Nearly 40 of Our Area's Best Chefs Converge to Celebrate California Figs | Don't Miss the Inaugural San Diego Fig Fest on September 8 at the San Diego Public Market

August 14, 2013

Figs are erotic. Eating a fresh ripe fig is as near a sexual experience as food consumption can be (unless you're George Costanza).  As the versatility of this flavorful fruit is more courageously explored, the prevalence of its use can be seen across an array of cuisines.  On September 8th, nearly 40 of San Diego and Baja's best chefs and food purveyors will join local wineries and breweries for a celebration honoring California figs. Enjoy fresh and dried figs, delicious fig-influenced recipes, live entertainment and more at the inaugural San Diego Fig Fest held at the San Diego Public Market!

Get Your BBQ on at the Del Mar Racetrack | Don't Miss the Inaugural Del Mar Grill Fest on Saturday, August 17

August 14, 2013

This Saturday, August 17, head to the Del Mar Racetrack for its first-ever BBQ grilling festival - the Del Mar Grill Fest.  Taking place3 at the Seaside Concert area throughout the day, this event will feature offerings from over 25 seasoned BBQ pros and local restaurants.  Watch the races, fill your bellies, and when the ponies are finished running, stay for the complimentary Weezer concert.

Chef Simon Dolinky Out at Hotel Palomar and In at the W San Diego

August 14, 2013

Chef Simon Dolinky will be taking over as Executive Chef of KELVIN at the W San Diego. Previously the Executive Chef of Saltbox Dining & Drinking in the Hotel Palomar, Dolinky has worked with some of the most prestigious and well-recognized chefs in the industry.

11th Annual Chula Vista Rotary Wine & Food Festival Returns to Otay Ranch Town Center | Saturday, August 24 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM

August 14, 2013

This is the perfect summer escape in the South Bay to pleasure your palate at an ideal outdoor tasting experience. The 11th Annual Chula Vista Rotary Wine and Food Festival provides an opportunity for wine lovers, beer enthusiasts and food experts alike to expand their knowledge with every sip and bite. This delectable event is brought to you by the Chula Vista Rotary Club on Saturday, August 24 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Otay Ranch Town Center.

A Dining and Learning Experience at From Farm to Bay Food and Wine Classic at Living Coast Discovery Center

August 13, 2013

Photo by Dream West Photography

By Megan Gallagher | SanDiegoVille Contributor  

Tourists may flock to San Diego for sites like Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, but there is a lesser-known wildlife destination that’s also making quite the buzz. The Living Coast Discovery Center, formerly the Chula Vista Nature Center, is an organization dedicated to providing environmental education on coastal resource conservation, and instilling a respect for nature and wildlife in people of all ages. Though it’s only a few short miles from downtown, the nature center, which sits on a 316-acare Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and provides visitors a unique glimpse at the wildlife in our environment that we overlook every day. We had the opportunity to check it out during the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the From Farm to Bay Food & Wine Classic, where more than 40 local restaurants and eateries showcased their dishes to a sold out crowd, all in the name of keeping the bay beautiful.

An Elegant Night Under the Stars at the 30th Annual Heritage Ball | Saturday, August 17 at 6:00 PM

August 13, 2013

The 30th Annual Heritage Ball will be a starry, magnificent night filled with live entertainment, dancing, delicious food, and a fabulous live auction and opportunity drawing items. This annual Ball will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 6:00 PM, with Executive Director, Father David Gaa, event co-chairs and local community volunteers, Gigi Gleason, and Robbie Hass, as well as the presenting sponsor, Tri-City Medical Center at the helm, guaranteed to be an evening to remember.

The 19th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer Returns Friday, Sept. 20

August 12, 2013

The 19th Annual San Diego Festival of Beer - San Diego’s original beer festival and cancer-fighting fundraiser - returns to downtown San Diego on Friday, September 20 from 6 – 11 p.m. The outdoor event draws beer lovers from around the county together for a great cause, and will once again take over the streets at Columbia and B in Downtown San Diego (across from W Hotel).

The Inaugural Hormel Black Label Bacon Fest to Take Over San Diego's Liberty Station | August 31 from 1-5pm

August 9, 2013

Bacon. Either you love bacon, or you're wrong. What other singular ingredient elicits such desire and excitement?  There are many a food festival in America's Finest City, but this August 31st, for the first time ever, Hormel Black Label San Diego Bacon Fest will make its debut at Preble Field in NTC Park in Liberty Station for a festival centered around America's favorite food. Organized by PushPins Media and sponsored by Hormel Black Label Bacon, this event will unite the masses with San Diego's finest chefs, breweries, eateries, wineries, and distilleries for a day of unlimited indulgence in honor of International Bacon Day.

San Diego Music Thing Announces Kick Off Party with New Politics at Casbah on September 12th | Additional Speakers, Panels and 91x Stage Announced

August 8, 2013

There really is no place to be that tops San Diego, CA on September 13 and 14.  One will be hard pressed to top the talent, learning opportunities and that typically gorgeous weather. The San Diego Music Thing (SDMT) hosts its annual Kick Off Party on Thursday, September 12 with New Politics appearing at The Casbah.  Tickets for the party will be $13.91 and are currently onsale.

