In this Issue

Good morning, San Diego! Whether you’re indulging in gourmet tacos, exploring the Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival, or enjoying the classic tunes of Grease under the stars, this weekend is packed with unmissable events. Here’s what’s happening around town:

• The ultimate taco celebration at SeaWorld

• Wine and brews at the San Diego Zoo

• A nature-inspired day at Cuyamaca College

• A thrilling Cinco de Mayo celebration in Old Town

• And much more!

Let’s dive in.

— Steve DeLong

The Events

🍷 San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew – May 3, 2025
Indulge in gourmet bites, fine wines, and craft brews amidst the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Enjoy live entertainment, wildlife encounters, and support conservation efforts. VIP access starts at 6:30 PM; general admission at 7:30 PM. Ages 21+ only Get Tickets & More Info

🌮 SoCal Taco Fest – May 3–4, 2025
Join the ultimate taco celebration at SeaWorld San Diego's Viva La Música! Enjoy gourmet tacos, live music, Lucha Libre wrestling, a Chihuahua beauty pageant, and more. All ages welcome. Get Tickets & More Info

🦋 Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival – May 3, 2025 
A charming, free event with a 30 year history of being hosted by the student-led Cuyamaca College Nursery featuring 75+ specialty vendors, food trucks, plant sales, live music, and the beloved Butterfly Release Program ($13 donation). Event Details here.

🛍️ Carlsbad Village Street Faire – May 4, 2025
Explore over 900 vendor booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, and global cuisine. Enjoy live music, kids' rides, and a pancake breakfast in downtown Carlsbad. Free admission. Parking is limited; free shuttles and bike valet. Get Details & Plan Your Visit

🎶 Grease – April 30–May 17, 2025
Experience the timeless high school romance between Danny and Sandy, featuring iconic songs like “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together.” Enjoy this classic under the stars at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. Gates open at 6:30 PM; show starts at 8 PM. Free parking available. Rated PG. Get Tickets & More Info

🌮 Fiesta Cinco de Mayo – May 3, 2025
Celebrate Mexican heritage at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park with live Latin music, Ballet Folklórico, Lucha Libre matches, and a vibrant street mercado. Enjoy delicious food, family-friendly activities, and explore over 100 artisan vendors. Free admission; festivities run from 11 AM to 7 PM. Get Details & Plan Your Visit

🍜 FoodieLand Night Market – May 2–4, 2025
Indulge in global flavors at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with over 250 vendors, live music, games, and family-friendly fun. Tickets are $12; children under 5 enter free. Parking is $16 online; $20 at the gate. No tickets sold at the door. You have to get the on Eventbrite. Get Tickets & More Info

*Nothing listed here is a sponsored event. I’ll always let you know if it is….

The Food

🍔 Upper East on Grand – Now Open
Historic Downtown Escondido's newest neighborhood gastropub by the folks from Knotty Barrel offers a fresh take on classic American dishes, craft cocktails, and 20 rotating beers on tap. Family- and pet-friendly, it's the perfect spot for happy hour, game nights, or a cozy dinner. Explore the Menu & More

🌮 San Diego's Best Local Tacos – 2025 Edition
Discover the city's top taco spots, from Tijuana-style birria at Mike's Red Tacos to Baja fish tacos at El Viejon Seafood. Whether you're craving carne asada, mariscos, or vegetarian options, this curated list has something for every taco enthusiast. Explore the Full Guide

Subscriber Shout Outs! 

- Olga loves the muscles at The Henry in Coronado. Here is a link to their Website.
- Megan is all about a smash burger and says she loves The Friendly in North Park. I couldn’t find their website but they are active on Facebook. The pics look delicious.
- Mark mentioned Seneca Tratttoria and the Lion’s Share both near the Embarcadero. The Lion’s Share was featured on Food Network!
- Lisa gave a shout out to Panama 66 in Balboa Park. She likes to go after visiting the Zoo or the Spreckles Organ Pavilion.
- Sally said she likes Italgo Pasta Bar in Chula Vista and Marsha mentioned The Godfather [mentioned two weeks in a row now!}
- Finally Sam mentioned El Indio, Fillipi’s in Scripps Ranch [I’ve been many times], Mi Guadalajara in Escondido, Snooze - there are a few of these so I linked to the Hillcrest location, and Rocky’s in PB.

