Where to Feast for Thanksgiving in San Diego 2021

It’s nearly Thanksgiving, and this year’s selection of prix-fixe, to-go, and specialty menus from restaurants in San Diego will satisfy any craving. Between mouthwatering turkey buffets, oven-ready prepared meals, and desserts you’ll be dreaming about for months, everyone can enjoy the only thing better than a home-cooked meal: One you don’t have to make yourself. Here are 30 San Diego restaurants—including some of the city’s best—that are serving Thanksgiving dinner this year. 

Dinner Specials | Buffets | Take-Home Meals

Thanksgiving Dinner Specials in San Diego

Lilian’s at Rancho Santa Fe

Named after The Inn’s designer and architect, Lilian Rice, Lilian’s is serving a four-course dinner for $125 this Thanksgiving. The Rancho Santa Fe restaurant is offering options for each course, including perfectly fried and crispy squash blossoms, slow-roasted beets with creamy burrata, and a fall-off-the-bone 24-hour brandt beef short rib plate. Complement your meal with the restaurant’s iconic specialty drinks. Reservations are now available. 

• Time: 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Price: $125 per adult, $45 for children 12 and under
• Address: 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe

Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery

Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery in Temecula will host an all-day Thanksgiving affair, during which attendees should expect a memorable experience where they can indulge in a choose-your-own three-course meal alongside award-winning wines. Classic entrees will include butter truffle roasted turkey with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, or butternut squash ravioli and focaccia bread. The meal will run from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and reservations are required via Opentable. 

• Time: 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 
• Price: $105 Adults; $94.50 Wine Club; $89.25 Reserve Club; $32.95 Children 5-10 and up; plus tax & gratuity
• Address: 32575 Rancho California Rd, Temecula

Lia’s Lumpia 

In Barrio Logan, the food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar Lia’s Lumpia is renowned for its mouth-watering Filipino menu. Owner Spencer Hunter and his mother—the eponymous Lia—will be offering preorders for Thanksgiving Day to-go boxes until November 26. Will you get the pork belly deviled eggs or turkey holiday lumpia? The mango-glazed ham or cornish game hen adobo? Just make sure you save room for the pan de sal stuffing and persimmon green beans, maybe with a side of the toasted rice vanilla ice cream. 

• Time: Preorders available until November 26 for pickup on Thanksgiving Day between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers can make a reservation via text or email, and will receive a link to payment for pickup. 
• Price: $85 for two servings; $150 for four
• Address: 2219 Logan Avenue, San Diego

Great Maple

Founded by award-winning restaurateur and San Diego native Johnny Rivera, this Hillcrest, Michelin-guide darling will be open for brunch from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., serving a special of fried turkey, eggs, and pumpkin pecan caramel pancakes. Those who prefer a later Turkey day meal can join them for dinner starting at 11:30 a.m., or pick up one of Great Maple’s dinner boxes for two or four that includes a starter, salad, entree, and sweet from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. the same day. This year, there will also be a special pie pickup—key lime or pumpkin with gingersnap crust—on both Wednesday, November 27, and Thursday, November 28. For reservations and pickup information, visit here.

• Time: Dine-in from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., pick-up from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.; dine-in will be 
• Price: $160 for two; $295 for four
• Address: 1451 Washington St, San Diego

Chefsgiving

On November 14, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., some of San Diego’s most decorated and respected chefs will join together to prepare a meal of their favorite Thanksgiving dishes, alongside carefully-selected wine pairings from The Prisoner Wine Company. Taste some of the city’s best of the best: duck carnitas from executive chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle Oceanside, dynamite lobster mac and cheese from executive chef Steven Ruiz at Lionfish, juicy turkey meatball with soy glaze from executive chef Brandon Sloan at Pendry San Diego, and pumpkin bars or a dark chocolate truffle torte for dessert. A portion of the proceeds will go to the San Diego Food Bank.

