Events
“Dogs of Downtown” Special Event
March 11. The Downtown San Diego Partnership and Clean & Safe present a fun-filled and dog-devoted afternoon at Fault Line Park. Event highlights include onsite dog adoptions and fostering opportunities via Kane’s K9s & Animal Rescue; doggy headshots by The Woof Booth (the first 24 dogs receive a free photoshoot with printed and digital copies); custom dog-tag engraving by Signs of Our Lives; caricature art by Dave; giveaways; canine-focused vendors; and music. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Leashed dogs welcome to attend. Free entry (but see website to RSVP). 1433 Island Ave., East Village. More Info
St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon
March 11. Willing to shave your head for a wonderful cause? Help fight kids’ cancer at the 14th annual St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon, which returns for the first time since 2020. 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, live music, a special Baldrick’s cocktail and more. Those not participating are encouraged to donate (see website). Noon-3 p.m. 550 J St., Gaslamp Quarter. stbaldricks.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
March 11. Billed as the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade west of the Mississippi, this 41st annual event is back—featuring floats, marching bands, equestrian units, dancing groups and performers, antique cars and more. After the parade, head to Balboa Park for a family-friendly Irish festival—including traditional music, Irish step dancing, a kids zone, beer garden, and food booths offering everything from beef sandwiches to Guinness brats. 10:30 a.m. (parade); 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (festival; $5 entry for adults 21+). Fifth Avenue at Laurel Street, Bankers Hill; Sixth Avenue at Maple Street, Balboa Park. stpatsparade.org
Food + Drink
Lakehouse Food & Wine Festival
March 11. Calling all foodies and oenophiles. Lakehouse Hotel & Resort has partnered with area restaurants, wineries and breweries for this second annual festival. Enjoy an afternoon of sampling and live music on its lakeside lawn—featuring bites from Ranch 45, Amalfi Cucina Italiana, Cannonball and Draft at Belmont Park, The Pit BBQ, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and more. Wash it all down with offerings from CaliFino Tequila, Daou Vineyards, Pacific Coast Spirits, Monserate Winery, Burgeon Beer, Jackson Family Wines and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $85-$175 (ages 21+). 1105 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos. More Info
North Park Vegan Food Pop-Up
March 11. 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 40-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 SoulSpark Candles. Noon-4 p.m. Free entry and parking (kids and dogs welcome). 3812 29th St., North Park. More Info
Saturday Jazz Brunch at Mister A’s
Now Available. Start your Saturday with a decadent brunch, stellar views and live jazz. Inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter, Mister A’s new brunch experience starts with a bite and aperitif at the bar—along with live jazz by rotating musicians that can be heard restaurant-wide—before being seated in the dining room. Executive chef Stephane Voitzwinkler’s exclusive Saturday brunch menu boasts blue crab cakes, hush puppies, beignets, crispy shrimp po’ boys, dirty rice topped with a fried egg, gumbo Benedict, shrimp ‘n’ grits, and more. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377. asrestaurant.com
Arts + Culture
San Diego Latino Film Festival
March 9-19. Movie buffs will love this 30th annual celebration of Latino film, art and culture. Check out more than 150 feature and short film screenings—at the AMC Theatres at Westfield Mission Valley—from Latin America and the U.S. Festivities also include the Opening Night celebration at The UCSD Forum, featuring the Sabrosas Latin Orchestra; a Closing Night concert and awards ceremony; a food, beer and wine festival; celebrity guests and filmmaker panels; and a Festival Village and Lounge. See website for full schedule, addresses and pricing for individual tickets and festival passes. sdlatinofilm.com
“World of Orchids” at S.D. Botanic Garden
March 11-April 9. Explore orchids in full bloom from across the globe at San Diego Botanic Garden’s Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, which has been transformed into a floral wonderland. Orchid contributors include the San Diego County Orchid Society and Palomar Orchid Society; along with selected plants from commercial nurseries; and, of course, orchids grown onsite. And each week of the show will be different, thanks to floral artist René van Rems—who will design a new orchid display weekly. W-M 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036. sdbg.org
Under a Baseball Sky at The Old Globe
Closes March 12. The Old Globe presents its commissioned world premiere, Under a Baseball Sky, through Sunday—centered on the deep roots of baseball in the Mexican American community. Written by José Cruz González and directed by James Vásquez, the story follows a young troublemaker who bonds with his elderly neighbor—drawing inspiration from S.D.’s Logan Heights neighborhood. (Pictured from left: Diego Josef as Teo, Ana Nicolle Chavez as Paloma, Laura Crotte as Elí, and Cesar J. Rosado as Santiago.) See website for showtimes and tickets. 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Open. Ahoy! Docked along downtown’s north embarcadero, this renowned, 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 on-the-water San Diego Bay adventures. (And book your tickets NOW to experience Boarded! A New Pirate Adventure, on March 18.) Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1492 N. Harbor Drive, downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
Photo credits: Under a Baseball Sky / The Old Globe by Rich Soublet II. All other images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
