From Easter festivities to a chocolate festival and air race championships, find the best San Diego things to do this April in our events roundup.
Edited by Madelyn Harris
San Diego Crew Classic
April 1-2. Watch thousands of athletes compete at San Diego’s premier rowing event, often regarded as a competition for future Olympians. Rowers from age 14-84 compete in over 100 races throughout the day. Mission Bay Park, 1875 Quivira Way #C6, 619.225.0300. crewclassic.org
First Date
Through May 7. The romantic comedy centers around a first date between Aaron and Casey when they find themselves in a high-stake situation. Both Aaron and Casey’s inner critics transform restaurant guests into past exes, controlling parents and supportive best friends who help them on their journey through their first date. Will their first date lead to a second? Horton Grand Theatre, 444 Fourth Ave., 858.560.5740. sdmt.org
Latin American Art Festival
April 1-2. Recognized as one of the premier art shows in California, the Latin American Art Festival will present the artwork of over 100 artists from Mexico, Central and South America. While listening to a variety of music, guests can sample Mexican beer and wine from Valle de Guadalupe. 2730 Historic Decatur Rd. latinamericanartfestival.com
Surfrider Pub Crawl
April 1. Partygoers will gain access to five premier venues in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and enjoy Grey Goose specials all throughout the day. 2-6 p.m. Florent Restaurant & Lounge, 672 5th Ave., 619.595.0123. sandiegorestaurantweek.com
Silent Disco
April 1. Head to the Lafayette Hotel’s Mississippi Ballroom to enjoy two DJ battles, featuring four local DJs. Guests will listen to the music exclusively through headphones and can flip between channels to listen to different songs. Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., 619.296.2101. lafayettehotelsd.com
Abnormal Beer Company’s Anniversary Party
April 1. To celebrate Abnormal Beer Company’s 2nd anniversary, guests can head to the Cork & Craft to enjoy casual bites from executive chef Scott Cannon. Also, sample an exclusive anniversary tap list from Abnormal Beer Co. and guest breweries, and celebrate with a DJ. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 16990 Via Tazon, 858.618.2463. abnormalbeer.com
Schooner Cup Charity Regatta
April 1. Head to San Diego Bay for the 29th annual Schooner Cup. Individuals who want to take part in the action can join Maritime Museum aboard the Californian, one of the boats in the race. Spectators can choose to watch from the San Salvador. $65. 9:45 a.m. 1492 N. Harbor Dr., 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Mezcal y Fumar
April 5. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner pairings and fine cigars. Guests will experience a four-course meal prepared by the chefs of Urban Solace. Each dish will be paired with a fine cigar hand selected by David Mogilner of Racine & Laramie Tobacconists. Groove to the tunes of Israel Maldonado, a Latin acoustic musician. 6:30 p.m. True North Tavern, 3815 30th St., 619.291.3815. truenorthtavern.com
Skeleton Crew
April 8- May 7. Times are tough in 2008 Detroit, but there’s still one working auto plant. The long hours and demanding shifts have turned the line workers into a family. The firm, compassionate Faye holds them together, and she’s only months away from retiring with her full pension. But when she discovers that management has a new plan, she’s torn between self-preservation and allegiance to her coworkers. The Old Globe, Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Bellamy’s & Offbeat Brewing Beer and Food Pairing
April 6. Experience a night of bold flavors with a five-course menu, featuring dishes from Bellamy’s included local yellowtail crudo, beer cheese soup, and braised short rib. OffBeat’s drinks––Session IPA and pale ale, among others––complement each dish. Reservations are required. $49. 6 p.m. Bellamy’s Restaurant, 417 W Grand Ave., 760.747.5000. bellamysdining.com
La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
April 7-9. Car spectators from all around the world can enjoy a showcase of classic automobiles. Past years have showcased horseless carriages, Italian and British marques, woodies, ’50s classics and American sports cars, among others. 1130 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. lajollaconcours.com
Rattlesnake Feeding
April 7. Head to the San Diego Natural History Museum to watch two rattlesnake handlers feed their Red Diamondback rattlesnake, then chat with the experts about the rattlesnake species. 2 p.m. San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, 619.232.3821. sdnhm.org
VinDiego Wine & Food Festival
April 8. Head to Liberty Station, where wine and food enthusiasts can sample more than 300 types of award-winning wine and delicious food from local San Diego restaurants. Live music and various entertainment will also be part of the fun event. 4-7 p.m. 2875 Dewey Rd., 760.805.2131. vindiego.com
Sandy Wexler’s Here Comes the Funny Tour
April 8. Get ready to laugh with a night of stand-up from comedians Adam Sandler, David Spade, Nick Swardson and Rob Schneider, during this tour presented by Netflix. 8 p.m. $125. Harrah’s Resort Southern California, 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, 760.751.3100. harrahssocal.com
Healthy Living Festival
April 8-9. As San Diego’s largest health and fitness expo, the Healthy Living Festival boasts over 200 vendors to help promote and educate health and wellness. Other highlights include cooking demonstrations, free yoga and workout classes, wellness products to sample and free workshops. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., 858.755.1161. delmarfairgrounds.com
