San Diego Reader

Thursday | 6

CHEF SHOWDOWN 2011

NTC Promenade is the arena for this culinary competition involving chefs from Bali Hai, Kensington Grill, Cups, Sea Rocket Bistro, El Vitral, and more. It’s hosted by Sam the Cooking Guy and judged by big names Bernard Guillas, Ingrid Croce, Joe Busalacchi, and Michelle Lerach, and you get to sample some of the dishes. Your money goes to Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Friday | 7

RESURRECCIÓN

It’s the opening reception for Un Día de los Muertos con Arte Fresca, a show featuring visual art by more than 14 artists. The party includes sounds by OMFG Zombies, live Day of the Dead makeup art, and live art by Kristen Argerake, Konstant, and Callie Himsl.

OCEAN BEACH OKTOBERFEST

It’s the only kind of festival with a month named after it. Festivities open with Beer Garden Band Slam finals, a competition to crown the “best cover or tribute band on the beach,” and the event carries on through the weekend with music, beer, and bratwurst.

Saturday | 8

BASKETS AND BOTANY IN TECOLOTE CANYON

Celebrate traditions of Southern California Native Americans with a day of basket-weaving demonstrations, Indian fry bread, live birds of prey, a native-snake presentation, music, a Native American storyteller, and kids’ crafts, all at Tecolote Nature Center.

Sunday | 9

SOMEWHERE

The Old Globe Theatre presents the world premiere of Matthew Lopez’s drama with dance sequences about “Inez Candelaria and her three children’s dream of a life in show business.” Directed by Giovanna Sardelli.

Monday | 10

WICKED BUGS

Author Amy Stewart chronicles “The Louse that Conquered Napoleon’s Army and Other Insect Monstrosities” for the San Diego Horticultural Society. Enjoy an “undoubtedly creepy, crawly tour of some of the world’s most notorious garden inhabitants.”

Tuesday | 11

MEXICALI

Art of Élan opens its fifth season of blending classical music and visual arts with a concert aiming to “bridge the gap between the familiar sounds of traditional Mexican folk music and the more current voices of Mexico’s classical music scene.” The program includes works by Arturo Márquez and Javier Alvarez.

Wednesday | 12

A TASTE OF CORONADO

Check out restaurants, retailers, and hotels on San Diego’s best “island.” It’s a fun evening stroll through Coronado with sample fares from 20 local restaurants, benefiting San Diego Family Justice Center and Coronado SAFE (Student and Family Enrichment).