Welcome to your weekend, San Diego! Art, music and basketball are beckoning -- plus some sweet ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with your other half. Get out there and enjoy everything our city has to offer.
Thursday, Feb. 9
Lunar New Year Celebration
3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Prescott Promenade in El Cajon
Cultural performances, food, and live music are all part of the Downtown El Cajon Famers Market’s Lunar New Year Celebration. The event kicks off at Prescott Promenade Park at 3 p.m. Admission is free.
Impressions: African American Artists and their connection to African Art
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery
San Diego Mesa College unveils the new gallery, “Impressions: African American Artists and their connection to African Art,” on Thursday with a reception set from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the school’s Art Gallery and Courtyard. The gallery, on display through March 1, features artwork from Andrea Chung, Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle and Robert Pruitt.
James Van Praagh Book Signing
6 p.m., Soulscape Gift and Book Store
New York Times best-selling author James Van Praagh will visit the Soulscape Gift and Book Store Thursday to sign books for fans. Praagh has authored a number of spiritual books including New York Times best-seller, “Talking to Heaven.” This book signing event is free.
Artist Talk: Animalia / A Group Show
6:30 p.m., Sparks Gallery
Downtown San Diego’s Sparks Gallery will host the group show, “Animalia,” starting Feb. 9. That evening, artists Marissa Quinn, Lee Sie, Barbara Stanley and Lee Selman will all be on-hand to discuss their artwork. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.; the reception starts 15 minutes later.
Circus Vargas: Steam Cirque
7 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.
Taco Flights
7 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro brings back its “Taco Flights” showdown this month: a battle between two of San Diego’s top chefs showcasing their best taco creations. The tasty event features two new chefs every Thursday night. Up this week: Chef Kevin Templeton of Barleymash, versus Chef Arnold Brown of Harvest. The final championship is on Feb. 23. Patrons can order from the Taco Flights Menu, which includes a Taco Flight Plate for $9 and drink specials like the $7 Espolon Cadillac Margarita, to name a few items.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
7:30 p.m., California Center for the Arts Escondido
Complexion Contemporary Ballet brings an exciting flare to the California Center for the Arts Escondido. The group uses styles ranging from ballet to hip-hop and is also frequently featured on the TV dance competition, “So You Think You Can Dance?” This performance includes a tribute to legendary musician, Stevie Wonder.
Friday, Feb. 10
Hard Cider & Sweetheart Chocolates
Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m., Sweet Petite Confections
This one-hour class at Sweet Petite Confections will teach the art of pairing hard ciders from Julian Ciderworks (made with apples grown in Julian) with chocolates. The 21+ class is $30 per person; make reservations by calling (858) 688-0210 or via email at hello@sweetpetiteconfections.com. This could be a nice pre-Valentine’s Day outing. For other romantic, local activities to ring in the holiday, check out this guide.
Harlem Globetrotters
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Catch from comedic, high-flying basketball action when the Harlem Globetrotters play at the Valley View Casino Center. Fans of all ages are invited to the group’s 2017 World Tour. The Globetrotters will also be at the Valley View Casino Center on Feb. 17. Tickets start at $23.50.
Branford Marsalis Quartet
8 p.m., Balboa Theatre
Join the Branford Marsalis Quartet and guest-vocalist Kurt Elling for a jazz collaboration at the Balboa Theatre. Tickets start at $25.
Disney’s Freaky Friday The Musical
8 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 12. You can buy tickets here.
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.
Saturday, Feb. 11
Celebrate San Diego Rally
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Petco Park
Sure, the Chargers are gone, but there are still plenty of great San Diego sports teams to cheer on. Local sports fans are invited to unite Saturday at Petco Park for the Celebrate San Diego Rally with teams who still San Diego home: the Padres; the Gulls; the Sockers; San Diego State University Aztecs; University of San Diego Toreros; University of California, San Diego Tritons. The event is in collaboration with the City of San Diego, and local leaders including SDPD Chief Shelley Zimmerman are expected to be there, as well as some local athletes. The celebration includes live music, games, a kids zone, photo booths, a chance to pose for pictures with team mascots and more. The rally officially begins at 1 p.m. And, get this: fans who bring one piece of their old Chargers clothing or Chargers hat to the event can exchange that gear for a $25 credit at the Padres Majestic Team Store, valid through May 4. The Padres will distribute the Chargers gear donations to charities that support neighbors in need.
Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo
10 a.m., Del Mar Fairgrounds
Learn more about living a gluten-free or allergen-free lifestyle at this large expo. The event features hundreds of products as well as meet-and-greets with local and national brands and speakers. All products at the expo are gluten-free, and many are free of the top eight allergens – and there is also a section completely nut-free! Tickets, which start at $5, features entry to the vendor area featuring more than 100 booths as well as coupons, samples, classes and more.
Cupid’s Cleanup
Feb. 11 at 10 a.m., Bay City Brewing Co.
Show your love for San Diego by joining this “Cupid’s Cleanup” hosted by I Love a Clean San Diego, in which volunteers will join forces to remove litter and debris from the neighborhood surrounding Bay City Brewing Co. Afterwards, grab your sweetheart and head to the brewery for a cold beer; volunteers will get 50 percent off their tab. Bay City Brewing Co. also plans to host a Hawaiian food truck Ilnlyfoods on-site, so you can grab lunch, too.
