San Diego Museum Month, Valentine’s Day, Fly and more. Here are the top 30+ San Diego things to do in February.
San Diego Museum Month
Feb. 1-29. Access more than 40 of San Diego’s top museums all month long for half-off admission, including local favorites such as Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Maritime Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps and several museums at Balboa Park. Pick up passes at San Diego libraries. Various locations. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org
San Diego Black Film Festival
Through Feb. 2. Catch more than 100 films across all genres that celebrate African-American cinema at this annual event, one of the largest black film festivals in the country. Plus, celebrity appearances, filmmaker panels and parties. See website for film list, locations and ticket prices. Theatre Box, 701 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp. sdbff.com
The Humans at San Diego Repertory Theatre
Through Feb. 2. Erik Blake has brought his family from Pennsylvania to celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s new apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside the ramshackle, pre-war duplex, eerie things start to go bump in the night. Soon, family tensions reach a boiling point. Playwright Stephen Karam takes a look at the hopes and heartbreaks of the modern American family in this uproariously funny and deeply chilling drama. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Play. Through February 2. 79 Horton Plaza, Gaslamp. sdrep.org
Gravity Heights One Year Anniversary Super Bowl Party
Feb. 2. Gravity Heights will celebrate turning one with a 1 Year Anniversary Super Bowl Party. There will be tailgating in the front lot, and the game playing on multiple large screens. Guests can bring the entire family and order from the grill – a choice of burgers, hot dogs or brisket with sides for $10 – hang out in the beer garden, or dine off their regular menu. They’ll even have a bounce house for the little ones. Gravity Heights’ brew team will also be unveiling their anniversary beer, One More Trip. Brunch starts at 10 a.m.; Super Bowl menu at 3 p.m. 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd, San Diego. gravityheights.com
Toast Gastrobrunch 1st Anniversary Party
Feb. 4. Don’t miss Toast Gastrobrunch’s one year anniversary! In celebration, Toast will be offering $1 pancakes all day on most of their specialty pancakes. Choose from Kodiak Cakes, made with 100% whole grain and topped with walnuts and fresh banana; Red Velvet Cakes, topped with cream cheese frosting, cocoa and powdered sugar; and many more. Pair a pancake with their brand-new bottomless mimosa offering to make the celebration even better. 5970 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad. toastgastrobrunch.com
Wine + Paint Night at the New Children’s Museum
Feb. 5. Gather your friends and enjoy an evening of painting while sipping on wine at The New Children’s Museum second Wine + Paint Night. Participants will enjoy complimentary wine, snacks and a step-by-step painting demonstration inspired by Valentine’s Day and one of the museum’s newest installations, Whammock!. Must be 21+ to participate. $40 for members, $45 for non-members. Tickets
A Kind of Weather
Premieres Feb. 6. When Kid’s grieving father pops up at his Brooklyn doorstep and asks to move in, it kinda puts a cramp in his sex life. Not to mention the completion of his memoir about his gender transition. As he struggles to keep his professional and romantic deadlines, revelations about his family history begin to subvert his own narrative. A hilarious, time-jumping, tragi-comedy exploring gender identity and its effect on family, A Kind of Weather is about learning to be who you already are. Through March 8. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Boulevard #101, San Diego. Tickets
Hurricane Diane
Premieres Feb. 8. This unconventional new comedy from Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George sees the Greek god Dionysus return to the modern world disguised as the butch gardener Diane, whose secret mission is to seduce mortal followers and restore the earth to its natural state. Where better to begin than with four real housewives from New Jersey? The New York Times cheered Hurricane Diane as an “astonishing new play,” and New York magazine hailed it as “hilarious and full of keen observation and profound human affection.” Through March 8. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. Tickets
