of a beer from Ballast Point or an Angeleno Spritz from Ventura Spirits. Tickets for Culture & Cocktails 2024 are $70 for museum members and $85 for non-members. 

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

Best of San Diego Party 2024

August 2

All (who are 21 or older) are invited to our annual Best of San Diego Party, celebrating the city’s standout tastes, tastemakers, activities, and adventures. Celebrate with San Diego Magazine and a number of the local eateries, businesses, and icons featured within the pages of our Best Restaurants and Best of San Diego issues at Legacy Plaza in Liberty Station from 6:30 to 9 p.m. this Friday. Tickets are $99 and change and come with unlimited bites and sips from over 100 local vendors, live entertainment, photo ops, and so much more. If not sold out, tickets will be available the day of at the door.

2640 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma

Taste of Imperial Avenue

August 2

Come hungry for tamales, mariscos, and more as you cruise down the culinary row of Logan Heights at the Taste of Imperial Avenue. The third iteration of the gastronomic event, taking place this Friday from 4 to 7:30 p.m., will feature food and drinks from over 20 of Imperial Avenue’s neighborhood businesses. Once you’ve eaten your fill, stop by Gilliam Community Space for a beer garden, live music from local artists, and games from 6 to 9 p.m. Tasting tickets are $30 for food only and $40 for food and beer. 

Between 19th Street & 31st Street on Imperial Avenue, Logan Heights

Uncorked Wine Festival

August 3

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will pop bottles—of wine—at the fifth annual Uncorked Wine Festival this Saturday. Don your most debonair attire to enjoy a VIP day at the Del Mar Racetrack while sipping on more than 100 types of wine, plus seltzers, mead, and cocktails. Proceeds from the festival, which will also feature live music, food trucks, and views from the Stretch Run, will benefit Urban Surf 4 Kids. Ticket options include $85 VIP passes, which come with early entry at 1 p.m., and $70 general admission tickets with entry from 2 to 5 p.m.

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

Farm to Bay 2024

August 3

Help raise funds for San Diego Bay’s coastal wildlife at Living Coast Discovery Center’s yearly fundraising dinner. This night of charitable good will include silent and live auctions; food and drinks from sustainable restaurants, breweries, and wineries; and up-close encounters with critters such as sea turtles, bald eagles, and bat rays. Tickets to Farm to Bay 2024 are $120 and can be purchased here. 

1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista

Festivals & Concerts in San Diego This Weekend

Niall Horan at North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre 

July 30

Former One Direction member Niall Horan has established himself as a formidable popstar in his own right. Directioners can catch Horan on the western leg of his live tour featuring indie pop artist Del Water Gap at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $41 for tonight’s performance. 

2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista

Bazaar del Mundo’s Latin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market

August 2–4

Several Latin American artists specializing in folk art, clothing, and textiles will stop by San Diego for Bazaar del Mundo Shops’ annual Latin American Festival, which also serves as a mega showcase of Mata Ortiz–style pottery and includes Latin American folk music and dancing, live traditional art demonstrations, and food for purchase from Casa Guadalajara. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Pro tip: Old Town visitors can find free parking at the nearby Caltrans parking lot after 5 p.m. on Friday through the end of the weekend. 

4133 Taylor Street, Old Town

Heiva San Diego

August 2–4

San Diego’s biggest Tahitian celebration kicks off this Friday with the annual Mister & Miss Heiva San Diego pageant at 5:30 p.m. Taking place at the Jr. Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheater, Heiva San Diego is a family-friendly celebration of culture and community with traditional food, music, dancing, arts, and more. Tickets start at $18 for a single-day pass and can be purchased here. 

301 The Strand North, Oceanside

Jhené Aiko at Pechanga Arena 

August 3

R&B and neo-soul star Jhené Aiko is taking her tour to Pechanga Arena this Saturday night. Though fans are still awaiting the release of her fourth studio album, Aiko just released “Guidance,” a tranquil new single and a possible precursor to more new music on the way. Tickets start at $110 and can be purchased on AXS. 

