Events
Old Town’s Fiesta Cinco de Mayo
May 4-5. Head to historical Old Town for some classic Cinco de Mayo fun. The 41st annual festival features a mercado offering handmade leather pieces, jewelry, gifts, artwork and more; plus live music and entertainment, including traditional dance performances. Guests can also sample food and libations (read: cervezas and margaritas) from local eateries offering specials all weekend. (Limited parking is available; guests are encouraged to take the Red Line Trolley.) Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Su 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is free. Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town State Park, Old Town. More Info
Gaslamp Quarter’s Cinco de Mayo
May 4. Viva la fiesta! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the heart of the Gaslamp at this huge block party-meets-fiesta. The fun includes lucha libre matches (along with free meet-and-greets with your favorite wrestlers); live music by mariachi and Hispanic/Latin bands; Ballet Folklórico dance performances; a lowrider car show and competition; an artisanal mercado showcasing Mexican and Spanish artists; mezcal tastings; and plenty of food and drink specials from Gaslamp bars and restaurants. Noon-8 p.m. Free general admission. Island Avenue (between Fourth and Fifth avenues), Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
S.D. Humane Society’s Walk for Animals
May 4. Caring for 40,000 animals each year, the San Diego Humane Society presents its annual Walk for Animals—aka “the best walk you will take all year.” Bring your canine bestie and join hundreds of fellow animal lovers for a walk around Liberty Station’s NTC Park. The event includes a pancake breakfast, live music, vendors, dog activities and more. Funds raised will benefit the Humane Society’s crucial rescue, medical care and adoption programming. 7-11 a.m. Free general admission; see website to reserve a spot and/or to make a donation. 2455 Cushing Road, Liberty Station. More Info
Seaport Village’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 5. Presented in partnership with Canal 12 Televisa, Seaport Village is pulling out all the stops for its Cinco de Mayo celebration on Sunday. Enjoy a family-friendly fiesta along the bay with live music by Mariachi Nueva Tradición; a closing performance by Latin vocalist Fercho; dance performances by Folklórico Ti-Pai (pictured); a salsa dancing workshop by Deseo Studios; beats by DJ Nando; plenty of contests, raffles and photos ops; and food from Seaport Village eateries, including Quiero Tacos and Marion’s Fish Market. 1-5 p.m. Free entry. 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. seaportvillage.com
Food + Drink
Taste of Cardiff 2024
May 2. Cardiff 101 Main Street presents this 14th annual culinary adventure in the heart of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea community. Enjoy bites from around 20 Cardiff restaurants, including Besta Wan Pizza House, Pacific Coast Grill, Waverly, VG Donut & Bakery, and Cardiff Seaside Market; plus sips from area bars; and offerings from local retailers. And cast your vote for the coveted Morgan Mallory Golden Fork Award. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $50 Taste Only Tickets; $55 Taste & Sip tickets. San Elijo Avenue (between Birmingham Drive and Chesterfield Drive) and along S. Coast Hwy. 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. More Info
Union Kitchen & Tap Pacific Beach
Now Open. Known for its locations in Encinitas and the Gaslamp, Union Kitchen & Tap debuts its third outpost in Pacific Beach. Expect the same stellar craft cocktails, local beers and elevated New American fare, with dishes such as the popular shrimp ‘n’ grits with andouille sausage and aged white cheddar, the Union Gumbo, an array of prime steaks, and Aunt Dubo’s Peanut Butter Pie for dessert. And don’t miss weekend brunch, featuring skillet cornbread Benedict and the short-rib breakfast burrito. See website for hours. 832 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.263.7850. More Info
Weekend Brunch at Lilian’s
Now Available. If you haven’t been to Lilian’s—The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s new signature restaurant—weekend brunch is a delicious reason to visit. The new menu by chef Moira Hill features crab Benedict, a French caviar omelet, a wagyu burger with aged cheddar, coconut pancakes and duck confit hash; plus avocado toast, acai bowls, a Peking duck tostada, oysters on the half shell, and salmon crudo with truffle ponzu; and plenty of bubbly to wash it all down. Sa-Su 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.221.7000. liliansrsf.com
Arts + Culture
Stir at The Old Globe
Opens May 4. Don’t miss the heart-warming comedy Stir, staged at The Old Globe theater through May 26. Written by Melinda Lopez (who plays Mariana) and Joel Perez (Henry), the Globe-commissioned world-premiere play centers on two distant siblings who come together to share their mother’s favorite recipe. As the two reminisce about their childhood and life (and reveal secrets of their own), this seemingly simple project reveals an unexpected connection. Marcela Lorca directs the 80-minute production (no intermission). See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Closes May 5. The works of Dutch post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) come to life in this awe-inspiring exhibit, which runs at Wyland Center at Del Mar Fairgrounds through Sunday. Created by Mathieu St-Arnaud of Montreal’s Normal Studio, the walk-through experience showcases 300 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces via 3D projection technology. The space features projection-wrapped walls of shapes, lights and colors that dance and morph into the artist’s famous landscapes, flowers, cafes and portraits—all set to a symphonic score. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. More Info
Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience
Closes May 5. Operating alongside the similar exhibit Beyond Van Gogh at Wyland Center at Del Mar Fairgrounds, Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience wraps up its inaugural San Diego visit on Sunday. More than 400 epic works by French impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840-1926) come to life in this walk-through exhibition—including his famous water lilies, colorful poppies and sunrises—thanks to cutting-edge, 3D-projection-wrapped walls of shapes, lights and colors that dance and morph into the artist’s creations. See website for hours and tickets. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. More Info
Photo credits: Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet are courtesy of Paquin Entertainment Group. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
