Events
Cherry Blossom Festival in Balboa Park
March 7-10. The Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum in Balboa Park hosts its annual Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend. In addition to taking in beautiful blooming cherry blossom trees, guests are invited to enjoy myriad cultural performances each day; along with cultural foods for purchase and shopping among local vendors; plus a design contest, cosplay contest, a kanpai program that explores the history of sake and includes exclusive tastings, and more. See website for daily hours and admission info (general admission and VIP tickets available). 2215 Pan American Road E., Balboa Park. More Info
San Diego Hot Chocolate Run
March 10. The city’s streets will be filled with chocolate lovers on Sunday morning—running either a 5K, 10K or 15K that takes them past scenic San Diego landmarks like Balboa Park—for this ultimate family-friendly hot cocoa celebration. After crossing the finish line, an after-party and expo await at Petco Park. Race participants will receive a finisher mug filled with chocolate fondue and sweet treats to dip; as well as the race’s signature Hot Chocolate; plus merchandise and more. See website for race times and to sign up. 1235 K St., East Village. More Info
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Open. Spring wildflower season is here! And with this winter’s rainfall, you can expect bountiful blooms in Anza-Borrego. Located 60 miles east of Escondido, it’s the second largest state park in the U.S.—spanning 640,000 acres of hiking and biking trails, 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas, historical landmarks, paleontological sites, campgrounds, canyons and caves. On the wildflower front, be on the lookout for brittlebush, yellow asters and blueish-purple halgania solanacea. There’s even a wildflower hotline you can call for updates: 760.767.4684. See website for location and entry points at Borrego Springs. More Info
Food + Drink
North Park Vegan Food Pop-Up
March 9. Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores alike will make tasty discoveries at the city’s biggest vegan market, which pops up on Saturday at North Park Mini Park. Explore plant-based culinary delights from 60-plus vendors from San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles—including pastries and doughnuts, salads and produce, juices, teas, vegan sushi, pizza, pastas and other noodles, and Mexican fare. Other vendors include A Way Home for Dogs, Compilations in Art, Samadhi CBD and Jamul Candle Co. Noon-4 p.m. Free entry and parking (kids and dogs welcome). 3812 29th St., North Park. More Info
Bivouac Ciderworks’ Adventure Lodge
Now Open. Choose your own adventure at Bivouac Ciderworks’ new venue. Located adjacent to Bivouac’s flagship taproom, the 5,700-square-foot Adventure Lodge & General Store is a cafe and community hub (try the Campfire Latte); a general store offering daily made sandwiches, salads, curated pantry items, ciders from around the world, merchandise and a zero-waste snack bar; a cider-tasting bar with 20 rotating taps; a speakeasy-style private brandy lounge; and a new, bigger onsite cider production facility. Tu-Th 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; F-Su 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (private event bookings available). 3980 30th St., North Park. bivouaccider.com
Rumorosa
Now Open. The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina debuts its first new restaurant as part of the property’s $100 million renovation: Rumorosa. The fine-dining flagship boasts prime marina views, high ceilings and refined Cali-Baja cuisine by executive chef Cesar Oceguera. Try the San Diego Burrito Frito with braised short rib and scrambled eggs for breakfast; the Pambazo Double Burger (pictured) for lunch; and the Achiote Crispy-Skin Salmon with buttered jasmine rice for dinner; plus craft cocktails like the Golden Daiquiri. See website for daily hours. 1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.692.2331. rumorosasd.com
Arts + Culture
Hand to God at Diversionary Theatre
March 7-31. Who could use a good laugh? Dubbed as a “hilarious and shocking theatrical experience,” The Roustabouts Theatre Co. brings us Hand to God, staged at Diversionary Theatre in University Heights. Written by Robert Askins and directed by Phil Johnson, the provocative comedy follows Jason—a quiet young man in a small conservative town—who has a hand puppet that takes on a life of its own. Foul-mouthed hilarity (read: strong language advisory) and havoc ensue. See website for showtimes and tickets. 4545 Park Blvd., University Heights. theroustabouts.org
King James at The Old Globe
March 9-31. Delving into the power of basketball fandom and how sports can connect us (despite our differences), The Old Globe presents King James—written by Rajiv Joseph and directed by Justin Emeka. With the career of NBA star Lebron James as the backdrop, the play centers on two friends, Shawn and Matt, who have very little in common other than their love of the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Pictured L-R: Caleb Foot as Matt and Joshua Echebiri as Shawn.) See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
The Age of Innocence at The Old Globe
Closes March 10. The Old Globe-commissioned world premiere of The Age of Innocence—based on Edith Wharton’s famed 1920 novel set in New York City circa the 1870s Gilded Age—plays through Sunday on The Old Globe’s Shiley Stage. Adapted for the stage by Karen Zacarías, the play centers on Ellen Olenska, a glamorous countess who sweeps into town and shakes up the lives of all she encounters, including gallant lawyer Newland Archer. (Pictured L-R: Callum Adams as Newland Archer and Delphi Borich as May.) 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Open. Ahoy! One of our favorite slices of San Diego culture sits docked along the north embarcadero. This floating nautical museum is home to one of the larger collections of historical sea vessels in the U.S.—including the world-famous Star of India, an iron-hulled sailing ship built in 1863. Become immersed in more than 500 years of seafaring history—from dockside ship tours to insightful exhibits to narrated San Diego Bay on-the-water adventures. See website for all exhibits and to purchase tickets. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Photo credits: Bivouac Adventure Lodge by Kimberly Motos. Hand to God / The Roustabouts Theatre Co. by Daren Scott. King James / The Old Globe by Rich Soublet II. The Age of Innocence / The Old Globe by Jim Cox. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
