What: 

SICILIAN FESTIVAL

When: Sunday May 19, 2013

Where:  India Street, Little Italy, San Diego

Description: San Diego’s Sicilian American community invites everyone to “Eat, Drink, and Be Sicilian” for a day at their 20th annual festival. Featuring grape stomping, Sicilian treats, entertainment, cultural displays, kids’ zone, and the Bellissimo Car Show.

What: Chocolate + Jewelry – A Purely Decadent Event

When: Friday May 17, 2013

Where: Bazaar del Mundo Shops, San Diego

Description: What do women love most? Chocolate and jewelry! For the first time, Diane Powers will invite beloved chocolatiers and talented jewelry artists to the Bazaar del Mundo Shops in Old Town for “Chocolate + Jewelry: A Purely Decadent Event,” May 17 and 18, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The event will feature wildly unique hand-crafted jewelry, delicious chocolates and tastings from local chocolatiers, and live Latin musical entertainment! All week long, Powers’ family of restaurants – Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad and Casa de Pico in La Mesa – will feature savory chocolate dishes and beverage specials to help kick off the event!

Cost: Free

What: Race Legal

When: Friday May 17, 2013

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

Description: The RaceLegal.com program was formed in 1998 by Dr. Stephen J. Bender from San Diego State University’s Graduate School of Public Health. With financial help from the California Office of Traffic Safety, a comprehensive grass root community based coalition entitled “Closing the Loop” was initiated. The goal of the coalition is to directly address the epidemic of illegal street racing activity and its attendant death and injury by providing a safer, controlled racing environment at Qualcomm Stadium.

 What: The More Things Change

When: Friday May 17, 2013

Where: The San Diego Museum of Art

Description: Kathryn Kanjo, Chief Curator, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, will consider how even the most innovative of contemporary forms can be understood and described through the visual language of art history. Looking at works in the Museum’s Collection, Kanjo will apply formal description, analyze subject matter, and infer meaning to comprehend better the artist’s intent.

 Cost: $8-$12

 What: The Little Mermaid – Presented By CYT San Diego

When: Friday May 17, 2013

Where: CYT San Diego at Pacific Beach Middle School

Description: In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production,Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. features the hit songs “Part of Your World,” “She’s in Love,” and the Oscar-winning “Under the Sea.”

Cost: $12- $15

What: May Art Show at COAL

When: Friday May 17, 2013

Where:  Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League

Description: COAL Fine Art Show for May. Dates: Wednesday, May 8, through Sunday, June 3, 2013. In addition to the regular show, a special Children’s Show will be on display. Media categories are: oil/acrylic, pastel, and watercolor paintings, drawings, prints, mixed media works, photography, computer fine art, sculpture. Gallery hours: Mondays (with the exception of the first Monday of the month) and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What: 11th Annual Explore Mission Trails Day

When: Saturday May 18, 2013

Where:  Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego

Description: On Saturday, May 18, families are invited to Explore Mission Trails Day, a free annual celebration at Mission Trails Regional Park, the 5,800-acre urban park at the eastern end of Mission Valley. Young children discover the joys of nature during themed trail walks and hands-on activities at Explore/Discovery Stations, free pony rides, a climbing wall, crafts and up-close encounters with raptors, reptiles and other live animals.

Activities will be focused mainly around the Visitor and Interpretive Center and the Equestrian Staging Area at SR52 and Mast Blvd. Shuttle service from various parking locations will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

What: Wild West Fest

When: Saturday May 18, 2013

Where: Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, Carlsbad

Description: Join in the fun at this year’s Wild West Fest, on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying LC Lane in Carlsbad; a perfect back drop for this festive step back in time. Wild West Fest brings cowboys to Carlsbad with western music, crafts, pony rides, food and more. Also enjoy a salsa tasting contest as a contestant or taster. Entries are still being accepted and prizes will be awarded in the categories of best overall, people’s choice, best presentation, best restaurant salsa, best fruit salsa, hottest salsa and most unique.

 Cost: Free

What: NORTH PARK FESTIVAL OF ARTS

When: Saturday May 18, 2013

Where: University Ave. & 30th Street, North Park

Description: The 17th annual event offers entertainment on five stages by bands, dance ensembles. More than 40 artists showcase work in variety of media. Specialty and food vendors. Hands-on art area for kids. On “Craft Beer Block,” enjoy 12 four-ounce samples from San Diego breweries served in commemorative glass.

