Events

Elephant Valley at Safari Park

Opens March 5. San Diego Zoo Safari Park unveils the Denny Sanford Elephant Valley—the largest project in the 110-year-old history of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Be transported to the African savanna, as this new elephant habitat allows park guests to stroll a special pathway with vistas on both sides; while learning about the Alliance’s elephant conservation initiatives. Be sure to stop by the new Mkutano House, a two-story venue housing three dining destinations. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 619.231.1515. sdzsafaripark.org 

“Salsa Under the Stars” at Quartyard

March 6. Calling all lovers of Latin music and food! Get your dancing shoes on for “Salsa Under the Stars,” featuring live music by The Manny Cepeda Orchestra Quartet, at alfresco venue Quartyard. Led by Puerto Rican composer and musician Manny Cepeda, the beloved band is known for its uplifting salsa, merengue, bachata, mambo, Cuban and Latin jazz music. Guests can also enjoy libations and food from onsite Mexican eatery El Comal. 5-9 p.m. See website for ticket pricing (all ages welcome). 1301 Market St., East Village. Details

St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-Thon

March 7. Willing to shave your head for a wonderful cause? Help to conquer kids’ cancer at the 17th annual St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon. Nason’s Beer Hall at Pendry San Diego is hosting the high-energy fundraiser, benefiting the St. Baldrick’s Foundation—a charity that supports research to find cures for childhood cancers; and also offers support to survivors. The event includes an emcee, music, raffles and more. Those not participating are encouraged to donate (see website). Noon-3 p.m. Admission: $15 adults; kids free. 550 J St., Gaslamp Quarter. stbaldricks.org

Food + Drink

Necessity Coffee

Opens March 7. North City welcomes Necessity Coffee, which celebrates its grand opening on Saturday—featuring a live DJ and giveaways. (The first 50 guests in line will receive a free drink, courtesy of North City.) Founded by Jon Runion, the community-focused coffee shop is known for its creative vibes and excellent espresso drinks. Offerings include lattes, drip coffee, pour-overs, flat whites, chai, matcha and loose-leaf teas; as well as pastries and baked goods. Grand opening and regular hours are daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m. 250 North City Drive, San Marcos. More Info

George’s Ocean Terrace

Reopened. After a three-month closure for remodeling, George’s at the Cove has reopened its Ocean Terrace. The rooftop dining area and bar now boasts a new glass perimeter wall sans view-obstructing pillars, new dining tables and flooring, new permanent heaters and more; and those famed coastline views are now even better. We suggest dining at George’s for lunch, with offerings like local rockfish tacos, lobster rolls, and seared-rare albacore over soba noodles. See website for hours and reservations. 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244. georgesatthecove.com

Katsuya Ko

Now Open. Westfield UTC welcomes Katsuya Ko, part of the famed Katsuya brand. (“Ko” means “child” in Japanese.) The bright, contemporary restaurant features geometric lighting, playful floral and Japanese accents, an open robata and sushi bar, and a dining patio. A modern Pan-Asian menu offers signature dishes like the Original Crispy Rice and Yellowtail Jalapeño; plus new plates such as chicken and kimchi gyoza with black-garlic ponzu; and sake, beer and wine to drink. See website for hours. 4303 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 2105, UTC, 858.365.5855. More Info

Arts + Culture

North Coast Rep: The Maltese Falcon

March 4-April 5. “The falcon’s legendary. Ther performances are transformative. The laughs are lethal.” North Coast Rep presents the world premiere of The Maltese Falcon. Written by Matthew Salazar-Thompson (based on the classic 1930 detective novel by Dashiell Hammett), this comical noir thriller transports us to 1920s San Francisco—where a mysterious woman hires detective Sam Spade, leading to his partner’s murder and pursuit of a priceless falcon statuette. See website for showtimes and tickets. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite D, Solana Beach, 858.481.1055. northcoastrep.org

City Ballet: Rhapsody in Blue

March 7-8, 11. City Ballet of San Diego presents Rhapsody in Blue: Innovation and Imagination, comprising ballets by three contemporary choreographers: Rhapsody in Blue, with music by George Gershwin and choreography by Geoffrey Gonzalez; Ecliptic, composed by Ludovico Einaudi, with choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa; and the San Diego premiere of The American, composed by Dvořák, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. The production takes place at Balboa Theatre, March 7-8; and at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, March 11. cityballet.org

The Old Globe: Hedda Gabler

Extended Through March 22. San Diego welcomes Katie Holmes (Dawson’s Creek, Broadway’s Our Town), who stars in the title role in Hedda Gabler—the world premiere at The Old Globe garnering rave reviews. Henrik Ibsen’s famed 1890 play about a complex, desperately unhappy woman trapped in a loveless marriage—whose scheming gets her into trouble—comes to us in a new version by Erin Cressida Wilson; Barry Edelstein directs. See website for showtimes and tickets. Shiley Stage at The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.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 myriad participating theaters and venues, offering discounted tickets of $15, $30, $45 or two for $45. Participants include North Coast Repertory Theatre, Cygnet Theater, Lamb’s Players Theatre, New Village Arts, The Roustabouts Theatre Co., The Old Globe, Diversionary Theatre and Broadway San Diego. See website for full lineup of shows, venues and tickets. More Info

George’s Ocean Terrace is by Arlene Ibarra. North Coast Rep / “The Maltese Falcon” (pictured L-R: Regina Fernandez, Daniel A. Stevens, Allison Scagliotti and Louis Lotorto) is by Aaron Rumley. The Old Globe / “Hedda Gabler” (pictured: Alexander Hurt and Katie Holmes) is by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.