Weekend Roundup

Find the best San Diego things to do this weekend

MUSEUMS
Science Family Day
Mar. 17. Discover how much fun learning science can be when over two dozen Balboa Park institutions put their heads together. The park-wide event features science-related hands-on activities, films and exhibits exploring nature and science, a butterfly release, up-close encounters with reptiles and human bones, and more. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult admission at participating museums. All Family Day activities take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. balboapark.org

MUSIC
The Classicist
Mar. 17-18. This concert by the La Jolla Symphony explores Stravinsky’s classical roots. The program features Mozart’s famous overture leading into Stravinsky’s most classical work, Symphony in C, and concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No.1 in C Major. Steven Schick conducts and guest artist Curt Miller performs on the clarinet. Mandeville Auditorium at UCSD, La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. 858.534.4637. lajollasymphony.com

Mainly Mozart 

Mar. 18. The Parker Quartet performs Mendelssohn’s Quartet in F minor, Op. 80 and
Schumann’s Quartet in A, Op. 41, No. 3 in the latest concert in the Mainly Mozart series. The performance begins at 6:30 p.m., but be sure to arrive early for the wine reception. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe. 619.239.0100 x 2. mainlymozart.org

SHOWS
Cirque: Illusions of Grandeur
Mar. 17. The power and majesty of cirque meets the awe-inspiring thrill of stage magic and illusion in this dazzling presentation that combines death-defying aerialists, acrobats and fire dancers with the world’s most talented variety performers. Uncover the mystical story about a boy who dreams of becoming a master illusionist. His dreams are transformed before his eyes through the awesome power of his imagination and the illusory alchemy of cirque. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, 800.988.4253. artcenter.org

Sandra Bernhard: I Love Being Me, Don’t You?

Mar. 14-17. Backed by a smokin’ rock band, Sandra Bernhard draws on her acclaimed new comedy recording of the same name to deliver her unforgettable blend of outrageous humor, cutting satire and fiercely energetic live performance. About her new show, the Los Angeles Times raved that her “combination of glamour and accessibility accounts for Bernhard’s enduring appeal… The experience is like hanging out with a hip and funny friend who never fails to lift you up with her outrageous freedom.” Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org


ST. PATRICK’S DAY
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Mar. 17. Get in the Irish spirit with more than 120 parade entries and thousands of attendees. The San Diego parade and festival celebrate the spirit of ancient Ireland with music, food, a beer garden and a kids’ play area. This 32nd annual event includes Tony Mande as parade chair. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Sixth Ave. and Juniper St., Bankers Hill, 858.268.9111. stpatsparade.org

Shamrock

Mar. 17. This 17th annual event in the Gaslamp is destined to be the biggest Irish celebration on the West Coast. This year’s celebration includes a 150-foot Irish pub on the streets of downtown, more than 80,000 square feet of green Astroturf to set the mood and a lighting extravaganza. Enjoy beats by the hottest Irish bands and top DJs. More than 20,000 revelers are expected to attend. Fifth Ave. at Market St., 619.233.5008. sandiegoshamrock.com 

FILMS
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Through Mar. 18. The 19th annual SDLFF screens more than 130 features and short films from across Latin America and the U.S. Festival passes include access to more than 100 programs, four workshops, entrance into three galas and a one year Media Arts Center San Diego membership. UltraStar Cinemas, 7510 Hazard Center Drive, Mission Valley, 619.230.1938. sdlatinofilm.com

THEATRE
Tortilla Curtain
Mar. 17-Apr. 8. This humorous and heart breaking world premiere play received an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award. Part satire and part parable, Tortilla Curtain follows the interaction between Delaney Mossbacher, a nature writer and staunch environmentalist, and Cándido Rincón and his sister-in-law América, undocumented immigrants from Mexico who live in a ravine at the bottom of a canyon. One summer day, Delaney, driving up the narrow, twisting canyon road, hits Cándido with his car. The lives of the two men and their families will never be the same. Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, downtown, 619.231.3586. sdrep.org



Bye Bye Birdie
Mar. 16-18. This classis story tells the tale of a rock singer who travels to a small town in Ohio to make his farewell television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he’s drafted into the army. “Put on a Happy Face”, “One Boy”, “A Lot of Living To Do”, “Kids”, and “Rosie” are musical theatre classics. Center Stage Productions’s cast includes 30 San Diego youth performing with a live band. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. 760.807.8654. centerstagesd.com

Don Pasquale
Mar. 16, 18. In a hilarious change of pace from the San Diego Opera’s latest productions, Don Pasquale will have audiences in stitches as the old fool is tricked into thinking he has married the sweet, demure and innocent convent-raised Sofronia, but she’s really Norina, who is in love with Pasquale’s nephew whom he is trying to disinherit. Once “married”, she becomes a gun-toting shrew who shows Pasquale that he was definitely better off without a wife. San Diego Opera at Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.533.7000. sdopera.com

Visiting Mr. Green
Through Mar. 18. Recently extended by popular demand, Jeff Baron’s play examines stereotypes, family, loneliness, and friendship. Filled with humor, heart, and drama, Visiting Mr. Green explores the stories of two unlikely people thrown together by accidental circumstances. The results are unexpected and ultimately cathartic for each. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987-D Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org