• Time: 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
• Price: $150 per ticket
• Address: Provisional Kitchen, 425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Mister A’s

Addison 

If you’re looking for a little extra something to be thankful for, San Diego’s only Michelin-starred restaurant is offering an eight-course dining experience, featuring holiday classics reimagined through the lens of California gastronomy prepared by chef William Bradley. The menu experience is $295 per person, with optional wine pairings available for $275. Service is from 5 to 8 p.m., and reservations for the terrace can be made via OpenTable.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar | 858-314-1900

 

Bahia Resort Hotel

Enjoy a family-style three-course prix fixe menu at the Bahia Resort Hotel. Choose from three Thanksgiving dinner entrée options: traditional carved turkey dinner, slow-roasted prime rib, or winter vegetable hash. If you prefer to dine at home, take your Thanksgiving meal to go. The cost is $49 per adult, $28 per child. Preorder by Tuesday, November 24 at 11 a.m.

998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay | 858-539-7635 

 

Café Gratitude 

No turkeys will be harmed for this restaurant’s vegan-friendly à la carte Thanksgiving menu, which is available throughout November. Items include cranberry roasted butternut squash and garnet yams, maple miso brussels sprouts, and a persimmon and pomegranate salad. Holiday pies are also available for pickup through online preorders.

1980 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy | 619-736-5077

 

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. For $59 per person, each dinner includes a Champagne toast as well as entrée options like oak-smoked turkey breast or Harris Ranch rib eye. Leave room for a dessert of classic pumpkin pie, baked-to-order brownie, or Grand Marnier crème brûlée. They also offer a family-style takeout option for parties of four or eight for $45 per person. Preorder by Tuesday, November 24 at 11 a.m.

3999 Mission Boulevard, Mission Bay | 858-539-8635 

 

Coastline at L’Auberge Del Mar

Celebrate Thanksgiving the San Diegan way, with ocean views, alfresco dining, and a four-course feast. The special will be offered on Thursday, November 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at $95 per person. The menu includes spins on Thanksgiving classics like heritage-breed roasted turkey with whipped potatoes, green beans, and white pepper gravy, in addition to decadent offerings like an 1855 Beef prime rib and chocolate miso budino.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar | 858-793-6467

 

Gelson’s

Whether you are hosting for two or for 12, Gelson’s Simply Delicious Dinners are precooked and ready to heat, serve, and enjoy at home. This year’s offerings include small, medium, and large whole roasted turkeys, half and whole spiral glazed hams, whole slow-roasted brisket, prime rib, and plant-based roast options. Order by November 24 and pick up November 20–December 1 at any of Gelson’s San Diego locations. Gelson’s will close early Thanksgiving Day, and all pickups that day should be completed by 1 p.m.

Multiple locations | 818-377-6494

 

Giardino

The Lemon Grove eatery will be open for its first Thanksgiving, offering an all-day menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Giardino’s family-style menu features à la carte items meant for sharing. Choose from entrées like prime rib or butternut squash ravioli, and holiday sides and salads. And don’t forget wine to pair with your meal! Want to keep things traditional? The eatery is also offering a classic turkey dinner which you can enjoy there or take to go.

8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove | 619-825-7112

 

The Gluten Free Baking Co.

If someone with food allergies is joining you this Thanksgiving, don’t fret! This North Park bakery is all gluten free, offering everything from traditional pumpkin pie and pecan pie to other gluten-free items like pasta, multigrain dinner rolls, quiche, mini banana-bread loaves, and more. If you want to bake your own pie at home, the bakery is also selling an allergen-free vegan pie crust dry mix and vegan frozen pie crust (bottom crust only). Order online at least three days in advance.

4594 30th Street, North Park | 858-270-9863

 

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Available for curbside pickup, this decadent family-style Thanksgiving feast includes chimney-roasted turkey with duck-fat-braised thighs, cornbread pecan stuffing, cranberry relish, pumpkin mousse, and more. The cost is $85 per person with a two-person minimum. Preorder by 12 p.m. on Thursday, November 19.

