Two San Diego mainstays take place this weekend – the LGBT Pride Parade and Del Mar racing – but we already told you about those (just click to see more ICYMI). There’s lots more to do if you’re looking for fun things to tempt you out of the house this San Diego weekend. There’s a wine and art to-do in Fallbrook, a beer fest in North Park, sand castles in IB, and some very worthy events in between.
– Fallbrook mixes vino and art from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday at the Wine and a Bite Art Walk in the Downtown Historic District, with check-in at the local Chamber, 111 S. Main Ave. Galleries and eateries will open up their doors for those with tickets, which start at $10 for the military but rise up to $25 at the door. Five vineyards will participate too. Another Wine and a Bite is set for Aug. 15.
– You prefer beer? In the craft beer haven of San Diego, you’re not alone. North Park’s Mike Hess Brewing Co., 3812 Grim Ave., holds Hessfest, a chance to try a mash-up of different brews made with Hess’ Grazias brand. Thirty breweries and restaurants are slated to participate, and bands the Routine and Sand Dollar will perform. General admission costs $40. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
– Imperial Beach again hosts its Sun and Sea Festival, which includes a scaled-back sandcastle competition (as compared to past years) for kids and masters, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fun starts at 9 a.m. with a parade and continues with an international food fair throughout the day. Sand castles will be judged from 2-4 p.m., with an awards ceremony at Pier Plaza to follow. Admission is free.
– Slip back into old California history Saturday and Sunday in Mission Valley at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala for the Festival of the Bells, a celebration of the 245-year anniversary of the mission’s founding. On Saturday the event includes a noon ringing of all five mission bells (the only one all year) and fun all day, through 9:30 p.m. The fest opens at 11 a.m. Sunday and includes a 3:30 p.m. blessing of the animals. Both days are free.
– High drama or hijinks? You have your choice of both in San Diego theater this weekend. Tony-winner and former “Law and Order SVU” star B.D. Wong continues his run at the La Jolla Playhouse in The Orphan of Zhao, derived from an ancient tragic Chinese legend that has been likened to Hamlet. Tickets cost from $15-80. The production continues through Aug. 3. At the Cygnet Theatre in Old Town, there’s Pageant, a musical that the audience gets to interact with, serving as judges of the six men competing for the title of Miss Glamouresse. Tickets are $37 and up. Pageant continues to Aug. 31, Wednesdays through Sundays.
