May 2 – Eat. Drink. Read.
This year’s “Eat. Drink. Read. A Culinary Event for Literacy” will make taste buds soar at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park, Thursday, May 2, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Now in its tenth year, the San Diego Council on Literacy’s (SDCOL) signature fundraising event features the city’s finest chefs joining the fleet to create ingenious bites inspired by their favorite literary tales – all for a good cause. This year’s participants include Waypoint Public, Galaxy Taco, Pehoe’s, Casa Guadalajara and many more. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit http://www.literacysandiego.org/eatdrinkread/.
May 2 – Collaboration Beer Release at Barrel Republic
For the third installment of their popular Collaboration Beer Release Series, Barrel Republic has partnered with Refuge Brewery to create a unique new small-batch IPA for the season, to be poured exclusively at Barrel Republic! Starting at 6:00 PM, join Barrel Republic and Refuge beer reps at the Oceanside location as the officially tap the first keg of their collab beer ‘Darker the Berry’. Other popular Refuge beers such as their Spring Fling, Barrely Stranding, Mosaic Smash, and Blood Orange Wit will be available to pour as well.
May 4 – Coconut Macaroon Re-Release at Second Chance Beer Company
Come to the dark side and join Second Chance Beer Company for the re-release of Journey #2 of The Barrel Experience on Saturday, May 4. Journey #2, the Coconut Macaroon, is a decadent “dessert dark,” Imperial Stout aged 24 months in Bourbon barrels and finished with toasted coconut, macadamia nuts, and coconut brown sugar. The re-release will go fast, with a limited supply of only 100 bottles available per location, and a limit of one bottle per person. Line starts forming at 11 a.m.
The Barrel Experience will take place at 12 p.m. at both Second Chance’s Carmel Mountain Ranch Brewery and Taproom, and at the North Park Beer Lounge on May 4.
May 4 – Kentucky Derby Races at barleymash
It’s off to the races at barleymash, a Gaslamp District favorite spot for big sporting events such as the 144th Kentucky Derby! You can also enjoy specialty dishes like the Hot Brown Sando, an open-faced roasted turkey sandwich, with garlic cream, bourbon roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, apple wood smoked bacon, pepper-jack and avocado all on thick Texas toast. Or share a plate of barley Derby Fries – a pile of fries topped with ale braised pork shoulder, michelada braised chicken, red chili braised short rib, black eyed peas, okra, roasted veggies in a Woodford Reserve-brown butter gravy and crispy tobacco onions.
Drink specials include a traditional Mint Julep, made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, a Woodford Old Fashioned and Mumms Champagne bottle specials. Don’t forget to don your best attire, as there will be prizes awarded for the best dressed lad, less and the best hat! Live bluegrass music begins at Noon, so arrive early, grab a seat and settle in for a fun afternoon.
May 4-5 – Cinco de Mayo in Old Town
In honor of one of Mexico’s most iconic holidays, Diane Powers’ Casa Guadalajara restaurant and Bazaar del Mundo Shops will team up to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Old Town, Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5. Outside the entrance to Casa Guadalajara, guests will be welcomed into a charming and lively marketplace filled with Mexican folk art, crafts, handmade clothing, accessories, plus delicious traditional Mexican street food for purchase and activities for kids. Inside Casa Guadalajara guests can enjoy “Cinco” inspired fare, such as “Cincoritas” and “Enchiladas Banderas.” For more information, visit www.bazaardelmundo.com.
May 11 – Junior League of San Diego’s 19th Annual Food & Wine Festival
Junior League of San Diego (JLSD) is holding its 19th annual Food and Wine Festival on May 11 – the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. Attendees interested in supporting JLSD in its 90th year are invited to the afternoon event equipped with some of San Diego’s finest vendors while taking in breathtaking views of the La Jolla Cove. Guests are invited to gather at Ellen Scripps Browning Park for live music, silent auctions and unlimited tastings from San Diego’s finest restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries. All funds raised at this year’s event goes to JLSD’s mission-based projects and supports its commitment to training women to be community leaders. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
May 11 – Night Nation Run
The world’s first running music festival, Night Nation Run, is coming to San Diego on Saturday, May 11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Experience the ultimate night—music festival meets fun run featuring a music filled course featuring live DJs, light shows, bubble zones, and neon and black lights! Runners are encouraged to arrive at 6 p.m. for the pre-party to dance and get loose before the race begins at 7:30 p.m. When runners head out onto the course, they can expect lots of music, dancing, party zones, selfie stations, light shows, a lantern land, a bubble world, multiple stages with DJs and more! Once you cross the finish line the party doesn’t stop—runners can head over to the Epic Main Stage After Party featuring top headliner DJs to dance the night away as lights, fog, cryo, confetti guns and giveaways rain down on you. Registration includes a race packet, glow necklace, free giveaways, admission to the official after party and the best night of your life! A portion of proceeds from Night Nation Run benefits Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), the groundbreaking initiative created to accelerate innovative cancer research.