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla |858-453-4420

 

Menya Ultra

Ramen lovers can still get in on the celebrations with one of Menya Ultra’s Thanksgiving home kit specials. Preorder a home kit, complete with broth, noodles, turkey, and classic ramen toppings, through their Google form by November 22.

8199 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Clairemont | 858-571-2010

8141 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Mira Mesa | 858-397-2247

 

Pacifica Del Mar

Make a reservation at this ocean-view eatery to enjoy their popular Thanksgiving menu. For $65, the multicourse menu will include a choice of a starter and an entrée, such as oven-roasted free-range turkey with the fixings, slow-cooked Angus prime rib, zinfandel-braised beef short ribs, or Pacifica’s seafood classics. End on a sweet note with your choice of dessert. Kids 12 and under can select from the kids’ menu for $20.

1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar | 858-792-0476

 

Parc Bistro

This Bankers Hill bistro will be offering Thanksgiving packages for takeout, which will include roasted butternut squash soup, roasted organic turkey, beef bourguignon, an assortment of sides, and two desserts. Prices range from $80 to $320 and can feed up to eight people.

Pickup times are from 12 to 3 p.m.

760 Fifth Avenue, Bankers Hill | 619-795-1501

 

Puffer Malarkey Collective 

Herb & Wood, Herb & Sea, and Animae are joining forces to offer a to-go meal combining all of chef Brian Malarkey’s Thanksgiving favorites, including herb- and citrus-marinated turkey, crème fraîche mashed potatoes and whipped butter, house country wheat stuffing, apple and pear pie, and more. The cost is $59 per person and is available for preorder at herbandwood.com. Pickup is at Herb & Wood.

2210 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy | 610-955-8495

 

Ranch 45 

Ranch 45’s à la carte Thanksgiving pickup menu is perfect for those picky eaters in the family. Customize your Thanksgiving feast with choices from herb-crusted prime rib and smoked turkey leg to smoked Cornish game hens, olive oil smashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and more. The butcher shop and eatery will be accepting orders up to 48 hours in advance.

512 Via de la Valle, Solana Beach | 858-461-0092

 

Salt & Straw 

Enjoy a four-course ice cream feast with flavors inspired by classic American Thanksgiving dishes, with a twist. The offerings include cranberry juniper sorbet, sweet potato casserole with maple pecans, roasted peach and sage cornbread stuffing, and salted caramel Thanksgiving turkey. Flavors are available by the scoop or pint at Salt & Straw shops, as well as online. Guests visiting Salt & Straw locations can also preorder in advance for either pickup or local delivery.

1670 India Street, Little Italy | 619-542-9394

3705 Caminito Court, Del Mar | 858-345-1792

 

STK Steakhouse 

For outdoor dining, delivery, or pickup, STK Steakhouse will be offering a menu with classic Thanksgiving dishes from November 26 through November 29, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy a roasted turkey special with all the fixings for $49 per adult or $29 per child 12 and under. For $100, they are also offering “Takeout Dinner for Two”: two prepared meals that come with pumpkin pie.

600 F Street, East Village | 619-354-5988

 

Trust Restaurant Group

Chef Brad Wise’s Thanksgiving to-go features some of his family’s favorites, along with holiday classics. Feast on oven-roasted turkey, Italian sausage stuffing, and truffled macaroni and cheese. The meal also includes a 12-ounce bag of Cardellino’s house blend coffee beans and a recipe for a cranberry-infused cocktail. The meal is $295 and feeds two to eight people. Orders must be placed by November 19 and picked up on November 26 at Cardellino from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

4033 Goldfinch Street, Mission Hills | 619-600-5311

Just one more thing to be thankful for: a meal cooked by someone else. Forget slicing, dicing, basting, and clean-up thanks to these San Diego restaurants offering multi-course meals, prix fixe menus, and even buffets. They can’t guarantee an entirely stress-free turkey day, but at least someone else will do the dishes.

