Beautiful day out on Liberty Station! I luckily scored tickets thanks to Yelp SD's Elite Ticket…read moreGiveaway for Grand Fiesta. Parking was easy and it was a cinch to get in and out of the festival in the heart of Liberty Station. The event went from 12-3pm and the line wrapped around the block, but had steady flow with shortly arriving inside after about a 20 minute wait. I got to try many vendors some familiar and many for the first time! 1. La Corriente Cocina Del Pacifico: Red Snapper and Ahi Tuna 2. Mezcal Los Javis 3. Brewjeria: West Coast IPA 4. Cherry Fish 5. Dockside Fish 6. Palmy's Pacific Beach 7. Surfside: Black Cherry, Iced Tea Lemonade 8. Fire Barbecue: Pastrami 9. Sovereign Modern Thai 10. Dang Brother Pizza 11. Caliano Pizza: Chopped Cheese 12. Xteca: Mexican America Lager 13. Las Comiditas: Mole over meat tortilla chip 14. Suntide: Guava Strawberry Mimosa 15. Casa Chocolate: Apple with chocolate drizzle with fruity pebbles and Cinnamon Toast Crunch 16. Barrilitos: Manzana Some vendors ran out by 1:30pm and another vendor said we got the last 2 portions. I left by 1:45pm after checking out a good amount of vendors! Overall, a terrific festival and had fun enjoying some eats, drinks, music and a deeper appreciation for Latin America and Mexico influence over Southern California dishes.

First of all, thank you @YelpSanDiego and Hannah for tickets to this amazing San Diego Wine + Food…read moreGrand Fiesta at Liberty Station. So grateful to be able to attend this event. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience. Pros: lots of alcohol, super friendly vendors, San Pellegrino everywhere to keep you hydrated, nicely decorated with Day of Dead photo ops, fresh hot tacos (all delicious) with fancy toppings, restaurants from TJ, Mexicali, SD, variety of tacos from lengua to Thai to ahi to salmon, free parking, nice variety of alcohol from sangria to beer to wine to hard cider. Cons: long lines, waste of plates, no table tops/belly ups or seats unless part of VIP section, no dessert booths, lots of empty booths and/or vendors ran out of food before 2:00. But getting to go for free makes me even embarrassed to bring up the cons. Truly it was a great event. Liberty Station was a great venue for this because it was spacious for the amount of people in attendance. Tix were sold out. Parking is easy and free. Only caveat: I didn't check out restrooms or see them but I do wish there were handwashing stations around. Some vendors were eating with the same gloved hands they were serving from.

2021 Makers Arcade back from Covid. Great event, vendors, food and drinks. Get your holiday…read moreshopping done and find a few things for yourself. See you next year!

Just call me the Merry Maker!…read more We have been attending this event since it's humble beginnings, both the Holiday and Spring shows. All I can say is that it gets better and bigger each year. I preferred when they changed up the event locations, as some did allow dogs. I've always heard the Port wouldn't but there were many there on this bright sunny December day. Service dogs, questionable. The first year at Port Pavilion, the security guard let us in to run and take a photo with our dog at the photo booth, then we were able to sit outside, eat and have a cocktail. My husband let me roam the booths. Handmade and well priced deals, there is live music and a DIY craft bar. I worked with a couple who were selling their product. Impressive, they paired up with Hugh Jackman and his coffee company and they added their own custom candle. They have provided to the Golden Globes. There was not just one photo booth this year, but there were two, You could double your fun. We chose the Camera Camper as it's been my favorite photo booth to date, experienced it at one of my favorite Yelp events. Also, I am a bit suspicious of a Santa who looks to young. Santa's little helper though, I got a kick out watching her look and laugh at the photos. All I can say is "Oh, what fun for days". Its time for cotton candy and cookies made of real butter, consumer spending on handmade goods, truly merriment at it's finest. #SanDiego #MakersArcade #MerryGoodTime #RealHandmadeGoods #FakeServiceDogs

