4th of July Events in San Diego

Oceanside Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Display

June 29 & July 3

Start the festivities a little early in Oceanside with the annual Independence Day Parade on Coast Highway. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, cheer on the floats, bands (including the 1^st Marine Division Band), walking groups, and decked-out cars. Then, on July 3, witness a spectacular fireworks show, hosted by the Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department. The pyrotechnics start at 9 p.m. at the SoCal Soccer Complex, but the gates open at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities and food trucks.

3300 Dr Hugh La Bounty Dr, Oceanside

SeaWorld San Diego 4th of July Fireworks

June 30–July 4

Oh, say, you can see some glimmering pyrotechnics after a day of sea-themed fun. The week of June 30 through July 4, view nightly SeaWorld fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from around the park. The festive explosives show is synced to music to ring in another year of America’s independence.

500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay

Chula Vista 4th Fest

July 4

BYO blankets and chairs to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center for a free fireworks display set to a bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Get to South Bay early—the gates open at 7 p.m., and free parking is limited to 600 spots. There will be food trucks onsite to enjoy while you wait for the show to start. If you miss out on the training center parking, you can still get a great view of the fireworks from nearby Mountain Hawk Park. 

2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista

Crown City Classic Run

July 4

Burn off some pre-barbecue calories with a patriotic 12K or 5K run on Coronado Island. (Why 12K? A nod to America’s birthday—it equates to 7.4 miles.) The out-and-back race, now in its 51st year, starts in Tidelands Park, wraps around the golf course and Glorietta Bay, and heads out onto the Silver Strand with scenic views of the Coronado Bridge. You can bring the whole family—there’s a Crown City Half Mile race for kids. Then stick around after your run for more star-spangled Coronado festivities (see below).

2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado

Coronado Fourth of July

July 4

From sunup to sundown, celebrate our nation’s independence with a packed schedule of patriotic events for the whole family. The 75th annual parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue doesn’t set out till 10 a.m., but spectators start saving their spots at 5 a.m., and the pre-parade entertainment begins at 7:30. Afterward, catch a demonstration by the US Navy parachute team, live musical performances in Spreckels Park, and a colorful fireworks show you can watch from the Coronado Golf Course at 9 p.m.

Various locations, Coronado

El Cajon Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4

East County’s Kennedy Park hosts this patriotic fireworks display starting at 9 p.m., but the family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. Arrive early to the park to enjoy free train rides, arts and crafts, and games and watch live music from two bands. Then sit back to ooh and ahh as the fireworks light up the sky.

1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon

Big Bay Boom Firework Show

July 4

The Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks display in California. Bring lawn chairs to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, the Marina District, or the Coronado Ferry Landing at 9 p.m., or get a closer view from your own vessel on the bay. To avoid parking downtown, consider taking advantage of the expanded trolley service that night.

Various locations

Maritime Museum July 4th BBQ Dinner & Fireworks Viewing

July 4

The San Diego Maritime Museum opens up the McKinney Deck of the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley and the waterfront barge behind it for visitors to enjoy a barbecue dinner along the water starting at 7 p.m., then a front-row seat to the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the bay. Purchase your tickets online in advance, and bring a blanket for the first-come, first-serve seating on the boat.

1492 North Harbor Drive, Waterfront

Old Town Historic 4th of July Celebration

July 4

Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s staff and volunteers to experience an 1800s-style Independence Day celebration. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event offers games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. Previous years’ activities have included potato sack races, tug-of-war, and folk dances.

San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July

July 4

Flash back to the turn of the 20th century at Old Poway Park’s Independence Day celebration. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy train displays, children’s crafts, old-fashioned games, patriotic entertainment, train rides, and tasty food. Follow that up with two glimmering fireworks displays illuminating the sky over the Poway High School Stadium and the Poway Sportsplex. The high school gates open at 6 p.m., and for $6 per adult (kids 11 and under are free), you can enjoy games, activities, and music leading up to the big show.

14134 Midland Road | 15500 Espola Road | 12349 McIvers Court, Poway

San Diego County Fair Fireworks Spectacular

July 4

The Del Mar Fairgrounds has hosted the San Diego County Fair—the unofficial summer kick-off in SD—since 1936. Spend the day riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on piglets in the Swifty Swine Pig Races, or housing fried chicken sandwiched between two hot honey–drizzled funnel cakes. Then, head to the Corona Grandstand Stage to watch the dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m. General admission (standing room only) is free, or you can pay to reserve a seat. 

2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar

Escondido Independence Day Festival

July 4

Let freedom ring in the heart of Escondido at this annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m. in Grape Day Park, you can explore the artisan market; order eats from local food trucks; drink local craft beers and spirits; and listen to live performances, including one from the Navy 32nd Street Brass Band, hosted by the adjacent California Center for the Arts. Then settle down on a blanket or lawn chair for the spectacular fireworks finale at 9:05 p.m. For the first time this year, the Center for the Arts is extending the celebration to a four-day free concert series, so come back on July 5, 6, or 7 for more live shows.

321 North Broadway, Escondido

Legoland’s Red, White & Boom!

July 4

Spend Fourth of July at Legoland with a full schedule of USA-themed activities—DJ dance parties, limited-edition treats, lawn games, and meet-and-greets—in addition to the normal brick-building fun and rides. Then put on magic glasses to see a spectacular show: fireworks exploding into 3D Lego bricks. The special event is included with regular park admission.

One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad

Santee Salutes

July 4

Enjoy an all-American afternoon in East County at Santee’s Town Center Park. The gates open at 2 p.m., inviting guests to partake in amusement rides and food trucks in between performances by the US Marine Corps Band Popular Music Group and country band Whiskey Ridge. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and will be synced to the fireworks soundtrack on SanteeTV. 

550 Park Center Drive, Santee 

Julian 4th of July Parade

July 4

Experience small-town charm in the Cuayamaca Mountains with this annual patriotic parade. For more than 20 years, Julian residents and their friends have lined up on Main Street to wave their flags and cheer on local school marching bands. Pre-parade activities include musical performances, an Old West reenactment, pie-eating contests, and a vintage airplane fly-over before the main event starts at noon. 

Main Street, Julian

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Food & Drink Events in San Diego This June

Best of North County Party

June 7

Meet us at the Carlsbad Flower Fields, where we’ll gather our favorite restaurants, distilleries, and businesses from up north for SDM’s annual Best of North County Party. Wear your cutest stretchy pants—you’ll need the extra room to indulge in all the bites and sips that await. Must be 21 to attend.

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad

Wildcoast’s 12th Annual Baja Bash Fundraiser

June 8

Dive into a sea of tacos and tequila at Wildcoast’s 12th annual Baja Bash on World Oceans Day. Help wildlife in Baja and beyond while feasting on delectable bites from some of SD’s top names in sustainable seafood, including Roberto Alcocer (Malva and Valle) and Emiliano Safa (Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa) at the Montbleau Estate in Solana Beach.

