San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
LEMON FEST, SIP THE CITY AMONG SWEET SD EVENTS
From getting a taste of local flavors to learning more about distant cultures, this week offers several fun ways to explore San Diego's melting pot.
Lemon Festival in Chula Vista
Chula Vista's popular Lemon Festival, celebrating all things yellow and tart, will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday along downtown Chula Vista's Third Avenue.
Show your zesty side with a lemon outfit to celebrate the former “lemon capital of the world.”
This year's festival festivities include “zesty photo opps,” a lemon cook-off competition, a kids zone for the Lil' Lemons, live music, food, drinks, arts and crafts and a beer and wine garden.
Visit downtownchulavista.com/events/ lemon-festival.
Next Step store grand opening
Also during Saturday's Lemon Festival, Next Step for Downsized Living will hold a grand opening for its new storefront at 286 Third Avenue in Chula Vista.
Store owner Rose Rogama provides planning and moving services for local seniors and families who are planning to downsize or 'rightsize" their living spaces. The Chula Vista shop also sells treasures and collectibles.
Festival attendees are invited to stop by for a visit and information from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Lemonade will be served.
Visit downsizingsd.com.
Toro Nagashi Festival
Learn more about Japanese culture and heritage from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Toro Nagashi Festival in the Japanese Friendship Garden at Balboa Park.
The festival is a traditional lantern floating that honors those that have passed. Lanterns are available for purchase and will be floated on select garden streams at set times. The last admission is available at 5 p.m. on both days.
Ticket prices range from free for children under 6 years old to $14 for adults.
Learn more at niwa.org/odori.
SIP San Diego fest in Escondido
San Diego's best wineries, meaderies and cideries are pooling together for SIP San Diego's Sip the City Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Escondido's Grape Day Park.
There are 14 different participants but you need just one ticket to enjoy them all–and get a little local food to go with it.
For tickets and more info, visit sipsandiego.com.
Hessfest XII in Imperial Beach
Head to Imperial Beach from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday for Hessfest XII at Imperial Beach Pier Plaza.
The family-and-pet-friendly event will celebrate the 13th anniversary of Mike Hess Brewing and raise funds for OAK (oncology and kids), an organization that helps make a difference in the lives of kids with cancer.
Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to experience live music, housemade root beer and adult brews.
Find ticket prices, along with the full musical lineup, at mikehessbrewing.com. Kids 10 and under are free.