Thanks so much for sharing!! And Welcome to all out new subscribers this week. We are grateful you decided to join us!!!

Upcoming Events

🚗 Cruisin' Grand Escondido – Fridays, June 13–September 26, 2025

Experience the largest weekly car cruise west of the Mississippi! Every Friday night, Grand Avenue transforms into a showcase of pre-1974 hot rods, muscle cars, and classic vehicles. Enjoy live music, DJs, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere. Family-friendly and free to attend. I used to cruise Grand and Valley Parkway back in the day! :-) Get Details

Please consider attending or donating to support this worthy cause. More info here.

The Views

A San Diego Sunset! WOW! Anybody know where this spot is?

Want to advertise in The Meteor? Click the button and email for more info.

The Weather

The Music

Friday 5/2

Aquarius Bar & Grille, AWP Band Jazz Jam, 4-6pm, Mission Bay
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, Trade Winds, 5-7pm, Point Loma
Pour House, Nick Omary Quartet, 5-8pm, South Oceanside
The Roxy Encinitas, Dave Booda, 5-8pm, Encinitas
Whistle Stop Bar, Happy Hour with DJ Shoeshine, 5-8pm, South Park
Baba Coffee - Carlsbad, The Soto Six (minus three), 5:30-8:30pm, Carlsbad Village
Amalfi Marina Bar, Cadillac Fringe, 6-9pm, San Marcos
Aquarius Bar & Grille, The Hips, 6-9pm, Mission Bay
Bellamy's Restaurant, Dave Scott & Bobby Lanuza, 6-9pm, Central Escondido
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, The Sidelong Glances, 6-8pm, El Cajon
Humble Heart, Freestyle Friday, 6-10pm, Point Loma
Junkyard Sports Bar & Grill, Ryan Hiller, 6-9pm, Ivey Ranch / Rancho Del Oro
Quartyard, Geordie Greep, 6-9pm, East Village
SHAKE Bar & Lounge, Jolene Cruz, 6-9pm, Core-Columbia
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Shea Givens, 6-9pm, Point Loma
Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza, Les Allen and Rhythm Cartel, 6-9pm, Julian/Santa Ysabel
Sunny Grove Brewing Company, Jonathan Ford, 6-9pm, Santee
The Galley at the Marina, Colour, 6-10pm, Chula Vista
American Legion Post 282, Upfront Band, 6:30-9:30pm, La Mesa
Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Craig Dawson Trio, 6:30-10:30pm, Marina
Négociant Winery, Don L., 6:30-9:30pm, Hillcrest
The Shout! House, Dueling Piano Show, 6:30pm-1:30am, Gaslamp Quarter
Windmill Food Hall, The Swingin' Johnsons, 6:30-8:30pm, Carlsbad
Aztec Brewing Company, Farm Truck, 7-10pm, Vista
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, Santana Soul, 7-10pm, National City
Fast Times, Ristband, 7-10pm, Clairemont
Le Papagayo Carlsbad, Rheanna Downey, 7-10pm, Carlsbad Village
Le Papagayo Leucadia, ZB Savoy, 7-10pm, Leucadia
Mainstream Bar & Grill, Magnetize, 7-11pm, Poway
Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room, Amanda Portela y Los Brujos Atómicos, 7-10pm, La Mesa
The Jazzy Wishbone, Jahtiva, 7-10pm, Oceanside
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, 3 Car Garage, 7-10pm, Morena
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas, Christian Taylor, 7-10pm, Encinitas
Good Bar, The Sunrise Co & Friends, 7-12pm, Point Loma
1st Street Bar, The Alternatives, 7:30-9:30pm, Encinitas
Soda Bar, Tropa Magica + Sgt. Papers, 7:30-11:30pm, City Heights
The Holding Company, The Provoked + 11th Hour + DominatioN CFH + Speedburner, 7:30-11:30pm, Point Loma
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, The Next Level, 8pm-12am, Point Loma
McP's Irish Pub, Steve Wolff Band, 8pm-12am, Coronado
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel, Western Standard Time SKA Orchestra, 8-11pm, University Heights
The Kensington Club, Spice Pistols + As Big As Texas + Pure Frostings + A Bleeding Sky, 8pm-12am, Kensington
The Tower Bar, The Snares, 8pm-12am, City Heights
Til-Two Club, This Unrest — A Siouxsie & The Banshees Tribute, 8pm-12am, Talmadge
Full Circle Saloon, The Whole Sha-Bang, 8:30pm-12:30am, Santee
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill, The Upper Echelons, 8:30-11:30pm, Encinitas
The Casbah, Big Sandy & His Flyrite Boys + Dave Gleason Trio, 8:30-11:30pm, Middletown
The Roxy Encinitas, Sonic Nectar, 8:30-11:30pm, Encinitas
Renegade Country, Taylor Johns & the Contraband, 9pm-12:30am, El Cajon
Pour House, The Oxen, C. Gibbs, Isaiah Mitchell, 9pm-1am, South Oceanside
Vin de Syrah, The Ladies of Rouge, 9-9:15pm, Gaslamp Quarter
Whistle Stop Bar, Chulita Vinyl Club Dance Party, 9pm-1am, South Park
Moonshine Flats, Half Shot, 10pm-12am, East Village
1st Street Bar, DJ Jeremiah James, 10pm-2am, Encinitas

