Events
KSON CountryFest at Viejas Casino & Resort
March 23. Grab your cowboy boots and head to The Park at Viejas Casino & Resort for an evening of live country music—presented by San Diego’s country music radio station, KSON 103.7. The lineup includes Chris Young (pictured), best known for his hits “Famous Friends, ” “Losing Sleep,” “Think of You” and “I’m Coming Over”; along with Russell Dickerson, known for “Blue Tacoma” and “Yours”; So Cal’s own Chayce Beckham; and a special acoustic performance by Kimberly Perry and Bryan Martin. 4 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 5000 Willows Road, Alpine. More Info
“Picnics + Flowers” at The Flower Fields
March 23-May 12. Flowers and food make for a perfect San Diego springtime experience. Pop Up Picnic Co. returns with its “Picnics + Flowers” package at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, available Saturdays and Sundays through May 12. Enjoy a semi-private, luxury picnic lunch overlooking the ranch’s 55 acres—comprising millions of blooming Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. The fun includes a four-course meal and beverages, private parking via a private entrance, complimentary wagon rides, live music, lawn games and more. See website for reservations and ticket pricing. 5704 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad. More Info
Liquid Sunshine Hard Rock Pool Party
March 23. Let the sunshine at this “season opener” of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s signature pool party, Liquid Sunshine—where the mantra is “dance, splash, drink, repeat,” presented by Eventvibe. The fun includes tunes—including house, deep house, tech house and remixes—by DJs Erick Diaz, Azarelle and more; plus a full bar featuring giant slushie margaritas and other cocktails; and cabana/daybed rentals and poolside bottle service available for separate purchase. Swimwear/pool party attire encouraged; early arrival strongly suggested. Noon-6 p.m. See website for tickets (21+). 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
Springtime Tours with Triton Charters
Ongoing. Test your sea legs along San Diego Bay aboard the city’s largest catamaran—accommodating 100-plus passengers. The 75-foot, luxurious Triton was built to party—outfitted with a 13-seat wraparound bar, comfy seating for up to 60 people, an advanced sound system and water toys such as wave runners and kayaks. There’s even a large dance floor, a built-in waterslide and a trampoline! Private charters come complete with a Coast Guard-certified captain and crew members; as well as full catering and bar packages. 2700 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 858.330.1011. triton-charters.com
Food + Drink
“Taste of Third” in Downtown Chula Vista
March 21. Chula Vista’s culinary scene keeps getting more delicious by the year. Head to Third Avenue Village in the heart of the city for this 28th annual event—a self-guided tour featuring live music along with bites and sips from more than two dozen local restaurants and bars. Your “Taste of Third Passport” grants you access to offerings from the likes of Chula Vista Brewery, El Cruce + 241, La Bella Pizza, Don Pedro Taco Shop, Bar Sin Nombre, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, Lime in the Coconut, Thr3e Punk Ales and many more. 4-8 p.m. $45 per person. Along Third Avenue (from H to E streets), Chula Vista. More Info
Sabor Latino Food, Beer & Spirits Fest
March 23. A specialty event as part of the 31st annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (which runs through March 24), the eighth annual Sabor Latino Food, Beer & Spirits Fest takes place on Saturday at Mission Valley Mall. Guests can enjoy unlimited food tastings by award-winning Latino chefs; along with beer, tequila and other spirits tastings; plus live music, the Arte Latino showcase, mingling with guest filmmakers and actors, and the annual “Best Dish” contest. 1-4 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (21+). 1640 Camino del Rio North, Mission Valley. More Info
Corner Pizza at Bressi Ranch
Now Open. Known for its Brooklyn-style pies and casual-cool vibe, North County pizzeria Corner Pizza (with locations in Leucadia and Oceanside) has opened its third location at Bressi Ranch. Choose from at least a dozen pizzas, such as the popular Killer BEE with charred pepperoni, soppressata, gorgonzola, mozzarella, rosemary and chili honey (and request an extra crispy crust or the “Dirty Crust”). There’s also an array of salads, small plates such as burrata and meatballs, a raw bar, gelato, craft beers and biodynamic wines. Open daily 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 2628 Gateway Road, Carlsbad, 442.232.6191. corner-pizza.com
Louisiana Purchase’s 5th Anniversary
Open. Louisiana Purchase celebrates five years in business this month. The casual-cool restaurant and cocktail bar is known for its authentic New Orleans cuisine and lively atmosphere. The menu by executive chef Quinnton Austin, aka “Chef Q” (pictured)—who relocated to San Diego from New Orleans for the restaurant’s opening in 2019—features its famous Alligator Andouille Cheesecake, Uptown Kitchen Sink Gumbo, lemon-pepper catfish and southern-inspired libations. Don’t miss weekend brunch, “Bayou Hour” and those heavenly beignets for dessert. 2305 University Ave., North Park, 619.255.8278. louisianapurchasesd.com
Arts + Culture
“Culinary Concerto” Mainly Mozart Gala
March 22. Renowned classical music outfit Mainly Mozart presents its “Culinary Concerto” fundraising gala at the JULEP. The event’s culinary director, chef Claudia Sandoval (pictured), has curated an assemblage of 24 acclaimed chefs, who will prepare 24 unique menus tableside; plus pairings from 24 wineries spanning Paso Robles to Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe. Chefs include Tara Monsod, Adria Marina, Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien, Michelle Mathelin and more. The evening includes a performance by vocalist and violinist Alexander Rybak. 6 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 1735 Hancock St., Midtown. mainlymozart.org
Lyle Lovett in Concert at The Magnolia
March 24. The Magnolia (the event and performing arts venue recently underwent a $7 million renovation) presents “An Evening with Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group” on Sunday. Known for his hit songs like “Cowboy Man” and “If I Had a Boat,” the country singer, songwriter and record producer has recorded 14 albums and released 25 singles to date. Arrive at The Magnolia early for its pre-party in the plaza, featuring a taco stand, specialty cocktails and more available for purchase. 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.) See website for ticket pricing. 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. More Info
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
