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17 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: March 4-8

Enjoy Gatsby-themed tea, view Casa Familiar’s Surrealist new art exhibition, and see a local show for San Diego Theatre Month
Courtesy of the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering

If you caught a glimpse of last night’s solar eclipse, consider yourself lucky. But for those who missed it, there is fortunately much more than just blood moons to see this week in San Diego. Sports supporters can cheer on the Mojo and the Gulls, live music fans can catch concerts from Aimee Mann and Lala Lala, and theatergoers can watch the world premiere of The Maltese Falcon or one of several other San Diego Theatre Month productions. Additionally, March 8 marks International Women’s Day and ways to celebrate include checking out Stone World Bistro & Gardens’ International Women’s Day Brunch & Makers Market or Exquisite Potential, Casa Familiar’s 19th annual Dia de Mujer exhibition. 

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld San Diego 

Fridays-Sundays through April 26

Take a gastronomic voyage around the globe through SeaWorld San Diego’s annual Seven Seas Food Festival. Explore the new menu by heading down to the Caribbean for jerk chicken wings, venturing to Italy for braised meatballs or sailing towards the Mediterranean for a Dubai strawberry cup. Attendees can also catch several cultural performances, including Brazilian samba dances and French cirque shows, as well as concerts from acts like Fitz and the Tantrums and Walker Hayes at Bayside Amphitheater ($25-$70). Festival entry is included with park admission; SeaWorld San Diego tickets start at $70.  

500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay

Grand Gatsby Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Grand Del Mar 

Saturdays & Sundays in March

Every weekend in March (from noon to 3:30 p.m.), Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Lobby Lounge will transform into a Roaring Twenties-esque tea time inspired by The Great Gatsby. Bring along your old sports and indulge in finger sandwiches, scones and pastries, paired with loose-leaf teas, champagne or sparkling wine. Reservations are $95 per person for adults and $55 for children, plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Patrons are encouraged to dress in Art Deco fashion, meaning feather fascinators, flapper dresses and vintage tailored suits are so back. 

5300 Grand Del Mar Court, Del Mar

Stone International Women’s Day Brunch & Makers Market

March 8

Stone World Bistro & Gardens will toast to a slew of local female business leaders during its International Women’s Day Brunch & Makers Market this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This 21+ event will feature a women-owned marketplace and seasonal brunch stations, with offerings like casserole croque madame, a smoked salmon and bagel board and polenta with mushroom ragu, as well as fresh pastries and croissants. Tickets are $55 and come with brunch service, plus four curated beverage pairings and complimentary coffee, tea and lemonade.  

2816 Historic Decatur Road, Point Loma

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Aimee Mann at The Sound

March 5

Help celebrate the anniversary of Aimee Mann’s 2002 album Lost in Space when she takes the stage this Thursday at 8 p.m. at The Sound. Mann’s vivid and poetic songwriting has made her one of alternative rock’s most beloved musicians, with essential songs ranging from her origins with the new wave band ‘Til Tuesday to her many gems on turn-of-the-century film soundtracks, including the Academy Award-nominated “Save Me.” Mann’s performance will open with a set from folk rock singer Jonathan Coulton, whose repertoire includes being able to play more than 10 instruments. Tickets start at $66 for this concert.  

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

Lala Lala at the Casbah

March 6

Though it’s only March, one of the year’s defining releases has already come from indie rock artist Lala Lala, with her newest album Heaven 2 dropping last Friday. Whereas some songs on the record resemble muffled transmissions, spotted with left-field sounds from producer Jay Som, several are instantly catchy, creating an elusive yet striking balance. Joining the bill for Lala Lala’s 21+ performance this Friday (8:30 p.m.) at The Casbah is lots of hands, a British alternative group with a delightfully intricate sound. Tickets are $25 for this concert. 

2501 Kettner Boulevard, Middletown

San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering

March 7

Activate your STEAM cells and learn something new during the free San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, with activities, exhibits and scientific displays for all ages. This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Petco Park, explore dozens of interactive booths and receive hands-on education in biotechnology, astronomy, electrochemistry and more from a wide array of presenters. Attendees can also check out designated areas for art, construction, cybersecurity and robotics displays, plus converse with an array of college and career representatives.    

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

Candlewood Arts Festival

March 7 – April 5

Across 30 days, Under the Sun Foundation’s Candlewood Arts Festival invites all to Borrego Springs for a free, community-focused showcase of public art. The festival will kick off Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a full slate of activities, starting with a morning walk led by artist Karla Diaz and a community unity festival with food and live entertainment. The opening day events also include the opening reception of a Borrego Springs High School student art exhibit and the premiere of new sculpture, video and sound installation works at local venues. 

Borrego Springs

Courtesy of Scripps Ranch Theatre

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Theatre Month

Through March 31

Observe the city’s many creative scenes throughout San Diego Theatre Month, with tickets to a multitude of local shows available at three price levels: $15, $30 and $45. Organized by the San Diego Performing Arts League and playwright Christina St. Croix, this year’s selections span from out-of-the-box improv games to world premiere theatrical productions. The lineup of 35+ unique performing arts outings includes OnStage Playhouse’s production of The Mercy Seat ($15), New Village Arts’ upcoming adaptation of the Boston bromance Matt & Ben ($30) and Lamb’s Players Theatre’s revival of The ’70s: the Golden Age of the Album ($45). 

