Events
Belmont in Bloom Spring Festival
Beginning April 5. 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 floral installations and festive photo ops; themed treats, including peaches & cream funnel cake and watermelon-lime Dole soft serve ice cream; and spring-inspired cocktails available at its boardwalk restaurants. Plus: live music and entertainment, such as Live Caricature Art Saturdays (1-6 p.m.). The kiddos will love posing with the Dancing Tulip Stilt Walkers, the balloon twister and face painting. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. belmontpark.com
Boots in the Park at Waterfront Park
April 5. Dust off your cowboy hats and boots, as Waterfront Park transforms into San Diego’s biggest country music party. Headliners include Old Dominion (pictured), Chris Young, Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee; as well as Tayler Holder and Presley Tennant; and DJ Luwiss Lux. In addition to live music, guests can also enjoy craft cuisine and cocktails, line dancing and San Diego Bay views. Beginning at 1 p.m. See website for full schedule, venue guidelines, hotel info, parking tips and ticket pricing; VIP packages are available. (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. bootsinthepark.com
“Boots After Dark” at Barleymash
April 5. Following Boots in the Park at Waterfront Park, mosey on over to Barleymash in the Gaslamp Quarter for “Boots After Dark” and keep the country vibes going. Patrons can choose from three Pendleton Whiskey specialty cocktails for $10 each: Walking with Whiskey, made with lime, peach bitters and ginger beer; Made for Walking with lemon and sugar; and Boots are Barking with coco milk and cold brew. Plus: giveaways, photo ops and a country music DJ. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 600 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.255.7373. barleymash.com
Quartyard’s 10-Year Anniversary
April 5. Quartyard—the artsy alfresco venue known for its concerts, block parties, special events and award-wining restaurant El Comal—celebrates its 10-year anniversary on Saturday, presented in collaboration with Soda Bar and Artdontsleep. The highlight: a performance by Adrian Younge and his 10-piece orchestra as part of his Something About April album tour. Guests can also enjoy craft cocktails and draft beers from Quartyard’s bar; bites from El Comal; and tracks by San Diego Freak Out DJs. 6-9 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1301 Market St., East Village. quartyardsd.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.) Later this weekend (check website for updates), 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; $17 per single U-pick bucket. Walk-ins only (no reservations); see website for other strawberry locations. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. More Info
Food + Drink
First Friday Uncorked at Top of the Market
April 4. Start date night off with wine tasting along the waterfront. The first Friday of every month, Top of the Market presents a wine tasting on its rooftop deck overlooking San Diego Bay. This Friday, get to know Margerum Wines. Winemaker Doug Margerum will be on hand to guide guests through tastings of four wines, including their history and flavors. Top of the Market’s chef Robin James will also prepare thoughtful food pairings to accompany each glass. 5-6 p.m. $30 per person (see website to book). 750 Harbor Drive, downtown. More Info
North Park Festival of Beers
April 5. This spirited ode to beer is back for its 15th annual installment. Presented by 91X radio station, the North Park Festival of Beers unfolds in front of the Lafayette Hotel. Guests can sample beers from 50-plus breweries, as well as hard ciders and other spirits; while enjoying live music and specialty food vendors. Admission includes unlimited tastings, and proceeds benefit the San Diego Music Foundation (specifically to fund the Taylor Guitars in Schools program). Noon-4 p.m. (21+). See website for ticket pricing. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. Details
Starlite
Reopened. Midtown’s beloved Starlite has reopened after a stunning remodel, dreamt up by design firm Bells & Whistles, who first brought the space to life in 2007. Much like the jaw-dropping decor—featuring starry ceilings, a massive centerpiece sunken bar, and an overhauled back patio—the menu feels familiar but also elevated. Expect next-level cocktails, including the famous (and updated) Starlite Mule; and food favorites like the signature burger and pan-roasted Jidori chicken; plus prime steaks and pistachio-toffee ice cream cookies for dessert. Open daily 5 p.m.-2 a.m. 3175 India St., Midtown, 619.618.2830. starlitesd.com
Arts + Culture
The Old Globe: Regency Girls
April 2-May 4. Don’t miss the world-premiere musical comedy Regency Girls at The Old Globe. Based on the book by Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan—with music by Curtis Moore and lyrics by Amanda Green—the story follows a pregnant, unmarried woman in 19th-century England. In hopes of finding the woman who can help her, she gathers her best friends for a transformative (and hilarious) road trip. The musical is directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Spring Art & Wine Walk in Carlsbad
April 5. A fusion of art, wine and community spirit, The Forum Carlsbad hosts its Spring Art & Wine Walk on Saturday. Stroll around the center and peruse artwork from visiting artists whose mediums span paintings, photography, ceramics and more. And stop in the wine garden, presented by Jimbo’s, offering tastings of fine wines from around the world; plus bites from Mirabelle Charcuterie; frozen treats from McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream; a complimentary yoga class by YogaSix (2 p.m.); and live acoustic music by Freddie Walton. 3-6 p.m. Free admission. 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad. Details
Photo credits: Starlite by Kimberly Motos. “Regency Girls” / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. (Pictured L-R: Krystina Alabado, Isabelle McCalla, Ryann Redmond and Kate Rockwell.) All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
