Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Taste of Downtown

Please your palate and explore Downtown San Diego’s most appetizing cuisines at the annual Taste of Downtown.
For one night only, September 24th, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., participants will enjoy mouth-watering dishes from over 50 different restaurants. This tempting culinary experience will lead you through The Gaslamp Quarter, Financial District, East Village and Little Italy, featuring San Diego’s renowned eateries, classic bistros, tasty take-outs and the hottest new dining destinations. Tickets for this premier event are $35 in advance or $40 on the day of. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown San Diego Partnership, dedicated to enhancing our community through programs that help maintain and promote our urban Downtown District. For more information please visit http://www.mcfarlanepromotions.com/ or call (619) 233-5008. Click here for tickets.

Monday, September 21, 2009

20th Annual AIDS Walk San Diego

Register today for AIDS Walk San Diego and walk or run with your friends, family, co-workers and classmates this Sunday, September 27 to raise urgently needed funds and to spread an urgent message to the public that the AIDS crisis is not over. The 20th Annual AIDS Walk San Diego will be held from 6 a.m. - 11 a.m. beginning and ending in beautiful Balboa Park. Enjoy a sunny San Diego morning with your loved ones while raising money for a great cause!

AIDS Walk San Diego raises funds to help provide essential prevention and care programs to thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Funds from the Walk are combined with donations from other philanthropists and foundations to qualify for matching funds. Since 1989, AIDS Walk San Diego has raised more than $7 million! For additional information and to register for Sunday's event please visit http://www.kintera.org/.

Friday, September 18, 2009

8th Annual San Diego Film Festival

The San Diego Film Festival is returning to the bustling historic Gaslamp Quarter September 23 - 27, featuring a wide variety of film premieres including American and international features, as well as documentaries, short films and music videos.

Festivalgoers can personalize there festival experience, choosing from a variety of events and activities such as film screenings, educational panels, intimate filmmaker and celebrity gatherings and nightly parties. The San Diego Film Festival has earned more than 12 awards, including Best Party Fest, Best Beach Fest, Best Regional Film Fest, Best Festival, Top 25 Fests Worth Your Entry Fee by MovieMaker Magazine and a coveted spot as one of the country's Top 10 Film Festival Vacations. Previous guests include Joaquin Phoenix, James Woods, Zach Braff, Kevin Connolly, Colin Hanks, Jennifer Tilly and many more. Admission prices vary. For more information please visit http://www.sdff.org/.

Monday, September 14, 2009

15th annual San Diego Festival of Beer on September 18th

Prepare your pint glasses for the 15th annual San Diego Festival of Beer on September 18th!

San Diego's premier beer tasting event is back and with more brews to taste and sample than ever before! Guests will enjoy 120 microbrews from 60 breweries and live music from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. in downtown San Diego between Columbia and B Street! Advance tickets are $25 ($30 at the door) and include 10 beer tastes. Additional tastes may be purchased inside the event. Proceeds will benefit local area cancer-fighting causes. The Festival of Beer charity event is the oldest and largest beer tasting in all of San Diego. The 100% volunteer-driven festival is produced by San Diego Professionals Against Cancer (SDPAC) – a non-profit organization dedicated to generating funding for cancer research, patient treatment, and services. For tickets and additional information please visit http://www.sdbeerfest.org/.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Fifth Annual San Diego Restaurant Week

Tantalize your taste buds at San Diego County's largest and most successful dining event, San Diego Restaurant Week September 13 - 18!

This premier culinary tradition features more than 180 of San Diego's best restaurants offering fixed price, three-course meals for $20, $30 or $40. There are no tickets or passes required, however advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling restaurants directly or visiting their profile online. Check out these mouth-watering menus in Downtown San Diego:

For more information and for a list of participating restaurants, please visit http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Celebrity Staff Night at Acqua Al 2

Acqua Al 2, a fine Italian restaurant in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, is hosting the 4th Annual Celebrity Staff Night at Acqua Al 2, this Sunday, August 23, 2009 to celebrate Acqua Al 2’s ninth anniversary.

