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In this Issue

Hey San Diego—This weekend brings the return of Comic-Con with celebrity panels and pop culture mayhem downtown, plus final days to catch dreamlike photography at the Museum of Art. New restaurants are heating up from La Jolla's fine dining scene to authentic Tijuana tacos in National City, while a slot canyon adventure awaits and a desert hot springs hotel tells an comeback story..

Let’s dive in.

 Steve DeLong
Publisher

PS - This weekly update goes out to folks who registered through our Facebook promotion for local events. If these messages are no longer a fit, there’s a simple opt-out link in the footer—one tap and delivery stops right away. Thanks for giving us a look!

The Events

🎭 Comic-Con International July 24-27 (Various times) San Diego's pop culture convention returns with panels, celebrity guests, and the biggest announcements in comics, movies, and TV.

🎵 Concerts on the Green July 27 (4-7pm) Free outdoor concert at Kate Sessions Park featuring "Paging the 90s" with scenic views of downtown and Mission Bay, plus local food vendors including Filippi's Pizza and Handel's Ice Cream.

🎨 Ruud van Empel at the SDMA Through July 27 Final days to see Dutch photographer's dreamlike landscapes at San Diego Museum of Art - digitally constructed images that blur reality and artifice with scenes from Joshua Tree to botanical gardens. Also, the Museum has an open call for artists right now. Deadline to enter is August 1st - details here.

🎨 SDMA Centennial Artist Open Call Deadline August 1 The museum is commissioning three unique artistic interpretations of the Museum’s façade to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. Open to San Diego and Tijuana region artists with submissions closing August 1, 2025.

*None of the events listed here are sponsored. I’ll always let you know if they are…

The Food - Recent Openings

🍽️ Lucien Fine Dining Opening July 18 Chef Elijah Arizmendi's La Jolla restaurant debuts with a 12-plus-course California micro-seasonal tasting menu - reservations now open for this fine dining experience.

🌮 Tacos El Franc Now Open in National City Tijuana's Michelin Guide-recognized taqueria debuted its first US location at Westfield Plaza Bonita on June 11 bringing authentic border flavors north of the line.

🍣 Nobu Del Coronado Recently Opened San Diego now has a second Nobu, as the much-anticipated opening of Nobu Del Coronado is officially here expanding Chef Nobu's empire with Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine.

🥟 Taqueria Tijuanazo New in Hillcrest With seven locations in Tijuana, this taqueria has become all the rage since opening earlier this year.

The Hike of the Week

🥾 Annie's Canyon Trail Open Daily Navigate narrow sandstone walls in this true slot canyon adventure starting from the new San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride perfect for Instagram photos but prepare for steep climbs!

The Local - Places to See

🏨 Jacumba Hot Springs Hotel Desert Getaway After a COVID day trip, Melissa Strukel fell so in love with this forgotten desert town that she and partners now own 80% of its commercial properties. The restored hotel features 20 artisan rooms, mineral-rich pools, and a patio restaurant in a once-vibrant destination they're bringing back to life.

The Upcoming Events

🌅 Del Mar Summer Twilight Concert Tuesday July 29 (6-7pm) T.A. Tomlinson & Co opens for The Mighty Untouchables at Powerhouse Park - bring a picnic and enjoy music with that priceless Del Mar sunset view.

The Views

Wow, just wow .… Gotta love San Diego!

San Diego Trivia - Did you know?

🌉 Quiz Time! Who was the first person to drive across the Coronado Bridge when it opened in 1969?

A) San Diego Mayor Frank Curran B) California Governor Ronald Reagan
C) Bridge designer Robert Mosher

