Events
Irish 4 A Day Gaslamp Party
March 14-15. The Gaslamp Quarter rolls out the green carpet for two evenings of debauchery in the form of a party hop. Your ticket grants you access to more than 30 bars and restaurants (all within easy walking distance), hosted welcome shots, live music, DJs, dancing, green beer, and other drink and Irish-inspired food specials; plus parking perks and hotel deals. The opening party kicks off at American Junkie. Festive St. Paddy’s attire is strongly encouraged! 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m. (ages 21 +). See website for ticket pricing. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Details
“Jewels of the Sea” at SeaWorld
Opens March 15. SeaWorld San Diego unveils an all-new immersive aquarium, “Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience.” Explore the underwater world of jellies, known to have existed since before the “Age of Dinosaurs.” The aquarium’s galleries include Realm of the Jellies: A Story of Water and Light; the 14-foot-tall Jellyfish Passage; and Medusa Gallery, a 360-degree experience that incorporates LED visuals and digital storytelling. Behind-the-scenes tours of how SeaWorld cares for and propagates jellyfish are also available. See website for admission info. 500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay. seaworld.com
ShamROCK Music + Beer Festival
March 15. Taking over the Gaslamp, the ShamROCK St. Paddy’s Day Music + Beer Festival is an all-out, all-ages Celtic carnival. Festivities include live entertainment across three stages—The Pint Stage, The Shenanigan Stage and The Rainbow Stage—including Irish rock bands, tribute bands, DJs and Irish step dance performances. Plus: Irish dance lessons, green beer, Irish whiskey, pub-style fare, “Shenanigan Showdowns” such as “Lucky Limbo” and unicorn races, and the infamous ShamROCK leprechaun emcee. New this year: “Shamrock After Dark.” 2-10 p.m. Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter. Tickets
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
March 15. Billed as the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade west of the Mississippi, this 43rd annual event is back—featuring floats, marching bands, equestrian units, dancing groups and performers, antique cars and more. After the parade, head to Balboa Park for a family-friendly Irish festival—including traditional music, Irish step dancing, a kids zone, beer garden, and food booths offering everything from beef sandwiches to Guinness brats. 10:30 a.m. (parade); 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (festival; $10 entry for adults 21+)). Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street, Bankers Hills; Sixth Avenue at Maple Street, Balboa Park. Details
Leprechauns & Live Music at Seaport Village
March 16. Seaport Village hosts a family-friendly “shamrockin’ good time” on Sunday with its Leprechauns & Live Music event. Visitors can enjoy live music and leprechaun sightings, and take selfies in the shamrock light tunnels; along with green beer available for purchase at Mike Hess Brewing; St. Patrick’s Day-themed treats from Seaport Village eateries; and more. Main event runs noon-3 p.m. Afterward, grab dinner, drinks and dessert at one of the Village’s restaurants, such as Mr. Moto Pizza House and the bay-view Malibu Farm. Free general admission. 849 W. Harbor Drive, downtown. seaportvillage.com
Food + Drink
“Pi Day” Offerings at Pop Pie Co.
March 14. Celebrate Pi Day with some actual pie, courtesy of Pop Pie Co. For one day only, the bakeshop is offering three pie collaborations available at all of its locations: the Smoked Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese Pie with Heritage BBQ, the Dirty Flattop Cheeseburger Pie with The Friendly SD, and the Banh Mi Pie with Grains Cafe. In addition, the first 20 pie patrons in line will receive giveaways. (Pop Pie Co. is also baking up seasonal pies like Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, and Corned Beef & Cabbage.) See website for addresses and hours. poppieco.com
The Crack Shack Pacific Beach
Now Open. With locations in Little Italy and Encinitas, The Crack Chack debuts its third San Diego outpost in Pacific Beach. The newest “coop” offers casual outdoor dining, lawn games, colorful murals and TVs for sports watching. On the menu: The Crack Shack’s famous crispy chicken and egg dishes served all day—such as the Coop Deville sandwich with fried Jidori chicken, and the spicy Firebird (pictured)—plus bowls; sides like hand-cut fries and mini biscuits with miso-maple butter; and seasonal milkshakes and cookies. See website for hours. 4525 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach, 877.595.8304. crackshack.com
Arts + Culture
“Culinary Concerto” Mainly Mozart Gala
March 15. Mainly Mozart presents its second annual “Culinary Concerto” fundraising gala at downtown San Diego’s stunning new event venue: Eve. The event’s culinary director, chef Claudia Sandoval, has curated an assemblage of 24 acclaimed chefs, who will prepare 24 unique menus tableside; along with pairings from wineries spanning Paso Robles to Valle de Guadalupe. Participating chefs include Roberto Alcocer, Drew Deckman, Reyna Venegas and more; plus live music performances and Casey Webb as emcee. 5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 975 Waterfront Place, Suite 400, downtown. mainlymozart.org
Doctor Who Exhibit at Comic-Con Museum
Opens March 15. Step inside the TARDIS and journey through time and space at Comic-Con Museum, which hosts the U.S. premiere of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction. The immersive exhibition lets you explore the characters, adventures, props, gadgets and real-life science behind the world’s longest-running sci-fi series. There’s the enter-if-you-dare Monster Vault, the Dalek simulator, the Time Vortex Corridor and TARDIS Tech Room, exclusive merchandise and more. See website for museum hours, tickets and admission info. 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.546.9073. comic-con.org
San Diego Latino Film Festival
Upcoming | March 19-23. Movie buffs will love this 32nd annual celebration of Latinx film, art and culture. Check out dozens of feature and short film screenings—at the AMC Theatres at Westfield Mission Valley and Digital Gym Cinema—from Latin America and the U.S. Festivities include the Sonido Latino Opening Night party at El After Social Club; the Closing Night Concert and Taste of Sabor celebration at “The Forum” UCSD Park & Market; and celebrity and filmmaker meet-and-greets. See website for full schedule, addresses and pricing for individual tickets and festival passes. sdlatinofilm.com
Photo credits: The Crack Shack by Kimberly Motos. “Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder” by Phoebe Mackenzie / WellingtonNZ. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