Montbleau Estate, Solana Beach

Taste of Little Italy

June 18-19

Save your appetito for two days of Italian delicacies at Taste of Little Italy. Head to the Piazza della Famiglia to pick up your Taste Passport and make your rounds at some of our favorite Italian cucinas, sampling pasta, pizza, and pesto to your heart’s content.

2210 Columbia Street, Little Italy

San Diego Beer Weekend

June 21-23

Put “crack a cold one” on your calendar. It’s time for San Diego Beer Weekend, an annual fest from the SD Brewers Guild highlighting independent craft breweries across the county—an area with more than 150 independent beer manufacturers.

Citywide

Concerts & Theater in San Diego This June

North Park Music Festival

June 1

Some of SoCal and Baja’s favorite musicians are appearing at the North Park Music Festival for another year of amps, bites, and brews. All ages are welcome to enjoy live performances and check out installations from binational artists, including Tijuana’s Parque de Cometas. More than 15 local food vendors and craft breweries will join the scene.

3812 29th St, North Park

Alison Brand Concert at Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

June 12

Catch Banjo Hall of Famer and Grammy Award winner Alison Brown at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center for a bluegrass-jazz concert benefiting the Rotary Club of La Jolla. Top-tier ticketholders get access to a pre-concert reception and a Q&A session with Jamie Deering, CEO of the SD-based Deering Banjo Company.

7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This June

The Art of Experience Art Exhibit at Union Hall Gallery

June 1-16

Golden Hill has a new kid on the block: Union Hall Gallery, an offshoot of the Santa Ysabel Art Gallery. The space launches its inaugural exhibit, The Art of Experience, this month. Ponder the works of sculptor Ted Berryman and his late wife, abstract painter Martha Moramay Cuevas, and take advantage of a rare opportunity to touch the art in this interactive showcase.

 2323 Broadway # 201, Golden Hill

Integration Series Pop-Up Art Gallery

June 1-17

A kaleidoscopic experience awaits at Sarah Stieber’s experiential pop-up gallery in Little Italy. The shimmering hues of her Integration Series echo the transparent acrylic displays and furniture throughout the space, immersing visitors in Stieber’s joyful world.

1943 India St., Little Italy

San Diego County Fair at The Del Mar Fairgrounds

June 12-July 7

If you haven’t stuffed your face with deep-fried everything at the San Diego County Fair, have you really experienced summer here? Dig up your vintage threads—shoulder pads, neon colors, and clashing prints—for this year’s “Let’s Go Retro” theme at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar

 More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This June

Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and 5K

June 1-2

On your marks, get set… ROCK! San Diego’s highly anticipated Rock ‘n’ Roll race is back, inviting distance runners to test their mettle with a marathon, half-marathon, and 5K. Those without a need for speed can gather on the sidelines to cheer the athletes on and help them re-up on electrolytes.

Citywide

Free Yoga Class at The Rady Shell

June 8

Zero experience necessary, but yoga mat, SPF, and sunnies encouraged. Namaste your way to the Rady Shell, where FIT Athletic and longtime yogi Viktoria Talbot leads a free flow amid picturesque views of the bay. Registration required.

222 Marina Park Way, Downtown

Anchored in Wellness, A Day of Movement and Mindfulness at Liberty Station

June 29

Don your athleisure for Anchored in Wellness, a day of movement and mindfulness at Liberty Station. Try a fitness class (like yoga with Yoga Six, or Pilates with Club Pilates), then find that mind-to-body connection with a post-workout ice bath, meditation, or breathwork. Finally, fuel up with local food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and more.

2640 Cushing Road, Point Loma

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Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Mother’s Day Brunch at Hotel del Coronado

May 12

Celebrate Mom with an all-you-can-eat brunch at one of San Diego’s iconic seaside spots. In the Hotel del Coronado’s Southpointe Ballroom, guests will enjoy live music and brunch stations featuring sweet treats like Polynesian vanilla buttermilk pancakes and chocolate chip breakfast bread pudding, plus made-to-order omelets, eggs benedicts, and avocado toast. Guests ages 21 and up will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne. Mother’s Day Brunch at the Hotel del Coronado is $185 for adults, $95 for children ages 4 to 12, and complementary for children 3 and under with a paid adult. Seatings take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there are still several reservation times available here.

1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado

Coronado Art & Wine Festival

May 11

The Coronado Schools Foundation and the Coronado Chamber of Commerce invite residents to wine, dine, and admire the art on display this Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. The festival will feature more than 80 artist booths, plus live music and a varied selection of sips and bites, all in an effort to fundraise for local art education. Admission to the art festival is free, but to try wine, you’ll have to purchase one of several tasting packages, such as the $50 wine village pass (which comes with six vino samples, bites, and live music) or the $275 all-inclusive VIP pass (it comes with 15 wine tastings, plus access to all three tasting areas and a “meet the artists” pre-party invite). For the entire list of ticket options, visit here.

1125 10th Street, Coronado

Concerts & Theater in San Diego This Weekend

Wagner New Play Festival

May 8–11

San Diegans can support local playwrights on the rise at the 2024 Wagner New Play Festival, where five UC San Diego grad students will present their original works onstage at a trio of intimate theaters on UCSD’s campus. Highlights from this year’s showcase include the satirical military and musical theater mashup of Milo Cramer’s No Singing in the Navy and the dark coming-of-age comedy Dead Girl’s Quinceanera by Phanésia Pharel. Individual show tickets are $20 for general admission, $10 for UCSD students, and $15 for UCSD staff and faculty.

La Jolla

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10–12

The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival kicks off this Friday, bringing more than 80 musicians to downtown’s waterfront. In addition to headliners like Kaytranada, Dominic Fike, and Beck, expect appearances from a wide variety of local bands and Latin music artists. Wonderfont will also include pop-up sports and games at Ruocco Park, plus VIP boat cruises, yacht parties, art installations, and plenty of nighttime events to keep the party jumping all over the city. Wonderfront tickets are still available, with three-day general admission and VIP passes going for $329 and $399 respectively. Single-day passes are on sale for $135.

839 West Harbor Drive, Embarcadero

The Nowell Family Foundation Festivities 

May 11

The Nowell Family Foundation will sponsor a day full of activities in Oceanside, all aimed at promoting addiction recovery. A Sublime Life, a free sobriety festival featuring live music, workshops, speakers, and more at Oceanside Civic Center Plaza, takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 5 to 10 p.m., just down the street at the Oceanside Museum of Art, rock out at Sublime Family Jam, a benefit concert hosted by Sublime bassist Eric Wilson and new lead singer Jakob Nowell (son of original frontman Bradley Nowell) to raise funds for Bradley’s House, the foundation’s sobriety home. Tickets to the concert—which also includes a DJ performance from Troy Dendekker, a Sublime memorabilia exhibition, and an art competition highlighting artwork focused on addiction and mental health—are $115.

