Family-friendly summer activities in the East Village
Looking to make unforgettable memories with you and your family this summer? With over 700 restaurants, retailers, educational institutions and professional services, East Village has exactly what you need and more. As the summer season begins, the lively neighborhood offers a wide variety of engaging experiences suitable for all age groups. From the best spots to watch firework shows on the Fourth of July to fun and exciting dining options, East Village has created a summer itinerary that promises fun for the whole family.If you are in search of some sun-soaked adventures, East Village has quite a few opportunities for you. Embark on a guided bike tour through the heart of San Diego, courtesy of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, to explore the hidden gems of East Village and its surroundings. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local culture by stopping at various art installations, parks, and historical landmarks along the way. For a unique experience, hop into an all-electric FUV from Arcimoto and cruise through the city’s streets in style. These futuristic GoCars provide a unique and eco-friendly way to explore East Village. Feel the wind in your hair and embrace touring the city from a new perspective.If you’re seeking some friendly competition and entertainment, head over to Tavern + Bowl for an unforgettable bowling experience. This family-friendly venue is perfect for a lively and enjoyable time with loved ones. Challenge each other to strikes and spares as you engage in friendly rivalry on the lanes. When the summer heat kicks in, visit the state-of-the-art, air-conditioned San Diego Central Library. This architectural masterpiece offers a sanctuary for book lovers and knowledge seekers of all ages. Lose yourself in the vast collection of books, magazines, and multimedia resources, providing endless avenues for learning and entertainment. Don’t forget to check the event calendar for Children’s Library programs and events, including story-times, movement classes, musical performances, crafts, and even movie screenings. Older children can find their own space in the dedicated teen center, equipped with a game room featuring four video game systems, ensuring hours of fun and entertainment. The adventures await you!With Fourth of July just around the corner, prepare to be dazzled by the spectacular San Diego firework displays that illuminate the night sky. Home to many high-rise buildings, East Village offers the perfect vantage points for rooftop views of these breathtaking shows. Make sure to visit Hotel Indigo Rooftop Bar which offers panoramic views that come alive with bursts of vibrant colors. To create the ultimate viewing experience, groups can rent out Diamond Terrace Rooftop to enjoy the show surrounded by family and friends. If you prefer to stay grounded while still reveling in the holiday festivities, visit Faultline Park for a breathtaking view from below. Join as families spread out their blankets to await the show. Most San Diego firework shows start anywhere between 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., so gather your family, pick your spot, and wait for a view that you will cherish forever. You won’t want to miss it!With all the fun-filled activities comes a hearty appetite. East Village offers a multitude of family-friendly restaurants that you will not want to miss out on. For a breakfast or brunch option, Blackmarket Bakery is the place to go. They offer several delicious breakfast options, pastries, and craft deli sandwiches. For a grab-and-go dining option, try out the classic Chick’nCone made with crispy hand tossed chicken served in a hand rolled waffle cone. Make it simple and easy for on-the-go eating that the whole family is sure to love. For Thai lovers, enjoy Sovereign Modern Thai that brings Isaan cuisine from Thailand to San Diego and even received a visit from Guy Fieri last year! The Mission is another great spot for a wide variety of menu options, café style. They even have a separate menu for gluten free and vegan options! For picky eaters, Monzu Fresh Pasta serves homemade pasta and ravioli that anyone, picky or not, would love. The food options are endless leaving you and your family with full and happy tummies. Whether you are seeking fun family adventures, thrilling firework displays, or delicious dining options, East Village has it all. Knowing the value of time spent together with family, this neighborhood has succeeded in creating an atmosphere to fulfill all of your family’s needs and desires. Don’t miss out on all East Village has to offer you and your family this summer. For the latest updates on East Village Association, please visit us at eastvillagesandiego.com and follow us on Instagram @EastVillageSD, TikTok @EastVillageSD and Twitter @EastVillageSD.