See the answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

Think you know San Diego? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

The Weather

Friday, July 25: High: 76°F, Low: 62°F 🌤️

Saturday, July 26: High: 74°F, Low: 61°F ⛅

Sunday, July 27: High: 75°F, Low: 60°F ⛅

The Music

Sponsored by - Valyrian Designs - best outdoor water fountain company

Friday 7/25

Duke's La Jolla, Matt Heinecke, 3-6 PM, La Jolla
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, Memphis Soul Review, 5-7 PM, Point Loma
The Roxy Encinitas, Tim Atkins [Happy Hour], 5-7:30 PM, Encinitas
Seasons Restaurant, Helena Holleran, 5-8 PM, Carlsbad
Pour House, The Linda Berry Band, 5-8 PM, South Oceanside
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Jesse Johnson, 5-8 PM, Mission Bay
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Gabe's Music, 5-8 PM, Torrey Pines
Uvas Winery, Alex Elisabeth, 5-8 PM, Poway
The Camp Store, Pomerado, 5:30-8:30 PM, South Carlsbad
Panama 66, Aaron Lind Organ Trio, 6-7:50 PM, Balboa Park
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, Amanda Portela, 6-8 PM, El Cajon
Windmill Food Hall, Sammy Listoe, 6-8 PM, Carlsbad
Amalfi Marina Bar, Thejuke$, 6-9 PM, San Marcos
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Cuban4Ever, 6-9 PM, Harbor Island
Barefoot Bar & Grill, Christian Taylor, 6-9 PM, Mission Bay
La Valencia Hotel, Keni Yarbro, 6-9 PM, La Jolla
Shake Bar & Lounge, Jolene Cruz, 6-9 PM, Core-Columbia
Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza, Wah-Sabi, 6-9 PM, Wynola
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Casey Turner, 6-9 PM, La Jolla
Bellamy's Restaurant, Dave Scott & Bobby Lanuza, 6-9 PM, Central Escondido
Carruth Cellars – Oceanside, Jackson Wagner, 6-9 PM, Oceanside
Junkyard Sports Bar & Grill, Sean McCole, 6-9 PM, Ivey Ranch / Rancho Del Oro
Mainstream Bar & Grill – Carlsbad, Christy & Ed CCN, 6-9 PM, Carlsbad
Havana Grill – Mission Valley, Perla Negra Cuban Trio, 6-9 PM, Mission Valley
The Galley at the Marina, Breez'n, 6-10 PM, Chula Vista
Babcock & Story Hotel Del, Gonzo Solo, 6-10 PM, Point Loma
Golden Island Dim Sum & Asian Cuisine, Joe's Cafe Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, 6:30-8:30 PM, Mira Mesa
American Legion Post 282, Upfront, 6:30-9:30 PM, La Mesa
Steel 94, Whole Shabang, 6:30-9:30 PM, Spring Valley
Négociant Winery, Don L., 6:30-9:30 PM, Hillcrest
Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Craig Dawson Trio, 6:30-10:30 PM, Marina
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, Latin Sol, 6:30-10:30 PM, National City
The Shout! House, Dueling Pianos: Courtney, Eric, Jeff, James, 6:30 PM-1:30 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
Deft Brewing, Kyle Merril Band, 7-9:30 PM, Morena
L'Auberge Del Mar, Marelle, 7-10 PM, Del Mar
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Tralain, 7-10 PM, Coronado
Le Papagayo Carlsbad, Maxwell the Great, 7-10 PM, Carlsbad Village
Le Papagayo Leucadia, Swingin Johnsons, 7-10 PM, Leucadia
Mission Avenue Bar & Grill, Kela Sako, 7-10 PM, Oceanside
Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room, Pocket Candy, 7-10 PM, La Mesa
Fast Times, Surf Birdz, 7-10 PM, Bay Park
Alejandra's Cantina, The Sticky Sweets, 7-10 PM, Carlsbad
Aztec Brewing Company, Flow State + Illuminati Telethon, 7-10 PM, Vista
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, Paradygm, 7-10 PM, Morena
Mainstream Bar & Grill – Poway, Crossroads, 7-11 PM, Poway
1st Street Bar, Salty Papa, 7:30-9:30 PM, Encinitas
The Holding Company – 1st Floor, Project Out of Bounds + Jet West + DJ Panique + Ocean Natives, 7:30-11:30 PM, Ocean Beach
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel, Greyboy & the Midnight Sound Affair w/Dave Gleason, 8 PM Show, University Heights
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas, Jason Graham, 8-11 PM, Encinitas
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, David Shyde, 8-11 PM, Carmel Valley
McP's Irish Pub, Baywolff, 8 PM-12 AM, Coronado
Pal Joey's, Bonneville 7, 8 PM-12 AM, Allied Gardens
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, Groove Squad, 8 PM-12 AM, Point Loma
The Roxy Encinitas, Equinox, 8:30-11:30 PM, Encinitas
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill, Miami Blush, Young Guero, Jay Uno, Comic View Records, 8:30-11:30 PM, Encinitas
Full Circle Saloon, Crimson Collar, 8:30 PM-12:30 AM, Santee
Poway Irish Pub, Grand Nova, 8:30 PM-12 AM, Poway
Prohibition Liquor Bar, CEO's Rythym Section, 8 PM-1:30 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
Good Bar, Savage Touch & Friends, 9-11 PM, Point Loma
Pour House, Cardiel + Sun Jelly + Dying Suns, 9 PM-11:59 AM, South Oceanside
The Kraken, The Celebrities, 9 PM-11:59 AM, Cardiff
Renegade Country, Lefty Martin & his Right Hand Band, 9 PM-12:30 AM, El Cajon
Til-Two Club, Yazrasure, 9 PM-1 AM, Talmadge
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel, Greyboy & the Midnight Sound Affair w/Dave Gleason, 10 PM Show, University Heights