A Sublime Life – 300 North Coast Highway, Oceanside | Sublime Family Jam – 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

GI Film Festival San Diego

Through May 11

The annual GI Film Festival at The Museum of Photographic Arts recognizes veterans and active service members—including many residing or stationed in San Diego—working in front of and behind the camera to bring thought-provoking stories to the silver screen. The 2024 festival selections highlight the perspective of Black and LGBTQ+ veterans, soldiers grappling with the long-lasting effects of war, and the previously untold stories of fallen heroes. The festival also offers free interactive events like the Women Veterans in Film panel and filmmaker and fan happy hours. Tickets for individual screenings are $10 for general admission and $8 for active military and veterans.

1649 El Prado, Balboa Park

Border Blitz: Artistas del Cómic de Tijuana and Collaboration(s)! A Journey with John Jennings

Opening May 9

The San Diego Comic-Con Museum welcomes two new exhibits this Thursday. Part of the ongoing World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 festivities, Border Blitz: Artistas del Cómic de Tijuana features artwork from Charles Glaubitz, Alejandra Yépiz Portillo, and Urbano Mata, Tijuana artists depicting life in the border region. Collaboration(s)! A Journey with John Jennings showcases graphic novels and comic art collections from artist and author John Jennings, director of the Abrams ComicArts’ line Megascope, which centers the experiences of people of color.

2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

Gator by the Bay

May 9–12

Gator by the Bay returns to Spanish Landing Park for its 21st year with a familiar recipe: the tastes and tunes that define Southern Louisiana. The sounds of zydeco, rockabilly, and the blues will take over several live music stages, and attendees can indulge in a Cajun feast of epic proportions, featuring favorites like jambalaya, beignets, and, of course, 10,000 pounds of crawfish. Ticket options for Gator By the Bay include one-day ($70–$85), three-day ($185–$230), and four-day ($235–$295) general admission. Kids ages 17 and under get in free.

3900 North Harbor Drive, Point Loma

Community Arts Open House

May 11

From 1 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center hosts an afternoon of free workshops, concerts, and interactive programs, from hip-hop dancing to a drum circle. San Diegans will be able to tap into their passions under the tutelage of local artists and collectives like Drummers Without Borders, Malashock Dance, and Studio ACE. Enjoy live performances from Chiara Capobianco and the Euphoria Brass Band, as well as local middle school, high school, and college ensembles and students from the LJMS’ Community Music Center. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance here.

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour

May 11–12

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, the San Dieguito Art Guild will host its 27th annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art, Garden & Studio Tour, with pop-up art exhibits tucked away in eight North County homes, gardens, and art studios. These properties will welcome more than 30 local artists selling paintings, ceramics, photography, and more, and scenic stops on the self-guided tour include various work barns, outdoor kitchens, and sculpture gardens. This unique Mother’s Day adventure also serves as the nonprofit’s major annual fundraiser, so everyone is invited to drop by each stop to enjoy refreshments, admire scenic outdoor spaces, and purchase some artwork. Tickets are $35 per person and are valid for the entire weekend.

937 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas 

 More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 

May 10–12

The Padres will kick off their first homestand of the month with a three-game set against the boys in blue, beginning this Friday night at Petco Park. New Padres acquisition Luis Arraez brings a stellar batting average and tremendous plate discipline to an already stacked Padres lineup, but will it be enough to outscore the Dodgers and their MVP-winning trifecta of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman? This series will likely come down to whoever’s more dominant on the mound, meaning the Friars will need strong outings from Yu Darvish and Michael King to fend off the league’s number-one offense and continue their charge for the NL West crown. Tickets for this weekend’s rival matchup start at $51.

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

Posh on Prospect

May 11

The Living Room will host Post on Prospect, the latest fashion show from Fashion Week San Diego. The event will begin with photo ops at 11 a.m. At noon, models will strut the catwalk, showcasing looks from a variety of local boutiques and brands. Afterward, enjoy an all-day shopping spree at several nearby stores, where you can explore the couture and stroll the streets of La Jolla like they’re the Met Gala red carpet. The $49 Posh Pass gets attendees access to the whole event, as well as coffee, a baked treat, and promotions at participating boutiques. The $59 Posh Plus ticket comes with all those perks, plus a glass of champagne.

9850 Genesee Avenue, La Jolla

Balboa Park Pow Wow

May 11–12

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, the San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC) presents the 36th annual Balboa Park Pow Wow, a free community celebration of Native American culture, traditions, and heritage. The festivities will include Kumeyaay bird singing; gourd and intertribal dancing; Native American food, arts, and crafts vendors; and a special honoring of mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures to commemorate Mother’s Day.

Corner of Park Boulevard and President’s Way, Balboa Park

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Concerts & Theatre in San Diego

To the Stars at Mandeville Auditorium

May 4-5

Celestial sounds will echo through UCSD’s Mandeville Auditorium with To The Stars. Presented by the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, each of the production’s two shows offers live renditions of moving compositions by Anton Webern, Osvaldo Golijov, and Johannes Brahms.
9390 Mandeville Ln, La Jolla

San Diego Ballet’s Giselle at Balboa Theatre

May 4-5

The San Diego Ballet stages a uniquely SD take on Giselle, a heartbreaking love story originally set in medieval Germany, at the Balboa Theatre. Artistic Director Javier Velasco’s version transfers the tale to Spanish-colonial California and turns the traditional “Wilis”—ghosts of scorned women—into Mexican lloronas.
868 Fourth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Stir at the Old Globe Theater

May 4-26

Two siblings bridge the physical and emotional distance between them through a shared love of their mother’s favorite recipe in Stir, a recently commissioned, world-premiere play at the Old Globe, proving that food truly does bring people together.
1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

2024 Wonderfront Music Festival

May 10-12

San Diego’s annual Wonderfront Music Festival is back, welcoming headliners Weezer, Kaytranada, Beck, Dominic Fike, Mt. Joy, and JID, among other artists, for three days of good food and drinks and even better music against a backdrop of nonstop sun and glistening waves in downtown.
100 The Embarcadero, Seaport Village

Justin Timberlake Concert at Pechanga Arena

May 14

“This I Promise You”… former N*SYNC boy bander Justin Timberlake’s show at Pechanga Arena on Midway will be jam-packed with bops. The 10-time Grammy winner will play tunes from his 2023 album Everything I Thought I Was.
3500 Sports Arena Blvd, Point Loma