Green Day
April 8. Punk rock fans are in luck, with Green Day heading to San Diego this spring. They’ll performing some of their classics, along with singles from their new album Revolution Radio. 7 p.m. Valley View Casino Center, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., 619.224.4171. valleyviewcasinocenter.com
Local Libations Class + Tasting
April 8. SEA180 will host local distillers from Malahat Spirits, Cutwater Spirits, Henebery Whiskey, and Young’s Market for a two-part informational panel and cocktail mixer. Moderated by the Cohn Restaurant Group’s Beverage Director Maurice DiMarino, guests will learn Distilling 101 from the masters. The class will be followed by a cocktail mixer on the ocean view patio, complemented by bites, demos, and live music. 1-2 p.m. $40. Sea180, 800 Seacoast Dr., 619.631.4949. cohnrestaurants.com
Naturally Dyed Extraordinary Eggs Class
April 8. This hands-on class taught by chef Kurt Waefler will teach participants techniques in egg dying, including applying flowers and leaves for beautiful imprints as well as wax-resist methods on eggs. Guests will take home 18 works of egg art to enjoy for Easter. 3:30-5:30 p.m. $49. The Curios Fork, 512 Via de la Valle #102, Solana Beach, 858.876.6386. thecuriousfork.com
Puesto’s Fifth Birthday Party
April 9. Celebrate the fifth year anniversary of Mexican eatery Puesto with complimentary tacos and aguas frescas. Also, enjoy the celebration with face painting, balloon artistry, and jump houses. Open to all ages. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Headquarters at Seaport, 789 W Harbor Dr., 619.233.8880. eatpuesto.com
KEX Fest
April 9. Join Kettner Exchange for their first-ever KEX Fest, a spirits and seafood festival. Guests will gain access to more than 15 wine, beer and spirits tastings as well as a sashimi demonstration, live music and food sampling by executive chef Brian Redzikowski. $45. Kettner Exchange, 2001 Kettner Blvd., 619.255.2001. kettnerexchange.com
Bubble Brunch
April 9. Parc Bistro-Brasserie partners with Iron Horse Vineyards for a special four-course brunch. Highlights of the menu include salmon rillette Benedict and baguette French toast with Grand Marnier whipped cream—each course paired with Iron Horse wines. $47. 11:30 a.m. 2760 Fifth Ave., 619.319.9472. parcbb.com
SDTA Golf Tournament
April 12. Nestled within the hills of Dehesa Valley, the Sycuan Golf Resort is home to this year’s SDTA Golf Tournament. Golf fans can watch athletes compete in two challenging 18-hole championship golf courses. 12 p.m. Sycuan Golf Resort, 3007 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon, 800.457.5568. sycuanresort.com
Travels With My Aunt
April 12-May 7. Based on the Auntie Mame story, Travels with My Aunt is an entertaining show about Aunt Augusta’s involvement in her nephew’s life as she ignites his lust for adventure. Perhaps most impressive is how four versatile actors tackle more than 20 roles in this engaging production. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org
Margin of Error
April 14- May 7. Enjoy Will Cooper’s production, in which a famous scientist, two of his students and his wife confront each other, leading to a variety of twists and turns. This drama unveils what happens when individuals boil love and deceit down to a science. Lyceum Theatre, Westfield Horton Plaza, 79 Horton Plaza, 619.544.1000. lyceumevents.org
Easter Bunny Tea
April 14-15. Celebrate Easter festivities at the Westgate, featuring kid friendly petit-fours and mini pastries along with a traditional European afternoon tea. Families can enjoy an Easter egg hunt on the Riviera Terrace along with a magic show. 2:30 p.m. Westgate Hotel, 1055 2nd Ave., 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
Pairings with a Purpose
April 15. Enjoy an afternoon of culinary competition with San Diego and Guadalupe Valley’s finest chefs, breweries and wineries, as they collaborate to create special food and beverage pairings. 12-4 p.m. Bobby Riggs Tennis Club & Museum, 875 Santa Fe Dr., Encinitas, 760.473.2672. bobbyriggs.net
Red Bull Air Race World Championship
April 15-16. Head to the Pacific Coast to watch this international competition based on speed and precision. Pilots from around the world will tackle various obstacles in the sky for the championship title. 320 Broadway, downtown. redbullairrace.com
Gene Kelly: The Legacy
April 15. Gene Kelly is associated with movie classics such as Singin’ in the Rain and American in Paris. Now, his widow, Patricia War Kelly, is coming to San Diego to take audiences behind the scenes and give a glimpse into the life she shared with her husband. Through the use of videos and intimate stories, learn more about one of the world’s most beloved dance stars. sandiegotheatres.org
The Westgate’s Easter Champagne Brunch
April 16. On Easter Sunday, head to the Westgate for traditional Easter Champagne brunch. Guests can choose from fresh seafood, made-to-order omelets, carving stations and a children’s section. Kids can enjoy face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $89. Westgate Hotel, 1055 2nd Ave., 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
Hornblower Easter Brunch Cruise