San Diego Padres players will shake up cocktails, prepare Acqua Al 2’s signature dishes and wait tables. Guests will savor a five-course dinner paired with fine wines and bid on live auction items, including exclusive sports memorabilia and discounted rates to premier San Diego restaurants. In addition, raffle tickets will be available for a chance to win a surprise activity with the players and guests can also contribute a donation to have a professional photograph taken on the red carpet with Adrian Gonzalez

Proceeds will benefit The Adrian & Betsy Gonzalez Foundation, which empowers underprivileged youth through athletics, education and health.

Celebrity Staff Night will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at Acqua Al 2, located in the Gaslamp Quarter at 322 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Tickets are $195 per person and can be purchased at http://www.agonzalez23.com/.

Urban Trees 6 Gallery

The Port of San Diego will host a dedication ceremony for its sixth installment of the popular Urban Trees public art exhibit on September 12th in front of the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal at 1140 North Harbor Drive in Downtown San Diego at 11:30 a.m. The event will feature family activities and entertainment, as well as thirty new tree sculptures to be installed.

Urban Trees was established in 2003 in order to showcase artwork along the North Embarcadero on San Diego Bay. Each year, 30 artists are selected to create their interpretation of an urban tree to remain on dispay for one year. After that, they are available for sale by the artists. For more information, please visit www.portofsandiego/public-art.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Promises2Kids Hosts the 8th Annual Backpack & Flash Drive for Kids

Promises2Kids presents the 8th Annual Backpack & Flash Drive for Kids at PETCO Park during the San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs game on August 19, 2009. Promises2Kids will be collecting backpacks and flash drives at every entrance to benefit the thousands of foster children, who were once victims of abuse.

The donations of backpacks and flash drives are essential in providing each child with a system to keep all of their schoolwork and computer assignments organized. On average, a foster child will live in at least seven different homes before they turn 18 years old, and these donated items will be key in helping them return to school this fall with school supplies that will help them succeed in the classroom. For more information please visit www.promises2kids.org or call (858) 278-4400.

Promises 2 Kids, formerly the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, is a 27-year-old nonprofit organization that has led the fight against child abuse and neglect in the County of San Diego since 1981.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Cruise Travel Magazine Explores Sparkling San Diego

We are very pleased to share with you coverage of Downtown San Diego in Cruise Travel Magazine’s July/August issue, in the article Sparkling San Diego – California dreamin’ comes naturally in this big city with a small-town feel, written by Randy Mink. This was a great feature about the Port of San Diego and highlighted neighboring hotels, destinations and attractions.

"The downtown waterfront showcases San Diego’s ties to the sea, offering so much to do that visitors have little reason to stray far from the cruise-ship terminal on San Diego Bay. The Gaslamp Quarter, loaded with top restaurants and music clubs in well-preserved Victorian buildings, lies minutes away. San Diego, America’s eighth largest city and the fastest growing cruise port on the West Coast, offers a much more vibrant, tourist-friendly downtown than it did just 10 years ago. Much of the action takes place on the Embarcadero, a stretch of San Diego Bay where the cruise vessels anchor. Along this palm-lined promenade, the nautical soul of the city, you can board an excursion boat, roam the decks of historic ships, ride in a pedicab, or watch the marine traffic from a seafood eatery."

Visit http://www.sdGOdowntown.com/ for itineraries, restaurant recommendations, happening happy hours, shopping guides and more! San DieGO Downtown will help you make the best out of your downtown San Diego experience.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Uncork the Cure

The San Diego Wine & Culinary Center is proud to host Uncork the Cure, a fund-raising wine event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

Guests will be treated to an exclusive event featuring food and wine samples from renowned San Diego restaurants, a silent auction, a chance to win a date with ABC’s Bachelorette Finalist Kiptyn Locke and grand prize drawing—all benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Join the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center on August 13, 2009 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 200 Harbor Drive, downtown. General Admission: $50. VIP Ticket: $85 – Includes: early check-in, a private cooking demonstration with Gerrard Meriwether Executive Sous Chef at the Oceanaire Seafood Room, champagne toast and premium wine for the entire evening. For more information please call 858-452-2873 or visit cff.org/chapters/sandiego.

