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Finally, a party where reading isn't weird📚

Finally, a party where reading isn't weird📚

Bookworms gone wild, Brazilian jazz, and where Cheryl gets her military-themed meals..

Brandon Iverson
February 20, 2025

👋 OH HEY 👋

Good morning, San Diego. Did you know that writing down your feelings of anger and then throwing the paper away can significantly reduce stress levels? Japanese researchers found that this simple act helps nearly eliminate all feelings of frustration and anger.

(I might need more paper)

In Area 619 today:

🦖 Dinos serving cocktails after hours

📚 Bookworms emerge from their shelves

🎭 Witches, reggae legends, and furry celebs

Let’s get to it.

— Brandon Iverson

A THING I LIKED…

Wonderfest Music & Arts Festival 2025: I was stoked to see that tickets are now available for this year's waterfront extravaganza happening May 16-18, 2025. The lineup is stacked with an incredible mix of artists ranging from the soulful vibes of Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals and Daniel Caesar. Even if you're typically crowd-averse like I was, what makes Wonderfront special is how the festival spreads across the Port of San Diego, giving everyone plenty of breathing room to find their perfect spot to vibe. Beyond the music, I spent hours last year exploring the festival's hidden gems – from local food vendors and craft beer gardens to pop-up art installations and intimate performance spaces along the water, proving this isn't just another crowded festival but a true celebration of San Diego's laid-back coastal culture!

READER’S RECS

Stake Chophouse & Bar Coronado | El Cordova Hotel

Welcome to Reader's Recommendations, where our community of food-loving locals share their favorite hidden gems, must-try spots, and neighborhood staples that make our city's culinary landscape truly special. Whether you are new to San Diego or you've been eating your way through the 619 since birth, this column is your chance to discover (or rediscover) San Diego through the taste buds of your neighbors who know where the good stuff is hiding. Here’s this week’s picks I’ve chosen:

From Cheryl → 94th Aero Squadron🎖️Farmhouse, military-themed cuisine!
From Janice → Stake Chophouse 🥩 Boutique steakhouse in the heart of Coronado.
From Barbara → Plumeria 🌱 Vegetarian + Thai = delicious!
From Danee → Taco Azul 🌮 I hear the nachos are very good too.
From Pallotto → North Italia 🍝 I love Italian and this place has great reviews.
From Uncle John → Surf & Soul 🍗 The best soul food in San Diego.

Want to share a restaurant or hidden gem?

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🗓️ THINGS TO DO 🗓️

MY PICKS☝️

(see full list in next section)

Fido’s Fest
Nat at Night
Wicked at Civic
Oceanside Film Festival
We are continuous

WHATS HAPPENIN’

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Thursday, February 20th

Wicked at the Civic Theatre 🧹 Wicked is casting its enchanting spell until March 2, 2025.
Circles around the Sun @ Belly Up 🌞 Get hypnotized by Circles Around the Sun and Mikaela Davis' cosmic jams!
Reading Rhythms Reading Party 📖 Bookworms unite and get hyped for a reading party at Mysterious Galaxy. Meet new friends and finally crack open that novel you haven't actually started yet.

Friday, February 21st

Nat at Night 🦖 Live out your Night at the Museum fantasy while sipping a cocktail and indulging some Wolf in the Woods catering!
Oceanside Film Festival 📽️ For the film nerds — enjoy amazing indie films and maybe discover the next Spielberg.
Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga 🏟️ Performing live at Viejas Arena, expect a vibrant atmosphere!
Shuck & Sip at Postino Little Italy 🇮🇹 The perfect excuse to feel fancy at Postino's pop-up where you can channel your inner mermaid slurping fresh oysters and sipping bubbly.

Saturday, February 22nd

Fido Fest 🐶 Head over to Santee to watch adorable pups strut their stuff in costume contests, get emotional over adoptable fur babies, spoil our four-legged besties with treats from 50+ vendors.
16th Annual Brasil Jazz Festa 🎷 Celebrate Brazilian jazz and culture through performances and tributes featuring Rio-born singer Claudia Villela and the Danny Green Trio.
San Diego Seals 🦭 Grab some nachos with friends and watch our pro lacrosse team take on the Buffalo Bandits.
Tribute to the Reggae Legends and Bob Marley Day 🇯🇲 Head to WorldBeat's 44th annual Reggae Legends tribute where Sister Nancy and Johnny Osbourne are bringing those island vibes to San Diego.
Sub Level B-day: Doc Martin 🎂 Join the celebration as Doc Martin spins into Sub-Level B-Day at Quartyard.
Celebration of Aretha Franklin at Balboa Theatre ✨ Pay tribute to the iconic Queen of Soul, because missing an Aretha Franklin celebration would be like missing church.

Sunday, February 23rd

We are continuous 🕺Theater lovers: grab your tissues and head to Diversionary Theatre to catch Harrison David Rivers' heartfelt drama.
No Other Land🍿 Head to Digital Gym Cinema to catch the Oscar-nominated No Other Land – a powerful documentary that reminds us why independent cinema matters!
South Bay Zine Fest 🖼️ Get lost in the wonderfully weird world of underground publishing, and I’ll probably spend way too much money on handmade zines.