Swan Lake at the Civic Theatre

May 17-18

In the running for the most well-known ballet on the planet, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake follows Odette, a princess turned into a swan by dark magic. Hand-painted sets and elaborate costumes bring the classic story to life at the Civic Theatre.
1100 Third Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

San Diego International Fringe Festival

May 14-26

The one thing you won’t find at the San Diego International Fringe Festival? Censorship. Everything else is fair game. The 12th annual iteration of this free-to-low-cost fest celebrating out-of-the-box theatre, dance, and art brings hundreds of bold performances to Balboa Park and beyond.
Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

May 1-12

Ring in spring with the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch’s annual ranunculus extravaganza. Get lost amid 55 acres of blooms while wandering peaceful gardens and a sweet pea maze, snacking on food truck eats, and chugging through the kaleidoscopic fields in a tractor-pulled wagon.
5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

May 1-12

Birds, bees, and butterflies are the stars of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s spring activities in Escondido. Expect breakdancing pollinators, guitar-playing bluebirds, and the chance to try your hand at nature photography in the park’s colorful Butterfly Jungle.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido

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Food & Drink Events in San Diego

Taste of Hillcrest

April 13

Take a self-guided tour of one of San Diego’s most fun and flavorful neighborhoods this Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. with Taste of Hillcrest. More than 25 local cafés, eateries, and restaurants will offer up samples, including sips like specialty cocktails and cold brew and eats such as sashimi and brownie bites. Taste of Hillcrest passes are $40 and can be purchased here. | 5th Avenue and University Avenue, Hillcrest

Celebrate the Craft 

April 14

From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, SoCal’s culinary community will show out in full force for the 21st annual Celebrate the Craft, a festival dedicated to cooking, winemaking, and agricultural excellence. Taste the region’s finest ingredients and celebrate the area’s top tastemakers and artisans with samples of SoCal’s best wine, craft beer, and dining delights. VIP tickets are already sold out, but general admission passes are still available for $250. A portion of the proceeds from the festivities will go to The Ecology Center. | 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

Concerts & Theater in San Diego

BRAT

April 12 & 13

Taking inspiration from the real-life experiences of children from military families, Wendy Maples’ BRAT revolves around the life of a military kid who must grapple with constant moves and work to create new friendships in unfamiliar places. The Light Box Theater’s two performances of BRAT (Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.) are free for audiences; sign up for a ticket to attend. | 2590 Truxtun Road Suite 205, Liberty Station

Billy Joel & Sting

April 13

Music legends Billy Joel and Sting share the stage at Petco Park for a special concert this Saturday night. The two icons——the minds behind iconic hits and karaoke essentials like “Piano Man,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Roxanne”—recently launched their co-headlining tour, and this concert is their only performance together on the West Coast. Tickets are still available for the show, starting at $98. | 100 Park Boulevard, East Village

The 39 Steps

April 13–May 12

Opening this Saturday night, The 39 Steps is an adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 spy thriller of the same name. Whereas Hitchcock’s adventure film leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, the parodic stage version puts a comedic and romantic spin on the dramatic source material. Directed by AJ Knox, The 39 Steps will run on the Ray Charles Stage at New Village Arts for over twenty shows through mid-May. | 2787 State Street, Carlsbad

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

Duke Windsor: Reflections

Through April 28

See Reflections from Mt. Helix–based artist Duke Windsor at the exhibition’s free opening reception this Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sparks Gallery. Windsor brings a touch of magic to his acrylic paintings of everyday San Diego sights by giving our beloved city gold-leaf skies. Catch the show through April 28. | 530 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp

San Diego Arab Film Festival

April 12–13, 19–21

The 13th annual San Diego Arab Film Festival kicks off this Friday at The Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art. A 7:20 p.m. screening features the short film I Am From Palestine and the feature film A House in Jerusalem. The festival, from local nonprofit KARAMA, will host eight screenings in total, each highlighting one full-length feature and one short film, with the intention of celebrating cinema from countries such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Morocco. After Friday night’s screening, see two on Saturday (6:10 p.m. and 8:25 p.m.). Each evening of the festival will be followed by a cafeteria-style Arabic dinner ($15). Tickets for individual screenings ($15), three screenings ($40), and all eight screenings ($80) are available. | 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park

South Bay Earth Day

April 13

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bayfront Park, South Bay will celebrate Earth Day in a big way with several environmentally friendly activities and zero-waste exhibits. At this free event hosted by the City of Chula Vista, learn more about living an eco-conscious lifestyle thanks to demonstrations on composting, green energy conservation, and diminishing your carbon footprint. The event will also feature a bike-only valet, a fix-it clinic for broken items, live entertainment, organic food, and more than 40 sustainable vendors. | 980 Marina Way, Chula Vista 

San Diego Made Spring Market

April 13

The 10th annual San Diego Made Spring Market arrives in La Mesa Village this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shop niche finds and beautiful crafts from more than 120 local makers, artisans, and artists. The free market will also include mini golf, face painting, a beer and wine garden, an abstract painting workshop, and high tea service. But the fun’s not over yet—attendees can expect gourmet food trucks, live music from local musicians, craft stations, photo ops, a variety of discounts and deals, and a scavenger hunt for the chance to earn prizes. | 8111 Orange Avenue, La Mesa

Rolando Street Fair

April 14

The Rolando Street Fair takes over Rolando Boulevard from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Sunday, with more than 100 local vendor booths showcasing San Diego’s vibrant local businesses. Attendees can enjoy performances from local bands, including School of Rock San Diego and Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra, plus tasty craft brews and bites from dozens of San Diego food trucks. Kids can get in on the block party fun, too, with the $5 kids zone, where they can spend the afternoon climbing walls and inflatables, playing games, and making crafts. | Rolando Boulevard, Rolando Village

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

The Bulls of Sant’Agata Charge Little Italy

Sunday April 14

Instead of the loud grunt of a bull raring to charge anyone wearing red, onlookers will hear the engine purr of pristine Italian icons as The Little Italy Association and O’Gara Coach San Diego team up once again for the Bulls of Sant’Agata Charge Little Italy this Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. More than 20 classic and rare Lamborghinis, also referred to as “Italian bulls,” will cruise down India Street and give car lovers the chance to see the automotive beauties up close for free while enjoying live music and entertainment in the heart of Little Italy. | India Street between West Fir and West Grape Streets, Little Italy

The post 11 Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: April 11–14 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink Events in San Diego

Celebrate the Craft at the Lodge at Torrey Pines

April 14

Sip and snack with some of Southern California’s top chefs (including SD heavy-hitters Shihomi Borillo, JoJo Ruiz, and Travis Swikard) and winemakers at the Lodge at Torrey Pines’ Celebrate the Craft. The annual culinary showcase casts a spotlight on regional ingredients and dishes.

