Events

San Diego Crew Classic

April 5-7. A signature San Diego springtime event since 1973, the San Diego Crew Classic is the nation’s premier rowing regatta—comprising more than 4,000 athletes and 100 races along Mission Bay. Join thousands of spectators at Mission Bay Park and Crown Point to witness some action-packed, world-class competition (spanning different ages, genders, abilities and levels); along with hospitality tents (see website for ticket pricing), local food vendors and craft beer stations; and a special Alumni Row and Vendor Row showcasing top rowing and athletic brands. 3700 Crown Point Drive, Mission Bay. crewclassic.org

Boots in the Park

April 6. Dust off your cowboy hats and boots, as Waterfront Park transforms into San Diego’s biggest country music party. Thomas Rhett (pictured), whose hit songs include “Die a Happy Man,” headlines the eighth annual Boots in the Park; along with Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, LoCash, Rhett Atkins and Alana Springsteen. In addition to live music, guests can also enjoy craft cuisine and cocktails, line dancing and San Diego Bay views. See website for full schedule, venue guidelines, hotel info, parking tips and ticket pricing (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown embarcadero. More Info

Tequila & Taco Music Festival

April 6-7. Tacos, tequila and music … Oh my! Head to Thrive Park at Snapdragon Stadium for two days of top-shelf tequila sampling from at least 20 premium brands, margaritas, craft beer and the area’s best gourmet street tacos. The Margarita Experience includes two tickets and two margaritas; the Tequila Experience includes a souvenir cup and six tequila tastings. The music lineup: Warren G, Ozomatli and The Outlaw Mariachi on Saturday; and Shaggy, Vilma Diaz y La Sonora, and Upstream on Sunday. See website for schedule and tickets. 2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley. More Info

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, rabbits and Bounceland. (Be warned: the fields may be muddy due to recent rains; wear close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.) Later this spring (check website for updates), visitors can also explore the property’s lavender field, meet Shetland sheep and Nubian goats, and take tractor rides. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $5 admission per person; $15 per single U-pick bucket. Walk-ins only (no reservations). 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. More Info

Food + Drink

North Park Festival of Beers

April 6. This spirited ode to beer is back for its latest 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 nearly 50 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+). $65 VIP; $45 general admission; $30 designated drivers. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park.  northparkbeerfest.com

The Laundry Pub

Now Open. Hotel del Coronado welcomes its latest culinary concept: The Laundry Pub. Nestled in the property’s historical Laundry Building (built in 1919), the casual eatery features original brickwork, vaulted ceilings, restored wood floors and an 1880s-era bar. Offerings include local craft beers and classic pub fare; as well as darts, shuffleboard, billiards, foosball, pinball and retro video games. Try the Nashville “Hot Cycle” Bun with crispy chicken, coleslaw, pickles and hot sauce on brioche; and the double-patty “Suds & Buds” Smash Burger. See website for hours. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. hoteldel.com

Arts + Culture

La Jolla Playhouse’s WOW Festival

April 4-7. La Jolla Playhouse’s signature Without Walls (WOW) Festival returns! Presented in partnership with UC San Diego, the 2024 event spans four days packed with 25-plus immersive theatrical performances and experiences by acclaimed local, national and international artists—including dance, music, puppetry and more. The productions will be staged at locations across the UCSD campus. And the best part? Festival admission is free. See website for a detailed guide of events and schedule, which helps you to easily plan your visit by day, location and/or event category. 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org

10th Annual Mariachi Festival 

April 7. Route 78 Rotary Club presents its 10th annual Mariachi Festival at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The fun starts with the popular VIP Tacos & Tequila pre-show reception; followed by the main concert headlined by the renowned Mariachi Los Camperos (pictured). Entertainment also includes appearances by LuMaya (“the little girl with the BIG voice”); and the Ballet Folklórico dancers of Tierra Caliente Academy—founded and directed by Route 78 member José Jaimes. Pre-event begins at noon; concert begins at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org

King James at The Old Globe

Closes April 7. Delving into the power of basketball fandom and how sports can connect us (despite our differences), King James—written by Rajiv Joseph and directed by Justin Emeka—closes on Sunday at The Old Globe. With the career of NBA star Lebron James as the backdrop, the play centers on two friends, Shawn and Matt, who have very little in common other than their love of the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Pictured L-R: Caleb Foote as Matt and Joshua Echebiri as Shawn.) See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

Rising Tide Exhibit at Maritime Museum 

Now Open. Docked along the north embarcadero, the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego is home to one of the larger collections of historical sea vessels in the U.S.—including the world-famous Star of India, an iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1863. Visitors can partake in dockside ship tours, narrated San Diego Bay on-the-water adventures, and insightful exhibits. Don’t miss the brand-new exhibition, Rising Tide, which visualizes the human costs of the climate crisis. See website for all exhibits and to purchase tickets. Open daily 10 a.m.-5p.m. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org

Photo credits: Boots in the Park / Thomas Rhett by John Shearer. Tequila & Taco Music Festival by Eric Scire. The Laundry Pub by James Tran. WOW Festival (pictured: Society of Wonder) is courtesy of La Jolla Playhouse. King James / The Old Globe by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.