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

Endless Sunsets

August 3

San Diego’s favorite retro-soul musicians, Thee Sacred Souls, will co-headline the lineup for Saturday’s Endless Sunsets festival from Outriders West. This fest at Waterfront Park will feature a mix of genres, with bluegrass group and co-headliners Trampled By Turtles, funk band The Dip, and San Diego psych rockers Creature Canyon also on the bill. Doors will open at 3 p.m. for this all-ages event. General admission is $78, while 21-plus VIP is $155 and comes with priority viewing, entrance, and bars. Both ticket tiers can be purchased here.

1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero

Art Exhibits & Theater in San Diego This Weekend

ArtWalk Liberty Station

August 2–4

Enjoy two days of free art viewing on Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the 19th annual ArtWalk Liberty Station, featuring works from more than 175 artists from the US and Mexico. If you can’t wait to dive in, get a sneak peek at the artwork, chat with participating artists, and enjoy live music from Mark Wood & The Parrot Head Band at Ranch & Coast Magazine’s ArtWalk preview party this Friday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the preview party, which come with one free drink voucher, are $25 (kids ages 12 and under receive free admission).

2751 Dewey Road, Point Loma

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B

Through August 25

Playwright Kate Hamill’s Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B takes the dynamic detective duo to the modern day. In this play, inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Shirley Holmes and Joan Watson find themselves on the trail of an elusive criminal in a comedic reimagining that is more than just elementary. This production will run at The Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre through August 25. Tickets are still available for four performances happening this weekend (starting at $54 on Friday and $113 on Saturday and Sunday), including the Globe’s BIPOC Theatre Night this Friday at 6:30 p.m. 

1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Grand Cinema Under the Stars

August 3

Have the time of your life watching Dirty Dancing this Saturday evening, the next installment of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Grand Cinema Under the Stars series. For the uninitiated, Dirty Dancing is a memorable summertime romance starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, with a nostalgic soundtrack and an iconic lift that’s been imitated in a million homes across the nation. Chill on Fatboy bean bag chairs in the outdoor lounge or bring your own blankets and chairs. Popcorn, snacks, cocktails, and entrées will be available for purchase. Tickets to Saturday’s moonlight screening of Dirty Dancing are $20 per person; seating is first-come, first-served.

5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar

2024 Major League Rugby Championship

August 4

In this year’s Major League Rugby (MLR) Championship match, the defending champion New England Free Jacks and the two-time champion Seattle Seawolves will battle it out at Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday. This year’s title game also represents a clash between the league’s two top point-scorers: Australian fly-half Mack Mason (Seawolves) and New Zealand fullback Jayson Potroz (Free Jacks). The fight for the MLR Shield will begin at 1 p.m. and feature a live performance from Marshmello. Tickets for the MLR championship match start at $35 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. 

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

August is officially here, meaning summer is halfway over. While the season winds down, there’s still time to check off these fun events from your summer bucket list. Saddle up and explore San Diego’s hottest upcoming events this month, including Chula Vista’s Lemon Festival, the Ramona Rodeo, and the Taste of East Village.

Food & Drink | Festivals & Art | Concerts & Theater | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month

Best of San Diego Party at Liberty Station

August 2

Toast the city’s top food and drink people with unlimited samples, live music, and more at our 21-plus bash. The Best of San Diego Party at Liberty Station welcomes 100 can’t-miss spots featured in our Best Restaurants and Best of San Diego issues.

Chula Vista Lemon Festival on Third Avenue

August 17

When life gives you lemons, you get the Chula Vista Lemon Festival. The 27th annual fruit function on Third Avenue returns with live music, yellow couture, and the famed lemon cook-off.

Taste of East Village

August 28 – 29

Nibble your way through downtown with a food-focused “passport,” checking off bites and sips from more than 35 eateries at the two-day Taste of East Village event.

