Welcome to your weekend, San Diego! Whether it's a pint night, the Circus Vargas or one a Broadway musical, there are plenty of ways to have fun this weekend. Have a great one!
Thursday, Feb. 2
A Look Ahead at Some San Diego Theater Highlights in 2017
Encontro’s Karl Strauss Anniversary Pint Night
7 p.m., Encontro North Park
North Park eatery, Encontro (3001 University Ave.) will host its anniversary “Pint Night” Thursday at 7 p.m. Karl Strauss will take over the taps, pouring an array of beverages, from Whiskey Sour to Barrel-Aged Imperial Rye Stout. If you order a pint of the specials, you get to keep the glass.
Circus Vargas: Steam Cirque
7:30 p.m., Mission Bay Park
In Del Mar for the past few weekends, Circus Vargas now makes its way to Mission Bay Park for the next 11 days, bringing under its big top its newest show, “Steam Cirque,” inspired by the worlds of steampunk and science-fiction. Opening Night at the Mission Bay Park location is Thursday; tickets range from $22 to $72; Arrive 45 minutes before show time and the kids can partake in an interactive pre-show where they can practice hands-on circus skills like juggling and balancing alongside the pros. “Steam Cirque” will stay at this location through Feb. 13 before heading to National City.
Hamilton, Les Mis and More: Broadway SD Announces New Season
Matilda The Musical
7:30 p.m., San Diego Civic Theatre
The four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, “Matilda,” takes the stage in San Diego this weekend, with shows through Sunday. Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, “Matilda the Musical” tells the story of a young, sharp girl with a vivid imagination who takes a stand and changes her destiny. Thursday’s show is at 7:30 p.m.; there are two shows Saturday (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and two on Sunday (1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.). Tickets start at $22.50.
Black Violin
7:30 p.m., California Center for the Arts Escondido
Virtuoso violinists Wil B. and Kev Marcos have found a way to meld highbrow and pop culture through their “Black Violin” show, in which they play a fusion of tunes from many genres including jazz, classical, hip-hop, blues and R&B. Over the years the duo has opened for some big names: Kanye West, Aerosmith, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and more. Tickets to this show range from $20-$40.
Friday, Feb. 3
Lunar New Year ‘Tet’ Festival 2017
5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Qualcomm Stadium
The popular Lunar New Year ‘Tet’ Festival returns to Qualcomm Stadium for three days, bringing live music, entertainment, games, and lots of food, all to celebrate the Lunar New Year, which marks the arrival of spring based on the Lunar Calendar. The party continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with an opening ceremony featuring lion dance troupes, and again Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
National Wear Red Rally
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Support the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” – to help fight heart disease – with the National Wear Red Rally in San Diego Friday evening. The rally starts at 5:30 p.m. at The Headquarters at Seaport, and ends at downtown’s Omni Hotel San Diego. There will be Happy Hour and live music at the Omni from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in celebration of the march. The event is free; don’t forget to wear red.
San Diego Sockers vs. Tacoma Stars
7:35 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Bring the family to this all-ages soccer game as the San Diego Sockers take on the Tacoma Stars Friday night at Valley View Casino Center. Tickets start at just $11 per person.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Big Bear Snow Trip
5 a.m., Five Star Tours
It’s not winter without a trip to Big Bear to ski or snowboard. If you’re worried about the hassle of getting up there, try this tour, taking off from Downtown San Diego. A bus will take you up to Snow Summit to enjoy the fresh powder, just hours from sunny Southern California. Packages start at $80.
Love Your Wetlands Day 2017
9 a.m., Kendall-Frost/Northern Wildlife Reserve (Mission Bay Park)
This delicate saltwater wetland in Mission Bay is normally closed to the public – but this annual event is one of the only opportunities for the public to visit the wetland. Learn about the marsh and its inhabitants while you enjoy some of the beauty in our own backyard. From 9 a.m. to noon, there will be a set of activities that will repeat from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you want to walk through the marsh, bring rubber boots and prepare to get dirty. Children will need to be at least eight years old for marsh walking. You must RSVP in advance. The event is free.
San Diego Fermantation Festival
10 a.m., Waterfront Park San Diego
Soak in some wintery sunshine and enjoy the beautiful views from the Waterfront Park at this family-friendly outdoor festival. The festival includes a Makers Marketplace, which has local and regional artisanal foodmakers and brewers. Additionally, there will be workshops and presentations throughout the day by fermentation experts explaining how and why to eat and make fermented foods and drinks. Plus, more activities, live music and entertainment throughout the day. General admission costs $26.87; admission to the Ambrosia garden costs $41.36 and includes 10 taster beers, ciders and mead.
Big Half-Price Book Sale
10 a.m., Encinitas Library on Cornish Drive
Looking for your favorite next read? Don’t miss this huge book sale, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thousands of books will be on sale, mostly priced from 25 cents to $1. There will be current fiction, children’s books, art books, bookbooks, self-help books, and more. The sale will also have 25 cent CDs and DVDs priced around $1. Admission is free.
Disney’s Freaky Friday The Musical
2 p.m., La Jolla Playhouse
Don’t miss the West Coast premiere of Disney’s "Freaky Friday”, based on the hit Disney movie. With a book by Bridget Carpenter ("Parenthood", "Friday Night Lights") and music by Tom Kitt ("Next to Normal", "If/Then") and lyrics by Brian Yorkey ("Next to Normal", "If/Then"), recipients of multiple Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, the show promises to be a delightful and polished production with two close friends playing the lead mother-daughter duo. It runs from Jan. 31 to March 12. You can buy tickets here. The show runs until mid-March.
San Diego Gulls vs. Ontario Reign
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Hockey season continues as the San Diego Gulls take on the Ontario Reign at the Valley View Casino Center on Sports Arena Blvd. Tickets start at $18 per person.
Sunday, Feb. 5
Picasso At The Lapin Agile
2 p.m. or 7 p.m., The Old Globe
Don't miss the third piece in comedian and playwright Steve Martin's collaboration with San Diego's iconic Old Globe theater. The play, written by Martin and directed by Barry Edelstein, opens on The Lapin Agile in Paris 1904, where struggling artists (Pablo Picasso, for one) and one-day geniuses (picture: young Albert Einstein) come together for an extraordinary, witty night. The show runs from Feb. 4 to March 12. If you’re looking for other theater shows this year, check out this roundup of new and upcoming shows in San Diego this year.
The Big Game Celebration
1 p.m., House of Blues (Downtown San Diego)
If you're still looking for a place to watch the Big Game in San Diego, don't miss this viewing experience in Downtown San Diego. The House of Bues is offering theater seating at their venue , and some all-you-can-eat packages include bottomless beer cooler specials and a tailgate buffet. Packages start at $19.98.
Shelter Island Art in the Park
9 a.m., Shelter Island, left of the traffic circle
Spend a relaxing morning on Shelter Island taking in local art. The Shelter Island Art Association will have a juried show featuring local San Diego artists. The show will include oil, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, photography and more. Admission is free.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Times and locations vary
Is your wallet hurting from the holidays? 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.
Photo Credit: Mike Rollerson/Circus Vargas