San Diego Weekend Guide: Sept. 12-14 – Sinatra & Speed Demons
As summer winds down, San Diego is serving up the perfect blend of high-octane thrills and cultural sophistication, from roaring powerboats to elegant ballet dancers, and yes, even a heated guacamole competition for those with strong opinions about avocados. Whether you’re into championship sports, vintage surf culture or sportsball, this weekend’s lineup could keep you busy from sunrise to sunset (which is creeping up on us way too early these days). Get ready for some serious noise and speed as the world’s fastest boats return to Mission Bay for San Diego Bayfair – think World Series, but with hydroplanes that can hit 200 mph. Six thundering H1 Unlimited racers will battle it out over three days starting Friday on the 2.5-mile course, where salt water lets these machines really fly (the track record was set here back in 1999). Between races, you can check out vintage cars, sip craft beer, catch live music or show off your skills in the cornhole tournament. Admission starts at $26. Frank Sinatra’s smooth crooning gets the ballet treatment this weekend as City Ballet of San Diego kicks off its 33rd season with “Sinatra” Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater hosts two original works: “Summer Wind,” where choreographer Geoffrey Gonzalez translates Ol’ Blue Eyes’ greatest hits into athletic poetry, and “The Seasons,” Elizabeth Wistrich’s sweeping interpretation of Alexander Glazunov’s classical score. Guests are invited to stick around after the final bow for a 9:30 p.m. meet-and-greet with the dancers. Tickets start at $39. Got a dusty old longboard gathering cobwebs in the garage? Saturday morning’s your chance to take it out for a spin at Crystal Pier, where the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club is hosting its 31st annual Classic Longboard Surf Competition. We’re talking serious vintage here – boards must be from 1969 or older, at least 9 feet long and absolutely no leashes allowed because that’s how the legends did it. The family-friendly contest includes divisions for men, women and juniors. Registration runs $39.09 in advance or $45 day-of, and the entry fee helps the Prevent Drowning Foundation keep San Diego’s waters safer for everyone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Junior Over The Line (@jr_otl) The age-old question that’s torn apart friendships and sparked heated debate is finally getting settled: who makes Old Town’s best guacamole? Six restaurants throw down their molcajetes Saturday at the second annual “Guac Off,” where $5 gets you a flight of six different samples and the sacred responsibility of crowning a champion. It’s all part of the bigger Fiestas Patrias party celebrating Mexico’s independence, complete with a parade, crafts and live entertainment at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Old Town San Diego (@visitoldtownsd) Soccer fans clear your calendars because this weekend is basically Christmas morning for fútbol lovers. Friday night brings San Diego Wave FC versus Gotham FC at 7 p.m., followed Saturday by San Diego FC taking on Minnesota United for Hispanic Heritage Night at 7:30 p.m. (both games at Snapdragon Stadium). If you want even more action, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and the U.S. are duking it out at the Four Nations Cup indoor soccer tournament at Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena all weekend long. And for the truly dedicated, Sandbar Sports Bar & Grill in Mission Beach, official home of the Red Devils of San Diego Manchester United fan club, is serving up Sunday morning soccer with $6 Guinness and Boddington cans starting at 8:30 a.m., because nothing says “proper English breakfast” like beer. The San Diego Padres (affectionately known as the “Daddys” to some fans) are hosting the (woeful) Colorado Rockies for three more games this weekend. Friday’s the night to bust out those slick City Connect jerseys – while “Party in the Park” kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with $5 drinks, live music and activities before the 6:40 p.m. first pitch. Saturday’s game at 5:40 p.m. is all about showing love to healthcare professionals at “Healthcare Appreciation Night” and Sunday’s 1:10 p.m. game is KidsFest, complete with a coveted SD beaded necklace giveaway for the first 10,000 kids 14 and under. Missed out on Taste of South Park tickets? Don’t panic – your foodie weekend is far from ruined. The Del Mar Food + Wine Festival’s Grand Tasting is still happening Saturday and Sunday at Surf Sports Park, where you can sample your way through some impressive bites and sips. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Sunday marks the glorious start of San Diego Restaurant Week, when more than 100 restaurants from Oceanside down to Chula Vista roll out multi-course menus starting at $30. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephanie Dupuis (@sandiegofoodgram) Here’s a reminder that on the second Sunday of every month, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego offers free admission to all visitors at its flagship La Jolla location. This Sunday is extra special with “Play Day” running from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., where families can explore art in ways that won’t have kids asking, “Are we done yet?” It’s also Soul Sunday, an all-ages music event hosted at the museum from 2-4 p.m.
