Hope you’re hungry. The best things to do in San Diego this weekend include a packed platter of food- and drink-related events (including a hockey-and-beer extravaganza and a Fallbrook festival for all things avocado), plus Earth Day happenings, an Asian film festival, and disco concert complete with roller skates. And, for those of you who scored tickets to this year’s sold-out Brunch Bash, we’ll see you there in your best Sunday attire!
Food and Drink | Concerts and Theater | Festivals and Art | More Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend
Aarti Sanghavi Benefit Dinner
April 16
Matsu owner and executive chef William Eick teams up with local chefs Davin Waite (Wrench and Rodent, The Plot, Shoots Fish & Beer) and Keith Lord (The Shed, Stratejē Fourteen) for a special benefit dinner this Tuesday, raising funds for local chef Aarti Sanghavi as she recovers from breast cancer. The trio of San Diego culinary giants will cook up an elegant six-course tasting menu of Baja-Indian cuisine at Matsu; there will also be a fully vegetarian meal available, as well as an optional wine and sake pairing for $75. Reservations are $225 per person for parties of 1 to 4 with seatings from 4 to 9 p.m. All proceeds from the dinner will go to Sanghavi.
626 South Tremont Street, Oceanside
Pucks & Pints
April 20
The sixth annual Pucks & Pints charity hockey game and festival arrives this Saturday with an afternoon of activities on and off the ice. Staff members from several local breweries will take to the rink at 12:30 p.m. at Pechanga Arena to compete for bragging rights. Afterwards, competitors and spectators alike can enjoy a 21-plus beer and BBQ festival across the street at Modern Times Beer from 2 to 5 p.m, featuring an all-you-can-eat feast from Phil’s BBQ and unlimited samples from local craft breweries. The San Diego Gulls will face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds at 6 p.m. to cap off the festivities. Tickets for Pucks & Pints cost $65 and provide entry to all three festival activities. All proceeds will benefit five selected local nonprofits, including the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego.
3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway
North Park Salsa Fest
April 20
The third annual North Park Salsa Fest invites local restaurants to go head-to-head in a heated salsa taste testing at North Park Mini Park this Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This community food festival includes live music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ activities, dance performances, plus salsa samples from several SD eateries. Attendees will vote to award one the prestigious honor of “Best Salsa.” Entry to the festival is free, but tickets must be purchased for the salsa tasting. Get a tray of tortilla chips and salsas from each participating business for $15 online or $20 at the door.
3812 29th Street, North Park
Orange Wine Party
April 20
Vino Carta Wine Shop and Bar will host an orange wine tasting, exploring the styles, grapes, and origins of orange wine, also known as amber wine. Orange wines originate from white wine grapes. Unlike with whites, the grape skins are not removed, resulting in a creamsicle-colored sip with a typically dry, strong taste and fruity aromas. Local oenophiles can stop by the shop’s Little Italy location between 2 and 6 p.m. to sample 12 orange wines for $35. Reservations are not required.
2161 India Street, Little Italy
Fallbrook Avocado Festival
April 21
Whether you prefer to spread avo on toast or mash it into guac, all avocado lovers are invited to revel in the beauty of the versatile green berry (yes, berry!) this Sunday at the Fallbrook Avocado Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can sample avocados from a row of artisan vendors, purchase their own avocado tree, explore a variety of contests (including an avocado attire competition and an avocado car race), and shop avocado-themed merchandise, from plushies to earrings. You can also enjoy food vendors, a beer and wine garden, a kids’ zone, and performances from local musicians at this free fest.
East Alvarado Street & South Main Avenue, Fallbrook
Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend
FREAK OUT! A Disco Extravaganza
April 20–21
The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus’ new spring show FREAK OUT! A Disco Extravagaaanza draws divine inspiration from the glittery disco days of New York City’s Studio 54. Boogie on down to the Balboa Theatre for a pair of shows (Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.) and take in the irresistible sounds of disco as the chorus hits the dance floor in sequins and roller skates. Tickets for FREAK OUT! are available starting at $26.50.
