Sarah Weinberg (619) 557-2838

Sarah Weinberg (619) 557-2838

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July 2015

For Immediate Release

What’s New in San Diego,Fall 2015

Major Attractions

The popular “Kids Free San Diego” promotion returns this October. Major San Diego attractions including SeaWorld San Diego, the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park will offer free admission to kids throughout the month, along with more than 30 area museums. In addition to free attraction admission, many local hotels and restaurants offer specials throughout October. Complete offer details from hotels, restaurants, attractions and more will be posted at sandiego.org/kidsfree beginning in August. (7/15)

In spring 2015, the San Diego Zoo opened a new Asian leopard exhibit, expanding the Panda Trek area. The new 16,500-sq.-ft. habitat includes multi-level living space with rock outcroppings and slopes with felled trees to encourage climbing, foraging and other natural behaviors. Two male Amur leopards, and one male and two female snow leopards call the new habitat home. The Amur leopard is believed to have just 40 individuals left in its native habitat of southern Russia and northern China. There are only 300 Amur leopards in zoos around the world, making it the most critically endangered big cat on the planet. (7/15)

Major Events

During September and October, the Annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest celebrates the historic mountain town’s famous homemade apple pies and ciders. Visitors can enjoy acres of colorful fall foliage, apple picking in local orchards, charming bed and breakfast inns, art shows, quaint antique shops, horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment. Held Sept. 26-27, 2015, the Julian Apple Days Festivalat Menghini Winery features music and dancing, children’s games and activities, a wine and beer garden and Julian’s famous apple pies. (7/15)

The annual San Diego Bayfairthunderboat regatta will be held Sept. 18-20, 2015, on Mission Bay. The Bayfair races feature the world’s fastest boats, as well as hydroplanes, tunnel hulls, unlimited lights, drag boats and other racing classes. Other highlights include live entertainment and food booths. (7/15)

San Diego’s culinary community celebrates San Diego Restaurant Week from Sept. 20-27, 2015. More than 180 of the region’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course lunch menus at just $10, $15 and $20 or dinner menus at $20, $30, $40 or $50 per person, allowing visitors to sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that make San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions. (7/15)

During Oct. 1-4, 2015, Fashion Week San Diegotakes over the seaside village of La Jolla. Eachnight of FWSD features unique customized events, designers, and themes including trunk shows, and trends for hair and makeup on the catwalk. (7/15)

Balboa Park centennial year continues with a Fall Signature Centennial Event: San Diego Maker Faire on Oct. 3-4, 2015.Part high-tech science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and so much more.The Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, San Diego Makers Guild and Tijuana Innovadora will partner with the City of San Diego to put on this first-ever event showcasing innovators and creators from this binational region. Tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for children.(7/15)

On Oct. 10-11, 2015, CRSSD returns to downtown’s recently opened Waterfront Park on San Diego Bay. An electronic music festival that launched in spring 2015, CRSSD featuresmore than 40 top acts, including The Flaming Lips, Big Data, and Jamie XX among others. Performers will appear on three stages during this ticketed, paid-admission event for attendees 21 and older. Craft beer, mixed drinks, food and a VIP area will be available. (7/15)

San Diego Beer Week returns Nov. 6-15, 2015, for a 10-day celebration of local craft beer and San Diego's thriving brewing culture. The event serves as a showcase for San Diego’s breweries, restaurants and pubs. Festivities kick off with a Brewers Guild Festival featuring more than 50breweries, and conclude with a Chef Celebration of San Diego Beer, a gourmet beer and food pairing event.(7/15)

The San Diego Film Festivalreturns Sept. 30–Oct. 4, 2015, to downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter and ArcLight Cinemas in La Jolla. Now in its 14th year, the festival will feature more than 100 film screenings showcasing some of the best in American and international full-length features, documentaries and shorts. Additional activities include Q&A sessions with directors, workshops, panel discussions, guest appearances by film and video artists and more. (7/15)

More than 60 galleries from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia will showcase paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, videos and cutting-edge multimedia artworks duringART SAN DIEGO 2015.Held Nov. 5-8, 2015, in Balboa Park, the event serves as a marketplace for the world's leading contemporary art galleries. This year, ART SAN DIEGO will hosta special exhibition called Meta.Morphosisdepicting 100 years of art and architecture in San Diego in honor of the 2015 centennial celebration of Balboa Park. (7/15)

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club presents two racing seasons in 2015: the traditional summer season (July 16–Sept. 7, 2015) and the fall Bing Crosby Season (Oct. 29–Nov. 29, 2015). The summer meet will offer racing Wed.-Sun. with special racing on Labor Day. Del Mar’s fall meet will feature 15 racing days, including Thanksgiving Day, and will run Thurs.-Sun. for the fall session. (7/15)

New Venues

In April 2015, The Dana on Mission Bay added the Marina Garden, a new outdoor ceremony and reception venue for up to 300 guests. The open-air event area on Mission Bay offers a secluded lawn surrounded by roses with a view of the hotel's private marina. (7/15)

