San Diego

Weekend roundup

February 2-5

Events

San Diego Chinese New Year Fair

Feb. 4-5. Celebrating the Lunar New Year, the 40th annual fair returns after being postponed in 2022. The family-friendly event features Chinese cuisine, live music and myriad cultural performances. The lineup includes Xingjian Dance Studio, specializing in Chinese dance and ballet; brother-sister music group JinSe; Japanese drumming outfit Naruwan Taiko; Bishop’s School student Hao Liang, performing the Zither (a unique stringed instrument); Asian Story Theater; and much more. See website for full schedule. Sa 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Su 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free entry. Third Avenue and J Street, Gaslamp Quarter. sdcny.org

BLAH Cape Run 2023

Feb. 5. Run for your beer! In celebration of its 14th anniversary, beloved Normal Heights hangout Blind Lady Ale House (BLAH) is hosting “The Hares 10K” and “The Turtles 5K” on Sunday. Each “race” (walk or run at your own pace) includes four stops, with a beer at each—ending with a party at BLAH. While there’s no prize for finishing first, there is a trophy for “Most Spirited.” So bring your own cape (they’re not provided) and spice up your look; think: masks, horns, ears, sequins and other bling. 10 a.m. $60 per person (includes a commemorative T-shirt). 3416 Adams Ave., Normal Heights. More Info

The “PAWchelor” Dog Lovers Mixer

Feb. 5. “Will you accept this paw?” Instead of the final rose, this Bachelor-inspired Valentine’s Day mixer brings together humans and dogs looking for love (and a forever home). Presented by Puppy Picnic Co. and The Animal Pad dog rescue, the event unfolds on the Marina Lawn at Kona Kai Resort & Spa—featuring food, beverages, shopping, dog-friendly photo shoots with a professional photographer, goodie bags, a raffle, surprise guests and (hopefully) plenty of pet adoptions. See website for tickets. Noon-4 p.m. 1551 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island. More info

SeaWorld Mardi Gras

Through Feb. 26. SeaWorld San Diego brings some big New Orleans energy to the park each weekend this month (plus Friday, Feb. 17 and Monday, Feb. 20). The carnival-style celebration includes costumes, decorations channeling the French Quarter, and Creole and Cajun cuisine—from jambalaya to beignets. Mardi Gras-inspired entertainment includes live jazz, Dixieland music and DJs; family-friendly games and activities; a walk-through tunnel of 5,000 lights; the new Louisiana Bayou Laser Light Show; and much more. See website for hours and tickets. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com

Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience

Through March 26. Ancient history—3,300 years back to the 18th Dynasty of Egypt, when King Tut ruled—comes to life in this cutting-edge, immersive exhibit presented by National Geographic. The approximately hour-long, digital-projection-driven experience takes guests through nine multisensory galleries—transporting you from modern-day Egypt, to the king’s tomb (one of the most monumental archaeological findings of all time, discovered 100 years ago), to his many treasures and more. Su-Th 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; F-Sa 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $38 per person. Wyland Center at Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. beyondkingtut.com

Food + Drink

Taste of Barrio Logan

Feb. 4. Discover the many flavors of the culture-rich community of Barrio Logan at this fun “city crawl,” which begins at Attitude Brewery and ends with an after-party mixer at La Davina Restaurant & Bar. Your crawl tasting pass includes dishes and libations from Los Chilaquiles, Karina’s Seafood, Crab City, Pho Bo, Maggie’s Cafe, Lia’s Lumpia, Tucumbo Ice Cream, Birria 664, Ryan’s Brothers Coffee and more. Proceeds benefit Natives in Recovery San Diego. See website for full details and tickets. 1-4 p.m. $45 per person. 1985 National Ave., Barrio Logan. More Info

New Offerings at Carruth Cellars

Now Available. San Diego’s largest urban winery debuts some delicious offerings. Cheese lovers will adore the new “crostini flights” at Carruth’s Liberty Station Wine Garden cheese shop. Made with Prager Brothers Artisan Bread baguette slices, the flights feature toppings like fennel-fig gouda and honey brie with chili flakes. Or try one of several new sandwiches, such as the Cold Cut Trio and Bistro Sandwich. An enjoy “Mimosa Sundays” at the Liberty Station, Carlsbad and Solana Beach tasting rooms—featuring Blanc de Blanc sparkling chardonnay mimosas and pastries. See website for addresses and hours. carruthcellars.com

Arts + Culture

El Huracán at Cygnet Theatre

Through Feb. 19. A monster hurricane is headed toward Miami in El Huracán, which receives its West Coast premiere at Cygnet Theatre. Written by Academy Award-winner Charise Castro Smith and directed by Daniel Jáquez, the lyrical drama captures four generations of Latina women, while zooming in on a mother and daughter as they brace for the storm—centering on themes of the importance of family and forgiveness (with a dose of music and magic). See website for showtimes and tickets (which start at $25). Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town, 619.337.1525. cygnettheatre.com

The Ferryman at New Village Arts

Feb. 4-March 5. When it premiered in London in 2017, The Ferryman was the fastest-selling play in Royal Court Theatre’s history. A Broadway stint won it several Tony Awards in 2019, including “Best Play” and “Best Direction of a Play” for Sam Mendes. Now, you can catch Jez Butterworth’s thriller at New Village Arts. Directed by Kristianne Kurner, the story follows the family of a former IRA activist living in rural Northern Ireland during The Troubles, circa 1981. When a “visitor” appears, the plot thickens. See website for tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org

R-E-S-P-E-C-T at Lamb’s Players Theatre

Through March 26. Lamb’s Players Theatre shows us some R-E-S-P-E-C-T, a celebration of the music of female artists from the ‘60s—including Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell and many more. The musical revue by Kerry Meads and Vanda Eggington features the powerhouse singing voices of performers like Angela Chatelain Avila, Caitie Grady, Rebecca Jade, Janaya Mahealani Jones, Sydney Joyner and Joy Yandell; plus accompaniment by a live band. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.6000. lambsplayers.org

Photo credits: Beyond King Tut by Charles Sykes. El Huracán at Cygnet Theatre by Karli Cadel Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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