Batter Up!
Nothing says springtime in San Diego like a day at Petco Park spent cheering on our home team: the San Diego Padres. The Pads take on the Atlanta Braves for the team’s season home opener on March 27. We also love indulging in “cheat meals” at Petco Park’s myriad delicious eateries during baseball season, including Hodad’s famous burgers, slices from Pizza Port, Seaside Market’s epic tritip nachos, and plenty of locally brewed craft beers. 100 Park Blvd., East Village. 619.226.6100, mlb.com/padres
Balboa Park in Bloom
Spring is in the air and in the trees at Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of its popular Cherry Blossom Festival March 13-16. Home to a 200-cherry-tree grove on 12 acres, the garden hosts four days of family-friendly fun, including cultural performances, food and local vendors. The festival will take place rain or shine and even if the bloom doesn’t align with the dates. (The trees bloom in March every year; exact dates can vary.) See website for bloom updates and to purchase festival tickets. 2215 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. 619.232.2721. niwa.org
Find more blooming flora at Balboa Park’s landmark Botanical Building. First built in 1915 as part of the Panama-California Exposition and one of the world’s largest lath structures, the building has reopened after nearly three years of renovation work. The $28.5 million revitalization includes a new redwood lath roof; LED lighting; water irrigation systems, including interior misters; the addition of programming and educational space; and restoration of the building’s historical elements. A collaboration between Forever Balboa Park and the City of San Diego, the project transforms the building into a botanical wonderland, housing around 2,100 permanent plants and rare flowers. It remains one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks on the West Coast, fronted by the park’s famous lily pond. Stay tuned for phase two, which will address its surrounding gardens and incorporate sustainable landscaping.
1550 El Prado, Balboa Park. 619.239.0512. balboaparkbotanical.org
One of the city’s top HERE NOW OUT + ABOUT artsy events of the year, the annual floral exhibition Art Alive at The San Diego Museum of Art runs April 25-27. Talented local designers will transform nearly 100 works from the museum’s permanent art collection into large-scale floral sculptures and installations for a weekendlong exhibit (and friendly competition). Inspired by the groundbreaking architectural designs of Lord Norman Foster and his internationally renowned studio, Foster + Partners, Art Alive 2025 is a celebration of art and architecture. The fun includes the overhaul of the museum’s rotunda into an enormous floral installation—to be created this year by designers Natasha Lisitsa and Daniel Schultz—plus hands-on art-making and interactive activities for families and kids; and the popular Bloom Bash soiree on Friday
Museum Marvel
Remembered as a brilliant artist and visionary obsessed with the principles of flight and aerodynamics, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) left behind notebooks filled with theories and designs that were centuries ahead of their time. Presented by the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Da Vinci’s First Flight is the worldpremiere, interactive exhibition (opened in February 2025) that brings Da Vinci’s dreams to life. The exhibit features more than 30 large-scale replicas of his flying machines; as well as a life-size hang glider, the world’s first “drones,” interactive flight experiments, an immersive glider simulation and much more. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park. 619.234.8291. sandiegoairandspace.org
Start Your Engines
Calling all auto aficionados. The La Jolla Concours d’Elegance returns for its 19th annual installment, April 25-27, showcasing more than 170 of the finest cars in the world. This year’s theme is “Mascots in Motion,” paying homage to the history of iconic hood ornaments and celebrating the golden era of American Hot Rods and Lincoln Motor Company’s centennial. There’s even a new special vehicle class this year: Iconic American Hot Rods (1928–1941). The weekend lineup also includes a VIP soiree on Friday, April 25; “Porsches & Power on Prospect” on Saturday, April 26; and the main event on Sunday, April 27, with VIP packages available. La Jolla Cove. lajollaconcours.com
A Night at the Opera
An evening spent at the opera is always a good idea, and the San Diego Opera delivers with its two spring productions at the Civic Theatre. Adapted from Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name, Salome runs March 21-23. Richard Strauss’ music tells the biblical story of John the Baptist, a prisoner under King Herod, whose stepdaughter, Princess Salome, attempts to seduce Jochanaan (John). In Giuseppe Verdi’s heart-wrenching La Traviata, April 25-27, a courtesan named Violetta (who is gravely ill) falls madly in love with young nobleman Alfredo—all set against the romantic backdrop of 19thcentury Paris. 1100 Third Ave., downtown, 619.533.7000. sdopera.org
To learn more about things to do in San Diego, read ARRIVED SD’s Spring Edition
Image Credits: SD Opera photos courtesy of J.T. MacMillan and SD Opera. Photos from ARRIVED SD Spring Edition. Photo Images courtesy of business and venue.
