Events
North Park Thursday Market
May 16. Grab fresh flowers, organic produce, artisanal foods, pantry items, CBD products, clothing, jewelry and more at this weekly alfresco market—showcasing more than 50 local vendors—plus kids activities happening at North Park Mini Park; along with live music while you shop. Some of our favorite finds: floral bouquets from Hidalgo Flowers; citrus fruits, eggs and avocados from R&L Farms; bread from Hommage Bake House; and salsas and tortillas from Ruth’s No. 5. 3-7:30 p.m.; rain or shine. North Park Way (between Granada Avenue and Ray Streets), North Park, 619.294.2501. More Info
Fiesta Del Sol in Solana Beach
May 18-19. Head to Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach for the 43rd annual Fiesta Del Sol. Presented by the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Belly Up, the beachside music festival boasts two days of concerts by the likes of Mustache Harbor, Desperado, Whitney Shay, Daring Greatly, The Whalers, Ozomatli, Veni Sun, Atomic Groove, Sabrosas Latin Orchestra and many more. Guests can also enjoy libations, food vendors, local retailers, a kids zone and ocean views. See website for full schedule. Sa 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Su 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Free entry. 111 S. Sierra Ave., Solana Beach. fiestadelsol.net
Escondido Street Festival
May 19. Now in its 35th year, the Escondido Street Festival is a family-friendly street fair in the heart of downtown Escondido—featuring local bands; international and artisanal food vendors, including barbecue, Mexican, Hawaiian, Italian, Thai, gourmet desserts, funnel cakes, hot sauce, jarred foods, coffee, cotton candy and ice cream; retail, craft and art vendors selling unique, handcrafted gifts, homewares, clothing, accessories and jewelry; a beer, wine and spirits garden; and much more. See website for more details. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free entry. Along Grand Avenue, downtown Escondido. More Info
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Extended through May 19. Originally slated to close May 12, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch have extended their season one more week, now open through this Sunday, May 19. Don’t miss your chance to take in 70 million flowers, namely the ranch’s famous, double-petaled Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, which are in their final blooms across 55 acres; as well as the Sea of Sunflowers. The property also offers a sweet pea maze, tractor wagon rides and onsite refreshments. See website for hours and tickets (which must be purchased online in advance). 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. theflowerfields.com
2024 Tennis Fest at Balboa Tennis Club
May 19. How’s your serve? Presented by the San Diego District Tennis Association, the 2024 Tennis Fest takes place on Sunday at Balboa Tennis Club. Spend the afternoon learning from USPTA pros and local volunteers, offering on-court clinics for beginners to experienced players—focused on improving your strokes, swings, skills and strategies for winning tennis matches. The fun includes an exhibition match, raffle giveaways, vendors offering helpful info and products, complimentary event t-shirts and the Ben Press Award Ceremony. See website for details. Noon-4 p.m. Free admission. 2221 Morley Field Drive, Balboa Park. More Info
Food + Drink
El Cajon Foodie Fest
May 18. Head to “America on Main Street” for an afternoon of family-friendly fun under the sun. The El Cajon Foodie Fest spotlights many of the East County city’s most popular restaurants, vendors and food trucks—offering appetizers, samples of popular menu items, desserts, specialty beverages, smoothies and more. The street festival also includes carnival rides, games, crafts, live music and entertainment, and other attractions. See website for more info and tickets. 3:30-6:30 p.m. $10-$25 per person (free ages 5 and under). 200 Civic Center Way (at Main and Magnolia streets), El Cajon. More Info
San Diego Crawfish Boil
May 18. The LSU Alumni of San Diego and Raising Canes present the 35th annual San Diego Crawfish Boil at Waterfront Park. It’s the largest crawfish boil in the world, bringing together around 4,000 people to enjoy 20,000 pounds of crawfish trucked in from Louisiana. Guests can enjoy a special live concert by New Orleans-based band Cowboy Mouth; as well as Euphoria Brass Band and The 524 Brass Band; craft beer and libations; local food vendors like Crab Hut and Filippi’s Pizza Grotto; and San Diego Bay views. See website for full schedule and tickets. 1600 Pacific Highway, downtown. More Info
KEX Fest 2024
May 19. Calling all foodies and oenophiles! This sixth-annual, all-inclusive culinary experience at Kettner Exchange features cuisine by executive chef Brian Redzikowski; wine, beer and spirit tastings; a silent disco and wine sensory experience hosted by Vin de Syrah; a tiki speakeasy by The Grass Skirt; a speakeasy by Camino Riviera; a VIP lounge; a whole-fish-breakdown demo by chef Nick Devries; handmade cigar rolling; music by The Jazz Cartel and DJ Carlo; tarot card reading; and doughnuts from Devil’s Dozen. 1-7 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy. More Info
Arts + Culture
San Diego Symphony Concert at The Shell
May 18. As part of its Jacobs Masterworks programming at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the San Diego Symphony presents an exciting concert on Saturday. Violinist Daniel Lozakovich (pictured) joins maestro Rafael Payare and the Symphony for an evening that includes Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto; as well as Wagner’s Die Walküre. (And save the date: On May 25, pianist Jeremy Denk joins Payare and the Symphony to perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. The evening’s repertoire also includes Stravinsky’s ballet score to The Firebird.) 7:30 p.m. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org
Marston House Museum
Open. Getting to visit this historical landmark is our kind of house call. Built in 1905 and named for George W. Marston (the “Father of Balboa Park”), the Marston House is the embodiment of the Arts & Crafts architectural movement. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house—nestled on five acres of landscaped gardens—was designed by renowned architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill. Tours start every half hour and last 40-45 minutes. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See website for pricing. 3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park, 619.297.9327. More Info
Photo credits: The Shell / Daniel Lozakovich by Lev Efimovy. Marston House Museum by Paul Body. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
