TGI Weekend! There's plenty to do in San Diego. Baseball season is upon us, bringing fun happenings to the Gaslamp throughout the weekend. Celebrate Easter with an egg hunt or a brunch, or partake in a craft beer or wine festival. Get up. Get out. Play!
Thursday, March 29
Sculpture in the Garden
9 to 5 p.m., San Diego Botanical Garden
The sprawling botanical garden in Encinitas (230 Quail Gardens Drive) is featuring the sculpture work of nearly 50 artists through the month of April. See the artwork, ranging from whimsical to abstract, set against a backdrop of dragon trees, rare fruit gardens, bamboo groves and ponds. Admission to the botanical garden is $14 for adults and $8 for children.
9 to 5 p.m., San Diego Botanical Garden
The sprawling botanical garden in Encinitas (230 Quail Gardens Drive) is featuring the sculpture work of nearly 50 artists through the month of April. See the artwork, ranging from whimsical to abstract, set against a backdrop of dragon trees, rare fruit gardens, bamboo groves and ponds. Admission to the botanical garden is $14 for adults and $8 for children.
San Diego's Top Breweries
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Carlsbad RanchThe beautiful blooms at the famous Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch are back in their brilliant glory. The annual flower viewing season runs through May 13. As usual, for about six to eight weeks, visitors can enjoy displays of colorful Giant Tecolote Ranunculus spanning fifty acres. The annual burst of blooms is something locals look forward to year after year as spring rolls in. The Flower Fields are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets cost $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $8 for children ages 3 to 10. If you plan on visiting a few times this spring, you may want to spring for a season pass. Keep an eye on the Flower Fields website, too, as the venue hosts lots of family-friendly, fun events throughout its season, usually on the weekends.
Padres Home Opener: San Diego Padres v. Milwaukee BrewersTimes Vary (Thursday through Saturday), Petco ParkPlay Ball! The Padres will challenge the Brewers in the first matchup of the 2018/2019 season. Root for the home team while noshing on a lineup of new menu items at the ballpark. Each day of the three-game series, attendees will be handing out a different giveaway at the gate: a commemorative opening day baseball cap on Thursday (1:15 p.m. game), a promotional calendar on Friday(7:10 p.m. game) and a fleece blanket on Saturday (5:40 p.m. game). Ticket prices vary by game but start at about $25.
Things to Do in Old Town
Sea Turtle Feeding
3 p.m., The Birch AquariumThe team of aquarists at the Birch Aquarium have trained their rescued loggerhead sea turtles to know that a bright red laser means it's time for a meal. Not only does the technique allow veterinarians to monitor what the turtles are eating and assess their health, it gives guests the opportunity to see the interaction up close on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sea Turtle Feeding sessions are included with paid admission into The Birch, which costs $18.50 for adults.
3 p.m., The Birch AquariumThe team of aquarists at the Birch Aquarium have trained their rescued loggerhead sea turtles to know that a bright red laser means it's time for a meal. Not only does the technique allow veterinarians to monitor what the turtles are eating and assess their health, it gives guests the opportunity to see the interaction up close on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sea Turtle Feeding sessions are included with paid admission into The Birch, which costs $18.50 for adults.
American MariachiDates and Times Vary (Until April 29), The Old Globe"American Mariachi," a new play created by writer Jose Cruz Gonzalez, tells the story of a teenage girl in the 1970s who yearns to break into the male-dominated art of mariachi. She creates an all-girl mariachi band despite disapproval from her family. The play features San Diego talent, like director James Vásquez and lead actor Jennifer Paredes. Tickets start at $30 for the play that runs through April 29 at the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage.
1st Marine Division Band Annual Concert
7 p.m., California Center for the ArtsThe musical talents of Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division will take the stage for their annual performance at Escondido’s Concert Hall. The 1st Marine Division Band will play an array of arrangements, from patriotic sounds to classical scores, that show off the talent of San Diego’s Marines. The concert is free but tickets must be reserved online in advance.
7 p.m., California Center for the ArtsThe musical talents of Camp Pendleton’s 1st Marine Division will take the stage for their annual performance at Escondido’s Concert Hall. The 1st Marine Division Band will play an array of arrangements, from patriotic sounds to classical scores, that show off the talent of San Diego’s Marines. The concert is free but tickets must be reserved online in advance.
