By Marc & Darlynne Menkin | Downtown News
Ask people what they love most about summer and you’ll get all sorts of answers. For some, it might be the anticipation of going away on vacation, while others just want to spend more time at the beach. But for some people, it’s all about the adventure and discovering new things to do. If this is you, you’re in luck. Downtown San Diego has plenty of fun stuff happening this summer that you won’t want to miss.
Movie Night at the Propagandist: Escape the mid-week blues by going to the movies at the Propagandist, a new underground bar located at 835 Fifth Avenue. Held every Wednesday night at 8pm, the $5 admission fee covers the night’s movie and hosted food from a local restaurant. Well drinks and craft beer specials typically run in the $6 to $7 range. Owner Brian Divine said Propagandist partners with a number of restaurants, so the food rotates every week. “There are lots of people who want to go out mid-week but they don’t necessarily want a loud bar atmosphere,” Divine said. “This is a great option for people to enjoy a night out, but still be home early enough if it’s a work night.” This summer’s movie lineup includes: Forrest Gump, Stand by Me, The Breakfast Club, Die Hard, Zoolander and Edward Scissorhands. www.thepropagandistsd.com
Grant Grill unveils New Lounge Menu: Just in time for summer, the Grant Grill has a newly designed bar menu. Located inside the US Grant Hotel at 326 Broadway, the restaurant is all about using ingredients from local Farmers Markets and their own roof-top garden. The new menu selections, all created by Chef de Cuisine Chris Kurth, include a sophisticated take on classic Grilled Cheese, comprised of aged Fontina cheese, rosemary bread, La Quercia speck ham and balsamic tomatoes. Another favorite is the Polenta Chorizo Ragu with Burratta cheese, chorizo, fried eggs and grilled onions. Also worth checking out are Grant Grill’s seasonal summer garden cocktails, like the Chocolate Strawberry Julep. Our tip? Check it out during Half Price Happy Hour. www.usgrant.net
Comedy Show at the Tipsy Crow: If you’re into hip and edgy comedic performances, head to the Tipsy Crow on June 15th for the Gaslamp Comedy Show. Held in the underground level of the bar, the show has been described as the West Coast version of an East Coast comedy club. This month’s performance will be extra special, as it’s Mal Hall’s birthday celebration (he’s the creator of the show). Comedian Melissa Villaseñor – who gained national attention on America’s Got Talent – will be one of the featured performers. The Gaslamp Comedy Show happens twice a month and shows often sell out, so get your tickets early. www.thetipsycrow.com
San Diego’s Nighttime Zoo celebrates China: With summer just around the corner, the San Diego Zoo is gearing up for its extended nighttime hours. Beginning June 23 and continuing through September 3, the Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. This year’s theme will focus on China and the Year of the Dragon. Some of the highlights will include a 20-foot long dragon brought to life by puppeteers, Chinese acrobats, robot pantomime acts and stilt walkers. www.sandiegozoo.org
We want to hear from you – Jacaranda photo contest
Right now, the streets of San Diego are filled with beautiful Jacaranda trees, all exploding with bright, purple colors. You can enjoy them along Ash Street in Downtown, where a large group of Jacaranda trees line both sides of the thoroughfare. In Balboa Park, Jacarandas planted many moons ago by Kate Sessions added charm to the San Diego scene.
Send us a photo of these trees somewhere other than Ash Street. The most creative picture will win 2 tickets to the Zoo, 2 tickets to a public Scavenger Hunt (held most Saturdays) and 2 tickets to a Coronado Biking Adventure, held Fridays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Be sure to strike a creative pose with you and a friend in the background. Email photos to [email protected] by June 29.
Marc & Darlynne Menkin are the co-owners of “Where You Want To Be Tours.” Many of their tours and team-building scavenger hunts feature secret Downtown areas. They can be reached at [email protected].
