Events
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
Open March 1. A surefire sign of spring in San Diego County for the last 60 years, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch come alive March 1 through early May—during which 70 million flowers, namely the ranch’s famous, double-petaled Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, are in bloom across 55 acres. This year’s theme is “Spring Into Color,” featuring festivities such as outdoor concerts, flower crown workshops, sunset wine tasting, yoga and meditation workshops, a sweet pea maze, and tractor wagon rides. See website for hours and admission info. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. theflowerfields.com
Del Mar Gem Faire
March 1-3. Surround yourself by all that sparkles and shines at this unique expo (and bring your credit card). The Del Mar Gem Faire showcases fine jewelry, gold, silver, precious and semi-precious gemstones, costume jewelry, crystals, beads, minerals and more—available for purchase direct from manufacturers, importers and wholesalers. Bring your own jewelry to be repaired, cleaned or sized while you shop; and enter to win raffle prizes drawn every hour. See website for full dealer/exhibitor list and daily hours. $7 general admission. 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, 503.252.8300. gemfaire.com
CRSSD Festival
March 2-3. An audiovisual candy land for electronic music lovers, this two-day festival at Waterfront Park spans three stages and more than 45 musicians and performers. The lineup includes Table of Us, Lane 8, Armand Van Helden (pictured), Astra Club, Dixon, Jeff Mills, TRYM, Joris Voorn, Richie Hawtin, Gabe Vega, Angrybaby and Disco Lines. In between DJ sets, guests can enjoy craft beer, cocktails and local food vendors. See website for full lineup of artists and daily schedule, bag policy, after-parties and tickets for the quickly selling-out event (21+). 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. crssdfest.com
San Diego Restaurant Week
March 3-10. San Diego’s most delicious week (eight days to be exact) allows you to taste your way through town for less, as more than 100 revered restaurants countywide will offer discounted, multicourse menus for lunch and dinner—starting as low as $20. Our pick for sushi lovers: Glass Box at The Sky Deck at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. The glass-walled restaurant is offering a two-course lunch for $25; a three-course dinner plus dessert for $50; and a four-course dinner plus dessert for $65. See website for all participating restaurants, menus and pricing. sandiegorestaurantweek.com
Food + Drink
Leap Year Happy Hour with Richard Blais
Feb. 29. Secure your spot before tickets sell out! Celeb chef Richard Blais is hosting a special Leap Year Happy Hour at his restaurant, California English, on this year’s extra day. Guests can mingle with the chef himself while enjoying five themed food stations offering bites and sips of California English’s brunch, tea, pastry, lunch and dinner services. (Known for its California-meets English countryside ambiance, the outpost serves dishes like “Hot” Scotch eggs, cheddar-chive scones; ale-battered fish ‘n’ chips and chicken pie.) 4-6 p.m. $50 per person. 9276 Scranton Road, Sorrento Mesa, 858.201.3461. More Info
Cardiff Farmers Market’s 1st Anniversary
March 2. Cardiff-by-the Sea’s weekly certified farmers market celebrates its one-year anniversary on Saturday—offering locally sourced fruits, vegetables and meats; plus fresh flowers, artisanal foods, crafts, jewelry and more. In honor of its birthday, the first 150 attendees will receive a free sweet treat from Chaupain Bakery; and every purchase made at the market enters you for a chance to win $100 in “Market Bucks;” along with face painting, The Bubble Guy, and live music by the Ada Harris Wildcat Band. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ample free parking. 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea. More Info
Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival
March 3. Calling all foodies and oenophiles. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort has partnered with area restaurants, wineries and breweries for this third annual festival—comprising an afternoon of sampling and live music by Perry O’Neal on the property’s lakeside lawn. Carnivores will love the Brandt Beef Experience; along with bites by Cannonball and Draft at Belmont Park, The Pit BBQ, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and more. Wash it all down with offerings from Carruth Cellars, Karl Strauss, CaliFino Tequila and more. Noon-5 p.m. $95-$185 (ages 21+). 1105 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. Tickets
“Picnic at the Park” at The Rady Shell
March 3. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park invites you to its third annual “Picnic at the Park,” announcing the San Diego Symphony’s 2024 Conrad Prebys Summer Season. Bring your own picnic or purchase food and beverages at the venue’s onsite eateries—including Lola 55, Biga Pizza, Urban Kitchen, Cali Creamery and stands offering wine and libations. Guests can also enjoy performances by the Symphony orchestra, Rebecca Jade, and Jeff Berkley and The Banned; and chef Richard Blais will be on hand signing his new cookbook. 11:30 a.m. Free entry. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org
Arts + Culture
San Diego Theatre Month
March 1-31. Get affordable access to the arts via San Diego Theatre Month, presented by the San Diego Performing Arts League. Choose from productions at more than 20 participating theaters and venues, offering either free or discounted tickets of $15, $30 or $45. Participating organizations include Broadway San Diego, North Coast Repertory Theatre, MOXIE Theater, Lamb’s Players Theatre, CCAE Theatricals, New Village Arts, Roustabouts Theatre Co., Oceanside Theatre Company, Backyard Renaissance, City Ballet of San Diego and more. See website for full lineup of shows, venues and tickets. More Info
Broadway San Diego: MJ: The Musical
Upcoming | March 5-10. Inspired by one of the most successful pop stars of all time, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning MJ: The Musical—created by Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage—makes its San Diego premiere at the Civic Theatre. The story centers on Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour—detailing the star’s signature sound, dance moves and creative approach that cemented his status as an icon. Famously sponsored by Pepsi-Cola, the world tour was Jackson’s second, comprising 70 performances across the globe. 1100 Third Ave., downtown. broadwaysd.com
Photo credits: Richard Blais by Amy Carson. MJ: The Musical by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
