Unwind, Socialize & Enjoy Music at Outdoor Concerts in San Diego

San Diego is known for its pleasant weather. Imagine sitting in the lovely surroundings, enjoying the cool breeze and listening to some great music in summers. Concerts in the open have become a tradition during summers in the city of San Diego. Such outdoor concerts are a great opportunity for locals and visitors to socialize with people, make new friends, and enjoy some great music. In the coming weeks, many such outdoor concerts are scheduled and  we will discuss two such events here:

Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green

Pacific Beach, with its endless boardwalk
(three miles from here to the Mission Bay Harbor Channel) and funky beach bars

Scenic views and great music make Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green a wonderful event to chill out with your friends or family. Set to take place at the Kate Sessions Park on Sundays i.e. on 22nd and 29th July and 5th and 12th August, 2012 from 4 to 6.30pm; Pacific Beach Concerts on the Green lets you enjoy great music in the beautiful surroundings.

Kate Session Park is situated above Pacific Beach. Thus you can enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego, stunning Mission Bay and Fiesta Island. On 29th July, you can enjoy the music of Agua Dulce and catch Rockola on 5th August. Other bands include US Navy Big Band and The Palominos.

Enjoy a picnic with friends or family here or meet up with locals and get to know about local culture and most importantly, chill out on some amazing music in the lap of nature. Best part is it is a FREE event.

Oceanside Concerts in the Park
Join other music lovers at the Rancho Del Oro Park to enjoy the Oceanside Concert in the Park. This outdoor musical event began in June and will continue till 17th August between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m at the Rancho Del Oro Park on the corner of College and Avenida Empresa in Oceanside. 

Oceanside Concert in the Park features three summer concerts mostly local bands. Bring your blankets (as it gets chilly in the evening) and lawn chairs and get set to enjoy a great evening with your dear ones. Sing along, dance and have fun at this family friendly event.

You can listen to the music of Todo Mundo on 20th July and and Not Fade Away on 17th  August. While Todo Mundo music has influences of Reggae, Caribbean style, Samba, and Rumba; Not Fade Away music is about 50s and 60s Rock n Roll music.

Since parking is limited, it is best to come in a carpool or take a cab. Try to come early to find a good spot to enjoy the entire evening and listen to good music. Again this event too is FREE.

Balboa Park is a great place for a family outing in San Diego

Having a good time during the summers in San Diego doesn't require loads of money. Within limited budget, you can enjoy lots of things for free. To enjoy your vacation to the fullest, you must have a good San Diego lodging which is not far from various attractions, so that you get to see as much as possible. California Suites Hotel is one such hotel in San Diego which offers fine services and is close to lots of attractions that includes beaches, Oceanside, Balboa Park, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla and more.

Approved by the AAA and being a proud member of the San Diego's Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel provides impeccable services and facilities which include continental breakfast, heated large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more at affordable prices.

So take a break from your daily routine and head for a San Diego vacation to unwind at the beach concerts.

Del Mar Horse Racing

The Del Mar Racetrack begins
its Thoroughbred Racing Season at
the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar.

It’s summertime where the turf meets the surf, and that means exhilarating races, big wins, and great music.

Del Mar Horse Racing excitement returns to the Del Mar Racetrack on July 18 through September 5 (except Labor Day and Tuesdays), as the Del Mar Racetrack begins its Thoroughbred Racing Season at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in oceanfront Del Mar.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will celebrate 75 years as a world-class racing and entertainment destination this summer. The seaside track’s seven-week meet – filled with fast horses, free concerts and big weekend events – will commence on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

One of the summer’s most anticipated events – Opening Day at Del Mar Horse Racing– is likely to welcome more than 46,000 celebrities, socialites and party-goers to the track to kick off the season in Kentucky Derby style with “The One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest,” again showcasing Southern California’s wildest and most glamorous creations.

Besides world-class Thoroughbred racing, Del Mar is known for its incredible lineup of summer entertainment. This season, the track will welcome big name performers to the Seaside Stage for its Summer Concert Series. Race-goers can enjoy free shows from a lineup of performers.

The $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic will take place Sunday, August 26 and is expected to attract many of the country’s top jockeys, trainers and Thoroughbreds for Del’s Mar’s richest and most prestigious race.
The 2012 season event calendar will also feature fan favorites such as the Gourmet Food Truck Festival, Miss Cougar Del Mar Contest, microbrew festivals and the annual Reggae Festival.

The track’s Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday, July 22, but families can get their share of the action and enjoy kid-friendly activities in the Infield every Saturday and Sunday throughout the meet.

Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesday through Sunday, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post changes to 4 p.m.

Del Mar Horse Racing is one of the spectacular events that take place in the San Diego city. If you are planning a San Diego beach vacation between July to September, do attend this event.

To make sure your San Diego holidays enjoyable and convenient, try to find a San Diego hotel from where Del Mar and other tourist spots are nearby.

California Suites Hotel is one such San Diego lodging from where most of the attractions including La Jolla, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, beaches, shopping centers and Del Mar are nearby.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is well known for its impeccable services and hospitality. Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

If you are fond of horse racing, do not miss Del Mar Horse Racing!

Sources include:
sandiego.org
delmarscene.com/music/dmtc_2012_press_release.htm
Photo Courtesy: ali.sdsu.edu

Go Crazy at the San Diego Night Time Zoo

Let the wonders of China enchant and amaze you at the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo.
This year, the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo’ theme is a China celebration.
The festivities will begin from 23rd June and continue till 3rd September, 2012.
You can check out various shows at the Nighttime Zoo, such as:

Dr. Zoolittle Explores Asia
Dr. Zoolittle brings his own special take on science when he “transports” audiences to Asia to study the giant panda. Come get the scoop on these black-and-white wonders, such as the fact that pandas poop an average of 48 times a day!

The Legend of Dragon Mountain-Heibei Chinese Acrobats
Let the Heibei Chinese acrobats dazzle you with “The Legend of Dragon Mountain”, featuring gravity-defying acrobatic feats, enchanting traditional dances, and stunning martial art performances.

Golden Lion Acrobats & Dragon Dance
Join the Golden Lions as they entertain and delight the crowd at Canyon Cafe with their astounding talents and acrobatic skills. Five times a day they will invade the food court with their performances along with the Dragon from Dragon Mountain, a colorful, 20-foot-long serpent brought to life by puppeteers. Marvel as it sinuously winds through the Zoo’s Panda Canyon, mesmerizing visitors along the way in honor of the Year of the Dragon.

Power and Air – Strength and Aerial Acrobats
Five times a day, this dedicated team of professionals will be displaying amazing athletic prowess as precision balancing will be matched with the beauty and skill of the aerial lyre. These cool cats will be on display in front of the Skyeast Pool.
Surfin’ Safari Bush Band
Many regular guests have come to know and enjoy this zany, interactive minstrel-style band. Their antics will be inspired as they bring limbo sticks, hula hoops, and fun interactives to get kids and adults alike involved in the organized mayhem.

Animal Activities
San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,500 rare and endangered animals at the Zoo. Here you can indulge in various interesting animal activities.

Check out Panda Trek where you get to enter into the world of giant pandas, red pandas, takins, and the Mangshan pit viper at the San Diego Zoo’s Panda Trek! Or you can go for Giraffe Feedings and help feed the giraffes at the Urban Jungle.

After you are done with watching wonderful shows, you can enjoy dining at the Albert’s Restaurant. Here you can dine and unwind at your leisure.

If you are planning a San Diego beach vacation between June and September, do visit San Diego Nighttime Zoo. It is totally crazy and lots of fun. Plenty of San Diego budget hotels offer great discounts on room rates during this time. Do your research and choose the San Diego lodging which is closer to various San Diego attractions.

California Suites Hotel is one of the best amongst budget hotels in San Diego and is in close vicinity to the San Diego Zoo and other top tourist hot-spots of the city.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel provides high quality facilities at budget prices. Services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Sources include: sandiegozoo.org
Photo Courtesy: 101thingstodosw.com

Time for Shakespearean Plays at the Old Globe in San Diego

Are you fond of watching plays? How about watching Shakespearean plays? The Old Globe’s 2012 Shakespeare Festival is set to take place from 3rd June to 30th September, 2012. The Old Globe is located in San Diego’s Balboa Park.

The Old Globe’s 2012 Shakespeare Festival will be performed in repertory at the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theater. Adrian Noble returns as the artistic director of the festival and will direct plays – “As You Like It” and “Inherit the Wind”.

British director Lindsay Posner will make his debut at the Old Globe with his production of Richard III, which will kick off the festival on 3rd June. Jay Whittaker will star in the title role.

Here is a look at the 2012 Old Globe’s Shakespeare Festival:

Richard III
June 3-Sept 29
Directed by Lindsay Posner

“Richard III is one of the most diabolical and outrageous villains in all of literature. A ruthless Machiavellian, the brilliant and power-hungry lord embarks on a bloody campaign to seize and keep the English crown. Shakespeare paints an unforgettable portrait of obsession, seduction, betrayal and a man who would be king.”