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

ArtWalk Liberty Station

August 2 – 4

Spend three colorful days perusing and shopping paintings, photos, ceramics, glass sculptures, and other works from more than 175 local and international artists at ArtWalk Liberty Station.

Transformative Currents at the Oceanside Museum of Art

August 17 – January 19

Twenty-one artists consider the environmental devastation of the Pacific Ocean—and imagine a more hopeful future—in the Oceanside Museum of Art exhibition Transformative Currents.

Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Month

Peter Pan at the Civic Theatre

July 30–August 4

Looking for the shortest flight to Neverland? Just head downtown. Peter Pan at the Civic Theatre is a live musical adventure packed with ticking crocodiles, scheming pirates, and plenty of pixie dust.

Velour: A Drag Spectacular at La Jolla Playhouse

August 13 – September 8

Artist, author, and Drag Race winner Sasha Velour welcomes audiences into her engrossing world in the new La Jolla Playhouse musical Velour: A Drag Spectacular, directed by Moisés Kaufman.

Def Leppard Concert at Petco Park

August 30

Get ready for a night of glam metal, arena rock, and ’80s anthems at Petco Park as Def Leppard and Journey embark on their co-headlining summer tour.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

Berry Good Food Foundation’s Seeds for the Future Fundraiser

August 18

Help fundraise for local school gardens at the Berry Good Food Foundation’s Seeds for the Future party at Julep Venue, where attendees can indulge in delicious eats, converse with artists, and bid on Baja California getaways.

The Ramona Rodeo

August 22 – 24

Saddle up for the Ramona Rodeo: three days of riding, roping, and cowboy competitions, plus an appearance from the Rodeo Queen.

Texas grocery chain H-E-B is nearing the end of its search for the next crop of Texas-made products to hit the shelves, with 10 newly revealed finalists.

Its
Quest for Texas Best competition is now in its 11th year of engaging small businesses to find the best of their products, in return for $70,000 in cash prizes and the overall winner will be stocked in H-E-B stores.

For the 2024 competition, a release says, H-E-B received more than 16 hours of video from 470 entrepreneurs. Although submissions came in from more than 118 cities, the finalists come from just six places, with Dallas and Austin taking multiple spots. Ultimately, four products will win tiered prizes.

The finalists cover lots of ground, from regional and international specialties to improvements on common staples.

In Dallas, where the Quest is based, four companies go head-to-head:

• Encina: the New American restaurant in Oak Cliff and the only restaurant on the list, contributes its popular blue corn butterscotch pancake mix
• HydroNation: electrolyte-rich sports drinks made with all-natural ingredienta
• Marasi Foods: frozen naan pockets packed with enough ingredients to constitute a full meal
• Sarape Treats: candy coated in chamoy paste and spice mix

H-E-B is also calling BeeKing’s Honey Dust, a sweetener from a company in Canton, a “Dallas” finalist, but Dallasites would probably view that as a bit of a stretch.

The 2024 winners will be selected on August 9 at Dallas’ Fair Park, when a panel of judges awards $25,000 to a grand prize winner with distribution via H-E-B.

Three more prizes will be awarded: $20,000 to first-place winner; $15,000 to a second-place winner, and $10,000 to a third-place winner.

The 2023 winner
was a Houston-based business called PhoLicious, which won the grand prize for its instant pho.

“Small businesses drive innovation and keep our communities vibrant, which is why we are dedicated to finding and supporting the best small businesses in Texas,” said James Harris, senior director of diversity & inclusion and supplier diversity for H-E-B. “We are amazed year after year by the creative products submitted for the competition and look forward to making these inventive products available to our shoppers.”