Saturday 5/3

Mister A's, Jazz Brunch w City Lights Jazz Trio, 10am-1pm, Bankers Hill
Jacobs Music Center, Symphony Kids: Meet The Percussion, 10:30-11:30am, Core-Columbia
Farmer & The Seahorse, Matt Heinecke, 11am-2pm, Torrey Pines
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Todo Mundo, 11am-2pm, Mission Bay
Aquarius Bar & Grille, The Cliffs, 12-3pm, Mission Bay
Orfila Vineyards and Winery, Keni Yarbro, 12-3pm, San Pasqual Valley
Quartyard, Jazz On Tap, 2-8pm, East Village
Aquarius Bar & Grille, Darbuka Den, 3-6pm, Mission Bay
Orfila Vineyards and Winery, Andrew Peña, 3:30-6:30pm, San Pasqual Valley
Whistle Stop Bar, Flim Flam Revue - Bob Dylan Celebration, 4:30-8pm, South Park
Alpine VFW Post 9578, Wild Rumour, 5-9pm, Alpine
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, Alvino & the Dwells, 5-8pm, El Cajon
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, Brian Jones Rock 'n' Roll Revival, 5-7pm, Point Loma
Pour House, Small Town Heroes, 5-8pm, South Oceanside
Panama 66, Montalban Quintet, 6-8pm, Balboa Park
The Gärten, The Water Spots, 6-8:30pm, Morena
Bellamy's Restaurant, Ron's Garage Band, 6-9pm, Central Escondido
Amalfi Marina Bar, Jukebox Junkies, 6-9pm, San Marcos
Aquarius Bar & Grille, Relay Band, 6-9pm, Mission Bay
Barefoot Bar & Grill, Jesse Ray Smith, 6-9pm, Mission Bay
La Valencia Hotel, Kevin James O'Brien, 6-9pm, La Jolla
Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza, Chris Clarke & Friends, 6-9pm, Julian/Santa Ysabel
The Galley at the Marina, Cool Rush, 6-10pm, Chula Vista
Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Archie Thompson Trio, 6:30-9:30pm, Marina
Jacobs Music Center, Czech Masterpieces and a Saxophone Concerto, 6:30-9:30pm, Core-Columbia
The Shout! House, Dueling Piano Show, 6:30pm-1:30am, Gaslamp Quarter
Inzane Brewing Co., Re-VAMP: Vista, 7-9pm, Vista
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, Evidence, 7-10pm, National City
Aztec Brewing Company, Heart Benefit Show, 7-10pm, Vista
Fast Times, Jetpack Mojo, 7-10pm, Clairemont
Il Sogno Italiano, Mikan Zlatkovich Quartet, 7-10pm, Gaslamp Quarter
Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room, Love on the Weekend, 7-10pm, La Mesa
Le Papagayo Carlsbad, Keefer and Rob, 7-10pm, Carlsbad Village
Le Papagayo Leucadia, Swingin Johnsons, 7-10pm, Leucadia
Mainstream Bar & Grill, CRB (Classic Rock Band), 7-11pm, Poway
The Jazzy Wishbone, Danny G., 7-10pm, Townsite
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, Full Strength, 7-10pm, Morena
Union Kitchen & Tap Encinitas, Jesse Ray Smith, 7-10pm, Encinitas
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, Evidence, 7-10pm, National City
The Holding Company, Mickey Avalon, 7:30-11:30pm, Point Loma
Til-Two Club, Samvega + Kilfeather + Fungal Mirage + Axxident, 7:30pm-12:30am, Talmadge
Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Shea Givens, 8-11pm, Carmel Valley
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, The Detroit Underground, 8pm-12am, Point Loma
McP's Irish Pub, Misty & the Moby, 8pm-12am, Coronado
The Kensington Club, Black Mambas + The Reflectors + Nico Bones + Joey Void + The Overdrives, 8pm-12am, Kensington
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill, Ghost Radio, 8:30-11:30pm, Encinitas
The Casbah, Scott Russo + Adrian Estrella, 8:30-11:30pm, Middletown
Full Circle Saloon, Bastard Sons, 8:30pm-12:30am, Santee
Renegade Country, 33 Thunder, 9pm-12:30am, El Cajon
710 Beach Club, Persona + Peach Cooler + Jay Si Proof, 9pm-1am, Pacific Beach
Whistle Stop Bar, 80s vs. 90s vs. Y2K! with DJ Gabe Vega, 9pm-1am, South Park
Pour House, Coyo & more, 9pm-1am, South Oceanside
Soda Bar, Promiscuous - 2000's Club Bangers Throwbacks Party, 9pm-1am, City Heights
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, After Party with DJ E$, 10-12pm, National City
Moonshine Flats, Half Shot, 10pm-12am, East Village
1st Street Bar, Pleasure Victim, 10pm-2am, Encinitas