Stingaree Presents Cooks Confab Beer Craft: Grain to Glass, Farm to Table Event

Mix, mingle and enjoy marvelous, hand crafted food and beers on Stingaree’s rooftop!
Join San Diego’s finest chefs and brew masters at the Cooks Confab “Beer Craft: Grain to Glass, Farm to Table” event located at Stingaree this Sunday, August 9, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For $90, participants will enjoy this exclusive event featuring exceptional bites and hand crafted brews crafted by local San Diego top chefs and brew masters while enjoying the stunning Downtown San Diego skyline from Stingaree’s rooftop.

Featured Chefs at Sunday’s event include:
  • Jeff Jackson and TK Kolanko, A. R. Valentien
  • Amy DiBiase, Roseville
  • Paul McCabe, Kitchen 1540
  • Jack Fisher and Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN
  • Nathan Coulon, Quarter Kitchen
  • Katie Grebow, Café Chloe
  • Olivier Bioteau, Farm House Café
  • Andrew Spurgin and Donald Coffman, Waters Fine Catering
  • Brian Sinnott, 1500 Ocean
  • Antonio Friscia, Stingaree
  • Christian Graves, Jsix

Brew masters include:

  • Peter Zien, AleSmith Brewing Company
  • Colby Chandler, Ballast Point Brewing Company
  • Chuck Silva, Green Flash Brewing Co.
  • Jim Crute, Lightning Brewery
  • Tomme Arthur, The Lost Abbey
  • Greg Koch, Stone Brewing Co.
A portion of the ticket sales is donated to Slow Food Urban San Diego. Stingaree is located in the Gaslamp Quarter at 454 6th Avenue. For more information visit Stingaree or Cooks Confab online and for reservations, please call (619) 544-9500.

Monday, July 13, 2009

San Diego LGBT Festival

On July, 18 2009 show your support for San Diego LGBT Pride at the annual LGBT Festival. This year's festival will invade Marston Point located at Balboa Park from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. This cultural festival hosted by San Diego Pride, will feature multiple stages of entertainment with more than 70 musicians, bands, comedy and dance performers, 300 participating vendor booths, an art exhibit, a vintage auto show, cultural presentations, and great food! Cost of admission is $20 per person. For more information please call 619-297-7683 or send an email to info@sdpride.org.

Drink for a Cause

Join the International Green Shield and Nika Water at the Airport Lounge on Friday, July 24th to mix and mingle while planes fly directly over the outdoor bar! Join in on this great night for a great cause, all you have to do is show up on time and enjoy a few drinks from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission is $10 and all cover charges will be donated to the International Green Shield, courtesy of the Airport lounge. For more information visit www.nikawater.org.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Spa Tiki’s 6th Birthday Bash

Aloha! Spa Tiki is throwing a Hawaiian-inspired Birthday Bash for their 6th Anniversary on Friday July 10, 2009 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join fellow wahines for a relaxing evening in paradise with mini services, wine tasting, complimentary cocktails, appetizers, entertainment and discounts on products! Featured services include polish change, 10 minute massage, eye brow wax, lip wax, sugar scrub hand treatments and makeup consultations. Tickets are available in-store or over the telephone by calling 619-231-4363 for $40 per person. V.I.P Admission is available. For more information please call 619-231-4363 or email spatikievents@spatiki.com. Spa Tiki is located in the East Tower of the Harbor Club in downtown San Diego.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Where You Want to Be Tours Presents Dog-Friendly Scavenger Hunt

Use your dog's superb sense of smell to navigate through the Gaslamp Quarter during the Dog-Friendly Scavenger Hunt on July 11, 2009 or September 26, 2009. Participants will enjoy amazing views, great prizes and a fun-filled adventure with man's best friend. Participants will be on a team with 6-7 other people and walk 1.5 to 2 miles to get acquainted with downtown San Diego's hidden hot spots. The cost to participate is $50.00 per dog/person combo. For more information or to RSVP to this event please call 619-917-6037 or send an email to menkin@wheretours.

