St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, South Park Walkabout, Randy Rainbow and much more. Check out the top San Diego weekend events for March 14-17.

Edited by Jordan Fraser.

EVENTS

Taste of Third
March 14. Take a self-guided trip through the tree-lined streets of Chula Vista’s Original Neighborhood and its many restaurants and taverns. Enjoy discounted drinks from various locations, including local breweries, tasting rooms and cocktail bars, and taste samples from local favorites like Mangia Italiano and Don Pedro’s. There will also be a variety of entertainment to keep you grooving through the evening. 21+. 5-9 p.m. $25 advance, $30 day-of. 353 Third Ave., Chula Vista, 619.422.1982. thirdavenuevillage.com

 

 

Latino Film Festival
March 14-24. Celebrate Latino cinema, arts and culture with more than 160 films from the U.S., Latin America and Spain. The festival includes Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, free student screenings, and other cultural events such as the Sabor Latino Food, Beer & Wine Festival. See website for screening schedule and ticket prices. AMC Fashion Valley 18, 7037 Friars Road, Fashion Valley; Digital Gym Cinema, 2921 El Cajon Blvd., North Park. sdlatinofilm.com

 

 

Randy Rainbow
March 16. The comedian, actor, writer, host and Internet sensation is best known for his viral comedy videos, political spoofs and musical parodies. He has also written for comedian Kathy Griffin and hosted and performed in numerous theatrical events for the Broadway, cabaret and gay communities as well as the Tony Awards, so expect a well-rounded comedy experience that will keep you on your toes. 7:30 p.m. $39.50+. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown, 619.570.1100. sandiegotheatres.org

 

 

South Park Walkabout
March 16. Explore the locally owned shops, galleries and eateries in the charming neighborhood of South Park at this quarterly open house. This quarter, be sure to stop by neighborhood newbies Curryosity, Seven Seas Roasting Co. and Ivy Street Co-Working. Use a streetcar to tour or casually stroll at your own pace, savoring the arts, festive decorations and food along the way. A guided walking tour departs at 6:30 p.m. from the corner of Juniper and 30th. 6-10 p.m. 30th Street from Kalmia to Beech streets. southparksd.com

 

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Irish 4 A Day
March 15-17. Kick off the holiday weekend with a ticket that gives you access to more than 20 of San Diego’s best St. Patrick’s Day parties. Begin at McFadden’s and spend the evening with live music, leprechauns, exclusive green beer and other drink specials, and many more shenanigans. Participating venues include Parq, Omnia, Coyote Ugly Saloon and Route 29. 21+. F 6 p.m.-2 a.m., Sa 1 p.m.-2 a.m., Su 1 p.m.-2 a.m. $29+. McFadden’s San Diego, 731 Fifth Ave., downtown, 619.944.8900. Tickets

 

 

ShamROCK
March 16. Celebrate the luck of the Irish as the Gaslamp Quarter turns green with 50,000 square feet of Astroturf for this 25th annual block party. Rock out to live DJs and Irish bands on three stages, plus Irish fare and drink specials at dozens of downtown bars and restaurants. New this year, hours have been extended and Shenanigans Street which offers a variety of St. Patrick’s Day-themed games. 2 p.m.-midnight. $35+ GA, $80+ VIP. Gaslamp Quarter, 619.233.5008. sandiegoshamrock.com

 

 

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival
March 16. Consider yourself lucky to have access to the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade west of the Mississippi. Expect a parade with more than 125 entries, 75 food and craft booths, a beer garden, two band stages, a Celtic village, dancing and kids’ activities all tied to this year’s theme “Celebrating Irish Music.” 10:30 a.m. parade; 1-6 p.m. festival. Free. Sixth Ave. and Laurel St., Balboa Park. stpatsparade.org

 

 

 

Cafe 222
March 17. Get a hearty start to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a signature Irish dish that’s sure to fuel you throughout the day. Cafe 222 offers a special holiday corned beef hash made with braised and shredded corned beef, shredded potatoes, onions, peppers and garlic, topped with two eggs prepared any style and served with toast and breakfast potatoes. 222 Island Ave., downtown, 619.236.9902. cafe222.com

