Welcome to your weekend, San Diego. From foodie-friendly tasting events and live music, to a home improvement expo and fun community festivals, there’s plenty going on in America’s Finest City. Make your plans and enjoy the weekend.
Thursday, April 20
American Grown Field to Vase Dinner
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
It can’t get any springier than this: dinner in the middle of a sea of ranunculus at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. The American Grown Field to Vase Dinner will feature an artisan meal while overlooking the Pacific Ocean from The Flower Fields, plus a chance to meet a flower farmer and learn some history about the art of growing beautiful blooms. Seating is limited, so plan ahead to snag your spot and buy your tickets online. Tickets start at $75 per person.
Fermented Pairings Series Volume 16: Donuts & Beer, Part Deux
6 p.m., White Labs Tasting Room
Dream do come true. White Labs will host its 16th installment of its Fermented Pairings series at the White Labs Tasting Room (9495 Candida St.), this time focusing expert pairings of craft brews and doughnuts. The 90-minute tasting session includes treats created by Nomad Donuts executive pastry chef Kristianna Zabala; she and White Labs’ Erik Fowler will walk patrons through each tasting and discuss why certain doughnuts work best with certain beers. Tickets are $25 and include four doughnuts paired with five White Labs beers.
Tequila Fest
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Harbor Float at Coasterra
Tequila tastings with a view, anyone? Coasterra’s new floating event deck, Harbor Float, will host its Tequila Fest Thursday night, where patrons can taste a variety of tequilas and mezcals, plus scrumptious samples whipped up by Cohn Restaurant Group Chef Deborah Scott (C Level’s Lobster Mac n’ Cheese and Indigo Grill’s Pepita & Sesame-Crusted Brie, to name a couple of treats). Tickets cost $59.95 per person and include five tickets for food samples, one signature cocktail and unlimited tastes of agave spirits. Call (619) 814-1300 for more info, and to reserve your spot.
Build-a-Bar Night
7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Eclipse Chocolate
Got a sweet tooth? Head over to renowned Eclipse Chocolate and learn how to craft your own custom chocolate bars at this cool little workshop Thursday at the site’s Umbral Room. For $25, attendees can make two chocolate bars – selecting from more than 30 ingredients to please all palates – and sip on either a glass of house wine, a beer or a café drink. Attendees can come anytime between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Lil’ Wayne: Kloser 2 U Tour
8 p.m., Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Rap superstar Lil’ Wayne makes a stop in San Diego on his “Klose 2 U Tour,” taking the stage Thursday night at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Tickets range from $25 to $235.
Lila Downs
8 p.m., Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
American-Mexican singer-songwriter Lila Downs performs at Humphreys, bringing her unique combination of multiple genres to the stage. Tickets start at $48.
Friday, April 21
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Friday through Sunday, Indio, California
Coachella returns for an encore this weekend, as the final three days of the festival take over Southern California's Empire Polo Club. The musical lineup is vast and includes performances by Radiohead on Friday, then Lady Gaga, Bon Iver, Bastille, Schoolboy Q and Gucci Mane on Saturday, and closers Kendrick Lamar and Lorde on Sunday, to name just a handful of the many, many acts. NBC 7's SoundDiego will keep you posted on what's happening at Coachella with stories, photos and videos of the event.
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (season runs through May 14), Carlsbad Ranch
The famous Flower Fields in Carlsbad Ranch continues its vibrant spring run, 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.
Butterfly Jungle
9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (runs through April 23), Safari Park
Experience thousands of winged wonders filling the air around you at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s annual “Butterfly Jungle,” which runs through April 23. As you stroll the Hidden Jungle, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., butterflies will fly around and may even land on you. Admission to Butterfly Jungle is included with paid admission into Safari Park ($52 for adults; $42 for kids ages 3 to 11).
Sculpture in the Garden
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., San Diego Botanic Garden
Running through the end of this month at the San Diego Botanic Garden is “Sculpture in the Garden,” a display of 53 sculptures from 32 regional artists set against the backdrop of the lush garden. With a map provided by the Botanic Garden, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the artworks. The exhibit is included with admission into the garden, which costs $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and active military and $8 for children ages 3 to 12. Kids 2 and under get in free. On-site parking is $2.
Infinity Cube
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Birch Aquarium
Check out the newest installment at Birch Aquarium, the “Infinity Cube,” an immersive, 8-foot cube that explores bioluminescence, light produced by living organisms in the marine world. Artist Iyvone Khoo worked alongside Scripps Institution of Oceanography marine biologist Michael Latz to bring this project to life, filming more than six hours of footage of single-celled marine organisms called dinoflagellates reacting to various stimulants, such as the human heartbeat, music, water flow and air pressure. The “Infinity Cube” revolves around these videos, which will be projected and reflected into larger-than-life images of bioluminescence accompanied by soundscape, immersing patrons in this interesting world. The exhibit is included with paid admission into Birch Aquarium, which costs $18.50 for adults, $14 for children ages 3 to 17 (kids 2 and under are free), $15.50 for seniors and $15 for students with ID.
Home Show USA
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Friday through Sunday), Del Mar Fairgrounds
Get all kinds of inspiration for your home improvement dreams at this three-day Home Show at O’Brien Hall at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Check out the latest trends in remodeling, landscaping, decorating and design on the expo floor; the show runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free; fairgrounds parking is $13.
