Events
Oceanside International Film Festival
Through Feb. 22. More boutique and unique than the typical film festival, the 14th annual Oceanside International Film Festival (OIFF) showcases 40-50 independent films from around the world—tied in strongly to the community, with an assemblage of skate, surf and music-focused films; as well as documentaries, comedies and more. Festivities include screenings at The Brooks Theater, including Of Sand & Sea, Thirty On and Call Me Mule; a chance to meet filmmakers and composers; the OIFF Awards on Saturday; and visits to Oceanside’s cultural attractions. See website for full lineup, locales and tickets. osidefilm.org
SeaWorld Mardi Gras
Through March 2. SeaWorld San Diego brings some big New Orleans energy to the park on Saturdays and Sundays. The carnival-style celebration includes special costumes, decorations channeling the world-famous French Quarter, and Creole and Cajun cuisine—from jambalaya to beignets. Mardi Gras-inspired entertainment includes live jazz, Dixieland music and DJ performances; family-friendly games and activities; a walk-through tunnel of 5,000 colorful lights; the new Royal Mardis Gras Parade; and more. See website for hours and tickets. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
Rooftop Cinema Club: “Fireside Films”
Now Available. Hoping to catch a flick at Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero, but worried it might be too chilly on that alfresco fourth-floor terrace of the Manchester Grand Hyatt? The venue now offers “Fireside Films,” an elevated cinema experience that includes a cozy loveseat with a heater and one complimentary hot beverage per ticket; plus the usual state-of-the-art projection screen, headphones, and snacks for purchase. This weekend’s film lineup includes Bohemian Rhapsody, Friday, Mamma Mia!, The Princess Bride and Good Fellas. See website for full schedule and tickets. 1 Market Place, downtown. Details
Broadway San Diego: Wicked
Through March 2. The Broadway smash Wicked returns to the Civic Theatre! The “untold true story of the Witches of Oz” (Elphaba and Glinda) has won three Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards and 10 Outer Critics Circle Awards; and the original cast album won a Grammy Award for “Best Musical Theater Album.” In total, the original Broadway production of Wicked has been nominated for at least one award every year since its opening in 2003, winning 33 of the 64 nominations. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com
Food + Drink
The Taco Stand Oceanside
Now Open. With locations across SoCal and in Miami, The Taco Stand debuts its newest outpost in Oceanside. Known for its authentic Baja-style tacos, the casual eatery also serves an array of burritos, quesadillas and breakfast dishes; plus specialties like grilled corn on the cob with mayo, Parmesan and chili powder; loaded carne asada fries; churros and paletas for dessert; and salsas, guacamole and tortillas made from scratch daily. Try the Al Pastor taco with rotisserie-marinated pork, cilantro, onions and pineapple. See website for hours. 1722 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Oceanside, 760.385.6222. letstaco.com
Tajima Crown Point
Now Open. Popular local ramen chain Tajima—founded by Chef Isamu Morikizono in 2001—has opened a new location in Crown Point. Step inside the bright, mod, 2,000-square-foot casual eatery—where you’ll find devotees slurping Tajima’s famous ramen bowls, including spicy sesame ramen, vegan ramen and tonkotsu. Fans also love dishes like the karaage bowl, pork-chashu fried rice, chicken katsu buns, Brussels-sprout tempura and pork gyoza; plus Japanese and local craft beers, wine and sake. Tajima has also opened a commissary kitchen next door. Open daily 5-10 p.m. 3782 Ingraham St., Crown Point. tajimaramen.com
Arts + Culture
Balboa Theatre: Aretha Franklin Tribute
Feb. 22. San Diego Theatres presents an evening celebrating the music of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin (1942-2018), revered as one of the greatest artists of all time: “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin.” The special concert features a live band and exceptional vocalists, who will perform many of Franklin’s hits, including “Think,” “Natural Woman,” “ I Knew You Were Waiting For Me,” “Chain of Fools,” and, of course, the iconic song “Respect.” 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. More Info
Grand American Ballet: The Hunchback
Feb. 22. In celebration of the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France (shuttered after a devastating structural fire in April 2019), the Grand American Ballet—under the direction of founder and artistic director Hugo Carreón—presents The Hunchback of Notre Dame on Saturday at Jacobs Music Center. Based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 French Gothic novel, lavishly staged ballet production centers on deformed cathedral bell ringer, Quasimodo; and Esmeralda, the enchanting gypsy girl whom he adores. 7:30 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 750 B St., downtown, 619.235.0804. More Info
The Old Globe: Appropriate
Closes Feb. 23. Catch it before it closes! The San Diego premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ comic drama, Appropriate, runs at The Old Globe through Sunday. When estranged siblings gather at their late father’s estate in Arkansas to settle his affairs and property, a shocking relic is uncovered amid the clutter—revealing decades of resentment, secrets and disturbing truths about the family’s past. The New York Times hails the play as “subversively original… remarkable and devious.” Steve H. Broadnax III directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
New Village Arts: The Half Life of Marie Curie
Closes Feb. 23. New Village Arts presents the San Diego premiere of The Half Life of Marie Curie, written by Lauren Gunderson. Marie Curie (Rachael Van Wormer), who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911, had her achievements and reputation tarnished in 1912—over an alleged affair with a married Frenchman. She retreats to the seaside abode of her friend and colleague, Hertha Ayrton (Leigh Scarritt), hoping for the scandal and gossip die down. The two women show us the power of female friendship. See website for showtimes and tickets. 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org
Photo credits: “Wicked” by Joan Marcus. Tajima by James Tran. The Old Globe / “Appropriate” (pictured L-R: Daniel Petzold and Daniel Dale) by Jim Cox. New Village Arts (pictured L-R: Rachael Van Wormer and Leigh Scarritt) by Daren Scott Photography. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