Saturday 7/26

San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Jehua Evans, 10 AM‑1 PM, Mission Bay
Farmer & The Seahorse, Sean McCole, 11 AM‑2 PM, Torrey Pines
La Valencia Hotel, Brian Pierini, 11 AM‑2 PM, La Jolla
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Ed Kornhauser, 12‑3 PM, Carmel Valley
The Roxy Encinitas, Chris Avetta, 1‑2 PM, Encinitas
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Freddie Walton, 1‑4 PM, Torrey Pines
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, Big Sky Moon, 1‑4 PM, El Cajon
Tower 13, Sofie Tabesh, 1‑4 PM, Cardiff by the Sea
Coronado Ferry Landing, Baywolf, 2‑5 PM, Coronado
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill, Celeste Barbier, 3‑6 PM, Encinitas
Winston's, Planet Caravan, 4‑7 PM, Ocean Beach
Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Albert, 4‑7:30 PM, San Pasqual Valley
Lakehouse Resort, Journey USA, 4‑8 PM, San Marcos
Del Mar Plaza – Oceanview Deck, Wolff, 5‑7 PM, Del Mar
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, Brian Jones Rock ’N’ Roll Revival, 5‑7 PM, Point Loma
The Roxy Encinitas, Matt Barnes [Happy Hour], 5‑7:30 PM, Encinitas
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Christian Taylor, 5‑8 PM, Torrey Pines
Koi Zen Cellars, Barrelhouse Blues Club, 5‑8 PM, Carmel Mountain Ranch
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, Molly Kruse, 5‑8 PM, El Cajon
Uvas Winery, John Patrick, 5‑8 PM, Poway
Pour House, Bonneville 7, 5‑8 PM, South Oceanside
The Camp Store, Alphonso Quinones, 5:30‑8:30 PM, South Carlsbad
Tidal, TJ Moss, 5:30‑8:30 PM, Mission Bay
Panama 66, Zzymzzy, 6‑7:50 PM, Balboa Park
Windmill Food Hall, Shay Skylar, 6‑8 PM, Carlsbad
Harry's Sports Bar & Grill, Warsaw Poland Brothers, 6‑9 PM, Fallbrook
Barefoot Bar & Grill, Kevin Ryan, 6‑9 PM, Mission Bay
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Andrew Peña, 6‑9 PM, Mission Bay
Carruth Cellars – Oceanside, Summer Luau Party, 6‑9 PM, Oceanside
Aquarius Bar & Grille, Electric Waste Band, 6‑9 PM, Mission Bay
Amalfi Marina Bar, Yarp, 6‑9 PM, San Marcos
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Jack French, 6‑9 PM, La Jolla
Heroes Wood‑Fired Pizza, Jeff Berkley, 6‑9 PM, Wynola
La Valencia Hotel, David Shyde, 6‑9 PM, La Jolla
Mainstream Bar & Grill – Carlsbad, Laub Music, 6‑9 PM, Carlsbad
Bellamy's Restaurant, West of 5, 6‑9 PM, Central Escondido
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Blaise Guld, 6‑9 PM, Harbor Island
Havana Grill – Mission Valley, Perla Negra Cuban Trio, 6‑9 PM, Mission Valley
Steel 94, Disappointing Joseph, 6:30‑9:30 PM, Spring Valley
The Galley at the Marina, Santana Pa Ti Live, 6‑10 PM, Chula Vista
