Here’s a look at some of the most compelling events and activities happening in San Diego from Monday, March 16th, to Friday, March 20th.
Monday, March 16
Friends Concert Series: “Shake Your Shamrocks”
The Friends of the Point Loma/Hervey Library, in collaboration with Larry Zeiger, are proud to present a musical performance titled “Shake Your Shamrocks.” This special concert will feature talented students from Point Loma High School’s Guitar and Choir programs. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support young local artists and enjoy an evening of music.
* Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
* Location: Point Loma/Hervey Library, 3701 Voltaire St., San Diego
* Admission: Free
“The Art of Banksy: Without Limits” Exhibition
San Diego residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the enigmatic world of the renowned street artist Banksy. The international touring exhibition, “The Art of Banksy: Without Limits,” makes its debut this Friday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Activity Center. This comprehensive exhibition delves into Banksy’s life, his groundbreaking work, and his powerful artistic mission. The exhibition will be on display through mid-April, offering ample time to experience this unique collection.
* Hours:
* Mondays-Thursdays: Noon to 8 p.m.
* Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
* Sundays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
* Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds Activity Center, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., San Diego
* Tickets: Starting at $28
Tuesday, March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day
Balboa Park Resident Free Days
Balboa Park continues its tradition of offering free admission to select museums on Tuesdays for local residents. This week’s participating institutions are the San Diego Museum of Art and the Mingei International Museum, providing a fantastic opportunity to explore their diverse collections without charge. Additionally, The Old Globe is offering tours, though these require separate online registration. Remember to bring a valid ID to take advantage of these resident-only benefits.
Bluewater Grill St. Patrick’s Day Special
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a delicious and festive deal at Bluewater Grill. Patrons at the Carlsbad and Coronado locations can enjoy a special fish and chips plate for $20. This generous offering includes three pieces of beer-battered fish, crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, and a pint of beer, making it a perfect way to mark the holiday.
* Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
* Locations:
* Carlsbad: 417 Carlsbad Village Drive. (760-730-3474)
* Coronado: 1701 Strand Way. (619-435-0155)
“The Recipe” at La Jolla Playhouse
The La Jolla Playhouse is set to host the world premiere of Claudia Shear’s captivating play, “The Recipe.” This compelling production offers a glimpse into the life of the iconic chef and author Julia Child, exploring her journey and experiences before she achieved widespread television fame. The play is scheduled to run through March 29th.
* Performance Schedule:
* Tuesdays-Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
* Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
* Sundays: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
* Location: La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, UCSD Campus
* Tickets: Starting at $61
St. Patrick’s Day Concert with Highland Way
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ireland and Scotland at a special St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring the Highland Way Celtic band. This talented six-piece ensemble, led by Scotsman Brian Caldwell, promises an evening filled with traditional Celtic music, energetic Irish dance, and captivating storytelling. Their unique blend of “Scirish” music, fusing Irish and Scottish traditions, is sure to delight.
* Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
* Location: California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.
* Tickets: $43.20
Music 101 Lecture Series: “The Long and Winding Road: Music Takes Form”
The La Jolla Music Society continues its insightful and free Music 101 Lecture Series. This week’s session features Michael Gerdes, the esteemed director of orchestras at San Diego State University and a seasoned guest lecturer for the society. The lecture, titled “The Long and Winding Road: Music Takes Form,” is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of music. RSVPs are encouraged.
* Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
* Location: The Conrad, Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., San Diego
Wednesday, March 18
33rd Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival
The highly anticipated San Diego Latino Film Festival returns, showcasing over 140 films across five days. This year’s festival shines a spotlight on a compelling documentary dedicated to Luis Valdez, a pivotal figure in Chicano theater and film. The festival will also feature films celebrating the rich diversity of the Latino community from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Spain, and the United States. Attendees can also look forward to a showcase of student films, an awards ceremony, and nightly performances by Latin musicians. The festival runs through March 22nd.
* Locations:
* AMC Mission Valley, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego
* Digital Gym Cinema, 100 Market St., San Diego
Free Outdoor Jazz Concert: Besos Jazz Trio
As part of the La Jolla Music Society’s free outdoor Wu Tsai QRT.yrd Concert series, the Besos Jazz Trio will perform this Wednesday. Enjoy an afternoon of lively jazz featuring a delightful mix of swing tunes, sambas, boleros, and musettes. While no tickets are required for this performance, RSVPs are requested to help with planning.
* Time: 4:30 p.m.