Chinese New Year Fair
Feb. 8-9. Celebrate the Year of the Rat at this free, two-day annual celebration, featuring live performances, children’s crafts, a lantern parade and a variety of Chinese and Asian foods and cultural displays. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Third Ave. and J St., downtown. sdcny.org
Cardiff Kook Run
Feb. 9. Run along the Pacific Ocean with wind, waves and friends on this scenic route that passes by the famout “Cardiff Kook” statue. Participants will start and finish under the iconic “Encinitas” sign on Coast Highway 101. See website for start times and race prices. 505 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas. cardiffkookrun.com
Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Party at 619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room
Feb. 11. Enjoy a Valentine’s Cookie Decorating Party at North Park’s award-winning distillery and tasting room. Terri Fry of @donetoatte will be hosting a “Kiss These Lips Event” where she will guide guests step by step on how to decorate your lips on a stick cookie, while sipping on a specialty cocktail from 619 Spirits. Tickets include a specialty cocktail, the cookie and all the decorations and props, and cute photo opps. There will also be prizes for best cookie. $32. 7-8 p.m. 3015 Lincoln Avenue, North Park. Tickets
Pizza Class at Buona Forchetta
Feb. 11. Learn the history of pizza, make the dough from scratch, and get ready to get your hands dirty. Taste a selection of Venissimo cheese along with 4-5 different Italian wines, while listening to experts talk in-depth about each wine and cheese. Guests will be able to learn how to spread the dough with their own hands, choose their toppings and create their very own pizza. $95. 1:30-4:30. Officine Buona Forchetta, 2865 Sims Road, Liberty Station. Tickets
Domaine Chandon Valentine’s Tasting at JRDN
Feb. 13. Kick off the long weekend early with Domaine Chandon on JRDN’s sunset patio. Guests will sip on five to six tastings of sparkling wine paired with small bites prepared by Executive Chef David Warner. One of the first French-owned sparkling wine ventures in the U.S., Domaine Chandon is highly remarked as producing some of the best sparkling wines in Napa Valley. 6-8 p.m. $40 per person. 723 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach. t23hotel.com
Culture & Cocktails at San Diego Museum of Art
Feb. 13. The San Diego Museum of Art’s pre-Valentine’s Day edition of Culture & Cocktails centers around the exhibition Bouguereau & America, with a special nod to William-Adolphe Bouguereau’s canvases that portray Cupid, his arrows and his escapades. Guests can look forward to a complimentary cocktail, waffle dessert bites, a photo booth and much more. $10 members, $25 nonmembers. Ticket prices increase the day-of. 6 – 10 p.m. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. sdmart.org
San Diego Jewish Film Festival
Feb. 13-23. The 30th annual film festival explores Jewish experiences through a slew of shorts, documentaries and feature films. The event will span over the course of 11 days, at five different venues and will feature 35 films from 13 countries. See website for different pass options and additional information. sdcjc.org
San Diego Theatre Week
Feb. 13-23. More than 30 San Diego performing arts organizations come together to promote and celebrate the vast array of performing arts in the city through a variety of special promotions. Tickets to participating performances will be offered at $15, $30 and $45 levels. Participating theaters Lamb’s Players Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, New Village Arts and many more. See website for showtimes and locations. sandiegotheatreweek.com
Valentine’s Day at The Westgate Hotel
Feb. 14. Enjoy a four-course prix-fixe menu with an optional wine pairing prepared by Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel. Menu highlights include the Diver Scallop with bowfin caviar and grilled leek in a vermouth emulsion; the Cape Grim New York Steak with charred shallot, Yukon gold potato puree, in a port wine reduction; and Raspberry Mascarpone Mousse on a pistachio sponge cake, topped with raspberry sorbet. $79+ pp. 5- 9 p.m. 1055 Second Avenue, Gaslamp. westgatehotel.com
Valentine’s Day at Primavera
