San Diego

Weekend roundup

March 2-5

Events

Del Mar Gem Faire

March 3-5. 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

New Weekly Cardiff Farmers Market

Opens March 4. Cardiff-by-the Sea debuts a weekly certified farmers market, beginning this Saturday. Located at the Mira Costa College campus (just off Manchester Avenue and the I-5), the market will offer locally sourced produce and meats, artisanal foods, crafts, jewelry and more. Vendors include Wonderland Farm, Sea Greens Microgreens, Crescent Meat and Fishbone Fish. Saturday’s market features live music by The Violin Shop; and the first 150 guests will receive a free tote bag filled with local goodies. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Ample free parking. 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea. cardifffarmersmarket.com

CRSSD Festival

March 4-5. 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 ODESZA, Polo & Pan (pictured), Bedouin, Kavinsky, Purple Disco Machine, Anfisa Letyago, Deborah De Luca, Maya Jane Coles, UMEK and Carré. 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 to request tickets for the sold-out event via the ticket exchange. 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. crssdfest.com

Mission Bay Mardi Gras Cruise

March 4. Grab your dancing shoes and celebrate Mardi Gras aboard the famous Bahia Belle (a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style boat) at this sixth-annual cruise hosted by Six String Society. The fun includes six full bands and two solo artists performing across the Belle’s three levels—including Lady Dottie and the Diamonds, Euphoria Brass Band, and Sue Palmer and her Motel Swing Orchestra. The VIP dinner cruise package includes southern Cajun cuisine and dessert. 5-11 p.m. Tickets start at $55 for general admission. Cruise departs from Bahia Resort Hotel, 998 W. Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay. More Info

Food + Drink

“Picnic at the Park” at The Shell

March 5. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park invites you to its second annual “Picnic at the Park,” announcing the San Diego Symphony’s 2023 Conrad Prebys Summer Season. Bring your own picnic (outside alcohol not permitted) or purchase dishes at the venue’s onsite eateries—including Lola 55 for tacos, Biga for pizzas, Urban Kitchen Group, Kitchen for Good, Minocqua Popcorn and stands offering wine and libations. Guests can also enjoy live performances by the Young Lions Jazz Band and Gregory Page. No reservations needed. 11:30 a.m. Free entry. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown. theshell.org

Updates at the The Marine Room Lounge

Now Available. The Lounge at The Marine Room has updated its reservations policy—no longer requiring a $100 minimum food and beverage purchase. Enjoy scenic La Jolla Shores views while ordering from a menu of wine, bubbly, craft cocktails, caviar and small plates by executive chef Mike Minor; plus desserts and bottle service available. Spring menu highlights include Japanese A5 nigiri, dry-aged bluefin tuna carpaccio, Spanish octopus and Ōra King salmon-belly cones. Reservations encouraged; walk-ins welcome, too. W-Su beginning at 4 p.m. 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.7222. marineroom.com

Arts + Culture

Balboa Park Hidden Gems Tour

March 3. How well do you know the “Crown Jewel” of San Diego? A seasoned tour guide takes you on a fun exploration of the city’s 1,200-acre park, whose buildings date back to the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-16. You’ll learn little known facts about its development over the decades; as well as its 16 museums, gardens and cultural outlets. The 90-minute tour comprises approximately one mile of walking. Wear comfy shoes and sunscreen. 10-11:30 a.m. $45. Meet at the front steps of San Diego Museum of Art, Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park, 619.504.9474. More Info

Vietnam POW Exhibit in Coronado

Opens March 3. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the return of the Vietnam prisoners of war (POWs), the Coronado Historical Association presents a special exhibit. Sponsored by CACI International, Open Doors: Vietnam POWs Fifty Years of Freedom is a tribute exhibit. Produced by photographer Jamie Howren and author Taylor Baldwin Kiland, it spotlights 30 former POWs from all branches of the military, featuring portrait photos and interviews with the subjects. See website for hours. Free admission. Coronado Historical Association Museum, 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.7242. coronadohistory.org

San Diego Theatre Month

Through March 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 30 participating theaters and venues, offering discounted tickets of $15, $30 or $45. Participating organizations include Broadway San Diego, North Coast Repertory Theatre, San Diego Symphony, Lamb’s Players Theatre, The Old Globe, New Village Arts, La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Opera, San Diego Musical Theatre, Malashock Dance, San Diego Ballet and many more. See website for full lineup of shows, venues and tickets. More Info

The Cherry Orchard at North Coast Rep

Upcoming | Opens March 8. Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard (written in 1903) is presented in a version by Jean-Claude van Itallie at North Coast Rep in Solana Beach, March 8-April 2. The tragicomedy centers on an aristocratic landowner who returns to her family’s estate, which includes a large cherry orchard, just before it is auctioned to pay the mortgage. The cast includes Katie MacNichol, as well as James Sutorius and Richard Baird (pictured L-R). David Ellenstein directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org

Photo credits: Opening photo of CRSSD Festival by Kirby Gladstein. The Shell by Gary Payne. Marine Room Lounge by Haley Hill. Open Doors / POW exhibit photo by Jamie Howren. The Cherry Orchard by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.

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