San Diego Magazine‘s Brunch Bash 2024

April 21

Get your wide-brimmed hats ready! SDM’s annual Brunch Bash at Carlsbad’s Omni La Costa Resort features unlimited eats, brunch cocktails, and craft coffee to start your Sunday right. Tickets are $80, include a mag subscription, and usually sell out fast, so act quickly.

Concerts & Theatre in San Diego

Ride at the Old Globe

April 1 – 28

They say once you know how to ride a bike, you never forget. For the sake of Annie Londonderry, a woman determined to circle the world on two wheels despite her very limited cycling experience, let’s hope so. Based on a true story, the side-splitting musical Ride arrives at the Old Globe in Balboa Park this month.

Aladdin at the Civic Theatre

April 3 – 7

Take a magic carpet ride to downtown San Diego for the Civic Theatre’s latest production: a Broadway take on Disney’s Aladdin. Kids must be at least 5 years old and have their own ticket to see the Genie help smart, scrappy Aladdin woo Jasmine and defeat Jafar.

Birdman Live 10th Anniversary at the Epstein Family Amphitheater

April 18

Four-time Grammy Award–winner Antonio Sánchez made waves in Mexico’s Latin, jazz, and rock scenes before landing a gig as the drum composer for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s 2014 film Birdman, which nabbed four Academy Awards (including one for Best Picture). Sánchez performs the movie’s score live at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater.

Madama Butterfly Opera at the Civic Theatre

April 26, 28

Real-life husband-and-wife duo Corinne Winters and Adam Smith star in the San Diego Opera‘s production of Madama Butterfly, the tragic tale of a young Japanese girl’s marriage to an American naval officer who eventually breaks her heart.

Festivals & Art Exhibits in San Diego

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet Exhibits

April 1-4

Spend the first few starry nights of April at Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet. These dazzling experiences at the Del Mar Fairgrounds project art on to the walls, ceilings, and floors and make it move to truly immerse viewers in the work of these two master painters.

Without Walls (WOW) Festival

April 4 – 7

Experience art al fresco at the La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) Festival, a free, four-day extravaganza staging arresting (and sometimes interactive) performances at unexpected sites throughout San Diego County. Past years’ venues include a corn maze, a b-ball court, and a graffiti- covered bus.

Bloom Bash 2024 at the San Diego Museum of Art

April 26

Bloom Bash, the marquee event of the San Diego Museum of Art’s Art Alive weekend, takes place April 26, featuring DJs, dancing, top restaurants, and drinks. After snacking and sipping your fill, head into the museum to peruse locally made floral arrangements designed to echo artworks in SDMA’s

40th Annual ArtWalk in Little Italy

April 27 – 28

ArtWalk celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, making it the longest-running fine art festival in Southern California. Little Italy plays host to the stroll, which features 250 local, national, and international artists in just about every every medium, including painting, sculpture, glass work, photography, fine jewelry, and more.

Spring Home/Garden Show at the Del Mar Fairgrounds

April 27 – 28

Spring over to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for free entry to a garden show teeming with exhibitors offering everything needed to tackle your home improvement to-do list. In addition to shopping products and services for your next project, you can tap attending experts to weigh in on your burning questions.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

California Native Plant Society’s Garden Tour

April 6 – 7

California Native Plant Society’s annual garden tour is in bloom. “Planting Animals” is this year’s theme, exploring how native plants support a wider ecosystem of wildlife. Wander lush landscapes and reconnect with nature in areas all over the county.

Trevor Noah’s “Off the Record” Comedy Tour

April 1 – 14

The Daily Show’s very own Trevor Noah is keeping his latest material confidential… kinda. Live audiences can get in on the laughs and tell-all jokes of his “Off the Record” tour at the Civic Theatre.

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Food and Drink Events in San Diego

Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival

Through April 28

Enjoy live entertainment, beer selections from a handful of local breweries, and delectable global cuisine during SeaWorld’s Seven Seas Craft Beer & Food Festival—free with admission to the theme park Fridays through Sundays until April 28. Come hungry for new items like the schnitzel sandwich melt, dulce de leche nachos, and shredded beef sope. Wash ’em down with tiki punch or seven seas spiked seltzer with popping boba. Attendees can purchase access to 10 ($70) or 15 ($85) food and beverage samples to enjoy the many international flavors available around the park.

500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay

San Diego Hot Chocolate Run

March 10

Downtown’s Hot Chocolate Run promises joggers their just desserts. Participants can take on a 5K, 10K, or 15K to score a finisher mug with fondue, dippable, and hot chocolate. After you cross the finish line, enjoy a post-run party at Petco Park. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., his hot chocolate expo is free and open to the public, with live music and vendors selling everything from chocolaty treats to hot cocoa–themed merch.

1235 K Street, Downtown

Concerts & Theatre in San Diego

MJ The Musical

March 5–10

The national tour of the Tony Award–winning MJ The Musical arrives at the San Diego Civic Theatre for eight shows that will trace Michael Jackon’s path to stardom. Set during his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, the musical follows the King of Pop as he looks back on his Motown days in the Jackson 5 through his chart-topping success in the ’80s, soundtracked by his biggest hits, from “I’ll Be There” to “Black or White.”

1100 3rd Avenue, Downtown

Kronos Quartet & Sam Green

March 8

As part of the La Jolla Music Society’s ProtoStar Innovative Series, classical music group Kronos Quartet and filmmaker Sam Green will present an immersive “live documentary” that spans the quartet’s 50-plus-year musical career. The program, A Thousand Thoughts, is a multimedia experience that includes live music, narration, and archival interviews with various musicians. Tickets for Thursday’s event at Baker-Baum Concert Hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m., range from $60 to $100.

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

Chicken & Biscuits

March 8–24

Chicken & Biscuits, showing at the Brooks Theater through March 24, follows two bickering sisters, Baneatta and Beverly, who come together for their father’s funeral. Penned by playwright Douglas Lyons and directed by Kevin “Blax” Burroughs, the comedic play depicts the ups and downs of a modern Black family with a healthy heaping of hilarious drama. See the free tie-in exhibit, Black Perspective: A Celebration of Community, Family & Heritage, in the Brooks Theater’s lobby until March 24, too.

217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside

Festivals and Art Exhibits in San Diego

Tarrah Aroonsakool: Through the Maze

Through May 3

First-generation San Diegan Tarrah Aroonsakool uses everyday objects and found materials in their art to confront the model minority myth and other marginalizing elements of American history and culture. At the Athenaeum Art Center in Barrio Logan, Aroonsakool, who is of Thai and Lao heritage, invites viewers to navigate a maze intended to symbolize Asian-American families’ assimilation into white society. The opening reception for Through the Maze occurs this Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. during the Barrio Art Crawl.