April 16. Join Hornblower for an Easter brunch cruise, featuring an array of fresh, chef-prepared creations. Guests can celebrate the holiday with unlimited champagne and sparkling cider, and take pictures with the famous Easter Bunny. $66.95. Hornblower Cruises, 970 N Harbor Dr., 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Herb & Eatery’s Easter Brunch
April 16. Head to Little Italy’s newest casual market and counter service restaurant for an Easter brunch featuring an array of freshly baked cookies, pastries, coffee and cocktails. Featured dishes include Spanish inspired baked eggs and fresh croissants. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 2210 Kettner Blvd., 619.794.2790. herbandwood.com
Belmont Park’s Easter Egg Hunt
April 16. Back by popular demand, Belmont Park will offer their fifth annual Easter Egg Hunt on the beach. 12,000 eggs will be filled with candy, toys and other Belmont Park goodies, such as single rides, single attractions, dessert vouchers, unlimited rides and attractions and wristband packages. 9 a.m. $5. Belmont Park, 3146 Mission Blvd., 858.488.1549. belmontpark.com
Easter Brunch at The Med
April 16. The Med’s annual Easter brunch will feature food, family activities, live music and an Easter egg hunt for children. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $85 per person. The Med, La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.0771. lavalencia.com
Tequila Fest On Harbor Float
April 20. Hop onto Harbor Float, Coasterra’s new floating event deck, for a tequila-fueled evening overlooking the San Diego skyline. Guests can sample various tequilas and mezcals, and there will be plenty of live food stations, where chef Deborah Scott will cook favorites from each of her Cohn Restaurant Group establishments. $59.95. 6-8:30 p.m. Coasterra, 880 Harbor Island Dr., 619.814.1300. cohnrestaurants.com
Petal to Plate
April 20-30. Check out Carlsbad’s first 10 ]-day celebration of fine flowers, wellness, food and drink, taking place in various spots around Carlsbad. Beyond the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, guests are invited to visit various hotels, restaurants, spas, and a golf course for floral-inspired menus and experiences. Various locations in Carlsbad. visitcarlsbad.com
La Traviata – San Diego Opera
April 22-30. For party girl Violetta Valery, life is lived carelessly until she meets a man who changes everything. Choosing love over freedom, she is blissfully in love until an unwelcome visitor threatens their future together. Will Violetta be able to stay true to herself and to her love? San Diego Opera, 233 A St. #500, 619.232.7636. sdopera.org
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus: Broadway Now
April 22-23. Enjoy all of your favorite musical songs under one roof. The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will perform songs from Wicked, Hairspray, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Jersey Boys and The Lion King. Historic Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., 619.570.1100. sdgmc.org
Dr. Seuss’ The Sneetches
April 23. Dr. Seuss’ parable about the folly of discrimination gets a unique musical treatment in this “storybook” concert about the power of “once upon a time…,” including music inspired by some of everyone’s favorite fairy tales. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org
Maker’s Mark Bartender Battle
April 27. Come watch bartenders compete head-to-head to create the best bourbon cocktail. Guests will be able to visit a tasting station and chat with reps about a variety of bourbons. Also, enjoy tray passed appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. Analog Bar, 801 5th Ave., 619.233.1183. analogbar.com
Art Alive
April 27-30. Art Alive is the Museum of Art’s grand event, which brings in floral designers to create interpretations of over 100 works of art from the Museum’s permanent collection. Artists will use flowers to replicate the Museum’s paintings, sculpture and contemporary art. San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
Big Band Bash with the Jazz @ The Jacobs Orchestra
April 29. A handpicked 16-piece big band of jazz all-stars will make their debut as the Jazz @ The Jacobs Orchestra, led by series curator and trumpeter, Gilbert Castellanos. This special concert features the San Diego Symphony and veteran jazz vocalist Barbara Morrison performing the best of Ellington, Basie and more. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., 619.235.0804. sandiegosymphony.org
Hornblower Pet Day
April 29. Bring your furry friends with you on a Hornblower cruise. Guests are encouraged to contribute a gently used blanket for donation to the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Various times. $25. Hornblower Cruises, 970 N Harbor Dr., 619.686.8715. hornblower.com
Spring It On Fashion Event
April 30. Head to the Coronado Ferry Landing for a day of fashion and style. The event will include a runway fashion show, vendor area, music, raffles and giveaways. 12-4 p.m. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 1st St., 619.435.8895. coronadoferrylandingshops.com
Maritime Museum’s Chocolate Festival
April 30. For the 6th year running, Maritime’s Chocolate Festival will feature over 15 vendors showcasing and sampling various types of chocolate. Guests can create their own chocolate pizza, and adults can enjoy wine and chocolate pairings. Maritime Museum, 1492 N Harbor Dr., 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
CONTINUED
Shadowlands
Through April 9. Learn more about the romance between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, in this award-winning play by William Nicholson. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org