What: Mother’s Day Luncheon

When: Friday May 10, 2013 12:00 PM

Where: College Avenue Center, San Diego

Description: Celebrate Mother’s Day with the College Avenue Center with a special luncheon and entertainment as The Cameo Club return to delight us with their musical numbers.

We welcome Peggy Padilla and the fantastic group of singers, dancers, and entertainers known as The Cameo Club to our center. They will bring us a fantastic, Vaudeville – style song and dance show, which is designed to entertain, dazzle, and delight audiences of all ages. If you only come for one show this month, make sure it’s this one!

Come join us for lunch at noon, and stay for a dazzling performance by this wonderful group as we honor mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. It’s the perfect way to start your mother’s day weekend.

Cost: $4

What: 22nd Annual Mama’s Day

When: Friday May 10, 2013 5:30 PM

Where: Hyatt Regency La Jolla San Diego

Description: Guests will enjoy an amazing lineup of culinary delights from San Diego’s top restaurants and executive chefs. Sam “the Cooking Guy” Zien returns for the fifth consecutive year as the event’s culinary host, and for the first time ever, AJ Machado from AJ in the Mornings on Energy 103.7 KEGY-FM will emcee the event.

Cost: $125- $250

What: Mother & Daughter Teas

When: Saturday May 11, 2013

Where: Westgate Hotel

Description: Enjoy Westgate’s traditional afternoon tea between mother and daughter! Celebrate Mother’s day with friends and family along with the Westgate’s exquisite Champagne Brunch offering fresh seafood, made to order omelets, carving stations and decadent desserts.

What: Mother’s Day Buffet

When: Sunday May 12, 2013 10:00 AM

Where: Marina Kitchen W. Harbor Drive, San Diego

Description: Show your mother your appreciation this Mother’s Day and save her the trouble of cooking by taking her out to Marina Kitchen’s Mother’s Day Buffet overlooking the San Diego Bay at the San Diego Marriot and Marquis. Start Mom off with free sparkling wine upon arrival. Then proceed to an endless selection of Executive Chef Afron Schwartz’s “modern comfort” menu that includes an assortment of fresh salads, artisan breads, and savory crepes.

What: 19th Annual Mothers Day Weekend – Art & Garden Tour

When: Sunday May 12, 2013, 10:00 AM

Where: San Dieguito Art Guild, Carlsbad

Description: The San Dieguito Art Guild is pleased to announce that its 19th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art & Garden Tour will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, 2013, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

This year’s self-guided tour of eight unique gardens meanders through the back roads of eastern Encinitas, historic Olivenhain and the eucalyptus-lined roads of Rancho Santa Fe. This year’s gardens are easily accessible in a day but many visitors choose to take both days to complete the tour.

Cost: $20

What: Mother’s Day Weekend – Art and Garden Tour

When: Sunday May 12, 2013 10:00 AM

Where: South Coast, Encinitas

Description: 19th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art & Garden Tour is a fun way to spend time with the “moms” in your life. This year’s fundraiser features seven spectacular North County gardens complete with lavish displays of original artwork that includes paintings, fine art prints, sculptures, photographs, unique glass, metal and gourd art, jewelry, and more created by the artist-members of San Dieguito Art Guild. Refreshments included at each location. Tickets available at the Off Track Gallery in the Lumberyard Shopping Center in Encinitas and online: www.offtrackgallery.com

Cost: $20

What: Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch

When: Sunday May 12, 2013, 10:00 AM

Where: House of Blues San Diego

Description: Grammy-Award winning star Kirk Franklin is joining forces with House of Blues as part of its’ year-long 20th Anniversary Celebration to produce a dazzling transformation of Gospel Brunch, the club’s legendary dining and live music show. With Kirk Franklin’s hand-picked performers showcasing explosive energy, contemporary music and spectacular new cuisine, it’s an unforgettable spectacle of great tunes and tastes.

Cost: $17.50-$39.50

What: Mother’s Day Dining

When: Sunday May 12, 2013, 10:00 AM

Where: Rancho Bernardo, San Diego

Description: Come join Rancho Bernardo Inn to celebrate Mother’s Day at Veranda Restaurant and Aragon Ballroom.

Veranda Fireside Lounge:Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant at the legendary Rancho Bernardo Inn will be offering a three-course spring-inspired Mother’s Day dinner menu on Sunday, May 12th including dishes such as crab bisque, wild mushroom ravioli, aged top sirloin, and grilled halibut.

Cost: $25-$65

What: Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Beer and Food Walking Tour

When: Friday May 3, 2013

Where: San Diego Beer and Wine Tours, La Jolla

Description: Join us on the Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Beer and Food Walking Tour!

