Events

“Art Alive” at San Diego Museum of Art

April 28-May 1. The museum is back in full bloom with its nationally acclaimed annual exhibition—showcasing 70-plus designers who will transform works from its permanent art collection into stunning floral sculptures and installations—essentially creating an intricate and elaborate flower version of each artwork. Highlights also include the Bloom Bash on Friday, with live music and food by top local restaurants; and a 40-foot-high installation in the museum’s rotunda—made of recycled botanical plants and florals—by artist Britton Neubacher. See website for tickets. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org

Belgian Waffle Ride

April 29-May 1. This is easily one of the more unique events we’ve ever covered. Celebrating its 12th anniversary, the Belgian Waffle Ride (BWR) is a high-speed cycling race spanning a 137-mile route—50 miles of which are off-road. New this year: the “Dubbel Header” challenge; world-class cyclists will compete in the “Waffle” ride on Saturday and the “Wafer” ride on Sunday, and the best combined time wins. If this sounds confusing, come to enjoy plenty of Belgian waffles and ales. BWR is a fun festival, too. See website for full schedule. 251 N. City Drive, San Marcos. More Info

Adams Avenue Unplugged

April 30. Catch 50-plus acoustic performances across 20 stages (both indoor and outdoor), as a 2-mile stretch of Adams Avenue—from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington—transforms into a live music walkabout. The dynamic event format features boutique concerts showcasing blues, folk, jazz, country and world music, plus a bevy of local artists. The mini concerts are staged throughout each neighborhood, from cafes to bars to galleries—each with their own distinctive vibe and food and drink offerings. (Wear comfy shoes!) Noon-10 p.m. Free entry. Along Adams Avenue. More Info

Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo

April 30-May 1. Head to historical Old Town for some pre-Cinco de Mayo fun in the form of an artisan mercado and dining extravaganza. The 39th annual festival features vendors offering handmade leather pieces, jewelry, gifts, artwork and more; plus live entertainment, including traditional dance performances. Guests can also sample food and libations from local eateries offering specials all weekend—including Cafe Coyote, Fred’s Mexican Cafe, Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe and Tahona. Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m; Su 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free entry. Along San Diego Avenue, Old Town. cincodemayooldtown.com

“Sounds & Sips” at One Paseo

April 30. Enjoy live music on the lawn at One Paseo, which has partnered with the San Diego Symphony for this second annual event. The symphony’s string quartet will perform, featuring Jing Yan Bowcott and Julia Pautz on the violin, Hanah Stuart playing the viola, and Nathan Walhout on the cello. Pair the music with craft beer pours from Harland Brewing for $4; along with wines by the glass for $6; and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. (We suggest grabbing takeout from an onsite eatery prior). 5-7 p.m. Free. 3725 One Paseo Place, Del Mar, 858.523.2298. onepaseo.com

Tequila & Taco Music Festival

April 30-May 1. Tequila and tacos and tunes? Oh my! Head to Petco Park for two full days of sampling tequila by top-shelf distilleries and the area’s best gourmet street tacos; plus live concerts by tribute band Smooth Sounds of Santana, Metalachi, Adelaide and more; along with craft beer and margarita booths, and other food vendors. Ticket packages range from general admission to the “Tequila Experience,” which includes six samples of tequila and a souvenir tasting glass. See website for details and pricing. Sa 1-9 p.m.; Su noon-6 p.m. Petco Park, East Village. Tickets

Food + Drink

SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival

April 29-May 1. Don’t miss your chance to experience SeaWorld San Diego’s family-friendly food festival before its final day on Sunday. Tour the seven seas via your tastebuds, with 150 food and drink offerings and 30 distinct flavors found in recipes from around the world; plus 50 specialty cocktails and wines, and more than 50 craft beers. Dine and imbibe at new and refreshed locations around the park offering Mission Bay views; along with live music and entertainment. 3-7 p.m. See website for pricing. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com

GoodBar

Reopened. After a two-year hiatus, Point Loma’s beloved neighborhood bar is back in business. Say hello again to GoodBar, boasting a revamped decor (complete with built-in booths), live entertainment and new menus. Food highlights include an array of hearty cheesesteaks served on Amoroso rolls; gravy fries with cheese crumbles and house-made brown gravy; and the GoodBurger topped with “That Good Sauce.” New cocktails include the Rosecrans Mule, Good Ol’ Fashioned and Loma-Rita with Real Del Calle tequila. M-Sa 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Su 9 a.m.-2 a.m. 1872 Rosecrans St., Point Loma, 619.642.0900. goodbarsd.com

Arts + Culture

TERRA: Fernando Casasempere Art Exhibit

Opens April 29. The San Diego Museum of Art’s new exhibit highlights the urgency of the environmental crisis through installations that utilize the Earth as a medium and the subject. Chilean artist Fernando Casasempere (pictured) uses waste produced by mining and drilling from his native country to create four immersive installations aimed at inspiring us to consider how we interact with the Earth: “Reframing Our Relationship with the Earth,” “Earth Book/The Sphere of Things to Come,” “Salares” and “Reminiscences.” See website for hours and admission info. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org

Mission Federal ArtWalk

April 30-May 1. What began as a modest art fair in 1984 has flourished into SoCal’s largest fine art festival. More than 300 artists will be on hand—showcasing their paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, glass, metal, woodwork, drawings and more. Festivities also include interactive art installations, street art, live music, food vendors and kids’ activities. A new highlight this year: Gator By The Bay will host a New Orleans-themed entertainment stage in the Piazza della Famiglia. The event benefits local nonprofit ArtReach. Sa 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. Along India Street, Little Italy. artwalksandiego.org

Photo credits: “Art Alive” by Bauman Photographers. Fiesta Old Town Cinco de Mayo by Rick Nocon. One Paseo by Ryan Kuratomi. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.