1955 Julian Avenue, Barrio Logan

Cherry Blossom Festival

March 7–10

The Japanese Friendship Garden’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival returns Thursday through Sunday in Balboa Park. This celebration of Japan’s unofficial national flower features an assortment of vendor booths, where visitors can find Japanese street food, tea, knives, and handmade crafts. The event also includes a beer and sake garden, live entertainment, and a cosplay contest. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online until Wednesday at 5 p.m., after which they’ll only be available in-person. General admission passes are $14, while VIP tickets (available Friday through Sunday) are $25 and grant admission through a special VIP entrance.

2215 Pan American Way East, Balboa Park

Invisible Traditions

March 9

Invisible Traditions, curated by Katalina Silva and Arzu Ozkal, is a binational exhibition in celebration of International Women’s Day. Presented as part of Casa Familiar’s 17th annual Dia de la Mujer and World Design Capital San Diego-Tijuana, the exhibition highlights a diverse lineup of women and non-binary designers and artists hailing from both sides of the border. Invisible Traditions considers the significance of hidden socio-cultural practices among marginalized groups and explores how design choices can potentially perpetuate oppressive systems. The show’s opening reception takes place at The Front Arte y Cultura this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by another reception at IMAC Tijuana on March 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.

147 West San Ysidro Boulevard, San Ysidro

Coastal Exposures: 10 Years of Photography at The Osider Magazine 

Opens March 9

Curated by Zach Cordner, who co-founded the free local publication The Osider Magazine, this new photography exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art will go beyond the pier and the beach to chart Oceanside’s evolution over the past decade. It will also include two special sections, titled Bruce the Trench Coat Guy: Oceanside’s Old Man and the Sea (honoring local legend Bruce Parker) and Pirate Pics: 10 Years of Oceanside High School’s Photography Club. Coastal Exposures opens this Saturday and will be on display at OMA through July 28. 

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

The Art & Vision of James Hubbell

Opens March 9

The newest exhibition from legendary local visual artist James Hubbell will span across four library locations in San Diego County, with each installation highlighting a different theme from his work. At the San Diego Central Library, Architecture of Jubilation celebrates Hubbell’s commitment to centering both nature and humans in his efforts as a builder. The opening reception for Architecture of Jubilation takes place this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a performance from experimental electronic DJ Pablo Dodero.

330 Park Boulevard, Downtown

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

CONCACAF W Gold Cup

March 6 & 10

Snapdragon Stadium will host the final three games of the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup tournament, beginning with a pair of semifinal matches this Wednesday: Mexico vs. Brazil (4 p.m.) and the United States vs. Canada (7:15 p.m.). San Diego Wave stars Jaedyn Shaw, Naomi Girma, and Alex Morgan will lead the way for the USWNT as they look to ride their 3-0 thrashing against Colombia in the quarterfinals to another win against their neighbors from the north. The victors of Wednesday’s two semifinal matches will face off in the first-ever CONCACAF W Gold Cup final Sunday night at 5:15 p.m for the ultimate bragging rights amongst the best women’s national teams from North and South America.

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

The post 11 Best Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: March 7-10 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food and Drink Events in San Diego

Connecting en la Cocina: Empowerment, Resistance & Wisdom-Keeping Opening 

March 2

This Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Centro Cultural de la Raza will host a night of art and live music with the opening of two new exhibitions and a fundraiser to remodel the Centro kitchen. In celebration of Women’s History Month, the event will feature the opening of the Connecting en la Cocina and Because We Eat exhibitions and a women’s market as well as several local artists, musicians and food vendors. RSVPs are not required to attend, but they are encouraged. 

2004 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park

San Diego Restaurant Week 

March 3–10

San Diego Restaurant Week begins this Sunday stretching along the coast from Oceanside down to Imperial Beach. Participating SDRW locations will be offering multi-course menus for lunch and dinner beginning at $20 through March 10. There will be food to try all over the city and plenty of unique options, with over 100 SDRW locations, whether you’re searching for a new brunch spot or a swanky steak dinner. Reservations are recommended. Check out the full list of participating restaurants and price ranges.

Citywide

Lakehouse 3rd Annual Food & Wine Festival 

March 3

Lakehouse Resort will host a day on the lake with 40 participating food, beer and wine vendors, live music from Perry O’Neal and as much food and drinks as attendees can handle. Guests will vote for their favorite food and drink and can check out the Brandt Beef experience which includes a beef tallow candle making station, a butcher case display and five chefs pairing Brandt Beef items with local spirits. Ticket options include $95 general admission tickets, $125 early entry tickets which come with an extra hour beginning 11 a.m. and $185 VIP passes which feature access via a luxury cruise to the island in Lake San Marcos for selections from exclusive vendors. 

1105 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos 

Concerts & Theatre in San Diego

Mission Bay High School Preservationists Jazz Band Fundraiser

February 28

Community members can help raise money for Mission Bay High School’s Preservationists Jazz Band to visit New Orleans and explore the city’s jazz heritage by attending this event from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m this Sunday at Soledad Club. Guests will be able bid on silent auction items to to help students reach their goal of $20K for their annual trip. Tickets to the fundraiser dinner cost $30 per person, $40 for preferred seating, and donations can be made here. 

5050 Soledad Road, Pacific Beach

Sitting on Stacy With Saint Luna & Band of Gringos at Music Box

February 29

Three rockin’ bands in the San Diego music scene will receive the spotlight during this Leap Day concert at Music Box headlined by Sitting on Stacy, a trio of childhood friends and San Diego State alums who’ve gone from playing on campus to touring with the Jonas Brothers. Sitting on Stacy will be joined by Pacific Beach’s own Saint Luna, who are fresh off the release of their debut album, and eclectic Ocean Beach-based group Band of Gringos. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22. 

1337 India Street, Downtown

San Diego Theatre Month

March 1–31

San Diegans can support a handful of local theatre productions during this month-long promotion of the city’s wide-ranging performing arts community. San Diego Theatre Month, the San Diego Performing Arts League’s annual program, highlights the many performing arts happenings throughout the county during March with discounted tickets sold at $15, $30 and $45 intervals.

This weekend’s offerings include tickets to the Harry Potter-inspired Puffs at the San Diego Junior Theatre ($15), Clyde’s at Moxie Theater ($30), How I Learned To Drive at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center ($30-$45) and various free performances at Mockingbird Improv. Check out the full list of discounted performances here. 

San Diego County

Las Migas

March 2

With sounds of violin, guitar and lovely vocals, the Spanish quartet Las Migas play world-class flamenco and Mediterranean music with each member of the group representing a unique region of the country and bringing a distinct style to their music. The group’s songs feature beautiful and complex rhythms with strong Latin influences and their concert at UC San Diego’s Epstein Family Amphitheater will take audiences on a journey through their musical evolution. Tickets for Saturday’s performance range from $28-$33. 