As You Like It
June 10-Sept. 30 (Opening night is June 29)
Directed by Noble

“Flirtation, friendship and mistaken identity make for one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Rosalind escapes into the forest and adopts the persona of a man to get close to her beloved Orlando. But when he falls for another woman, she must untangle the web of deceptions she has woven to win her true love. As You Like It explores the giddy excitement and dizzying foibles of love and is a perfect summer night under the stars.”

Inherit the Wind
By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
June 17-Sept. 25 (Opening night is July 3)
Directed by Noble

“Two powerhouse lawyers face off in a small town with the eyes of an entire nation upon them when a schoolteacher is arrested for teaching Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution. When the issue goes to trial, the two attorneys must passionately confront questions of faith and science in a heated courtroom. This fictional re-creation of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial tackles issues that are every bit as relevant today as they were in 1925.”

Apart from the plays, you can catch various other special events too at the Old Globe such as “Shakespeare in the Garden” seminars, post-show forums and more.

Want to watch something other than Shakespearean? Some other plays will also be showcased at the Old Globe such as Yasmina Reza’s God of Carnage, Divine Rivalry by Michael Kramer and more.
If you are coming on a San Diego beach vacation during June and September, do spare some time to watch one of these historic Shakespearean plays at the Old Globe.

As far as San Diego lodging is concerned, we are a favorite accommodation in San Diego for tourists wanting to visit the beautiful city. California Suites Hotel is located close to Balboa Park, so it will be easy for you to commute to the Old Globe in the urban park to watch the plays. Besides California Suites Hotel is also in close proximity to several beaches, Old Town, La Jolla, Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter and various other tourists hotspots.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel provides high quality facilities at budget prices. Our services include continental breakfast, large heated swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Make your reservations with us now and enjoy these various attractions of San Diego and good services to their fullest.

Sources include: playbill.com
Photo Courtesy: kpbs.org

It’s time to party at 33rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off

The Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival has been a vibrant community tradition for more than three decades, attracting tourists and San Diego natives alike to sunny Ocean Beach each year. It will take place at the Ocean Beach, Newport Ave on 23rd June, 2012  from 10am.

This year at the 33rd Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival for eclectic fun in the sun, shopping, festival nosh, surf and beachfront entertainment.

There will be festival activities for all ages and interests including:
* Five stages of continuous live music
* Chili Cook-Off
* Beachside Beer Garden & Spirits
* Food vendors and local restaurant fare
* Community Mural Art Project
* Artists Alley
* Wonderland Children’ Area
* Unique handcrafted merchandise: clothing, accessories and more
* Skateboard Exhibition from Ocean Beach Surf & Skate Shop
* Climbing Walls
* Raffle with prizes from more than 20 local businesses

Best part is it is a FREE event which promises lots of fun. Everything about the OB Street Fair will be special this year because it is the occasion for celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Ocean Beach.  If you are coming on a San Diego vacation in June, come to this event to celebrate with the thousand others!
For your convenience, stay at a hotel in San Diego which is in close proximity to the beaches, where most visitors flock to in the summer time.

Regarded as a value price leader amongst budget San Diego hotels, California Suites Hotel offers all facilities to make your stay comfortable and a memorable one.

Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel offers fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large heated outdoor swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

The biggest advantage is that the hotel is close to almost all beaches and other top attractions as well such as Old Town, Sea World, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and shopping centers. As San Diego receives a large influx of tourists in June, try to book your rooms in advance.

Sources include:
yelp.com
oceanbeachsandiego.com

Summer time means Sea World Fireworks Show

Spend Memorial Day weekend at Sea World San Diego,
and enjoy an evening of fireworks at Mission Bay.

Sea World is one of the prime attractions of San Diego. No matter what time of the year you visit San Diego, a trip to Sea World is a must.

In summer, Sea World enthralls its visitors with spectacular fireworks. The Sea World Fireworks Show will take place on Memorial Day weekend 26^th and 27^th May, 2012 tentatively around 9:50 pm, and on 28^th May, 2012 tentatively at 8:50 pm.

Spend Memorial Day weekend at Sea World San Diego, and enjoy an evening of fireworks at Mission Bay.
Summer time in Sea World means good times as the park transforms after dark with extended hours and seasonal nighttime only shows. Feel the amazing energy of Shamu Rocks, the SeaWorld’s killer nighttime show. Shamu- the famous killer whale is a major attraction and is a huge draw.

