The A List

September 2007 Events
The lazy days of summer may be coming to an end, but that’s no reason to cool your social calendar. Here are 25 events to keep you occupied as autumn arrives:
1	Julian Grape Stomp Festa: Kick up your heels and kick off Labor Day weekend in a barrel full of freshly harvested grapes at this annual event to celebrate the upcoming fall season. Held at Menghini Winery, the daylong festivities include grape stomping for adults and kids, music, entertainment, food and crafts vendors. September 1, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1150 Julian Orchards Drive, 760-765-1857; julianca.com.
2	Pancake Pat Down:Waiting in line for your weekend brunch has never been more relaxing, thanks to Spa by Bardot and Richard Walker’s Pancake House. Every Friday, massage therapists from the new downtown spa provide complimentary five-minute back and head rubs to patrons awaiting the breakfast spot’s famous flapjacks. 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. 520 Front Street, downtown, 619-231-7777; richardwalkers.com/san_diego or spabybardot.com.
3	Labor Day at Del Mar: Don’t miss your last few chances of the season to celebrate the summer as only race fans can. Labor Day festivities include the final Family Day of the season, with free pony rides, rock climbing and more for the kids, autograph and photograph sessions with jockeys and a pint glass giveaway to all racetrack patrons. September 3, noon to 7 p.m. Closing Day two days later includes a new tradition: the free Closing Day Party in the Paddock, which begins after the final race and culminates with a performance by the always-entertaining Super Diamond Neil Diamond Tribute Band. September 5, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, 858-755-1141; dmtc.com.
4	Chicago Live!: Broadway San Diego has another hit on its hands as it welcomes superstar George Hamilton reprising his role of charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn in this ever-popular musical. The jazzy story of murderesses Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart takes the Civic Theatre stage by storm for six nights. September 4–9, various times. Third Avenue and B Street, 619-564-3000; broadwaysd.com.
5	Clos du Bois Wine Dinner: The Shores Restaurant at the La Jolla Shores Hotel kicks off its wine-dinner series with a tray-passed reception and four-course paired menu held on the restaurant’s outdoor oceanfront patio. Guests who can’t make the opening event can enjoy the same four-course wine-pairing menu every Saturday throughout the month. September 5, 6:30 p.m. 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, 858-456-0600; theshoresrestaurant.com.
6	*An American in Paris:* San Diego Museum of Art marks the final month as the only U.S. venue presenting the special exhibition, “Impressionist Giverny: A Colony of Artists, 1885-1915,” which features more than 100 works by international artists including Claude Monet and Frederick Carl Frieseke. In conjunction with the exhibit’s closing, the museum presents a special screening of classic Gene Kelly film An American in Paris. Film screening September 6 at 7 p.m.; exhibit runs through September 30. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619-232-7931; sdmart.org.
7	Drink Yourself Blind: Bacchus Wine Market & Tasting Room invites wine lovers with a knowledgeable nose and particular palate to guess the varietals in each of eight brown-bagged bottles of wine. Prizes go to guests who correctly name at least four samples. September 7, 4 to 9 p.m. 647 G Street, downtown, 619-236-0005; bacchuswinemarket.com.
8	Green Scene: In conjunction with the Ray at Night neighborhood gallery walk, Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects (ZTA) opens its eco-friendly gallery for an evening of earth-conscious art, fashion and architecture. “Green Scene: Re-seen 2007” features designs incorporating recycled or sustainable materials, refreshments and an “eco-couture” fashion show. September 8, 6 to 10 p.m. 3956 30th Street, North Park, 619-528-1199; ztarc.com/green.
9	ArtWalk on the Bay: Growing out of the 23-year success of the springtime ArtWalk in Little Italy, this second annual early-autumn event brings the finest artwork from San Diego-based artists to an open-air venue at the Embarcadero Marina Park North. For young art lovers, the weekend festivities also feature a KidsWalk area, which offers hands-on, interactive art opportunities—including a “Kite Koloring” activity and kite-flying event—for budding artists and their families. September 8–9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 840 West Harbor Drive, downtown, 619-615-1090; artwalkonthebay.org.