*Note - Buy your tickets before July 5th and receive 2 passes to an advance screening of the film Funny People.

Monday, June 29, 2009

4th of July Fun in Downtown San Diego!

Fireworks, concerts and BBQs oh my! San DieGO Downtown's recommendations guarantee a fun 4th of July!
  • Hornblower 4th of July Dinner Cruise
  • 4th of July on the Berkeley Ferry
  • Big Bay Boom 2009
  • USS Midway Fireworks Display
For details and additional events, check out SDGO's article: 4th of July Fun in Downtown San Diego!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

4th Annual Stay Classy Tailgate Party

Miller Lite presents the 4th annual Stay Classy Tailgate Party on July 18 at PETCO Park. This all-day music festival features beer gardens, carnival games, VIP Padres access and a thrilling after party at The Fleetwood. Musical entertainment includes: Del the Funky Homosapien, Cage the Elephant, The kneehighs, and Vokab Company. Tickets are $11 from Hune 17-26, $15 from June 26-July 10, $20 from July 10-July 17 and $25 on the day of. Proceeds will benefit the Stay Classy Campaign for Abandoned Youth. $1 from each ticket automatically goes toward the cause: a shelter for homeless kids in San Diego that have been abandoned, sexually exploited and subjected to domestic violence. Presale tickets are available at www.stayclassy.org.

Monday, June 22, 2009

W Hotel San Diego Presents Saturday Beach Party

Who Says You Can't Drink at the Beach?

The W Hotel San Diego kicks off the all new Saturday Beach Party featuring great drink specials and guest dj's at their roof top beach bar! Sit back, relax and feel the sand between your toes every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. The W San Diego Hotel is located at 421 West B Street, San Diego 92101. For more information please call 619-398-3100.

The San Diego Air and Space Museum Unveils Replica of Hitler's Stealth Fighter

Soar into the San Diego Air and Space Museum for the unveiling of National Geographic Channel and Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Horten 229 flying wing replica for Hitler’s Stealth Fighter, on Wednesday, June 24 th as part of the Museum’s World War II Gallery. Northrop Grumman aeronautical engineers worked from the original plans and prototype to reconstruct a full-scale replica of the jet and determined if it had stealth capabilities. If proven, it would confirm that Hitler was on the verge of introducing a stealth jet fighter into the battle with Allies, long before the United States began developing stealth technology in the 1970s.

Stay tuned for a new documentary on the subject which premiers June 28 at 9 p.m. on the National Geographic Channel.

For information on the unveiling, call (619) 234-8291, Ext. 140.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Numero Water Boutique Now Open in Little Italy!

Experience the Japanese spirit and philosophy of Wabi Sabi at the Numero Water Boutique.

As the newest addition to San Diego’s downtown neighborhood of Little Italy, the flagship storefront of Numero Water invites customers to discover a healthy, positively charged natural lifestyle. The store will offer: onsen mineral foot baths, reflexology foot massages, tranquility room with massage chair, tea bar and a modern twist on the traditional Japanese tea room, and much more! They also have an array of gift items ranging from tatami sandals, soy candles, kimono fabric reversible purses, more than 30 teas, and tea pots/cups that have all come straight from Japan.

Numero Water will soon offer their line of three premium natural spring waters numbered – 29, 51, and 76 – to showcase their unique mineral composition, health benefits and refreshing taste. Stay tuned…

And their prices…ALL AFFORDABLE!!!

Located in Little Italy at 1660 India Street (corner of India & Date) and you can’t miss the floor to ceiling windows! Their Web site (http://www.numerowater.com/) will soon be live but in the meantime you can follow all updates via Twitter at www.twitter.com/numerowater. Open Tuesdays - Sundays from 11 am – 7 pm, 619-236-8369.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Deal of the Day!

Se San Diego Super Savings!

