San Diego’s top weekend events: Aug. 26 to 31
Here are the top events happening in San Diego from Thursday, Aug. 26 through Tuesday, Aug. 31:
Thursday, Aug. 26
Art Scavenger Hunt
Did you know there are 15 public art installations throughout Liberty Station? To help spread the word about these works, Arts District Liberty Station just launched a scavenger hunt to inspire people to explore and engage with the art. Visitors scan a QR code posted at each installation and answer questions that will lead to clues to the next stop (the unofficial start is at James Armenta’s Untitled mural, behind Moniker General). Anyone who completes the hunt — which also features works by Hugo Crosthwaite, Michelle Montjoy and Miki Iwasaki — will be able to pick a prize or discounts to local businesses. The scavenger hunt happens on your schedule, but you can learn more about the project at ntcfoundation.org.
Flicks on the Bricks
Hosted by Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, the annual outdoor film series screens “Best Screwball Sparring Matches.” This week’s selection is 1934’s “It Happened One Night” starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. Must be 21-and-up to attend. 7:30 p.m. at Athenaeum, 1008 Wall St., La Jolla. General admission tickets are $20 or $54 for the series; ljathenaeum.org/flicks
Cinema Under the Stars
Enjoy an outdoor movie, projected on a 20-foot screen with surround sound, at Cinema Under The Stars in Mission Hills. “The Thomas Crown Affair” screens Thursday and Friday; “How to Steal A Million” screens Saturday and Sunday. Note that only cash or checks will be accepted at the door, no credit cards. Shows begin at 8 p.m. at Cinema Under The Stars, 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills. $17 to $20; topspresents.com.
McGregor’s Ale House’s 25th anniversary
McGregor’s Ale House, one of San Diego’s oldest sports bars, rings in 25 years of operation with a week-long celebration, happening daily through Saturday. There will be back-to-back magic shows on Thursday at 7:30 and 9 p.m. with Derek Ostovani; a backyard BBQ on Friday from 5-8 p.m. featuring burgers, fish tacos, beer and music; and a craft beer festival on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. featuring local brews and music. All event proceeds will benefit Allied Gardens Little League. 10475 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley. mcgregorssandiego.com
Brendan Schaub
Stand-up comic, podcast host (“The Fighter and the Kid”) and former MMA fighter Brendan Schaub will appear in San Diego for a series of shows. Schaub’s career has varied greatly: he first became known as a fighter in the octagon and can now sometimes be found on the red carpet as an awards show commentator at E! Entertainment. 7 p.m. Thursday; 7 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at The Comedy Store La Jolla, 916 Pearl Street, La Jolla. $30 to $50; thecomedystore.com/la-jolla.
Saint Archer x WILDCOAST Tap Takeover
Saint Archer Brewing Co. and WILDCOAST are teaming up for a week of events that celebrate the work WILDCOAST does to preserve coastal and marine ecosystems and address climate change. The week kicks off with this tap takeover, where a portion of proceeds will be donated to WILDCOAST. 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Saint Archer Brewing Co., 978 N. Coast Highway 101, No. 2051, Leucadia. saintarcherbrewery.com.
Friday, Aug. 27
Brian Regan
Famed stand-up comedian Brian Regan brings his clean comedy routine to San Diego during this stop. Regan’s first stand-up special, “Standing Up,” debuted on Comedy Central in 2007; his latest, “On the Rocks,” debuted on Netflix in February of this year. In between, he’s made countless late-night television appearances, appeared on Jerry Seinfeld’s web series “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” twice and made several television and movie appearances. 7:30 p.m. Friday at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. $60 to $135; humphreysconcerts.com.
Sebastian Maniscalco
San Diegans who missed Sebastian Maniscalco’s Aug. 14 show at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park will be happy to know he’s making another local appearance nearly two weeks later at this casino show. The Chicago-born Italian-American comic is best known for poking fun at his Catholic upbringing and Italian heritage. 7 and 9 p.m. Friday at Pechanga Resort Casino, 4500 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. Limited tickets available for $95; pechanga.com.
