Toast to San Diego’s Design Scene at Orchids & Onions

SDAF is throwing a golden anniversary celebration with the 50th edition of Orchids & Onions, honoring 50 years of celebrating the best of San Diego’s built environment (and calls out the rest).

Head to Vesper in Liberty Station for a night that blends design, community, and a little friendly ribbing of the region’s less-than-stellar architecture.

Your Voice Helps Shape the City

Orchids & Onions is an educational program promoting outstanding architecture, planning, and urban design throughout San Diego, and it’s the only interactive, community-based initiative focused on the city’s built environment.

Each year, a jury of design professionals and artists reviews public submissions across categories like architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and historic preservation to determine the official recipients.

Public nominations and feedback play a huge role in the process, so community members are strongly encouraged to weigh in and help shape the conversation around the city’s growth.

This Year’s Emcee Brings Retro Flair

Hosting this year’s celebration is Charles Phoenix, a mid-century pop-culture performer, author, and collector known for his spirited slide show performances, classic car Joyride videos, and colorful coffee table books.

Growing up in Ontario, California in the ’60s and ’70s, Phoenix was shaped by theme parks, thrift stores, shopping malls, and his dad’s used car lots, an upbringing that clearly informs his love of classic Americana.

His latest books, Addicted to Americana and Holiday Jubilee, are proof his eye for kitsch and style hasn’t slowed down one bit.

Pick the Ticket That Fits Your Night

Whether you’re looking for the full VIP experience or just want to catch the ceremony, there’s a ticket tier to match.

SDAF members get early bird pricing across every tier, and general membership is free to sign up for if you want to lock in those savings. Students also get a discounted rate, making it easy for design lovers of every budget to join the celebration.

See you there!

Between the golden anniversary, a legendary emcee, and a night built around celebrating (and gently roasting) San Diego’s architecture, Orchids & Onions is shaping up to be one of the city’s most entertaining design events of the year.

📆 Friday, October 2, 2026 | 5:30 – 10 PM
📍 2875 Dewey Rd, San Diego
🎟️ Secure your spot here
ℹ️ See more of what’s in store for you here

See you there, San Diego!