Citywide

The Maltese Falcon at North Coast Repertory Theatre

March 4 – April 5

Nearly a century after its release, Dashiell Hammett’s 1930 novel The Maltese Falcon remains the gold standard of noir, both in its literary form and legendary 1941 film adaptation. Beginning this Wednesday, the North Coast Repertory Theatre will present a comedic take on this crime fiction classic in a world premiere production from Matthew Salazar-Thompson. In The Maltese Falcon, San Francisco private eye Sam Spade is tasked with finding a prized bird statue, only this time, a cast of five performers will flexibly portray 35 characters. All preview performances and opening night are sold out, with limited tickets ($77) available for Sunday’s 7 p.m. show. 

987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach

The Medium is the Message at Art Produce Gallery

March 5 – April 2

The second group exhibition in Space 4 Art’s Art Produce Gallery residency will focus on the meaning derived from interactions between material and content in visual art. The Medium is the Message, curated by John Dewey and Andie Round of Material Projects DTLA, will highlight a collection of nine local and LA-based artists and open to the public this Thursday from 5-8 p.m. This exhibition will also have several special events, including a panel discussion (March 18), artist-led workshops (March 15 & 21) and a beginner-friendly knitting circle (March 28). 

3139 University Avenue, North Park

Rhapsody in Blue at Balboa Theatre

March 7 & 8

For its upcoming dance production Rhapsody in Blue, the City Ballet of San Diego are bringing back a pair of fan favorite selections and tackling a contemporary work for the first time. Audiences will see the San Diego premiere of Christopher Weeldon’s whimsical The American, plus the return of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s mesmeric Ecliptic and Rhapsody in Blue, which pairs Geoffrey Gonzalez’s inventive choreography with George Gershwin’s timeless score. Tickets start at $36, with performances Saturday (8 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) at Balboa Theatre. 

868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp

An Act of God at Scripps Ranch Theatre

March 7-29

The Roustabouts Theatre Co. are resurrecting David Javerbaum’s heavenly satire, An Act of God for a new adaptation at Scripps Ranch Theatre, beginning this Saturday. When God returns to Earth with two of Her trusty angels in tow, She decides to address religious questions, discuss the Bible’s outdated verses and revise The Ten Commandments for modern life. Tickets are $36 for preview performances this Saturday (7:30 p.m.), Sunday (2 p.m.) and next Thursday (7:30 p.m.), with admission rising to $46 for opening night on Friday, March 13 and all successive shows. 

9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch

Exquisite Potential: Surviving the 21st Century through Surreal Metamorphosis at The Front Gallery

March 7 – May 19

For Casa Familiar’s 19th annual Dia de la Mujer (International Women’s Day) exhibition at The Front Gallery, over two dozen BIPOC women and non-binary artists have channeled the infinite possibilities of Surrealism as a means of anti-fascist resistance. Through Exquisite Potential: Surviving the 21st Century through Surreal Metamorphosis, border region creatives are empowered to fight against rising authoritarianism whilst envisioning an unpredictably appealing world. Exquisite Potential will have an opening reception this Saturday from 5-7 p.m.

147 West San Ysidro Boulevard, San Ysidro

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Gulls vs. Rockford Icehogs at Pechanga Arena

March 6 & 7

The San Diego Gulls have entered the final third of the AHL season firmly in the playoff hunt, as the team looks to clinch their first playoff appearance since its 2021-22 campaign. Next up is the Rockford Icehogs, who the Gulls will play back-to-back nights at Pechanga Arena Friday (7 p.m.) and Saturday (6 p.m.). This homestand, the Gulls will host a pair of themed celebrations, with Friday marking First Responders Night and Saturday being Aloha Night, which includes a Gulls Aloha shirt giveaway. Tickets start at $22 for Friday’s game and $31 for Saturday.

3500 Sports Arena Boulevard, Midway

San Diego Mojo vs. Atlanta Vibe at Viejas Arena

March 7

With five victories in their last six matches, including a three-game home winning streak, the San Diego Mojo are on an absolute roll. One catalyst for the Mojo’s ascent up the standings is the outstanding play of setter Marlie Monserez, who recently received MVL Player of the Week honors. This Saturday (6 p.m.) on the Viejas arena hardwood, the Mojo will face off against the Atlanta Vibe, who are thus far 1-1 against the Mojo this season. Tickets start at $29 for this match, and fans will receive a Women Risin’ T-shirt giveaway. 

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando

Fortune Feimster at Civic Theatre

March 7

As the Takin’ Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour heads to the Civic Theatre this Saturday (7 p.m.), Fortune Feimster will be bringing loads of her quintessential Southern charm. Since her 2010 breakout on Last Comic Standing, the Groundlings alumnus has become a familiar comedic personality via podcasts, sitcoms and stand-up specials, the most recent being 2024’s Crushing It. Whether she’s relaying anecdotes about her coming out experience, debutante training or a chaotic Hardee’s trip, Feimster joyfully revels in life’s silliness. Tickets range from $45 to $87. 

1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp

Skechers Hot Chocolate Run

March 8

Finishing a race is usually the sweetest victory, but at this Sunday’s Skechers Hot Chocolate Run, dessert is the ultimate prize. On race day, there will be a 5K (7 a.m.), 10K and 15K (8 a.m.) all taking off from Petco Park, with each racer invited to conclude their workout with live music, photo ops, and loads of chocolatey goodness at the post-race party. Registration is $74 for the 5K, $85 for the 10K and $96 for the 15K, with an add-on VIP option for the Ghirardelli Cocoa Club; all participants will receive a full-zip jacket and finisher’s medal.

1235 K Street, Downtown

By Ryan Hardison

Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.

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