This Weekend in San Diego (Mar 31 – Apr 2): Festivals, Sight-Seeing, and More!

Though it’s hard to believe March is already ending and April is beginning, there is plenty to look forward to this month, and this weekend is just the start. From art shows to beer festivals, this weekend in San Diego is filled with the essential ingredients needed for a good time. Additionally, the weather appears to be gorgeous 70s and sunshine, so what more is there to ask for?

Garden Tapestries Art Show

The San Diego Botanic Garden, located in Encinitas, offered the first ever garden-themed tapestries from the Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center in Egypt on display starting Jan. 14. The last day to see these beautiful displays at the prominent public garden  for the unique Garden Tapestries art show is this Fri., March 31 from 9 am – 5 pm in the Ecke Building. The Egyptian artists vividly celebrate the flowers of the desert, villages and Nile River in their work and capture the  physical beauty intrinsic to their lively culture.

Bankers Hill Art & Craft Beer festival

The Bankers Hill Art & Craft Beer Festival will return for its fifth year on Friday, March 31 from 6 to 9 p.m throughout two levels of The Abbey on Fifth Avenue, in downtown. This 21+ event showcases San Diego breweries, Bankers Hill restaurants and even pop-up galleries from local artists. Clearly, this is not an event you want to miss this weekend! Tickets are available and may also be purchased at the door throughout the duration of the Bankers Hill Art & Craft Beer Festival.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Looking to travel a little farther to seek a view unlike you’ve ever seen before? The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, located on Canyon Drive just one block West from Christmas Circle, and is coated with blooming flowers as far as the eye can see. The best areas in the state park are at higher elevation along the trails in the vicinity of Borrego springs, where you are able to hike in the midst of shrubs and cacti. Also, visit the Cactus Loop trail, Plum Canyon, and Glorieta Canyon are must-sees for exquisite views.

Uncorked Wine Festival

To all the wine and foodies, finally, the Uncorked Wine Festival is here! On April 1, enjoy tasty food truck hits and excessive wine drinking from over 50 wineries, all at a beautiful location. The Uncorked Wine Festival is from 12-4 at the Marina Park North and even offers live music. You can still purchase tickets for VIP admission ($70) at 12pm and General Admission ($60) at 1pm or online. Both packages include all wine tastings with food sold separately.

Crew Classic in Pacific Beach

If you’re a fan of rowing or spectating this water sport, the Crew Classic is the event to be excited for this weekend, which takes place in Pacific Beach on April 1-2. The San Diego Board of Directors of the crew classic invites rowers and spectators from all over the world to come to Pacific Beach for this event. Furthermore, the event is donation based so feel free to donate if you are a competitor or fan. There are many events for spectators for fans to look out for including the pasta party, lane zero beer garden, and classic brunch by the bay.

San Diego Film Awards

The fourth annual San Diego Film Awards returns April 2, 2017, at the Music Box. It also airs on CW-6 on April 9, 2017 from 8 to 10pm, so it will be the San Diego Film Awards first appearance on TV. Doors open for reception at 4:30pm, the VIP Red Carpet & Pre-Reception takes place from 5 to 6pm, the Red-Carpet event is from 5 – 6:45pm, the 2017 San Diego Film Awards Show begins promptly at 7pm, and the Afterparty is 9:30pm – 12:00am. This is a classy event you don’t want to miss so make sure to purchase tickets soon.

Cheese-Making and Curds Class in Little Italy

There isn’t a more iconic duo than cheese and wine, so come to Little Italy this weekend for the best tastes and atmosphere for a date night or girls night this weekend in San Diego. You can learn how easy it is to make your favorite cheeses such as gouda and swiss, at home and receive a 10% discount off all cheeses after the class. Purchase tickets $75/person at the shop or online. The event is this Saturday April 1 from 1 – 4 pm.

Sea World’s Seven Seas Craft Beer Festival

Sea World’s executive chef Axel Dirolof and his expert team were inspired to create Sea World’s Seven Seas Craft Beer Festival due to internationally inspired tastes and local cuisines. There is planned to be over 80 different types of beers, a dozen wine selections, and gourmet food samplings located throughout the park. You have admission into the festival with a single day ticket, which you can purchase online.

Julian Gold Rush Days

If you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment, Julian Gold Rush Days is an interactive learning experience for both kids and adults. This event celebrates the discovery of gold in this mountain community and offers entertainment like gold-panning and museums. Though Julian is farther than the other happenings this weekend, it is only $3 admission for adults and kids under 12 have are entitled to free admission.