May 11 – Mothers Day One Stop Shop
To celebrate their launch of seasonal floral pastries, Patisserie Melanie is collaborating with You and Yours Distilling and Native Poppy to bring guests a one-stop shop for all Mother’s Day essentials. On Saturday, May 11 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. stop by the You and Yours tasting room in East Village to grab some last minute gifts for mom while sipping on hand-crafted garden cocktails paired with floral macarons from Patisserie Melanie.
Meet with Chef Melanie and sample her signature viennoiserie before scooping up a 4-pack of fresh floral macarons, featuring rose, violet, elderflower, and poppy flavors. Small wrapped bouquets from Native Poppy will be available for purchase as well bottles of You and Yours’ Sunday Gin.
The event is free to attend and will be hosted at the You and Yours Tasting Room located at 1495 G Street, San Diego, CA. Guests can register by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/you-yours-pre-mothers-day-garden-party-tickets-60717856744.
May 11 – Master Wine Class
Urban Kitchen Group will launch a Master Class wine series on May 11th that’ll bring a jaw-dropping line up of international sommeliers and winemakers to San Diego for pairing dinners, interactive blind-tastings and other events that promote wine education and tasting techniques in a fun and non-intimidating atmosphere. The first tasting event, which will take place at CUCINA urbana in Bankers Hill, will focus on the “Noble Grapes of Italy” led by cult Italian wine importer, Oliver McCrum. McCrum is one of the most dynamic wine professionals working in the U.S. today. In this tasting, he’ll highlight the few “noble” grapes that stand above the rest. Oliver began importing wines in 1994 after many years in retail and distribution in New York, London + San Francisco. He sources wines with clarity, focus and precision, made from indigenous Italian grape varietals using traditional winemaking techniques. The tasting event will run from 12 to 1:30 p.m. with light fare provided. Tickets cost $60 and are available online at www.urbankitchengroup.com
May 14 – Groth Wine Dinner
On Tuesday, May 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. join the JRDN team as they pair up with Groth winemakers to bring you a night of wine, locally sourced food and good company. Chef David Warner and his team have collaborated with Napa winemakers to bring wine enthusiasts a four-course dinner thoughtfully paired with Groth favorites. Start off sipping on a crisp 2018 Sauvignon Blanc paired with Grilled Spot Prawns. As the night goes on, winemakers will introduce their specialty, a 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a Lamb Porchetta.
Pricing is $100 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Guests can purchase tickets by calling (858) 270-2323 or by visiting https://www.t23hotel.com/play/events/groth-wine-dinner/.
May 15 & 16 – JUSTIN Wine Dinner
Roy’s is hosting a JUSTIN Wine Dinner on May 15 and 16, featuring an innovative, seasonal menu that is artfully paired with wine from JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery course-by-course. This elegant five-course dinner and wine service is $99 with limited seating. Reservation and full menu details can be seen here.
May 18 – Saint Archer Celebrates 6th Anniversary
San Diego based Saint Archer Brewing Company is turning six, and the brewery is celebrating with a free party to honor their sixth anniversary. Taking place Saturday, May 18th from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the brewery’s original Miramar location, the family-friendly event will feature live music from headliner King Tuff, San Diego locals The Schizophonics and The Anodynes. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, a kid’s area and brewery tours. Making its debut at the party, the 6th anniversary specialty beer is a Hazy Rye with Galaxy Hops IPA, that will be exclusively available on draft at the anniversary party.
May 18 – 2019 St. Jude Culinary Soiree
A new tradition in the making, the 2019 St. Jude Culinary Soiree isa culinary experience that raises funds to help ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food. Featuring a custom menu by Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Executive Chef Brian Christman, this fundraiser event will include specialty cocktails, live musical entertainment, a premier live auction and beautiful bayfront views. Purchase tickets here.
May 18 – The Butchery Grand Opening
The Butchery, a full-service butcher shop serving high-quality meats, artisan cheeses, craft beers, and wines, will celebrate the Grand Opening of its first San Diego location (3720 Caminito Court, Suite 0200 in One Paseo) on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festivities will include on-site grilling, a beer tap takeover from Bottle Logic Brewing, live music, and the opportunity for guests to sample select meats, cheeses, and accompaniments from The Butchery’s premium purveyors. The Butchery is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, follow @The_Butchery on Instagram and visit www.ButcheryMeats.com
May 18-19 -Beerfest & Over-the-Line Tournament
Get ready to put your toes in the sand with San Diego craft beer and spirits in hand!The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC) is kicking off the summer Over-the-Line (OTL) Tournament at OTL Beerfest on Saturday, May 18th in conjunction with the first rounds of Over the Line at Mariner’s Point on May 18th-19th.