9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla

Chris Stapleton at Petco Park 

March 2

Lace on your boots and put on your cowboy hats for a concert from country superstar Chris Stapleton. Stapleton is a magnetic presence on stage, combining his country origins, tenor vocal range and soul music inspirations for a resoundingly powerful Nashville sound. Known for songs like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “White Horse,” and for all-timer performances at the Grammys and Austin City Limits, Stapleton will serenade a San Diego crowd of more than 40,000 at Petco Park this Saturday night. Tickets are sold out, but there are still resale tickets available (though you are now at the mercy of Ticketmaster).

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

CRSSD Festival Spring 2024

March 2–3

Over 35 electronic music artists will take over Waterfront Park (rain or shine) for two packed days of live music with three stages playing house, techno and EDM. The lineup for CRSSD’s annual spring edition is headlined by artists like house music aficionado Armand Van Helden, Detroit techno legend Jeff Mills, and Dutch DJ Joris Voorn. CRSSD After Dark will also make its return with a series of after parties held at clubs in downtown, Hillcrest, Five Points and more to keep the party going all night. Two-day tickets are still available ($239-$249) as well as single-day passes for Saturday or Sunday ($130-$140). 

1600 Pacific Highway, Embarcadero 

San Diego Symphony’s 3rd Annual Picnic at the Park

March 3

Enjoy an afternoon at Jacobs Park with live music by musicians from the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Rebecca Jade plus Jeff Berkley and The Band. Activities include a San Diego Padres fast-pitch station, an autograph signing session from Richard Blais for his new healthy recipe cookbook Plant Forward with wife Jazmin, plus plenty of giveaways. Guests are welcome to bring picnics, blankets, chairs. Rady Shell vendors Biga Pizza, Lola 55, Urban Kitchen and Cali Creamery will also have food for purchase. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP here for more details; gates will open for the Picnic at the Park at 10:30 a.m. and RSVPs do not guarantee admission to the event. 

222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero

Festivals and Art Exhibits in San Diego

San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering

March 2

STEAM enthusiasts of all ages, from esports players to mechanical engineering professors, are invited to Snapdragon Stadium from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday for the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. There will be over 100 interactive activities from a variety of academia, community, and government organizations designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and foster the search for innovation. The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering is free for all with no prior registration necessary. 

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley 

San Diego Scenes Artist Reception

March 2

Gallery 21 is celebrating San Diego Scenes, a new exhibition from San Diego-based landscape artist Kevin Inman which highlights his San Diego-centric paintings made over the course of 15 years, with an opening reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday. On display daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 11, San Diego Scenes depicts Inman’s love for the city, its community, geography and energy through colors and brushstrokes. 

1770 Village Place, Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego

The Flower Fields 

Opens March 1 

Though the rain refuses to go away for good, springtime is just around the corner in San Diego; and there is no better seasonal sight than the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. Through May 12, visitors can witness the colorful and vivid ranunculus flowers as they evolve into full bloom, plus enjoy a variety of activities including themed gardens and displays, tractor wagon tours, picnics and more across the two months of floral celebration. Tickets are now on sale for the whole season, with $18 single-day adult tickets and $54 seasonal passes available for purchase. 

5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad

The post Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: Feb. 28–Mar. 3 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Fiddler On the Roof at The San Diego Musical Theatre

Telling the universal tale of a poor Jewish milkman struggling to keep his family culturally intact, the San Diego Musical Theatre’s production of Fiddler On the Roof continues with five shows Thursday through Sunday. Tevye struggles to uphold Jewish traditions when his daughters look to marry outside of their faith in this adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Tickets are available from $30 to $70 and can be purchase here. 

4650 Mercury Street, Kearny Mesa

February 20-24

Oceanside International Film Festival 

Over 30 short films and four feature films, from independent filmmakers hailing all the way from Ramona to Bosnia, will be shown over five days at the Sunshine Brooks Theater during the 13th annual Oceanside International Film Festival. Held just blocks away from the beach, the festival lineup will once again feature surf-themed narrative and nonfiction shorts, plus special events like the opening night red carpet ($25), Reel Women Shorts Program ($50-$100) and the closing night awards ceremony ($10). Filmgoers can buy $15 daily block tickets or enjoy every film shown during the festival with the $45 full screening pass. 

217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside 

February 21-25

San Diego Bird Festival at Mission Bay

Local bird enthusiasts are invited to bring their binoculars, cameras and audubon sense of adventure to the San Diego Bird Festival this Wednesday through Sunday. The festival includes several birding keynote speakers, a bird-friendly home and garden fair with local bird orgs and business, and several field trips around San Diego County to explore the region’s unique bird species. Proceeds from the San Diego Bird Festival go toward the San Diego Audubon Society’s natural conservation education and sanctuary efforts.

1936 Quivira Way, Mission Bay

February 22

An Evening with Elizabeth Gilbert at Balboa Theatre

Known for her inescapable best-selling memoir Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert will give a lecture and participate in a Q&A moderated by Dr. Dean Nelson, Director of Writer’s Symposium By The Sea, this Thursday beginning at 7:30 p.m. As expressed in her viral 2009 TED Talk, Gilbert will encourage the audience to pursue their creative ambitions and channel their inner “genius.” General admission tickets are available and ranging from $68 to $155. There are also a limited number of VIP passes available for purchase, which come with a pre-show meet and greet with Gilbert. 

868 4th Avenue, Gaslamp 

Opens February 24

Pinar Yoldas: “Synaptic Sculpture” at the Institute for Contemporary Art

“Synaptic Sculpture,” a new immersive exhibition from UC San Diego Professor Dr. Pinar Yoldas, on display at ICA Central through June 23, boldly envisions a future where technology is used to create a more empathetic society. Marking her first solo exhibition in the U.S., Dr. Yoldas has equipped her studies in neuroscience and architecture to mark how technological innovations in the pursuit of progress can help lead to new products that address the world’s greatest needs. 

1439 El Prado, Balboa Park

February 24

“AFROFUTURE” at San Diego City College

Explore Black identity in photography through art, film and community discussions during “AFROFUTURE” at San Diego City College this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “AFROFUTURE” will give a glimpse into the perspective of Black photographers with a slate of free events that include a panel on decolonizing photography, a screening of the documentary Screening: Through A Lens Darkly, and the opening of the “I See You: Beauty Through The Black Lens” exhibition at the school’s Luxe Gallery. 