Over 1,000 Filmakers Anxious to See Who Will Win the San Diego 10th Annual 48 Hour Film Project | Best of San Diego Screening and Wrap Up Party August 10th

August 7, 2013

The 10th Annual 48 Hour Film Project brought together over 1,000 professional and aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts for a high-stress battle to see who could create the best 5-7 minute short film in 48 hours.  This year's event is coming to a close with a Best of San Diego Screening scheduled for August 10th at Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15, followed by the Wrap Party at SummerSalt Rooftop Pool and Lounge at Hotel Palomar.

Stone Brewing Co. to Host Stone 17th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival

August 3, 2013

Oh happy (hoppy?) day! Preparations for the Stone 17th Anniversary Celebration & Invitational Beer Festival are underway, and this year’s event figures to be the biggest and best yet. On August 16 and 17,  Stone Brewing Co. will set up shop at the California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) campus in North County San Diego to bring fans an epic array of craft beers, all in the name of celebration and charity.  One hundred percent of the profits from the festival will be donated to local charities, including Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos, Fight ALD, Palomar Family YMCA, and Surfrider Foundation.

Ford SuperGirl Pro Announces Schedule of Events Including Surf & Sustainability Village, Bethany Hamilton Autograph Signing and More!

August 2, 2013

ASA Entertainment announced today the lineup of events for the much-anticipated Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) 6-Star Ford Supergirl Pro presented by Paul Mitchell. The event will be held at the Oceanside Pier August 2 - 4 and features the largest field of female surfers ever assembled, including Bethany Hamilton, Carissa Moore, Lakey Peterson, Coco Ho, Laura Enever, Malia Manuel, Sage Erickson, Alana Blanchard and more.  Admission to the event is free.

SanDiegoVille Street Artist Profile - JT Estrela - Sandcastle Artist of Ocean Front Walk in Pacific Beach

July 31, 2013

By Ryan Lewis | SanDiegoVille Art Director and Contributor

Against a backdrop of rolling waves and San Diego sun on the peak mainline of the PB boardwalk, a low-key 'dude' in his 30s scratches away at a grand, nearly 1-ton sand-packed sculpture of an ornate conch shell. A ball cap, sunglasses, and dark tan are the uniform of a man spending full days on the outskirts of prime beach real estate, lugging carts filled with buckets of sand and seawater up from the surf and sculpting large and very temporary modern artworks.

On the Move: No Longer 'On the Bay', ArtWalk @NTC Liberty Station Takes Place Aug. 24 & 25th

July 30, 2013

ArtWalk San Diego @NTC Liberty Station (ArtWalk @NTC), in moving to a stunning new location this year, introduces an event developed as much for devoted art connoisseurs as for San Diego’s aficionados of free festivals. On Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., NTC at Liberty Station will welcome 100+ artists, a dozen live musicians, and variety of food and interactive art activities. ArtWalk @NTC offers free parking, complimentary admission for all ages and abundant seating for to this festival’s live musical performances and extensive art exhibits.

Andaz San Diego and Pacific Magazine present a Girls’ Night Out Shopping Extravaganza on August 22

July 29, 2013

Andaz San Diego has partnered with Pacific Magazine and Sassy City Chicks to present Girls’ Night Out, a signature Andaz Salon event, on August 22 from 5 to 10 p.m. During this evening, Andaz San Diego’s chic wine bar and expansive rooftop will transform into a bi-level event featuring the latest women’s fashions, complimentary spa treatments, beauty giveaways, specially crafted cocktails and more – in one central location - the luxurious Andaz San Diego hotel.

Celebrate National Chicken Wing Day on Monday, July 29

July 28, 2013

Whether it is snack time, game day or happy hour, it is likely that chicken wings are on the menu. This all-American finger food is enjoyed for a variety of occasions, often times coated in hot sauce and usually served with cool bleu cheese.  It’s only right that a food this popular be recognized with a holiday. This year, we celebrate National Chicken Wing Day on July 29.

San Diego IndieFest 8 Returns with Eclectic Line Up | August 16-18

July 26, 2013

San Diego IndieFest is back for its 8th incarnation! After a hiatus due to the birth of their son, San Diego IndieFest creators/ producers Alicia Champion and Danielle LoPresti have been busy creating a renewed look and format for IndieFest 8, still featuring the kind of roster you've come to expect— filled with formidable indie revolutionaries to excite and inspire. SDIF is still family friendly, wildly eclectic and offers a wide array of visual art, activities, film and of course, tons of music.  Headliners Cake, Talib Kweli, Best Coast and Gilbert Castellanos are among over 100 other artists and films who will be showcasing throughout the 3 day festival.  To take advantage of San Diego’s awesome summertime weather, IndieFest has moved to August 16-18, and has expanded its music program to two days, kicking off on Friday, August 16, including a Red Carpet Media Event at the Film Stage with doors opening at 5PM.