University Heights

Hope 46

Guests will walk away stuffed from this three-course meal including a choice of a winter harvest salad or roasted butternut squash soup; a choice of top sirloin, herb crusted turkey breast and thigh, or wild salmon; and a third course of either pumpkin pie or rustic fall apple tart. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Price: $49 for adults | $20 for children ages 3 to 11

Address: 2223 El Cajon Boulevard

Louisiana Purchase

Want to kick off the holiday early? Spend time with friends at Louisiana Purchase’s Friendsgiving Chef’s Table enjoying Chef Quinnton “Q” Austin’s take on Thanksgiving from the south.

Date: November 19

Time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Price: $100 per person

Address: 2305 University Avenue

Great Maple

Truck the whole family to this chic American eatery, where the following are on the menu: Spiced lobster bisque, marinated heirloom tomatoes, mini lump crab cakes, fresh roasted turkey, rosemary roasted prime rib, forest mushroom risotto, and sweet yams with toasted marshmallow. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: Brunch from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Price: $49 for adults | $15 for children 13 and under | $25 optional wine pairing

Address: 1451 Washington Street

La Jolla

The Marine Room

Options à la carte are endless at The Marine Room. Pick and choose appetizers, entrées, and sweets, including red walnut-crusted blue crab cake, Maine lobster bisque, ale-brined turkey breast, center cut filet mignon, heirloom carrot ginger risotto, gluten-free three-layered Callebaut chocolate mousse, salted caramel cheesecake, and espresso and vanilla bean cobblestone pie.

Date: November 28

Time: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Price: Varies

Address: 2000 Spindrift Drive

Eddie V’s

Thanksgiving at Eddie V’s promises a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Got a picky eater who’s not in the mood for turkey? Their full dinner menu will be available as well. Reservations required.

Date: November 28

Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Price: $43 for adults | $15 for children

Address: 1270 Prospect Street

Mission Bay

Acqua California Bistro

All the fall flavors are found in this four-course meal: Spiced pumpkin soup, mushroom ravioli, butternut squash risotto, and of course roasted turkey. Reservations required.

Date: November 28

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Price: $63 for adults | $19 for children

Address: Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa, 1775 East Mission Bay Drive

Bahia Resort Hotel

Spend Thanksgiving at the Bahia, accompanied by live piano, views of Mission Bay, and festive fare—including two carving stations, salmon, pork loin, butternut squash ravioli, and seasonal desserts. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Price: $56 for adults | $25 for children ages 5 to 11 | Free for children under 5

Address: 998 W Mission Bay Drive

Pacific Beach

The Duck Dive

The Duck Dive’s traditional turkey dinner is served all day until supplies run out. Call to learn more about their holiday partnerships with Foster Kids of San Diego, the Polinsky Center, and San Diego Foster Angels.

Date: November 22

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Price: $15 for traditional turkey dinner

Address: 4650 Mission Boulevard

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Enjoy stunning views of Mission Bay and live acoustic guitar at the Catamaran’s annual Thanksgiving brunch buffet. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Price: $62 for adults | $25 for children ages 5 to 11 | Free for children under 5

Address: 3999 Mission Boulevard

Downtown

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Del Frisco’s will showcase a premium three-course menu with favorites such as slow roasted turkey breast with apple-sausage stuffing and all the trimmings, plus seasonal dessert options like pecan pie à la mode. Reservations required.

Date: November 28

Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Price: $59 per person

Address: 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 105

Barleymash

Head down to the Gaslamp for a delicious three-courser. Pick your starter and dessert, then enjoy a main course of andouille-stuffed turkey roulade with garlic mashed potatoes, brown ale biscuit stuffing, Brussels sprout casserole and roasted baby carrots.

Date: November 28

Time: Begins at 2 p.m., call for availability

Price: $45 per person

Address: 600 Fifth Avenue

Hornblower

Take a three-hour cruise around San Diego Bay with a Thanksgiving dinner buffet, plus champagne, wine, cocktails and a DJ.

Date: November 28

Time: Boarding at 2:30 p.m.