Feb. 14. Coronado’s Primavera Ristorante will set the mood this Valentine’s Day with a romantic prix fixe dinner menu. Menu highlights include baked oysters on the half shell topped with panko crumbs, brunoise roasted peppers and smoked bacon; lobster-stuffed ravioli with sun-dried tomatoes and sage brown butter sauce; and flourless chocolate torte with ganache glaze. Primavera’s specialty three-course menu is priced at $75 per person, with a specialty cocktail, Love Potion #9, also available for $14. 932 Orange Ave., Coronado. primavera1st.com
Valentine’s Day at the Catamaran Resort & Spa
Feb. 14. Indulge in Oceana Coastal Kitchen’s three-course Valentine’s Day dinner this Valentine’s Day. Couples will be greeted with a complimentary rose and glass of champagne and will get to enjoy unbeatable views of Mission Bay. Guests will have the choice of entrees such as the herb-crusted rack of lamb or beet caramelle pasta, followed by Grand Marnier crème brûlèe for dessert. $65. 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. 3999 Mission Boulevard, Mission Bay, 858.488.1081. catamaranresort.com
Valentine’s Day at Juniper and Ivy
Feb. 14-15. Juniper and Ivy will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special 4-course menu, developed by Executive Chef Anthony Wells with wine pairings from Beverage Director and Sommelier Nick Gergin. The $115 prix fixe menu includes four courses with three to four options for each, in addition to optional add-ons for a wine pairing, caviar service, and two specialty cocktails. 2228 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy. juniperandivy.com
Hornblower’s Valentine’s Cruises
Feb. 14-15. Celebrate this Valentine’s Day on the water with an intimate cruise from Hornblower. Guests can expect stunning views, wonderful dinner and drinks and live music for dancing. Romance is on the horizon! See website for various cruise options and pricing. Pier 1, Hornblower Landing: 1800 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego. hornblower.com
International Smoke
Feb. 14-16. Celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend long at Del Mar’s International Smoke. The restaurant has several Valentine’s Day specials to enjoy. Guests can start their meal with the restaurant’s decadent Smoked Caviar for Two appetizer. Next, enjoy the best of both worlds with Surf and Turf for Two, a smoked 24 oz porterhouse steak and lobster tail with grilled asparagus and potatoes. For dessert, diners can indulge in International Smoke’s delicious Chocolate Cake, an eight-layer cake
5K Paw Walk in the Garden
Feb. 15. Don’t miss the one day of the year that furry friends are allowed in the Garden! San Diego Botanic Garden is once again partnering with Rancho Coastal Humane Society for the 8th Annual 5K Paw Walk in the Garden. Both organizations benefit from this great event, where dogs and their human friends follow a scenic route through the 37-acre garden. 8 a.m. – noon. San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas. Register
The Great Leap
Through Feb. 16. When an American basketball team travels to Beijing for an exhibition game in 1989, the drama goes deeper than the strain between countries. For two men with a past and one teen with a future, the game is a chance to claim personal victories on and off the court. Tensions rise right up to the final buzzer as a pivotal moment in history collides with the action in the arena. Sharp-witted and weighty, this perceptive new play explores the cultural and political risks of raising your voice and standing your ground. Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town. cygnettheatre.com
Babette’s Feast
Through Feb. 16. Lamb’s Players Theatre presents Babette’s Feast, a theatrical adaptation of Isak Dinesen’s remarkable short story, made famous by the Academy Award-winning film. A French cook is given refuge in a rural Norwegian community and finds a memorable, artistic way to show her gratitude. 1142 Orange Ave, Coronado. lambsplayers.org
Fly
Premieres Feb. 18. Two major Tony Award-winning Broadway veterans team up with two of the most exciting writers in American theatre today to bring a cherished tale into the present. Wendy’s life is about to change forever when she meets a boy named Peter, a pirate named Hook, and a beguiling, beautiful Crocodile, who’s much more than meets the eye. In this thrilling, funny, dangerous look at J.M. Barrie’s novel Peter and Wendy, a whole new Neverland comes to life. Through March 29. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Tickets
