As the summer begins to dwindle away, Downtown Chula Vista remains the hub of life and celebration. It is the neighborhood where you can get together with your friends to watch the heated season of The San Diego Padres, cheer on your favorite team in this year’s Women’s World Cup and bask in the community events that are to come!
Rooting for the Padres & Catching World Cup Fever
Throughout the summer, the sounds of cheering crowds have filled the air with an infectious excitement making this South Bay neighborhood the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts and fans alike. For those looking to combine their love of sports with a deliciously hearty meal, The Balboa South is the go-to spot in downtown Chula Vista. The restaurant welcomes locals and visitors to join their foodie family as everyone cheers on the Padres game on the big screen while enjoying one of the many mouthwatering hamburgers they have on the menu.
Walking along Third Avenue, you might catch the sound of enthusiasm seep from Vogue Tavern. Stepping in, you’ll instantly sense the same lively atmosphere that fills Petco Park, right at the heart of Downtown Chula Vista. The restaurant offers a huge selection of appetizers, similar to the mouthwatering treats found at Petco Park itself. And if you drop by on a Monday when the Padres are playing, you’ll have the chance to indulge in their all-day happy hour menu, making your experience even more delightful.
Combine your love for seafood and refreshing wine-based spirits with your passion for sports at Los Cuates Seafood and Bar. Ranging from a savory ceviche to an Octopus Plate, Los Cuates Seafood and Bar is a no brainer choice for someone looking for a tasty hidden gem. Join in on the celebration for the Padres as they continue to secure victories, accompanied by the irresistible flavors that make this place simply unbeatable.
Can you feel it? As the Women’s World Cup captures the hearts of millions around the world, that same exhilarating feeling runs high in Downtown Chula Vista. All along the iconic Third Avenue, you will find several inviting breweries that will welcome sports fans with open arms and a glass of beer. Thr3e Punk Ales, Groundswell Brewing, Third Avenue Alehouse, Chula Vista Brewery, along with others create a lively atmosphere where fans can unite, clink glasses, and root for their favorite teams together. These craft breweries not only serve a diverse selection of finely brewed beers but also host screenings of the much-anticipated soccer matches, making them the perfect spots to immerse oneself in the World Cup fever.
Lemon Festival
The 26th Annual Lemon Festival is right around the corner! The Downtown Chula Vista Association will soon be transforming Third Avenue into a lemon paradise on Saturday, August 12th from 11:00 am – 6:00 p.m. The free event will feature lemon-themed bites and sips along with two stages of live music, photo set ups, a lemon cook-off competition, arts and craft vendors, and a kid’s zone for families. This is also your sign to start brainstorming a themed outfit idea as this year there will be a lemon-themed costume contest! Attendees are encouraged to get creative and take inspiration from the zesty fruit. Dedicate the day to all thing’s lemon with your friends, family and community at the Lemon Festival!
A Look Ahead
Let’s keep the good vibes going with the return of the Annual Amps & Ales celebration happening on Saturday, September 16th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Beer enthusiasts are invited to sample 30 breweries, distilleries, and wineries along with bites from tasty food vendors. In addition to the tasty ales that guests will be able to sample, live music from local performers will be playing through Third Avenue. The event is a perfect place to invite your friends, make new ones, or just spend time with the community! Tickets for Amps & Ales are on sale now. General Admission tickets are $35 and include entry into the event from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., while VIP tickets are $45 and include entry into the event an hour before general admission, from Noon – 4:00 p.m.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or love the company of an energized crowd, the summer celebrations are continuing in Downtown Chula Vista!
For the latest updates on Downtown Chula Vista, please visit us at DowntownChulaVista.com or follow us on Instagram @DowntownChulaVista, TikTok @DowntownChulaVista, Facebook @DowntownChulaVista, and Twitter @DowntownChula.
Dominic Li Mandri is District Manager of the Downtown Chula Vista Association.
