Weekend Preview: Best Events 11/15-20

With Thanksgiving just days away, San Diego is emphasizing the importance of shopping local, while giving you plentiful options for tasting gourmet food and wine and easing into the spirit of holiday entertainment. It’s never been more fun to prepare for the onset of the holiday season.

Start the week off right with THREAD’s Holiday Soiree at Drybar on Tuesday, featuring gift ideas from top indie designers paired with complimentary spirits and discounted blowouts. The highly-anticipated San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival kicks off on Wednesday, gifting you with a non-stop schedule of foodie events throughout the week, including Wine Rave on Wednesday, Industry Insider’s Party on Thursday and the Grand Tasting on Saturday. More top events include the Sweet Shoppe Launch Party at FLUXX on Friday, Night of the Arts at Andaz on Saturday, and the back-to-back opening nights of Jesus Christ Superstar at La Jolla Playhouse and How the Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe on Friday and Saturday. And don’t forget to soak up the last weeks of fall fun with the Mother Goose Parade and Encinitas Fall Festival, two free, family-friendly events happening on Saturday.

Discover this week’s best San Diego events.

THREAD Holiday Soiree at Drybar – 11/15

Although we must wait ‘til 2012 to feast our eyes on the next official indie fest, the good people behind THREAD are treating us to a holiday pop-up show with party-ready looks for ourselves and unique gifts for our loved ones. I know it’s hard to accept, but the holiday season is officially upon us, and it’s time to prepare in the best way we know how: a fashion-fueled fete. THREAD’s Holiday Soiree is taking place at Drybar on Tuesday, November 15th from 6 to 9pm. Drybar, San Diego’s go-to salon for $35 blowouts, will be transformed into a swanky boutique, featuring pop-up displays from top indie designers, including Moderne, Concepcion, Leoluca Handbags and Love Tatum. More perks include discount blowouts and complimentary spirits. Get details here. (pictured)

San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival – 11/16-20

The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival is a five day celebration of the finer things in life, featuring 170 wine and spirit purveyors, 70 celebrity chefs and a non-stop calendar of special events. From hands-on cooking classes, to indulgent wine tasting classes, industry mixers, celebrity appearances, and the ultimate Grand Tasting festival, local foodies do not want to miss out. The San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival takes place this week, from Wednesday, November 16th to Sunday, November 20th and there are multiple ticketing options. Get details here.

America’s Cup World Series Racing & Live Music – 11/16-20

Prepare for a thrilling aquatic adventure as the America’s Cup World Series transforms San Diego Bay into a playground for the world’s best sailing stars. The World Series is one of the largest international sporting competitions, and it’s bringing America’s Finest City five more days of boat races and live music, featuring such A-List acts as Chromeo, The Cataracs, Diplo, K.Flay, The Donkeys and The Silent Comedy. America’s Cup World Series is back on Wednesday, November 16th through Sunday, November 20th. Get details here.

Sweet Shoppe Launch Party at FLUXX – 11/18

FLUXX is indulging its inner sweet tooth for the new winter theme, Sweet Shoppe. Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory ain’t got nothing on this sexed-up candy store. Just imagine a 12-foot gumball machine stage, candy cane forest, gingerbread house, luscious lollipops and infused cotton candy. FLUXX is hosting a Sweet Shoppe Launch Party on Friday, November 18th featuring DJ Cobra and Ricky Rocks live on the drums. Party-goers can look forward to a cotton candy machine, cupcake bar and photo booth with candy props to play with. Get details here.

Night of the Arts at Ivy Nightclub – 11/19

Andaz Salon is a new event series inspired by visual and performing arts. Each month, Andaz Hotel will host one interactive art-inspired special event at Ivy Nightclub with the goal of intertwining haute culture into our already hot nightlife. The newest installment is going down this Saturday, November 19th, and will feature artist Andrea Welton, Arial Wilson of Society 6, Danae Wilson, Crystal Powell, a body paint showcase by the Lipstik Inc. dancers, and beats from DJ Alex Dreamz, Sex Panther, Diggs & Decon and Angle. Get details here.

Holiday Plays: The Grinch and Jesus Christ Superstar

Jump into the holiday spirit as two of our season’s top plays host opening weekend performances and special events. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is turning The Old Globe Theatre into a whimsical, snow-covered Whoville for one of the season’s most magical stories that is perfect for the whole family. The Grinch opens at Old Globe this Saturday, November 19th and runs through December 31st. Bonus, head back on Sunday for Old Globe's sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony starting at 6pm. For a unique non-traditional holiday show, experience Jesus Christ Superstar, a modern rock opera that tells the story of the last week of Christ’s life with memorable music and unforgettable characters. Superstar opens at La Jolla Playhouse this Friday, November 18th and runs through December 31st, before it moves on to Broadway. Get more details here.

More Can’t-Miss San Diego Events:

Little Italy Grub Sprawl – 11/14

El Dorado 3 Year Anniversary Party ft. Sammy Bananas – 11/15

Wine & Food Festival: Wine Rave at Eden – 11/16

Dive-in Theatre: The Big Lebowski at The Pearl Hotel – 11/16

Fall Into Fashion ft. Gloss Boutique at GuestHouse – 11/16

Style Social: Fashion, Models, Picklebacks at Quality Social – 11/17

Wine & Food Festival: Industry Insider’s Party at Searsucker – 11/17

Celeb Watch: Wale Live at FLUXX – 11/17

Beaujolais Nouveau Urban Splash in the Gaslamp Quarter – 11/17

Sfinx Productions 9 Year Anniversary Party at Hard Rock Hotel – 11/18

car2go Ride & Drive Event in San Diego – 11/18

The Gorilla Challenge Race in San Diego - 11/19

Wine & Food Festival: Grand Tasting at Embarcadero – 11/19

Wine & Food Festival: All-Star Mixology After Party at US Grant Hotel - 11/19

EDM with Martin Solveig at FLUXX – 11/20

Encinitas Fall Festival – 11/20

Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon – 11/20

Next Week: Don’t miss DiscoverSD’s 3rd Annual Industry Night Thanksgiving Can Drive at Side Bar on Wednesday, November 23rd! RSVP now and "Bring Your Cans" for hosted drinks & no cover!