Welcome to your weekend, San Diego. From gorgeous spring blooms to musicals, the circus and a country music superstar, there’s a lot to do this weekend in America’s Finest City.
Thursday, March 9
A Look Ahead at Some San Diego Theater Highlights in 2017
FIRST Robotics Competition
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
Robotics. It’s been called the “varsity sport for the mind.” On Thursday, check out robotics in action at the San Diego FIRST Robotics Competition at the Del Mar Arena at the fairgrounds. The event showcases teams of professionals and young people brought together to solve engineering design problems in a competitive, exciting way. Under strict rules and time limits, teams of 25+ students must raise funds, design a team brand, work together and build and program a robot to perform tasks. The event is free; parking is $13. The competition continues Friday and Saturday, same time, same place.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (season runs through May 14), Carlsbad Ranch
It’s here! The famous Flower Fields in Carlsbad Ranch officially opened for the season on March 1, offering visitors spectacular views of bright blooms in all of their gorgeous glory. The fields are open daily, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through May 14. Patrons will enjoy nearly 50 acres of colorful displays of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, which are in bloom for six to eight weeks. The famous fields also include roses, orchids, sweet pea blossoms, petunias and poinsettias. Keep checking the Flower Fields website, too, because the venue hosts special events throughout the bloom season.
Hamilton, Les Mis and More: Broadway SD Announces New Season
ZD Wine Dinner
6 p.m., Hotel Del Coronado’s 1500 OCEAN
Winos, treat yourself. Part of the 2017 Winemaker Dinner Series at the Hotel Del Coronado comes the ZD Wine Dinner Thursday night, an intimate, multi-course dinner at the Del’s 1500 OCEAN restaurant. Each course on the special, seasonal menu will be expertly paired with limited release wines from around the world, and patrons will have a chance to mix and mingle with winemakers, this time from ZD Wines. Tickets are $150 per person. The evening begins with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Kinky Boots
7:30 p.m.(Thursday through Sunday), San Diego Civic Theatre
Broadway hit “Kinky Boots” makes its way to San Diego this weekend, running through Sunday. The joyous musical includes songs by Grammy and Tony award-winning artist, Cyndi Lauper. The storyline is inspired by true events – from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the catwalks of Milan. Tickets to opening night on Thursday start at $22.50 per person. The musical hits the stage again Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Circus Vargas
7 p.m., Westfield North County
Circus Vargas continues its San Diego run at Westfield North County in Escondido, bringing the big top’s newest show, “Steam Cirque,” inspired by the worlds of steampunk and science-fiction. The show runs at this venue through March 13 before packing up and heading to Promenade Temecula (March 16-27). Tickets start at $22; 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.
Friday, March 10
San Diego Gulls vs. Tucson Roadrunners
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
The San Diego Gulls bring the heat to the ice Friday as they take on the Tucson Roadrunners at the Valley View Casino Center. Tickets start at $19.
Stars at Mission Trails
7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mission Trails Regional Park
The San Diego Astronomy Association, totes its telescopes to Mission Trails Regional Park for its monthly, free stargazing session Friday night. Weather permitting, the group plans to gather at the east end of the Kumeyaay Lake Campground’s day use parking lot. From there, it’s a 3-hour escape, viewing the stars and planets of space.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
7:30 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), California Center for the Arts Escondido
This is THE year for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The California Center for the Arts in Escondido will present a stage production of the beloved tale (as old as time) based on the animated film, as told by youth theatre group, Center Stage Productions. The musical’s opening night is Friday, with a 7:30 p.m. show. There will be two performances on Saturday (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) and another on Sunday (2 p.m.). Tickets are $20.
Finesse Mitchell
7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., The American Comedy Co.
“Saturday Night Live” alum Finesse Mitchell will perform his stand-up act this weekend The American Comedy Co. The actor and funnyman takes the stage for two shows Friday night, two on Saturday, and a final performance Sunday. Pre-sale tickets start at $9.
Around the World Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting
8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Vin de Syrah
Downtown San Diego’s Vin de Syrah will partner with local chocolatier Sweet Petite Confections for this tasting event, which goes down at a communal table at the center of the dining room. Patrons will sip on four distinct whiskeys – from Kentucky, Tennessee, Ireland and Scotland – each paired with chocolates, as the experts guide each tasting. Tickets are $45 per person; reserve your spot in advance by calling (858) 437-3985.
