Cheer on the San Diego Padres at Petco Park's 20th Anniversary

Plus, it's San Diego Theater Month, Balboa Theatre is turning 100, and more fun things to do in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres reacts to a strike during the fourth inning of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at PETCO Park on September 06, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Ha
Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres | Sean M. Haffey /Getty Images Sport
Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres | Sean M. Haffey /Getty Images Sport

Spring’s finally come to San Diego, and you know what that means: The water is getting warmer, the California poppies are blooming, and our picture-perfect weather is just right for long, leisurely days at beautiful beaches and balmy nights that are ideal for scenic sips at a craft brewery or vibey rooftop bar. It’s also a fantastic time for a road trip to go wine tasting, reclaim your zen, or check out our all-time greats. Don’t miss out on a single minute of the fun—just consult our handy guide to all the fun things to do in San Diego and get out there!

Food and Drink Events in San Diego

Ongoing, 4–6 pm
Downtown, Prices vary
Celebrate the end of the workday without breaking the bank at The Lion’s Share’s brand new $8 happy hour. There are eight cocktails to choose from as well as $8 shots and highballs, plus $2 off all drafts, including Fall Brewing Co., Eppig Brewing, Abnormal Beer Co., and 2nd Chance Beer Co. Try the Cucumber Gimlet (Dickel 8-year bourbon, cinnamon, chocolate bitters, allspice), St. Elizabeth Sexy Party (House cucumber gin, rose, lime) and Federal Buffalo Stamp (Bourbon, maple, lemon, ginger), and classic cocktails, including the Old Fashioned, Vodka Mule, and Paloma, plus a daily bartender’s whim cocktail.

Ongoing, 7 am–2 pm 
Gaslamp Quarter, $135
Provisional Kitchen, located in Pendry San Diego, has brought its viral sensation sunny side up ostrich egg platter back for brunch! Imagine an egg the size of 16 hen’s eggs, perfectly cooked and accompanied by pesto potatoes, sausages, bacon, toasted sourdough, and roasted red salsa. Of course, if a gigantic egg isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other delectable brunch options, including bennies, build-your-own omelets, wood-fired pizzas made using the Poolish technique, and a full complement of pancakes, waffles, crepes, and toasts. If you have your heart set on the ostrich egg platter, adding your request to your reservation is highly recommended, as limited quantities are available. Brunch serves three to four people. 

March 30, 1–5 pm
Spanish Landing Park, $60 and up
Sip your way through nearly 100 wineries at the seventh annual Uncorked: San Diego Wine Festival. Your general admission ticket will get you tastes of over 150 wines from around the globe, a champagne bar, local ciders, a dozen gourmet food trucks, lawn games, and a live DJ, all surrounded by stunning views of San Diego Bay. VIP admission includes early admission (shorter lines!) and exclusive pours from select vineyards. Proceeds from the fest benefit Urban Surf 4 Kids, an outreach organization that works with at-risk and foster youth. Grab tickets online while they last. 21+.

More fun things to do in San Diego

Ongoing, 9–4:30 pm
Carlsbad, $23
Stroll through 50 acres of the finest, most colorful fields of ranunculus flowers in the world at the Flower Fields of Carlsbad, continuing through Mother’s Day. A full calendar of events, including morning and sunset yoga, Girl Scout Days, live music, wine tastings, and arts and crafts, are planned this season, as well as daily tractor rides, an artist garden, a fragrant sweet pea maze, and various gardening workshops. Plan your trip, then purchase tickets online. Note that tickets will not be sold at the door, and pets are not allowed.

Ongoing
Various locations, Prices vary
It’s the last weekend for San Diego Theatre Month, when more than 30 San Diego organizations come together to celebrate performing arts, including music, comedy, theater, dance, and musical theater. Participating venues include the San Diego Ballet, Diversionary Theatre, The Old Globe, the National Comedy Theatre, and many more. They will be offering a variety of special promotions throughout the month. Peruse the shows and purchase tickets online.

