On May 3 and 4, John Nettles will conduct two showstopping one-act ballets: Carmen, a fiery story of passion and jealousy, and Divertimento No. 15, featuring Mozart’s timeless score. PHOTO BY DALE STOKES
5/2-4
FoodieLand
Del Mar’s FoodieLand will host over 210 retail and cuisine vendors, offering everything from Cajun creations and birria tacos to ube-flavored desserts and shaved ice. Del Mar Fairgrounds, foodielandnm.com
5/3
13th Annual San Diego Food Bank Gala
Join co-chairs Amy Jacobs and Jennifer Anderson for a night of live music, auctions and delectable cuisine prepared by local chefs. The event will support vital hunger relief programs to ensure no child goes without food. 6 p.m., San Diego Food Bank, Miramar, sandiegofoodbank.org/gala
5/3
The Greatest Place on Earth Gala
Step right up as The Arc of San Diego transforms Coasterra into an awe-inspiring circus wonderland, where guests will don their finest white-tie attire for a philanthropic night of entertainment led by KUSI-TV meteorologist Mark Mathis. 5:30 p.m., Coasterra, Harbor Island, arc-sd.com/gala
5/3
Roses and Reins Gala
This Southern-style gala will gather local philanthropists to support Home of Guiding Hands through a night of cocktails, auctions and Kentucky Derby-inspired festivities. 5:30 p.m., Pendry San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter, give.guidinghands.org
5/3-4
Carmen
Under the baton of conductor John Nettles, Carmen’s tale of seduction and betrayal is brought to life by the City Ballet of San Diego, its orchestra and the soaring melodies of Georges Bizet’s timeless score. Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, cityballet.org
5/4
Beach Bake and Shake
This New England-style clambake with a SoCal twist welcomes revelers for a night of live music, hula hoop contests and a family-style feast by chef Ethan Brown to support the Surfrider Foundation. 5:30 p.m., Kona Kai San Diego Resort, Shelter Island, resortkonakai.com
5/4
J Balvin
Reggaeton icon J Balvin brings his hottest hits—from “Mi Gente” to “Loco Contigo”—to San Diego this May, igniting the stage during his Back to the Rayo Tour. 8 p.m., Pechanga Arena, Midway, pechangaarenasd.com
5/4-6/1
World of Orchids
Throughout May, visit the San Diego Botanic Garden’s stunning floral display curated by Brandi Eide. On select weekends, stop by to purchase a unique orchid to take home! San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas, sdbg.org/world-of-orchids
5/6-18
Hamilton
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical is coming to San Diego! Don’t miss this electrifying production that redefines the life of Alexander Hamilton with hip-hop, jazz and Broadway energy. San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
5/7
Sip to See Springtime Tea
Join local luminaries for this elegant afternoon of Champagne, boutique shopping and special presentations, which aims to revolutionize treatment for childhood blindness through The Vision of Children’s funded research. visionofchildren.org
5/8
An Evening with David Sedaris
For one exceptional evening, audiences will be treated to David Sedaris’ signature blend of social commentary and outrageous tales, followed by a book signing session. 7:30 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
5/8
The Blank Table: A Sustainable Culinary
Journey with FIISH Sustainable Sushi Experience culinary magic when The Blank Table transforms a secret San Diego location into an immersive dining experience featuring FIISH Sustainable Sushi’s innovative five-course feast. 6 p.m., San Diego, tickettailor.com/events/theblanktable
5/10
Father Joe’s Villages 75th Anniversary Children’s Charity Gala
Led by Drs. Lisa Krijger and Ajay Nirula, this inspiring, three-part gala brings the community together to support vulnerable children and families in need through Father Joe’s Villages. 5 p.m., The US Grant Hotel, Downtown San Diego, my.neighbor.org/take-action/events/gala
5/10-11
James Taylor and His All-Star Band
For over 50 years, Grammy Award-winning artist James Taylor has mystified audiences with his beloved baritone voice and skilled guitar playing. Now, catch him and his band for two nights at the waterfront Rady Shell. 7 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
5/10-6/1
House of India
This vibrant new comedy follows restaurateur Ananya as she modernizes her beloved Cleveland eatery while honoring her family’s culinary legacy—a must-see celebration of culture, family and the evolving American Dream. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org
