Improv Festival, Lunar New Year celebrations, Escondido Chocolate Festival and more…Check out the top San Diego weekend events for February 7-10.
Edited by Jordan Fraser.
EVENTS
Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan
Feb. 7. Seven-time Grammy nominee Joan Osborne’s soulful stylings breathe new life into Bob Dylan’s poetic, evocative lyrics. Referred to as “a fiercely intelligent, no-nonsense singer” by the New York Times, Osborne has earned the reputation as the voice of her generation. 8 p.m. $30-$53. Belly Up Tavern, 143 S. Cedros, Solana Beach. bellyup.com
San Diego Improv Festival
Feb. 7-10. Laugh your way through this yearly festival that features top improv talent from all over the nation. The festival includes professional workshops and performances from a selection of hand-picked improv teams from around the country. See website for show times and ticket prices. Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Ave., downtown, 619.306.6047. finestcityimprov.com
San Diego Jewish Film Festival
Feb. 7-14. Watch the best contemporary Jewish-related films at this 29th annual festival. This year’s lineup comprises a slew of shorts, documentaries and feature films that illuminate the diversity of Jewish culture and experience. See website for schedule and locations. $5-$18. 858.362.1348. sdcjc.org
Tet Festival
Feb. 8. Welcome the Year of the Pig with many lively attractions including the signature Miss Vietnam San Diego Pageant, lion dancing, a cultural village, beer garden, full carnival rides, dance contests and much more. Two stages will offer non-stop entertainment from A-list artists as well as local San Diego performers. Food vendors will also be selling a variety of foods from cultures all around the world. F 5-10 p.m., Sa 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Su 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Mira Mesa Community Park, 8575 New Salem St., Mira Mesa. sdtet.com
Brewbies Festival
Feb. 9. Savor handcrafted beer from more than 40 of the West Coast’s best breweries at this event where 100 percent of proceeds will benefit Keep A Breast Foundation. In honor of breast cancer awareness, many local and regional breweries will offer an exclusive pink beer for the event. Plus, enjoy a live performance by Shake Before Us. 1-5 p.m. with special VIP entrance at noon. $55-$75. Bagby Beer Co., 601 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside. brewbies.org
Mermaid Half Marathon
Feb. 9. This mostly flat course features beautiful bay views as it winds around Fiesta Island and Crown Point, and along Mission Bay Drive. Half marathon, 10K and 5K race options are available as well a 1.5-mile Mermaid Dash for participants under 12. See website for race times and route information. mermaidseries.com
Maritime Museum Sweetheart Sail
Feb. 9-10. Treat your loved one to a romantic sail on San Diego Bay. Guests will board a historic tall ship, for a three-hour scenic tour of the bay, marine wildlife and local attractions. Tickets include champagne, chocolates and a souvenir gift. Boarding at 10:45 a.m. $99 GA, $59 ages 3-12. 1492 N. Harbor Dr., downtown, 619.234.9153. sdmaritime.org
The PettyBreakers
Feb. 9. Pay tribute to the late Tom Petty with The PettyBreakers’ cover songs of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers including “Free Fallin’,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” and “I Won’t Back Down.” Plus, Desperado plays all your favorite hits from The Eagles. 9 p.m. $19-$61. Music Box, 1337 India St., Little Italy, 619.795.1337. musicboxsd.com
Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K, 5K & 1 Mile Run
Feb. 10. Choose your preference of race bib—Available, Taken, or It’s Complicated—at this annual race turned matchmaking event. Each 10K, 5K, 1-mile participant will receive a high-quality t-shirt, finishers medal, continental breakfast, photos with heart sweets and access to the beer garden. See website for race details and prices. Tidelands Park, 2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado. valentinesday10k.com
Southern-Sea Dragon Lunar New Year Performance
Feb. 10. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Southern-Sea Dragon and Lion Dance Association’s celebration dance. This UCSD student-led group will ring in the Lunar New Year with a 30-minute traditional, lively and colorful lion dance performance. Noon. Free. The Village at Pacific Highlands Ranch, 13490 Pacific Highlands Ranch Pkwy., Carmel Valley, phrvillage.com
