Just as the summer sun sets and night’s darkness begins to descend upon the village, merchants, residents and visitors will light up the evening with a festive atmosphere filled with lively music, stunning artwork, one-of-a-kind shopping and good eats spilling out of every storefront from Prospect to Pearl. Starting June 9, the La Jolla Village Merchants Association (LJVMA) will host “Haute La Jolla Nights,” a much-anticipated series inspired by similar neighborhood events in San Diego, like Little Italy’s successful “Kettner Nights” and North Park’s culturally rich “Ray at Night.” “LJVMA is always looking for ways to keep La Jolla Village a world-class destination and to support the success of our merchants,” said Julie Matibag, Haute La Jolla Nights chairwoman. “With so many world-renowned galleries and diverse shopping, we decided that this type of program was an ideal fit for La Jolla.” Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to stroll among more than 100 participating retail shops and galleries in the village after hours, while hearing the tune of more than a dozen musical performances en route. Not only will La Jolla’s stores stay open later — from 6 to 9 p.m. — but Village merchants will also host special receptions, offer great deals and giveaways, serve up complimentary appetizers and drinks, and showcase creative displays, demonstrations or shows throughout the evening at no cost. “La Jolla has so much to offer, but not everyone in San Diego’s surrounding areas routinely make La Jolla their shopping and entertainment destination,” said Matibag. “It is our hope that by exposing new audiences to La Jolla’s many shops and galleries, we will draw people from outside the immediate area to La Jolla Village on a more regular basis.” With an onslaught of recent newcomers to the Village, Haute La Jolla Nights gives new and existing merchants the opportunity to show off the neighborhood as an up-and-coming design district, as well as provide visitors with the opportunity to socialize over fine fare, cultural displays and unique shopping. “We want to do what is best for the Village and for the merchants as a whole. The event has promise of being a fun event for attendees and helpful to the merchants and galleries,” said Matibag. “If the first three events are as successful as we hope, we plan to continue this series year after year.” Haute La Jolla Nights will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 9, July 21 and September 15. For a full listing of participating retail stores, art galleries, musicians and more, visit www.lajollabythesea.org.