Beautiful Blooms: The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
Friday, March 30
Opening Day at Upper East Bar11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Upper East BarBefore you watch the San Diego Padres take on the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park, stop by Upper East Bar (616 J Street) for an opening day celebration filled with brats, hot dogs and cocktails. The restaurant's executive chef will be grilling on the patio of this outdoor rooftop bar as a DJ spins.
8th Annual East Village Opening Day Weekend Block Party2 to 8 p.m. (Friday) and 12 to 6:30 p.m. (Saturday), East VillageTo celebrate the start of the 2018/2019 baseball season, the East Village Business Association is throwing a block party. The free two-day community event closes down four blocks in front of Petco Park -- J Street between Sixth and Tenth avenues -- for the bash, which features live music, food trucks, baseball-themed beverages and games. Saturday is pet day, so bring your four-legged friend for $1 off drinks, a pet fashion show at 3 p.m. and parade.
Inside Liberty Public Market: Fall 2017
San Diego Gulls vs. Cleveland Monsters7 p.m., Valley View Casino CenterGulliver the Gull is calling on you to cheer on San Diego’s hockey team as they take on the Cleveland Monsters at Valley View Casino Center. These high-energy games are fun for the whole family or a group of friends, even if hockey isn’t really your thing. The Gulls will be wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. The proceeds will go to various autism awareness charities. Ticketsstart at $22.
Cinema Under the Stars: 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'
8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), Cinema Under the Stars (Mission Hills)Enjoy a movie under the stars at this outdoor theater on Goldfinch Street in Mission Hills. The winter/spring screening season features a movie screening every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., now through April 29. This weekend, the latest in the newest Star Wars trilogy, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" plays on the big screen. The film begins where "The Force Awakens" left off -- with Rey (Daisy Ridley) seeking out Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who has isolated himself on a faraway planet -- and continues the battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Admission is $18 at the box office, or you can reserve your seat in advance for $20.
8 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), Cinema Under the Stars (Mission Hills)Enjoy a movie under the stars at this outdoor theater on Goldfinch Street in Mission Hills. The winter/spring screening season features a movie screening every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., now through April 29. This weekend, the latest in the newest Star Wars trilogy, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" plays on the big screen. The film begins where "The Force Awakens" left off -- with Rey (Daisy Ridley) seeking out Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who has isolated himself on a faraway planet -- and continues the battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Admission is $18 at the box office, or you can reserve your seat in advance for $20.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
San Diego Beatles Fair7 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday) and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday), Queen Bee’s
It’s Beatlemania in San Diego! The two-day San Diego Beatles Fair celebrates all things related to the English rock band that sparked a frenzy in 1960s America. The can't-miss for Beatles fans is a special performance Friday from “the fifth Beatle,” the band’s original drummer Pete Best. On Saturday, the fair kicks off. Vendors will line the street outside Queen Bee’s in North Park (3925 Ohio Street) selling Beatles and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. Inside, an array of performers will take the stage, from Fab Four impersonators to tribute groups and more. Tickets for Friday cost $35 and Saturday cost $25. Get $20 off a purchase for both days.
It’s Beatlemania in San Diego! The two-day San Diego Beatles Fair celebrates all things related to the English rock band that sparked a frenzy in 1960s America. The can't-miss for Beatles fans is a special performance Friday from “the fifth Beatle,” the band’s original drummer Pete Best. On Saturday, the fair kicks off. Vendors will line the street outside Queen Bee’s in North Park (3925 Ohio Street) selling Beatles and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. Inside, an array of performers will take the stage, from Fab Four impersonators to tribute groups and more. Tickets for Friday cost $35 and Saturday cost $25. Get $20 off a purchase for both days.
Saturday, March 31
Belmont Park Easter Bash9 a.m., Belmont Park
Enjoy San Diego’s sunshine with an outdoor egg hunt on the beach this Easter Sunday. Belmont Park will scatter hundreds of eggs for children 12 and younger to search for. A $5 Ticket for the hunt must be purchased ahead of time. Eggs will be hidden inside stores for a separate, free hunt inside Belmont Park. For all guests, the Easter Bunny will be ready for his close up; he will be available for pictures from 2 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy San Diego’s sunshine with an outdoor egg hunt on the beach this Easter Sunday. Belmont Park will scatter hundreds of eggs for children 12 and younger to search for. A $5 Ticket for the hunt must be purchased ahead of time. Eggs will be hidden inside stores for a separate, free hunt inside Belmont Park. For all guests, the Easter Bunny will be ready for his close up; he will be available for pictures from 2 to 4 p.m.
