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San Diego-based musician Matthew Phillips is a rising pop force from Southern California, captivating audiences with infectious melodies, heartfelt storytelling, and a modern alternative sound that pairs electronic elements with cinematic soundscapes and classic, hook-driven lyrics. A standout guitarist as well as a songwriter, Phillips’ playing has drawn attention from major industry names including Fender, Ernie Ball, Taylor, Seymour Duncan, JHS, RJM, and Walrus Audio. Following the success of his 2023 singles “So in Love” and “Till It’s Over,” Phillips gained momentum as the “Till It’s Over” music video went viral—filmed live at San Diego’s House of Blues and capturing a powerful, lights-up moment of unity in the room. In 2024, he was nominated and won Best Pop Artist at the San Diego Music Awards, then brought his band to the legendary Belly Up in Solana Beach for a highly anticipated headline show, paired with the release of “Time Fades Love” and a live-shot video that quickly racked up views across platforms. With a growing list of festival and venue performances, international touring experience, and TV/film placements, Matthew Phillips continues to earn praise from journalists, industry insiders, and fans—raising the bar with every release and delivering a live show that feels both intimate and larger-than-life. Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2026/matthew-phillips Matthew Phillips on Instagram and Facebook

Stream now with KPBS+ / Watch Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS TV + Encore Monday, Aug. 10 at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS TV. We visit Fénix Tacos in Ensenada, home of the city’s most traditional fish tacos. Next we try a sweet drink at La Michoacana. Then we stop by one of the best bakeries in town, La Reyna, where Jorge gets a hands-on lesson in creating delicious pastries and sweets.

Celebrate 70 years of protecting, preserving, and caring for Cabrillo National Monument at Cabrillo Under the Stars, Cabrillo National Monument Foundation’s signature annual fundraising event. Guests will sip and savor tastings from local favorites, dance to live music by That Beatles Cover Band, and connect with fellow-park lovers and park personnel. Celebrate Cabrillo National Monument set against the backdrop of panoramic ocean views and the illuminated city skyline, and learn how your support helps Cabrillo National Monument Foundation protect the park’s habitats, history, and visitor experiences. Cabrillo National Monument Foundation on Facebook / Instagram

For Los Lonely Boys—brothers Henry, Jojo, and Ringo Garza—family has always been at the heart of their music. After years of touring, the trio took a break in 2019 to focus on their families, returning to the road in 2022 reinvigorated and even opening for The Who. Hailing from San Angelo, Texas, the Garzas created their own bluesy “Texican rock & roll” sound and turned it into a global sensation. Their breakthrough came when Willie Nelson’s nephew discovered their demo; Willie soon booked them for Farm Aid and recorded with them at his studio. Their 2003 debut album, Los Lonely Boys, re-released by Epic, featured the No. 1 hit “Heaven,” which earned them a Grammy and spent 76 weeks on the Billboard Top 200, selling over two million copies. They’ve collaborated with legends like Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson, played iconic venues, and supported global causes. Their journey, chronicled in the documentary "Cottonfields and Crossroads", has seen both triumph and hardship—most notably Henry’s serious stage accident in 2013, which led the band to refocus on what matters most: family and music. Now back in stride, Los Lonely Boys continue to write, record, and tour with renewed passion. Their 2024 release, "Resurrection "(BMG), blends their signature Texican rock & roll with elements of soul and roots music, earning critical acclaim and energizing live audiences. More than two decades after their debut, they remain a vital force in music, proving their story is still unfolding. Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2026/los-lonely-boys

