Events
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero
Opens March 24. Outdoor moviegoing reaches new heights with the return of Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero, which presents movie screenings on the fourth-floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Enjoy city views and an elevated cinema experience—including a state-of-the art projector, headphones and deck chairs; plus popcorn and snacks available for purchase. The season lineup ranges from recent box office hits to cult classics. Opening weekend features Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Mean Girls, La La Land and more. See website for full schedule and tickets. 1 Market Place, downtown. rooftopcinemaclub.com
The Shout! House’s 18th Anniversary
March 24. Yeehaw! Famous for its high-octane, interactive “dueling piano” variety shows, the Gaslamp’s beloved music venue The Shout! House is turning 18. To celebrate, the team presents a fun evening filled with guest musicians, photo booths, goodie bags and a few surprises. Choose from a music-themed cocktail menu with fun featured concoctions such as the Rock Me “Gin”tly, Watermelon Sugar High and Three Dog Night. Doors open at 7 p.m. RSVP for no cover and enjoy a hosted bar 7-8 p.m. (see website for full details). 655 Fourth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.231.6700. theshouthouse.com
Ruocco Park Promenade Market
March 25. You’ll find creative street food, coffee, artwork, music and more at this outdoor market by the bay—nestled between Tuna Harbor Dockside Market and the USS Midway naval aircraft carrier on the south embarcadero. Presented by San Diego Food Markets, the event includes culinary offerings such as made-to-order vegan dishes, barbecue, paella, waffles, kettle corn and desserts. Shop for crafts, jewelry, homewares and more made by local artisans—all while enjoying live tunes by local musicians and relaxing under large umbrellas offering shade. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 585 Harbor Lane, downtown. sandiegofoodmarkets.com
“Punk in Drublic” Festival
March 26. Yes, you read that correctly. Brew Ha Ha Productions presents “Punk in Drublic,” a craft beer and music festival at Petco Park’s Lexus Premier Lot. Sample unlimited tastings from an expansive showcase of the region’s best craft brews; while enjoying food truck fare and live punk rock music. The lineup includes NOFX, Pennywise (pictured), Face to Face, Lagwagon, Get Dead, The Last Gang, Urethane and more. See website for full details. Doors open at noon. General admission starts at $45, with VIP packages also available (21+). 58 11th Ave., East Village. punkindrublicfest.com
Springtime Tours with Triton Charters
Ongoing. Test your sea legs along San Diego Bay aboard the city’s largest catamaran—accommodating 100-plus passengers. The 75-foot, luxurious Triton was built to party—outfitted with a 13-seat wraparound bar, comfy seating for up to 60 people, an advanced sound system and water toys such as wave runners and kayaks. There’s even a large dance floor, a built-in waterslide and a trampoline. Private charters come complete with a Coast Guard-certified captain and crew members; as well as full catering and bar packages. 2700 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 844.587.4866. triton-charters.com
Food + Drink
Carruth Cellars’ Barrel Tasting Party
March 26-27. Calling all oenophiles! Spend your Saturday sipping away at this 12th annual barrel bash at Carruth Cellars’ flagship Solana Beach tasting room. Five stations will showcase 10 of the winery’s varietals straight from the barrel (before the wines are bottled). The celebration also includes a food truck, live music, a branded souvenir wine glass and exclusive access to purchase “futures” (aka wines before they’re bottled and officially released) at a significant discount. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $56 members; $70 general admission (21+). 118 Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. carruthcellars.com
SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival
Through May 1. Tour the seven seas via your tastebuds at this family-friendly food festival, taking place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at SeaWorld San Diego. Guests can sample more than 150 food and drink offerings and 30 distinct flavors found in recipes from around the world; plus 50 specialty cocktails and wines, and more than 50 craft beers. Dine and imbibe at new and refreshed locations around the park offering Mission Bay views; along with live music and entertainment. See website for hours and pricing. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Rusticucina
Open. First and foremost, we love that canine family members are welcome on the alfresco patio at this neighborhood-style Italian cucina. In the kitchen, executive chef Marco Provino is cooking up authentic Italian fare, from house-made pastas to pizzas to desserts and more. Our favorites: the decadent lobster lasagna; the spinach-and-fig flatbread with mascarpone and crispy prosciutto; and the pistachio semifreddo for dessert. And don’t miss the Sicilian pancake for weekend brunch (cannoli and chocolate chips are involved!). M-F 4-10 p.m.; Sa-Su 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 3797 Park Blvd., Hillcrest, 619.310.5291. rusticucina.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Opera’s Roméo et Juliette
Opens March 26. It’s the most tragic love story of all time, retold by French composer Charles Gounod. San Diego Opera brings us Shakespeare’s Roméo et Juliette, with opening night on Saturday (and performances on March 29 and April 1 and 3). We know the story: Two star-crossed lovers secretly marry and seal their fate, brought to fruition by their rival families, the Capulets and Montagues. Tenor Pene Pati stars as Roméo, with soprano Nicole Cabell (pictured) as Juliette. Yves Abel conducts, with dazzling stage direction by Matthew Ozawa. 7:30 p.m. Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. sdopera.org
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Open. Ahoy! One of our favorite slices of San Diego culture welcomes you aboard. Docked along the north embarcadero, this floating nautical museum is home to one of the larger collections of historical sea vessels in the U.S.—including the world-famous Star of India, an iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1863. Become immersed in more than 500 years of seafaring history—from dockside ship tours to insightful exhibits to San Diego Bay cruises and more. See website to purchase tickets. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.