MythBusters: The Explosive Exhibition
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Thursday) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), Fleet Science CenterCan you pull a tablecloth off a table without disturbing the dishes on top? Do you stay drier running or walking in the rain? Get the answer to some of your burning questions at the new exhibit based on the popular TV show, "Mythbusters." Just like the show, this hands-on exhibit will allow guests to use the scientific method to test some commonly-held theories. Access to the exhibit, which is open through Sept. 3, can be added to a general admission ticket to The Fleet for $5.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday through Thursday) and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), Fleet Science CenterCan you pull a tablecloth off a table without disturbing the dishes on top? Do you stay drier running or walking in the rain? Get the answer to some of your burning questions at the new exhibit based on the popular TV show, "Mythbusters." Just like the show, this hands-on exhibit will allow guests to use the scientific method to test some commonly-held theories. Access to the exhibit, which is open through Sept. 3, can be added to a general admission ticket to The Fleet for $5.
Spring Eggstravaganza11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday), The Birch AquariumCelebrate the arrival of spring with the Birch Aquarium’s animals of the sea. Guests will get a chance to explore different types of animal eggs, participate in crafts and an "underwater" egg hunt. Once a day during the two-weekend event, guests can spot Scuba Bunny going for a dive (2 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays). Participation in the Spring Eggstravaganza is free with an $18.50 adult or $14 child admission ticket.
Things to Do at Balboa Park
The Mission Valley Craft Beer Festival
1:30 to 5:00 p.m., SDCCU Stadium
Brewers and distillers from across San Diego and beyond are showing off their creations at the Mission Valley Craft Beer Festival. Some names on the list of more than 20 breweries are Mason Ale Works, San Diego Brewing Co., Green Flash Brewing Co. and Abnormal Beer Co. Everything is included with a $70 ticket-- unlimited tastes of craft brews and select spirits, as well as tasty bites from restaurants like: El Chingon, Chicken and Beer, Havana 1920, It’s Myne, Meze Greek Fusion and O’Briens. Get two extra hours of sips-and-nibbles time, plus access to exclusive craft brew samples, with a VIP ticket for $20 more.
1:30 to 5:00 p.m., SDCCU Stadium
Brewers and distillers from across San Diego and beyond are showing off their creations at the Mission Valley Craft Beer Festival. Some names on the list of more than 20 breweries are Mason Ale Works, San Diego Brewing Co., Green Flash Brewing Co. and Abnormal Beer Co. Everything is included with a $70 ticket-- unlimited tastes of craft brews and select spirits, as well as tasty bites from restaurants like: El Chingon, Chicken and Beer, Havana 1920, It’s Myne, Meze Greek Fusion and O’Briens. Get two extra hours of sips-and-nibbles time, plus access to exclusive craft brew samples, with a VIP ticket for $20 more.
Uncorked: San Diego Wine Festival 2 to 5 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park NorthWhether you like your wine dry or sweet, San Diego’s annual wine festival is bound to have a sample for every palette. On top of a selection of more than 200 wines from across the world, Uncorked will feature food trucks and a champagne bar. General admission is $60, or get access to pours an hour early for $10 more.
Let’s Make Pasta: Dinner Cooking Show5 p.m., Gianni Buonomo’s Tasting RoomCesarina's Pasta Cooking Show is like the ones you see on television, but this pop-up show gives guests the option to join in. Cesarina will fill guests in on the secrets to pasta making while they sip on wine from Guianni Buonomo’s selection (sold separately). Included with a $35 ticket, is a buffet-style appetizer bar and a three-course dinner.