Sunday 5/4

Felix's BBQ with Soul, Sunday Brunch with Robert Parker, 10am-2:30pm, Ivey Ranch / Rancho Del Oro
Farmer & The Seahorse, DevvLov, 11am-2pm, Torrey Pines
L'Auberge Del Mar, Shea Givens, 11am-2pm, Del Mar
La Valencia Hotel, Javid & Naoko, 11am-2pm, La Jolla
San Diego Mission Bay Resort, Matt Heinecke, 11am-2pm, Mission Bay
Aquarius Bar & Grille, High Noon Grateful Dead Party, 12-7pm, Mission Bay
Duke's La Jolla, Freddie Walton, 1-4pm, La Jolla
Jacobs Music Center, Czech Masterpieces and a Saxophone Concerto, 1-4pm, Core-Columbia
Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza, Taylor Johns, 1-4pm, Julian/Santa Ysabel
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, Dave Gleason Trio, 2-5pm, El Cajon
Punch Bowl Social San Diego, Music BINGO, 2-4pm, East Village
Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery, Miranda Ramos Duo, 2-5pm, Ramona
McP's Irish Pub Paddy-O, Ron's Garage, 2-5pm, Coronado
Fast Times, The PinchFlats + The Nards, 3-6pm, Clairemont
The Galley at the Marina, Geoff Corey 5, 3-7pm, Chula Vista
Quartyard, Hickies and Dry Humps, 3-8pm, East Village
The Gärten, Linda Berry Band, 4:30-7pm, Morena
Bayside Kitchen & Bar, Trivia, 5-7pm, Little Italy
Panama 66, Whitney Shay Quartet, 5-7pm, Balboa Park
Tio Leo's Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, Jazz Night w/ Young Lion's Jazz Conservatory, 5-7pm, Morena
Kimball's Coastal Eatery, Rakacha, 5-8pm, National City
The Roxy Encinitas, Dos Echoes, 5-8pm, Encinitas
Pour House, Los Paisanos, 6-7pm, South Oceanside
Madison on Park, Latin Jazz, 6-8pm, University Heights
Aztec Brewing Company, Aztec Jazz Jam w/ Dylan Soto, 6-9pm, Vista
Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Craig Dawson Trio, 6-9pm, Marina
Le Papagayo Carlsbad, Nathan and Jessie, 6-9pm, Carlsbad Village
Le Papagayo Leucadia, Jay Cain, 6-9pm, Leucadia
Good Bar, Gritty Cindy, 6-9pm, Point Loma
Humble Heart, Wild Pinkler + Beth and the Baysides + Sex On Saturn + Jenosha + Dreadknaw, 6-10pm, Point Loma
Mr. Peabody's Bar & Grill, Jazz Jam, 6-10pm, Encinitas
Dirty Birds Liberty Station, Trivia, 7-9pm, Point Loma
Original 40 Brewing Company, Trivia, 7-9pm, North Park
Lou Lou’s Club @ Lafayette Hotel, Electric LouieLand's Sunday Sermon, 7-10pm, University Heights
Soda Bar, King Hannah + moondaddy, 7-11pm, City Heights
Til-Two Club, The Era—An Intergalactic Takeover, 7pm-1am, Talmadge
The Kensington Club, Golf Alpha Bravo + Madhous + Whatevr + Fungal Mirage, 7:30-11:30pm, Kensington
Humphreys Backstage LIVE, Zavala Sol, 8-11pm, Point Loma
The Casbah, Blair Gun + Atomic Sexies + Kitty Plague + The Boy From The South, 8pm-12am, Middletown
The Shout! House, Dueling Piano Show, 8pm-12am, Gaslamp Quarter
Prohibition, Pro-Am Blues Jam, 9pm-1:30am, Gaslamp Quarter

