The Mad Hatter’s Ball, The Crack Shack, The Outsider and more… Check out the top San Diego weekend events for February 20-23.
Edited by Brooke Knetzger.
EVENTS
Feb. 21. Comedian Mike Epps will bring “The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival” to Pechanga Arena. Epps will lead the show with a lineup including Sommore, Gary Owen, Lavell Crawford and Mark Curry. Fans won’t want to miss this night of sharp wit, hilarious storytelling, and more. $64+. 8 p.m.; doors open 7 p.m. Pechanga Arena San Diego, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego. Tickets
Feb. 22. Head to the Observatory North Park for an unforgettable night of entertainment. Make the most of this formal hat party by reserving a 3-course prix fixe dinner at West Coast Tavern, then head to the Observatory North Park to experience cirque performers, interactive art, DJ music, dancing, craft libations, and other unique activities. See website for various ticket prices and additional information. 7 p.m. The Observatory North Park, 2891 University Ave, North Park. Tickets
FOOD + DRINK
Feb. 22-23. Carruth Cellars is hosting its 10th Annual Barrel Tasting Party this Saturday and Sunday at their flagship location in Solana Beach. This event allows wine-lovers the opportunity to taste Carruth’s recently produced wines (called futures) directly from the barrel. And after having a sneak peek and taste, attendees can pre-purchase bottles and cases at a steep discount. Tickets for the 10th Annual Barrel Tasting Party include 12 barrel samples, a souvenir glass, live music and exclusive access to the purchase of futures. 118 S Cedros Ave #C, Solana Beach. Tickets
Feb. 22. Taste a variety of tequila and mezcals, savor tacos and paella, partake in the blind tasting challenge, margarita making competition and more! General Admission tickets include access to all mezcal and tequila tastings and food stations. VIP tickets grant exclusive access to the Harbor Float VIP Lounge, lounge seating, raw bar, one specialty margarita drink ticket and more! 1-4 p.m. 880 Harbor Island Dr, Harbor Island, 619.814.1300. cohnrestaurants.com
Feb. 22. All are invited to celebrate The Crack Shack’s third year in North County. Guests can look forward to a special Modern Times beer menu, anniversary dirty fries, birthday cake shakes, a visit from furry friends, meet and greet with Richard Blais and more. A portion of proceeds from the whole day will be donated to Rancho Coastal Humane Society. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 407 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas. Register
Feb. 22. Head to the Gaslamp Quarter for a tantalizing tasting event with a New Orleans touch. Tickets will include twenty Mardi Gras-inspired bites, twenty carnival cocktail sips and beads at every stop. Be sure to collect 10 beads along the way to gain access to the exclusive VIP after-party. $25+. 1 – 5 p.m. 656 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp. Tickets
ARTS + CULTURE
Premieres Feb. 19. The Outsider is a razor-sharp, hilarious satire of modern American politics and an inspirational tribute to democracy. Overflowing with clever plot twists portraying the contemporary political climate, Paul Slade Smith’s play is a fun-house mirror, held up to reflect our often confounding governmental system. If you’re overwhelmed by today’s headlines, this thoroughly non-partisan laugh-fest is just what you need. Through March 15. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Suite D, Solana Beach. Tickets
Feb. 21 & 23. Start the evening with San Diego Symphony’s debut of acclaimed violist Stefan Jaciw and stay for Shostakovich’s cinematic retelling of the ill-fated Russian Revolution. The concert is part of the San Diego Symphony’s season-long celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. Guests are invited to arrive 45 minutes before the concert for “What’s the Score?”, a lively talk about the composers and the repertoire given by commentator Nuvi Mehta from the stage of Copley Symphony Hall. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
Through Feb. 23. In 1970s Pittsburgh, the unlicensed cab drivers in a Hill District garage fight to save their business and their livelihoods as their neighborhood gentrifies around them. As the drivers strive to fulfill their hopes and dreams, Wilson’s bracing command of drama and thrilling sense of language conjure stage brilliance. Through February 23. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. theoldglobe.org
Feb. 23. The world’s beloved animals are coming to the Fleet’s Heikoff Giant Dome Theater in the IMAX® original film Pandas. This documentary adventure is a wonderful experience for the entire family. Narrated by Kristen Bell, Pandas follows a curious cub named Qian Qian and a team of scientists in a cross-cultural collaboration to release captive-born pandas to their natural, wild habitat. 5 p.m. rhfleet.org
Photos: Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival courtesy mikeepps.com. The Crack Shack courtesy The Crack Shack. The Mad Hatter’s Ball courtesy NorthParkCarnival.com. Mardi Gras Big Easy Bites, and Booze Tour courtesy McFarlane Promotions. Coasterra courtesy cohnrestaurants.com. Carruth Cellars courtesy Bay Bird Inc. The Outsider courtesy North Coast Rep. San Diego Symphony courtesy San Diego Symphony. Pandas courtesy Fleet Science Center. August Wilson’s Jitney courtesy The Old Globe.