FOOD + DRINK
Vive Le Vodka Martini with Grey Goose
Feb. 8. Indulge in a four-course dinner with signature Grey Goose vodka cocktail pairings. Grey Goose ambassador Selena Donovan will discuss the history of the martini and walk you through each signature cocktail. Menu highlights include smoked salmon tartare with lemon creme fraiche and pork fillet with apple, pearl onion and sauce robert. Call to reserve seats. Cocktail reception 5:30 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. $125 excludes tax and gratuity. Amaya in Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, 858.314.2727. fairmont.com
Escondido Chocolate Festival
Feb. 9. Bring your sweet tooth to downtown Escondido to enjoy the Escondido Chocolate Festival. Stroll through more than 20 designated restaurants, shops and spas while sampling chocolates paired with local fine wines and craft beers. A chocolate making class is available for $25. 21+. 1-5 p.m. $40-$50. Historic Downtown Escondido, 760.207.6321. visitescondido.com
Iron Horse Vineyards Brunch
Feb. 9. Dine al fresco at this multi-course pairing brunch. Iron Horse Vineyards wines will be paired with whimsical culinary creations from The Med’s Chef Alex Emery such as smoked salmon carpaccio; chilaquiles with mole, smoked cotija blanco, charred avocado, coriander flower and duck egg; and jamon Iberico eggs Benedict with King crab. 1 p.m. $125. The Med at La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 855.476.6870. lavalencia.com
Nourished: The Gluten Free, Allergy and Special Diet Festival
Feb. 9-10. Get a grasp on what healthy eating means to you with samples, educational presentations, coupons and more from all types of dietary angles including gluten-free plant-based zones, Keto and many more. Exhibitors will showcase a range of products from gourmet corn-free baked goods to vegan coconut energy bars. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $15 GA, $5 children. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. nourishedfestival.com
ARTS + CULTURE
Rigoletto
Feb. 8, 10. You’ll recognize melody after melody in this tale of the lecherous Duke of Mantua who seduces wives and daughters while his hunchbacked jester, Rigoletto, adds insult to injury by ridiculing their husbands and fathers. Eventually, a furious father puts a curse on Rigoletto. When the Duke seduces Rigoletto’s young, innocent daughter Gilda, Rigoletto plots his revenge. The performance is sung in Italian with projected English translations. F 7 p.m., Su 2 p.m. See website for ticket prices. San Diego Opera at Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. sdopera.org
Secret Society of Adultologists
Feb. 8. Celebrate Valentine’s Day’s signature color at The Secret Society of Adultologists’ gushy, mushy, get-a-room public display of affection for nature. Bring a date, a group of friends, or an archenemy for a night of craft cocktails, beer, delicious food, behind-the-scenes opportunities, rooftop views, and conversations with The Nat’s very own scientists about blood worms, the San Diego ring-necked snake, black widow bellies and other natural reds. 21+. 7-10 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park. sdnhm.org
Photos: Joan Osborne courtesy Belly Up Tavern. San Diego Improv Festival courtesy Finest City Improv. Jewish Film Festival by Daniel Miller. Tet Festival courtesy Tet Festival. Brewbies Festival courtesy Mutiny PR. Mermaid Half Marathon courtesy Mermaid Half Marathon. Maritime Museum Sweetheart Sail courtesy Maritime Museum. The PettyBreakers courtesy The PettyBreakers. Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K, 5K & 1 Mile Run courtesy Coronado Valentine’s Day Run. Southern-Sea Dragon Lunar New Year Performance courtesy Alternative Strategies. Vive Le Vodka courtesy Fairmont Hotels. Iron Horse Vineyards Brunch courtesy Nth Element. Escondido Chocolate Festival courtesy Escondido Chocolate Festival. Nourished Festival courtesy Nourished Festival. “Rigoletto” courtesy San Diego Opera. Secret Society of Adultologists courtesy San Diego Natural History Museum.
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