AWARENESS: Knowing the family and I would be staying close…read moreto Liberty Station during the week of April 21, 2019. I checked out not only Yelp events but, the Liberty Station website to se what was happening around the time of our visit. Yelp had a few events, most of those were for the over 21 crowd but, the Liberty Station site showed they were to host their 1st "Taste of Liberty Station" event and, it was open to all ages. NARRATIVE: The Taste of Liberty Station was held on Thursday, April 24, 2019 from 5 until 9 pm. Tickets were available for advanced purchase online at a discounted rate. Day of the event tickets were also offered with an additional cost of around $5 dollars. My family and I purchased our tickets prior to the event and I was able to download each ticket to my iPhone via the Liberty Station website. SCENE: Liberty Station is located in the Point Loma area of San Diego and occupies what was once the Navy Recruit Training Center and Naval Training Center. In fact, most the buildings playing host to the various shops and restaurants on Liberty Station are the old barracks and schools the Navy once owned and used from 1923 until 1997 when the base and buildings were sold to the City of San Diego. EVIDENCE: The event started off when we were handed a "roadmap" flyer. The flyer had a route map and a check box from the restaurants and shops participating in the event. As you entered each shop or restaurant for your bite size sample or taste. An employee would check off your stop in the box provided. Over 27 restaurants / shops participated in the event. I also noticed and actually snapped a picture of paper bags along the route which were filled with sand and a candle. These were placed along the route to show guest the path (route) to take the next stop. IMO, pretty cleaver. Over the years, my family and I have enjoyed eating at the many restaurants in and around Point Loma and Liberty Station but, I was still surprised a few times today after sampling a few places I had seen but never tried. All the sample of food at the various restaurants were plentiful and tasty. I was also happy to see all of the many employees and volunteers with smiles on their faces as they interacted with guest. In some instances, I even got some of the employees to laugh at my weak jokes. RECOMMENDATION(S): What can I say. Great weather. Great people and, a great location. With this being the first of its kind at Liberty Station. I think those responsible for putting the event together did an awesome job! I am sure with todays success, this event and more like it will take place in the future and when it does. I will be right here to watch, eat and smile.

The third annual Yelpies event for the communities of San Diego and North County San Diego were…read moreheld at a different location. Since Fright at the Museum didn't occur this year, the San Diego Air & Space Museum at Balboa Park was used as the venue for this edition of the awards ceremony. Over 400 Elites showed up for the occasion which had a Prom Night theme. I was impressed that well over half of the attendees dressed up. After we got our party pass scanned, a suggested minimum donation of $20 was collected as we entered the museum. The first 300 donors received a black Yelpies tote bag. The proceeds were going to benefit the operations at the Air & Space Museum. The foyer was decorated with balloons and signage on the way to the main atrium. Inside was a large stage that doubled as the setup for the DJ booth and the awards presentation. Plenty of round tables were arranged in the middle of the space for seating. Along the perimeter were the following vendors... -- Food and Drink * Barleymash * Boochcraft * California Fish Grill * Chipz Happen * Chuy's Taco Shop * Crab Town * Donut Bar * Flavors of East Africa * Gelato Paradiso * Handel's Homemade Ice Cream * Hasta Mañana Cantina * Nico Pico Candy * Prestons Ginger Beer * Roz's Edible Glitter * Santo Tequila * SugarBears Sweet Provisions * The Cannoli Bar * The Smoking Gun * Topo Chico -- Entertainment and Art * Back Bay Photobooth Glam Bot * Joe Cardillo Music * Joe Magic * Soapy Joes * Spencer Art Caricatures * The Vintage Nib * Thunderstorm Watercolor Art My favorites were from Crab Town and Smoking Gun. Crab Town provided a sample of their seafood boil bag. Smoking Gun offered a sample of a crostini topped with brisket. I didn't line up for a caricature portrait because I've done that previously with the artist, Spencer. I was able to get my name on the list for Thunderstorm Watercolor Art as no more than 40 people could be accommodated. The lady painted a portrait of each of us but without any facial features which made it interesting to say the least. There were eleven award categories this time, including two new ones... Pizza Purveyor and Coffee Connoisseur. Each of the nominees was given a special perk of being allowed to bring a plus one to the event. I invited an Elite friend from the San Gabriel Valley Community to come down and participate for the evening. Since we were near the front of the line, that allowed us to occupy a table that was fairly close to the stage for better viewing. Congratulations to all of the nominees in each category who all received a gift bag with flowers and Yelp swag. The winner (denoted by a plus) received a trophy and a sash in honor of the Prom Night theme. San Diego - Reviewer of the Year + Elisa N. Arnel D. Michael B. Photographer of the Year Marjon F. + Jennifer A. Jack M. Complimenter of the Year Katherine K. Connor L. + Soo H. Elite Events Superstar Myphuong L. Carmen V. + Emmett T. Joyce L. Social Media Sensation Melanie P. Bonnie Y. + Dung N. Best All Around Elite Stephanie B. + Taura G. Mikey H. Alicia P. Dynamic Duo Jonathan Z. & Ryan C. + Kim P. & Danny W. Estefania C. & Michelle M. Rookie of the Year Jillian C. Michelle R. + Blain C. Monroe H. Pizza Purveyor + Eddie F. Nell E. Michelle M. Coffee Connoisseur + Trinh T. Elisa L. Vivian T. Yelptime Achievement + Shalini G North County - Reviewer of the Year Norman R. + Amanda J. Minji W. Photographer of the Year Lorenzo W. + Norman R. Vincent C. Complimenter of the Year + Amy C. Scott C. Art K. Elite Events Superstar Krystal R. Addy W. + Klariza F. Wayne W. Social Media Sensation + Dan E. Amanda J. Keith A. Best All Around Elite Aaron R. + Tajuana C. Emma J. Dynamic Duo + Megan C. & Meg C. Caroleann B. & Toby P. Joy K. & Mark D. Rookie of the Year Noah K. + Wayne W. Candice M. Trevor T. Pizza Purveyor + Joriene M Lorenzo W. Randall B. Coffee Connoisseur Charlize V. + KayAnna S Siri G. Yelptime Achievement + Toby P A certificate was handed out to each Elite who posted 200+ reviews and/or 2000+ photos in 2025. A medal was given to each Elite who earned All-Star status during any month of the year. Thank you to the San Diego Air & Space Museum for hosting this year's San Diego County Yelpies. Thanks also to Hannah, Audrey, Caitlyn, Charlotte, Brad, Yelp Security, and other staff who helped organize another terrific year-end event for the two communities. Happy Holidays to all, and I look forward to 2026! :)

