The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of October 5, 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.
Best new restaurant in San Diego
A Fresh Chapter Unfolds at La Jolla’s Aldea
Aldea in La Jolla, a 2024 runner-up for San Diego Magazine’s “Best New Restaurant,” is setting a new standard for bold Baja-inspired cuisine and elevated...
Balboa Theatre’s Silent Movie Monday
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A Night of Vintage Holiday Charm at the Balboa
  • Balboa Theatre
The Roaring 20’s Holiday event is about to transform Balboa Theatre’s Silent Movie Monday series into the most extraordinary celebration of the season! Get ready...
December events in San Diego
Seasonal Events at Del Mar Plaza
The Del Mar Plaza festive events are about to unleash an absolute tsunami of holiday magic on December events in San Diego. Get ready for...
San Marcos Chamber's Holiday Market
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Enjoy the Best of Local Holiday Shopping at North City
The San Marcos Chamber’s Holiday Market is turning North City into a wonderland where North City local artisans are about to make your seasonal shopping...
San Diego Opera Chorus Making Merry
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‘Making Merry’ at the Balboa Theatre
San Diego Opera’s Making Merry unleashes the powerhouse San Diego Opera Chorus at the historic Balboa Theatre. Voices That Dazzle Picture “White Christmas” reimagined with...
unique multimedia presentation
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Unique Multimedia Performance by the La Jolla Symphony
La Jolla Symphony & Chorus brings us “Luminosity,” a unique multimedia performance where glowing sea creatures dance to the music. The Deep Sea Comes Alive...
holiday food drive by March and Ash
March and Ash to Host Annual Holiday Food Drive
The March and Ash Holiday Food Drive is back and better than ever, joining forces with San Diego County‘s largest hunger relief effort to make...
festive soiree at East Village Holiday Happy Hour
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Holiday Happy Hour Vibes in East Village
This December, the East Village is set to host Holiday Happy Hour at UCSD Park & Market—part of the new First Friday Happy Hour series,...
Spreckels Organ Pavilion's Special Christmas Concert
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Symphony Under the Stars at Spreckels Organ Pavilion
  • Balboa Park
The world’s largest outdoor organ is set to steal the show as the Spreckels Organ Society and San Diego Opera unite for two performances featuring...
Rooftop Cinema Club Fireside Films
Get Cozy With Fireside Films at Rooftop Cinema Club
San Diego’s most popular outdoor cinema is unveiling something special this winter. Rooftop Cinema Club Fireside Films is transforming their prime seating area with two-person...
holiday at la valencia hotel
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Enjoy the Spirit of the Season at the Iconic La Valencia
  • La Valencia Hotel
La Jolla’s La Valencia Hotel is where timeless celebrations bring coastal elegance to life. From champagne-paired teas to poolside films, these festivities capture the spirit...
Tidepooling Adventures
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Experience “King Tide” Tidepooling Adventures With Birch Aquarium
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
From octopuses to sea stars, hermit crabs, and sea anemones, there is no shortage of life in San Diego’s tide pools. This fall, King Tides return to...
Craft and Commerce is one of the Best Bars in San Diego for a holiday cocktail.
20 of San Diego’s Best Bars to Put on Your Holiday Cocktail Route
Cheers to the best time of the year! It’s officially Holiday Cocktail Season, which we take very seriously around the halls of ThereSanDiego! 🥃 That...
Holiday Coffee Cocktail Class
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Learn All About Coffee Mixology at Ox Coffee
Mission Valley’s coziest coffee spot is about to shake things up with a night of caffeinated cocktail magic at their Holiday Coffee Cocktail Class. Dive...
San Diego's largest free holiday festival
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Balboa Park December Nights Returns Better Than Ever
  • Balboa Park
Balboa Park December Nights, San Diego’s largest free holiday festival, is about to transform our cultural heart into the most incredible celebration of the year....
Rady Ice Rink
Festive Fun at Arts District Liberty Station
The Arts District Liberty Station December events are an explosion of creativity. Get ready for a whirlwind month where phenomenal art exhibitions collide with electrifying...
San Diego's coolest holiday tradition
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Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village is Back
  • Seaport Village
San Diego‘s coolest holiday tradition, Surfin’ Santa at Seaport Village, is about to splash into the season with the most epic beach-meets-holiday celebration ever! Watch...
tree lighting in Julian California
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Small-Town Charm at Julian Tree Lighting
Julian Country Christmas Tree Lighting is set to light up this charming mountain town, where holiday cheer flows as freely as hot apple cider and...
East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
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Ring in the Holidays With the East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market
  • Quartyard
Downtown San Diego is gearing up for a spectacular holiday celebration as the East Village Tree Lighting & Holiday Market prepares to transform the neighborhood...
Annual Small Business Saturday Escondido
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Shop Small and Skate On in Downtown Escondido
  • Downtown Escondido
Downtown Escondido is kicking its 9th Annual Small Business Saturday into high gear with an incredible twist. This year’s celebration combines the charm of local...
Seabreeze Craft Chocolates Holiday Open House
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Sweeth Tooth? Check Out Seabreeze Craft Chocolates Open House
The Seabreeze Craft Chocolates Holiday Open House, a Small Business Saturday event, transforms Carmel Valley into a chocolate lover’s dream! This beloved chocolatier is creating...
Invita Holiday Makers Market
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Italian Holiday Vibes at Invita Café’s Makers Market
Invita Café’s Makers Market is brewing up something special! The charming Italian coffee bar is turning Cielo Village into a haven where shopping meets la...
world-class racing
Del Mar’s Racing Season Sprints to an Epic Finale
Del Mar’s Racing Season is thundering into its spectacular finale with an incredible lineup of world-class racing that’ll have hearts racing and crowds roaring. The...
San Diego Thanksgiving Family Cruise
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A Mission Bay Thanksgiving Adventure
  • Bahia Resort Hotel
The San Diego Thanksgiving Family Cruise is shaking up holiday traditions with a splash of nautical fun! Swap the usual Thanksgiving tradition for an unforgettable...
Upcoming Events
Yasmina El-Abd Headlines Soirée en Égypte at the 5th Annual Soirée Francophone
March 26, 2026
6:00 pm
  • Tower Beach Club
San Diego has a way of hosting events that feel like they belong somewhere much grander – and the 5th Annual Soirée Francophone from the...
6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion
Free Virtual Screening of The Six Triple Eight for Women’s History Month
March 25, 2026
2:00 pm
  • Virtual Event
For Women’s History Month, Foundation for Women Warriors is hosting a free virtual screening of The Six Triple Eight, a powerful documentary honoring the only...
Grange Garden Farm-to-Coast Dinner Series
Grange Garden Launches Its Farm-to-Coast Dinner Series in Solana Beach
March 21, 2026
5:00 pm
There’s something special about a long, farm dinner with soft light and shared conversation. Grange Garden is bringing that spirit to the coast with the...
Giulio Cesare Shiley Theatre
Giulio Cesare Brings Baroque Drama and Ballet to USD’s Shiley Theatre
March 21, 2026
3:00 pm
If we’re looking for a cultural afternoon plan that feels a little elevated, Cinballera Entertainment is bringing Handel’s Giulio Cesare to the Shiley Theatre –...
San Diego Storytelling Festival
The 16th Annual San Diego Storytelling Festival Comes to Coronado
March 21, 2026
10:00 am
The Storytellers of San Diego and the Coronado Public Library are hosting the 16th annual San Diego Storytelling Festival, a free all-day community celebration of...