1081 16th Street, Downtown

43rd Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends at WorldBeat Cultural Center

As the Bob Marley biopic Bob Marley: One Love continues its run in theaters, the WorldBeat Cultural Center pays homage to the history, evolution and legacy of roots reggae music with a day-long celebration this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Recognizing the genre’s history of advocating for unity, love and social justice, the 43rd Annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends features a packed lineup of local and international reggae artists and boasts legendary Jamaican musicians like Johnny Clarke and The Wailing Souls. Tickets to this celebration of roots reggae are available for $57 online here

2100 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park

2024 Mermaid Half Marathon at Mission bay

This year marks two decades since the inaugural Mermaid Series event and twenty years later they are still encouraging women runners to follow through on their fitness aspirations and embrace their inner mermaid. Starting bright and early Saturday morning at South Shores Park, racers can sign up for a morning 5K, 10K or test their long distance endurance with a 13.1 mile half marathon. In addition to the satisfaction of crossing the finish line, all adult racers will receive a mermaid-themed shirt, medal and necklace. 

1775 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay

February 24 & 25

2024 San Diego Chinese New Year Fair 

The 40th annual San Diego Chinese New Year Fair returns to downtown to kick off the new year with two days full of activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday. The festival will feature all-day live entertainment, including music, martial arts, cultural dances and the daily lantern parade featuring the lucky lion dancers. There will also be a wide variety of arts, crafts and food vendors to peruse including House of Bao, Thai Burger Company and All is Pretty Candles. 

428 3rd Avenue, Downtown 

The Many Loves of Don Juan at Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center hosts the San Diego Ballet for a pair of passionate performances of The Many Loves of Don Juan, the story of Spain’s most salacious lover. Covering the many conquests of the fabled womanizer, audiences will be drawn in by romantic choreography, the sounds of Spanish guitars and the intoxicating story of the legendary ladies’ man. There will be two performances of The Many Loves of Don Juan, Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets for each performance are available and ranging from $48-$68. 

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla

February 25

Taste of South Bay 2024 

Following our celebration of the cars, community and culture of the South Bay in our February 2024 issue, we are teaming up with Novo Brazil Brewing for a day party highlighting the best eats that the region has to offer. With thirty local vendors in attendance this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. guests can enjoy unlimited food and drinks plus live music during this local deep dive into the South Bay’s cuisine. General admission for Taste of South Bay is $55 for those 21+ and $35 for those under 21. Children ages 2 and under can enter for free but must be RSVP’d.  

535 Florence Street, Imperial Beach

The post The Best Things To Do in San Diego This Weekend: Feb. 22-25 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Hold Fast

The Birch Aquarium at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla is opening Hold Fast, an art exhibition focusing on local kelp species and climate change. The showcase features work from a trio of local artists: photographer and marine scientist Oriana Poindexter, gyotaku artist Dwight Hwang, and Scripps Oceanography PhD student Mohammad Sedarat. Entry to Hold Fast is included with general admission to the aquarium. Tickets are $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 17 years old, and advanced reservations are required.

2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla

February 8–March 10

The Age of Innocence

Adapted from Edith Warton’s Pulitzer-winning 1920 novel, The Old Globe’s production of The Age of Innocence premieres this Thursday on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage. Set in 1870s New York City, the story follows wealthy lawyer Newland Archer as he becomes disillusioned with the polished standards of the upper class and starts to fall for the cousin of his betrothed.

1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

February 9

Clyde’s

Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s nabbed four Tony Award nominations (including one for Best New Play) following its Broadway premiere two years ago. Now the drama is coming to the Moxie Theatre El Cajon, telling the story of formerly incarcerated kitchen employees at a truck stop sandwich shop who are given a second chance at success. This production is produced in partnership with Center for Employment Opportunities San Diego and will run through March 10.

6663 El Cajon Boulevard, El Cajon

February 9

Martha Gonzalez and Tylana Enomoto: Songs and Activism in the Borderlands

The Mingei International Museum and the Center of World Music’s Sound of the Border (Sonido de la Frontera) series continues with a performance from Martha Gonzalez and Tylana Enomoto at the La Atalaya Foundation Theater this Friday. Tickets for this concert ($40–$55) include admission to the museum’s gallery level after 4 p.m. on the day of the show, offering attendees the chance to see the tie-in exhibition La Frontera, which features 85 works from an array of jewelry artists, including 24 artists from the US-Mexico border region. On display through August 4, this exhibition explores border connections through the medium of jewelry as symbols of migration, landscape, identity, and more.

1439 El Prado, Balboa Park

February 9–11

San Diego Lunar New Year Festival

In countries such as China, Vietnam, Korea, and the Philippines, the Lunar New Year signals the advent of spring according to the lunar calendar. The San Diego Lunar New Year Festival takes place at Henwood Memorial Park, featuring traditional performances, art exhibitions, lanterns, cherry blossoms, cultural food, lion dances and firecrackers, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Reserve your free spot at the festival here.

4455 Wightman Street, City Heights

February 10

Mardi Gras Mambo

The California Center for the Arts, Escondido is throwing a New Orleans–style party just in time for Mardi Gras, featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Cha’s. This Saturday night show from two of the Creole State’s most legendary acts will combine the best blues, cajun, jazz and zydeco sounds of the bayou and compel audiences to dance like they’re on Bourbon Street. Tickets for Mardi Gras Mambo are available from $30 to $80.

340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido

February 10 & 11

A Broken Hallelujah

With shows Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at UCSD’s Mandeville Auditorium, A Broken Hallelujah will highlight the works of acclaimed composers Tōru Takemitsu, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, and Igor Stravinsky, with standout performances by the The Red Fish Blue Fish percussion ensemble and cellist Robert Bui.

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla

February 11

Cardiff Kook Run 5K, 10K & Costume Contest

Before gluing your eyes to the TV for Super Bowl Sunday, head out on a run to take in the sights and sun of San Diego. Participants in the Cardiff Kook Run will begin under the “Encinitas” sign and cruise (or sprint) down Coast Highway 101 past the Magic Carpet Ride statue (better known as the Cardiff Kook) and finish at Cardiff State Beach. The event will include 5K and 10K race options and gorgeous ocean views, as well as the beloved Cardiff Kook Costume Contest with categories for best football, group, and kook-themed costumes.

505 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas

Through February 11

San Diego International Jewish Film Festival

Through Sunday at David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival celebrates the best of Jewish cinema worldwide. In addition to an assortment of local and international films, the lineup includes screenings of Remembering Gene Wilder and Wilder’s 1979 classic The Frisco Kid in honor of the actor, who passed away in 2016. Ticket options include in-person screening tickets, the all-inclusive underwriter pass, and virtual screening passes to enjoy the films when they’re available online for the week after the festival (Feb. 11–18).

4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla

Through July 7

Agents of Power: Body Adornment in African Art

Agents of Power: Body Adornment in African Art opened February 3 at the San Diego Museum of Art, highlighting works like masks, beaded collars, jewelry, and headpieces by the Maasai, Chokwe, Zulu, and Xhosa peoples. Each piece’s unique, detailed patterns and colors go beyond aesthetics to convey meanings such as social status and identity.

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

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