Use SDGO's hotel-booking engine to make any reservation before June 30, 2009 at Se San Diego and save an incredible 45% at this new boutique hotel downtown. This offer is valid for travel dates through December 30, 2009.

Kick off the Summer with the Ocean Style Soiree

Ocean Magazine and Eco-Panda Swimwear are making a splash at Float atop the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on Wednesday, June 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Ocean Style Soiree will feature hosted "eco-tini" cocktails and appetizers as well as grab bags with hot summer essentials. Ocean Magazine will showcase their upcoming cover and Eco-Panda will debut its eco-friendly swimwear line with a sizzling poolside fashion show. Dance to beats by DJ Marcos and sign-up to be entered to win one of the five Summer Essentials Grand Prizes valued at over $1,000!

Monday, June 15, 2009

4th of July Fireworks and BBQ aboard the Berkeley Ferry

Celebrate this 4th of July with family and friends on the 1898 steam ferry Berkeley for a 4th of July BBQ and Fireworks!

Guests will enjoy a BBQ dinner, live entertainment, photo opportunities and incredible views of the spectacular fireworks display over the San Diego Bay. The evening begins with dinner and entertainment on the Berkeley's upper deck. Then, guests are invited to relocate and find their preferred spot on the Berkeley, Star of India, Surprise, or the B-39 submarine to enjoy the multiple fireworks shows over the San Diego Bay. Check in begins at 6:30 p.m. and the event runs from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for kids and FREE for children 4 years and under. This annual event is hosted by the devoted volunteers of the Star of India Auxiliary to benefit the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Buy your tickets today! For more information please call 619-234-9153.

Behind the Scenes Tour of Little Italy

Experience Little Italy with a free, guided, behind the scenes tour on Saturday, June 20th. Experience the history, cuisine and culture of this historic neighborhood. The package includes a guided tour with visits to a landmark Italian grocery, an Italian pastry/gelato shop, Little Italy's historic Catholic church built in 1925 and free time for browsing at an Italian gift shop. For more information please call 760-736-1138.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Acqua Al 2 Father's Day Special

Hit this Father's Day out of the Ball Park!

It's a Father's Day double-header at Acqua Al 2! Take Dad to the Padres game and swing by Acqua Al 2, a fine Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter, for lunch prior to the game and receive 10% off, or satisfy your post-game hunger with a three-course authentic Italian dinner with your choice of filet mignon, fresh fish or sautéed chicken breast for $65 per person. For reservations please call 619-230-0382 or visit www.acquaal2.com.

Visis SDGO for more fabulous Father's Day recommendations!

Bands on the Bay Dinner Cruise

Every Friday from May through November, enjoy LIVE music on Hornblower's Bands on the Bay Dinner Cruise. Guests will board their yacht with a glass of champagne and enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner. Swing to the sounds of the live band or enjoy spectacular views of the San Diego skyline. June's band schedule features Z-Bop!'s Jazz, Swing, Blues, Classic Duets, Oldies, Rat Pack, Louis Prima and Favorite Standards from the Great American Songbook. For more information please call 1.888.HORNBLOWER.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Ivy Hotel Presents Supper Club Wednesdays

The Ivy Hotel brings back a local favorite: Supper Club Wednesdays featuring a new American tapas menu served with Happier Hour cocktails until 9 p.m.

Join 944 at Supper Club with Henri Bendel tonight at the Ivy Ultra Lounge for an evening of friends and fashion. Indulge in delicious menu specials and sway to the sounds of a live DJ. Doors open at 7 p.m. and dinner and entertainment commence at 8 p.m. The Ivy Hotel is located at 600 F Street downtown. For more information please call 619-814-1000.