* Location: The Conrad, 7600 Fay Ave., San Diego
“The Maltese Falcon” at North Coast Repertory Theatre
North Coast Repertory Theatre proudly presents the world premiere of Matthew Salazar-Thompson’s comedic stage adaptation of Dashiell Hammett’s classic 1930 noir detective thriller, “The Maltese Falcon.” Best known for its iconic 1941 film adaptation starring Humphrey Bogart as the hard-boiled detective Sam Spade, this new stage version promises a fresh and humorous take on the beloved story. The production runs through April 5th.
* Performance Schedule:
* Wednesdays and Thursdays: 7 p.m.
* Fridays: 8 p.m.
* Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
* Sundays: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
* Location: 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
* Tickets: $73.50-$80.50
“The ’70s! The Golden Age of the Album” at Lamb’s Players Theatre
Lamb’s Players Theatre is bringing back its highly successful 2025 music revue, “The ’70s! The Golden Age of the Album.” This vibrant production celebrates the greatest songs and iconic albums of the 1970s, offering a nostalgic and entertaining journey through a transformative decade in music. The show runs through April 12th.
* Performance Schedule:
* Wednesdays-Fridays: 7 p.m.
* Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 2 p.m.
* Location: Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego
* Tickets: $49-$98
Thursday, March 19
Taste of Third Chula Vista
Embark on a culinary adventure at the Taste of Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista. This self-guided tasting tour allows guests to sample delicious offerings from over 20 participating restaurants, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of the area. Look forward to sampling from establishments like The Balboa Sout, La Nacional, and Sweetlife Ice Cream. Live music will also be featured at select eateries along Third Avenue, adding to the festive atmosphere.
* Time: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
* Location: Downtown Chula Vista along Third Avenue
* Tickets: $53.50
Seventh Annual Blue Water Film Festival
The Blue Water Film Festival returns for its seventh year, bringing together filmmakers, ocean enthusiasts, and conservationists for a compelling showcase of environmental cinema. The festival will feature screenings of thought-provoking films, engaging panel discussions, and interactive workshops. An accompanying exhibit will also be on display at the La Jolla Riford Library. The festival runs from Thursday through Sunday.
Free Third Thursday at MCASD
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) opens its doors with free admission on the third Thursday of every month. This is an excellent opportunity to explore its current exhibitions without charge. At 5 p.m., join a museum educator for a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the artworks.
* Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Location: MCASD, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla
* Admission: Free
Aladino Ghioni Exhibition at Petra Stone
Petra Stone is pleased to present an exhibition featuring the surrealist works of Italian-born artist Aladino Ghioni. The exhibit will showcase over 40 of Ghioni’s captivating surrealist paintings, offering a unique visual experience.
* Time: Noon to 7 p.m.
* Location: 5950 Nancy Ridge Drive, Suite 100, San Diego
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” at Backyard Renaissance Theatre
Backyard Renaissance Theatre presents Edward Albee’s seminal 1962 drama, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” This intense play delves into the complex dynamics of a New England college professor and his wife who host a younger faculty member and his wife for an evening that spirals into a night of drinking, dancing, and unraveling truths. The production runs through March 21st.
* Performance Schedule:
* Thursdays-Saturdays: 7:30 p.m.
* Sundays: 3 p.m.
* Location: Tenth Avenue Arts Center, 930 Tenth Avenue, San Diego
* Tickets: $50
Friday, March 20
FOREIGNER with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Rock legends Foreigner will take the stage in a special collaboration with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Conducted by Stuart Chafetz, this promises to be a spectacular evening of classic rock anthems enhanced by the power and grandeur of a full orchestra.
* Time: 7:30 p.m.
* Location: Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego
* Tickets: $70.50
Nat at Night at the Natural History Museum
Experience the San Diego Natural History Museum after dark during Nat at Night. This popular evening event allows visitors to enjoy the museum’s exhibits and rooftop with food and drinks available from Wolf in the Woods or Craft Taco in the Atrium. It’s a unique way to explore the museum and enjoy the San Diego skyline.
* Time: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
* Location: San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego
* Admission: $7-$12
Underwater Egg Hunt at The Plunge San Diego
Get ready for a splash-filled Easter celebration at The Plunge San Diego in Belmont Park with their underwater egg hunt. Children can dive into the pool to collect floating and sunken Easter eggs in their respective age groups, with opportunities to win prizes. The event also features a giant floating obstacle course, bounce houses, the Easter Bunny, and local vendors.
* Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
* Location: The Plunge San Diego in Belmont Park, 3115 Ocean Front Walk
* Tickets: $60
Pride Night with the San Diego Gulls
The San Diego Gulls hockey team will host a special Pride Night game against the Bakersfield Condors. Attendees purchasing a $30 ticket will receive a seat at the game and a commemorative Pride t-shirt. It’s also $5 beer night, making it an affordable and celebratory evening for all.
