Events
Irish 4 A Day Gaslamp Party Hop
March 13-14 & 17. The Gaslamp Quarter rolls out the green carpet for three evenings of debauchery in the form of a St. Patrick’s Day party hop. Your ticket grants you access to more than 20 bars, clubs and restaurants, hosted welcome shots, live music, DJs, dancing, green beer, other drink and Irish-inspired food specials, and finale parties. The opening party kicks off at American Junkie. Festive St. Paddy’s attire is encouraged! 6 p.m. (21 +). See website for ticket pricing. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. irish4aday.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
March 14. This 44th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is the area’s largest—featuring floats, marching bands, equestrian units, dancing groups and performers, antique cars and more. After the parade, head to Balboa Park for a family-friendly Irish festival—including traditional music, Irish step dancing, a kids zone, beer garden, and food booths offering everything from beef sandwiches to Guinness brats. 10:30 a.m. (parade); 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (festival; $10 entry for adults 21+). Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street, Bankers Hills; Sixth Avenue at Maple Street, Balboa Park. stpatsparade.org
CRSSD Festival
March 14-15. An audiovisual candy land for electronic music lovers, this two-day festival at Waterfront Park spans three stages and at least 40 musicians and performers. The lineup includes Dom Dolla (pictured), Polo & Pan, Ben Sterling, Franky Rizardo, Lane 8, Alignment, Amelie Lens, Cirez D and many more. In between DJ sets, guests can enjoy craft beer, cocktails and local food vendors. See website for full lineup of artists and daily schedule, bag policy, after-parties and tickets for the quickly selling-out event (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. crssdfest.com
SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival
Through April 26. Get a taste of the seven seas at this family-friendly food festival—Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at SeaWorld San Diego. Enjoy new entertainment this year, from Polynesian fire-knife dancers to a concert series spanning indie pop to country music; plus a new menu by executive chef Zuric Ramirez (pictured). Sample 14 unique dishes at his Chef’s Corner; plus myriad food areas around the park highlighting flavors from the Caribbean to Tuscany. See website for admission info. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Food + Drink
St. Paddy’s Day Fun at Moonshine Beach
March 13-14 & 17. Take your pick of three days of St. Paddy’s Day fun at P.B.’s biggest entertainment and live music outpost. Moonshine Beach is offering festive fare, such as corned beef sliders with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese on Hawaiian rolls for $15; and plenty of drink specials, including $2 green Jell-O shots, $7 Guinness cans, $8 Irish slammers and more. Wear your dancing shoes to work off any extra calories with live music and DJs. See website for hours. 1165 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.999.0158. moonshinebeachsd.com
SONO
Opens March 14. The husband-wife team behind North Park brunch spot Flora, Ocean Mohamadi and Nino Cusimano, have opened another restaurant in the ‘hood. Welcome to SONO, a modern outpost serving southern and central Italian cuisine, from Sicily to Rome to Naples. Feast on signature dishes like Polipo Croccante with crispy octopus, potato purée and pea sauce; baked gnocchi with pomodoro sauce, eggplant, basil and mozzarella; and artisanal pizzas; plus seasonal cocktails. Open daily 4-10 p.m. 2835 University Ave., North Park, 619.782.9786. sononorthpark.com
“The Art of Beer” at Ballast Point
March 14. Ballast Point Little Italy presents “The Art of Beer,” a special craft beer tasting and label art show. The inaugural event spotlights 10 acclaimed breweries pouring their best creations, such as Fall Brewing Company, Societe, Pizza Port, Harland and more. The fun also includes a label-art expo, showcasing the visual side of craft beer; voting for winners like “Best Beer” and “Best Label;” brewer panel discussions; and food for purchase. General admission 1-4 p.m.; VIP entry at noon. See website for ticket pricing. 2215 India St., Little Italy. Details
Arts + Culture
Art Walk at North Park Sustainable Market
March 14. Make some tasty discoveries at the city’s biggest sustainable food market, which pops up on Saturday at North Park Mini Park. Explore culinary delights from 60-plus local and regional vendors—including pastries and doughnuts, salads and produce, juices, teas, vegan sushi, pizza, pastas and other noodles, and Mexican fare. Plus: An Art Walk will feature a curated showcase of local artists, including live art demos, hands-on art activities, music and games. Noon-4 p.m. Free entry and parking (kids and dogs welcome). 3812 29th St., North Park. Details
La Jolla Playhouse: The Recipe
Extended Through March 29. At La Jolla Playhouse, the “funny, colorful and delicious” world-premiere play The Recipe—written by Claudia Shear (based on the book Dearie by Bob Spitz) and directed by Lisa Peterson—centers on a girl from Pasadena who became one of the world’s most beloved chefs and TV personalities: Julia Child. Among its seasoned cast, Broadway veteran Christina Kirk stars as Julia; with Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz portraying Child’s husband, Paul. 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, 858.550.1010. lajollaplayhouse.org
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Upcoming | March 18-22. Movie buffs will love this 33rd annual celebration of Latinx film, art and culture. Check out dozens of feature and short film screenings—at AMC Mission Valley and Digital Gym Cinema—from Latin America and the U.S. Festivities include the Opening Night party at El After Social Club, featuring the Fronte Live Music Experience, DJ Viejo Lowbo, and Grammy Award-winning Chicano band Quetzal (pictured); and celebrity and filmmaker meet-and-greets. See website for full schedule, addresses and ticket pricing. sdlatinofilm.com
Moonshine Beach is courtesy of Good Time Design. “The Recipe” / La Jolla Playhouse is by Rich Soublet Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
