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The West Coast’s premier culinary celebration is back and bolder than ever! From November 2–9, 2025, the San Diego Food + Wine Festival (SDFW) transforms “America’s Finest City” into an eight-day epicurean playground, blending flavor, culture, wellness, and advocacy in a way no other festival does. Now in its 21st year, San Diego Food + Wine has evolved into one of the largest culinary festivals of impact in the country, attracting over 11,000 food and wine enthusiasts from bothvsides of the U.S./Mexico border. Beyond just an entertainment event, the festival unites James Beard Award winners, Michelin-seasoned chefs, world-class winemakers, and innovators for eight days of extraordinary experiences. This year ushers in a bold new chapter: an expanded James Beard Foundation partnership, the first-ever Wellness Weekend featuring chef-driven, nutrient-dense dishes and trendsetting zero-proof cocktails, a can’t-miss live filming of the Outdoor Channel’s Jason the Butcher during the Grand Tasting, and an expanded roster of James Beard Award winners, Michelin-starred chefs, and national food celebrities from across the U.S. and Mexico headlining across the week. BOLD NEW COLLABORATIONS AND FESTIVAL FIRSTS 11.2 SDFW WELLNESS WEEKEND: Delicious, nutrient-rich dishes, low/no ABV pairings, movement pop-ups, and activations from leading wellness brands at the visionary agri-hood, Fox Point Farms. 11.3 INDUSTRY NIGHT PRESENTED BY CHEF WORKS – Bica Block Party: The ultimate hospitality industry “thank you” party. A celebration for exhibitors, sponsors and this year’s scholarship recipients along with all the chefs and restaurants whose participation makes the Festival possible. 11.6: BAJA CULINARY EXPEDITION: A Journey Through Michelin Guide Mexico: Experience a journey through Michelin Guide Mexico with acclaimed chefs and winemakers, rare wines, Michelin-honored talent, and cross-border culinary artistry. 11.6: FORKCAST: THE FUTURE OF FOOD SUMMIT: This summit will bring together changemakers shaping the future of our food system. Chefs, policymakers, activists, scholars, and industry leaders will explore the intersection of food, policy, equity, and sustainability through engaging panel discussions and community dialogue. 11.6, 11.7, 11.9: CULINARY CINEMA: The Coronado Island Film Festival and SDFW will once again partner to showcase rich, food inspired films that will screen during this year’s festival. In addition to the screenings, the series will feature engaging panel discussions, providing insights from filmmakers, on-screen talent, and renowned chefs. 11.7 FRIENDS OF JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION Opening Night: Grand Decant: Kick off the Grand Weekend with an unforgettable evening of rare pours, iconic flavors, and culinary excellence. It’s the best of the best, poured and plated, setting the tone for San Diego’s most delicious weekend. Global wine and spirits brands will uncork their most coveted bottles including award-winning vintages, small-batch spirits, and collectible labels worth savoring, paired with a standout lineup of celebrated chefs, rising stars, and Michelin-honored and James Beard Award winners and nominees from across the country serving their signature bites. 11.8 GRAND TASTING: An epic waterfront celebration of all-star chef and beverage talent featuring Live Fire VIP experiences, Michelin-rated and James Beard nominated chefs, the return of Cohn Restaurant Group’s “Cohnchella”, One World Beef's Brandt Experience, Grind & Prosper Hospitality’s “Tropic Like It’s Hot,” live music and tons of immersive tastings from Paso Robles Wine Country, Temecula, Sonoma, Lake County, and international wine and spirits 11.8-9 THAT’S COOL! Bagavagabonds partners with the Festival to debut That’s Cool! Try & Buy Shoppe, a new experience-driven retail pop-up at Malibu Farms in Seaport Village. Located steps from the Festival entrance, the Shoppe will spotlight emerging brands through free daily programming and curated evening events featuring food, beverage, art, and music. No ticket necessary and open to the public (21+), offers an immersive space to sample, sip, and shop, extending the Festival experience beyond the gates. 11.9 GRAND FIESTA: The capstone to the Grand Weekend - a vibrant celebration of food, beverage and culture from Baja and beyond, featuring expanded cross-border connections, more guest Bocuse d’Or and Michelin recognized chefs from Mexico, and an even larger selection of Baja wines and spirits. Guests will enjoy abundant culinary stations, live music, and an expanded version of the beloved annual “Taco TKO” competition, the ultimate showdown of taco supremacy, to include a new “Overall Best Bite” category. Visit: www.sandiegowineclassic.com/ San Diego Food + Wine Festival | San Diego on Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

Shop local! The annual Seven Oaks Holiday Craft Fair at the Seven Oaks Community Center happens Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 16789 Bernardo Oaks Dr. in Rancho Bernardo (one mile east of I-15). Holiday shoppers will find an enormous selection of affordable, handmade gifts from more than 60 local makers. Items include sewn goods, photography, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, plants and planters, edible gifts and more. The fair is free with free parking and is open to the public. Families are welcome, but please leave pets at home. Come out and finish your holiday shopping while supporting local artists and artisans.

