Eater San Diego’s events roundup provides a curated compilation of the most interesting local food and drink festivals, special dinners, menu releases, classes, and more. This is your stop for the what, where, and when on all must-attend happenings around town.
We’ll parse through tips, emails, and listings to bring you the most notable food-related events — everything here is a personal recommendation from Eater.
Put these events on your calendar, reserve your spot, or buy tickets before they sell out. Food and drink events are listed in chronological order.
Have an event you’d like considered? Send it our way at sandiego@eater.com.
MARCH/APRIL
SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival
March 24-April 1, April 7-8 and April 14-15
What: The annual Seven Seas Food Festival is back at SeaWorld, with more than 55 special food items, 70 beer choices, and a dozen wines offered for the duration of the festival. Access to the festival is free with park admission, with food and drink available to purchase a la carte or through sampler packages. Among the new dishes offered at hubs throughout the park are Peruvian ceviche, crispy Thai basil frog legs, buzz button sake, and candied bacon cheesecake. Additionally, local breweries including Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Fall Brewing Company, Coronado Brewing Company, and Eppig Brewing will be on hand pouring a variety of their beers.
Artisan Table Series at A.R. Valentien
Starts Thursday, April 12
What: A.R. Valentien at the Lodge at Torrey Pines will bring back its popular Artisan Table series with a twist; the Thursday night communal dinners, based on seasonal ingredients, will now feature collaborations between executive chef Jeff Jackson and chef de cuisine Kelli Crosson and special guest chefs. The series kicks off April 12 with Kara Snyder (Tender Greens), a former member of the Lodge’s culinary team, and continues monthly with Timothy Kolanko (Blue Bridge Hospitality), Drew Deckman (Deckman’s en el Mogor), Jason McLeod (Consortium Holdings), Shihomi Borillo (Azuki Sushi), and Andrew Spurgin (Andrew Spurgin™); Paul Arias from the Fishery will close the run on Thursday, September 13, with an all-seafood dinner.
Details: Each evening begins with a meet-and-greet reception at 7 p.m. followed by dinner with wine pairings. Seatings are limited to 40 people; tickets are $165.
MAY
27th Annual Mama’s Day
Friday, May 11
What: Held just before Mother’s Day at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, Mama’s Day is one of San Diego’s longest-running tasting events and will benefit Mama’s Kitchen, which provides delivered meals, pantry services, and nutrition education services to adults and children in San Diego County. Hosted by Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien, Mama’s Day will feature live music, a silent auction, an opportunity drawing, and food and drink from more than 50 local restaurants. Participating restaurants include Civico 1845, the Marine Room, Wrench + Rodent, Aqui es Texcoco, Breakfast Republic, Waypoint Public, and Pisco Rotisserie.
Details: Tickets are on sale now; general admission tickets are $150 while VIP tickets are $250 and include a private pre-reception.