* Time: 7 p.m.
* Location: Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego
France’s Le Consort Performs Trio Sonatas
Le Consort, a distinguished early music ensemble hailing from Paris, will present a captivating program of trio sonatas. Featuring violins, cello, and harpsichord, the ensemble will perform works by renowned composers such as Vivaldi, Telemann, Bach, Biber, and Albinoni, among others. This concert offers a refined evening of Baroque chamber music.
* Time: 7:30 p.m.
* Location: The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla
* Tickets: $63-$96
“Ripple Effect: A Dance for Clean Water”
Negative Space Dance Collective presents “Ripple Effect: A Dance for Clean Water,” an improvisational performance aimed at raising awareness about crucial issues such as water conservation, the sewage crisis, and social responsibility. The program includes choreographic works by Ilyana Hughes, Mariana Lara, Ranier Martinez, Samara Rodriguez, and Alexa Lopez Plush. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings.
* Time: 7 p.m.
* Location: El Salon Theatre, 114 W Hall Ave, San Ysidro
* Admission: Free (reservations recommended)
“Empower: A Prism of New Work” at The Rosin Box Project
The Rosin Box Project premieres new dance works by choreographers Carly Topazio, Jeremy Zapanta, and guest artist Adriana Pierce. This collection of contemporary ballet pieces, titled “Empower: A Prism of New Work,” explores how authorship, identity, and imagination shape our perceptions and emotions. The performance runs Friday through Sunday.
* Performance Schedule:
* Friday: 7:30 p.m.
* Saturday: 8 p.m.
* Sunday: 6 p.m.
* Location: Light Box Theater, Liberty Station, 2590 Truxtun Road, Suite 205, San Diego
* Tickets: $44.52
“All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
Michelle Azar stars in Rupert Holmes’ compelling solo play, “All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” This intimate production delves into the remarkable and often surprising life, groundbreaking work, and significant accomplishments of the late Supreme Court Justice. The play runs through Saturday.
* Performance Schedule:
* Friday: 7:30 p.m.
* Saturday: 2 p.m.
* Location: Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Downtown San Diego
* Tickets: $49.95-$92.45
Fiasco Theater’s “Bartleby” at The Old Globe
The Old Globe presents the world premiere stage adaptation of Herman Melville’s classic 1853 short story, “Bartleby.” This adaptation explores the tale of a law clerk who, one day, simply decides he “would prefer not to” do his job, leading to a series of increasingly perplexing events. The production runs through Sunday.
* Performance Schedule:
* Friday: 7 p.m.
* Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
* Sundays: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
* Location: Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park
* Tickets: Starting at $44
“Hedda Gabler” at The Old Globe
Another compelling production at The Old Globe features Katie Holmes in Henrik Ibsen’s enduring classic drama, “Hedda Gabler.” This new version, penned by playwright Erin Cressida Wilson, offers a fresh perspective on the complex and tragic character of Hedda Gabler. The production runs through Sunday.
* Performance Schedule:
* Friday: 7 p.m.
* Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
* Sundays: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
* Location: The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego
* Tickets: Starting at $61
“The Mercy Seat” at OnStage Playhouse
OnStage Playhouse presents the San Diego premiere of Neil LaBute’s provocative 2002 drama, “The Mercy Seat.” The play centers on a married New York man and his lover who contemplate using the 9/11 terrorist attacks as an opportunity to escape their current lives and start anew together. The production runs through March 29th.
* Performance Schedule:
* Fridays and Saturdays: 8 p.m.
* Sundays: 5 p.m.
* Location: 291 Third Ave., Chula Vista
* Tickets: Starting at $25
“An Act of God” at The Roustabouts Theatre Co.
The Roustabouts Theatre Co. presents David Javerbaum’s comedic play, “An Act of God.” In this humorous scenario, God decides it’s time to rewrite the Ten Commandments, expressing her dissatisfaction with humanity’s behavior on Earth. The production runs through March 29th.
* Performance Schedule:
* Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 p.m.
* Sundays: 2 p.m.
* Location: The Roustabouts at Scripps Ranch Theatre, 9783 Avenue of Nations, Alliant International University, San Diego
* Tickets: $10-$45
“The Book of Will” at Lamplighters Community Theatre
Lamplighters Community Theatre is staging Lauren Gunderson’s historical fiction comedy, “The Book of Will.” This engaging play tells the story of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell, who took on the monumental task of collecting and publishing his plays in the First Folio after the Bard’s death. The production runs through March 22nd.
* Performance Schedule:
* Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
* Sundays: 2 p.m.
* Select Saturday performances available.
* Location: 5915 Severin Drive, La Mesa
* Tickets: $28-$30