Tuesday, 12-02-2025: What a magical night! The San Diego Air & Space Museum was the perfect venue…read morefor this fun, exciting, and momentous Yelpies event. The last time I was here was in 2006 when I graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Being back there and seeing all the planes on display brought back great memories of my graduation ceremony & aviation career. And, today another fond memory was created. This museum is one of the number of fascinating museums located within the world famous Balboa Park. The entrance is impressive and it's apparent that a lot of thought went into the design. The interior with its imposing, cathedral ceiling is a sight to behold Parking was very limited so hubby dropped me off. As I approached the event, I was greeted nicely by security, who checked my ID & I was given an ink spot on my hand. Afterward, I checked in with one of the two interns at the table, proceeded inside, made donations, and received a swag bag. There were many wonderful food vendors there enabling attendees to sample their delicious offerings. My husband was there along with my fantastic Yelp friends enjoying the night and supporting my shocking win as Complimenter of the Year. In step with the prom night theme I sported a wrist corsage while hubby wore a boutonnière. Many heartfelt thanks to Audrey, Hannah, their interns, and their entire crew, who all worked so hard behind the scenes organizing, planning, networking, etc to deliver such a well executed and fun event. Bravo and extended standing ovation to you all!

Taste of Hillcrest is a fun event. For $40 you can hit up 32 spots and even get a little walking…read moretour of Hillcrest. Each spot will have a small food sample or drink. Most of the drinks were alcoholic but there were a few coffee sips. There's early bird pricing for $35. Buy tickets online but seemed like you could purchase day of. Pick up your drink wristband and map/checklist at one of two will call locations. Standouts were the taquito at Origen, the ramen at Baikohken, frose, and chicken wings from Hillcrest brewing. Some interesting non food spots like goodwill and ace hardware handed out pre-purchased food and offered a coupons to browse the shop. Overall, a fun event.

this was a cool experience but I'm unsure if I'll do it again. I ordered the early bird tickets for…read more$30 and attended the entire event from 12-4. A highlight from this experience was that everyone at each stop was kind and welcoming. I started my tasting from park ave and walked west on university as the website suggested and was glad I did- I avoided a lot of the crowds. I didn't use the shuttles because I wasn't sure where each shuttle stop was and never saw any during my experience. I was fine walking because it was a beautiful day. A bummer was that there were some last minute cancellations for several stops, out of the 25 bites/sips advertised, 22 were on the map. A couple of stops that we walked to were also cancelled or closed which I would have appreciated knowing ahead of time to have saved the time it took to walk. Overall it was ok, I appreciate the experience to learn about the businesses in the area and there were some very good bites! I hope they continue to hold these.

