Thursday, August 24, 2017

What To Do This Weekend In America's Finest City Aug 24-27, 2017


TGI Weekend! Another eventful weekend is brewing in San Diego, bringing with it fun outdoor events, from movie screenings and concerts to cool craft beer festivals. You can also hit a beach party or two, catch some horse races or check out a play. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find something enjoyable to do in America’s Finest City. Get up. Get out. Play!

Thursday, Aug. 24
Nighttime Zoo9 a.m. to 9 p.m., San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo has extended its hours to 9 p.m. now through Sept. 4 so families can enjoy the annual “Nighttime Zoo.” Visitors can hear live music, check out special keeper talks and entertainment, and end the night by watching a parade of elaborate animal puppets. Nighttime Zoo activities are included with paid admission or zoo memberships.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park CarouselGroup Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
The San Diego-based nonprofit organization, Friends of Balboa Park, recently purchased the historic Balboa Park Carousel located off Park Boulevard. The group plans to restore the ride to its glory days and keep it running for generations to come. The carousel was built in 1910 and boasts all of its original parts. It first came to Balboa Park in 1...  (Published Tuesday, July 25, 2017)
Del Mar Racing
12 p.m., Del Mar Racetrack
Still “cool as ever,” the Del Mar Racing season returns to the seaside track in the North County. Gates open daily at 12 p.m., with the first post at 2 p.m. The season runs through Sept. 4, with track closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Once again, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s racing season will also include concerts and other fun festivities. General admission is between $6 and $10.
Something Wild! Living With Animals
1 p.m. to 3 p.m., San Diego Museum of Man
Project Wildlife will partner with the San Diego Museum of Man’s ongoing exhibit, “Living With Animals,” for two, 30-minute demonstrations that explore how animals impact our daily lives. This program is free with paid admission to the museum, which is $13 for adults and $6 for kids.
Liberty Public Farmers Market
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Near Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station
Liberty Station’s brand-new weekly farmers market goes down every Thursday near Liberty Public Market, off Perry Road. The farmers market features more than 60 vendors, from local produce growers and specialty food purveyors, to artisan gift merchants. While you peruse vendors, enjoy live performances from local musicians.
Your #SanDiegoGram Photos
California Dreaming Beach Party6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Bahia HotelEvery Thursday this summer, The Bahia Hotel in Mission Bay has been hosting its “California Dreaming” Beach Party, which includes a clam bake, BBQ, brews and live beachside concert performed by The Mar Dels. This week marks the second-to-last beach party of the season; the final one is on Aug. 31. Tickets are $49 for adults and $26 for kids ages 5 to 12; children age 5 and under get in free. This is summer, SoCal style, that’s for sure.
Santee Summer Concerts
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Town Center Community Park East
The Mighty Untouchables, which specializes in variety musical entertainment, will take the stage for the final concert in Santee’s 2017 summertime series. The event is free; there will be food trucks on-hand selling dinner and family-friendly activities for the kids. Bring a blanket or chairs and snag a spot on the grass.
San Diego's Top Breweries San Diego's Top Breweries
Cardiff Music Nights6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pappalecco in Cardiff-by-the-SeaItalian eatery Pappalecco is hosting “Cardiff Music Nights” this summer at its Cardiff-by-the-Sea location (2101 San Elijo Ave.), showcasing free concerts each Thursday evening. Guests can enjoy the tunes al fresco as if they were in Italy. A different artist is featured each week.
Sunset Poolside Jazz Series
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., The Westgate Hotel
Downtown’s Westgate Hotel continues its “Sunset Poolside Jazz Series,” a summertime series featuring a different performance every Thursday night, through Aug. 31, from Southern California’s finest jazz talents at the hotel’s pool. The event includes drinks and appetizers, available for purchase. Attendees are asked to spend at least $25 on drinks and food; the entertainment is free. Erika Davies performs on Aug. 17. Allison Adams Tucker performs on Aug. 24. This is the second-to-last performance before the jazz series wraps up next Thursday, Aug. 31.
Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Marvel fans, rejoice. This live-action show, “Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes ” brings all the big names to the stage at Valley View Casino Center – from Spider-Man and the Avengers to the Guardians of the Galaxy and Doctor Strange. The show is in San Diego from Aug. 24-27; tickets start at $15, depending on the date and time.
John Beasley Presents: MONK’estra
7:30 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park South
Part of the Bayside Summer Nights series, this open-air concert features John Beasley’s MONK’estra, a contemporary big band that plays a centennial tribute to the music of Thelonious Monk while infusing modern harmonies, grooves, and fun. San Diego-based jazz pianist Joshua White and his trio will open the show. Tickets range from $18 (lawn) to $71.