Carlsbad Music Festival
The best thing about the Carlsbad Music Festival is that it truly encompasses all kinds of genres — from classical and blues to indie rock and world music. The 17th annual event returns to in-person, outdoor performances throughout the Carlsbad Village. Headlining on Saturday night is Systems Officer, a solo project of Pinback and Three Mile Pilot founder Armistead Burwell Smith IV. Other groups to watch include Art of Elan, Gyan Riley and Matt McBane + Build among many others. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday; 3 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Throughout Carlsbad Village. $18 to $50; carlsbadmusicfestival.org.
Lakeside Rodeo
Southern California’s long-running rodeo returns to East County. Happening Friday through Sunday, each day of the rodeo features seven events: bareback, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. Hosted by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announcer Reed Flake, the event also features John Beck as the Rodeo Clown & Barrelman, Danny “Buffalo Chip” Alvernaz as the pre-performance entertainer, and bull fighters AJ Lutz and Austin Rudloff. Sunday’s event features a dancing horses performance, accompanied by traditional Mexican music; the horses are trained by Onofre Arechiga of Cuadra Flores Ranch in Ramona. Attendees and participants must follow all of San Diego County’s COVID-19 guidelines that are in effect on rodeo dates. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. Sunday. Gates open 90 minutes early. Lakeside Rodeo Arena and Facility, 12584 Mapleview St., Lakeside. All seating is reserved; tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children under age 12, and free for children under age 2. Print tickets at home, or pull them up on a smartphone, to scan at Entry Gate. 619-561-4331; lakesiderodeo.com
Punk Rock Karaoke at Casbah
Get ready for another rocking night at the Casbah — only this time, you’re the star of the show. Guests will make their way on stage to sing a song alongside four talented musicians: Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks, Bad Religion), Stan Lee (The Dickies), Darren Pfeiffer (Goldfinger), Randy Bradbury (Pennywise). All attendees must be 21 and up. Masks only required for nonvaccinated guests. Doors 8:30 p.m. and show at 9:30 p.m. Casbah, 2501 Kettner Blvd. $12 advance and $15 day of show (excluding taxes and fees); casbahmusic.com
Saturday, Aug. 28
Western Days Parade
Lakeside also hosts the 56th annual Western Days Parade with the theme “Thank You Healthcare Workers.” The parade in downtown Lakeside will feature elaborate floats, local pageant queens, and San Diego County equestrians. 2021’s Grand Marshal is Lakeside resident Benjamin “Ben” Aaron, the surgeon who removed the bullet from President Ronald Reagan. The parade is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to bring chairs, pop-up shades or umbrellas to beat the heat. 9:35 a.m. Saturday. Parade starts at Maine Avenue, Lakeside. Free. 619-561-1031; info@lakesidechamber.org; lakesidechamber.org/western-days-parade
Music of the Knights
Anglophiles: clear your schedules for a concert that celebrates the music of some of England’s greatest songwriters. Music of the Knights is a symphonic tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney that will feature the San Diego Symphony Orchestra together with guest conductor Stuart Chafetz. Vocalists Scott Coulter, Alex Getlin, Jessica Hendy, Chris Blem and John Boswellwill perform a range of favorites from Webber’s “Memory” to McCartney’s “Yesterday” along with some upbeat hits like John’s “Crocodile Rock.” There will be fireworks following the performance. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 200 Marina Park Way, downtown. $25 to $95; (619) 235-0804. theshell.org
HessFest XI
Say happy birthday to Mike Hess Brewing with a beach day! To celebrate 11 years, the brewery invites folks to Imperial Beach for a day of beer, music and games. Live entertainment includes tunes from The Sully Band, The Samples and The Fallbrook Kid, along with a cornhole tournament. Various Mike Hess Brewing beers, along with food from City Tacos and Doggos Gus and wine from Rivino Winery, will be available for purchase. Dogs and kids are welcome at the family-friendly affair, with children under age 7 admitted for free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Portwood Pier Plaza, 940 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach. General admission is $20 and includes a free drink, taco and commemorative beer can glass.mikehessbrewing.com/hessfest-xi
Nahla Valdez “Are You Really Here?”