“Enjoy ample quantities of San Diego’s Finest beers paired with food!” “Yummy!” The food, the beer, the guide and the company all were fantastic! Shira was awesome! Food was yummy and beer was perfect! Can’t wait to go again! Local resident (One of over 100 5-star Trip Advisor Reviews)

3 hr. Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Beer & Food Walking Tour Includes:

• Award-winning beer tastings (incl. local craft beers)
• Feast on burgers, pizza, and more!
• 3 tasty tour stops of local breweries and brewpubs
• Guided tour of scenic La Jolla By-the-Sea
• Behind-the-scenes to the beer making process
• Games and special Cinco de Mayo prizes!

Cost: $69

What: ITEX in San Diego

When: Friday May 3, 2013

Where: Rossi’s Pizza, San Marcos

Description: ITEX In San Diego Presents Rich Peat-Hanna of Creata Computer Network. ITEX in San Diego presents Rich Peat-Hanna – the business network security expert. Unlike many computer consultants that visit Small Businesses, Creata Computer Network’s mission is to be a vital part of each company they serve. They are constantly striving to be ‘your’ Information Technology Department. They feature Responsive IT Solutions. At the meeting, Rich will answer your questions on computer security for your business.”Please register now! Bring your business cards. Free Table Top Displays for all – Limit 75 attendees!

Free Parking. Free Admission. Please come and network! Bring your business cards!

Cost: Free

What: Personalized Fitness Coaching

When: Friday May 3, 2013

Where: Carlsbad Senior Center, Pine Avenue

Description: Mindes Dorlean will offer his fitness expertise to 50+ adults. Call the front desk to schedule an appointment in the Fitness Room with Mindes to get you familiar with the equipment that is just right for you! Consult your physician before you begin any exercise program. On Tuesdays & Thursdays, come to the Fitness Room from 8 to 11 a.m.; on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays come to the Fitness Room from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cost: Free

What: Art of Life 2013

When: Friday May 3, 2013

Where: National University La Mesa

Description: National University Celebrates a new generation of art portrayed through the eyes of the students

•  All Ages event
• Free and open to the public
• Free Food! Free Beverages! (no alcohol)
• First Inaugural Student Art Exhibition

Cost: Free

What: May Madness

When: Friday May 3, 2013

Where: The San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego

Description: Members of any of the 14 Southern California instutions listed below enjoy free reciprocal admission and a 20% discount at The Musuem Store Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 3-5. Members of The San Diego Museum of Art receive free reciprocal admission at those museums that same weekend, as well as a 20% discount in The Museum Store throughout the month of May. Not yet a member? Join now!

What: Billy Elliot The Musical 

When: San Diego Civic Theatre

Where: Friday May 3, 2013

Description: BILLY ELLIOT The Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true.

Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

A big musical with an even bigger heart, BILLY ELLIOT will enchant the dreamer in all of us. Based on the international smash-hit film, BILLY ELLIOT The Musical is brought to life by a phenomenal cast and the Tony Award® winning creative team — director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall – along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “HIS BEST SCORE YET!”

 Cost: $36-$121

What: Chocolate Festival – A celebration of chocolate the Bay

When: Friday May 3, 2013

Where:  Maritime Museum of San Diego

Description: Enjoy a presentation by Mars Chocolate North America about the origin and history of chocolate over the years. Wine and chocolate pairings, from California Fruit Wine and David Bacco Chocolates, assorted chocolates and cheeses.

Maritime Museum of San Diego Members Free with RSVP, or $15.00 dollars at the door. Members MUST show ID and member card when checking in.

What: Junior League Of San Diego Food And Wine Festival

When: Saturday May 4, 2013

Where: LA JOLLA COVE

Description: The 13th Annual Junior League of San Diego Food & Wine Festival (formerly known as Island Divine) will take place at La Jolla Cove.Over 50 of San Diego’s best restaurants and beverage purveyors will be offering exquisite bites, flavorful wines, top craft and micro brews, and exotic cocktail tastings to our exclusive guests. At this year’s festival, we will be celebrating the Kentucky Derby, donning our best hats and cheering on the Run for the Roses!