Enjoy this show at no extra cost—it's included with your Fair admission! The Morgan Leigh Band is a vibrant 6-member country-rock ensemble with deep roots in San Diego’s live music scene—and a story that comes full circle at the San Diego County Fair. The band made its official performance debut at the Fair in 2012, igniting a journey that would see them grow from local favorites into a must-see live act. In 2018, they returned to the same stage and claimed victory in the Fair’s Battle of the Bands, a milestone that helped launch them to wider recognition. Since then, the Morgan Leigh Band has continued to build a reputation for electrifying performances, blending powerhouse vocals, rich harmonies, and polished instrumentation into a sound that’s both modern and timeless. Their momentum has carried them onto bigger stages, where they’ve opened for nationally recognized acts including Blake Shelton, Lady A, and Keith Urban—bringing their signature energy to audiences across the region. From their early Fair days to their continued success, the Morgan Leigh Band embodies the spirit of live music, community, and storytelling that defines the San Diego County Fair experience . Whether they’re playing to hometown fans or opening for chart-topping stars, they deliver a performance that’s equal parts heart, harmony, and high-energy fun. Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2026/morgan-leigh-band The Morgan Leigh Band on Instagram and Facebook

Authorities said search and rescue at a fireworks plant in a central Chinese province has largely been completed, but verification of the casualties and identification of the victims are still underway.

San Diego coffee lovers, small businesses and experts alike are coming together to celebrate World of Coffee, one of the biggest coffee industry events in the country. Then, we dive into more arts and culture in your weekend preview.

Join rangers every 3rd Saturday of the month for a moderate 3.5-mile loop on the Martha’s Grove Trail at Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch. Learn about the native plants and wildlife of this 2,272-acre preserve while experiencing a variety of habitats, historic oak groves, and the remnants of an old ranch. This activity meets at the Goodan Staging Area of the park located at 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road in Poway. Inclement weather will cancel; call ahead. Park phone number: (858) 513-4737 Visit: https://tockify.com/sdparkscalendar/detail/844/1776524400000?startms=1775026800000 San Diego County Parks on Instagram and Facebook

The 5th Annual North Park Salsa Fest offers a flavor-packed afternoon at North Park Mini Park on Saturday, May 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, 17 local restaurants including reigning champions Tribute Pizza and Thai Time will face off for bragging rights, and only the crowd can crown the coveted “People's Choice” winner. A vibrant, family-friendly community celebration, North Park Salsa Fest invites San Diegans of all ages to spend the afternoon enjoying live music including Mariachi, kids' activities, a community art mural, food trucks, and craft beer and beverages from local breweries, all while tasting and rating salsas from some of San Diego's favorite local restaurants and businesses. This year's fierce lineup features 17 competitors vying for the title of Best Salsa. Returning fan favorites include Bivouac Ciderworks, Fairplay (2024 People's Choice winner), Original 40 Brewing Company, Ruth's No. 5, Subterranean, Thai Time (2024 Judges' Choice winner), and Tribute Pizza — the reigning 2025 People's Choice and Judges' Choice champion and a three-time People's Choice winner. Joining the competition for the first time are Bacari, Black Radish, Mama’s Kitchen, Mom’s Chicken and Waffles, North Park Beer Co., San Diego Salsa, Stoked On Salsa, Sun Coast Pizza, Una Mas, and Working Class. With 17 salsas to taste, you'll want something cold and local to keep the heat in check. This year's beverage lineup is a celebration of San Diego's thriving craft drink scene, featuring Barley & Sword, Bivouac Cider, Cervecería Transpeninsular, Flying Embers, JuneShine, Little Bird Brewing, Mike Hess Brewing, North Park Beer Co., Original 40 Brewing, Pasmosa Sangria, Seek Beer Co., and Suntide Mimosa. All beverages are available for ages 21+ with valid ID. Each of these local businesses is donating their participation to benefit students at Jefferson Elementary, and that generosity is something worth raising a glass to. Cheers to the local makers and neighbors who bring this community together year after year. The 5th Anniversary brings a brand-new tradition: the Salsa Fest Community Mural. North Park artist Philip Boelter (@boelterdesignco) designed the layout so that every painted square becomes part of a single vibrant mosaic. No artistic experience required. Paint solo, with friends, or as a family and leave your mark on a piece of North Park history. The completed mural will be permanently installed within the North Park Business Improvement District. Reserve your square on the North Park Salsa Fest website. General admission is FREE and open to the public. Salsa tasting tickets are available in two options: the Salsa Sampler (8 tastings for $22 through April 25; $25 after) and the Ultimate Salsa Lover's Pass (up to 17 tastings, for $40 through April 25; $45 after). Each tasting ticket includes salsas and tortilla chips (while supplies last), as well as the opportunity to cast a vote for People's Choice. North Park Salsa Fest benefits extracurricular programs for more than 400 students at Jefferson Elementary School in North Park. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit northparksalsafest.com and follow along on Instagram at @northparksalsafest. Event Details: North Park Salsa Fest Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 Time: 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: North Park Mini Park, 3812 29th St, San Diego, CA 92104 Admission: Free Salsa Tasting Tickets: Salsa Sampler (8 tastings): $22 through April 25; $25 after Ultimate Salsa Lover's Pass (17 tastings): $40 through April 25; $45 after Purchase salsa tasting tickets: northparksalsafest.com About Friends of Jefferson Friends of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money to support arts, dance, and garden education for all students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. To learn more about Friends of Jefferson, please visit www.friendsofjefferson.org.