Prince: $104 per person

Address: Board at 1800 N. Harbor Drive

Point Loma

Cesarina

Put an Italian spin on Thanksgiving with both Cesarina’s specialty and regular menus. They’ll be serving two Thanksgiving-inspired pastas including Lasagna Zucca e Tacchino and Ravioli Patate e Taccino. Or, go traditional with Arrosto di Taccino, thinly sliced roasted turkey with homemade demi, sweet potato mash, fagiolini all’agro and cranberry sauce. By the end, you’ll be saying “grazie“—guaranteed. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: Dinner served from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Price: Varies

Address: 4161 Voltaire Street

Vessel Restaurant + Bar

Vessel Restaurant + Bar will offer a family style buffet. Highlights include both traditional and non-traditional dishes from butternut squash bisque and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes to heritage roast turkey, stuffing, crispy BBQ baby back ribs, lobster rolls, and 1855 Black Angus prime rib roasts. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: $75 for adults | $25 for children 12 and under

Address: 1551 Shelter Island Drive

Adams Avenue

Et Voilà!

The French bistro guarantees something for everyone: adults, kids, wine lovers, and even those hard-to-please-around-the-holidays vegetarians. This three-course prix fixe dinner includes Thanksgiving classics as well as French dishes. For dessert, enjoy almond Tuile, raspberry coulis, pecan and cranberry tart, brown butter apple mousseline or cinnamon orange sorbet. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Price: $42 for adults | $19 for children | $18 optional wine pairing

Address: 3015 Adams Avenue

Blue Boheme

How about Thanksgiving en Français? All meals come with a starter, entrée, and dessert of choice. Indulge in classic wines or indulge in the special cocktail, The Pumpkin Pie Martini, crafted with Absolut vanilla vodka, pumpkin spice liqueur, Kahlua, butterscotch schnapps, and a crushed graham cracker rim. Reservations recommended.

Date: November 28

Time: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Price: $65 for adults | $19.95 for children 12 and under

Address: 4090 Adams Avenue

Multiple Locations

Cohn Restaurant Group

From smoked turkey breast to shrimp and bacon mac and cheese, Cohn Restaurant Group owns and operates over 20 restaurants participating in Thanksgiving fun, including: Coasterra, Island Prime C-Level, The Prado, Vintana, Indigo Grill, and BO-beau kitchen + bar. Check out Cohn Restaurant Group for more details. Reservations recommended.

Fall Arts Preview presented by SDFC Playmakers

September

Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World

Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art

Now through Jan. 10, 2027

Sift through over 200 photographs, sketches, letters, and costumes from “The King of Vogue,” who photographed World War II, modernized royal portraits, and created the aesthetic for 1920s socialites in London.

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea

Natural History Museum

Now through Feb. 28, 2027

Walk through an 18-foot whale ribcage (and a couple dozen other marine-creature sculptures) made entirely of plastic bottles, flip-flops, lighters, rope, and other plastic detritus found on the beach in the Nat’s 3,000-square-foot second-floor gallery.

Forging a Legacy: 15 Years of Landmark Acquisitions

San Diego Museum of Art

Now through May 31, 2027

Part of SDMA’s centennial, “Forging a Legacy,” highlights artists from the past (Picasso, Monet) and modern day (Hugo Crosthwaite) who contributed to the museum’s collection.

ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Fleet Science Center

Now through 2027

See the stars (without the smog) at their best from the winners of the world’s largest astrophotography competition—all in the Fleet Science Center’s new basement gallery, specifically dimmed to let the cosmos shine.

Begin Again

The Old Globe

Sept. 6–Oct. 11

From the 2013 silver screen to this year’s The Old Globe stage, you can “Begin Again” (again) with a world-premiere musical adaptation featuring new songs—courtesy of Train—and a story overflowing with hope.

Dear Evan Hansen

Cygnet Theatre

Sept. 9–Oct. 4

“On the outside, always looking in…” marks the emotional crux of the Tony-, Grammy-, and Emmy-award winning musical coming to the Cygnet Theatre.

