The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of August 3, 2026

The Craving is ThereSanDiego's weekly guide to what's worth eating and drinking in San Diego right now. Every Tuesday, we surface new restaurant openings, standout happy hours, limited-time menu specials, and upcoming food events across the city - so you know what's happening before everyone else does.
new restaurants San Diego 2026
New Restaurants Opening in San Diego in 2026
San Diego is having a year. 2026 is tracking toward 90+ restaurant and bar openings across the county – from nationally recognized names planting flags...
Upcoming
Celebrate Día de los Muertos With Unlimited Tacos at SDMA’s Taco Party
  • San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is throwing a taco party in its sculpture garden, and honestly, it’s one of the most fun things on...
Upcoming
Hunt for Rare Finds at the Inaugural Frontwave Arena Collectibles Expo
If you’re a collector of pretty much anything – sports cards, Pokémon, TCG, memorabilia – this is a big one. Frontwave Arena is hosting the...
Wild Tide
Meet Wild Tide, the Hard Ginger Beer Making Waves in San Diego
If you’ve been reaching for hard seltzers out of habit but wishing they tasted like something, Wild Tide might be exactly what you’ve been looking...
lemon festival chula vista
Upcoming
Celebrate Chula Vista’s Lemon Heritage at the 29th Annual Lemon Festival
  • Downtown Chula Vista
  • Third Avenue Village
Downtown Chula Vista has a fun one coming up. The 29th Annual Lemon Festival takes over Third Avenue for a full day of lemon-inspired food...
Spend Your Last Weeks of Summer at Andaz San Diego
From rooftop wellness to surprise comedy and a taste of the Wild West, Andaz San Diego is closing out summer with a stacked lineup, and...
things to do in san diego in august
Things to Do in San Diego in August
August is packed with reasons to get out and explore San Diego! From the tropical vibes of Tiki Oasis and the lively streets of Hillcrest...
nature collective august events
Get Outside With Nature Collective’s Free August Events at San Elijo Lagoon
Nature Collective is making it really easy to spend August outdoors, and we’re here for it. They’ve lined up four free events plus a documentary...
Upcoming
Taste Your Way Through Logan Heights at the Taste of Imperial Avenue
Logan Heights Community Development Corporation, alongside the Greater Logan Heights Small Business Advisory Group, is inviting the community out for the fifth annual Taste of...
Chula Vista Farmers Market
Fill Your Basket at the Chula Vista Farmers’ Market
Visit the Chula Vista Farmers’ Market for a delightful Sunday filled with local food, flowers, and artisan crafts from over 100 vendors.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Dog Days of Summer
Take Your Pup to Dinner and a Movie at Omni La Costa This August
Bring your dog to Omni La Costa Dog Days of Summer. Enjoy themed events and outdoor movie nights for a pawsitively great time.
Rooftop crowd at Margaritaville's Day of Service celebration
Upcoming
Give Back and Get Tropical at Margaritaville’s Day of Service
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is turning good vibes into a great cause with its annual Day of Service, a celebration honoring the legacy...
things to do in san diego this weekend
Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend
Check out this week’s Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend and make your plans! Browse incredible local artists at ArtWalk Liberty Station, support...
top concerts in san diego this week
Top Concerts in San Diego This Week
Here are the top concerts in San Diego this week! Our music scene is in full swing, with unforgettable performances from some of today’s biggest...
North Park Putt-oberfest
Upcoming
Grab Your Putter and Bar-Hop Through North Park at Putt-Oberfest 2026
  • North Park Mini Park
Mini golf and bar hopping in one event? North Park really did that. Putt-Oberfest is back, and it’s exactly as fun as it sounds –...
Guest List Volume 001 exhibit
All done
Discover Original Art From 15+ Women Artists at Guest List Volume 001
Guest List Volume 001 is turning Good Night John Boy into a contemporary gallery for one night only, showcasing original work from 15+ women artists...
Upcoming
Celebrate 40 Years of Little Shop of Horrors With Ellen Greene at Balboa Theatre
  • Balboa Theatre
Little Shop of Horrors is turning 40, and Balboa Theatre is celebrating the only way that makes sense: with a screening hosted by the woman...
Gillie's Auto Lounge
Pull Up to Gillie’s Auto Lounge for Cars, Coffee, and Good Company
Join the fun at Gillie's Auto Lounge events this summer! Experience the Cars & Coffee series for car enthusiasts in San Diego.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Upcoming
Catch George Thorogood’s Baddest Show on Earth at Humphreys
  • Humphreys Concerts by the bay
Discover the legacy of George Thorogood & The Destroyers as they tour with classic anthems and electrifying live performances.
Gipsy Kings
Upcoming
Spend a Bayfront Sunday With the Gipsy Kings at The Rady Shell
  • The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Get ready for an amazing night at the Gipsy Kings Rady Shell Concert and enjoy timeless hits that resonate with everyone.
CityFest Hillcrest
Upcoming
Spend the Day in Hillcrest at San Diego’s Biggest Free Street Festival
  • Hillcrest Sign
Celebrate San Diego's LGBTQ+ community at Hillcrest CityFest, a memorable summer event filled with music, food, and joy.
Tedeschi Trucks Band performing live on stage
Upcoming
Come Feel the Soul at Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Rady Shell Show
  • The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Tedeschi Trucks Band is bringing its Future Soul 2026 Tour to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, with special guest Lukas Nelson along for the...
Curebound Cancer Challenge
All done
Ride, Run, or Walk for Cancer Research at the Curebound Cancer Challenge
San Diego comes together for a lot of great events, but this one carries a different kind of weight. The Curebound Cancer Challenge – formerly...
Turf and Surf Festival Del Mar
Upcoming
Crack Into Fresh Maine Lobster Trackside at Del Mar’s Inaugural Turf & Surf Festival
  • Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
Lobster at the racetrack? Yes, that’s actually happening. The Turf & Surf Festival is coming to the Seaside Cabana at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and...
Upcoming Events
MANIA The ABBA Tribute bringing the magic of ABBA to life at The Magnolia
Sing Along to Every Hit at MANIA: The World’s Number One ABBA Tribute Show
February 10, 2027
7:30 pm
  • The Magnolia
If you’ve ever wanted to relive the magic of ABBA live on stage, MANIA: The ABBA Tribute is as close as it gets. The world’s...
Celebrate Día de los Muertos With Unlimited Tacos at SDMA’s Taco Party
November 1, 2026
12:00 pm
  • San Diego Museum of Art
The San Diego Museum of Art is throwing a taco party in its sculpture garden, and honestly, it’s one of the most fun things on...
Bird's Eye View of Mission Bayfest
Mission Bayfest Returns to Mariner’s Point Park With Rebelution, Kolohe Kai & The Offspring
October 16, 2026
3:00 pm
  • Mariners Point
Mission Bayfest is heading back to the waterfront this fall, bringing three days of reggae, rock, and SoCal vibes to Mariner’s Point Park along the...
La Mesa Oktoberfest
Prost! La Mesa’s Oktoberfest is Back for 3 Days of Bier, Brats, and Good Times
October 2, 2026
4:00 pm
  • La Mesa Village
Join the fun at La Mesa Oktoberfest! Enjoy live entertainment, games, and great food in San Diego's biggest German celebration.
Shark Snorkeling Birch Aquarium
Shark Snorkels Return to Birch Aquarium
September 30, 2026
8:00 am
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Get ready for shark snorkels at Birch Aquarium and enjoy a memorable snorkeling adventure with docile Leopard Sharks.