Trivia and Karaoke

Friday 5/2

Alpine VFW Post 9578, Karaoke, 5-9pm, Alpine
710 Beach Club, Karaoke, 8pm-12am, Pacific Beach
Harry's Sports Bar & Grill, Harryaoke Fridays, 8pm-1am, Fallbrook
Happy Does Bar, Karaoke, 8:30pm-1:30am, Gaslamp Quarter
Carriage House Cocktails & Karaoke, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Kearny Mesa
The Ould Sod, Karaoke, 9pm-2am, Mid-City
Werewolf American Pub, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Gaslamp Quarter
Night Parade Brewing Company, Trivia, 5:30-7:30pm, Scripps Ranch
White Labs Brewing Co - San Diego, Trivia, 6:30-8:30pm, Miramar
Dirty Birds Ocean Beach, Trivia, 7-9pm, Point Loma
Dave & Buster's Carlsbad, Trivia, 8-10pm, Carlsbad

Saturday 5/3

American Legion Post 282, Karaoke, 6-9pm, La Mesa
Junkyard Sports Bar & Grill, Karaoke, 8pm-12am, Ivey Ranch / Rancho Del Oro
Happy Does Bar, Karaoke, 8:30pm-1:30am, Gaslamp Quarter
Carriage House Cocktails & Karaoke, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Kearny Mesa
The Ould Sod, Karaoke, 9pm-2am, Mid-City
Werewolf American Pub, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Gaslamp Quarter
Round Table Pizza (Poway), Trivia, 6-8pm, Poway
Dirty Birds College Area, Trivia, 8-10pm, Rolando Village

Sunday 5/4

American Legion Post 282, Karaoke, 1-4pm, La Mesa
The Holding Company, Punk Rock Karaoke, 2-6pm, Point Loma
Winston's Beach Club, Karaoke, 8-11pm, Point Loma
710 Beach Club, Karaoke, 8pm-12am, Pacific Beach
Full Circle Saloon, Karaoke, 8:30pm-12:30am, Santee
1st Street Bar, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Encinitas
Carriage House Cocktails & Karaoke, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Kearny Mesa
North Bar, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, North Broadway
Pal Joey's, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Allied Gardens
The Kensington Club, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Kensington
Werewolf American Pub, Karaoke, 9pm-1am, Gaslamp Quarter
Bayside Kitchen & Bar, Trivia, 5-7pm, Little Italy
Dirty Birds Liberty Station, Trivia, 7-9pm, Point Loma
Original 40 Brewing Company, Trivia, 7-9pm, North Park

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

And that’s a wrap for this week folks… XGW-66hvMFutCsVu

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.