Kumeyaay Comics by the Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project

Museum of Us

Opening Sept. 12

Learn the history of the Kumeyaay Nation from the perspective of the members themselves in an immersive exhibit inspired by graphic novels “Our Past, Present, and Future,” and “Beyond Gaming.”

Good Night, Oscar

North Coast Repertory Theatre

Sept. 16–Oct. 11

During Oscar Levant’s appearances on “The Jack Paar Show,” he explained his reality with mental illness—the institutionalizations, electroshock therapies, nothing was too taboo for him. “Good Night, Oscar” takes us backstage in the raw moments before his 1958 television appearance.

Visiones Nocturnas: Queer Nightlife in Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Sept. 19–Jan. 10, 2027

A disco ball isn’t just a disco ball. It’s a symbol of where queer communities can finally exhale and be their fullest selves. “Visiones Nocturnas” uses paintings, sculptures, textiles, performances, photos, and videos from Latin American artists to explore what’s at stake when nightclub lights shut off.

Silent Movie Mondays

Balboa Theatre

Sept. 21, Oct. 26, Dec. 7

Guest organists from across the country will come to the Balboa Theatre to accompany a new silent film for each performance. This year closes out with The Headless Horseman (1922), Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920), and a holiday triple feature of Laurel and Hardy films.

Oh, Mary!

Civic Theatre

Sept. 29–Oct. 4

“What if Abe’s assassination wasn’t such a bad thing for Mary Todd Lincoln?” was the question that inspired Cole Escola’s play “Oh, Mary!” In the production, Mary Todd desperately tries to return to the cabaret stage, but her husband (President Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War) keeps getting in the way.

October

Payare Leads Strauss’ A Hero’s Life

Jacobs Music Center

Oct. 3–4

Conductor Rafael Payare opens the San Diego Symphony’s 2026-2027 season with a three-part concert featuring composers Sofia Gubaidulina, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Richard Strauss.

Emily–No Prisoner Be

Baker-Baum Concert Hall

Oct. 8

Two dozen of Emily Dickinson’s poems are turned into songs—composed by Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts and performed by Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato—for a one-night-only exploration of love, loss, loneliness, and mortality.

Ripcord

The Roustabouts Theatre Co.

Oct. 8–Nov. 1

Roommate beef has no age limit. The latest play from Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire turns that experience into a comedy through retirement home roommates Marilyn and Abby and the bet between them to see who will break first and move out.

Des Canyons aux Étoiles

La Casa del Zorro

Oct. 12

Composer Olivier Messiaen has chromesthia, so for him, sound evokes a visual connotation. His work “Des Canyons aux Étoiles” brings desert rock and the night sky to mind. See what he means from La Casa del Zorro in the Anza-Borrego Desert, in this performance immersed within nature.

San Diego International Film Festival

Locations Vary

Oct. 13–18

San Diego International Film Festival salutes the silver screen for a 25th time, now with a sixth day adding extra time for parties, screenings, and movie-star tributes.

Rigoletto

Civic Theatre

Oct. 23–25

Considered one of the masterpieces from opera great Giuseppe Verdi, San Diego Opera’s “Rigoletto” sees what happens when the prurient Duke of Mantua and his sharp-tongued court jester become entangled in a fatal curse.

Grim

La Jolla Playhouse

Oct. 27–Nov. 29

When the Grim Reaper’s job becomes too…grim…and he retires after 300,000 years, his daughter picks up the family business. But when she falls for a human and finds beauty in the souls she’s meant to reap, she questions her purpose.

November

Skate Craft

Mingei International Museum

Nov. 21–May 9, 2027

San Diego is nothing without skate culture. Mingei’s “Skate Craft” portrays skateboarding as “living folk art” via its DIY roots (skateboards built in garages) and shows how that ethos shapes the future.

