Maybe it’s because everyone needs a wingman (love you forever, Goose). Maybe it’s the high-flying action. Maybe it’s the Charlie + Maverick love story. Or, maybe it’s because so much of the iconic movie was filmed right here in our city — and that nostalgia is close to the hearts of San Diegans (ahem, raises hand).
Whatever the appeal is, it’s clear we’ll never lose that lovin’ feeling. Today, we feel the need for a little “Top Gun” 101 as we cruise through some of the local sites seen in the movie.
We feel the need, the need to show you how awesome our city is. | GIF via Giphy
This longtime sports bar + BBQ restaurant is where Goose (Anthony Edwards) and Maverick (Tom Cruise) hop on the piano and play “Great Balls of Fire” as Carole (Meg Ryan) and Charlie (Kelly McGillis) join. If you’re streaming the movie on Netflix, catch the location at around the 1:01:40 mark and again at 1:43.
Today, Kansas City Barbeque is filled to the brim with memorabilia from the movie — and that very same piano, which is the bar owner’s childhood instrument. You can even sit at the keys and have yourself a little fan moment. Pro tip: This famous spot can get crowded on weekends, so consider a weekday visit. Bartender “Chris from Ohio” is awesome.
There’s “Top Gun” memorabilia everywhere at Kansas City Barbeque. | Photo via SDtoday
This historic location used to serve as Naval Training Center San Diego and is seen around the 52:33 mark, as Charlie tries to catch up with Maverick. We’d recognize those arches + windows anywhere.
Today, Liberty Station’s buildings have transformed into restaurants, art galleries + small businesses — and the site is also home to Liberty Public Market.
This part of Liberty Station is truly “Top Gun” territory. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Hal Sparks | Fri., May 20-Sun., May 22 | Times vary | Laugh Factory | $25 | The critically-acclaimed comedian headlines the downtown venue. 🎤
Emmuanel | Fri., May 20 | 8 p.m. | Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre | $40+ | The Mexican singer performs. 🎵
Saturday
San Diego Century 2022 | Sat., May 21 | 6 a.m. | Cardiff By The Sea | $100+ | Test your limits with a 33 to 102-mile bike ride along the coast. 🚴
North Park Music Festival | Sat., May 21 + Sun., May 22 | 11 a.m-11 p.m.; 12-6 p.m. | North Park Mini Park | $20+ | Join the community for a weekend of music, food, and drinks. 🎟️
Wing Fest San Diego | Sat., May 21 | 12-7 p.m. | Broadway Pier | $30+ | Enjoy a day of live DJs, games, drinks, sauces + chicken. 🍗
Festival of Cars | Sat., May 21 | 12-5 p.m. | Broadway Pier | $30+ | A showcase of classics, American muscle, lowriders + more. 🚘
Sunday
Carlsbad 5000 | Sun., May 22 | 6:55 a.m. | Carlsbad Beach | $59+ | The “World’s Fastest 5K” invites runners of all ages + paces to participate in this course with a scenic view. 🏃
Escondido Street Festival | Sun., May 22 | 12-6 p.m. | Grand Avenue | Free | This longtime fest in the heart of downtown Escondido features live music, food + drink vendors, shopping, and an art garden. 🎸
San Diego Ballet Presents: “Giselle” | Sun., May 22 | 2:30 p.m. | Balboa Theatre | $55+ | A production about romantic love and sacrifice, set in 19th Century Europe. 🩰
Peaches | Sun., May 22 | 7 p.m. | The Observatory North Park | $71+ | Join the experimental Canadian singer and producer live. 🎵
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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70º | Low clouds + some sunshine | 13% chance of rain
Sunrise + Sunset
Rise: 5:47 a.m.
Set: 7:44 p.m.
Tide
Low: 8:11 a.m. + 7:26 p.m.
High: 12:27 a.m. + 3:21 p.m.
Civic
Seven candidates are in the running to be San Diego County’s next sheriff — replacing Sheriff Bill Gore, who retired in March. The two who get the most votes in the June 7 primary election will advance to a November runoff. 🗳️ (KPBS)
Number
$6.023. That’s the record-breaking, average price of a gallon of self-serve, regular gasoline in San Diego County as of yesterday. The gas price has surged by 16.6 cents over the past week, and is $1.867 more than it was a year ago. California has the most expensive fuel in the US right now. ⛽ (NBC 7 + CNBC)
Coming Soon
On Tues., July 12, Birch Aquarium will debut its Little Blue Penguins habitat — becoming the only aquarium in the western US to house the world’s smallest penguins. These tiny birds are less than a foot tall and weigh 2-3 pounds — that’s about the size of a California Burrito. 🐧
Cause
Today, Mayor Todd Gloria will visit the hunger-relief nonprofit Feeding San Diego and proclaim Sun., May 22, as “Feeding San Diego Day.” The honor highlights the organization’s 15 years of service providing food assistance throughout the county — and 300+ million meals distributed to locals since its opening in 2007. 🥪
Community
The Oceanside Chamber will host Operation Appreciation at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater tomorrow from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. — a festival to recognize active-duty military stationed at Camp Pendleton + nearby bases. The event — also open to civilians — will feature food, entertainment, and a fun zone for kids. 🇺🇸
Know a hero? The
City of Chula Vista wants you to nominate a “Chula Vista Champion” — a person, team, or group who made
big contributions to the community during the pandemic. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Wed., June 22. 🏆
Concert
Backstreet’s back, alright. The Backstreet Boys will bring their “DNA World Tour” to North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista on Sat., June 4. Tickets start at $39 — that is, if you want it that way. 🎶
Eat
Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island will host its 11th annual “I Love Poke” tasting + competition on Mon., May 23, and the lineup of 20+ participating restaurants and chefs is fierce — from Fathom and Kairoa, to White Rice and Herb & Sea. Get your poke on. 🐟
Read
Warwick’s in La Jolla has a jam-packed lineup of in-person author events next week. On Mon., May 23, meet “This Time Tomorrow” author Emma Straub, on Wed., May 25, meet “The Blue Butterfly” novelist Leslie Johansen Nack, and on Thurs., May 26, meet “Desperate Remedies” author Eric Carlson. 📚
Watch
Local “Top Chef” alumna Claudette Zepeda — currently helming VAGA at the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas — is hitting the TV cooking competition circuit again, set to appear as a “Challenger Chef” on “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” The show debuts on Netflix on Wed., June 15. 🔪
Shop
Sun’s out, fun’s out. Headed to the pool? Stay hydrated with this Bluetooth water bottle. Prepping for a potluck? Impress the neighbors with your very own DIY barbecue sauce. Gathering by the fire? This outdoor wine table has your name on it. ☀️*
Learn
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North Park Music Fest 2022 goes down this weekend at the new North Park Mini Park at North Park Way and 30th Street. The family-friendly fest will feature a long lineup of local music across three stages, 30+ food vendors, live art demos, craft brews, and more.
Tickets start at $20 for a one-day pass, or $30 for a two-day pass; kids age 11 and younger get in free. Rock on. 🤘
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Editor’s pick:Happy Friday, friends. I saw “Come From Away” at the San Diego Civic Theatre this week and was so impressed by the (true) heartfelt story, cast + music. Did you know? The musical was born at the La Jolla Playhousebefore hitting Broadway. So, this tour is a real homecoming — especially for a play that’s all about the importance of being part of a community. Pro tip: You still have time to see it — there are shows tonight, tomorrow + Sunday. 🎭
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