Babcock & Story Hotel Del, Gonzo Solo, 6‑10 PM, Point Loma
Tower 13, Euphonics, 6:30‑9:30 PM, Cardiff by the Sea
Négociant Winery, Allison & Victor, 6:30‑9:30 PM, Hillcrest
Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Archie Thompson Trio, 6:30‑10:30 PM, Marina
The Shout! House, Dueling Pianos: Martha, Eric, James, Jon, Courtney, 6:30 PM‑1:30 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
Deft Brewing, Lovalot Group, 7‑9:30 PM, Morena
L'Auberge Del Mar, Jolene Cruz, 7‑10 PM, Del Mar
Mission Avenue Bar & Grill, ZB Savoy, 7‑10 PM, Oceanside
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Rebecca Jade, 7‑10 PM, Coronado
Alejandra's Cantina, Love Is a Rose, 7‑10 PM, Carlsbad
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, Rising Star, 7‑10 PM, National City
Fast Times, RistBand, 7‑10 PM, Bay Park
Le Papagayo Carlsbad, Ryan Grenda, 7‑10 PM, Carlsbad Village
Le Papagayo Leucadia, John Bennett, 7‑10 PM, Leucadia
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, Betamaxx, 7‑10 PM, Morena
Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room, Konrad Malinowski Quartet, 7‑10 PM, La Mesa
Aztec Brewing Company, Vinyl Syndicate, 7‑10 PM, Vista
Good Bar, The Marigolds & Friends, 7‑11:55 PM, Point Loma
The Holding Company, Carlton Livington and Tristan Palma, 7:30‑11:30 PM, Ocean Beach
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel, Abe & Friends, 8 PM Show, University Heights
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Puro Feeling, 8‑11 PM, Carmel Valley
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas, The Heart, 8‑11 PM, Encinitas
McP's Irish Pub, Fish & the Seaweeds, 8 PM‑12 AM, Coronado
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, Groove Line, 8 PM‑12 AM, Point Loma
Prohibition Liquor Bar, Chicken Bone Slim, 8 PM‑1:30 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill, Jagged Machine, 8:30‑11:30 PM, Encinitas
The Roxy Encinitas, Blonde Brothers Band, 8:30‑11:30 PM, Encinitas
Winston's, Caravan + Pocket Change + Seamus Scanlan, 8:30 PM‑12:30 AM, Ocean Beach
Full Circle Saloon, Serious Guise, 8:30 PM‑12:30 AM, Santee
Poway Irish Pub, The Teacups, 8:30 PM‑12 AM, Poway
Pour House, Wild Gooms + Thee Allergic Reaction, 9 PM‑11:59 PM, South Oceanside
The Kraken, Deep End, 9 PM‑11:59 PM, Cardiff
Renegade Country, Big City Hillbillies, 9 PM‑12:30 AM, El Cajon
710 Beach Club, Hold My Beer, Fender Junkies, Mothers of Intention & more…, 9 PM‑1 AM, Pacific Beach
Pal Joey's, Nitro Express, 9 PM‑1 AM, Allied Gardens
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel, Abe & Friends, 10 PM Show, University Heights

