San Diego Weekend Guide: Sept. 20-22 – Dinner & Design

Culture and design take center stage this San Diego weekend, with the chance to drop by a signature fest for some tunes. it’s enough to tire a person out, but thankfully, there’s a special event Sunday where you can chow down and regain your strength.

World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana has been associated with a variety of events throughout the year, but its big moment comes this weekend. The World Design Experience continues at multiple sites, including the anchor venues, the WDC 2024 Exchange Pavilion and Mingei International Museum, both in Balboa Park. Peruse the online list for pop-ups, studio tours, fests, temporary exhibits workshops and more, many of them free.

The World Surf League Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro begins its 18th year at the Oceanside Pier. The event is the largest female surf contest in the world, with more than 90 of the world’s top pros competing, but it’s also a fest with music and more. Friday includes the early rounds of surfing and the first of 15 free concerts, with Doah’s Daydream and more performing. Ceelo Green and Bishop Briggs are among those appearing Friday and Saturday. Competition starts daily after 8 a.m. with the finals set for 3 p.m. Sunday. The free fest opens at 10 a.m. daily.

Little toy cars are awesome for children’s imaginations, but they can see their dreams take (big) shape when Pechanga Arena hosts the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks’ Live Glow Party. Shows are at 12:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $22.

The Pacific Islander Festival celebrates the culture of the Melanesian, Micronesian and Pacific Islander people on Saturday and Sunday. Head to Mission Bay’s Ski Beach for entertainment from here and abroad, along with traditional food, a cultural village and arts and crafts. Ski Beach lies east of Vacation Isle off Ingraham Street. Shuttles from the Sun Runner Lot and Hospitality Point will be available for the free fest, which opens at 7:30 a.m.

The 42nd annual Adams Avenue Street Fair opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with 75 acts taking to seven stages on 10 blocks. Performers include Deadbolt, the Ally Venable Band, Papa Sancho, Planetarious, Rey Wolf and the Zeros ’77. It’s not just about the music at the much-heralded fest – try the beer garden, carnival rides and festival eats too. Stroll Adams between 32nd and 36th streets. Admission is free.

The Houses of Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Spain band together Saturday at Balboa Park to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages Lawn and Outdoor Stage. Arrive at 11 a.m. to explore the cottages and enjoy nibbles. The cultural program starts at 1 p.m.

San Diego Restaurant Week has all the tasty goodness from throughout the county beginning Sunday. Presented by the California Restaurant Association, the event continues for eight days, with over 100 restaurants from Oceanside to Chula Vista offering prix-fixe menus – lunch, dinner and brunch too – ranging from $20-85. Use the online search tool to find the places you’d like to try.