Another season of America’s national pastime begins Thursday when the San Diego Padres face off against the Atlanta Braves in an afternoon matchup. Even if you’re not catching the game, there are still ways to get in on the fun, like the Hilton Bayfront and Made in San Diego’s Opening Day pop-up or at the annual East Village Block Party, returning this Saturday. This weekend also marks the opening of several acclaimed productions at San Diego theaters, including Once On This Island; True West; and, for this weekend only, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.
Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do
Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend
Hilton San Diego Bayfront & Made in San Diego Opening Day Pop-up
March 27
Get in the game day spirit at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront—the hotel’s hosting an Opening Day pop-up with Made in San Diego. Beginning at 11:30 a.m. adjacent to the Padres home opener at Petco Park, this event will feature a pop-up merch shop with Made in San Diego items, Padre-themed décor, and a game day beer special of Alesmith San Diego Pale Ale .394 for $3.94 at Hudson & Nash and Odysea Waterfront Lounge. Plus, attendees can receive three hours of parking validation with their purchase of food or drink from the hotel’s dining outlets.
1 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Pucks & Pints
March 29
The seventh annual Pucks & Pints begins at 12:30 p.m. with the Brewers Charity Game, featuring players from breweries in San Diego County. Then, across the street at Bay City Brewing, attendees can enjoy a craft beer festival with music, raffles, and Phil’s BBQ before heading back to the arena for the San Diego Gulls vs. the Calgary Wranglers at 6 p.m. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the San Diego Chill, Emilio Nares Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, San Diego Brewers Guild, and Resque Ranch. Tickets are $65 plus fees for Pucks & Pints.
3760 Hancock Street, Midway
Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend
Papa Roach & Rise Against at Gallagher Square
March 26
A pair of rock n’ roll giants, Papa Roach and Rise Against, have teamed up for the co-headlining Rise of the Roach Tour, coming to Gallagher Square this Wednesday at 6 p.m. Throughout their 30-plus year run, Vacaville rockers Papa Roach have tried their hand at several musical styles, spanning from nu metal to rap. Punk rock legends Rise Against are still fervently hardcore and have yet to lose their edge. Tickets start at $64 for this concert.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
Mingei Concert Series with Camarada: Luscious
March 27
Chamber music ensemble Camarada continues its Mingle @ Mingei Concert Series with Luscious, featuring the music of Miguel de Aguila, George Gershwin, and Claude Debussy at the La Atalaya Foundation Theater this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at three price levels—$35, $45, and $75—for this performance.
2640 Historic Decatur Road, Balboa Park
Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen at Balboa Theatre
March 29
Complete with ’80s hairdos, colorful costumes, and the onstage mannerisms of the iconic band, Killer Queen will bring the bold energy and greatest hits of Queen to the Balboa Theatre this Saturday night with Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available starting at $76.
868 Fourth Avenue, Gaslamp
Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend
Dutch Painting: Special Loans from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston at San Diego Museum of Art
Through March 21, 2027
The San Diego Museum of Art’s newest exhibition paints a European country on the verge of expansion and artistic exploration in the 17th century through still lifes, landscapes, and portraits. On loan for two years from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Dutch Painting offers a glimpse of daily life in the Netherlands during a transformative period for the then-young Dutch Republic.
1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
The Rosin Box Project Presents: Empower at the Light Box Theater
March 27–30
As The Rosin Box Project begins its AXIOM 2025 season, it will celebrate the strength and perseverance of women dancers with Empower. Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Light Box Theater. Empower will feature three new works by local choreographers Bethany Green and Carly Topazio, and guest choreographer Natasha Adorlee. Tickets start at $50 for Empower.
2590 Truxtun Road, Point Loma
True West at Diversionary Theatre
March 27–April 13
In True West, set in the mountainous outskirts of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley, two distant brothers quarrel and clash in a feud that spirals further out of control. The Roustabouts Theatre Co. will adapt Sam Shepard’s dark comedy in a new production directed by Phil Johnson, with three preview performances beginning Thursday and opening night occuring this Saturday at the Diversionary Theatre. Tickets are on sale for $46 for True West.
4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations at Civic Theatre
March 28–30
The everlasting music of The Temptations, like “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” “I Wish It Would Rain” and “My Girl,” was made for the splendor and pageantry of musical theater. Now, the Broadway-certified jukebox musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations makes its way to San Diego for five performances at the Civic Theatre starting Friday night. Take in the behind-the-scenes story of one of the greatest American bands and see the moments that inspired some of Motown’s most beloved anthems. Tickets start at $56 for this production.
1100 Third Avenue, Gaslamp
Once On This Island at Brooks Theater
March 28–April 13
The Oceanside Theatre Company’s musical production of Once On This Island depicts a life-changing romance in the West Indies between a kind-hearted peasant girl Ti Moune and the wealthy Daniel, whom she nurses back to health after an accident. Once On This Island was originally adapted from Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel “My Love, My Love; or The Peasant Girl,” which in turn was inspired by the story of “The Little Mermaid.” Tickets for Friday’s preview night ($20), Saturday’s opening night and post-show Champagne toast ($50), and the rest of the production run ($40) are available for purchase.
217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside
First Date at Point Loma Playhouse
March 28–April 20
First Date is a musical comedy centered around modern dating, directed by Kara Tuckfield and opening this Friday at the Point Loma Playhouse. It’s filled with all the hallmarks of a first date: initial impressions, moments of nervousness, and personal revelations, but with outside perspectives from exes, parents, and friends also brought to life. This week, there will be two performances of First Date, happening Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $32.
3035 Talbot Street, Point Loma
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend
San Diego Padres 2025 Opening Day at Petco Park
March 27–30
Franks glistening on the grill, overflowing cups of frothy cold beer, an electrifying sold-out Petco Park crowd. It’s not a mirage—it’s Opening Day! This Thursday, the San Diego Padres will kick off their 2025 campaign with a four-game set against the Atlanta Braves, beginning with a 1:10 p.m. first pitch. Tickets start at $75 for the Padres’ first home series of the season.
100 Park Boulevard, Downtown
San Diego FC vs. Los Angeles FC at Snapdragon Stadium
March 29
San Diego FC have already knocked off one LA powerhouse (the Galaxy) and are looking to vanquish another this Saturday as they take on LAFC. LAFC have looked inconsistent thus far in 2025, so it’s possible Saturday’s match will prove the third time’s the charm for SDFC’s pursuit of a maiden home win. Tickets start at $95 for Saturday’s match at Snapdragon Stadium, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley
East Village Block Party
March 29
Don your Padres gear and spend an afternoon in the East Village at the annual East Village Block Party, celebrating the return of springtime and Padres baseball. This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the East Village Association will host a variety of local businesses, retail vendors, food options, and live entertainment on J Street from 6th to 10th avenues. Entry is free and the event will include photo opportunities, family-friendly activities, and an extensive car show put on by Solida Car Club.
J Street from 6th to 10th Avenues, East Village
Oddities Flea Market at JULEP
March 29–30
For the first time, the delightfully dark Oddities Flea Market creeps its way to San Diego, with a two-day event at JULEP this Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. Taxidermy treasures, curious specimens, and eccentric artwork will be among the macabre antiques available for purchase at this memorable market. VIP tickets (which come with early admission at 11 a.m.) are available for $60 per day, while general admission is $32 per day. Special events, such as a Saturday night after party at Black Cat Bar and the Oddities & Overtures meet-and-greet with composer Danny Elfman, require separate tickets.
1735 Hancock Street, Mission Hills
