The Craving: San Diego Food + Drink News – Week of August 17, 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.

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Open the Symphony Season Under the Stars at the Rady Shell

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The San Diego Symphony's summer season kicks off at The Rady Shell with a sweeping program lead by Rafael Payare.

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Join San Diego’s Largest Juneteenth Celebration at Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park

Experience Kinfolk Fest 2026 at Waterfront Park, featuring live performances from top artists across genres and an amazing atmosphere.

Animals Thriving at Lions Tigers and Bears Rescue Sanctuary

Come Out and Celebrate Gotcha Days at Lions Tigers & Bears

At Lions Tigers & Bears sanctuary in Alpine, every animal has a story – and this season, three of its most beloved residents are marking...

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Find the Clues, Crack the Code, and Save the Order at UC San Diego This Summer

Forget everything you know about escape rooms. Decoding DaVinci is part scavenger hunt, part immersive theater, part outdoor adventure – and the entire UC San...

Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook Off

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Enjoy a Free Summer Day at OB’s Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach does summer better than most neighborhoods, and the OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off is a big reason why. Every year, Newport Avenue...

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Del Mar’s Summer Solstice Returns With Ocean Views and Epic Eats

Powerhouse Park

Del Mar's annual Summer Solstice event is coming back to Powerhouse Park, and we're already planning our strategy for maximum food sampling.

Tajima Ramen marking 25 years in San Diego with special events and promotions

Tajima Ramen is Turning 25 and the Whole Month is a Celebration

San Diego’s own Tajima Ramen is marking 25 years with a full month of throwback specials, DJ nights, ramen deals, giveaways, and community events across...

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Grab Your Crew and Head to the Loma Club’s First Annual Loma Luau

The Loma Club is bringing a little aloha to Liberty Station with their first annual Loma Luau – an evening of Hawaiian BBQ, handcrafted tiki...

SunLife Organics is Now Open at Hotel del Coronado

If you’ve ever wanted a reason to make a day of it at The Del, here’s another one. SunLife Organics has officially landed on Coronado...

Downtown El Cajon’s Free Friday Concert Series is Back for the Summer

Music on Main is back at Prescott Promenade in Downtown El Cajon, and this year it’s bigger than ever. Formerly known as the Dinner and...

Step Into Silver Hoof Creamery, Old Town’s New Folklore-Inspired Ice Cream Parlor

Old Town has a new reason to wander in. Silver Hoof Creamery is a woman-owned soft serve parlor opening in the heart of the neighborhood,...

Harland Clubhouse at Mission Bay Golf Course

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Tee Up, Grab a Cold One – Harland Brewing Has Taken Over Mission Bay Golf Course

Harland Brewing has found its next home, and it’s a good one. The San Diego craft brewery is now running the food and beverage program...

8th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival at the Rady Shell

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The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival is Back at the Rady Shell for its 8th Year

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival returns to the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park for its eighth edition, and the lineup is stacked. Hosted by...

Rooftop Cinema Club Moulin Rouge 25th Anniversary

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Moulin Rouge! is Back on the Big Screen and This Time, it’s Outside

Experience the magic of Moulin Rouge! during its anniversary screening at Rooftop Cinema Club, a must-see outdoor event.

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A Perfect Saturday in OB: The Ocean Beach Makers Market

OB Surf Lodge

Experience the Ocean Beach Makers Market, where local makers showcase one-of-a-kind creations in a vibrant outdoor setting.

University Heights Community-Wide Garage Sale annual neighborhood event San Diego

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University Heights is Throwing a Neighborhood-Wide Garage Sale and Everyone’s Invited

Every year, University Heights turns into one big treasure hunt – and this year is no different. The annual Community-Wide Garage Sale brings together 60-plus...

Golden State Ballet Midsummer Night's Dream

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Shakespeare’s Dreamiest Ballet is Coming to Balboa Park

Balboa Theatre

Experience the magic of Golden State Ballet Midsummer Night's Dream at Balboa Theatre this June. Do not miss the enchanting performances.

Female Maker Market at Liberty Public Market

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The Female Maker Market is Back and Coronado Ferry Landing is the Place to Be

Coronado Ferry Landing

The Female Maker Market returns to the Coronado Ferry Landing for a full day of shopping, community, and coastal vibes – and it’s free to...

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Sword Fights, Sunken Ships, and San Diego Bay: All Aboard the Pirate Adventure

Maritime Museum of San Diego

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure and become a real pirate for 90 minutes on the bay.

Don't Miss Out On Nighttime Zoo Final Season at San Diego Zoo

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The Final Season of Nighttime Zoo is Here and it’s Worth Savoring

San Diego Zoo

After more than 25 years, the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo is entering its last season. And if you’ve never been, or even if you...

Father's Day Happenings Around San Diego

The Big List of Father’s Day Specials Around San Diego

Whether he wants to enjoy his favorite feast, a day chillin’ by the beach, or just kicking back with a cold beer, these specials are all...

Families celebrating the start of summer at San Diego Model Railroad Museum Balboa Park

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The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is Kicking Off Summer With a Family Day

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum is celebrating the start of summer with a full day of family-friendly activities – and everything is included with...

Open Air Yoga At San Diego Botanic Garden

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Yoga in the Garden: Open Air at San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden

Breathe in fresh air while being surrounded by lush gardens during Open Air Yoga at San Diego Botanic Garden. See you there!

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Twilight in the Park is Back for its 45th Year – and Every Concert is Free

Spreckels Organ Pavilion

If you’ve lived in San Diego long enough, you know Twilight in the Park. It’s one of those summer constants that just makes the city...

Crack Into Fresh Maine Lobster Trackside at Del Mar’s Inaugural Turf & Surf Festival

August 8, 2026

1:00 pm

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...

Del Mar

Toast the Giants Exhibit’s Final Weekend at MCASD

August 7, 2026

5:00 pm

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

MCASD is sending off Giants: Art from the Dean Collection the right way. Joe Kay, founder of Soulection, is on the decks. DJ Sasha Marie...

La Jolla

Taste Your Way Through Logan Heights at the Taste of Imperial Avenue

August 7, 2026

4:00 pm

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...

San Diego

Spend a Summer Evening at the Stone Garden Market in Escondido

August 6, 2026

6:00 pm

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido

Stone Brewing’s gardens are one of those spots that already feel like an event on their own, and this summer, they’re turning the space into...

Escondido

University Heights Summer Mixer at Park & Rec

Come Hang Out at the University Heights Summer Mixer

August 6, 2026

5:00 pm

Park & Rec

University Heights is getting together for its annual Summer Mixer, and honestly, there’s no better excuse to trade the couch for a night out with...

San Diego