Celebrate Father's Day Downtown

Toss the ties and tools and treat your dad to something different this year. San DieGO Downtown’s recommendations will ensure that this Father’s Day is anything but ordinary. Embark on an action-packed adventure with Dad on June 21, and enjoy San DieGO Downtown’s tips to delectable dining, thrilling activities and exciting entertainment in San Diego’s revitalized Downtown including:
  • Hornblower Cruises Presents Father’s Day Beer Brunch Cruise
  • San Diego Harbor Excursion Father’s Day Brunch Cruise
  • House of Blues Gospel Brunch
  • Tour the U.S.S Midway
  • Dennis Conner’s America’s Cup Experience
  • San Diego Padres vs the Oakland A's at PETCO Park
For more information and details check out SDGO's Celebrate Father's Day Downtown article!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Epicurean Exploration at Vela

Vela at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is treating taste buds to a trip around the world. Now through the end of the year, Vela will be pairing wines and cuisines of the world's coastal regions in a four-course dinner from the first Monday through Sunday of each month. The global adventure will explore France, Italy, Spain, Chile, Germany, New Zealand/Australia, Argentina and Japan. The dinners are $50 with wine pairing, $39 without pairing and $16 for wines alone. For more information and to make reservations please call 619-564-3333.

Balboa Park - Stay-for-the-Day Pass!

Now through June 30th, 2009, visit any 4 of 13 Balboa Park museums listed below on the same day for only $29. Included is a 10% shopping discount at Balboa Park Visitors Center gift shop. Tickets are available online, at the Balboa Park Visitors Center or at the MTS Transit store downtown!
  • Japanese Friendship Garden
  • Mingei International Museum
  • Museum of Photographic Arts
  • Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum
  • SDAI- Museum of the Living Artist
  • San Diego Automotive Museum
  • Museum of San Diego History
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum
  • San Diego Museum of Art
  • San Diego Museum of Man
  • San Diego Natural History Museum
  • San Diego Hall of Champions

Monday, June 8, 2009

Big Joe's Fireworks

Grab the kids and head to the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater to celebrate July 4th with a sing along featuring Uncle Sam and Yankee Doodle. You'll love the spectacular finish to the story, The Remarkable Rocket! 4 years old and up. For tickets and more information, please call 619-544-9203. The cost of admission is $3 kids, $5 adults, $4 seniors. Tickets are available online or at the door. Summer hours begin June 17 and are as follows: Wed - Sunday three shows daily at 11 am, 1 & 2:30 p.m.

City Chase USA Takes Over America's Finest City

City Chase USA, the world's largest urban adventure series is taking over America's Finest City!

The 2009 City Chase Series will turn San Diego into an urban playground equipped with a giant obstacle course June 20, 2009. Featuring a scavenger hunt, obstacle course and adventure race, participants will search for ChasePoints in unknown locations throughout the city. The event starts in Embarcadero Marina Park North and teams of two will compete in numerous physical, intellectual and humorous challenges. In order to conquer the event teams will walk, run, crawl and use the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System to navigate their way through Downtown. Participants will have access to phones to call friends and family for assistance. The cost to compete is $170 per team. Use "DSD" promo code for $15 off registration. The first team to complete the challenge wins and advances to the North American Championship in Quebec. For more information please call 312-850-8196. Space is limited so register online today!

Friday, June 5, 2009

Girls Night Out Cruise Tonight!

It’s all about the girls! Grab your girlfriends and board Hornblower’s Inspiration Yacht for Magic 92.5 FM Jagger and Kristi’s 2nd annual Girls Night Out Cruise, tonight, June 5, 2009 from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. The night will be packed with crazy times and wild fun featuring performances, entertainers from Men of the Millennium and products from specialty retailers. Tickets cost $25.00 per person, must be 21+ only with valid ID and absolutely no boys allowed! Seating is limited so reserve your spot immediately by calling 619.686.8700 or visiting www.hornblower.com.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

A WICKED Comeback

Wicked is back by popular demand at the Civic Theatre

If you missed the chance to see the award-winning musical Wicked, then it’s your lucky day! The brilliant, family-friendly musical will be returning to San Diego’s Civic Theatre beginning July 29, 2009 through August 30, 2009. Wicked features the untold story of the witches of Oz. It has a running time of 2 hours, 45 minutes including intermission. Don’t pass up this delightful opportunity to see what the New York Time’s calls “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” and purchase your tickets today! For more information please call 619.564.3000.