10	Taste of Downtown: Explore every culinary corner of downtown San Diego, from Little Italy to the East Village, during this self-guided restaurant tour. The sixth annual event offers cuisine samples from 50 area restaurants on one $25 ticket. September 13, 5 to 9 p.m. 619-233-5008; downtownsandiego.org.
11	YachtFest: Get an up-close-and-personal view of the high life on the high seas at this eighth annual event that gives boat lovers the opportunity to step foot aboard more than 30 of the world’s most luxurious floating vessels. September 13–16, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shelter Island Marina, Point Loma; yachtfest.com.
12	Spirits of Mexico: NTC Promenade, at Liberty Station in Point Loma, serves as the setting for this spirited event, held on the eve of Mexican Independence Day. Presented by the Polished Palate, the first organization outside of Mexico to be endorsed by the Academia Mexicana de Tequila, the event features tastings of dozens of spirits, culinary samplings and meet-and-greet opportunities with master distillers. September 15, VIP entry begins at 5:30 p.m.; general admission from 6:30 to 9 p.m. 2875 Dewey Street; polishedpalate.com.
13	Oceanside Harbor Days: The streets of Oceanside are filled with arts and crafts, food and fun for the whole family during this weekend street festival held at the Oceanside Harbor. The two-day event also includes a fishing derby for young fishermen and a “nail-and-sail” watercraft-building competition. September 15–16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 760-722-1534; oceansidechamber.com.
14	Spa Week: Summer may be coming to an end, but there’s no need for relaxation to go along with it. Thankfully, there’s Spa Week, a nationwide effort to offer spa services at affordable prices. Simply visit the Spa Week Web site for access to a directory of area spas offering a host of high-priced services for just $50. September 17–23; spaweek.org.
15	Coldwater Creek the Spa: For even more irresistible spa deals, check out the newest spa in the South Bay. In honor of its grand opening at the upscale Otay Ranch Town Center, Coldwater Creek is offering friends to enjoy the fun. Bring a friend with you and buy a service and they will receive a service of equal value at half price. Must be used the same day. Offer is good through October 8th and cannot be combined with any other offers. 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista, 619-656-1834; coldwatercreekthespa.com.
16	Fashion and Spa Soirée: My Sassy City and sponsors Fredericks of Hollywood and Too Faced Cosmetics are back for an evening of fun, fashion, shopping and spa services. Held at hotspot Johnny V in Pacific Beach, this evening’s event features a trunk show, martinis and a mini brow shaping, massage or manicure. September 19, 6 to 9 p.m. 945 Garnet Avenue, 310-318-1731; mysassycity.com.
17	San Diego Festival of Beer: For the 13th year, the San Diego Professionals Against Cancer tap into the charitable hearts—and thirsty mouths—of San Diego beer lovers at this event, which offers 10 beer tastings for $25, live music and food for purchase. September 21, 6 to 11 p.m. Columbia and B streets, downtown, 877-725-8849; sdbeerfest.org.
18	Old Town Art Festival: San Diego Old Town State Historic Park showcases the work of more than 150 contemporary artists, and fine craft, fashion and home décor artisans from across the country. This two-day festival also includes international food, wine tasting at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant and live entertainment. September 22–23, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. oldtownartfestival.com.
19	Street Scene: What started as an intimate street music festival in 1984 has grown into a full-fledged concert extravaganza, featuring 60 artists on five stages. Having moved from its downtown location several times in the past few years, this year’s two-day event plants its feet at Coors Amphitheatre and features some of the biggest names in music of many genres. This year’s lineup includes headliners Muse, Panic! At the Disco, The Killers and perennial favorite Social Distortion. September 22–23, concerts begin at noon each day. 2050 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista; street-scene.com.
20	Encinitas Oktoberfest: It’s that time of the year again to break out your lederhosen and beer steins. The city of Encinitas kicks off area celebrations with its festival of German food, a beer garden and more than 200 vendor booths. September 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Vista Drive and El Camino Real, 760-753-6041; encinitaschamber.com.
21	La Jolla Gallery and Wine Walk: More than 20 La Jolla galleries open their doors for a night of wine and art appreciation during this self-guided gallery walk. Enjoy samples of 40 wines, culinary offerings from 12 restaurants and exhibitions by world-renowned artists at 22 galleries, all under one $30 ticket price. September 27, 5 to 9 p.m. 619-233-5008; lajollabythesea.com/gallery.