7:30 p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
SoCal rock band, Young the Giant (“Apartment,” “Cough Syrup”), plays this venue at San Diego State University Thursday night. Tickets start at $22.
Flicks at the Fountain
8 p.m., Carlsbad Village
The final outdoor movie screening the Carlsbad Village Association’s Flicks at the Fountain series goes down Thursday night behind the famous fountain at the corner of State Street and Grand Avenue. On the big screen will be “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Bring blankets, low-back lawn chairs, a picnic and enjoy the entertainment under the stars. The flick begins at dusk – between 7:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.; seating starts at 6 p.m.
Latin Thursdays9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Enjoy live Latin music at Harrah’s Resort Southern California every Thursday night this month at this 21+ fiesta. The shows cost $10 and are available at the door.
Things to Do in Old TownThings to Do in Old Town
From free museums and historical demonstrations to food, NBC 7's Monica Garske takes a look at some things to do when visiting Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
(Published Thursday, June 1, 2017)
Friday, Aug. 25
Coronado’s Free Summer Shuttle Service8:57 a.m. to 9:42 p.m. (shuttle service times), CoronadoCoronado’s free summer shuttle service is back, running now through Labor Day. The service aims to make it easier for locals and visitors to cruise around Coronado and catch a ride to popular spots during the busy summer months. Hop on!
You & Yours Distilling Co. Tour
3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., You & Yours Distilling Co.You & Yours Distilling Co. – a small, chic distillery in San Diego’s East Village (1495 G St.) – recently launched tours of its tasting room, available at certain times Wednesday through Sunday, including 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. sessions on Fridays. The 45-minute tours are led by a member of the distillery’s team who leads visitors to the production floor, explaining every step of the distilling process – down to the bottling of each product. The tour is followed by a question and answer session and, of course, a spirits tasting flight of the distilleries flagship gin and vodka. Tours cost $25 per person; you also get $10 off a bottle of vodka or gin. To learn more about You & Yours Distilling and its owner, Laura Johnson, read this story.
Food Truck Friday4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s “Food Truck Friday” is a summertime event that brings more than a dozen food trucks to the Plaza de Panama and El Prado walkway every Friday evening through Sept. 29. As you grab some food, you’ll also be able to enjoy live entertainment at the park. Stick around and check out “Balboa Park After Dark” (see below), happening simultaneously at the park Friday nights this summer.
Lord Huron
After the Final Race, Seaside Stage at Del Mar Race Track
Lord Huron takes the Seaside Stage at the Del Mar Race Track for this week’s Friday evening concert. The show starts right after the final horse race of the day; the concert is free with paid stretch run general admission to the track, which is just $6.
Cruisin’ Grand Escondido
5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Downtown Escondido (235 East Grand Ave.)
Downtown Escondido’s free, weekly vintage car show continues, running every Friday night through Sept. 29. Cruisin’ Grand Escondido takes over historic Grand Avenue, with more than 500 cool cars lining the streets. The event, now in its 18th year, draws thousands of attendees. Each Friday night, awards are given to the most impressive pre-1973 American-made cars. Musical entertainment includes performances across four stages: Broadway; Juniper Street; Maple Street Plaza; Kalmia & Grand.
Balboa Park After Dark5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s sundown summertime program continues, with eight museums offering extended late-night hours every Friday through Sept. 29. Some museums are even offering $5 admission deals. Food vendors and live entertainment will also fill the landmark during this “Balboa Park After Dark” series.
Things to Do at Balboa ParkThings to Do at Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s best-known landmarks. NBC 7's Monica Garske speaks with Balboa Park Conservancy CEO and president Tomas Herrera-Mishler about a few of the things you should do when you visit the sprawling urban park in the hear of America's Finest City.
(Published Thursday, April 20, 2017)
Summer Movies in the Park
5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Multiple LocationsSan Diego’s fun and free “Summer Movies in the Park” presents family-friendly movies Friday night at several locations across the county, usually at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. This week, the lineup includes “Moana,” playing at both Colina Del Sol Community Park and 4S Ranch Patriot Park and “Finding Dory” at Junior Seau Pier Amphitheater. “The LEGO Batman Movie” plays at Kate O. Sessions Neighborhood Park, while “Storks” plays at Silver Wing Neighborhood Park, and “A Bug’s Life” screens at Doyle Community Park. The outdoor movies are free to attend. Bring a blanket and a picnic, and you’re all set for a nice evening out with the family.