Grunion Run 10:05 p.m. to 12:05 a.m., Various San Diego County BeachesIt’s a spectacle to behold when thousands of grunion, slim silver fish, come out of the water and onto the shoreline to spawn. To see the natural event that happens only a handful of days throughout the year, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends heading to a San Diego County beach with a flashlight between 10:05 p.m. to 12:05 a.m. Grunion sightings may occur at: Oceanside Pier View North Beach, Oceanside Harbor Beach, Del Mar Beach, La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado and Coronado Shores Beach and Imperial Beach.
Sunday, April 1
Guided Nature Walk
9:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
Join a trail guide from Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) on this free, 1.5-hour nature walk and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history and ecology of the park. The walk begins at the Visitor Center and will head out to one of three scenic trails: The Oak Grove Loop, The Visitor Center Loop, or The Riverside Grinding Rocks. These walks are typically held at MTRP every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Wear close-toed shoes and sunscreen, and bring water.
9:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
Join a trail guide from Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) on this free, 1.5-hour nature walk and learn about the plants, animals, geology, history and ecology of the park. The walk begins at the Visitor Center and will head out to one of three scenic trails: The Oak Grove Loop, The Visitor Center Loop, or The Riverside Grinding Rocks. These walks are typically held at MTRP every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Wear close-toed shoes and sunscreen, and bring water.
Easter Brunch Cruise
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., San Diego BayCelebrate Easter Sunday by brunching aboard a yacht as it cruises around San Diego Bay. The ship will depart from Flagship Cruises & Events (990 North Harbor Drive) and take guests on a two-hour cruise with sights like the Coronado Bay Bridge, USS Midway and the San Diego Skyline. Access to the brunch buffet and unlimited mimosas is included with the purchase of a $74.50 ticket ($44.70 for children age 4 to 12). The buffet will feature a create-your-own omelet bar, Belgian waffles with fresh berries and fruit preserves, a seafood station with ceviche and lobster gazpacho, a carving station and more.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., San Diego BayCelebrate Easter Sunday by brunching aboard a yacht as it cruises around San Diego Bay. The ship will depart from Flagship Cruises & Events (990 North Harbor Drive) and take guests on a two-hour cruise with sights like the Coronado Bay Bridge, USS Midway and the San Diego Skyline. Access to the brunch buffet and unlimited mimosas is included with the purchase of a $74.50 ticket ($44.70 for children age 4 to 12). The buffet will feature a create-your-own omelet bar, Belgian waffles with fresh berries and fruit preserves, a seafood station with ceviche and lobster gazpacho, a carving station and more.
Raul Prieto Ramirez on the Spreckels Organ Pipes
Easter Jazz Brunch at the Abbey
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Abbey on Fifth AvenueThe nationally-registered historic venue, the Abbey, will celebrate the Easter holiday with flowing champagne and a brunch buffet. Musicians with the "Republic of Music” will fill the hall with Jazzy sounds as guests enjoy twists on classic brunch favorites like an Italian scramble and red potatoes rissole, and a table filled with desserts, just to name a few. For $49, guests will get a reserved table to enjoy the spread, plus a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Abbey on Fifth AvenueThe nationally-registered historic venue, the Abbey, will celebrate the Easter holiday with flowing champagne and a brunch buffet. Musicians with the "Republic of Music” will fill the hall with Jazzy sounds as guests enjoy twists on classic brunch favorites like an Italian scramble and red potatoes rissole, and a table filled with desserts, just to name a few. For $49, guests will get a reserved table to enjoy the spread, plus a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny.
Live Music Sundays: The Counterfeits1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Liberty Public MarketThe acoustic band, The Counterfeits, started as a group of friends who would get together to jam. But their renditions of top 40 hits soon garnered attention and they began performing in front of audiences, like guests at the Liberty Public Market Patio. Before or after this free concert, stroll the artisan shops or grab a tasty bite at the stores and restaurants that make up the marketplace.
Sunday Organ Concert2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa ParkEnjoy a free, hour-long organ concert Sunday at Balboa Park’s famed Spreckels Organ Pavilion. At the keys, the audience will find Raul Prieto Ramirez, the city’s newest San Diego Civic Organist and Artistic Director of the Spreckels Organ Society. Prieto Ramirez hails from Spain and, as he told NBC 7, hopes to keep the program interesting – from Bach to Queen – at the historic Spreckels Organ.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San DiegoTimes and locations varyFree or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.
Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.