Summer’s penultimate weekend promises beers, zines, festivals, and many other ways to spend your free time. Those looking to eat (and drink) out can embark on the Taste of Gaslamp, explore the many eateries participating in San Diego Restaurant Week, and check out Stone Brewing’s free 30th anniversary celebration. On the festival circuit, there’s the return of both the Sessions Surf Festival and Cardiff Greek Festival to the shores of Encinitas, as well as the first-ever Alley Cat Art Fest in Downtown El Cajon. Additional experiences include Pierce the Veil’s tour finale at Petco Park, the beginning of Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center’s citywide run, and the COMPRESSED Zine & Music Fair. 

JUMP TO: Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CUCINA restaurants (@cucina.restaurants)

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Stone Brewing 30th Anniversary Celebration

September 12

It all began in 1996 with a humble San Marcos warehouse and the soon-to-be-famous Stone Pale Ale. Now, three decades and several award-winning beers later, Stone Brewing is marking its thirtieth anniversary with a free, jam-packed celebration at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., there will be arcade games, dog adoptions, ‘90s movies, live music, a cigar lounge, craft brews, and much more. VIP tickets ($133), which come with perks like exclusive two-ounce rare beer pours, are available online.

2816 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma

Taste of Gaslamp

September 12

Channel your inner foodie during the 30th annual Taste of Gaslamp, San Diego’s longest-running neighborhood culinary tour. This Saturday from 1-4 p.m., tasters can roam through the Gaslamp Quarter (16 blocks to be exact) for bites from over 20 participating locations, with five extra bites and sips for VIP ticketholders. Before and after the event, all attendees are invited to party with cocktails, music and even more food on the Sunbird Rooftop at AC Hotel (noon to 2 p.m.) and at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar (4-7 p.m.). Ticket options include general admission ($62) and VIP admission ($88).

Gaslamp

San Diego Restaurant Week

September 13-20

Searching for a specific cuisine? Looking for a new date night spot? Interested in a prix-fixe meal at a familiar favorite? Then consider checking out the over 120 local eateries taking part in San Diego Restaurant Week, with meals starting at $20. From Coronado’s Blanco Cocina + Cantina to Oceanside’s Piper and dozens of restaurants in between, search by price, cuisine, meal type, dietary desires, and neighborhood. Plus, patrons can enjoy seasonal ingredients by choosing dishes that feature Specialty Produce’s huitlacoche mushrooms and artisan romaine lettuce.

Citywide

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Buddy Guy 90 at The Rady Shell

September 11

See two generations of blues talent, and celebrate a legendary guitarist’s 90th birthday, this Friday (7:30 p.m.) at The Rady Shell. Fresh off his acting role in Sinners, Buddy Guy is coasting through something of a late career revival, and like the name of his 2018 album, it’s clear the blues are alive and well. Buddy Guy 90 continues the Louisiana native’s nationwide tour with a little help from rising blues artist Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, who is 63 years younger than Guy. Tickets range from $68-$173 for this concert.

222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero

Kamasi Washington at Music Box

September 11

Hours upon hours can be spent dissecting a Kamasi Washington record—especially 2018’s Heaven and Earth—and each listen will still surprise. Every release from the jazz saxophonist and bandleader feels like an event, whether it’s a wondrous solo project, a supergroup team-up (ex: Dinner Party, West Coast Get Down), or a contribution to projects by the likes of Kendrick Lamar, St. Vincent, and Thundercat. This Friday at 9 p.m., Washington will take his talents to Music Box along with special guest DJ Ratty. Tickets are $68 for this 21-plus concert.

1337 India Street, Little Italy

Alley Cat Art Fest

September 12

One year after the first-ever Artivál, the event is merging with the Alley Cat Art Walk, a longtime Downtown El Cajon favorite, to form the inaugural Alley Cat Art Fest. This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., stroll through Prescott Promenade, Main Street and Arts Alley for murals, live music, food, drinks and the works of over 50 participating artists, including photography, painting, sculptures, and more. Plus, festival proceeds will go towards supporting the area’s existing murals and future public art projects in the area.

Downtown El Cajon

Pierce the Veil at Petco Park

September 12