The pumpkin season magic continues at our annual Fall Festival here at City Farmers Nursery. We welcome thirty local craftspeople and artists, including potters, bakers, painters, and welders, retailing handmade items for a festive, unique community craft experience. Our 40-year zucchini and pumpkin growing contest tradition continues at the Fall Festival. At 10 a.m. we’ll determine the winners of the Zucchini Growing Contest (17+), who will sign the “King Zuke” trophy and claim bragging rights for the year. At 11 a.m., we’ll crown the junior gardener winner of the Pumpkin Growing Contest (ages 3–16). At 12 p.m., we’ll host free games and prizes for all children in attendance. City Farmers Nursery on Facebook / Instagram

Learn how to make the perfect loaf of sourdough bread! Includes your own sourdough starter and take-home loaf of sourdough bread! You will learn all about sourdough, and how to make your first loaf of sourdough bread with organic flour and local sourdough starter. Learn: We’ll explain fermentation and have a brief discussion about the benefits of making and eating fermenting foods Demo: We’ll show you how easy it is to start making naturally-leavened bread yourself at home! Taste: We’ll have a variety of sourdough bread flavors and will bake bread fresh during the workshop Do It Yourself: Roll up your sleeves and make your very own dough (to be baked the next day!) Class duration is about 2.5 hours; Note: You will also need to turn your dough for about 2 hours after class to prepare it for baking! *Please note: We will NOT be covering GLUTEN-FREE baking Fermenters Club on Facebook / Instagram

Start 2026 on the water with an unforgettable celebration aboard a Flagship yacht. On Thursday, January 1, choose from a lively brunch cruise or an elegant dinner cruise — both offering gourmet dining, festive entertainment, and stunning views of San Diego Bay. New Year’s Day Dinner Cruise - Gourmet plated dinner with a choice of entrées - Boarding glass of champagne - DJ entertainment and dancing - Indoor dining salon with panoramic windows - Outdoor decks for nighttime views of the sparkling city skyline Flagship SD on Facebook / Instagram

28 participating venues throughout Mission Hills! Experience an evening of palate pleasing tastes in Mission Hills, one of San Diego’s premiere dining destinations. Whether you are a foodie, a culinary adventurer, are curious about the Mission Hills food scene, or happen to be a longtime Mission Hills aficionado, our Restaurant Owners, Chefs, Cheese Mongers, Baristas, Bakers, and Gelato Makers will create preparations sure to captivate your taste buds. From international to local, 28 participating purveyors of delicious tastes, including long established and regionally recognized in Mission Hills, will be featured at the 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills happening on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. And, included in the price of each TASTE ticket is FREE trolley transportation to within steps of each participating venue. The more than 5-mile TASTE route includes TASTE locations on West Lewis Street, Fort Stockton Drive, Goldfinch Street, West Washington Street, Reynard Way and India Street, and promises the 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills will be the TASTE to remember in 2025! Taste of Mission Hills is hosted by the Mission Hills Business Improvement District and it is the annual fundraiser for this non-profit organization, whose year-round efforts enhance the vibrancy of this neighborhood. Public event funding from the State of California and the City of San Diego supports our efforts. This year’s Title Sponsor is US Bank, Mission Hills branch whose generous donation supports the growth of the event and helps keep ticket prices low. Again this year, Old Town Trolley service is being offered freely to TASTE ticket holders due to generous TASTE Trolley sponsorships from John Ealy owner of Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar, Hailey and Merritte Powell owners of La Puerta Mission Hills, Jacquee Renna owner of Communion, and Keiko and Don Holmes owners of Sushi Deli 1 Mission Hills.The trolley stops are listed on the back of each ticket. Every fifteen minutes a trolley will pick up and drop off at each designated TASTE trolley stop. On event night, please look for the TASTE trolley stop signs. TICKET INFORMATION: Advanced Ticket Price: $45* Day of Ticket Price: $50* In addition to purchasing online, you may purchase tickets in-person in Mission Hills (Cash or Credit* accepted) at one of the following locations: - US Bank, 610 West Washington Street - All American Tailor, 325 West Washington Street - Salon Sloane, 1605 West Lewis Street Only 600 tickets will be sold. Purchasing in advance at one of the above locations will allow ticket holders to avoid picking up tickets at WILL CALL on the date of the event. *Tickets purchased with a credit card will include a small processing fee. WILL CALL: Will Call takes place at Lazy Acres Natural Market, 422 West Washington Street San Diego, CA 92103. Tasters who purchase online tickets MUST present proof of purchase at WILL CALL on the date of the event, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., to pick up their physical ticket. If you purchase your ticket in-person at one of the locations listed above, you will be provided your ticket(s) at the point of sale and do not need to go to WILL CALL. Tickets purchased online will need to be picked up at WILL CALL on event day, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Lazy Acres Natural Market, 422 West Washington Street. **Please Note: WILL CALL will close promptly at 6 p.m. to allow volunteers time to enjoy the evening’s Taste event. Lazy Acres Natural Market has asked us to remind tasters that the parking lot is ONLY for use by those who are shopping at the market. FREE TROLLEY SERVICE Tickets to the 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills include FREE Old Town Trolley shuttle transportation within steps of all participating taste venues on West Lewis Street, Ft. Stockton Drive, Goldfinch Street, West Washington Street, Reynard Way and India Street. The trolley will provide a continuous loop beginning at 5 p.m. and running until 9 p.m. 2025 PARTICIPATING VENUES: - Bar by Red Door - Burger Deck - Cake - Cardellino - Communion Mission Hills - El Indio - Falcon Liquor - Farmer's Bottega - Fiori’s Pizza - Fort Oak - Gelato Vero Caffé - Grab & Go Subs - Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar - Karina’s Ceviches & More - Kettle & Stone - La Puerta - Lazy Acres Natural Market - Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria - Lewis + Fay - Mission Hills Liquor & Deli - Paradis - Pizza e Birra - Rubicon Deli - Saffron Thai - STARLITE - Sushi Deli 1 - Venissimo Cheese - What De Health Thai LOCATION: Mission Hills is located 6 minutes north of downtown San Diego between Hillcrest and Old Town. Getting to the 13th Annual Taste of Mission Hills is easy: Exit Sassafras or Washington Street from the I-5 freeway, and go east. Exit Washington from 163, and go west. Join us on Wednesday, October 8 and find out what all the talk is about!