On Saturday, May 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., sip craft beer from some of San Diego’s finest breweries and enjoy fare from local food trucks. Breweries will include BNS Brewing, Bay City Brewing, Alesmith, Coronado Brewing, Thorn Brewing, Mason Aleworks, Ballast Point, Fall Brewing, Groundswell, Benchmark, 3 Punk Ales, Second Chance, Resident, Mike Hess, Iron Fist, Bitter Brothers, Turquoise Barn Cider, Mission Brewery, Newtopia Cyder, Amplified Ale Works and Dos Desperados. You & Yours Distilling, Truly Hard Selzter and Cutwater Spirits will also be serving up craft cocktails onsite.
General admission, including the four hour beer tasting for guests ages 21+, is $35 with advance online purchase via events.com.
The OTL Tournament will host 120 teams in a double elimination format. The first rounds will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18 with winning teams returning from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 19. Tournament divisions include: Men’s Pro; Men’s Open; Men’s Masters; and Women’s Open. The entry fee is $120 per team.
This two-day event is a precursor to the 66th Annual World Championship Over the Line Tournament set for July 13/14 and July 20/21 at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, San Diego.
May 22 – Draft Republic Carlsbad Knob Creek Dinner
From 6 – 9 p.m., guests will enjoy a 5-course menu paired with unique whiskeys. For example, a thyme martini with Knob Creek whiskey, poblano liqueur, elderflower, agave, lemon, thyme and cracked pepper complements a Rock Fish course with smoked fingerling potatoes, fava beans, green peas, edamame, and a Knob Creek tomato broth. Finish the meal with a decadent bread butter putting with a Knob Creek reduction and served with a Butter Beer made with Knob Creek whiskey, cream ale amaretto, butterscotch liqueur and cinnamon. View menu here.
May 22 – Dog Adoption at The Duck Dive
If you’re considering adding a furry new friend to your family, you’ll want to check out The Duck Dive’s Dog Adoption event on Wednesday, May 22nd! In partnership with Paws4ThoughtAnimal Rescue group, the beach bar and eatery is throwing an adoption event from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Along with puppies and adult dogs that are looking for their furr-ever home, there will be raffle prizes and drink specials that include Elyx Vodka. You can also enjoy items from Duck Dive’s coastal classic menu, which features snacks like DD Spinach Dip and Dive Wings, salads, tacos, burgers, sandwiches and a few dessert options!
May 24 – Summer Luau at SEA180°
Say aloha to summer at SEA180° on Friday, May 24th with a Hawaiian luau. Enjoy delicious Island-inspired hors d’oeuvres such as Coconut Shrimp and Poke before the Beachside Buffet opens, featuring a variety of Hawaiian dishes including macadamia nut crusted local fresh catch, Huli Huli chicken and the pièce de résistance, Kalua Pua’a (a roasted pig). Complementing the fare will be fire dancers and live music on the Pier View Terrace. View menu here, Purchase tickets online.
May 25 – May Wine Club at insideOUT
Napa Valley meets San Diego with insideOUT’s monthly wine club on May 25th from 3-5pm. Join co-owner and mixologist Moe Girton and Mariam Tea for an afternoon of artisanal small-batch wine tasting from this month’s featured winery, Bell Wine Cellars.
One of Napa Valley’s best kept secrets, Bell Wine Cellars was co-founded in 1991 by Anthony Bell, the son of a South African winemaker and grape grower. After looking for twenty years, winemaker Anthony Bell found the perfect place to produce the wines he had long dreamed of – limited production, hand crafted wines that showcase the concept of “terroir”.
Guests will taste an array of Bell Wine Cellars wines while learning more about the passion and dedication behind Anthony’s hand-crafted wine process. Guests will be served meat and cheese boards and have chances to win prizes from our featured winery. Sip, connect, and unwind with your friends and family as we bring Napa Valley to our urban oasis in Hillcrest.
One class is $30 or $250 for a full year membership.
May 29 – ‘La Vie en Rosé’ wine dinner at BO-beau kitchen + garden
Welcome summer with the ultimate warm-weather sipper, rosé, at BO-beau kitchen + garden in La Mesa. On Wednesday, May 29th enjoy a 4-course wine dinner featuring four rosé wines paired with fresh, summer-inspired dishes. Finish the meal with a pink rhubarb bread topped with a strawberry rhubarb sauce, candied rhubarb and whipped cream, paired with a sparkling Rose d’Or Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé. View menu here.
