Top events this weekend include Opening Day of Bing Crosby Season, San Diego Snow Jam, Coronado Film Festival, and University Heights Arts Open & Taste of University Heights.
11.7: 25th Anniversary Gaslamp Gala
Nosh on tray-passed apps from 10 of downtown’s best restaurants, then raise a glass to the Gaslamp Quarter during a decadent three-course dinner that evolves into an outdoor bash on Fifth Avenue.
Hilton San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, gaslamp.org
11.8: Opening Day of Bing Crosby Season
Place your bets and root for your favorite ponies in this racing season redux that harkens back to the Track’s 1930s heyday with a variety of vintage Hollywood fashion contests.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar, dmtc.com
11.8: Film & Float
Take a dip in the pool and enjoy an outdoor film screening of The Great Gatsby at The Lafayette. Admission is free, with specialty-themed drinks and appetizers available for purchase. (Sara Butler)
The Lafayette Hotel, North Park, lafayettehotelsd.com
11.8-10: Blue Man Group
The bald and blue trio brings its Speechless tour to town, featuring fresh compositions, improvised instruments and irreverent comedy alongside social commentary.
San Diego Civic Theatre, downtown, broadwaysd.com
11.8-10: San Diego Snow Jam
Gear up for the slopes as San Diego’s largest snow-centric expo returns to Del Mar, offering up to 70% off brand-new clothing and equipment along with a free lift ticket for attendees.
Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, snowjamshow.com
11.8-11: Fourth annual Coronado Film Festival
This four-day cinema-by-the-sea experience includes more than 80 films in addition to parties, industry panels and live entertainment.
Various venues in Coronado, coronadoislandfilmfestival.com
11.9: Epic Series San Diego
Combining elements of cross-training, Strongman contests and traditional obstacle courses, this approachable challenge offers tiers for novice, intermediate and advanced athletes, along with an elite course featuring exercises often seen on TV.
Fiesta Island, Mission Bay, epicseriesocr.com
11.9: 7th annual Bike For Boobs
Wear pink and bike ride around Fiesta Island, Shelter Island and Harbor Island to raise money for breast cancer awareness. After you finish the route, meet at The Wine Pub for drinks, raffle prizes, an auction and more. (Sara Butler)
The Wine Pub, Shelter Island, thewinepubsd.com/bike-for-boobs
11.9-10: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
See the iconic inspirations for Hot Wheels monster trucks toys — including Bigfoot, the original monster truck itself — following a 2 ½ hour pre-party that grants fans access to the competition floor.
Pechanga Arena, Midway District, hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com
11.9-17: 16th annual San Diego Bay Food + Wine Festival
This weeklong festival of food, wine and culture features dozens of events and hundreds of wineries from around the world. Here are some highlights. Events throughout the County, sandiegowineclassic.com
● 11.9: StageCraft Beer Fest
Esteemed chefs from award-winning restaurants join forces with folks from new and established breweries to conjure flavorful food and beer pairings designed to tickle your taste buds. Viejas Casino and Resort, Alpine
● 11.16: Grand Tasting
Sip samples from hundreds of domestic and international wine, beer and spirits purveyors, and taste offerings from 60-plus chefs and restaurants all putting their best bites forward to be crowned the winner of the event. Embarcadero Marina Park North, Marina District
● 11.16: Nightcap: An After Party
Toast to the festival’s 16 years of deliciousness at this official after-party overflowing with late-night libations, award-winning whiskey, international comfort food and picture-perfect desserts. Intercontinental San Diego, downtown
● 11.17: Taco TKO
Cast a vote for the city’s top taco at this winner-take-all chef showdown complemented by live music, tequila tastings and plenty of beer to go around. Lane Field Park, downtown
11.10: 20th annual Silver Strand Veterans Day Half Marathon, 10 Miler, & Veterans Day 5K
Race along the Silver Strand from Coronado to Imperial Beach, then let the good times roll at the finishers’ post-race beach party and beer garden.
Silver Strand, Coronado, silverstrandhalf.com
11.10: 14th annual University Heights Arts Open and Taste of University Heights
Explore Uni Heights’ rich culture and simultaneously sample its finest foods during this self-guided, two-in-one tour of the community’s many art galleries and restaurants.
Park Boulevard, University Heights, uharts.org