Or share a laugh with the hilarious Sea Lions Tonite show. It features sea lions- Clyde and Seamore who enthrall the audience with their mischievous acts. And finally let your spirit soar during the “Into the Blue” fireworks finale.

Sea World Fireworks Show is a complete family-friendly event. If you are planning a vacation to San Diego in May, do attend this event. It would be fun spending a day with your family at the mesmerizing Sea World.

Public Transportation:  

SeaWorld is easily accessible by public transportation.

As far as San Diego lodging is concerned, choose a San Diego hotel which is centrally located. Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers easy and convenient access to all the top attractions of San Diego.

Sea World, Balboa Park, Old Town, La Jolla, Little Italy, shopping centers and all the popular beaches are nearby. Well-known for its hospitality, California Suites Hotel provides fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large heated outdoor swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Source includes: Yelp.com Events
Photo Courtesy: examiner.com

Get set for heritage cars and “flying museums” in San Diego

Automobile aficionados and aviation enthusiasts can
tighten their seatbelts for Annual American Heritage Car Show

Automobile aficionados and aviation enthusiasts can tighten their seatbelts for two exciting events lined up in San Diego in late May and early June.

The 15^th Annual American Heritage Car Show is set to take place Saturday, May 26, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and will provide a visual treat of out fabulous vehicles in a beautiful setting, Grape Day Park, Escondido, CA. With close to 250 vehicles parked on grass, this is one of the nicest car shows anywhere.

Start the day off at 9am with a delicious pancake breakfast. Then, walk the park to find your favorite car, while listening to a DJ spinning classic rock ‘n roll tunes. Buy some raffle tickets and you might win a fabulous prize. Local car dealers sponsor this show, which benefits the non-profit Escondido History Center. They’ll be on site with some new cars for you to see, too. Vendors offer a variety of merchandise, but you don’t need to spend any money to enjoy the American Heritage Car Show. Spectators are free, and so are tours of the Escondido History Center.

This year’s show honors local builder Randy Clark of Hot Rods & Custom Stuff. Entry for spectators is free and vehicle entry is $25. No dogs or alcohol allowed.

For aviation enthusiasts, the 17^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie air show is set to provide a great time for the whole family on the weekend of June 2-3, 2012. As “A Salute to 100 Years of U. S. Marine Corps Aviation”, the 17^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie air show is again planning to feature the awesome howl of airplane engines such as WWII bombers, F4F Wildcat, the TBF Avenger, the A6M Zero, the SBD Dauntless, and many more “Flying Museums” including the only remaining of their type, the Northrop N9M Flying Wing and the F3F Flying Barrel.

Also on hand will be USN/USMC helicopters and other static displays, Navy SEALs, special military and law enforcement vehicles and equipment, and much more. The gates open for the air show performance from to 9 am to 4 pm, at Gillespie Field in El Cajon on the show days.

The Air Show is a unique family, vacation day event with a special KidsZone area. Amusements, rides, entertainers, games and prizes, face painters, education displays, a great variety of food and beverages, and SHADE, will be abundant for the entire weekend. We will also feature a Beer Festival to add to the festivities of a great summer weekend for all. With the new SR-52 extension that now connects to SR-67, Gillespie Field is now more accessible than ever.

The air show is a glorious commemoration of American History:
- 70th Anniversary of WWII
- 70th Anniversary of Doolittle Raid
- 70th Anniversary of Battle of Midway
- 100th Anniversary of Marine Corps Aviation
- 100th Anniversary of El Cajon
- 70th Anniversary of Gillespie Field

If you are planning a San Diego vacation in late May and early June, do not miss out on the heritage car show and the air show. Make your room reservations in a San Diego hotel which is centrally located. Approved by the AAA and a proud member of the San Diego’s Chamber of Commerce, the California Suites Hotel is a leading budget hotel in San Diego which offers easy and convenient access to all the top attractions of San Diego. All the popular beaches including Harbor Beach, La Jolla Cove, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach are nearby. Even shopping centers, Balboa Park and other major attractions are a few minutes away.

Well-known for its hospitality, California Suites Hotel provides fine services at affordable prices which include continental breakfast, large swimming pool, cable with HBO, high speed Internet access, free parking, laundry facilities and more.

Main source for content: Yelp.com/Events
Main source for content: Air Group One of the Commemorative Air Force

Photo Courtesy: new-car-automotive.blogspot.com