Salsa Under the Stars
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Headquarters at Seaport
Manny Cepeda and his orchestra return to the courtyard at The Headquarters at Seaport Friday night for another installment of Salsa Under the Stars. Dance the night away as the band performs; no experience or dancing partner necessary for this free event.
Heathers: The Musical
8 p.m., OnStage Playhouse
Chula Vista’s OnStage Playhouse presents San Diego’s first fully-licensed production of “Heathers” The Musical,” based off the cult classic 1988 film starring Winona Ryder and Shannon Doherty. The musical – which debuts Friday night – delves into high school’s classic clique of mean girls and what happens when a misfit decides to shake things up. The production runs through May 27, with 8 p.m. performances; tickets are $25.
San Diego Gem Fair
12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (runs through Sunday), Del Mar Fairgrounds
Bling, bling! The Gem Faire returns this weekend to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, running Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With more than 70 exhibitors scheduled for the event, attendees will be able to check out a vast display of jewelry and stones. Admission is $7 for a pass that’s valid all weekend long; it’s free for children age 11 and younger.
Saturday, April 22
Guided Nature Walks: Wrap Yourself in Nature
8:30 a.m., Mission Trails Regional Park: Kumeyaay Lake Campground
Wake up early this Saturday and come explore some of the beautiful Mission Trails Regional Park. This weekend, take a guided walk around the lake and river as you learn more about the various plants and animals in the area. The event is free, and participants are asked to meet by the flag poles.
Pacific Rim Festival
4 p.m., Bayfront Park
The inaugural Pacific Rim Festival sails into the Chula Vista Bayfront Park this Saturday. The new event celebrates Pacific culture with food from around the Pacific, music from Pali Roots Music Crown Roots and cultural dancers. Plus, find art displays and cultural dancers. The event runs until 9 p.m. The event is free for spectators.
Del Mar Plaza Saturday Market
11 a.m., Del Mar Plaza (1555 Camino Del Mar)
More than 30 unique boutiques will showcase artisanal baked goods, fine art, fashionable clothing, handmade products and more at this Saturday market. Additionally, the Mar Dels will provide live entertainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
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.
Spring Walkabout in Kensington
2 p.m., Kensington-Normal Heights Library
Support local businesses in Kensington and Talmadge at the community’s first Spring Walkabout event. Local businesses along Adam Avenues will open their doors and encourage locals to stop by for special treats, discounts, activities and more. Everyone is welcome; there is no admission fee.
Jazz on Tap at Quartyard
5 p.m., Quartyard on Market Street in Downtown San Diego
Step into a smooth night of jazz at Quartyard this Saturday, presented by Avista Technologies, KSDS and Jazz 88.3.As you enjoy taps from local brewers and listen to great music, get to known some of the musicians behind the music. Monette Marino World Jazz Ensemble, Matt Smith New Jazz Trio and more will bring their music to the Quartyard stage, live. Tickets cost $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. All proceeds go to Water for People.
San Diego Sights and Sips
5:30 p.m., Hornblower Cruises and Events
Sunshine, sailing and cocktails come together on this Hornblower cocktail cruise. Hope on board for a two hour cruise with champagne, light Hors d’oeuves and more as you enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay during sunset. The boat leaves at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $37.50 per person.
Sunday, April 23
Earth Day Fair
10 a.m., Balboa Park
Stop by the annual EarthFair in Balboa Park this Sunday – the 28th annual event! The festival is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. More than 60,000 people come out each year to peruse the more than 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, Food Pavilion, Children’s Activity Area and more. The event is free.
42nd Annual San Diego Wedding Party Expo
12 p.m., Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Resort
Planning a wedding? This expo may be able to help you out. More than 25,000 square feet of space at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Resort will be covered from top to bottom in wedding ideas, styles and planning resources, from venues to caterers to florists to DJs to photographers to gown designers. Tickets start at $11.
First Date: A New Musical Comedy
2 p.m., Horton Grand Theatre
A blind first date transforms into a hilarious dinner when blind date newbie Aaron meets Casey, a serial dater. Watch as the pair - and their friends, restaurant patrons and more - sing and dance their way through a high stakes evening as each takes a chance on finding love. The San Diego Musical Theatre production plays at the Horton Grand until May 7. Tickets start at $40, though discounts are available for seniors, children, students and groups. Find more theater spring picks here.
The Who’s Tommy
2 p.m., OB Playhouse
The Who fans will not want to miss this musical production playing at the OB Playhouse. The five-time Tony Award-winning musical is based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album and shares a story of hope, healing and human spirit. Tickets start at $29.
Red Velvet
2 p.m., The Old Globe
Fall back to the turbulent backstage world of London’s Theatre Royal in the early 1800s in “Red Velvet”, a play at The Old Globe until April 30. Lolita Chakrabarti’s award-winning play follows a young American actor who steps into the role of Othello after one of the era’s most treasured actors can’t go on – but the role has never been played by a black man before. Tickets start at $34.
Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego
Times and locations vary
Looking to save some, 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.
https://www.showclix.com/event/yoga-in-the-rotunda-march-2
Photo Credit: Monica Garske