March 28–30
Gaslamp Quarter, $3.50 and up
The historic Balboa Theatre is celebrating its 100th Anniversary with a weekend full of events, most costing just $3.50 to attend. On Thursday, the Balboa 100th Anniversary Gala features acclaimed pianist, playwright, and actor Hershey Felder and the Great American Songbook in a lively singalong showcasing 100 years of famous American music. Before the event, renowned theatre organist Ken Double will provide a program on the Balboa’s majestic theatre organ. The festivities continue on Friday with the Centennial Salute: Honoring San Diego’s Military at the Balboa Theatre. There’ll be a screening of the silent film “The Flying Fleet,” accompanied by the theater organ, highlighting the Balboa Theatre’s roles as both a silent movie theatre and a wartime home for sailors. Two events are on the bill for Saturday, starting with Toons and Tunes: A Morning of Family Fun at 10 am when families can enjoy a screening of classic cartoons featuring characters like Felix the Cat, Popeye, and Mighty Mouse, accompanied by the fanciful sounds of the theatre organ. Both kids and adults are welcome to dress up in their best Roaring ’20s attire for the kids’ costume parade and get creative with free coloring books! The celebration concludes on Saturday at 6 pm with San Diego Spotlight: A Night of Community Events. Experience musicians, singers, and dancers from around San Diego and performing arts companies that have graced Balboa Theatre’s stage for years, like San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, San Diego Opera, and Classics 4 Kids, will be joined by an exciting group of newcomers like Naruwan Taiko, Voices of Our City Choir, and more. The full lineup can be found here, and tickets for all events are available here.

March 28–31
Petco Park, Prices vary
Thursday is Opening Day for the San Diego Padres, who’ll take on the San Francisco Giant for a four-game series. Besides the usual opening day excitement, a weekend full of activities is planned as part of the 20th Anniversary of Petco Park. Head to Petco Park early this Friday for Party in the Park, a tailgate-style party with live music and $5 drink specials. Booths dedicated to various spirits, such as whiskey, tequila, vodka, and Aperol cocktails, make finding your favorites easy. The fun commences at 4 pm and continues until just before the first pitch in Petco Park’s Gallagher Square. The first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive an Opening Series Hat, thanks to Sycuan Casino Resort. The Padres House Band will play your favorite mix of pop, country, and oldies in Gallagher Square before the game on Saturday. The first KidsFest of the year happens on Sunday when families can enjoy bounce houses and other inflatables, games, face painters, and other kid-friendly activities. After the game, kids ages 14 and under can run the bases!

March 30, 10 am–4:30 pm
East Village, Free entry
Celebrate the San Diego Padres’ opening weekend at the ultimate tailgating party! The East Village Association’s 12th annual Opening Day Block Party is a free, family-friendly community event that’s become a neighborhood tradition where fans show off their team spirit at Petco Park. Explore the East Village while enjoying great food, craft cocktails, and beer from local restaurants, including El Rey Tacos a Vapor, Jai Jus, Doggos Gus, and Sovereign Modern Thai, beer and cocktails, and musical entertainment, including performances from Israel Maldonado Music, DJ Artistic and Mariachi Dinastia. There’s also a walk-through car show, local sports teams, including San Diego Wave and SD Legion, fitness activations, photo ops, and, of course, a celebration of the San Diego Padres.

March 30–May 27, 11 am–10 pm
Mission Beach, $55 and up
Shake off the winter blues for good at Belmont Park’s second annual Belmont in Bloom festival, this Saturday through May 27. Towering flowers, colorful murals, and Instagrammable floral photo ops transform Belmont Park into a whimsical playground with live art performances by local artists, live musical entertainment, and various community give-back events. Stroll around the park on the weekends for meet and greets with various characters, including flower princesses, stilt walkers and bubble girls, face painters, balloon twisters, and caricature artists. There are also seasonal treats available at select food and beverage locations.

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Mary Beth Abate is a San Diego-based freelance writer.