It’s another lively weekend for the books. From the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, to art, music and cultural events, there won’t be a single dull moment this weekend as America’s Finest City lives up to its name.
Thursday, Nov. 17
San Diego's Family-Friendly Halloween Activities
San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Times and locations vary
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival – dedicated to San Diego’s thriving food, wine and spirits scene – continues with several events planned for Thursday, including a seminar on the history of craft beer featuring some local leaders of the industry such as Stone Brewing co-founder Greg Koch. Other events Thursday include the Tour of Sicily, all about the wine, food and culture of Sicily, and Blind Taste with the Masters, the ultimate tasting challenge featuring world-renowned master sommeliers and San Diego’s most well-versed wine experts.
Studios Series: Xawery Wolski
5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Lux Art Institute
Currently an artist in residence at the Lux Art Institute in Encinitas is Xawery Wolski, whose process involves constructing individual beads from clay and stringing them together to create larger sculptures. His work is very much travel-focused, as each piece is created from clay of specific countries. On Thursday night, Lux will host a special exhibition of Wolski’s work in the Artist Pavilion, and Wolski will be there to lead a discussion about his work and artistic process. Tickets are $10 per person; free for Lux members.
Culture & Cocktails: The Power of Architecture
6 p.m., The San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art’s popular evening series, Culture & Cocktails, returns Thursday to highlight the exhibition, “Louis Kahn: The Power of Architecture.” Visitors can browse the architect’s works while sipping on themed cocktails inspired by Kahn’s architecture and enjoying activities like building a brooch or bowtie out of LEGOS and striking a pose in the “skyscraper” photo booth. Tickets are $25 per person if purchased in advance; $35 the day of the event.
The Sound of Music
7 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre
The hills are alive with the sound of music! Don’t miss out on seeing this classic musical performed live in San Diego as the touring company comes by this week. Follow the story of Maria and the von Trapp family as they sing through their triumphs and struggles. The show runs through Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. Tickets start at $20.
Harland Williams
8 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
Comic and actor Harland Williams (“Half Baked” and “There’s Something About Mary,” among flicks) takes the stage this weekend at The American Comedy Co. in downtown San Diego. His first stand-up performance is on Thursday; he cracks up the crowd again with two shows Friday and Saturday and a final show Sunday. Tickets are $16-$18 per person.
Friday, Nov. 18
Holiday Lighting in Santee
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Santee Trolley Square
Santee will kick off the holiday season Friday night with this Holiday Lighting party at Santee Trolley Square (9884 Mission Gorge Rd.), which includes live music, arts and crafts for the kids, a mini express train, a petting zoo, snow sledding, food vendors and photos with Santa ($12). The event itself is free, but some activities may cost a small fee. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony, which happens at 6:15 p.m. sharp.
Salsa Under the Stars
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of Salsa music under the stars at the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport. This event is free; no partner or experience required.
Beyond the Score: New World Symphony
8 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall
This production of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and creative director Gerard McBurney focuses on the inspiration behind the creation of great works of art. San Diego Symphony Orchestra conductor Cristian Macelaru leads the show, which includes multimedia elements like live actors, visual illustrations and music that reveals the stories found inside the score. Balcony seats start at $25.
Jai Ho! Bollywood Party: Diwali Night
9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center
Dance the night away at Queen Bee’s Art & Cultural Center (3925 Ohio St.) at this lively, colorful, 21+ Bollywood party celebrating the Indian tradition of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Activities include a dance lesson, Henna tattoos and an 11 p.m. dance performance, and tunes of DJs Ukeim and Prashant. Entry is free to the first 100, pre-registered attendees until 10 p.m. Otherwise, it’s $10 per person at the door. Attendees are encouraged to wear traditional Indian attire.