Rush Hour Retreat

Unwind after work at Suite & Tender’s Rush Hour Retreat for specialty cocktails from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. These three hours of bliss include half priced, handcrafted cocktails as well as bottomless glasses of selected wines for only $20. Suite & Tender, a unique and sophisticated restaurant, bar and lounge, is located at the Sè Hotel in Downtown San Diego. For more information please visit www.suiteandtender.com

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Passion for Fashion

From June 3, 2009 through August 26, 2009, the Ivy Hotel will be hosting a fashion party every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. View the latest fashion styles and trends brought to you by the Fashion Valley Mall and live DJ music on the Ivy rooftop overlooking the stunning San Diego skyline. Admission is free. For more information please call 619.814.1000.

Balboa Park Twilight in the Park Concerts

The Sweet Sounds of Summertime Music Return to Balboa Park

Beginning June 17, 2009 through August 27, 2009, Spreckels Organ Pavilion will host the Twilight in the Park Concert Series every Tuesday and Thursday night, from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. This free one-hour concert will include performances from an array of local artists, featuring the San Diego Concert Band, Bayou Brothers, Hillcrest Wind Ensemble, City Ballet, and many more! For more information please visit www.balboapark.org or call 619.239.0512.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Dance for the Cure of Prostate Cancer

Lend a hand in the battle of cancer battle and hit the dance floor at this charitable event!

Revive your dancing days by attending the first annual, Dance for the Cure charitable event, Saturday June 13, 2009. Located at the Westin Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter of Downtown San Diego, participants will join AdMeTech, leaders in Medicine, and Hollywood celebrities for an enjoyable night filled with fun, fundraising, and awareness of prostate cancer. The dance party kicks off at 6:00 p.m. allowing guests to dance the night away until midnight! Tickets cost $250 and include a VIP dinner between 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., followed by extravagant ballroom dancing competitions from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and will conclude at the Westin’s Presidential Suite for the Private Reception through midnight. For more information and tickets, please visit AdMeTech’s website at www.admetech.org.

Dining in the Dark

Without the gift of vision, many daily activities such as eating and drinking seem easier said than done. Brave these challenges and join San Diego-based Optelec US, a world leader in innovative and life-changing assistive technologies for the blind and visually impaired, and the San Diego chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness for the 2009 San Diego Dining in the Dark event. Dining in the Dark offers guests a rare and sensory awareness opportunity to journey into the unfamiliar world of the blind and visually impaired. Guests will enjoy a complete dinner, served by visually impaired and blind waiters, while experiencing all tastes, sounds and textures in absolute darkness.

The dinner will be held in downtown San Diego on Tuesday, June 4, 2009 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the US Grant Hotel located at 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. Individual tickets are $250 with other table sponsorships available. Proceeds will support research to find a cure for retinal degenerative diseases that affect more than 10 million Americans.

For more information, call 800-335-7970 or visit www.optelec.com, www.shoplowvision.com, and to purchase event tickets or register, visit www.fightblindness.org.

Twitter Fan? Follow Optelec at www.twitter.com/optelec and Foundation Fighting Blindness at www.twitter.com/fightblindness

Monday, June 1, 2009

Acqua Al 2 Uncorked Presents "Giro d'Italia"

Join Acqua Al 2, a fine Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter, for their exclusive new wine tasting series, Uncorked, this Wednesday, June 3, 3009 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. This week's tasting is called "Giro d'Italia," featuring a refreshing selection of Italian summer wines paired with delectable bites. For reservations please call 619.230.0382. Space is limited and
reservations are required to participate. The cost is $20 per person which includes 4 spirits paired with classic Italian dishes including:
  • Marotti Campi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2007, Marche. Served with focaccia al rosmarino e crostino ai fagioli cannellini - Focaccia bread ovenbaked with rosemary and crostini topped with cannellini beans and extra virgin olive oil.
  • Vestini Pecorino 2008, Abruzzo. Served with farfaline al salmone - Bowtie pasta with salmon in a pink sauce.
  • D'Antiche Terre Aglianico 2006, Campania. Served with Assaggio di formaggi - Aged cheese platter.
  • Vita Il Trullo, Primitivo del Salento 2007, Puglia. Maccheroncini al ragu di manzo - Maccheroni pasta in a beef ragu sauce.
*Note: Stay for dinner following the tasting and receive 10% off your bill!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Take a Cruise for a Cause

Board San Diego’s Inspiration Hornblower Yacht for a philanthropic cause!