Louis-Jean-Franco̧is Lagrenée’s “Lino Lago | Fake Abstract” (2025, oil and acrylic on linen) will be on view at Madison Gallery through June 20. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
5/10-6/20
Lino Lago: Multipolar
Spanish virtuoso Lino Lago brings his mesmerizing third solo exhibition to Solana Beach, where abstract brushstrokes dance across meticulously recreated Old Master portraits and challenge ideas of globalization. Madison Gallery, Solana Beach, madisongalleries.com
5/11
Sleeping Beauty
This mesmerizing production tells the timeless story of Princess Aurora’s century-long slumber, featuring world-class dancers from the State Ballet of Ukraine. 2 p.m., Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
5/15
Outlaw Music Festival
For its 10th anniversary tour, Outlaw Music Festival presents an unmatched lineup featuring legends like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Billy Strings. 5 p.m., North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista, blackbirdpresents.com
5/16-18
Wonderfront Music and Arts Festival
Catch acclaimed musicians—including Peggy Gou, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, and Khruangbin—at this unique oceanside festival featuring boat cruises, afterparties, art installations and more. Multiple locations, San Diego, wonderfrontfestival.com
5/17
Romeo et Juliet
Artistic director Javier Velasco’s re-staged production by the San Diego Ballet evokes passion and sparks the soul—reaching far beyond the Capulets and Montagues. Balboa Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
Grab your paddles for the Spring Fling Pickleball Round-Robin at San Diego Mission Bay Resort on May 17. PHOTO COURTESY OF MISSION BAY RESORT
5/17
Spring Fling Pickleball Round-Robin
Dink around the pickleball court during this round-robin event, complete with swag bags, premier vendors and plenty of bragging rights. 2 p.m., San Diego Mission Bay Resort, missionbayresort.com/localexperiences
5/17
ICA New Tide Gala
This highly anticipated gala invites art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a magical evening celebrating the power of art to connect us to the world—all in support of the museum’s exhibitions and programming. 5 p.m., ICA San Diego/North, Encinitas, icasandiego.org
5/17-6/15
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
This must-see production invites the audience to Jaja’s lively salon in Harlem, where a group of West African hair braiders will test the limits of love and friendship during one sweltering summer day. Mandell Weiss Theatre at La Jolla Playhouse, lajollaplayhouse.org
5/21-22
3rd Annual Taste of East Village
In its third year running, Taste of East Village beckons food lovers to embark on a two-day journey of exploring over 30 restaurants serving their most delectable bites and sips. 4 p.m., East Village, eastvillagesandiego.com
5/24-6/22
One of the Good Ones
Gloria Calderón Kellett’s hilarious new comedy about love, family and bridging generational divides promises plenty of laughs and touching moments that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at The Old Globe, Balboa Park, theoldglobe.org
American Idol winner and Broadway star Nick Fradiani plays the title character in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical at San Diego Civic Theatre from May 27 to June 1. PHOTO BY JEREMY DANIEL
5/27-6/1
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical
This spring, the electrifying story of Neil Diamond comes alive, highlighting the “Sweet Caroline” hitmaker’s journey from Brooklyn dreamer to Hall of Fame icon. San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown San Diego, sandiegotheatres.org
5/29
Hauser
From collaborations with Andrea Bocelli to touring with Elton John, this Billboard chart-topping virtuoso brings classical mastery and rock star energy to San Diego’s iconic waterfront destination. 8 p.m., The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, theshell.org
5/30
James Arthur
The English singer-songwriter known for pop, R&B, and soul ballads like “Say You Won’t Let Go” takes over the mic for one night only this May in San Diego. 7:30 p.m., CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre, San Diego, as.sdsu.edu/calcoast
5/31
Workshops for Warriors Forging Futures Gala
Board the historic USS Midway Museum to honor veterans during this elegant gala that will include dinner, a live auction, entertainment and moving testimonials from Workshops for Warriors graduates. 6 p.m., USS Midway Museum, Downtown San Diego, wfw.org/event/2025-workshops-for-warriors-gala
Photography by: Jeremy Daniel