Make Sweets With Your Sweetheart Class
12:30 p.m., Sweet Petite Confections
This two-and-a-half hour class led by chocolatier Michelle Lomelin will teach students how to make sweet treats. Participants will fill chocolate molds with champagne caramel and serrano chili ganache, to name a couple of flavors, and will use ingredients like raspberries, strawberries and candied bacon to personalize their own chocolate bark. Each student will leave with about 1.5 pounds of chocolate. The class is $40 per person – or per parent-child team, in case you want to treat your kiddo to this sweet activity. Reservations are required; call (858) 688-0210.
Sweetheart Sail
11:30 a.m., San Salvador at San Diego Maritime Museum
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones by setting sail on San Diego Bay aboard the Maritime Museum’s historic replica ship, San Salvador. The Sweetheart Sail is a scenic, three-hour adventure that will focus on the bay, marine wildlife and local attractions. Those on board will enjoy the sights, plus champagne, treats and a special souvenir. Check-in and boarding is from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; the ship returns at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $70 for adults and $48 for children ages 3 to 12. Kids 2 and under get in free with a paying adult. The San Salvador, by the way, is a replica galleon that arrived at the port on Sept. 28, 1542, under the helm of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.
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. 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 in San Diego this year, check out this roundup of new and upcoming local productions. http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/San-Diego-Theater-Look-Ahead-2017-409420495.html
Aphrodisiac Sunset Reception
4 p.m., L’Auberge Del Mar Hotel
Start off your Valentine’s Day weekend with chocolates, wine tastings and a bar designed to ignite the taste buds…and passion. The chocolate and wine sunset terrace option costs $25 per person, and the raw bar (from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) in the living room is a la carte.
La Jolla Symphony and Chorus: Sinfonia
7:30 p.m., Mandeville Auditorium at UCSD
Hear the 1969 Sinfonia by 44-year-old Luciano Berio performed by Kallisti (a vocal octet), under the artistic direction of Susan Narucki. Also on the program are Gioachino Rossini’s ‘The Barber of Seville’ overture and Ludwig van Bethoven’s Violin Concerto. David Bowlin is a guest violinist. Tickets start at $15.
9 to 5:The Musical
8 p.m., Spreckels Theater
“9 to 5” is the hilarious musical adaptation of the 1980 film of the same name (which starred the trio of Jane Honda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton). The jubilant musical follows three female co-workers who are pushed to the brink with their sexist and egotistical boss. The country music musical features songs from legendary composer, lyricist and the original film’s star, Dolly Parton. Tickets start at $32.
The Classical Style at the San Diego Symphony
8 p.m., Copley Symphony Hall
Musicians from the San Diego Symphony take the stage for this Saturday concert, which explores the meaning of “The Classical Style” – interpreted by three different composers. Hear music from Franz Joseph Haydn (circa 1792), Serge Prokofiev and Bela Bartok. The concert is led by gifted 27-year-old prodigy Lahav Shani.
Art Laboe’s Valentine’s Super Love Jam
7:30 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
Boogie with your babe (or your pals) at the Magic 92.5FM concert, Art Laboe’s Valentine’s Day Love Jam. The show features this long lineup of old school acts: S.O.S. Band; Ready for the World; Blue Magic; Debra & Ronnie Laws; The Floaters; One Way; Force MD’s; The Deele; Timmy T. Tickets start at $36.50 per person.
Sunday, Feb. 12
Coronado Valentine’s Day Run
7 a.m., Tidelands Park
What better way to start your Valentine’s Day then a run through Coronado? The 7th annual event features a one mile run, 5K or 10K. After the race, hang around for a post-race party. Participants get a t-shirt, finisher’s medal and local discounts throughout Coronado. Registration prices vary depending on the race.
Farm-to-Picnic Blanket Valentine’s Couple’s Cooking Class
10 a.m., Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in National City
Treat your loved one to a special culinary experience this Valentine’s Day weekend. At Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in National City, Chef Christina Ng – of Chinita’s Pies – will teach couples how to make tasty seasonal dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Then, eat what you’ve made picnic-style in the garden outside. There are four class times available throughout the day, starting at 10 a.m. Tickets cost $45.
Yoga + Beer
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Second Chance Beer Company
Second Chance Beer Company (15378 Avenue of Science, #222) will host a heart-opening yoga session Sunday for yogis of all levels. Enjoy a craft brew afterwards and an India Hicks pop-up shop at the brewery from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Salk Science and Music Series
4 p.m., Salk Institute for Biological Studies
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.
Bubbles, Chocolate & Cheese
Feb. 12 at 6 p.m., Venissimo Cheese
Snack your way through the tastiest trinity – cheese, chocolate and champagne – with this romantic pairing class on Feb. 12 at Venissimo Cheese at The Headquarters at Seaport. Couples will learn which sweet treats and fabulous fromages pair best with bubbly in a cute, intimate setting. This class is $60 per person; make reservations ahead of time, as space is limited.
San Diego Gulls vs. Bakersfield Condors
7 p.m., Valley View Casino Center
The San Diego Gulls take on the Bakersfield Condors at the Valley View Casino Center this week. Tickets start at $19 per person.
Photo Credit: Monica Garske