Events
San Diego Padres 2023 Opening Day
March 30. Baseball season is officially in full swing (pun intended) in San Diego as of this Thursday—when the Padres take on the Colorado Rockies for their season home opener. Presented by Sycuan Casino Resort, Padres 2023 Opening Day will be broadcasted on Bally Sports San Diego, Fox Deportes San Diego, and radio stations KWFN 97.3 and XEMO 860. See website for last-minute tickets, parking guide and other helpful info. (UPDATE: The home opener today, March 30, is rescheduled for 6:40 p.m., due to weather.) Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., East Village. More Info
Belmont in Bloom Festival
April 1-May 31. Spring is in the air at Belmont Park, which presents its annual Belmont in Bloom Festival. The landmark beachfront property will be decked out with festive photo ops, themed treats and floral-inspired cocktails available at its boardwalk restaurants; plus live art performances, community events and more. Don’t miss the Underwater Easter Egg Hunt at Plunge San Diego on Saturday, April 1 (9:30 a.m.-noon); and bring Mom to the park on Mother’s Day, May 14, for brunch by the beach and a “Mom-osa” from the roaming bubbly cart. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach. belmontpark.com
Boots in the Park
April 1. Dust off your cowboy boots and head to Waterfront Park, which transforms into San Diego’s biggest country music party. Country megastar Carrie Underwood (pictured), whose hit songs include “Before He Cheats,” headlines the fifth annual Boots in the Park; along with Walker Hayes, Jimmie Allen, Gavin DeGraw, Ingrid Andress and Tyler Rich. In addition to live music, guests can also enjoy craft cuisine and cocktails, line dancing and San Diego Bay views. See website for full schedule, venue guidelines, hotel info, parking tips and ticket pricing. 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown embarcadero. bootsinthepark.com
East Village Opening Weekend Block Party
April 1. In celebration of the Padres Opening Weekend (win or lose), the East Village Association presents its 11th annual block party in front of Petco Park—where the San Diego Padres take on the Colorado Rockies in four weekend games to start the season. The party spotlights myriad local businesses—including gourmet food trucks, a beer garden and craft cocktails; plus dancing, live music and family-friendly activities. Local animal rescue The Animal Pad will also be on hand, facilitating pet adoptions. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is free. J Street, between Seventh and Tenth avenues, East Village. 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, 844.587.4866. triton-charters.com
Celebrate Easter at Conrad Los Angeles
April 9. Delve into a colorful spring harvest by experiencing exclusive Easter brunch menus at San Laurel and Agua Viva. Sip on a mimosa from the Easter pop-up bar on the rooftop terrace at Conrad Los Angeles while testing your culinary skills at the Easter cookie-crafting. Complimentary to hotel guests and restaurant diners. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 100 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles. More Information
Food + Drink
North Park Festival of Beers
April 1. This spirited annual ode to beer is back for its latest annual installment. Presented by 91X radio station, the North Park Festival of Beers unfolds in front of the Lafayette Hotel. Guests can sample more than 55 beers from “the best breweries on the planet,” while enjoying live music and specialty food vendors. Admission includes unlimited tastings, and proceeds benefit the San Diego Music Foundation (specifically to fund the Taylor Guitars in Schools program). Noon-4 p.m. (21+). $60 VIP; $40 general admission; $25 designated drivers. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. northparkbeerfest.com
San Diego Restaurant Week
Through April 2. San Diego’s most delicious week of the year runs through Sunday. Taste your way through town during San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW), when 100 revered restaurants countywide will offer discounted, multicourse menus for lunch and dinner—starting as low as $20. Our pick: Cafe Sevilla (353 Fifth Ave.), a Gaslamp Quarter staple since 1987. The Spanish restaurant is offering three-course SDRW lunch and dinner menus—highlighted by its famous paella with lobster and ibérico pork belly—for $40 per person. See website for all participating restaurants, menus and pricing. sandiegorestaurantweek.com
Weekend Brunch at Serēa
Now Available. Brunch is back at Serēa—Hotel del Coronado’s flagship seaside restaurant—complete with a newly refreshed brunch menu by executive chef JoJo Ruiz. New dishes include smoked polenta with grilled shrimp, poached eggs and cherry tomatoes; Caviar Benedict with blue lump crab cakes; and cheese and spinach spanakotiropita. There’s plenty of old menu favorites, too—including the shakshuka, smoked tri-tip steak with fried eggs, whole fish preparations and brunch cocktails. See website for reservations. Sa-Su 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.6611. sereasandiego.com
Arts + Culture
Art Alive at S.D. Museum of Art
March 31-April 2. San Diego Museum of Art’s annual exhibition—in which designers transform works from the museum’s permanent art collection into stunning floral sculptures and installations—returns! Inspired by the museum’s Modern Women exhibit, Art Alive will feature an all-female cast of designers, lead artists and musicians this year—including Native Poppy owner Natalie Gill, who will transform the rotunda. The exhibition kicks off on Friday with the annual Bloom Bash, featuring local restaurants, libations, music, dancing and unique performances. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931. sdmart.org
The Cherry Orchard at North Coast Rep
Closes April 2. 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, closing this Sunday (book tix now!). 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: Art Alive at San Diego Museum of Art (2) by Bauman Photographers. The Cherry Orchard at North Coast Rep by Aaron Rumley. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