868 4th Avenue, Gaslamp
Festivals and Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today
Opens April 18
The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla showcases the work of more than 20 artists in this imaginative new group exhibition opening this Thursday. On display through July 28, Forecast Form uses changes in weather as a metaphor to understand how the evolution of art in the Caribbean diaspora is a result of the Caribbean region’s rapid political and economic changes dating back to the 1990s. The artists depict their personal experiences and connections with the Carribean while weighing the transformative concepts of identity and place within contemporary art.
700 Prospect Street, La Jolla
San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase
April 18–25
Beginning this Thursday, Pacific Arts Movement’s 13th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase will show more than 15 films from Asian filmmakers over eight days at Ultrastar Cinemas. Standout events from the festival lineup include Saturday’s free Asian and Asian American Poetry Jam on Saturday, featuring a live reading from San Diego Poet Laureate Jason Magabo, and Sunday’s screening of Through Tibetan Eyes: the Films of Pema Tseden, which examines pioneering late director Tseden’s depictions of Tibetan life and his impact on world cinema. Ticket options include individual screening passes ($15) and all-access passes ($110), which come with entry to all films, receptions, happy hours, and more.
7510 Hazard Center Drive Suite 100, Mission Valley
San Diego Earthfest
April 20
This free Earth Day celebration from Vegan Food Popup invites San Diegans to explore 140 eco-friendly food, product, and service vendors—along with a variety of environmental, conservation, and animal rescue groups—on the lawn at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way at Balboa Park. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego EarthFest will also feature an international food court, live music and DJs, environmental speakers and demonstrations, yoga and wellness classes, and kid-friendly activities. A portion of proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits. Reserve your free spot here.
Park Boulevard, Balboa Park
Chicano Park Day
April 20
The 54th Chicano Park Day takes place this Saturday in the heart of Barrio Logan from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s celebration recalls the spirit of resistance that led to the creation of Chicano Park 54 years ago, when the local Chicano community rallied to occupy the land beneath the then-newly built San Diego-Coronado Bridge for 12 days following years of displacement, mistreatment, and broken promises. Chicano Park Day 2024 will feature traditional music and dance, including Danza Azteca Chichimeca and ballet folklórico; a custom car show; guest speakers; arts and crafts vendors; and a special flag raising ceremony.
1949 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic
April 19–21
Car collectors and automobile admirers can check out all kinds of luxurious cars, from classic Porsches to limited-edition Chryslers, at the 18th annual La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic. The festivities begin on Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m. with a VIP party at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, where attendees can enjoy an upscale evening with jazz, cocktails, and bites from more than 20 local restaurants, plus a live auction, entertainment, and vintage automobiles. Additional highlights include Saturday’s free Porsches on Prospect in La Jolla Village and Sunday’s main event, which brings more than 200 vehicles to the La Jolla Cove Lawn from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1100 Coast Boulevard, La Jolla
Creek to Bay Cleanup Day
April 20
Resident can show their appreciation for Mother Nature by teaming up with I Love A Clean San Diego for their annual Creek to Bay Cleanup Day this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at one of more than 100 San Diego County cleanup locations. Stretching from Rainbow to Tijuana, this Earth Day tradition encourages community members to roll up their sleeves and fight pollution in and outside of the city. At each location, a trained volunteer will lead a team in collecting and disposing of trash. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes, bring water and sunscreen, and sign up ahead of time here.
Citywide
Coronado Flower Show
April 20–21
The largest tented flower show in the country returns, bringing two days of floral festivities (Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to Spreckels Park. Now in its 102nd year, the Coronado Flower Show includes a variety of educational lectures, landscape displays, and floral competitions. Standout home and business gardens in Coronado will receive awards. The event will also feature live music, a food pavilion, and a wine and beer garden. Tickets to each day of the show are $10 per person.
Orange Avenue & 6th Street, Coronado