 

 

Shamrock Shamble Tournament at The Loma Club 
March 17. Join San Diego’s historic golf club in its annual Saint Patrick’s Day Tournament with Carlsberg Beer and Second Chance Brewery. The Shamrock Shamble Tournament features a nine-hole shamble format with prizes for low score and best costume. Tickets include an Irish breakfast and beer, nine holes and lots of St. Patrick’s Day fun. Check-in 8 a.m., tee-off 9 a.m. $45. The Loma Club, 2960 Truxtun Road, Point Loma, 619.222.4653. Tickets

 

 

Be sure to check out our complete guide to where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in San Diego for more.

 

FOOD + DRINK

Winemakers Dinner Series at The Med
March 14. Hosted by winemaker Stacy Vogel of Miner Family Wines, this dinner opens with a welcome reception, followed by a multi-course wine-paired dinner. The menu has been specially curated by The Med’s culinary team to complement each Miner wine and infuses classic cooking styles with modern techniques that bring out the best of the season in a one-of-a-kind meal. 6 p.m. $165. La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.0771. lavalencia.com

 

 

Cooking with California Grains Class
March 17. Led by Chef Christina Ng of Chinita’s Pies, this hands-on class will cover a multitude of grain varietals, cooking processes and methods, including grain salads, porridges and fresh sourdough breads. Attendees will get to reap the rewards of their hard work by indulging in the creations made during the session. Whether you’re a total grainiac or cooking newbie, this class will leave you with an appreciation for the diversity and nutritional value of California-grown grains. 2-4 pm. $25. Studio Kitchen by Specialty Produce, 1929 Hancock St. #150, San Diego. Tickets

 

Diana Brunch
March 17. Meet and greet with some of the stars of La Jolla Playhouse’s smash hit Diana at this collaboration brunch with The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Enjoy delectable dishes crafted by Executive Chef Jeff Jackson and several live renditions of songs from the musical about the beloved Princess Diana. 10 a.m.-noon. $110. A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.777.6635. Tickets

 

 

Storyhouse Spirits Happy Hour and Brunch
Now Available. East Village’s newest distillery, bar and lounge introduces Story Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Happy hour specials include $8 bites and specialty cocktails, while Executive Chef Nick Paulerio’s brunch menu features a selection of food and drink specials including $15 bottomless Prosecco mimosas, house-cured pork belly chilaquiles, duck hash and eggs, and a breakfast flatbread. Storyhouse Spirits, 1220 J St., East Village, 619.241.2780. storyhousespirits.com

 

ARTS + CULTURE

Smokey Joe’s Cafe
Through March 17. The music of rock and roll legends Leiber and Stoller provide the basis for this electrifying musical that includes the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blended with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Potion Number 9,” and “Stand By Me.” See website for show times. $28. New Village Arts Theatre, 2787 State St., Carlsbad, 760.433.3245. newvillagearts.org

 

 

Tiny Beautiful Things
Through March 17. Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed, Tiny Beautiful Things follows the relationships between an anonymous advice columnist named Sugar and the many real-life readers who pour out their hearts to her. It is an uplifting play about reaching out when you’re stuck, recovering when you’re broken, and finding the courage to ask the questions that are hardest to answer. Adapted for the stage by Academy Award nominee Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). See website for show times and ticket prices. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre at The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.234.5623. theoldglobe.org

 

Photos: Taste of Third courtesy Third Avenue Village Association. Latino Film Fest by Imogen Ashford. Randy Rainbow courtesy Randy Rainbow. South Park Walkabout courtesy South Park Business Group. Cafe 222 courtesy Cafe 222. ShamROCK courtesy ShamROCK. The Loma Club courtesy Katalyst PR. Irish 4 A Day courtesy Irish 4 A Day. Wine Makers Dinner courtesy Nth Element. Storyhouse Spirits Brunch courtesy Chemistry PR. Cooking With California Grains Class courtesy Berry Good Food Academy. Diana Brunch courtesy Evans Hotels. Smokey Joe’s Cafe courtesy New Village Arts Theatre. Tiny Beautiful Things by Jim Cox. 

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