“Globe for All”: Free Performance of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure”
7 p.m., A Reason to Survive at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in National City
Audiences around San Diego get the chance to see free performances of one of William Shakespeare's beloved plays in their own community as part of The Old Globe's "Globe for All" program. The program, now in its third year, brings free and low-cost performances of a Shakespeare play to communities around San Diego. This year, the program will put on Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure." The play mixes comedy and drama as it tells the tale of a newly appointed leader (Angelo), who wants to ride the city of its moral decay. That is, until Angelo falls for a young nun, with some complicated twists and turns. The performance will start with an introductory pre-show warm up and end with a talk-back with the Globe's Master Teaching Artist Lisel Gorell-Getz.
Saturday, Nov. 19
Everything She Touches
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Saturday) and 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Sunday), Creative Performing & Media Arts School
The 85-voice-strong San Diego Women’s Chorus performs its fall concert for two nights at the Creative Performing and Media Arts School (5050 Conrad Ave.) in Clairemont. The show will feature a tapestry of varied musical genres – from songs by Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell to the Beatles – all with powerful messages about society. An hour prior to showtime, attendees can enjoy a pre-show reception with food, drinks and giveaways. General admission is $25 per person; $15 for military, seniors, students and kids 18 and under.
Reggae Fest With Iration
After final race, Del Mar Racetrack – Seaside Stage
After the last horse race of the day in Del Mar, head over to the Seaside Stage for Reggae Fest featuring the hit-making SoCal-by-way-of-Hawaii group, Iration. The band’s catchy, relaxed tunes will have you feeling the Aloha vibes in no time.
Miss You Like Hell
7 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
More than five years of writing, composing and creating will come to fruition when the curtain raises on the highly anticipated "Miss You Like Hell" at the La Jolla Playhouse this month. The musical, commissioned by the La Jolla Playhouse, follows a smart and creative teenager who agrees to take a road trip across the country with her free-spirited Latina mother as a custody battle unfurls. The book and lyrics are written by Pulitzer-prize winning Quiara Alegria Hudes; music and lyrics by Erin McKeown. Read more about the musical's five year journey to production here. Tickets start at $25, the musical runs through Dec. 4.
DayBreak
8 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
It can be difficult to wake up early on a Saturday morning. But here’s something to help get you out of bed this Saturday morning: DayBreak at the racetrack. Grab some breakfast while watching morning workouts at the racetrack. Horse racing fanatics will also be able to pick the brain of former jockey and event announcer Jeff Bloom. Bloom will be there answering questions. Tickets cost $10.
Homemade Craft Sale
10 a.m., Balboa Park Casa del Prado
More than 100 vendors will bring their homemade crafts to Balboa Park for this two-day craft sale, starting at 10 a.m. and running till 3:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Patios A and B, as well as Room 101, will host the fair. Start the Christmas shopping early at this fair, and enjoy an afternoon at Balboa Park after you’re done shopping. Admission is free.
National Beer Mile
12 p.m., Qualcomm Stadium
Have you ever wished you could blend your two passions (beer and fitness, of course)? Well, fret no longer! This innovative one-mile course, designed for everyone from fitness enthusiasts to party goers, has runners racing toward an after party featuring food, games, live music- and of course beer. Tickets start at $35.
Pocahontas at the Balboa Theatre
1 p.m., The Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego
See the Disney classic Pocahontas on the big screen at one of San Diego’s most beautiful theatres, the Balboa Theatre. The movie follows the daughter of an Algonquin chief who shares a forbidden romance with an English soldier. The film runs an hour and 20 minutes and is rated G. Tickets for adults cost $12. There are discounts available for children under 12 years old, seniors and military.
Grand Tasting at the San Diego Bay Food + Wine Festival
12 p.m., North Embarcadero Marina Park
The big finale of the annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival goes down at Embarcadero Marina Park North, right behind Seaport Village. The Grand Tasting (http://www.sandiegowineclassic.com/events.html ) will boast 150 wine and spirit purveyors pouring more than 700 different wines from a range of domestic and international wineries. In addition, more than 60 of San Diego’s top chefs will take the spotlight, whipping up their finest fare. A “Chef of the Fest” competition will determine the best of the best, with one winning chef walking away with up to $50,000 in cash and prizes and, of course, serious bragging rights. Attendees will also enjoy samples from more than 30 gourmet food companies, plus live entertainment.