USS Midway volunteer receives Point of Light Award
Paul Ward (call sign: “Chappie”) was named Daily Point of Light Award No. 7570 by Points of Light, a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. Ward received this recognition for his ongoing commitment to the USS Midway Museum. When Paul “Chappie” Ward retired and relocated to San Diego in 2018, he knew his call to serve was not over. Ever since he visited the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier formerly of the U.S. Navy, he’s been passionate about sharing the stories of the men who served on the vessel. Ward has volunteered 7,300 hours aboard the ship, with the focus of teaching visitors to “connect the story with the steel.” Ward said that his love for history, paired with his appreciation for those who serve our nation is what drives him to repay back what service men and women have done for him. One of the most powerful parts of the job is sitting on the USS Midway while looking across the San Diego Bay and seeing the ships that are currently serving our country. “I’m sitting on history and I’m looking at history being made,” Ward said. The Daily Point of Light Award uplifts individuals who lead, lend support and take action for causes they care about on their path to leading a fully engaged civic life. The award is given five days a week as Points of Light honors individuals creating meaningful change to meet community needs, efforts that often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. President George H.W. Bush was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House, conferring 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations making a difference in other people’s lives and solving community problems. Points of Light continues this recognition and now has more than 7,000 honorees to date. “The Daily Point of Light Award recognizes those who saw something they wanted to improve in the world, then through their time, talent and efforts, began making those improvements,” said Beth Pann, Senior Vice President, External Affairs at Points of Light. “We’re pleased to honor Paul (“Chappie”) Ward for their amazing work.” Ward continues to inspire others with his work and hopes to show others they can make a difference in their communities too. Regarding volunteering he said, “Find something to do or an organization to join with which your personal interests and values align. The more you learn about that activity or organization and its purpose, the more you are involved, and the greater the personal fulfillment and reward.”To learn more about Ward’s work, visit https://www.pointsoflight.org/awards/retired-california-chaplain-volunteers-on-board-historical-aircraft-carrier/.
Cross-border immersive arts festival slated for September
ENVZN23: Urban Art Takeover is bringing a new immersive and culturally-rich art festival to San Diego on Sept 2. Organized by arts nonprofit Vanguard Culture, the inaugural event will convert warehouses and industrial locations along Commercial Street in Logan Heights into vessels for art of all forms.“We haven’t simply ‘taken over’ these unique spaces,” said Vanguard Culture Founder and Executive Director Susanna Peredo in a statement. “We’ve programmed performances and art experiences that collaborate and engage with the local businesses, creatives and help activate these unique locations in meaningful ways.”In an effort to encourage cross-industry collaboration, the event will showcase the work of a wide range of creatives, spanning from both sides of the border. Musical performances, short films, puppet shows, visual arts, choreographed dances, fashion runways and more will span the Commercial Street corridor for a celebration of creativity and culture.Audience members will be encouraged to interact with the featured art installations.Event-goers can start at the Soap Factory to experience a unique and interactive musical performance. Art of Elan will be creating music through hundreds of flower pots, utilizing the pots’ different depths and tones. Audience members will even get the chance to be a part of it using one of the group’s pots, which they can then take home after with some seeds to plant.The Clubhouse MFG CO, a screenprinting and embroidery warehouse, will be transformed through a massive art installation constructed of Perrier bottles as an homage to recycling and overconsumption. The venue will also feature pen and ink drawings, as well as a dance performance by Malashock Dance Company.Directly next to The Clubhouse resides the next grounds for ENVZN arts. The SD Customs Warehouse will become the home to a 10-foot-tall face of a woman with braids spanning across the building. The fixture serves as a tribute to Native American culture – recognizing the significance of hair braiding within their community.There will also be a stage within the warehouse where two theater companies from Tijuana will be performing. Abordo Teatro will be performing a puppet show entitled “Parking sin estrellas,” depicting the life of a 7-year-old boy living in the Zona Norte of Tijuana – a notoriously unsafe area – by traveling through the boy’s imagination and inner dialogue.SD Customs will be collaborating with Fashion Week San Diego for this special event. Models will walk an avant garde runway show, set up outside a neighboring gym, showcasing some of the local business’ one-of-a-kind shoes.Inside the gym, Stay Classy Crossfit will be putting the dumbbells aside to make room for an intimate art experience. The interior of the building will host five small art installations with dancers interacting with the pieces throughout the space. In the backyard, there will be a lounge area set up for short film screenings put on by Coronado Island Film Festival, San Diego Filipino Cinema and San Diego Italian Film Festival. George Sarah will be showcasing his composed soundscape to the 1928 film The Passion of Joan of Arc. A small orchestra and choir will engage viewers in the emotions of the black and white film.War House Gym, the last among the collaborating venues, will utilize its exterior to host a choreographed dance inspired by Mesoamerican culture. A large scale projection of a temple against the gym wall will serve as a backdrop to a ceremonial dance performance.That same wall will also appear to be engulfed in flames throughout the night as commentary on the recurring California wildfires, executed by queer artist Hayley Thomas.The Sept 2 festival, running from 5p.m.-10p.m., will be a test run for a larger festival in 2024. The 2024 ENVZN festival will serve as a celebration for San Diego and Tijuana’s designation as the World Design Capital 2024. If both events succeed, Vanguard Culture hopes to make ENVZN a biannual occurrence to encourage cultural tourism on a regular basis.General Admission tickets sell for $30 when bought before Aug 14 and raise to $40 after Aug 15. Logan Heights residents with ID and professional creatives showing a business card receive $20 admission. VIP tickets sell for $125 and grant admission to a culinary experience in the Soap Factory. Get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/envzn-urban-art-takeover-tickets-590733930087.
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