G & The New Orleans Swinging Gypsies
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at SeaportBring your dancing shoes for this free, live concert in the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport featuring the cool gypsy-meets-traditional jazz sounds of G & The New Orleans Swinging Gypsies. This event also includes free swing dance lessons that will help you boogie once the music starts.
Sunset Luau on the Bay6 p.m., Catamaran Resort Hotel and SpaDreaming of Hawaii? For two more weekends, The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Pacific Beach hosts its 16th season of Sunset Luaus on the shores of Mission Bay, a Friday night event complete with tropical drinks, Polynesian cuisine, and authentic island-inspired music and dancing. The Sunset Luau series runs through Sept. 1; tickets are $69 for adults, $32 for kids ages 5 to 12, and free for little one 5 and younger.
Carlsbad Music Festival
6 p.m. Friday (continued through Sunday), St. Michael’s Campus in CarlsbadThe 14th annual Carlsbad Music Festival takes over St. Michael’s Campus (2775 Carlsbad Blvd.) for three days, starting at 6 p.m. Friday. The fest features more than 60 performances of creative music across all genres – from contemporary classical and indie rock to world music and electronic. Some of the concerts are free, while some shows are ticketed. Also on the agenda: a Green Flash beer garden, artisan market and food trucks – all just steps from the beach. General admission tickets (for one day) start at $40 and include access to all ticketed venues.
Dierks Bentley: What the Hell World Tour
7 p.m., Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
Country singer Dierks Bentley (“What Was I Thinking,” “Say You Do”) brings his “What the Hell World Tour” to this Chula Vista venue Friday night.
The Hodge Twins Live: No Filter
7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
The Hodge Twins, who climbed to fame online via their YouTube channels, bring their edgy, unfiltered stand-up act to the stage at The American Comedy Co. this weekend with two shows on Friday and Saturday night (7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., on both nights). Tickets are $25.

Saturday, Aug. 26
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 race track. 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.
Snorkel with the Leopard Sharks
8 a.m., Scripps Institution of Oceanography
It’s a unique experience you don’t want to miss. Join aquarium naturalists as they head out off of the La Jolla coast to snorkel with leopard sharks in their natural habitat. To participate, you must have intermediate knowledge of swimming and have previous snorkeling experience. Participants must be 10 years or older and must supply their own gear. Tickets start at $25.
San Diego Festival of Books
10 a.m., Liberty Station
Celebrate books of all kind at this inaugural book festival for the San Diego community! Readers and authors will have a chance to exchange stories, connect and share their passion for books. More than 40 local, published authors will participate in the festival through discussions and book signings. Plus, there will be live entertainment, merchant vendors, a Children’s Pavilion and more. Admission to the festival is free, and panel discussion tickets are $3 each.
Imperial Avenue Street Festival
12 p.m., Imperial Avenue and 28th Street
Celebrate the rich history, culture and arts community in Logan Heights this Saturday at the 4th Annual Imperial Avenue Street Festival. The festivities will take place between 28th and 30th Streets, by L Street and Commercial Avenue. The festival will have fun, family programming with local artists, crafts, gourmet food and beverages, plus a craft beer garden and live performers.
Craft Beer Festival
12 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
You’ll find more than 100 local and international brews at this beer festival for the beer aficionados in your life. The festival will feature hard-to-find specialty craft beers alongside all your San Diego favorites. A $20 ticket will get you five 7 o.z tastings and track admission. For those looking for some food, there will be food trucks on site, as well as live music throughout the day. 
Modern Times’ Festival of Dankness
3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Waterfront ParkThis is worth a toast: Modern Times hosts its “Festival of Dankness” at downtown San Diego’s Waterfront Park Saturday afternoon, bringing together the most innovative “purveyors of funk” in the craft beer scene. A $50 general admission ticket gets you unlimited 2-ounce pours of dank, exotic brews, access to food vendors, and a keepsake glass. Attendees can sip and mingle with some of the brewers, too. Participating breweries (among the dozens) include Abnormal Beer Co., Beachwood Brewing, Finback, Monkey Paw, North Park Beer, Pizza Port Brewing Co., Pure Project and Mikkeller SD, to name a few.
San Diego Sights and Sips5:30 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and EventsSunshine, sailing, and cocktails come together on this Hornblower cocktail cruise. Hop on board for a two-hour cruise with champagne, light Hors oeuvres and more as you enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay during sunset. The boat leaves at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $37.50 per person.