West Side Story Sing-Along
7 p.m., The Balboa Theatre
Who can hold back when watching West Side Story. This Saturday, sing along with Maria and Tony as they fall in love in New York City. The movie runs two hours and 32 minutes. Tickets for adults cost $12. There are discounts available for children under 12 years old, seniors and military.
San Diego Gulls vs. San Jose Barracuda
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
The San Diego Gulls are well into their second season. Come support your hometown hockey team this weekend! The Gulls take on the Barracusas this Saturday. Tickets start at $19.
“Globe for All”: Free Performance of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure”
12 p.m., Escondido Public Library at 239 S. Kalmia Street
Audiences around San Diego get the chance to see free performances of one of William Shakespeare's beloved plays in their own community as part of The Old Globe's "Globe for All" program. The program, now in its third year, brings free and low-cost performances of a Shakespeare play to communities around San Diego. This year, the program will put on Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure." The play mixes comedy and drama as it tells the tale of a newly appointed leader (Angelo), who wants to ride the city of its moral decay. That is, until Angelo falls for a young nun, with some complicated twists and turns. The performance will start with an introductory pre-show warm up and end with a talk-back with the Globe's Master Teaching Artist Lisel Gorell-Getz.
Sunday, Nov. 20
Breakfast Club
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Green Flash Cellar 3
Head over to Green Flash Cellar 3 in Poway (12260 Crosthwaite Circle) for this cool brunch experience that includes four courses created by chefs Steven Lona and Jenny Goycochea, of Tasting Room Del Mar. Each course will be paired with a Green Flash beer and a surprise giveaway. Brunch enthusiasts will also be treated to tasty java from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters. Tickets are $50 per person.
Who Dunnit? Seaport Village Scavenger Hunt
1 p.m., Seaport Village
If you’ve ever dreamed of being a detective, today is your day to shine. Seaport Village’s Murder Mystery Adventure, a scavenger hunt style game, will take you through the iconic seaside destination in a two-hour adventure as you solve a murder mystery. Tickets cost $25.
Taste of the Turf Club
11 a.m., Del Mar Racetrack
The opening weekend of the Del Mar Racetrack’s fall season is filled with goodies and fun activities! This Sunday, take a taste of a special menu as you dine at the exclusive Turf Club in Del Mar. Chef Brian Malarkey, one of the city’s most celebrated chefs, will prepare the menu for the morning. Tables are limited. Your $100 ticket will get you turf club admission for the day, a choice of an appetizer, entrée, dessert and bottomless mimosas or champagne. Attendees must comply with Turf Club Dress Code.
Pizzapalooza, Ft. Battle of the Bartenders
11 a.m., The Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier
Are you a Deep Dish diehard? Or do you prefer a Sicilian? Does you love a classic Californian the most? No matter what your pizza preference, this pizzapalooza has it all! Some of San Diego’s top pizza makers will make their most popular pies at multiple pizza tasting sessions. Plus, for the thirsty, there will be mixology and craft cocktail stations. Tickets cost $55. The event is part of the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival.
San Diego Ramen Festival
4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sushi On A Roll on National Avenue, near Petco Park
Ramen fans, rejoice! The first-ever ramen festival hits town this weekend, and some of San Diego’s best ramen will be all in one place, available in small samples. Plus, there will be a ramen eating contest, beer garden, sake specials – and of course, more ramen than any ramen lover can handle! General admission tickets cost $35 and VIP tickets cost $60. General admission tickets cost $60 at the door.
Photo Credit: San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival/Bradley Schweit Photography 2015