Saturday, March 11
Yoga in the Rotunda
8:30 a.m., San Diego Museum of Man
Start your morning off with a peaceful, all-levels flow class at the San Diego Museum of Man this Saturday, courtesy of Yoga One. The class will have modifications so everyone can go at their own pace. Participants are asked to bring their own mat, water and towel to class. The event is $5 to $10.
International Mariachi Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Pepper Park in National City
National City will host its 5th annual International Mariachi Festival at Pepper Park (3299 Tidelands Ave.), a community event celebrating Mexican music and heritage in San Diego. The fest includes performances from mariachi groups from both Mexico and the U.S., plus traditional ballet folklorico dancing and other arts. There will be activities for the kids, too, and a beverage garden for the 21+ crowd. When you get hungry, check out the food booths which will be serving everything from Mexican street tacos to sushi burritos. Entry to the festival is free; parking is $10.
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22nd Annual Youth Fitness Expo and Family Fun Day
12:30 p.m., Balboa Park: Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Join Calrifornia Fitness Fun and Heartlight San Diego for the 22nd fun day. Browse through education exhibits, participate in fitness activities, play in carnival games and more. Plus, more than 100 San Diego County elementary schools will perform. The event is free.
Best Coast Beer Fest
1 p.m., Embarcadero Marina Park South
More than 100 of the best breweries on the West Coast will come together at this extensive beer festival, where every ticket sold will benefit the charity Cancer for College, which helps a cancer survivor realize their dream of going to college. There’s more than just extensive beer tastings here, though – there will also be live music and a food truck alley. Tickets start at $35.
Taste of Bressi
2 p.m., Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad
Beer fans, winos and foodies will love this annual Taste of Bressi festival, where craft beer, premium wines, live music and food come together for an afternoon of tasting and sipping. Dozens of restaurants, breweries and wineries will participate. Local bands Fetchez La Vache and Naked Saturdays Band will play at the event. Al all-access pass costs $48. The event is for those 21 years and older.
HerStory
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mosaic San Diego
Divas Dance Company will perform Saturday night at Mosaic San Diego (205 16th St.), in “HerStory,” a show that celebrates the stories of three brave women. It’s produced by Fusion D. and features a mix of rhythms and styles. Tickets range from $15 to $20.
Old Town Showdown: Improv Comedy Show
7 p.m., Old Town Improv Co.
Spend your Saturday night laughing and laughing and laughing at the Old Town Showdown. At this interactive, past-paced show, an ensemble of improvisers will perform short-form comedy based off the audience’s suggestions. All ages welcome. Tickets start at $7.
Blake Shelton
7:30 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Country music star and NBC’s “The Voice” coach Blake Shelton takes the stage in San Diego Saturday night, playing the Valley View Casino Center. Tickets start at $42.50; the opening act is Raelynn. Now, the real question is, will Gwen Stefani be in the audience cheering on her man?
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Sunday, March 12
Salk Science and Music Series
4 p.m., Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla
Come see the merge of music and science at the Salk Institute this weekend. One of China’s most celebrated artists, Chen, will play for the first time in San Diego; she will be performing preludes from Claude Debussy and Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B minor. Additionally, Salk neurobiologist Greg Lemke will give a talk. The Salk Science and Music Series merges music and science in a beautiful mix. Tickets start at $55 for individual performances, or $275 for the full series. Proceeds support the institute’s research.
Festa Della Donna
4 p.m., Cucina Enoteca
Celebrate Italy’s iteration of International Woman’s Day with eight of San Diego’s most celebrated female chefs as they collaborate with winemakers, brewers and distillers. This one-of-a-kind night blends woman’s empowerment with eight different pairing stations and mixed drinks. Tickets start at $68.
Disney’s Freaky Friday The Musical
2 p.m. or 7 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 through March 19. You can buy tickets here.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Times and locations vary
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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.
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 Theatre - on its final Sunday! 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. If you’re looking for other theater shows in San Diego this year, check out this roundup of new and upcoming local productions.
Photo Credit: Monica Garske