Sunday 7/27

Seasons Restaurant, Brian Pierini, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM, Carlsbad
L'Auberge Del Mar, David Shyde, 11 AM-2 PM, Del Mar
Farmer & The Seahorse, Matt Heinecke, 11 AM-2 PM, Torrey Pines
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Blaise Guld, 11 AM-2 PM, Mission Bay
La Valencia Hotel, Javid & Naoko, 11 AM-2 PM, La Jolla
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Ed Kornhauser, 12-3 PM, Carmel Valley
Winston's, Binding Love Unites, 1-4 PM, Ocean Beach
Heroes Wood‑Fired Pizza, Joe Rathburn & the Invisibles, 1-4 PM, Wynola
Duke's La Jolla, Keni Yarbro, 1-4 PM, La Jolla
The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Rebecca Jade, 1-4 PM, Torrey Pines
Coronado Ferry Landing, Ginger Cowgirl, 2-5 PM, Coronado
Tower 13, Semisi, 2-5 PM, Cardiff by the Sea
McP's Irish Pub Paddy‑O, Thunderbird Mountain Band, 2-6 PM, Coronado
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, The Midnight Cowgirls w/DJ Horsepower, 3-5 PM, El Cajon
Carruth Cellars – Oceanside, Campfire Joe, 3-6 PM, Oceanside
Fast Times, The Stoney Blues Band, 3-6 PM, Clairemont
Pour House, Kyle Brown, 3-6 PM, South Oceanside
Uvas Winery, Shay Skylar, 4-7 PM, Poway
Mainstream Bar & Grill – Poway, Jim Allen, 4-7 PM, Poway
Carruth Cellars – Liberty Station, Blu Gruv, 4-7 PM, Liberty Station
Winston's, Jeddy Know with Pete Hailer, 4-7 PM, Ocean Beach
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Jolene Cruz, 4-7 PM, La Jolla
Orfila Vineyards & Winery, Whelan, 4-7:30 PM, San Pasqual Valley
The Galley at the Marina, Manzanita Blues, 4-8 PM, Chula Vista
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, Gilbert Castellano's Quartet, 5-7 PM, Morena
Panama 66, Claudia Gomez presents Tap Jam, 5-7 PM, Balboa Park
The Roxy Encinitas, Blue Hooz, 5-7:30 PM, Encinitas
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, Piki Moreno presents Delaney & Jaymes, 5-8 PM, National City
The Camp Store, Bon Ton Roulette, 5:30-8:30 PM, South Carlsbad
Coronado Summer Concerts – Spreckels Park, High Tide Society, 6 PM start, Coronado
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill, Jazz Jam, 6-10 PM, Encinitas
Deft Brewing, HillandDale Drive, 6-8:30 PM, Morena
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Andrew Peña, 6-9 PM, Mission Bay
Le Papagayo Carlsbad, Jimmy Patton, 6-9 PM, Carlsbad Village
Le Papagayo Leucadia, Tim Atkins, 6-9 PM, Leucadia
Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Burt Brion Trio, 6-9 PM, Marina
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel, Dennis Gittens & Ed Kornhauser, 7 PM Show, University Heights
The Holding Company, Mephiskapheles with Los Mal Hablados, 7:30-11:30 PM, Ocean Beach
The Shout! House, Jeff, Jon, Martha, 8 PM-12 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
Prohibition Liquor Bar, Sunday Sessions with Chickenbone Slim, 8 PM-1:30 AM, Gaslamp Quarter

Trivia and Karaoke

Friday 7/25

Koi Zen Cellars, Trivia, 6:30 PM‑8:30 PM, Carmel Mountain Ranch
Winston's, Karaoke w/ Corey Glasper, 8:00 PM, Ocean Beach
710 Beach Club, Karaoke, 8 PM‑12 AM, Pacific Beach
Harry's Sports Bar & Grill, Harryaoke Fridays, 8 PM‑1 AM, Fallbrook
Happy Does Bar, Karaoke, 8:30 PM‑1:30 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
Werewolf American Pub, Karaoke, 9 PM‑1 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
Night Parade Brewing Company, Sunset Trivia, 6 PM‑8 PM, Scripps Ranch
Mother Earth Brewing, Sunset Trivia, 6 PM‑8 PM, Vista
White Labs Brewing Co – San Diego, Trivia, 6:30 PM‑8:30 PM, Miramar
Dirty Birds, Sunset Trivia, 7 PM‑9 PM, Ocean Beach

Saturday 7/26

American Legion Post 282, Karaoke with Leslie, 6‑9 pm, La Mesa
Happy Does Bar, Karaoke, 8:30 pm‑1:30 am, Gaslamp Quarter
Werewolf American Pub, Karaoke, 9 pm‑1 am, Gaslamp Quarter
Round Table Pizza (Poway), Trivia, 6‑8 pm, Poway
Dirty Birds College Area, Sunset Trivia, 8‑10 pm, College Area
Amalfi Enoteca, Bingo, 5‑8 pm, San Marcos

Sunday 7/27

710 Beach Club, Karaoke, 8 PM-12 AM, Pacific Beach
Winston's Beach Club, Oboke Karaoke, 8 PM-11 PM, Point Loma
1st Street Bar, Karaoke, 9 PM-1 AM, Encinitas
Pal Joey's, Karaoke w/DJ Harvest, 9 PM-1 AM, Allied Gardens
Werewolf American Pub, Karaoke, 9 PM-1 AM, Gaslamp Quarter
North Bar, Karaoke, 9 PM start, Escondido
Dirty Birds Liberty Station, Sunset Trivia, 6 PM-9 PM, Point Loma

*Some events may require tickets, reservations, cover charges, or be full/sold out, and typos or errors could happen but we try our best!! …

Quiz Answer: B
Future President Ronald Reagan, then California's Governor, led the inaugural motorcade across the $47.6 million span that had been 40 years in the making.

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San Diego Meteor is published every Friday morning by Steve DeLong. Steve is an Escondido High Graduate and has lived in San Diego County since 1972.