22	San Diego Film Festival: Party like a film star during this four-day festival that brings the red carpet of Hollywood to San Diego. With events ranging from movie premieres and block parties to awards ceremonies and actor panels and workshops, the festival is a must-attend event for any cinema lover. September 27–30, various times and venues. 619-582-2368; sdff.org.
23	Jimmy Buffet: For Parrotheads the world over, a Jimmy Buffet concert is like a religious pilgrimage. If you’re looking for a good time and a sing-along to tunes celebrating the joys of margaritas and cheeseburgers, you’ll be more than willing to trek up to Irvine for the only remaining Southern California festivities this year. September 29, 8 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 8808 Irvine Center Drive, 866-448-7849; margaritaville.com.
24	Fleet Week Sea & Air Parade: This flagship event of San Diego’s six-week tribute to the fine men and women of the U.S. military includes a parade of U.S. Navy ships and aircraft on display on the Big Bay. Good viewing sites include Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Cruise Ship Terminal and Broadway Pier. September 29, noon to 1:30 p.m. fleetweeksandiego.org. If you’d like to see the parade from your own watercraft, hop aboard a Hornblower Cruise, which includes a champagne brunch buffet and a bird’s-eye view of the Big Bay celebration. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1066 Harbor Drive, 619-686-8715; hornblower.com.
25	Adams Avenue Street Fair: Southern California’s largest free music festival returns to Normal Heights to close out the month of September with two days of blues, rock, world, alternative, roots-rock, jazz, reggae, zydeco, alt-country and acoustic music. The 26th annual event includes more than 70 acts on six stages, three beer gardens and more than 300 vendor booths. September 29, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; September 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 619-282-7329; adamsaveonline.com/StreetFair.
San Diego Magazine Partner Events Bling & Bubbly - Your Turn To Sparkle Inside And Out November 14, 6:30–9:00 p.m. Ivy Hotel, 600 F Street, downtown Raise money for YWCA’s Becky’s House while you sip on show-stopping champagnes, savor Ivy’s tantalizing cuisine and scope out $200,000 of seriously bodacious bling. Bling & Bubbly is an exclusive event for those who want to shine inside and out and raise a glass of award-winning champagne in support of a fantastic cause. Join Delana Bennett, radio personality on the popular Jeff and Jer Showgram on Star 94.1 FM, for a special evening in support of YWCA’s Becky’s House. Tickets are $150 per person. For tickets, visit www.worldofwineevents.com or call 877-808-WINE (9463). Open to the first 150 RSVPs only.
Witherby Uncorked September Wine Dinner Party hosted by San Diego Magazine September 28, 7:30–11 p.m. The Witherby, 526 Market Street, downtown This wine dinner will feature Italian cuisine by Stingaree’s executive chef Antonio Friscia, entertainment and wine pairing with each course. Featured wineries include: Cabreo Chardonnay ’05 Tuscany, Cabreo Super Tuscan ’01 Sicily, Saia Nero D’avola ’03 Asti and M.Chiarlo Moscato ’05. To make reservations, call Aubrey Bauer at 619-544-9704. Limited space available.
ArtWalk on the Bay September 8–9, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Embarcadero Marina Park North (behind Seaport Village), downtown Produced by the same team that brings more than 100,000 attendees to Little Italy each April, The juried fine-art show and sale is an open-air gallery filled with San Diego’s best artists, musical groups and interactive art activities for children. The FREE festival fills the beautiful bay-front park with art and fun. ArtWalk on the Bay is presented by Manchester Financial Group. www.artwalkonthebay.org.
Pucker Up for the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival November 14–18 Embarcadero Marina Park North (behind Seaport Village), downtown Southern California's largest wine and culinary event! Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased online at www.worldofwineevents.com or by calling 877-808-WINE (9463). You won’t want to miss the 160 world-class wineries, 60 fine-dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, wine dinners, cooking and winetasting classes, olive oil competition, live and silent auctions, personalities and whew, more food and wine than you’ll know what to do with!
*For San Diego Magazine* subscription information, please click here**. Would you like to forward this to a friend?
Christina Orlovsky, "A" List editor E-mail "A" List event ideas by the 15th of the month prior to the event to alist@sandiegomag.com