The Smoking Goat Turns Ten
Feb. 19. The beloved North Park restaurant will celebrate ten years in business this February. To celebrate the occasion, the restaurant will be hosting a celebration on February 19, the day it opened its doors ten years ago. The evening will include a three-course meal for $40, festive décor throughout the restaurant and complimentary birthday sweets and a glass of champagne for all guests. Reservations recommended. The Smoking Goat, 3408 30th St, North Park. thesmokinggoatrestaurant.com
The Outsider
Premieres Feb. 19. The Outsider is a razor-sharp, hilarious satire of modern American politics and an inspirational tribute to democracy. Overflowing with clever plot twists portraying the contemporary political climate, Paul Slade Smith’s play is a fun-house mirror, held up to reflect our often confounding governmental system. If you’re overwhelmed by today’s headlines, this thoroughly non-partisan laugh-fest is just what you need. Through March 15. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite D, Solana Beach. Tickets
Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival
Feb. 21. Comedian Mike Epps will bring “The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival” to Pechanga Arena. Epps will lead the show with a lineup including Sommore, Gary Owen, Lavell Crawford and Mark Curry. Fans won’t want to miss this night of sharp wit, hilarious storytelling, and more. $64+. 8 p.m.; doors open 7 p.m. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Tickets
Mardi Gras Beads, Bites, and Booze Tour
Feb. 22. Head to the Gaslamp Quarter for a tantalizing tasting event with a New Orleans touch. Tickets will include twenty Mardi Gras-inspired bites, twenty carnival cocktail sips and beads at every stop. Be sure to collect 10 beads along the way to gain access to the exclusive VIP after-party. $25+. 1 – 5 p.m. 656 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp. Tickets
The Mad Hatter’s Ball
Feb. 22. Head to the Observatory North Park for an unforgettable night of entertainment. Make the most of this formal hat party by reserving a 3-course prix fixe dinner at West Coast Tavern, then head to the Observatory North Park to experience cirque performers, interactive art, DJ music, dancing, craft libations, and other unique activities. See website for various ticket prices and additional information. 7 p.m. The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave, North Park. Tickets
Hillcrest Mardi Gras
Feb. 25. The 18th Annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras returns this year with a fun and wild neighborhood-wide party bus party crawl. Put on your best (and most creative) Mardi Gras costumes while enjoying a unique party crawl through some of Hillcrest’s best bars, clubs, and music venues. Each bus will feature drag queens, music, entertainment, special guests, and more. Hillcrest, San Diego. 6-11:30 p.m. fabuloushillcrest.com
Comedy Night at The Original 40 Brewing Company
Feb. 26. Don’t miss comedians Rebekah Kochan, Dan Durney and Melissa Greenberg, as they grace The Original 40 Brewing Company for the brewery’s first-ever comedy show. The brewery offers 24 taps, elevated snacks, shareables and entrees, along with a vibrant atmosphere. Starting at 7:30 p.m., this will be a free show and first come, first serve. 3117 University Ave., North Park. original40brewing.com/
Bliss Out Camp Out at Rancho La Puerta
Feb. 26-29. Calling all fitness friends, solo travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyone alike to Rancho La Puerta for a mini-retreat experience led by Bliss Out Camp Out’s team including BOCO co-founders, Chrissy Gray and Fiona Leung. On top of enjoying Rancho La Puerta’s world-renowned amenities including casita-style accommodations, 60 fitness, therapeutic spa treatments, and more, Bliss Out Camp Out will provide a series of lectures, workshops, and cooking classes. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. Reservations
Photos: Buona Forchetta courtesy Bread & Butter. Wine + Paint Night courtesy The New Children’s Museum. JRDN courtesy Chemistry PR. Primavera courtesy Wicked Creative. 5K Paw Walk in the Garden courtesy credit Rachel Cobb. The Mad Hatter’s Ball courtesy northparkcarnival.com.