This summer, pack your bags for 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair,' a global film festival coming to Digital Gym Cinema, beginning June 5, 2026 through June 11, 2026. Co-presented by the American Cinematheque, 'Bleak Week' spotlights a diverse lineup of films that venture into the darkest sides of humanity and the bleakest points in human history. What began as a Los Angeles-based festival expands this year to 73 cities around the world, including San Diego's Digital Gym Cinema! Founded in 2022, 'Bleak Week' is an annual weeklong festival where audiences can celebrate and experience some of the most challenging works of arthouse cinema. Each June, ‘Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair’ spotlights a diverse lineup of films that venture into the darkest sides of humanity and the bleakest points in human history. Digital Gym Cinema is proud to be a participating cinema in the expanded fifth edition of 'Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair'. Our programming this year includes: • 'Don't Look Now' (Nicolas Roeg, 1973) • 'Meek's Cutoff' (Kelly Reichardt, 2010) • 'Europa' (Lars von Trier, 1991) • 'The Turin Horse' (Béla Tarr, 2011) • 'Pusher' (Nicolas Winding Refn, 1996) • 'Three War Films - A Generation' (Andrzej Wajda, 1955) • 'Three War Films - Kanal' (Andrzej Wajda, 1957) • 'Three War Films - Ashes and Diamonds' (Andrzej Wajda, 1958) • 'The Red and the White' (Miklós Jancsó, 1967) • 'Fires on the Plain' (Kon Ichikawa, 1959) • 'Dying at Grace' (Allan King, 2003) Showtimes and films vary each day, with most films screening twice or more throughout the week. Please visit our website for tickets and to plan your visit to these film destinations: digitalgym.org You can also book directly in person at our box office. Programmer's Statement: 2026: A year of war, and no peace. In honor of the world’s current descent into madness and self-destruction, I felt it was fitting to embrace the despairing theme of combat in our selection of films for 'Bleak Week', a curatorial opportunity to explore the many crises of humanity from various perspectives and genres. Here you will find literal warfare, from the cover-less terrain of the Volga ('The Red and the White') to the sewers of Warsaw ('Kanal') and the jungles of the Philippines ('Fires on the Plain'), and the psychological kind on the open plains of the American west ('Meek’s Cutoff') and the dark canals of Venice ('Don’t Look Now'). The cryptic and frenetic genre entries from provocateurs Lars von Trier ('Europa') and Nicolas Winding Refn ('Pusher') are equally crushing portraits of youth in free fall. But no matter how dire the world view becomes (the late Béla Tarr’s 'The Turin Horse' is especially stormy), these films all share a sense of resilience and a resistance to the loss of hope. Look no further than Allan King’s epic documentary 'Dying at Grace', one of the greatest films ever made about physical deterioration and emotional expression. But who can pick just one nightmare when there are so many to choose from? I suggest you see them all, because collectively, they serve as a reminder of how far we can fall as human beings, and how we can ultimately survive the relentlessness of it all. — Glenn Heath Jr., Artistic Director, Digital Gym Cinema. Digital Gym Cinema on Facebook / Instagram