Thank you Sandra for a wonderful event at Bubs and then 2 free drinks in the Beer Garden for the…read moreblock party.... score:) I got the padres punch with Tito's vodka cranberry ok and pineapple it was very delicious, I also spinner the wheel for sw Airlines and won sunglasses and a tote bag, very sad I didn't win points :( but it's ok also they were giving away $6 Del Mar tickets as well yeah thanks again for a great oye

What a fun day! Thanks Sandra and Yelp for this event. I love the Padres. It was a nice treat to…read morecome downtown for the Opening Weekend block party. We started our afternoon off at Bubs. Having some bites and brews. Then we hit the block party. There was foodie tents and trucks serving up a delicious mix of foods. A collection of local vendors. Of course there was the music and the band playing was super interactive by dancing in the crowd. This helped get the crowd to participate. There were drinks with a ballpark theme being sold. As well as sample fireball shots for free. I took advantage of this!! LOL I loved how this event also had some doggie adoptions available and a doggie fashion show. With all of the various activities I stayed at the block party for quite a few hours and really enjoyed myself. THANKS YELP!!

Opening weekend of Star Wars: The Force Awakens - and how better to celebrate than with an epic…read morelightsaber battle in the Embarcadero? Newmindspace is an organization dedicated to all-ages fun around North America - about a year ago, they were responsible for setting up the huge pillow fight near Horton Plaza. This year, seeing how it was the release of the newest Star Wars movie, they wanted to set a record for the largest lightsaber group battle across several cities - Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and San Diego. For $10, you got a color changing lightsaber (although it was a bit cheap looking and wasn't an "official" lightsaber) - and if you had your own, you got in for free. Having seen the footage from the LA lightsaber fight the night before, Kathy and I were looking forward to this past Saturday's battle in the Embarcadero; from what I gleaned from the website, we were to be split into two groups (Jedi and Sith) once we got our blades, then go for broke. Well - that wasn't exactly what happened. We got there a bit late due to our Yelp Elite dinner event at Blue Point, but we were a bit surprised to see people leaving the event grounds with their swords. Once we got our lightsabers - which was an easy process - I could kinda see why. Instead of being placed in Jedi vs. Sith battles, it looked like everyone was in small groups dueling their friends... not exactly what we were picturing. From what I saw from pics taken from earlier in the event that were posted on social media, the lit-up sabers against the evening background made for great pics, and the earlier group battles did look like fun, so perhaps we should have arrived earlier. However, Kathy and I did have fun using our sabers against each other, and I did find a discarded saber that just needed extra batteries... so it was still a great evening of fun that just needed a bit more organization. Hopefully Newmindspace will return back to San Diego for another lightsaber battle. May the Force be with you!

Boots in the Park venue was in the Water Front Park in San Diego Ca …read more Hotels with in minutes of walking distance. Hampton Inn, Wynn, Hilton & Homewood Suites to name a few . Close proximity to seaport village This year line up , Hailey Whitter , Dustin Lynch , Jason Alden , Ian Munsick,

First timers Loved the music fun vendors, and the drinks!…read more Line up was perfection Highly recommend getting to the event early and making a stand on your spot . It gets super crowded close to the stage right before headliner jumps on. If you like the pushing, and possible body sweat of a stranger rubbing up on your arm then that may be the spot for you but for you who don't like that kind of intimacy with a stranger you may want to grab a towel and sit in the lawn a little further back. You still see the stage and get to enjoy the music. Drone show was pretty cool Great first experience

Toast (taste) of Gaslamp is an annual event that is apparently always a ton of fun. This was my…read morefirst year, so I joined a great group of like-minded Yelp Elites to wander the gaslamp for bites, sips, and discounts galore. My group visited nearly all of the businesses. Some were better prepared, and there was a bit of a disconnect between the food and the drinks, but everything worked out and I had a very good time! Some of my favorite businesses were (in no particular order): Gourmet India, Ghirardelli, Fogo de Chao, American Junkie, Ike's Place, The Field, Tin Roof, The Smoking Gun, and Machu Picchu. Each of these establishments, and more, offered great hospitality and tasty snacks and adult beverages. Thank you to Yelp, to the Toast of Gaslamp, and to my friends, especially Emmet, who led the way! Can't wait for a repeat performance!

what a super fun day! The mister and I attended along with a…read moregroup of others that we knew. check in was super quick and easy. we were given a card (size of a postcard) with a map/listings of participating businesses on one side and a check off list on the other. We actually made it to all but one business! the food was good the restaurants were well organized and prepared for us all stops had clear marking outside to indicate that we had arrived! this was my second event of this kind (i did taste of encinitas recently)... this is so much fun!