Events
“Belmont in Bloom” Spring Festival
April 3-May 31. Spring is in the air at Belmont Park, which presents its annual “Belmont in Bloom” Spring Festival. The landmark beachfront property will be decked out with vibrant floral installations and colorful photo ops; along with seasonal treats like Nutella Funnel Cake, California Burrito Pizza and strawberry-infused cocktails available at its boardwalk eateries. Plus: live music and entertainment, bubbles galore for the kiddos, face painting, balloon art and more. See website for activity schedule and details. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. Details
North Park Festival of Beers
April 4. This spirited ode to beer is back for its 16th annual installment. Presented by 91X radio station, the North Park Festival of Beers unfolds in front of the Lafayette Hotel. Guests can sample 80-plus beers from 40-plus breweries, plus hard ciders and other spirits; while enjoying live music by Louis XIV, special guest The Film Company, and food vendors. Admission includes unlimited tastings, and proceeds in part benefit the San Diego Music Foundation. 1-4 p.m. (21+). See website for ticket pricing. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. northparkbeerfest.com
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Adventures
Now Open. Strawberry season is here! And the berries are ripe for the picking at this family-owned farm—home to 25 acres of “U-pick” strawberry fields. (A heads up, the fields may be muddy; wear close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.) Visitors can also meet Shetland sheep, rabbits and Nubian goats; and take tractor rides. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 admission per person; $18 per single U-pick bucket; $25 activity bundle. Walk-ins only (no reservations); see website for more details. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. Details
Elephant Valley at S.D. Zoo Safari Park
Now Open. Welcome to the Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at San Diego Zoo Safari Park—the largest project in the 110-year-old history of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Be transported to the African savanna, as this new elephant habitat allows park guests to stroll a special pathway with vistas on both sides; while learning about the Alliance’s elephant conservation initiatives. Be sure to stop by Elephant Valley’s Mkutano House, a two-story venue housing three dining destinations. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 619.231.1515. Details
“Movies on the Beach” in Coronado
Ongoing. The outdoor cinema experience “Movies on the Beach” returns to Hotel del Coronado for the spring and summer seasons. Enjoy cult classics and family films presented on a big screen under the stars and on the sand, complete with options like Del Beach chairs, a beach daybed and even a private bonfire. The movie lineup includes Lilo & Stitch on Friday, April 3; Peter Rabbit, Saturday, April 4; E.T., April 10; and Frozen, April 11. Movies begin at 8 p.m. See website for pricing. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com
Food + Drink
“Hop, Sip & Bloom” at Wild Hare Bar Garden
April 4. Get into the Easter spirit the day prior at this special spring brunch soiree at Wild Hare Bar Garden, located inside the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The experience is a garden-style party, comprising spring-inspired cocktail specials and a full brunch menu; live bunnies to pet and even adopt, via Tailas Tails; vendor pop-ups such as Headed West, Permanent Jewelry + Charm Bar, and Number Eleven Candles; and plenty of fresh florals and photo ops. Reservations recommended. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.702.8288. Details
Easter Brunch at Hotel del Coronado
April 5. The iconic seaside resort is hosting a lavish Easter brunch in its beautifully restored Crown Room. Indulge in a decadent buffet of classic brunch dishes; a chilled seafood bar; sushi and poke; a butcher’s block serving Mustard Scottish King Salmon, herb-grilled Pacifico Barramundi, fire-spiced roasted lamb shoulder and more; spring salads, pastas and sides and desserts; and a hosted glass of Champagne. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $235 adults; $125 kids ages 5-10; free ages 4 and under (see website for tickets). 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com
Easter Fun Omni La Costa Resort
April 5. It’s an Easter “Eggstravaganza” at Costa de la Luna at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, which hosts the area’s largest Easter egg hunt—boasting 15,000 eggs—plus an appearance by the Easter Bunny and brunch. Indulge in made-to-order specialties, a chilled seafood bar and bottomless mimosas. Brunch reservations available 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; egg hunts at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (reserved exclusively for overnight resort guests, members and brunch patrons). $190 per adult; $75 per child ages 4-11. 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad. Details
Easter at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
April 5. The luxe resort is offering a decadent Easter buffet that includes a generous raw bar, carving stations, spring salads, a dessert bar and brunch libations. Meanwhile, the kiddos will love the petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, balloon art and Easter egg hunts and playtime on the lawn. Call for reservations. Lawn activities available 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; dining reservations 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; all-ages Easter egg hunts at noon and 3 p.m. $245 adults; $95 kids ages 4-12. 5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, 858.759.6246. ranchovalencia.com
Arts + Culture
Lamb’s Players Theatre: THE ‘70s!
Through 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
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