In fall 2015, Paradise Point Resort & Spa will debut a new Sunset Pavilion offering 16,000-sq.-ft. of airy exhibit space overlooking Mission Bay that can accommodate events up to 1,800 people. The addition of the Sunset Pavilion brings Paradise Point’s total meeting space to more than 80,000 sq. ft. Paradise Point is located on a lush 44-acre island campus in the heart of San Diego’s Mission Bay aquatic park, just minutes from downtown and the airport. (7/15)

New Hotels

In fall 2015, a new Hilton Garden Innwill open in San Diego’s Old Town neighborhood. With an exterior that echoes the Spanish influence found throughout historic Old Town San Diego, the interior of the property offers a contemporary lobby. Business perks include oversized desks and ergonomic chairs, free wi-fi throughout the hotel, 700 sq. ft. of meeting space, an on-site executive boardroom, 24-hour business center, and personal booking link for corporate travelers. Additionally, this Garden Inn features refrigerators and microwaves in the 179-guest rooms, an on-site fitness center and outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, and on-site restaurant and bar. The new hotel’s convenient Old Town location is minutes from San Diego’s famed attractions, such as the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park, downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, and miles of scenic beaches. (7/15)

In August 2015, The Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center hotel opens for business. Located steps from the Gaslamp Quarter and four blocks from the San Diego Convention Center, the hotel features 90 guest rooms with complimentary internet, luxury bedding, stylish décor and upgraded bay view rooms. The Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center includes The Bistro, a fast casual restaurant offering healthy food options, and a full Starbucks espresso bar. Additionally, this Marriott includes The Nolen, a roof-top bar and lounge that overlooks the historic Gaslamp Quarter with panoramic views of the downtown skyline and the San Diego Bay. The new property is located on 6th and Island Avenues. (7/15)

Hotel Renovations & Name Changes

In July 2015, the Pineapple Hospitality group openedHotel Z, a complete redesign of the former Holiday Inn Express Gaslamp property in downtown San Diego’s historic neighborhood. The four-story, 96-room property is located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, three blocks from Petco Park and four blocks from the San Diego Convention Center. Guests can enjoy complimentary wireless internet, free bike check-outs, dog-friendly accommodations and a daily cupcake and coffee reception. (7/15)

In June 2015, The Glorietta Bay Inn completed renovations on eight of the 11 historic mansion guest rooms. In 1908, sugar magnate John D. Spreckels built the remarkablemanor overlooking Coronado Island’s Glorietta Bay, which is now a designated Historic Landmark. The guest roomdecor pays tribute to the hotel’s early beginnings and includes new carpeting, drapery, contemporary furnishings including desks, new lighting, Coronado artwork, and new bedding. Rooms come equipped with 42” flat-screen high-definition televisions, iPod docking stations, small refrigerators, wi-fi, and deluxe plush terry robes. Guests can receive continental breakfast served in bed, nightly turndown service, and warm milk and cookies at bedtime. (7/15)

In May 2015, the Best Western Plus Inn by the Sea in the coastal village of La Jolla renovated all 129 guest rooms on property,as well as a new indoor-outdoor breakfast area. In addition to new furnishings, décor, carpet,draperies, and crown molding, each room received an updated HVAC system for A/C and heat efficiency. Guest bathrooms received a face-lift as well with quartz countertops, updated lighting, decorativemirrorsand new amenities. Each balcony room now includes a refrigerator and coffee maker. The new breakfast roomprovides guests with a free multi-course hot breakfast and fresh fruit daily. A partnership with La Jolla Sports Club across the street allows guests to work out at no charge.(7/15)

Restaurants, Breweries and Nightlife

Sally’s Seafood on the Water introduces an Ocean to Table concept allowing guests to hand-select their catch that will be prepared by the waterfront restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine. Diners can purchase one to three freshly caught fish of choice (up to 5 lbs. total) at San Diego’s new Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, open Sat., 8 a.m. -1 p.m. and located within walking distance of Manchester Grand Hyatt. The price to prepare the fish is $2 per ounce (not including the purchase price from the market). Guests can buy fish for preparation that same day or fish can be stored for up to fivedays after purchase. Reservations for the “Ocean to Table” experience are required in advance. (7/15)

In July 2015, Blush Ice Bar + East-West Kitchen opened in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers an inventive selection of dishes blending cuisine from different cultures. The menu offers small plates, main dishes, buns, salads and sides. The restaurant derives its name from a signature Blush cocktail, a craft cocktail base with an icyfruit accent. The 7,500-sq.-ft. space features a lively bar scene and an expansive outdoor patio. (7/15)