Film director and performance artist Nahla Valdez presents an immersive exhibition/performance featuring a new theme each week. Presented by Art, Power, Equity, the show explores Valdez’s perspective as a border artist. Doors open at 6 p.m. and performance begins at 7 p.m. Saturday. Offices of J. Walcher Communications, 1940 Market St., Sherman Heights. $22.20(includes food and drinks); tickets available on Eventbrite.
Sounds & Sips at One Paseo
Celebrate the end of summer with a picnic at the Carmel Valley shopping center. Sounds & Sips — happening on One Paseo’s Lawn located behind Harland Brewing — offers complimentary (and for-purchase) bites from restaurant partners and tastings of local wine and Harland Brewing beers. The libations are accompanied by live entertainment from Portraits of Music, starting at 7 p.m. Seating is first come, first serve so come early with a blanket to snag a spot. 6 to 9 p.m. at One Paseo, 3725 Paseo Place, Del Mar. Free; onepaseo.com
Sunday, Aug. 29
Mariachi Los Camperos
This Grammy-winning mariachi outfit joins the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Stuart Chafetz for a night of traditional and beloved Mexican music. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 200 Marina Park Way, downtown. $25 to $95; (619) 235-0804. theshell.org
AleSmith Brewing Company Anniversary Stand-Up Show
AleSmith Brewing Company is celebrating 26 years with a weekend of events, including this comedy show in collaboration with PB Backyard Comedy. Comedians Chris Franjola (“Chelsea Lately”), Jessimae Peluso (“Girl Code”) and Ian Bagg (“Last Comic Standing”) are scheduled to perform. 6:30 p.m. Sunday at AleSmith Brewing Company, 9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar. $25-$35; alesmith.com/anniversary-xxvi for more information.
Monday, Aug. 30
Podcast But Outside: Live
Enjoy a live show of Podcast But Outside ... inside. The comedy video podcast hosted by Andrew Michaan and Cole Hersch — which, true to the name, is typically recorded in an outdoor setting — interviews strangers on the streets of Los Angeles, offering $1 for every passerby willing to be a guest. Michaan and Hersch will temporarily abandon that format to bring the laughs to San Diego with an in-person, indoor performance at Music Box. Presented by Belly Up and the Casbah, the seated show is all ages. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m. Monday. Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy. General admission is $29.50, with $49.50 VIP Meet & Greet Tickets available; musicboxsd.com and podcastbutoutside.com/live
Tuesday, Aug. 31
Taste of Encinitas
Update: Taste of Encinitas is now sold out. Head to the coast for the 2021 Taste of Encinitas on Tuesday. . From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy food and drink samples from over 20 local restaurants, plus wine and beer at “Sip Stops” hosted by local salons and shops. Non-alcoholic tastes are available throughout as well. Several venues will also feature live music from seven local bands. An added bonus to this year’s event is that each participant will receive a reusable Encinitas 101 Mainstreet takeaway cup. Participating restaurants are also encouraged to minimize waste and use eco-friendly plates and utensils. For more information, visit shopencinitas101.com/shop/p/taste-of-encinitas-tickets.
Digable Planets at Music Box
Hip-hop trio Digable Planets brings its music to San Diego this Tuesday! Presented by Belly Up, Casbah and Soda Bar, the 21-and-up show also features local band Parker Meridien as the opening act. All attendees must provide vaccination verification or a negative COVID-19 PCR test (performed within 72 hours prior to entry). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show starts at 8:30 p.m. Music Box; 1337 India St., Little Italy; $36 advanced and $40 day of show; musicboxsd.com
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