San Diego

Weekend roundup

April 14-17

Events

East Village Opening Day Block Party

April 14. Baseball season is in full swing (pun intended). To celebrate (win or lose), the East Village Association presents a block party in front of Petco Park—where the San Diego Padres take on the Atlanta Braves (defending World Series champions) for the team’s home opener. The party features local gourmet food trucks, a beer garden (21+) and craft cocktails; plus dancing, live music and DJ sets across two entertainment stages. Noon-6:30 p.m. (rain or shine). General admission is free. Corner of Seventh and J streets, East Village. More Info

Burlesque Show at Vin de Syrah

April 15. Go underground to this brasserie-style wine parlor for a drink and a burlesque performance by The Ladies of Rouge. Held every Friday, the 15-minute show opens the venue’s weekend DJ entertainment. And each performance is different, with a rotating cast of the city’s top singers—including Victoria Londerholm, Cassie B, Tanya MacKenna, Joy Newbegin, Melody Ebner and Whitney Shay—who belt out sexy songs such as “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.” 9:15 p.m. Free entry. 901 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.234.4166. syrahwineparlor.com

“Eggstravaganza” at Birch Aquarium

April 16-17. In the spirit of Easter eggs, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is offering some egg education of its own. The family-friendly “Eggstravaganza” experience explores the many different eggs comprising ocean life—from fish eggs to shark eggs to even penguin eggs. The kiddos can make their own egg-themed crafts and go on an underwater egg hunt (no baskets required). 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (the experience is included with cost of admission). 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474. aquarium.ucsd.edu

San Diego Music Awards

Upcoming | April 19. Now in its 31st year, the show honors the talent and diversity of San Diego’s music community; while benefitting the S.D. Music Foundation’s “Guitars for Schools” program. Awards will be given for “Song of the Year,” for which Jason Mraz (pictured) is nominated, “Album of the Year,” “Best Video” and two dozen other categories. Attendees can enjoy live performances by The Sully Band, Slack Key Ohana, Mrs. Henry, Riston Diggs and more. 7 p.m. $40-$100. Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. sandiegomusicawards.com

Food + Drink

Happy Does Bar

Opens April 14. The smiley face reigns supreme at Happy Does. Opening in conjunction with the San Diego Padres’ Opening Day on Thursday, the retro indoor/outdoor bar by hospitality group Good Time Design is named after the Kenny Chesney song “Happy Does.” Enjoy throwback and current pop tracks by DJ Legend while sipping playful libations with fun names, such as the Lychee, Lychee Bang Bang, Happy Juice and For Funzies; along with bites including the Loaded Smiley Fries and Big Kenny Chicken Sandwich. See website for hours. 340 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 858.867.3931. happydoesbar.com

Happy Hour at Casa de Bandini

Now Available. Happy Hour returns to Carlsbad’s popular Mexican restaurant, located at The Forum. Head to Casa de Bandini’s festive cantina during the work week for discounted drinks and shareable plates. Highlights include the Hornitos Ranch Water and house margarita for $7.95 each; the Quesadilla de la Cantina and “Muchos” taquitos for $6 each; two soft street tacos for $8; and a beef or chicken taco (a la carte) for $5. We also love the guacamole served with Casa tortilla chips for $6. M-F 3-5 p.m. 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760.634.3443. casadebandini.com

New Menus at The Shores

Now Available. The seaside eatery is offering several delicious new reasons to visit. After a two-year hiatus, weekend brunch is back—featuring lobster Benedict, Bananas Foster French Toast and huevos rancheros. The Shores also unveils spring lunch and dinner menus filled with coastal Baja fare; think: Mexican street corn and Baja fish tacos. Or order from the new “Picnic on the Beach” menu, with to-go dishes packed in a reusable tote bag—from meat and cheese boards to compressed watermelon salad. See website for hours. 8110 Camino del Oro, La Jolla, 858.456.0600. theshoresrestaurant.com

Taste of Liberty Station

Upcoming | April 20. Get a true taste of the myriad culinary offerings at Liberty Station with this fun food tour. Your “Liberty Pass” doubles as your guide for the evening, which entails a 1.5-mile walking route (wear comfy shoes) of the campus—dotted with restaurant stops, live music and local artwork. Participating businesses include Le Parfait Paris, Go Go Amigo, The Presley, Officine Buona Forchetta, The LOT, Ono Grinds and more. 5-8 p.m. Tickets start at $45 (parking is free). See website for ticket pickup locations at Liberty Station. libertystation.com

Arts + Culture

Broadway San Diego’s Tootsie

Through April 17. Praised as “far and away the funniest musical of the season” by the Daily News, the national tour of Tootsie visits the Civic Theatre through Sunday. Based on the Oscar-nominated film and book by Robert Horn—and featuring a score by Tony Award-winner David Yazbek—the story centers on a talented but difficult actor who “reinvents” himself to win a female role. This last-ditch effort to achieve theatrical success promises to be a hilarious crowd pleaser. See website for showtimes and ticket pricing. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com

The Old Globe’s Bob Fosse’s Dancin’

Upcoming | Opens April 19. Ready to dance? The original 1978 Broadway production of Dancin’—created, directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse—has been reimagined by director Wayne Cilento (who also starred in the original show) in Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ at The Old Globe. A modern interpretation of Fosse’s work, the dance-musical revue features an ensemble cast of exceptional Broadway dancers (pictured, in rehearsals)—who capture a multitude of musical genres. See website for updated theater-safety protocols, showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Photo credits: Tootsie by Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made. The Old Globe by Julieta Cervantes. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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