Events
Del Mar Gem Faire
Feb. 27-March 1. Surround yourself by all that sparkles at this unique expo (and bring your credit card). The Del Mar Gem Faire showcases fine jewelry, gold, silver, precious and semi-precious gemstones, costume jewelry, crystals, beads, minerals and more—available for purchase direct from manufacturers, importers and wholesalers. Bring your own jewelry to be repaired, cleaned or sized while you shop; and enter to win raffle prizes drawn hourly. See website for full dealer/exhibitor list and daily hours. $7 general admission. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. gemfaire.com
San Diego Chinese New Year Fair
Feb. 28-March 1. Celebrating the Year of the Horse, the 43rd annual, family-friendly event features Asian cuisine, live music and myriad cultural performances. The lineup includes Xing Jian Dance Studio, specializing in Chinese dance and ballet; White Dragon Martial Arts; an opening ceremony and lantern parade featuring the Lucky Lion Dancers; JING Institute of Chinese Martial Arts & Culture; Golden Rishi Qigong & Tai Chi; Asian Story Theater; and more. See website for details. Sa-Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. 428 Third Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
March 1-May 10. A springtime tradition, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch never disappoint. In addition to the ranch’s famous Giant Tecolote Ranunculus—millions of which bloom across 55 acres—expect local pop-up vendors, an enhanced Butterfly Encounter experience inside a 1,000-square-foot greenhouse, live music, tractor wagon rides, wine tastings, Tea in the Garden, U-Pick blueberries, a sweet pea maze, the American Flag of Flowers, and more. See website for hours and tickets. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. theflowerfields.com
Food + Drink
Calienté Spirits Fest
Feb. 28. Celebrate Latin music, food and spirits at the San Diego Calienté Spirits Fest, slated for Saturday afternoon at The Sinclair Event Center. Wear your dancing shoes for live Banda, Mariachi, Bachata, Merengue and Salsa music; while enjoying endless samplings from myriad spirits brands—spanning premium tequilas, mezcals, specialty margaritas, vodka, whiskey, wine, beer and more; plus local and regional food vendors and retailers. 3-5 p.m. general entry; VIP entry at 2 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 643 G St., Gaslamp Quarter. calientemusicfest.com
“Picnic at the Park” at The Rady Shell
March 1. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park invites you to its annual “Picnic in the Park,” presented by Southwest Airlines, announcing the 2026 Conrad Prebys Summer Season. Bring your own picnics, blankets and chairs; and/or purchase food and beverages at onsite eateries. Guests can also enjoy performances by San Diego Symphony Orchestra musicians and singer-songwriter Gregory Page; plus an interactive dance tutorial by Larisa Hall of Thriller San Diego; and a DJ set by Xelestial. 11:30 a.m. Free entry. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org
Urban Skillet San Diego
Now Open. Known for its handcrafted burgers, shakes and fries, Urban Skillet has opened its first S.D. location. The contemporary-casual eatery serves hearty “skillet-made” eats such as half-pound burgers, smash burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and wraps; plus shareables including brisket fries, loaded tots, wings and quesadillas; and milkshakes in flavors like Oreo and Vanilla Bean. Try the Crispy Patty Melt on Texas toast; and the Original Skillet Burger on brioche. Open daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 9254 Scranton Road, #105, Sorrento Valley, 619.323.8822. Details
Arts + Culture
Lamb’s Players Theatre: THE ‘70s!
Feb. 26-April 12. Coronado-based Lamb’s Players Theatre brings back its hit musical revue, THE ‘70s! — The Golden Age of the Album, staged this time around at Old Town Theatre (former home of Cygnet Theatre). The rousing production celebrates the 1970s, the decade that produced more influential music albums than any other. Channel your ‘70s music nostalgia with the help of a dazzling ensemble cast of 15-plus singers, actors and musicians performing hits of the era. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town. lambsplayers.org
San Diego Symphony: Brahms Festival
Feb. 27-March 7. San Diego Symphony presents a special “Brahms Festival,” paying homage to 19th Century German composer Johannes Brahms. A German Requiem, Feb. 27 and March 1, features the Symphony Chorus, soprano Julie Boulianne and Michael Sumuel; followed by Brahms’ Symphonies 1 and 2, Feb. 28; Symphony No. 4 and Violin Concerto in D Major, featuring violinist Leonidas Kavakos (pictured), March 6; and Symphony No. 3, with Kavakos again performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto, March 7. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. Details
SDMA: Centennial Birthday Fest
Feb. 28. The San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) is turning 100 years old! Head there on Saturday for a community-oriented celebration (10 a.m.-7 p.m.)—comprising special activations, live music, family-friendly performances, a themed photo booth and hands-on art activities. The fun also includes “On the Steps at SDMA: Centennial Edition” (4:30-7:30 p.m.), with performances by Peach Cooler, Gregory Page, Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, and Flashpoint Skate. Enjoy free entry to SDMA and MOPA@SDMA all day. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
Broadway San Diego: BEETLEJUICE
Through March 1. Broadway San Diego presents the hilarious musical BEETLEJUICE (don’t say it three times fast unless you dare!), based on the 1988 Tim Burton film. In it we meet Lydia, an “unusual” teenager whose family moves into the home of a recently deceased couple … And along comes an interesting fella from the Netherworld who loves black and white stripes. Variety hails it as “screamingly good fun!” See website for showtimes and tickets (recommended for ages 13 and older). Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com
San Diego Symphony / Leonidas Kavakos is by Marco Borggreve. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