The 2024 H-E-B Quest for Texas Best finalists are:

• BeeKing’s – Honey Dust – Canton
• Birria Queen – Birria Seasoning Bombs – Austin
• Certified Country Lemonade – Frozen Lemonade & Sweet Tea – Austin
• Encina – Blue Corn Butterscotch Pancake Mix – Dallas
• Hess Street Foods – Chorizo seasoning paste – Utopia
• HydroNation – Natural Sports Drinks – Dallas
• La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar – Mini Frozen Paletas – Brownsville
• Marasi Foods – Frozen Filled Naan Bread – Dallas (Allen)
• Sarape Treats – Chamoy Candy – Dallas
• Texas Rice Milling ~ Home of Honestly Texas – Rice – Brookshire

More information about the contestants and product listings from past winners are available at
heb.com.

Welcome to the weekly Port City Foodies newsletter brought to you by me, StarNews reporter Allison Ballard. Now that we’re into the second half of 2024, there’s mounting evidence of the vibrancy of the local food scene, even amidst challenges. Lots (lots!) of eateries have opened this year. And this month especially, some favorite places are celebrating anniversaries – from longtime businesses like Henry’s and Carolina Ale House to newer ones like The Green House and Bowstring. Diners are understandably excited about the new spots. But it’s also nice celebrating milestones with those businesses making it in a challenging industry. We more of both below.

Food and Drinks Festivals UK added a new event in Clacton to their calendar, which has been hailed a great success by organisers. 

The festival ran over two days at the weekend and saw around 3,000 people enjoy food, drink and activities at the Holland-on-Sea football ground in Dulwich Road. 

Organiser Don Quinn said: “It was a very good turn out on a lovely sunny day.  

“It has been absolutely brilliant for a first event. We really want to be back again next year. 

“We have had very friendly responses from local people in Clacton. They are very pleased to be treated to their own.” 

Mr Quinn and business partner Karen Rowles also organise the Colchester Food and Drink Festival, which regularly sees a large number of residents enjoy foods of different cultures, as well as all-day music over a weekend. 

Following the success of the new event in Clacton, Mr Quinn and Mrs Rowles are confident to return next year again. 

“We are very much looking forward to come back,” said Mr Quinn. “We’re working out what we got right and how we can improve things  and make it bigger.” 

A Lancashire town is set to welcome back its popular food and drink event.

The Colne Food & Drink Festival is returning for its third year this Saturday, July 27, promising a showcase of restauranteurs, cafes, pubs, and bars.

In addition, there will be live music and a range of fun activities for the whole family.

The culinary event will also host craft cocktails and an artisan market at the Parliament St car park.

This year’s edition is a collaborative effort by Colne BID and Independent Street, an organisation known for its successful events that champion local markets, children’s crafts, foraging talks, cocktail classes and even a ‘Man VS Food’ competition.

Lisa Cowley of Independent Street said: “We are delighted to be once again working with the Colne BID team to deliver this much-loved event now going into it’s 3rd year.

“An event like this is a great way to showcase local talent whilst also boosting footfall to the town centre.

“The day will be packed full of local artisan producers and foodies. Pop along and join us and soak up the atmosphere.

“It is a superb opportunity to find out the origins of your food, feast your eyes upon some goodies and fill those shopping bags.

“There is something for the whole family and best of all, it’s free entry.”

Aneesa McGladdery, BID Manager, added: “This event is a fantastic way to bring in a variety of street foods to the to find out the origins of your food, feast your eyes upon some goodies and fill those shopping bags.

“There is something for the whole family and best town as well as celebrate local offerings.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Independent Street once again and look forward to seeing everyone at the festival.”

Not only can the grown-ups enjoy a day of food and drink, but there are also plenty of activities to entertain children.

The family-friendly atmosphere, food, drink demos and workshops cater to all ages.

From Sauce Food Truck Friday to a farm-to-table dinner at Eckert’s Farm, there’s something for everyone

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. 

* Denotes a Sauce-supported event.

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

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

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

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.

111 South Sierra Avenue, Solana Beach