Spirits at Sunset: Summer Cocktail Cruise5:30 p.m., Flagship Cruises and EventsTreat yourself to a lovely evening on the Bay this Saturday for the all-new Spirits at Sunset cruise. Board an 82-foot yacht for an evening for 360 views of the beautiful San Diego and bay and your favorite cocktails. Tickets start at $42.50. 
Movie Night in the Park: "Moana"
5:30 p.m., Heritage Recreation Center in Chula Vista
Enjoy the beautiful evening weather in Chula Vista this Saturday and catch an early flick for the entire family: Disney’s “Moana.” The PG movie follows an adventurous teenager who leaves the security and safety of her island to save her people. There will be recreational programming from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at dusk. The event is free.
Cinema at The Balboa: "Saturday Night Fever"
7 p.m., Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego (4th Avenue)
Catch classic movies, art house films and documentaries all summer at the Balboa Theatre, right by Horton Plaza. This Saturday, celebrate the 40th anniversary of this classic film at the theatre.The film features a fun and memorable soundtrack by the Bee Gees. Tickets start at $7. 
The Commodores
7:30 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park SouthMotown legends The Commodores headline this show along San Diego’s waterfront Saturday night as part of the Bayside Summer Nights series. The funk machine – William “WAK” King, Walter Orange and James Dean “JD” Nicholas – bring their hits to the stage (“Easy,” “Brick House,” “Three Times a Lady”) for one night only. After the concert, stick around for a fireworks display.
Little Italy Summer Film Festival8 p.m., Amici ParkEvery Saturday night this summer, San Diego’s Little Italy Amici Park has been hosting a series of Italian films with English subtitles. Saturday's screening is the final one of the season; show time starts at 8 p.m. The entry fee is a $5 donation. 
The Australian Pink Floyd
9 p.m., Harrah’s Resort Southern CaliforniaTogether for 29 years, this Pink Floyd tribute band focuses on note-for-note renditions of their musical heroes, plus stunning visuals and lights for a cool concert experience. Catch The Australian Pink Floyd at Harrah’s Resort Southern California; tickets start at $40. 
Sunday, Aug. 27
Bike the Bay
7 a.m., Coronado Bay Bridge

Start your Sunday early this week and take advantage of your only chance to ride across the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. The non-competitive community bike ride is for riders of all abilities to enjoy San Diego’s scenic, stunning views. The 23-mile ride takes you through five communities and ends with a post-ride festival with food, drinks and entertainment. The ride starts at the Embarcadero Marina Park South.
Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise10:30 a.m., Flagship Cruises and EventsSettle into the New Year in style by hopping abroad a luxury yacht and cruising around the San Diego Bay. The two-hour cruise will take brunchers past the Downtown San Diego bay as they enjoy a gourmet buffet, mimosas, and live music. Tickets start at $38.70. 
Treasure Chest Beer & Food Fest
12 p.m., Green Flash Cellar 3
The Treasure Chest Beer and Food Fest returns this year for the seventh time featuring rare beer and tasty treats to go with your drinks. This year, enjoy exclusive Green Flash, Cellar 3 and Alpine beers, including one-off keg and cask creations. All proceeds benefit the Susan G Komen Foundation, San Diego. Tickets start at $25 and include unlimited beer tastings, 10 food tastings commemorative glasses and a festival experience. 
Kill Local
7 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
"Kill Local", a play by UCSD Graduate Mat Smart, follows the lives of a mother and her two daughters running their own family business: assassinations. The dark comedy runs through Aug. 27 at the Playhouse. As a warning, the production features gunshots and contains graphic and strong language. Tickets start at $25. 
Ken Ludwig’s "Robin Hood" 7 p.m., The Old GlobeSee the timeless story of hero Robin Hood in a new light: on stage, in this brand-new, Globe-commissioned play by Ken Ledwig. Ludwig, a playwright whose works have appeared on Broadway and London's West End ("Crazy For You," "Lend Me a Tenor," "An American in Paris," and more), comes back to The Globe in this world premiere comedy. Ludwig most recently premiered "Baskerville" at the Globe, bringing Sherlock Holmes to San Diego. The piece promises thrills, romance, laughter and more. The play's run wraps up on Sunday.
Cinema Under The Stars: "Wait Until Dark"
8 p.m., Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills
Watch a movie under the moonlight at the outdoor theater in Mission Hills (4040 Goldfinch St.). On the venue’s screening schedule this weekend: the classic “Wait Until Dark,” Terence Young’s thriller featuring Audrey Hepburn as a recently blind woman terrorized by con artists. The movie starts at 8 p.m., and tickets cost $17 to $19. 
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoTimes and locations varyFree or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoFree or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.

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