Next Wednesday, June 3, 2009, from 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Hornblower, KyXy 96.5 and Sophie@ 103.7 will be hosting its 3rd annual Cruise for a Cause. This fashion cruise held at sunset, will be filled with exclusive shopping, food tastings, complementary spa services, live music, dance performances, gift bags, and best of all: a portion of proceeds will benefit the Center for Community Solutions. Board the glamorous Inspiration super-yacht at the Grape Street Pier for only $20.00 per person and join this fabulous Cruise for a Cause. Tickets are required so book your reservation today!

Deal of the Day!

Hurry and take advantage of this smoking deal at the Omni San Diego Hotel

Whether you’re in San Diego on vacation or just want to add some spice to your usual routine, consider staying at the Omni San Diego Hotel in Downtown San Diego during its 5-day room special event! Located just across the street from Petco Park, the Omni would be the perfect place to rest your head after a Padres game or a day of touring downtown. On top of its ideal locality and luxurious amenities, the Omni San Diego Hotel is also offering rooms for only $99, from June 7 – June 12, 2009. Take advantage of this hot hotel deal and reserve your room today. Save by entering promo code: 72hour when visiting the Omni Hotel San Diego’s website.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Port of San Diego Summer Promotion

The Port of San Diego and the Port Tenants Association launched a new marketing campaign to promote special offers from tenants including restaurant deals, hotel specials and discounts on select attractions, just in time for summer! The goal is to promote the Big Bay as a primary getaway destination for local residents and tourists alike.

Featuring up to 30% off room rates at 15 hotels on the tidelands, 100 restaurant entries under $18 and kids free under 12 with paid adult admission for ALL Big Bay attractions including the USS Midway Museum, Hornblower Cruises and Events, San Diego Harbor Excursion the Maritime Museum of San Diego and Chula Vista Nature Center. Other special Big Bay offers include a Seaport Village VIP Shopping Pass for discounts at the various shops and restaurants and a two-for-one night stay for boaters at Sun Harbor Marina, located in America's Cup Harbor. For more information and details please visit www.portofsandiego.org or call (619) 686-6200.

Baseball, BBQ and Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Looking for a place to pre game for the infamous Padres vs. Phillies game? On June 1st. Phil’s BBq will be hosting Phil’s BIG BBQ Tailgate party from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Padres vs. Phillies game in Tailgate Park. For only $20, participants receive a ticket to the game, amazing BBQ dinner and admission into Phil's philanthropic tailgate party. Phil’s BBQ will be donating 100% of the proceeds to Big Brothers, Big Sisters: OPERATION BIGS, a mentoring program for children with deployed parents. On top of donating all of their proceeds, Phil’s BBQ will also be donating 1,000 tickets to Big Brothers, Big Sisters so that the programs’ kids and sponsors can attend this event. Show your support and don’t miss out on a good time. Give back to those who are in need and purchase tickets at Phil’s BBQ in Point Loma today!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

International Dance and Music Festival 2009

Check out the WorldBeat Cultural Center’s 15th annual International Dance and Music Festival this Sunday, May 31, 2009, from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., at Seaport Village Downtown San Diego. The festival is dedicated to South African native, Miriam Makeba, otherwise known as Mama Africa, who devoted her life to music and civil rights activism. Featuring great music and remarkable dancing, the goal of this event is to unite all community members, from dancers, musicians, and artists to students, teachers, immigrants, and refugees, in sharing their culture. This festival will aim to increase awareness about the importance of dance and music among the government, systems of education and the general public. This is a free festival and is a great opportunity to support and celebrate dance, music and culture. For more information please call (619) 230-1190.