In July 2015, Executive Chef Trey Foshee’s homage to Mexican culture and cuisine, Galaxy Taco opened in La Jolla Shores. Foshee also helms the famed George’s at the Cove restaurant in La Jolla Village. Galaxy Taco’s menu is rooted in the flavors and traditions of Mexico while celebrating San Diego’s local seasonal ingredients. In addition to offering traditional Baja fried fish, notable tacos include lamb barbacoa; potato with green chorizo spice, kale and queso fresco; and grilled avocado tacos. Adding authenticity to the restaurant’s concept, handmade tortillas crafted with fresh masa are pressed on-site daily. (7/15)

In February 2015,Backyard Kitchen + Tapopenedin Pacific Beach. The coastal American eatery features garage doors that open to the street, reclaimed wood interiors, outdoor areas with cabanas, fire pits and an indoor-outdoor bar. Brunch, lunch and dinner menus are available, along with an extensive list of craft cocktails and local beers. The gastropub hosts DJs and live music in the evening. (7/15)

In June 2015, the Sycamore Group launchedBurnside in the quirky uptown neighborhood of Normal Heights. Open for lunch and dinner, the family-friendly casual dining concept features an internationally influenced artisan sandwich menu made with regionally sourced ingredients, plus local craft brews and a wine program. The eatery’s 35 seats include communal tables, both inside and outside, and counter seating. The menu is also available at the Sycamore Den cocktail lounge located one door over. (7/15)

Downtown’s San Diego The Local Eatery and Drinking Hole re-opened in May 2015, following a complete overhaul that restructured its interior decor and craft beer options, in part to make way for an adjacent brewery and tasting room. Set to open in late August, Resident Brewing Companywill feature a 10-barrel premier stainless system occupying 1,700 sq. ft. Resident’s beer will be served from an 18-tap bar in the back of The Local and will be available in small taster glasses, pints and growlers. (7/15)

Arts and Museums

In Oct. 2015, the New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego will debut Eureka!, an exhibition featuring new works alongside the museum’s current exhibition, Feast: The Art of Playing With Your Food.Eureka!allows children and adults to discover California through inventive art installations and studio activities.Visitors can explore the Golden State by climbing a tower that tells a visual story about a century of California dwellings or belt out “car-a-oke” in an immersive music experience. Visitors will also be able to experience the highways and byways of California with miniature vehicles, discoverCalifornia’s interconnected waterways and freeways, and check out an indoor beach.(7/15).

From Sept.26, 2015–Jan 5, 2016, the San DiegoMuseum of Artdebuts a music-focused, multi-sensory, culturally diverse exhibition on the intersection of art and music, featuring the most famous names in art. The Art of Musicincludes works from Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse, Arnold Böcklin, Rufino Tamayo, and more alongside contemporary video, installation and sound art, and musical instruments from around the world. The exhibition explores the musician as theme, the social function of music and abstract representations of sound, with works ranging from an original Beethoven manuscript to contemporary works from San Diego’s own John Baldessari. The series includes The Art of Musicconcert series with live performances each month.(7/15)

Performing Arts

TheOld Globe Theatre in Balboa ParkSummer Shakespeare series continues with The Comedy of Errors (Aug. 16−Sept. 20). The Globe stage features In Your Arms (Sept. 16−Oct. 25), an exuberant world premiere musical. Ten of America’s best theatrical storytellers (the minds behind such hits as The Full Monty, Driving Miss Daisy, M. Butterfly, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike)join director-choreographer Christopher Gattelli (Newsies, The King and I) and composer Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime) to create a ravishing evening that glides, leaps, and twirls through the extremes of romantic love. In the 250-seatSheryl and Harvey White Theatre, Full Gallop comes to the stage (Sept. 26−Oct. 25). Oscar- and Tony-Award® winner Mercedes Ruehl (The Fisher King, Lost in Yonkers) stars as Diana Vreeland, larger-than-life doyenne of American taste. Unceremoniously fired as editor of Vogue, Vreeland hunkers down in her famous all-red New York apartment and plans her comeback: a magazine of her own.Full Gallop, which premiered at the Globe in 1995, is a witty one-woman tour de force about the fabulous style icon who forever changed the way Americans experience clothing, art and life. (7/15)

La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls Festival, a ground-breaking, site-specific theatre series,returnsOct. 9-11, 2015. The centerpiece of the festival, Healing Wars, is conceived, directed and choreographed by internationally-renowned choreographer Liz Lerman. The 2015 WoW Festival will showcase more than 20 events occurring simultaneously in and around the University of California,San Diego/La Jolla Playhouse Theatre District, and it includes a vibrant central Festival Village where patrons can gather to enjoy food truck fare, a beer garden, and free acoustic music performances. The festival will also include a Family Day on Oct. 10 with several hands-on, family-friendly programs presented by the Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum and the Timken Museum. This year’s event boasts numerous collaborations with San Diego theatre and dance companies, along with several national and international artists, including Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater, Ion Theatre, City Opera, Animal Cracker Conspiracy, Fern Street Circus, THE TRIP, ArtPower and more. (7/15)