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES:

•  Tastings from Top Restaurants
• Sips from Fine Wineries, Breweries & Spirits Distilleries
• Kentucky Derby Viewing
• Win, Place, Show Raffle
• Derby Day Contests
• Live Music
• Fabulous Prizes
• Silent Auction

 What: Wine and Watercolor Yoga 

When: Saturday May 4, 2013

Where: Mahogany Mountain Winery, Ramona

Description: Join us outdoor in a picturesque vineyard in west Ramona for a restorative yoga class followed by watercolor painting, delicious appetizers and award winnng wines. THe watercolor course is for all levels of experience and will be led by a professional artist. All supplies provided. Follow the event by strolling through the Fine Art show happening just steps from the yoga site.

Cost: $135

What: 22nd Annual Pug Party

When: Saturday May 4, 2013

Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds

Description: Four themed costume contests for Pugs. Other Pug contests: wet T-shirt, Cupcake Chomp! and our new “Pug Stars!” talent contest! Prizes awarded in all contests. Pug Boutique with great gifts, ” Ask the Vet” booth, vendors, nail clipping and tail painting, Pug Cafe, drawings for more than 20 raffle baskets, food, fun! Presented by Pug Rescue of San Diego County. Over 500 Pugs attend every year. See our classified ad in the UT “Pet Place”, “pet events” column.

 Cost: $5-$10

What: Mother’s Day Shopping

When: Saturday May 4, 2013

Where: Ryan Brothers Coffee, San Diego

Description: What you know?, We’ve joined forces with Ryan Bros. Coffee in Barrio Logan for a Mother’s Day Shopping Experience. Enjoy the delicious coffees, teas and other refreshments at Ryan Bros. Coffee while you shop for original, one-of-a-kind, handmade crafts including: original art, award-winning jewelry, handbags and purses, beautiful aprons, and much more. So bring your mom, your wife, your sisters, your grandma, your friends, your neighbors and share the love.

Our super cool friends at will be offering a 10% off on all specialty drinks, frappes, expressos, and teas to SD Craft Monsters patrons. Valid May 4th, 2013, one use only!

Wait, there’s more! Because every little thing helps, we are giving you a 10% off coupon for your gift purchases. So bring the coupon and save… or better yet, just flash the coupon on your smart phone. That works too!

The not-so-fine print: Present coupon to participating SD Craft Monsters vendors. Coupon excludes all other discounts and applicable tax. Valid on May 4th, 2013 from 3-7 PM at Ryan Bros. Coffee only.

Cost: Free

What: Mother’s Day Chauffeured Tour

When: Saturday May 4, 2013

Where: San Diego Beer and Wine Tours, La Jolla

Description: Mother’s Day is around the corner and what better way to honor her than to shower her with fine wines, gourmet food and spectacular vineyard views! On this special Mother’s Day Chauffeured Tour we pick you up from your residence/hotel (from most San Diego locations) and take you to the vineyards of San Diego Wine Country. These fabulous tours are about 6 hrs and include ample tastings at three wineries (about 18 tastes!)

Your guide will entertain you with local history and tasting tips. At our first winery we’ll savor delicious fruits and cheeses with superb fine wine tastings. We’ll conclude this amazing adventure with decadent wine pairings and a gourmet wood fired brick-oven pizza dinner overlooking spectacular wineries grounds.

“Best date of our 10 years of marriage!” What a great way to spend our ten-year anniversary. Paul was fantastic. He let us go at our own pace, yet somehow kept us on time everywhere. The sunset dinner was a great end! We are now members of our favorite winery and will enjoy our memories every month!

What: Old Town Cinco de Mayo 

When: Saturday May 4, 2013

Where: Old Town San Diego

Description: One of Old Town’s most widely attended events, this 30th annual fiesta features mariachi, ballet folklorico, an array of vendors, kids area, beer garden and tequila tasting, arts and crafts and more.

 Cost: Free

What: Olga Kern 

When: Sunday May 5, 2013

Where: Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego 

Description: Olga Kern (Russian born April 23, 1975) is a Russian classical pianist  Born as Olga Pushechnikova to a family of musicians with ties toTchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, she later adopted her mother’s maiden name (Kern) professionally. She began studying piano with Evgeny Timakin at the Central Music School of Moscow when she was five.

Cost: $20-$96

What: Dan Adams Hot Dogs Art Exhibit

When: Sunday May 5, 2013

Where: Liberty Station – McMillin Company Events Center, San Diego

Description: Sophie’s Gallery is honored to host the artwork of Dan Adams, a self-taught artist, who is well known in San Diego. He captures the art of everything canine with his expressive brush strokes and develops his subject matter by photographing human and dog action at local dog parks. Dan has exhibited at the San Diego Museum of Art, Riverside Museum of Art, Oceanside Museum of Art and Escondido Museum of Art among others.

Cost: Free