Spiny Lobster season has arrived in San Diego! Running from October through March, this highly-sought after delicacy will be the star of the show for one night at Vistal during its quarterly "Behind the Catch" dinner series on Friday, October 17 at 6:15 p.m.! This immersive and educational dinner will have diners learn not only about the local spiny lobster species, but also about recreational and commercial lobster fishing firsthand from industry experts, followed by a 5-course dinner featuring the sought-after local delicacy. All diners will be automatically entered into a raffle, with prizes from Promar, Spear America, and Intercontinental San Diego, raffled off at the end of the dinner. The menu includes a Spiny Lobster Mousse, Spiny Lobster Roll, a Chocolate Glazed Pumpkin Spiced Cake, and more! Come to Vistal and dive deep into the seafood industry and this local species at the height of its season through this unforgettable expert-led conversation and curated dinner! Vistal Bar + Restaurant on Facebook / Instagram

Join San Diego Anime Con as we bring back the fury of our love for anime for Year 3! The convention is ALL things anime, from panel programming, live entertainment, a maid cafe, anime spaceship simulation deck, cosplay contest+masquerade, and more! We welcome all anime fans, whether you've been a life-long anime lover, to you just discovering anime. Locally run and organized, come support your one and only local anime convention, San Diego Anime Con 2025! San Diego Anime Con on Facebook / Instagram

WorldBeat Cultural Center presents the Peace and Justice Concert Experience an unforgettable night of roots reggae and conscious vibrations as Luciano “The Jah Messenger” returns to San Diego. With a voice that uplifts and lyrics that inspire, Luciano has become one of the most respected figures in international reggae, carrying messages of love, unity, and justice across the globe. Joining him is special guest, the Fully Fullwood Band featuring San Diego’s own Ginger Roots, bringing soulful roots reggae and fresh, uplifting grooves rooted in community and positivity. WorldBeat Cultural Center on Facebook / Instagram

Barcrawlerz is a San Diego Bar Crawl like no other. Trick or Drink features The Best Drink Specials and The Best Bars in Town. This is a 3 day Event! Saturday, October 25: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. (Registration 4 p.m.-10 p.m.) Friday, October 31: 6 p.m.-2 a.m. (Registration 6 p.m.-11 p.m.) Saturday, November 1: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. (Registration 4p.m.-10 p.m.) PARTICIPATING BARS: FLAMINGO DECK [REGISTRATION] BAJA BEACH CAFE THE BEVERLY BEACH GARDEN THE DUCK DIVE MOONSHINE BEACH TRUCKSTOP Here is how it works: 1) Pre-Purchase Your Bar Crawl Wristband. 2) Check in at Flamingo Deck (4110 Mission Blvd) to get your wristband and map with participating bars, their location, and their drink specials. (Registration on Saturday 10/25 is from 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday 10/31 is from 6 p.m.-11 p.m., and Saturday 11/1 is from 4 p.m.-10 p.m.) ***WRISTBAND MUST BE PICKED UP DURING THESE TIMES*** 3) Your wristband gets you into any of the participating bars with no cover, plus gets you drink specials all night 4) Have Fun! For questions, email info@barcrawlerz.com or Call 310-273-8772 Ext. 5